Tag: activities

Joy Rides at Cramond

Care home residents have ‘wheely good time’!

A CYCLING initiative at an Edinburgh care home aiming to get elderly residents out in the fresh air and interacting with the community has got off to a speedy start. 

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to resume its partnership with Joy Rides – a customised electric tri-shaw bike that carries two passengers and a “driver”.

Residents at the care home to the north of the city enjoyed venturing out every other week before the pandemic on bespoke trails with Joy Rides founder and cycling enthusiast Lissa McIntyre.

Joy Rides was created in 2019 and is a one woman show helping passengers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, whilst improving health and well-being all while having fun on the front of a tri-shaw bike.

Lissa McIntyre, said: “From a very young age I’ve had a passion for cycling – there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and forgetting your worries for a little while.

“No other form of transport gives you the same sense of freedom as a bicycle does, so I wanted to ensure people who couldn’t cycle were able experience this feeling – albeit minus the strenuous pedalling!

“When doing my initial market research, I noticed there was a lack of outdoor activities available for older people within the city so I wanted to close this gap and offer them the same experience and enjoyment.

“Riding on the tri-shaw gives you the freedom that comes with being on a bike outdoors with the security that a reliable, safe person is in charge behind the wheel.”

The Joy Rides project resumed in June, and aims to allow residents and other customers to filter back into their local communities without stress or unease following months of lockdown.

Lissa, said: “There are a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from getting elderly people out in the fresh air, especially as many have not left the home for a long period of time.

“During the trip residents are encouraged to socialise with others from different parts of the home and are often keen to have a chat with locals.”

Residents often request the cycle to go along Cramond promenade to view parts of the city they don’t often see, such as the view to the Forth Bridges in Queensferry and across the water to Fife.

Between every session the tri-shaw bike is thoroughly cleaned, on top of this both the driver and passengers are required to wear a mask during the trip with health and safety being paramount.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Get into Summer programme: holiday fun across the Capital

Children and young people are getting geared up for a summer of fun as an exciting programme of activities is being delivered by over 100 Council services and partner organisations across the Capital.

The Get into Summer initiative is part of a nationwide scheme funded by the Scottish Government to create a variety of opportunities for children and their families to play, socialise and re-connect over the summer.

The activities will build on the regular summer programmes put on by the City of Edinburgh Council and partners and are taking place in communities across the city. They will help children and young people to get healthy, creative and most importantly, re-connect with each other after a disrupted school year caused by the pandemic.

A key focus of the programme will be activities targeted to those families from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays. The overall programme has a focus on opportunities for youth and children’s work, very young children and their families, with opportunities for sport, outdoor, art and cultural activities.

Some of the partner organisations putting on events and providing support include: 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, Disability Services, Intercultural Youth Scotland, Edinburgh Young Carers, Lochend Football Academy, National Galleries of Scotland, Play2Learn Sports Coaching and Shakti Women’s Aid.

Fet Lor Summer Programme

Councillor Ian Perry, Convener for Education, Children and Families at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We know how much our children and young people have had their year disrupted by the pandemic and our ‘Get into Summer’ programme aims to bring as many of them together as possible to play and socialise over the holidays.

“There really is something for everyone with activities ranging from sports coaching to museum trips and music workshops with many additional activities on top of what we usually offer during the summer. We want to do all we can to support our children, young people, their families and carers so they can enjoy the summer.

“This programme is a great way to do that. Thanks must go to the different Council teams and partner organisations across the city who have pulled together to put on such a great programme of activities.”

MYDG Summer Programme

Councillor Alison Dickie, Vice Convener for Education, Children and Families at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We have listened to our young people who have told us about the impact of lockdown on their mental health and wellbeing as a result of the pandemic so these activities are a first step to help them re-connect with their friends and interests over the summer.

“They and their families are showing great resilience but no one should underestimate the huge impact the pandemic is having with many of the activities and support usually open to them not yet available. This must change.

“Many families on low income struggle during the summer holidays so this targeted offer is a positive step forward and will boost opportunities for those who have faced the greatest challenges in the past 15 months. This programme has children’s rights and needs at its heart.”

Dot Horne, Director of 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café, said: “Get into Summer is a much-needed support for children and young people. During this pandemic so many young people have been adversely affected, isolated and missed out on essential life skills they would have learnt as they progressed through “normal” experiences.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of young people coming forward who are lacking things like self-confidence, coping skills, feeling socially anxious , lonely or unhappy. At 6VT we are offering teenagers a dynamic and active programme of activities where they will be supported to  improve their wellbeing, experience new activities and learn how to build respectful relationships with others.

“We are striving for a lot of fun and laughter with the overall impact of improving happiness. We encourage parents to support their children and young people to engage into Get into Summer activities.”

Find out more about the full Get into Summer programme.

Setting Sail: Edinburgh’s August Festival season launches with waterside outdoor cinema

FULL PROGRAMME REVEALED FOR ‘FILM FEST ON THE FORTH 2021’

The programme for Film Fest on the Forth, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s weekend of free outdoor screenings at Port Edgar Marina on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August 2021, has been unveiled – and it includes everything from aquatic-themed family favourites and classic Scottish movies to exciting blockbusters.

Film Fest on the Forth will run at the Marina, which is located at South Queensferry on the banks of the Firth of Forth overlooking the three iconic bridges, from 10.00am to 10.00pm each day.

The weekend is supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, in which Scotland celebrates its coasts and waters with a programme of events and activities, shining a spotlight on these vital elements of the landscape.

The fantastic themed line-up is comprised of 8 well-loved feature films with a maritime link, all well suited to family audiences with U, PG or 12A ratings. The selected films are as follows:

SATURDAY 31 JULY

  • MOANA (PG, 113 mins, 2016) Disney’s beloved musical animation of an adventurous teenager and her inherited love for the seas
  • THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP (PG, 111 mins, 2007) Family adventure set and shot in Scotland based on the Celtic legend of Kelpies (Water Horses)
  • WHISKY GALORE! (U, 81 mins, 1949) Classic anti-authoritarian comedy set on a Hebridean Island based on Compton Mackenzie’s novel.
  • JAWS (12A, 124 mins, 1975, 45th anniversary) Directed by Steven Spielberg and widely heralded as the original summer blockbuster

SUNDAY 1 AUGUST

  • BRAVE (PG, 93 mins, 2012) Pixar’s stunning animation set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland centred around a Scottish princess confronting tradition
  • THE ILLUSIONIST (PG, 77 mins, 2010) Charming, Oscar nominated animated adventure set across Scotland and specifically Edinburgh, based on an unproduced script by legendary French Director Jacques Tati
  • WHALE RIDER (PG, 105 mins, 2002) Oscar nominated drama centred on a young Maori girl and her special connection to the magnificent seas creatures who has to fight to fulfil a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.
  • TITANIC (12, 186 mins, 1997) James Cameron’s box office record-breaker and winner of 11 Oscars. An epic romance set on the seas which made global stars of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet

Tickets, which are free, are now available for Film Fest on the Forth at www.edfilmfest.org.uk 

Film Fest on the Forth screenings will be staged in an outdoor area which can accommodate up to 260 film fans.  You can get to Port Edgar Marina by train, bus, car, foot or boat. If you’re coming by boat contact the Marina office by phone or VHF before arrival to be allocated a berth.

Food and drink will be available from Marina tenants Scott’s restaurant and Down the Hatch as well as additional food and drink vendors coming in especially for the weekend, including EIFF’s Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn, and Pizza Geeks and Poco Prosecco.

Between films audiences can visit other attractions on site such as activities on the water from Port Edgar Watersports and shopping at the Marina’s store, Beacon.

Russell Aitken, Managing Director of Port Edgar Marina said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with EIFF in hosting this special open-air screening as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2021. 

“It’s an incredible initiative to be involved with and we look forward to welcoming families from across Scotland to showcase the stunning location of the marina.”

Ken Hay, CEO of Edinburgh International Film Festival said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the return to the communal cinema experience with a brilliant programme of aquatically themed classics, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges.

“Huge thanks to our friends at Port Edgar Marina in staging the films and to EventScotland for their support as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Film Fest on the Forth as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

” Scotland offers the perfect stage for audiences to enjoy unique experiences and this special cinematic event will showcase classic films in a memorable outdoor setting.”

Film Fest on the Forth, Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, South Queensferry EH30 9SQ. Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, 2021

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest 

#FestOnTheForth

https://www.facebook.com/events/245112974043818

Celebrating our Care Homes: Strong support for Open Week

  • Social Care Minister and MPs of all parties are supporting Care Home Open Week, celebrating care home workers, residents, and their role in local communities
  • With support from the Department of Health & Social Care & partnerships with National Citizen Service, Silver Sunday and Intergenerational Music Making, organiser Championing Social Care hopes to connect communities to their care homes

To find a participating care home in your area, please see the participation map at:
https://championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-day/what-is-happening-in-your-area/

Care Home Open Week, taking place this week from June 28th – July 4th, will encourage communities to celebrate and thank care workers for their work during the pandemic and showcase the positive role care homes have in their communities.

Events at over 500 participating care homes around the UK will include virtual tours, fundraising dance-a-thons, karaoke, fashion shows, art projects, community service days and much more.

Some 40 MPs from across all political parties are taking part in Care Home Open Week, including Helen Whately MP, Minister of State for Social Care, Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Mental Health.

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) will be participating in the Week with staff across the Department’s Adult Social Care team joining in a number of virtual events, including virtual tours of Majesticare and CareTech plc care services throughout the Week.

DHSC civil servants will also participate in opportunities to discuss the experience of key roles in care homes, including home managers, activity coordinators and care workers from across the sector. Care teams will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more of DHSC’s role in the sector.

Additionally, Championing Social Care has partnered with the National Citizen Service – the flagship programme for young people, Silver Sunday – the national day for older people, and Intergenerational Music Making to hold virtual events throughout the week.

See our Care Home Open Week video below:

Hallmark Care Homes will support Care Home Open Week and Championing Social Care with a live virtual event on Thursday, 1 July.

Event organisers have planned this year’s Care Home Open Week to be virtual, recognising that safety must be a top priority and have asked participating care homes to adapt their events to ensure they are COVID – safe and in line with government guidance.

Mitesh Dhanak (above), Founder of Precious Homes and part of the organising committee for the event, said: “We want to further enrich the lives of the UK’s care home residents by reminding the community that those individuals who live in care homes are unique individuals supported by dedicated, caring and professional teams.

“As we move ahead in the planning of Care Home Open Week, our top priority is, of course, to keep everyone safe. Our aim is still the same though: to showcase the incredibly valuable services that care homes provide at the heart of every local community.”

Many events held during the week will work to connect communities further to their local care homes.

Championing Social Care partnered with the National Citizen Service and consulted the organisation’s Youth Voice Forum for advice on how Care Home Open Week programmes can be successful and more engaging for young people.

The National Citizen Service has also encouraged the many thousands of young people it supports to get involved in volunteer opportunities for Care Home Open Week.

Examples of community engaging events include Precious Homes in Milton Keynes which will be holding their “Precious Festival” on July 1st and 2nd and will be providing outside, COVID-safe educational discussion opportunities between community members, support workers and people the home supports to speak about their experiences with Autism, sensory disorders and mental health.

Ashleigh Calder, Operations Manager – Central Region of Precious Homes, said: “We are extremely excited to be involved in Care Home Open Week. It has been a tough year and this will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together and share awareness of the great work we do with the local community.

“We are hopeful our event will enable the people we support to share their experiences and for our staff to be acknowledged for their continuous hard work and dedication – and have fun of course!”

Carl Roberts, Sales and Marketing Director of TLC Care, which is providing free breakfasts on Tuesday the 29th to emergency and healthcare workers at their locations in North London, Cambridge, Hertfordshire and Surrey, said: ““Here at TLC Care we are so proud to be able to launch this group wide event series to acknowledge and reward the amazing work of the emergency services and health care workers across our communities.

“This is our little way of sharing some Truth, Love and Compassion with the health care heroes.”

Jonathan Freeman, CEO of the CareTech Foundation, Founding Patron of Championing Social Care, said: “Social care is provided in so many settings up and down the country, playing a key role in the fabric of local communities.

“Care Home Open Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the contribution of care homes and connect local people with them.”

This year’s Care Home Open Week is organised by Championing Social Care, a volunteer-led organisation that aims to ensure a wider and deeper public understanding, appreciation and respect for social care.

The week is sponsored by Civitas Investment Management (https://www.civitasim.com/) and Virgin Money (https://uk.virginmoney.com/).

A passport to summer fun!

While COVID-19 travel restrictions mean that many of us will be having staycations this year, Edinburgh Leisure has their own passport for a summer of fun for your children and the family.

With the summer holidays approaching, the city’s biggest sports and leisure provider, Edinburgh Leisure, is bringing back the summer fun safely to their centres. Whether you are looking for a one-off activity for the family to enjoy, or some fast-track lessons to help make up for lost time, Edinburgh Leisure has it covered.

For gymnastics and aqua camps, children can be booked in for a day or for the whole week. Early drop-offs and late pick-ups are available.

A must for anyone who enjoys water, at the Aqua Camp, children from the age of 7 years can enjoy a variety of pool activities whilst working towards recognised Scottish Swimming and Royal Life Saving Society awards.

Little gymnasts from Primary 1+ will be entertained by Edinburgh Leisure’s coaches with activities including technique practice, stretching, and conditioning, vault and bar sessions into Tumbles’ foam pits, beam sessions, coaching the coaches, learning how to judge, and working on a routine.

And with climbing set to feature for the first time at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, inspire them with the adventure and climbing camps at EICA Ratho. If your child is between 8-14 years old and new to climbing, the EICA’s week-long Adventure Camp brings together thrilling indoor and outdoor activities including climbing, Clip ‘n Climb, and abseiling.

For older children between 10-17 years, and more experienced climbers looking to get outdoors, Edinburgh Leisure’s Rock Camp combines bouldering and indoor sessions with outdoor ‘trad’ and sport climbing at some of Central Scotland’s most renowned crags.

And for children looking for some sports coaching lessons, there is lots of choice across the city whether your child wants to try something new, or just enjoy more of their favourite classes. Coaching sessions are available in tennis, swimming, gymnastics, diving, trampoline, climbing and dance.

And new for this year, is Swim Diving and Fun and Deep-Water Swimming and Fun sessions.

In Swim Diving and Fun, swimmers will learn how to shallow dive for swimming starts, this includes push and glide skills, handstands, surface dives and more. In Deep Water Swimming and Fun, the coaches cover the fun things everyone loves to do in deep water and how to keep safe near water. Being underwater is a lot of fun and there will be games and activities to help swimmers improve their underwater skills.

Also in the pool, there will be some Summer Diving session on the diving boards at the Commie Pool or for 9–14-year-olds, they can book into the pool with their friends for Edinburgh Leisure’s Junior Swim sessions.

And teens can also stay active in the holidays with the NRG Zone Gym Camps for S1 – 15-year-olds. With full access to Edinburgh Leisure’s well-equipped gyms, Edinburgh Leisure’s trained instructors will be on-hand to coach correct technique and use of equipment.

Gym access at any time accreditation is granted after completion of Edinburgh Leisure’s 5-day camp. Keep an eye on Edinburgh Leisure’s website for more information including how to book. It’s free to junior members but costs £21 for non-members.

And if you are looking for family activities, Edinburgh Leisure has lots of choices for the family to enjoy together and to burn off surplus energy.

The very first in Scotland, Edinburgh Leisure’s AquaDash and new AquaDash Extreme at the Royal Commonwealth Pool is a fantastic inflatable playground on water. Fun-seekers will slide, climb, and bounce their way through the thrilling obstacles, beating each one and racing friends and family.

Or take the experience to new heights with AquaDash Extreme, with its awesome addition of double slides from the 3m or 5m dive platforms. Spaces are popular, so make sure you book well in advance. Booking goes live 28 days before for each available session so ensure you check Edinburgh Leisure’s website regularly.

And Clip ‘n Climb at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena will have the family reaching new heights with 15 climbing elements providing a range of features and levels suitable for children and adults. And it is suitable for beginners.

There’s also a Family Climb Taster session at the EICA. Even if you’ve never climbed before, this 90-minute taster session is for you. Children must be 4 years+ with at least 1 adult 18 years+ in the group for up to 3 children, or 2 adults 18 year+ in the group for up to 4 children. Maximum of 4 children per session.

To find out more about the activities and book online, visit:

Holiday Club – Edinburgh Leisure

Closing soon: Scottish Whisky Action Funding for activities tackling alcohol-related harm

Up to £25,000 available to eligible projects – closes 28th June

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) provides funding to eligible projects specifically set up to reduce the negative impacts of alcohol-related harm. Only open once a year, the fund is inviting new applications before the deadline at  noon on Monday 28th June. 

Managed by Foundation Scotland, SWAF has so far awarded over £800,000 to over 70 projects operating across the country since its launch in 2013.  The fund is focused on supporting innovative initiatives and activities specifically designed to tackle alcohol-related harms in Scotland’s communities. 

Groups such as Rowan Alba, Waverley Care, Edinburgh Young Carers Project, and Govan Youth Information Project have received project support. 

Jennifer McPhail, Programmes Advisor at Foundation Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be running this important funding stream again.  Now in its eighth year, the Scotch Whisky Action Fund has already made a massive impact on individuals and communities affected by alcohol related harms.

“The alcohol industry plays an important role in Scottish society, and Scotch Whisky is at the heart of the industry.  However, the misuse of alcohol through excessive or inappropriate consumption can have implications for health and a range of social problems, including anti-social behaviour, violence, family breakdown, problems with money and work.  This can impact individuals, families and communities.  

“The fund is not set up to support recovery or treatment of alcohol issues. Rather it’s for innovative projects  that educate, raise awareness, and  prevent future alcohol-related harm. Examples of projects include preventative training programmes and diversionary activities for young people, peer support groups for carers and family member counselling services. 

“There are many examples of previously funded projects available on our website and we are advising interested groups to carefully read through all the guidance before applying. The closing date is coming up soon so we are encouraging those that are interested to progress quickly as the fund only opens once a year.” 

Projects which secure funding from SWAF, and can demonstrate an impact after their first year of funding, may be able to receive further funding of up to £25,000 per annum for a maximum of three years, to support their initiative.

For full information, including eligibility criteria and application details visit, https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/scotch-whisky-action-fund

Ageing Well and Keeping Active

The award-winning project, Ageing Well, run by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with NHS Lothian, will be starting two new activities in July, to support people to become, and remain active in later life.

Starting on Thursday, 8th July, there will be a regular Walk around Saughton Walled Garden with a volunteer walk leader. 

The walk is suitable for people who have not walked much before, and are looking to be more active, or are returning from injury or illness. The walk will take up to 30 minutes on flat ground or gentle slopes with firm surfaces and generally no steps.

Register your interest with active@edinburghleisure.co.uk. Participants should meet at the Garden Bistro, at 10.50am for an 11am start.  A contribution of £1 is welcomed towards the activity.

There will also be an 11 weeks’ Cycle Skills Course, starting on Monday, 12th July. This will meet at Saughton Sports Centre initially, with a further 4 weeks on the cycle paths leaving from Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and a further 4 weeks leaving from Meggetland. Good quality bikes and helmets are supplied to trainees so there is no need to own your own.

This course is suitable for those who wish to take up cycling again after a lengthy absence but lack confidence. The course will give participants an opportunity to improve confidence on a bike; increase bike-handling skills; put in to practice the skills they are learning; and the introduction to cycle paths, on the last two weeks of the course.

The course is very relaxed, sociable, and fun and is based on the Cycling Scotland Bikeability material adapted for adults. A contribution of £2 per week is asked from trainees to help towards the running costs of the programme.

Pre-booking a slot on the course is essential – active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Ageing Well also has a walking programme, which has eight health walks across the city on different days, aimed at different fitness levels.

Further information about the different walks can be found at: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well-walks

Since their activities reopened after COVID-19 restrictions lifted again at the beginning of April, they have been supporting 120 older adults to be active again. The emphasis is on meeting new people and making physical activity accessible and enjoyable. All activities are either led by or supported by fully trained volunteers, who are all older adults themselves.

For further information, to register your interest and/or to book a slot, contact the Active Communities team on active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

MSP’s delight as Edinburgh receives £846,000 for childrens’ summer activities

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has expressed his delight as the City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive £846,000 from the Scottish Government to encourage children to play and socialise as part of the recovery from the pandemic.

Councils across Scotland will receive a share of £15m to support summer activities that are already in place in certain areas.

The support will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

£5m will also be distributed among prominent Scottish children’s charities such as Barnardo’s and Who Cares Scotland.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “I am absolutely delighted at this investment in Edinburgh’s children and young people, who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic as they have not been able to meet up with friends or play the sports they love.

“Coming out of the pandemic young people have told us that their mental health will be a priority and the SNP Scottish Government has listened to them and is investing in summer activities.

“This will have a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people, which will be extremely important when coming out of lockdown and into recovery.”

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is back!

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is back, from 25 May – 6 June.

This year’s hybrid Festival consists of a digital programme (available to watch 25 May-6 June) and a mostly outdoor programme presented over the Festival’s two weekends (29-30 May and 5-6 June). 

The Digital Programme includes a mixture of streamed performances which you can watch at any time during the Festival and innovative digital interactions presented live over Zoom (book now).

Family Encounters programme presents FREE innovative performances and activities mostly outdoor. 

Events will take place in the stunning Royal Botanic Garden (book now), as well as in site-specific venues (book now).

You can find out what to expect at this year’s Festival here.