NEW PROGRAMME
HERE IS OUR NEW 2025 PROGRAMME
THIS IS OUR NEW PROGRAMME BEGINNING 13th JANUARY
PLEASE NOTE:
Any questions please contact us via Socials or on 0131 332 3356
NEW INDOOR SESSIONS AT CRAIGROYSTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Looking to introduce your wee ones to football this year? We have the answer!
Our Little Dribblers class for kids aged 3-4 years runs on both Saturdays and Sundays.
You can choose our new indoors session at Craigroyston Community High School on Saturdays or outdoors at Ainslie Park on a Sunday.
The UK Health Security Agency is reminding parents and carers of the simple steps they can take to ensure their children make the healthiest start to the new school term. The new year brings with it an opportunity to teach children about the importance of good hygiene and with the recent increase in cases of flu and high levels of other viruses such as norovirus, it’s more important than ever.
The latest surveillance data from UKHSA shows that flu activity continued to increase over the Christmas break, with hospitalisations also increasing. Flu is now circulating at high levels in the community, an increase on the levels we saw before the school holidays, which is why it’s especially important to reinforce good hygiene habits as children return to school.
Figures are expected to rise further as children go back to school and many parents return to the workplace. However, there are simple steps that all families can take to reduce the spread of these infections and protect households and classrooms from illness this New Year.
Teaching good hygiene habits
Parents are encouraged to lead by example and encourage good hygiene habits such as using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, as well as washing hands.
Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser when convenient, is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Alcohol gels don’t kill all bugs so don’t rely on these.
Knowing when to keep your child at home and when to send them to school
January marks the start of a new term, with new things to learn and friends to make. Time off school can disrupt learning and also inconvenience parents and carers having to stay off work. This is why it’s important to know when to keep your child at home and when to send them to school.
Children can stay in school with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough if otherwise well and do not have a high temperature but should stay home if they’re displaying symptoms such as having a fever. If your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, they should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up.
If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, you should consider wearing a face covering.
Stopping the spread of stomach bugs
Stomach bugs spread easily in schools, nurseries and households. If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading.
Alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and warm water is best. Don’t prepare food for others if you have diarrhoea or vomiting or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. If you are unwell, you should also avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection to those who are more vulnerable. Do not to return to school, nursery or work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Getting vaccinated
Flu vaccination helps to protect against infection and severe disease. Although it is late in the programme, if you are eligible and not yet vaccinated, you can still take up your offer of immunisation.
Last year, falling vaccination rates among young children resulted in a widespread measles outbreak in England, which is why it’s important to check your children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio. If parents are unsure of their child’s vaccination status, they can check their child’s red book or contact their local GP.
If you are pregnant, it’s also important that you take up all vaccinations offered to you, including whooping cough and the new RSV vaccine which protects newborn babies against serious illness.
Dr Richard Pebody, Director, Clinical & Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: “It’s an important time of year, as children get started on the new school term.
“There are simple steps you can take to help stop the spread of nasty illness in the next few weeks of winter, including making sure your child is regularly washing their hands, knowing when to keep your child off school and ensuring they are up to date with vaccinations.”
We hope that you have all had a great festive period!
It’s back to normal now at Corstorphine library so have a look at what we’ve got on this coming week.
We hope to see you soon!
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
These sessions will take place on Friday, January 24th, and Sunday, February 23rd, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of our planet in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours are designed for individuals who benefit from a quieter, more supportive experience, such as those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) or sensory sensitivities. Open to all visitors, these sessions ensure everyone can enjoy the full Dynamic Earth experience in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Dynamic Earth’s approach encourages visitors to learn and explore at their own pace, giving everyone the chance to fully enjoy everything this science centre and planetarium has to offer. This is why Dynamic Earth offers sensory adjustments throughout the entire day.
Sensory Adjustments on Relaxed Opening Hours Day:
Dynamic Earth invites visitors to join them for these upcoming sessions in 2025:
Tickets are now available for booking. Start the new year with a visit to a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and inspired.
We have lots of events running over the Christmas holidays!
All are free and you don’t need to book so come along and join in the fun!
Volunteering at Childline and doing a shift for the first time on Christmas eve, Adam (36) from Springburn, Glasgow, cherishes the opportunity to be there for children, providing a trusted person to talk to.
Recognising that Christmas can be difficult and home unsafe for some children, Childline volunteer Adam will support them this festive period.
Childline, an NSPCC run service, delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions over the 12 Days of Christmas[1] last year, averaging more than 450 a day. To manage this service, the NSPCC relies on the compassion and generosity of its volunteers. Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.
Adam explains that the thought of a call or email going unanswered inspired him to volunteer over the Christmas period.
He said: “I previously worked with children when I was a classroom assistant, and I saw first-hand just how complicated children’s lives can be.
“Not everyone has a trusted person to talk to and someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that at Childline.
“It’s nice to know that you can be there for a child who just needs someone to listen to them. You feel you’ve made a positive difference in at least one child’s life, often more.
“There’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.”
Adam says it’s crucial to have volunteers at Childline during the festive period and there’s fantastic support available to them from staff and other volunteers.
He said: “Last January, I recall a particularly challenging contact from a child who was upset as they had to spend time with extended family on Boxing Day including having a meal with a relative who’d sexually abused them.
“These contacts can be difficult, but they highlight the need for Childline and reminds you that you’ve got a job to do, to support the young person.
“When you talk to a child you are thinking – how can I help them to feel comfortable to open up about what’s happened to them? You also want to make sure that they don’t feel judged. I ask myself do they just need to talk or are they in need of support to come up with a course of action or solution? How are they going to start that conversation with their mum, teacher or friend?”
Adam added: “There is plenty of training and support available at the Childline base in Glasgow, including supervisor assistance before, during, and after shifts, making sure we are well-prepared to manage difficult contacts.
“As this will be my first Christmas shift, I am a bit nervous about contact from children that may ask me why Santa didn’t come? Although, I am reassured that I have my supervisor and other volunteers to support me on how to handle these kinds of concerns.”
Adam talked about how he deals with his worries in general and if he has a difficult shift on Childline.
He explains: “I like to spend time outside and enjoy hill walking and this helps with decompressing after a difficult shift or even anything else that may be going on in my own life. It’s a good way to clear my head.”
Since his volunteering journey began in January 2024, Adam has gained valuable insights to the hardship endured by children and during Christmas time.
Adam said: “Unfortunately, Christmas isn’t a positive experience for all children, as some face difficult family situations, or homelessness. The contrast between children who receive many gifts and those who receive almost nothing is stark during the holiday season.”
However, the incredible resilience of children, who often thank volunteers despite their own struggles, stands out to Adam.
He said: “The children’s strength of character shines through during the calls. Despite their difficulties, they thank you, wish you a good weekend, or chat excitedly about positive aspects of their lives. For example, when asked if they’ll do something nice as a distraction, they might say they’re going to cuddle their cat. It’s heartening to see them as whole individuals, not just their issues.”
Sometimes, Adam is the first person a child talks to about issues like friendship problems.
He explains: “It’s such a privilege to help children and young people take the next step, such as speaking to their parents about what’s worrying them. Many young people say they feel much better after speaking with Childline, and it’s so heartwarming to see the positive impact of the support.
“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”
Adam wants to encourage other people to volunteer with Childline.
He said: “You can sign up for a volunteer information meeting through the Childline website. These provide valuable information without any obligation to commit. If you do decide to be a Childline volunteer, you won’t regret it.
“Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone. It’s a stressful and challenging period for many children, and we all should be aware of this. Volunteering or donating to the NSPCC can make a significant difference for children in need during the holiday season.
“Behind the festive facade, some children are dealing with grief, the absence of family members, or the complexities of family dynamics. The true meaning of Christmas is compassion, generosity and community. To provide a listening ear for children during Christmastime is a wonderful gift to give.”
Childline Glasgow currently has vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors.
To find out more about volunteering at Childline visit:
https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/volunteers/childline/
This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
In spring 2025 the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin its public hearings in relation to Phase 9 of its investigations: The provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities.
SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry.
The organisations involved in the provision of such residential accommodation included the National Health Service, local authorities, voluntary providers, and private providers.
The period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at those establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.
This case study will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.
Reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse have been and continue to be aspects of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and organisational culture; these will also be explored during the case study.
The case study will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care in one of these settings, from relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.
It may include evidence from a range of other witnesses in relation to a number of particular establishments. Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA.
At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than Friday 24 January 2025.
What is involved in having leave to appear is explained on the Inquiry’s website:
www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures.
Application forms are also available on the website:
www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/application-leave-appear.
Members of the public do not need leave to appear to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry’s venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.
SCAI has also created an Easy Read information guide with simple language and pictures to help people understand more about the Inquiry. This is now available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/accessibility-support
Seventeen establishments have now been confirmed as being included in the case study:
| School | Provider | Location |
| Children’s Home | Algrade Trust | Humbie |
| Donaldson’s School for Deaf Children | The Donaldson Trust | Edinburgh |
| Harmeny School | Harmeny Education Trust | Balerno |
| Ladyfield East Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Hannahfield Hall Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Ladyfield West Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Eskdale House Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital | NHS Dumfries & Galloway | Dumfries |
| Lendrick Muir School | Seamab | Rumbling Bridge |
| Lennox Castle Hospital | NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and East Dunbartonshire Council | Lennoxtown, Glasgow |
| Linnwood Hall Children’s Home | Fife Council | Leven |
| Melville House | Fife Council | Cupar |
| Monken Hadley / Corsbie Hall / Woodlands School | Independent | Newton Stewart |
| Ovenstone Residential School | Fife Council | Pittenweem |
| Royal Blind School | Royal Blind | Edinburgh |
| Royal Scottish National Hospital | NHS Forth Valley | Larbert |
| Starley Hall School | Independent | Burntisland |
| St Joseph’s Hospital | Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul | Rosewell |
| St Mary’s Balnakeil | Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God | Galashiels |
| St Vincent’s School for the Deaf and Blind | Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul | Tollcross, Glasgow |
| Woodfield Ladymary School | Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd | Colinton, Edinburgh |
We have had a wonderful response to our winter appeal. Thank you to everyone that’s donated so far! Many people are thinking of a charity to donate to this Christmas so why not help a local child via our winter warmers appeal?
Please help us make sure every child has a warm coat this winter. A set of warm, dry clothes can be the difference between a child attending and engaging in school or staying away. Times are hard and families need your help more than ever.
There are a few ways you can help:
Buy one of our winter clothing bundles via our shopping partner Give Today. There are also smaller items that can be purchased. We will ensure every donation gets to a young person in need. Anything purchased will be sent directly to us. https://givetoday.co.uk/edinburghschooluniformbank/
Donate funds and we will purchase any items needed. £50 could provide a coat for a high school pupil and £30 could provide a coat for a primary school child. Every contribution, no matter the size, is appreciated. Donate here: https://edinburghuniform.org/donate/
You can of course buy an item or two of winter clothing and drop it off at one of our drop off points. More information on those can be found here: https://edinburghuniform.org/donate-uniform/
We are expecting many requests for coats and warm clothing in the coming weeks, we don’t want to turn anyone away. Please share in local groups and with friends and family
Thank you
Stores across the country have been overwhelmed by the generosity of customers who donated at the Tesco Winter Food Collection.
An incredible 1.9 million meals’ worth of long-life food items were donated at the collection between 25th November and 30th November in all the retailer’s large and Express stores.
In Edinburgh, the collection saw customers donate 24,451 meals to make a difference in their local community.
Every item donated provides much-needed support for charities FareShare and Trussell in the run up to Christmas.
Donations to Trussell help food banks to provide emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford the essentials, while donations to FareShare support thousands of frontline local charities in communities across the country.
This winter will see heightened levels of need for both charities’ services with the Christmas holidays being a particularly difficult time for families due to the increased costs that occur at this time of year. With this in mind, Tesco provided an extra £500,000 of funding to FareShare and Trussell to meet this acute need.
Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said: “I just want to say a huge thank you to every single person who donated items at this year’s Winter Food Collection. Their generosity is always so amazing and really helps to make a huge impact in communities across the UK supported by Trussell and FareShare.”
Throughout the year Tesco donates unsold food to FareShare as part of its Community Food Connection scheme. That means so far this year Tesco and its customers have given the equivalent of more than 39 million meals to both charities.
In addition to the donations of food, the pre-Christmas Winter Food Collection saw more than £340,000 donated to the charities by customers rounding up their bills at the till and donating through a link from Tesco’s online groceries website.
Kristopher Gibbon-Walsh, CEO at FareShare, said: “Every year, we are blown away by the generosity of Tesco customers at the Winter Food Collection, and this year is no exception.
“Thank you to every single person that volunteered in store, donated an item of food, topped up their shopping bill, or made a donation to FareShare. Your kind support will ensure we can continue getting food out into the community, bringing people together and strengthening communities this winter.”
Emma Revie, CEO of Trussell, said:“We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting food banks to get through this season by organising this year’s Winter Food Collection. Thank you to Tesco customers for coming out in support of your local food bank, to ensure they can continue helping everyone in your local community who is facing hunger and hardship this winter.
“Thanks to your efforts, we have collected 1.8 million meals to support people who need a food bank this winter. Thank you for your generosity – together we can end hunger for good.
“Food banks in the Trussell community are a last resort for people who’ve been left facing hunger and hardship. They’re a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. But with so many people unable to afford the essentials right now, food banks continue to provide exceptionally high levels of emergency food, with many telling us they are at breaking point.
“Just over 1.4 million emergency food parcels were provided across the UK by food banks in our community, between April and September this year.”
With both charities continuing to need support, Tesco shoppers can continue to donate food at permanent collection points at every Tesco store in the UK or make a donation after their online shop.
You can also donate at https://fareshare.donr.com/tesco until February 2025.
