The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 3426 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

As the clocks go forward … Spring into health!

Spring has sprung, the clocks go forward this weekend and Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service NHS24 is urging people across the country to use the extra hour of daylight to look after their health …

NHS 24 is reminding people of the huge range of health advice and information available at their fingertips at www.nhsinform.co.uk – the online resource includes an extensive online health library, packed with information about common illnesses, treatments and health services. Users can search alphabetically by health subject, age and gender or by accessing a ‘body map.’

A section dedicated to common health questions includes topics ranging from food and diet and exercise to lifestyle and travel health. There are also specific zones on a variety of subjects including alcohol, mental health and musculoskeletal issues.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Whilst everyone is being reminded to put their clocks forward this weekend, I would also encourage people to take advantage of this extra hour of daylight to visit www.nhsinform.co.uk

“The clock change marks the onset of spring, which is the ideal time to start thinking about your own health and lifestyle. The NHS Inform website offers an easy and accessible way to get started, whether it is seeking advice and tips on adopting a healthier lifestyle, ways to get more exercise or advice on quitting smoking. NHS Inform is well worth a visit for people looking to kick-start their health this spring.

“The clock change also means that we lose an hour’s sleep. For most of us, this won’t affect our sleep routine, but if you have trouble sleeping or have insomnia, it may cause some anxiety. For more information and helpful advice, visit the insomnia section at www.nhsinform.co.uk “

Visitors can also use the website to email a general information enquiry to NHS 24’s team of health information advisors or search for details of local pharmacies, GP surgeries and dental practices in Scotland.

Open Day at Granton this Saturday

Granton Parish Church on Boswall Parkway will be holding an Open Day this Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Lots of fun and activities for the whole family and it’s all free!

Visit www.grantonparish.org.uk for more info or just drop in on Saturday – whatever the weather you’re sure of a warm welcome!

Early start for Community Council

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow’s meeting of Drylaw Telford Community Council will start at the earlier time of 6.30pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

Easter Drylaw’s Mhairi Curran will be presented with the Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship at an informal reception following the conclusion of the normal monthly business meeting.

All welcome.

No joke – 1 April is Edinburgh College Open Day!

Edinburgh College is holding two Open Days to advertise a wide range of courses starting this August.

Tuesday 1 April

Granton and Midlothian campuses, 3 – 8pm

Wednesday 2 April

Milton Road and Sighthill campuses, 3 – 8pm

The Open Days will feature live student performances and demonstrations, course and funding guidance and live August course applications through the Edinburgh College website.

So whether you want to get improve your employment or career prospects, continue your studies or learn new skills, why not call in to find out about the great opportunities available?

For further information go to www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk

or email info@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

City set to mark Autism Awareness Day

More than one in a hundred Edinburgh families are affected by autism, and a range of events are being held across the city next Wednesday (2 April) to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

The Awareness Day follows the launch last week of Autism Edinburgh, a campaign to raise awareness about the symptoms of autism and how best to support individuals and families.

Among the events planned to raise awareness and understanding of autism are:

‘Surroundings’ art exhibition

Exhibition of work by trainees at the Gallery on the Corner.
2-30 April 2014, 34 Northumberland Street, EH3 6LS
Contact: 0131 557 8969, www.thegalleryonthecorner.org.uk

Scott v Zombies discussion with Alan Grant author and Scott Davidson

With dvd and auction of art work by Robin Smith. Preview artworks at www.art.linkedinburgh.bigcartel.com

2 April 2014, 6-7 pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. Book in advance by phoning 0131 229 3555 or info@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Open information event

With complimentary therapy for carers, cake sales and cake decorating, craft workshop, quiz run by PASDA and Lothian Autistic Society.
2 April 2014, 4-7 pm, Conference Centre, Norton Park, 47 Albion Road. Contact: 0131 475 2416 or info@pasda.org.uk

Sponsored walk raising money for Autism Initiatives Scotland

2 April 2014, 7-9 pm
Contact for information – 0131 551 7260 or hos@aiscotland.org.uk

Upward Mobility celebrates World Autism Awareness Day

film/art work/live music and nibbles – open event
3 April 2014, 2-4 pm, Floor B1, St Margarets House, 151 London Road.

‘Swing into Spring’: Season opening of Hermitage Golf Course

Open to all. Crazy golf, disk golf display, “build your own birdfeeder” and more.
6 April 2014, 10am-4 pm, 11 Braid Hills Drive EH10 6GZ
Contact: 0131 5517260 or hos@aiscotland.org.uk

Autism Life in Colour exhibition

10 March – 2 April, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place.Contact: 0131 529 5665 or stockbridge.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
3 April-17 April, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road EH16 4DS
Contact: 0131 529 5597 or craigmillar.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
Find out more:

You can find out more about any or all of these events at a World Autism Awareness Day Information Point. They will be open from 10-3 pm on Wednesday 2 April at:

Edinburgh University – outside the main library, 30 George Square, EH8 9LJ

North Edinburgh council Office – 8 West Pilton Gardens, EH4 4DP

South Neighbourhood Centre – 40 Captains’ Road, EH17 8QF

Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, 30 Harvesters Way, Edinburgh EH14 3JF

Norton Park, 47 Albion Road EH7 5QY.

Coffee Cups

Watch out for coffee cups in cafes with messages about autism
Contact 0131 661 3834 or office@lothianautistic.org to find out more

A campaign to raise awareness about the symptoms of autism and how best to support individuals and families was launched in Edinburgh last week. Autism Edinburgh has been set up by the City of Edinburgh Council and partner organisations in a bid to support people in the capital who have the disorder.

The city council has also launched it’s autism plan, which highlights the importance of getting the right service at the right time for people with autism, and their carers. Anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of autism can take part in the specialised online training programme.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder which can affect people with or without a learning disability– sometimes known as Aspergers Syndrome. It affects both children and adults, and can have a profound effect on the way a person understands and interacts with the world around them.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Health and Social Care Convener, (pictured above) said: “Autism affects people differently, some people are able to live successful and independent lives whilst others will need very specialist support.

“A wide range of services are already available in Edinburgh and the way in which we will keep delivering these in the future is described in the autism plan. The Autism Edinburgh campaign is a great example of working in partnership with other organisations, which will let us offer the very best in care and support.”

Autism Edinburgh is being delivered in partnership with Autism Initiatives, Upward Mobility, Parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder Adults (PASDA), Lothian Autistic Society, Edinburgh University, NHS Lothian, Intowork, Edinburgh and the Lothian’s Aspergers Society and the Action Group.

Visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/autism for further information, or contact the Autism Advice Line on 01259 720 044.

Twitter discussion on Neighbourhood Partnerships? It’s Child’s play!

Want to know how your Neighbourhood Partnership is making a difference in your community? Or do you have thoughts and ideas that can help improve the way your local Neighbourhood Partnership works?

Then join today’s lunchtime discussion on Twitter with Councillor Maureen Child (pictured below) and @Edin_NPs from midday to 1pm.

Questions/suggestions can be submitted in advance by email to neighbourhood.partnerships@edinburgh.gov.uk or tweet to @Edin_NPs with #askNPs

Love music? Come hear the Community Choir!

Edinburgh’s very own Love Music Community Choir (LMCC) are performing at the Usher Hall tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30pm and some tickets are still available.

LMCC was established to encourage Edinburgh residents of all abilities to sing, and it’s been a huge success – the ensemble is now the UK’s biggest community choir.

LMCC plan an evening of music to inspire and entertain, and with songs from Irving Berlin to Puccini, Jamaican Ska to Mexican Bolero, Latin Rumba, Gospel and Rufus Wainwright in there too there’s truly something for everyone!

Conductor is Stephen Deazley, pianist Dave Milligan with special guest musicians Dougie Hudson on drums and percussion and Andy Cooke on Ugandan instruments.

The concert will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are£3 | Free to under 16 or unwaged. £1 transaction fee when booking online / phone. Tonight’s event is supported by the Usher Hall and The City of Edinburgh Council.

LMCC aims to inspire Edinburgh to sing – there no auditions and people with all levels of experience are welcome. For more info: www.choir.lovemusic.org.uk

Up the Junction – Sir Harry opens new premises

Junction moves just along the road – to a new world!

Sir Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, has officially opened The Junction’s new premises.

Based at 160 Great Junction Street for eight years, the community organisation has now moved to 82-86 Great Junction Street and is leasing the brand new premises from Port of Leith Housing Association.

Set up in 2005 by the organisation’s Director Sam Anderson as a partnership response to an action research project, The Junction provides confidential health related services, education and support for young people aged 12-21 in Leith and North East Edinburgh. It has helped thousands of young people in the city and has author Irvine Welsh as its patron.

The Junction’s Sam Anderson said: “We are delighted to have Sir Harry Burns officially open our new premises. It’s important to listen to young people and find out what they think and want, which is why they have been consulted throughout the evolution of the Junction.”

Sam added: “We continue to be able to successfully respond to the expressed health and wellbeing needs of local young people because of the partnership nature of our work. Port of Leith Housing Association is a key partner, committed to delivering a quality, purpose built building for our award winning work in supporting young people, and has done so to brilliant results.

“We owe them an immense debt as while just a few hundred yards along the road from our old premises our new space feels a world away.”

Sir Harry Burns said: “Young people are the lifeblood of the community and it’s imperative they are supported to grow their health and wellbeing. This is why organisations, such as The Junction should be applauded for the tremendous work it does.”

Patron Irvine Welsh said: “Omnipresent, The Junction is there at the heart of the community offering education, support and its own distinctive brand of loyalty and determination to do the best it can for local young people. It’s an honour for me to be able to support this organisation and indeed this community, both of whom I admire.”

Muirhouse youth group plan to make a splash

Support MYDG’s swimathon!

Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) will be taking part in a 24 hour fundraising Swimathon on Thursday 3 April and they could use your support.

MYDG’s Operational Manager Dean Shanks explained: “Money raised will support field trips, outdoor activities and MYDG’s commonwealth summer sports programme.

“You can pick up a sponsor form from MYDG’s office in Craigroyston Community High School or the Community Shop on Pennywell Road. Alternatively, you can make a donation online at our justgiving site which will be up and running tomorrow and I will forward on a link to everyone then. You can also come along and swim or volunteer to help with the running of the event!”

MYDG is based at Craigroyston Community High School

Telephone: 0131 332 3356

Website: www.mydg.org.uk

The Yard is Tods Murray Charity of the Year

Tods Murray Solicitors have announced their Charity of the Year for 2014 will be The Yard – the purpose-built indoor and outdoor adventure playground in Edinburgh for children and young people with disabilities.

The Yard was one of three charities shortlisted and was subsequently selected by a staff vote in both the Tods Murray Glasgow and Edinburgh offices.

The Yard was established in 1986 and is a unique and dynamic adventure play centre experienced every year by more than 1600 children and young people with disabilities. Located in Eyre Place Lane, doors open daily throughout the year to schools, families, disabled children and young people, their siblings and friends.

The Yard aims to provide care, support, fun and friendship in equal measure whilst encouraging families to let go and promote challenge, personal growth and supported independence for their children. The charity also featured on BBC’s DIY SOS show The Big Build which saw TV celebrity Nick Knowles and local tradespeople assist in revamping the centre.

Speaking after the announcement, Tods Murray Executive Partner and Head of Third Sector David Dunsire said: “We are very proud of our Charity of the Year programme which has assisted local charities for a number of years. This year staff really took to the Yard and its’ story so far. It is a relatively small charity and we look forward to contributing during 2014 through volunteering, fundraising and awareness raising.”

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of the Yard welcomed the partnership, adding: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as Charity of the Year for Tods Murray. Demand for our services is at an all-time high and the support of Tods Murray through fundraising and volunteering will really help us meet this.”