SATURDAY 30th SEPTEMBER from 2 – 4pm
Tea Dance at Corstorphine Astoria Centre
Tag: activities
Laughter Yoga is the best medicine for older adults at u3a
“Hold on to your seats because it gets really, really weird!”
Those are the opening words of Judith, the u3a’s laughter yoga expert at one of her exhilarating online classes. Laughter Yoga is just one of the exciting subjects that u3a members can take part in when they join.
u3a is for those who no longer work full time and have the desire to learn new things, have fun and make new friends.
From 16th to 24th of September groups across the UK will showcase the exciting activities during u3a Week with taster sessions and online talks from high-profile guests, including positive ageing influencer Carl Honore, to give potential new members a taste of the enjoyment that can be had from joining u3a.
Judith lives in Edinburgh but runs an online laughter yoga group where members can take part from the comfort of their own homes. It’s open to anyone who joins u3a and would like to put a spring in their step and start the day with a burst of positivity.
The group has been running for 11 years and is going from strength-to-strength. Judith says: “Laughter is the best medicine. It’s not about ridicule, it’s playful, uncomplicated, joyful laughter.
“It is a safe space where we can laugh without inhibitions for as long as we like.
“We laugh every day for about 10-15 minutes, and it encourages a positive outlook and helps you deal with the stress and challenges of life.
“When we laugh the body sends messages to the brain which releases endorphins, and we feel wonderful without even trying. It sends out happy hormones which make you feel good all day.”
Laughter yoga is just one of the many hundreds of interest groups whose members across the UK that are gearing up for all sorts of events to let communities know what their u3as have on offer during u3a Week.
There will be concerts, alfresco wine tasting, market stalls and picnic plus much more.
By joining u3a you can try everything from Egyptology to creative writing and sea shanties for an average of less than £20 per year. You can watch a short film about Hayling u3a’s Island Shanty group.
For information on what your local u3a, visit www.u3a.org.uk
Millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs seized as serious organised crime disruption continues
Pro-active action by police officers saw millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs recovered, between April and June 2023 as Police Scotland’s efforts to disrupt serious organised crime continues.
The Quarter 1 2023-24 Performance Report, presented to the Scottish Police Authority on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, details seizures of cannabis, cocaine, heroin and street Valium tablets as well as a number of arrests being made.
Detective Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson said: “Police Scotland has a vital role in preventing illicit drugs reaching our streets and disrupting the nefarious activities of those engaged in serious organised criminality.
“We are all too aware of the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland. The ongoing activity described in the performance report underlines our commitment to reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“The encouraging figures underline that those working in partnership to deliver the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy continue to have a considerable impact on these illegal activities and are contributing to helping to keep our communities safe.
“These seizures will undoubtedly have a massive negative effect on the activities of those involved.”
Activity between April and June 2023 includes:
• Activity by Organised Crime and local officers, saw seven men and three woman arrested during an operation targeting the supply of drugs in the Scottish Borders which resulted in £670,000 worth of substances being recovered
• Officers in Ayrshire recovered a cannabis cultivation with an estimated street value of £2,000,000
• Officers executed a warrant at a property in High Street, Dumfries and recovered cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £261,000
• Cannabis plants worth £740,000 were seized following an operation in Kirkcaldy
• Officers executed warrants at a number of addresses in Aberdeen and Liverpool as part of a County Lines investigation and recovered heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated street value in excess of £115,000
• In Glenrothes, a 21-year-old man was arrested and charged after Class A drugs, with an estimated street value of £400,000 were recovered.
In the reporting period hundreds of thousands of street Valium tablets, including Etizolam and Bromazolam were seized. At least 200,000 were recovered during operations in the Glasgow area, 160,000 in Lanarkshire, more than 30,000 in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area and almost 50,000 in the Lothians and Scottish Borders.
Autumn activities in Almond & Western
Edinburgh Leisure launches new Basketball Coaching for younger players
Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive basketball coaching programme tailored specifically for younger children.
This initiative comes in response to valuable feedback received from a recent coaching customer survey involving parents and carers who expressed a keen interest in additional coaching options and diverse sports development opportunities for their children.
The basketball coaching is being offered at Meadowbank and Ainslie Park and sessions are now live for booking through the Edinburgh Leisure app and the Edinburgh Leisure website. Monthly coaching costs £24.30 for 45-minute classes and £26.60 for a 60-minute class.
The basketball coaching is being offered at Meadowbank and Ainslie Park, and both venues will follow the same times and schedules.
The sessions are now live for booking through the Edinburgh Leisure app and the Edinburgh Leisure website. Classes are held weekly and the monthly coaching costs £24.30 for 45-minute classes and £26.60 for a 60-minute class.
1:00 – 1:45pm Little Ballers
2:00 – 2:45pm Junior Ballers
3:45 – 4:45pm Mighty Ballers
4:45 – 5:45pm Game Time Ballers
Edinburgh Leisure recognises the importance of offering a variety of coahing options to cater to the specific needs of different age groups. Therefore, the basketball coaching programme encompasses four distinct pathways:
Little Ballers – 18 months to 3 years
An interactive and play-orientated introduction to basketball for the youngest learners. Children will have the opportunity to explore basketball equipment in a child-friendly and realistic setting. Parental participation is encouraged to foster early education and enhance cognitive and social skills development.
Junior Ballers – 3 years to 5 years
A step-by-step introduction to the world of basketball, where children will learn the basics of the sport, gradually progressing towards structured techniques. The classes will foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation, with parental involvement as needed.
Mighty Ballers – 5 years to 7 years
Mighty ballers are confident with boundless energy, and this is catered for in the lesson plans, with the classes designed to be fast-paced and engaging. Children will delve deeper into basketball fundamentals, while enjoying a fun and dynamic environment that emphasises teamwork and incorporates small-sided games.
Game Time Ballers – 7 years to 9 years
A holistic learning approach that seamlessly integrates play, practice, and understanding. These sessions not only teach essential basketball skills but also instil an understanding of when and how to apply these skills effectively in a real game scenario.
Gary Hocknull, Sports Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Recognising the well-established network across Edinburgh engaging teenage basketball players, we’ve responded to the call from parents and guardians for more diverse opportunities in sports development.
“Basketball emerged as a natural choice for younger children. Our new pathways cater for children from 18 months to 8 years, split into four age groups.”
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre: Open Day next month
23rd SEPTEMBER from 11am – 3pm
Promotion bolsters dementia care at Cramond Residence
New Head of Lifestyle to strengthen residents’ experiences at care home
ONE of Scotland’s leading care facilities has announced the appointment of a new specialist that will further improve its high-quality dementia services.
Elaine Vallance has been promoted to Head of Lifestyle at Cramond Residence, bringing more than six years of expert care knowledge to the home’s lifestyle team.
Elaine, who joined Cramond Residence 15 months ago, will organise a wide range of activities designed to bring meaningful socialisation to residents – a major factor in treating dementia patients.
She said: “I’m passionate about delivering the best possible quality of care to our residents during their golden years.
“I love spending time with our residents, and I am lucky to now head up an incredible team who always give their best to ensure that the standard of care we deliver is second to none.
“When you come away from an activity that residents have enjoyed and you see a smile on their faces, it’s hugely rewarding and motivating. I’m really excited and thankful to be given this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with the team to bring forward more fantastic activities for our residents.”
Cramond Residence strives to ensure that those living with dementia live a fulfilled life. The home offers a dedicated dementia floor, specially designed for those living with the condition to allow them to live a richer and more satisfying life with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support and relief.
Dementia training sits at the top of the care home’s agenda with 90% of their staff being provided with vital dementia training.
Elaine added: “We have already had a series of fantastic events for residents such as a trip on the trams to Newhaven, as well as a sports day which was popular with the residents.
“In the future I have plans to create a sensory room for our residents living with dementia, this will provide a stimulating environment with huge mental benefits.
“I will continue channelling all my energies and passion into delivering what Cramond Residence is all about, delivering top quality care to those who stay with us.”
Client Liaison Manager, Christian Daraio said: “Elaine has a wonderfully kind and nurturing personality which the residents love.
“We are incredible lucky to have her on our team and I am really looking forward to seeing what fantastic opportunities she no doubt has in store for our residents in the future.”
Cramond residence is a purpose-built care home which opened in October 2018. It combines luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards.
Spread across three floors, Cramond Residence adopts a small group living philosophy. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.
To find out more information on Cramond Residence, visit:
MYDG: New Programme launched
Our new programme for the term ahead starting 21st August 2023
Swimming sessions start on the 31st August & 1st September, there are no swimming sessions until then!
Our summer programme is still happening until Tuesday 15th August.
We will be asking for new consent forms for the new term.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
MYDG team
Royston Wardieburn launches Autumn Programme
Now that the schools are starting back, it’s almost time for out Autumn programme to startStrachan House celebrates Indian Independence Day
Residents at Strachan House in Blackhall marked Indian Independence Day on Tuesday.
Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th, the anniversary of the day in 1947 when the provisions of the Indian Independence Act, which transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly, came into effect and India gained its Independence from the United Kingdom. It is a public holiday in India. The Prime Minister raises the red national flag of India and addresses the nation.
Residents enjoyed an afternoon of cultural learning and a mini celebration themselves as they took part in some sari and sherwani dressing.
Those residents who had visited India previously shared their experiences of their trips and one carer Diane gave a wonderful display of traditional dancing.
There was a fabulous spread of delicious Indian dishes including a variety of different curries with samosas, bhajis, pakora, kofta, poppadum, naan, with raita, lime pickle and mango chutney all washed down with lots of delicious hot tea.
Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House, said: “We celebrate all cultures and religions and we try to mark as many cultural events as possible.
“Indian Independence Day has given our residents a wonderful opportunity to find out more about India and its traditions, and our residents have enjoyed sharing their experiences of times they spent visiting India”
Bernard Lennon, a resident, said: “It is so important to mark occasions like this and to remember the history behind the date.
“I really enjoyed watching the dancing and learning how to wear the traditional dress for a gent. It was very comfortable. But sampling the different dishes was the best bit!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.