Come along to our home to see what a nursing home is really about!
We are keen to build better community links and welcome visitors to our home. At the summer fair we will have a variety of stalls including cakes, handmade jewellery, pictures and paintings, tombolas and hopefully face painting!
Kids more than welcome!
We are raising funds so we can do something really special with each resident: this could be going to the beach, painting, going out for a meal or whatever our amazing residents want to do!
We hope to see you at Braeburn Home, 35 Inverleith Terrace!
NHS Lothian welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN) at Little Franceyesterday.
Offering world-class facilities for both children and adults, the building first opened its doors in July 2020, with all services transferred to the new space by March 2021.
The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People delivers local, regional and national services in some of the most modern and best-designed healthcare facilities in the world. The children’s hospital is physically connected to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh meaning that paediatric care, specialist neonatal care, neurosciences and both Emergency Departments are now all on the same site.
This reduces the need for emergency transfers between hospitals and ensures that clinical teams can share skills and expertise for the benefit of all patients.
The expert teams in Neuroscience are made up of a range of specialists, neurologists and neurosurgeons who treat people with disorders of the nervous system, such as problems affecting the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves and muscles in the rest of the body.
NHS Lothian’s Department of Clinical Neurosciences treats patients from the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Forth Valley and Fife as well as Lothian. It covers a population of 1.6 million across these areas, while for some specialist services it covers the 2.8 million people living on the east side of Scotland.
During the visit, HRH The Princess Royal enjoyed a tour of some of the building, meeting with staff and patients. Within the Dalhousie Ward at RHCYP, she heard about the important role Play Teams have in enabling children to be children even when in hospital and enjoyed some magic tricks performed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity funded magician Tricky Ricky. 6-year-old patient Harper presented Her Royal Highness with a posy of flowers to thank her for visiting.
Within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, HRH The Princess Royal learnt more about the investigative work of our Neurophysiology Department and observed an EMG, a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons).
The Princess Royal met with staff from the Neurosurgery and Neurology Departments before visiting the Neurorehabilitation Ward, to learn more about the work of NHS Lothian’s Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists in supporting patients to return home, to re-learn basic tasks and to regain their confidence.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “We are delighted to have welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
“These healthcare facilities combine excellent architectural design, one of the UK’s largest Art and Therapeutic Design programmes and the latest clinical thinking and technology. Added to this are our amazing, dedicated and expert staff who deliver exceptional patient care day in, day out.
“The COVID pandemic may have delayed our official opening event, however we are delighted that on the 75th anniversary of the NHS, HRH The Princess Royal could join us, as together we celebrate.”
As well as welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to the hospital, a range of special activities, organised in collaboration with NHS Lothian’s charity partners, and designed to mark the official opening took place yesterday (5 July).
This included an indoor garden party with giant games, information stalls run by all charity partners including Kindred, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, NHS Lothian Charity and Ronald McDonald House, a special ‘Cuddle Station’ featuring regular Therapet doggy visitors and refreshments. Staff, patients and their families were invited to join the celebrations.
Join ‘The Broken Book – Mythical Monster Hunt’ and Protect the Realm from Legendary Creatures!
The grounds of Borders stately home Floors Castle are soon to transform into a world of interactive monster-hunting fun for all the family this summer, with an educational and exciting summer trail set within the magnificent grounds.
John Kerr, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe lived in Floors Castle until his death in 1804, over 220 years ago. Duke John was a great collector of many things, but his favourite thing to collect was books.
In the years following the duke’s death, most of the library was sold, but there was one book – The Great Book of Monsters, that was never accounted for. This book was very old indeed, and very valuable, and contained ancient knowledge on how to defeat and imprison many dangerous and terrible monsters.
Recently, around the Gardens and Grounds of Floors Castle, many of these beasts have been spotted. Somehow, they have escaped from the book …
From the 7th July and running 7 days a week (10am until 5pm) until 31st August, Floors Castle Summer Trail, promises monstrous thrills for adults and children alike, as they help to find them, capture them, and imprison them once again safely within its pages.
Everyone (adults & children) will need a ticket to participate in the Mythical Monster Hunt. Children’s tickets are £2 and adults will need either a valid Annual Pass, Castle Gardens & Grounds Broken Book Ticket (£18 online or £19.50 onsite) or a Gardens & Grounds Broken Book Ticket (£8). Last trail admission is 4pm.
All customers who have pre-purchased tickets online are advised to enter via the main Golden Gates (TD5 7RL) and pick up their trail booklets from the Gate Ticket Kiosk on arrival – these are essential for taking part in the trail.
*Adult Annual Pass Holders will receive unlimited free entry to the Mythical Monster Hunt as part of their Annual Pass scheme, however, ALL children taking part in the trail will require a trail ticket.
Monster Hunt tickets do not need to be booked in advance, tickets will be available to purchase on the day from both the Garden Ticket Kiosk and Golden Gates Ticket Kiosk.
Scotland’s first-ever free, book recycling vending machine is unveiled at The Centre, Livingston – ‘Read. Swap. Repeat.’ – to give shoppers the chance to swap their old books for a reused one, for free, to help keep them in circulation and prevent them from going to landfill.
The ‘swapping’ vending machine stocks 200 books for adults and children.
Shoppers simply hand in old books, which are in a good condition, to the Customer Service Desk, near New Look, and collect a token to use in the machine, which is full of pre-loved books from all genres, and simply choose another one for free! Books are regularly restocked to ensure shoppers find something different every time they visit.
Shoppers have the chance to swap up to three books at a time and also donate books to help keep the stock up without swapping. Any books which can’t be used will be donated to charity.
Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Read. Swap. Repeat. free book vending machine is a great way for book lovers to share their favourite reads and help the environment at the same time.
“We’re delighted to be the first in Scotland to launch it and are confident it will be a big hit with visitors to the shopping centre.”
George Gellatly from Balerno, who regularly visits The Centre, Livingston with his wife Sandra, said: “I think the book vending machine is a great idea!
“I’ve seen lots of vending machines like this but never one with recycled books in it!
“Being big readers, my wife and I will definitely be using it – it is such a great way to reuse books and may be even pick one up that we wouldn’t normally go for.”
The book vending machine is situated next to Gregg’s Café and the Post Office.
Action plan to ensure Scottish Welfare Fund reaches those in most need
Improvements to the way crisis support is delivered in Scotland are set out in a plan published yesterday.
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides a vital safety net which has paid out more than £380 million in emergency funds to more than half a million households over the last ten years.
The plan sets out 22 commitments to help the Fund better address unmet need and make decisions more consistent across the country. Actions include a simplified application form, clearer guidance and better promotion to those who may not currently be being reached, including older people.
Improved guidance on referrals to wider services such as debt and welfare advice will also aim to help people with their finances so they can avoid future crisis.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Ten years on from the introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund, it is time to make improvements to ensure it continues to provide lifeline support. These actions will help to ensure that no matter where people live, they can access support they are eligible for in their time of need.
“The current financial pressures facing many households and the hardship that brings has shone a spotlight on the need for such emergency funds, and as the independent review of the fund made clear in March, the inadequacy of UK Government welfare has contributed to increased demand.
“The publication of this plan demonstrates the Scottish Government’s dedication to strengthening our social security system and working to best meet the requirements of people in Scotland.”
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing summer workshops in its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer.
The Little Seedlings Club workshop will teach children how to look after the garden with the warmer temperatures, and Dobbies’ Holiday Club workshop is about the different herbs and microgreens that can help your pizza taste great.
Suitable for children aged 4-10, these free and interactive sessions in Edinburgh are guaranteed to keep them busy during the school holidays and encourage them to discover more about nature.
Taking place on Sunday 2 July, the Little Seedlings Club workshop is set to be fun-filled and educational with a focus on how to effectively conserve water when looking after the garden this summer.
Children will learn about the fascinating water cycle in plants and why plants need our help to stay green and lush, particularly during the hotter months.
Dobbies’ horticultural experts will teach the children in Edinburgh when to water the plants and how to preserve water usage through sustainable mulching and planting drought-resistant species like Cordyline, Lavender and Hebe. Mulching not only saves water but also suppresses weeds, provides nutrients to the plants and enhances the overall appearance of the garden.
Dobbies’ Holiday Club takes place from the start of July where children will learn about the different herbs and microgreens that can be used as pizza toppings.
The Holiday Club session will show the difference herbs can make to a pizza, adding bold or subtle flavours as well as having nutritional value. The children in attendance will also learn how to grow herbs and microgreens at home with ease.
Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell said: “We are excited to be hosting two fantastic sessions for kids in our Edinburgh store this summer.
“Not only are these sessions a great way to keep children entertained and busy during the holidays, but it’s a great chance for them to meet friends and try something new. If you haven’t already checked out our free sessions, please do come along this July and get involved.”
Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at July’s Little Seedlings Club workshop and Pizza Planting Holiday Club. The Holiday Club will run throughout the school holidays and customers are encouraged to visit the Dobbies’ website for booking as each store’s availability differs.
For more information on how children can participate, visit: Events | Dobbies Garden
Celebrating the importance of families, Edinburgh born foster carer Sarah Byrom launched her new book ‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ at Carberry Tower in Edinburgh on Sunday 18th June.
‘I couldn’t put it down. It is truly a beautiful work of art and so imaginative. It is one of the most beautiful books I have and I will treasure it.’ – Gillian Ferguson, Chair of Edinburgh’s Friends of the City Art Centre & Museums (FCAC)
‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ is a labour of love for the published author. It took over a year to write but 13 years to publish. The book is an illustrated memoir and collection of short stories, poems and recipes celebrating Sarah’s childhood and a tribute to ‘the wonderment and often bonkerness of daily, family life.’
The local author values family life and just over a year ago became a foster carer with Aberlour. Recognising the importance of Aberlour’s work to support struggling families through its Urgent Assistance Fund, Sarah is covering all costs herself so that every penny donated for the book and cards will go to the emergency relief fund.
Sarah Byrom, author and Aberlour foster carer said:“Over the past 14 years I have been working on ‘Marmalade Raspberries & Albrecht – a Poetry Prose Memoir’ and it’s great to finally see it in print.
The book is a tribute to my late mother, grandmo”ther and close family friend, Edith Wright. It was wonderful to think about my childhood and how important it was in making me the person I am today.
“I have always loved kids and during lockdown I decided to investigate becoming a foster carer to give a child the opportunities and love I had growing up. That was when I was introduced to Aberlour Children’s Charity.
“My little one has now been with me for over a year now. I wanted to use my book to help families struggling across the country. Life is tough for everyone now, but it is especially difficult for many low-income families.”
Aberlour works across Scotland providing a range of services including family support and fostering. Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund has been a lifeline for many desperate families during the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, giving emergency cash grants to pay for food, utilities, clothing, nappies and other basics.
Since April 2021 over 16,000 people have received grants from the Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund worth £1.8 million.
Nicola Fearon, Head of Fostering at Aberlour said: “We are so proud of Sarah.
“Not only has she published this wonderful book about her childhood and the important people in it, but she is using the book to raise much needed funds to help families struggling to make ends meet.”
Abby Parkhouse, Community Fundraiser at Aberlour said: “1 in 4 children in Scotland are currently living in poverty. Through our Urgent Assistance Fund we are able to help families in desperate need by providing cash grants to help them buy food, clothe their children and keep the lights on.
We are so grateful to Sarah for using something so very personal to raise money to help others struggling to keep their heads above water during the cost-of-living crisis. Without supporters like Sarah, we wouldn’t be there for the families who need us.”
The book was launched initially in Sarah’s childhood home’s garden, an important place in both her and her family’s life, with close friends and family.
The second launch took place on 18th June at Carberry Tower with friends and special guests including team members from Aberlour.
Sarah will also be releasing a 12-episode podcast series about the book.
73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are planning a holiday with at least three generations of their family this year
Multigenerational holidays are a key trend for 2023, with people desperate to make up for lost time after Covid.
According to a new survey, 73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are now contemplating the idea of planning a getaway involving at least three generations of their family. Grandparents are excited to celebrate milestone events with 33% with a fifth saying it is key they can indulge in luxury experiences.
It can be difficult to keep three generations happy, 52% want to explore and discover shared interests together. For parents with children under one, the excitement of booking multigenerational holidays is just beginning with 95% saying they would consider booking one.
Having other members of the family about helps take the burden off new parents with 55% saying a multigenerational holiday is so important for them as they are more relaxed than when they are at home.
The research, commissioned by Visit Dubai and based on a survey of a thousand British adults, suggests families are increasingly looking for opportunities to spend quality time together with 70% expressing a desire to creating lasting memories while on holiday.
One thing that the whole family can agree on is that good weather is at the top of the agenda with parents saying this is the most important thing for them (60%). Grandparents agree at 52%, and kids at 46%.
TOP HOLIDAY PRIORITIES BY GENERATION
Parents: Good value (61%) Good weather (60%) Plenty of activities for everyone (54%) A stress-free and relaxing experience (52%) Entertainment (50%)
Children: Lots of kid’s activities (68%) Entertainment (65%) Good weather (46%) Plenty of activities for everyone (37%) Safety (25%)
Grandparents: Good weather (52%) A stress-free and relaxing experience (49%) Good value (47%) Safety (37%) Entertainment (32%)
Now that the long school holiday is on the horizon, many parents in Scotland will be sorting out extra childcare over the break.
At the NSPCC Helpline, we often receive calls asking about the appropriate age to allow children to stay home alone. Between work appointments and other family commitments it’s inevitable that some parents will have to deal with this situation.
It can be difficult to know what’s best to do and it’s natural for parents to worry. With this in mind I thought it would be a good opportunity to give some insight into when it is safe for your child to be home alone.
There is no legal age that a child can be left home alone but it’s against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently so it would be almost impossible to have a ‘one size fits all’ law. A child who doesn’t feel comfortable should never be left home alone and, obviously, infants aged 0 to 3 should never be left, even for a few minutes. Also, we wouldn’t recommend leaving a child under 12 years old home alone, particularly for longer periods of time.
However, as children get older they may want more freedom and independence. This can present another tough decision for parents and carers, and one that will differ from child to child. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan in place, to help to build up their independence at a pace that is right for them.
It’s absolutely vital to talk to your child about how they feel about this situation and to ask if they are worried about anything when home alone. Regularly checking how they feel can pinpoint any concerns and will give you an idea of how to help or why they might not be ready. If they are happy to be home alone for a while, it’s always good to check in with them during that time to make sure they feel safe.
Parents can contact our helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk for more advice.
Our Childline service is available too, and children can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or via a one-to-one chat on www.childline.org.uk
