A new Dyslexia Group for Parents is being run at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from Wednesday 22 January. The group is open to parents with children aged baby to seven years who might be interested in learning more about dyslexia. See the poster above for more details. The group has a free crèche.
Anti-Bullying Campaign
Pupils from Pirniehall Primary School, spray painted a very clear message at the front of their school gates on Friday morning. In large bright red letters ‘Bullying Stops Here’ which represents a strong message that bullying is not acceptable both in and out of school.
The bright spray painted message is already grabbing the attention of all those who pass through the school gates. Parents and children were discussing the sign as they were leaving the school on Friday, generating conversations about bullying and what the sign stood for. This large visual sign will act as a daily reminder keeping parents and children talking about the subject and it is hoped this message will support parents and teachers in continuing to create a safe school environment.
Parents have been active in supporting anti-bullying campaigns in the local primary schools and it is expected that more positive news stories regarding the great work that parents and teachers have planned will be
shared soon.
Tracy Devenney
Can Broughton’s Anna be The Voice?
Talented Broughton High School pupil Anna McLuckie will be flying the flag for Edinburgh when the new series of The Voice starts tonight on BBC1.
It’s already been an epic journey for the Stockbridge girl, who has secretly been travelling south for sessions with the programme’s production team since she was invited to take part last autumn. Anna has been accompanied throughout the process by her mum Fiona, who is an advice worker in West Granton, so the reason for their mysterious disappearances can now at last be revealed!
Seventeen year old Anna is a gifted musician, specialising in playing the harp, but tonight’s viewers will hear that Anna has a stunning singing voice too when she performs Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’.
Tudor Morris, Director of The City of Edinburgh Music School based at Broughton, said: “We all wish Anna all the best for The Voice and are confident that she will do us proud. Anna has always been an exceptional student and will get tremendous support from all her friends and teachers at the music school and Broughton.”
Will Anna wow judges Will.I.Am, Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue and Kaiser Chief singer Ricky Wilson? You’ll have to tune in at 7pm to find out!
Good Luck Anna!
Join Scotland’s fight against fire
Members of the public have been urged to help firefighters reach vulnerable residents so they can prevent house fires and the deaths, injuries and emotional trauma they cause.
Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, explained: “Fire in the home can be both terrifying and tragic, but simple steps will significantly reduce the risk of it happening to us.
“I am calling on everyone to consider the risks in their homes and the homes of people around them, and then to take potentially life-saving action.
“Firefighters have the terrible experience of attending serious fires, where people have been killed or injured, that need never have happened.
“My message to everyone is don’t let that happen to you or the people around you. Everyone can save lives and protect themselves and their families, friends and neighbours from fire.”
The latest stage of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign emphasises the need for all homes to be protected by working smoke alarms, which are known to have a dramatic impact in preventing injuries and deaths.
People should also consider fitting a heat alarm within kitchens – the room where most house fires start – as the devices are specifically designed to give early warning of fire.
ACO Ramsay continued: “The evidence is clear – working smoke alarms have saved lives and are absolutely essential items for every household.
“It is widely acknowledged that working smoke detectors raise the alarm very quickly, meaning there is less chance of fire causing serious injury to people and damage to property.
“More homes than ever are now protected by these life-saving devices and that has led to a noticeable reduction in the severity of the house fires we are called to tackle.
“Incidents where fire spread beyond the item that first ignited to engulf the whole room have fallen by 10 per cent, while cases where the fire spread to damage other parts of the house have fallen by 16 per cent.
“By quickly alerting people to the presence of fire, working smoke alarms give residents the time they need to get out and call us out.
“That not only prevents serious injury or worse, it also means firefighters can bring a fire under control before flames, toxic smoke and heat cause severe damage to a home and rob householders of cherished possessions.”
In an advert airing on television and radio over the coming days, a serving firefighter will share her memory of attending a house fire where a woman was killed.
Watch Manager Andrea Sutherland recalls how she and her crew found a woman in the living room, which was full with lethal levels of toxic smoke – even though the fire had burned itself out without spreading from the kitchen.
In a direct plea for the public to recognise the risks and make sure their smoke alarms work, Watch Manager Sutherland explains: “The lady had simply put something to cook in the oven.
“Like many people’s cookers, her oven door had a handle where she hung oven gloves and a tea towel.
“As she slept the heat from the oven must have built up until it set the tea towel on fire.
“A neighbour spotted the smoke and called us. There were two smoke alarms fitted in the house but she had removed the batteries.
“People often do this because they don’t like the alarm going off when they are cooking – but if this lady had kept her batteries in, she would probably still be alive today.”
In its Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign, SFRS is determined to help the public understand how easily fire can start within the home, as well as the simple precautions that save lives and property when fire does start.
As a routine part of their duties firefighters throughout the country deliver expert advice to help residents keep their homes safe, and SFRS wants the public to help it reach those most at risk.
ACO Ramsay added: “In the past year our crews conducted more than 56,000 free home fire safety visits, where they gave residents tips to prevent fire starting and to buy vital time if it does strike.
“Firefighters conducting free home fire safety visits will even install long life battery smoke alarms wherever they are needed – and it’s completely free of charge.
“It is a hugely popular and beneficial programme that gives vulnerable members of our community friendly support and some very welcome reassurance.
“We need help from members of the public to reach those most at risk. If you keep an eye on a vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour then put them in contact with us – it could save their life.”
Anyone can arrange a free home fire safety visit by calling the SFRS Freephone number 0800 0731 999 or by contacting their local fire station.
Further information on how to keep your home fire safe is available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk.
Lecturer honoured for LGBT education work
An Edinburgh College lecturer has become the first educator in Scotland to achieve official professional recognition for expertise in equality and diversity education.
John Naples-Campbell, a lecturer in performance at the college, has been honoured with an Equality and Diversity Professional Recognition award by The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The GTCS scheme recognises educators for particular expertise and commitment they have displayed in their teaching, not necessarily directly related to their curriculum area.
John achieved the award for the extensive work he has done in raising awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues among his students, including the organisation of arts projects to bring related topics to life. In deciding to present the award to John, GTCS took into account the significant impact his work has had on his students and the wider college community.
At Edinburgh College, John has led a range of LGBT activities, including the launch of annual LGBT History Month events. These included the staging of the play ‘The Laramie Project’, which tells the true story of a gay hate crime that resulted in the death of a young man in Laramie, Wyoming.
John also organised the creation of a video made by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff and students in which they discussed their own experiences to provide role-model advice to young people going through similar situations. The significant impact these projects had on the college community – which led to changed attitudes and students taking on the role of educating their peers in LGBT issues – helped the college win the Equality and Diversity Award at the Scottish Colleges Awards.
As part of his ongoing LGBT work at the college, John runs LGBT workshops for staff and students to try and embed equality practices in the teaching curriculum and the day-to-day business of the institution. He is now setting up a LGBT staff network and is also arranging for student class representatives to deliver equality lessons throughout the academic year.
In a previous role as drama teacher at East Lothian’s Knox Academy, John ran LGBT workshops and led a group of S3 pupils on a film documentary about LGBT issues. This featured interviews with representatives from Stonewall Scotland and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Services, as well as the academy’s deputy head teacher. As a consequence of this project, pupils were asked to speak at a Stonewall Scotland conference, the school introduced a new LGBT policy, and it became a member of the Stonewall Schools Champion Programme.
John, who lectures at Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), said: “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised for something that is a genuine passion and that’s so important in allowing all students to thrive without facing unwarranted prejudice. Dignity and equality for all people underpins everything I do in education, so I hope I’ve done my bit to give students the safe, respectful environment they deserve.
“Part of what I’ve aimed to do is to challenge students on their attitudes. One thing that’s quite prevalent in our society is a kind of flippant homophobia that isn’t necessarily born out of hate or disgust but can be equally as damaging to young people who may only be getting to grips with their sexuality themselves. It’s a great credit to our students that they’ve been so willing to engage with the process of addressing their own attitudes, with many then going on to become becoming advocates and educators of LGBT issues themselves.”
John already has a GTCS Professional Recognition award for his work in holocaust education.
Rosa Murray, education adviser (professional learning) at GTCS said: “We are delighted to be recognising this important work which sits well with the Professional Values articulated within the new Professional Standards recently produced by GTCS for all registered teachers in Scotland.
“John has worked incredibly hard to achieve this Equality and Diversity award and has been an inspiration to many of us with his commitment to educating in innovative and effective ways. He is the first to achieve an Equality and Diversity award.”
Free school meals for P1-3s
Families and young people across Scotland will benefit from millions of pounds of additional support after First Minister Alex Salmond announced a significant expansion of free school meals and childcare provision this afternoon.
As part of a £114 million package for young people over two years, every one of Scotland’s P1 to P3 children will have the option of a free meal in school from January next year, improving health and wellbeing, increasing attainment and saving families at least £330 a year for each child.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on poverty and the early years, Mr Salmond also announced that free childcare provision would be expanded to every two year-old from a workless household in Scotland – around 8,400 children or 15 per cent of all two year-olds – by August this year.
And by August next year, free childcare provision would be extended further, reaching 15,400 children – 27 per cent of all two year-olds – by widening entitlement to families that received certain welfare benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The First Minister said the extension to childcare provision would ensure that, by August 2015, Scotland will deliver 80 million hours of childcare to pre-school children – the greatest amount in the UK and 6.5 per cent more than if Scotland followed Westminster’s approach in England.
But he warned that, only with independence could a truly transformational shift in childcare be funded, because the economic gains and revenues generated by such a policy will go to a Scottish exchequer and not the London Treasury.
The First Minister said: “The announcements that we are making today will have the greatest possible effect, given the limited resources available to us.
“Under this government, Scotland has made free meals available in primary school to families which receive child and working tax credits – a step which hasn’t been taken in England and Wales, and which contributed to 10,000 more pupils registering for free school meals.
“Now, we can go further. I can announce today that – after discussions with our partners in local government – we will fund free school meals for all school children in primary 1 to primary 3 from next January.
“This measure will build on, and learn from, the pilots we established in five local authority areas in 2007 and 2008. It will remove any possibility of free meals being a source of stigma during the first years of a child’s schooling; it will improve health and wellbeing; and it will be worth at least £330 a year for each child to families across the country.
“The measure has been supported by a powerful alliance of campaigners against child poverty, including Child Poverty Action Group Scotland, Children in Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland, the Church of Scotland and trade unions.”
Mr Salmond continued: “However we also have a determination to transform childcare. We have promised that in the first budget of an independent Scotland, we would make 600 hours of free childcare available to approximately 50 per cent of two year olds. This can be funded through choices which are only available with independence – such as ending funding for the Trident missile system.
“By the end of the first parliament, we would almost double childcare provision to 1,140 hours each year for all three and four year olds, and all vulnerable two year olds. In the longer term, we would make those levels of care available to all children from the age of one.
“The transformational change in the first parliament would improve care and learning for young children, boost economic growth, and remove a major barrier to work for many parents, especially women.
“Under devolution, even after the Scotland Act, this revenue goes to Westminster. With independence, it stays in Scotland. This Government’s ambitions for childcare involve transforming the structure of our economy and the nature of our society. They cannot be sustainably funded through a declining budget fixed at Westminster.
“I can announce today that we will increase the number of two year olds – currently 3 per cent of the total – who will benefit from free learning and care.
“We will begin by focussing on those families most in need. From this August, the entitlement will cover two year olds in families which are seeking work – approximately 15 per cent of the total. This will give parents additional support when they are looking for employment, and will maintain that support when they are successful.
“In August next year, we will expand provision further, for all children who would meet the current criteria for free school meals. That means that around 27 per cent of two year-olds will be covered – more than 15,000 children.
“By August 2015, the overall level of free learning and care being delivered for two, three and four year olds in Scotland, will exceed that which is promised elsewhere in the UK. As we all know, recent revelations suggest that more around one third of the current childcare promise in England is not being delivered due to a lack of preparation and capacity. In Scotland, we will both prepare and deliver.”
The Scottish Government’s decision to follow the free school meal initiative adopted by Westminster has been welcomed north of the border.
GMB Scotland is the largest union for catering staff across Scotland’s 32 Local authorities, and Alex McLuckie, the union’s senior organiser for the public sector in Scotland, said: “There is so much good in this announcement. It will help tackle poverty and social exclusion and help remove the stigma some attach to free school meals.
“This announcement will be well received by our members who currently provide healthy meals for pupils. It is a pleasant change to see money being invested in the service rather than bearing the brunt of the cut backs in budgets.”
The Scottish Greens say the school meals initiative also offers an opportunity to boost local economies.
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and food spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, welcomed plans for free school meals for P1-3 children but urged Scottish ministers to ensure the roll-out benefits local economies.
Research last summer by Alison Johnstone revealed that the chicken served in school meals in six of Scotland’s seven cities is not Scottish, but is instead imported from as far away as Thailand.
Alison Johnstone, a member of Holyrood’s economy committee, said: “Rolling out free school meals is a welcome, common sense move but ministers must also address what is being served up to our children. Our councils need support to make buying choices which have positive impacts for local farmers and producers. I will continue to put pressure on ministers so that they do not waste this golden opportunity.”
Letter: Trick or treat?
Dear Editor
The announcement by Cameron that pensioners’ incomes will be protected from inflation for the “life of the next Parliament” sounds okay, you may think, but then what?
There is no doubt that other ‘benefits’ as he says, will be cut; from whom? The younger working people struggling now to make ends meet or perhaps the pensioners bus pass or winter fuel allowance?
The typical playing off one section of people against another is being demonstrated by the false highlighting of ‘affluent’ pensioners living it up (they even play bowls or are dancing!)
The question then arises what level is considered affluent and who sets that level. Having experienced over the last four years their idea of ‘level’, we can guess.
Pensioners and people at work must not be taken in by these attempts to get them to blame each other. Pensioners are mums and dads, workers are sons and daughters. Unity is Strength.
Tony Delahoy (by email)
Robbery at Boswall bakery
Police are investigating a robbery of Gregg’s bakery on Boswall Parkway in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 7 January.)
Just before 6am the female shop assistant arrived at the premises to open up the store by raising the shutters and unlocking the front door. The two armed males then forced there way in behind her and made demands.
They then proceeded to take an amount of cash from the premises before running off in the direction of Crewe Place. One suspect was then seen getting into a vehicle, which was lost to sight at the junction of Crewe Place and Pilton Avenue.
The first suspect is described as white, 5ft 10in, early 20s, slight build, wearing dark clothing with the hood up and a black balaclava or a scarf covering the face and wearing gloves and with a local accent.
The second suspect is described as white, early 20s, 5ft 8in, slight build, wearing a red hooded top with the hood up and dark body warmer on top, a scarf over his face up to his nose, and with a local accent.
The vehicle is described as a dark hatchback.
Detective Constable Alison Wyllie from Police Scotland said: “This was a terrifying experience for the female assistant who was opening up the shop alone and in the early hours of the morning. We ask that anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or witnessed events unfold, to contact police immediately.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Botanics to be home to organ donation memorial
A new memorial for Scottish organ and tissue donors is to be situated in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden. The memorial will be designed as a lasting tribute to Scottish organ and tissue donors who generously made the decision to donate their organs after their death so that others might live.
The memorial will allow the families of donors, transplant recipients and others whose lives have been touched by donation or transplantation a place for quiet contemplation and to celebrate the kindness of giving and sharing.
The artist appointed to carry out this task is Alec Finlay. Scottish born Alec is an internationally acclaimed artist who is currently based in Edinburgh. His work reflects on human interaction with the natural environment.
Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said: “We are delighted to have an artist of Alec’s calibre and reputation involved in the creation of this memorial. We are also very grateful to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for their support and for giving us a home for this project.
“Through the selfless generosity of organ donors and their families, who at a time of great tragedy honour their loved-ones wishes, many lives are saved and transplant recipients go on to lead full and active lives. It is right and fitting that we should acknowledge the gift that is given through organ donation with a public memorial.”
Artist Alec Finlay said: “I really wanted to be involved in this project, there is no better task for an artist or poet than to respond to complex and deep emotions, which this memorial is bound to bring up. It will be challenging, of course, because you are dealing with people’s experiences.
“I remember something the writer Jenny Diski said about weakness being a part of life. Illness, loss and death, we all need to come to terms with these. But when it comes to organ donation, this takes on a specific intensity because in our time, and never before, we have evolved through medical possibility. There is a relationship between life and death through the gifting of organs. It’s a remarkable thing and yet it exists within a health system that belongs to all of us in Scotland.
“No one involved in organ donation thinks this is a simple concept but it is a reminder that we are all connected to one another, and that we can, potentially, help one another.”
Donor families, transplant recipients and healthcare professionals are working closely with Alec Finlay and also with experts from the art world to develop this beautiful and lasting tribute to Scottish organ and tissue donors. It will be a living memorial which will involve planting and landscaping that will fit perfectly into the beautiful surroundings of the Garden.
Organ and tissue transplantation touches the lives of young and old and the memorial will recognise this. Importantly, it will also reflect the themes and values of organ donation and transplantation such as generosity, sensitivity, thoughtfulness and the giving of the gift of life.
Director of Horticulture at RBGE Dr David Rae said: “The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is proud to host this memorial and the exact location has been chosen jointly by Garden staff, the artist Alec Finlay, and representatives of donors and recipients. It is a quiet, tranquil site surrounded by Scottish native species. We are sure that the artwork and its location will create a sensitive and inspiring memorial for all those affected by transplantation and donation and are pleased that the whole project has developed in a truly collaborative way involving all concerned.”
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was chosen as a home for the memorial because of the beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings and because of its world-wide reputation as a base for contemporary art.
A working group has been established for the memorial made up of those who have donated loved one’s organs and those who have received organs.
Sandra Warden donated her 11-year-old daughter Rachel’s organs, saving three lives, she explained: “Having a national memorial to recognise and remember all those who, in death were able to give the greatest gift of all – that of life – is very important.
“I hope it will make people think about organ donation and discuss with their loved ones what they would like them do if anything ever happened to them. From when she was very young Rachel understood organ donation and made me promise we would donate her organs if anything ever happened to her and we fulfilled her wishes.”
Gill Hollis, who is the recipient of a lung transplant and also on the working group, said: “The national organ donation memorial is very important to me. My transplant anniversary is now more important than my real birthday and I try to make the most of every day, not just for me and my family, but also for the person whose life saved mine.
“It’s impossible to thank my donor enough for the gift they gave me, but I’m really looking forward to having a place that recognises and remembers them.”
Silenced communities?
Public meeting to challenge ‘gagging law’
38 Degrees – a non-party-political, member-led campaigning organisation – is holding a public meeting on Thursday evening to organise support against legislation they say will gag ordinary people and charities but will leave big lobbying firms untouched.
The Westminster government’s Bill is an attempt to clean up the lobbying industry but a wide range of campaigning and charity groups see the legislation as an attack on free speech which, if enacted, would severely curtail the rights of groups and individuals to participate in open public debate and discussion.
To find out more about the ‘Gagging Law’ and how it could seriously damage democracy, why not go along to 38 Degrees’ public meeting this Thursday evening?
The meeting will be held at the Cosla Conference Centre at Haymarket Yards from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart is expected to be in attendance.
For further information visit www.38degrees.org.uk/gagging or check out #gagginglaw on Twitter