Tag: Children and Families

Childrens’ health advice from NHS24

As children return to school this week, NHS24 – Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation – is reminding parents of the wealth of health advice and information available to help their families stay fit and healthy throughout the year …

skoolNHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “With children returning to school this week, what better time than for parents to think about their children’s health and preparing for the year ahead.

“NHS inform includes a section on common health questions associated with children’s health, with information on a wide variety of matters from diet and exercise to pain relief and blood types.
“There is also a section dedicated to answering those common questions you may have about vaccinations and you can also find out what to have in your first aid kit at home.

“It is a busy time of year for parents as they get ready for the new school year but I would advise them to take some time now to think about their children’s health. By taking simple steps, you can help prevent minor illnesses affecting your family.”

For further health advice and information go to www.nhsinform.co.uk

The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years.

The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.

NHS24lgo

Lottery boost for Haven project

circle familyWest Pilton-based charity Circle  has been awarded £10000 from the Communities and Families fund, an initiative supported by the Scottish Government and Big Lottery Fund. The grant will support activities at Circle’s Haven Project based at Craigroyston Primary School.

Announcing the awards earlier this week, Maureen McGinn, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland Committee, said: “I’m delighted to announce today’s grants for projects that encourage healthy lifestyles, outdoor activities, and support with parenting skills. The aim of the Communities and Families Fund is to help give children the best start in life and we’re keen to hear from groups across the country that could benefit from this funding. Details of our simple application process can be found on our website or by calling 0300 123 7110.”

The £10,000 grant to The Family Service Unit Scotland (Circle) will help families in the Craigroyston area to improve their health and wellbeing by learning key parenting skills. As well as providing a series of outdoor trips and family events, the project will also encourage fathers to be more actively involved in their child’s development.

Anna Flaherty, Manager of Circle, said: “Circle Haven is a community based project providing support to children and families living in the area to improve the general wellbeing of the whole family. The project comes into daily contact with families experiencing hardship, as well as ill health, unemployment, family break up, drug and alcohol addiction.

“The funding will enable us to provide quality experiences that families otherwise would not have. We do this by delivering group work programmes for parents and children that ultimately encourages educational experiences for parents, children and babies, increases social networks, offers peer support and improves the participants’ general health and wellbeing.”

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Families, said: “I am delighted to see the wide range of projects the Communities and Families Fund supports and the latest projects to receive funding. I want Scotland to be the best place to grow up and our joint venture with the Big Lottery Fund aims to help families and communities flourish by supporting local projects that can make a big impact on improving the lives of children and families.”

The Communities and Families Fund has a budget of £4.5 million from The Scottish Government and £1.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund. Groups can apply for funding from £250 to £10,000.

To find out more about the scheme and how to apply, visit:

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_communities_and_families_fund

or telephone 0300 123 7110.

Fun in the park, by George!

Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership’s BIG Search finished with a flourish at King George V Park on Monday, with an afternoon of family fun and games.

Thanks to the Friends of KGV and Scotland Yard Parks for the photographs, and Mark Sydenham of Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust for sending them on to us.

KGV event 2014 a

KGV event 2014 b

KGV event 2014 d

KGV event 2014 f

KGV event 2014 h

POP at PY

image001

PYCP’s Preventative Opportunities Programme (POP) are now looking to receive referrals for young people aged 14-18 years to start now and continue until February next year.

It is a six month intensive support package for young people and their families. We will offer the young person 1:1 support, group work based sessions on a range of different issues and interests and possibly some outings.

We will also provide the parent/carers and siblings with support on what issues are affecting the family and opportunities to get involved in new experiences and activities together as a family.

If you have any young person or family who would benefit from this type of support or have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly on 332 9815 or send a referral to Katie@pycp.co.uk.

I have attached a referral form and a poster for families (see below) to look at as we do require the family to agree to the support before a referral is received.

POP Leaflet pdf version

POP referral-form

Katie Grover
Senior Preventative Worker, Pilton Youth and Children’s Project

Circle’s storytellers ‘writely’ pleased with new book!

‘No-one really knew what it was. People walking past stopped and stared …’

DSCF0059Children and parents from Circle’s Haven project created their own book, ‘The Sandpit Volcano’, during Haven’s Storytelling Week project, which ran from 28 July – 2 August.

The Sandpit Volcano tells the tale of brave kangaroos, crabbit crustaceans and creepy castles with flags made from used underpants – delightful!  Children who were involved in the creation of the story read it in public for the first time on Friday and it really is a fantastic tale!

The Haven Project group was assisted by Edinburgh-based author Mike Nicholson (pictured below with ten-month old ‘helper’ Caleb!), who writes children’s fiction. He has two novels published; mystery adventures packed with past secrets, colourful characters and fiendish plots! Based on his writing experience, Mike runs events for all ages in schools and at book festivals, often based on encouraging children to create their own story ideas. Mike worked with the Circle project on a similar project last year – a swashbuckling tale of pirates on the seven seas – and he was delighted to return for what it’s hoped may become an annual event.

DSCF0033It was an intensive week for all involved – from a day of ideas and discussions following a trip to Cramond, working with Mike to develop story ideas and then producing artwork and storyboards – but it was both interesting and fun for all involved.

One mum said: “It really was good fun and we’re all looking forward to seeing the book when it’s printed – oh, and the bairns enjoyed it all too!”

North Edinburgh Arts Angela Austin worked on the artwork with the group. “This was a great group to work with – everyone was really enthusiastic and there was lots of energy and ideas”, she said. “Lots of people are really good at art and being creative without realizing the talent they have, and I think this project has shown that”.

The artwork is now off to the printers and it’s hoped the Circle storytellers will see the The Sandpit Volcano in book form within the next 2-3 weeks.

DSCF0038

Join Greenspace Trust for balsam bashing on Monday!

banner-home01Balsam bashing, anyone? Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are going to be busy on Monday – would you like to get involved too?

There is an afternoon of events taking place at King George V Park at Canonmills, just through the tunnel after the Tesco on the cycle path, this coming Monday.

12-2pm – the Inverleith Quest, which culminates in the park – a treasure hunt organised by Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership, starting from Stockbridge

2-4pm – Parkour display in the park – watch some Parkour, be inspired and find out how to take part and get involved

2-4pm – Park Family Fun event – to mark the opening of the new play park area, there will be a barbecue and activities, including a portable football pitch and possible also circus skills classes…

There is a bit more information about the Quest here:

http://www.edinburghnp.org.uk/neighbourhood-partnerships/inverleith/what%27s-on/events-in-inverleith/?partnershipId=11&startDate=4/8/2014

ELGT are running more activities along the cycle paths in the coming months. Our aim is to get people to come down and try the paths, have a go at getting involved in conservation and other activities in the surrounding woodlands, and to help make the area a nicer place to visit. Chopping back undergrowth and overhanging branches will hopefully make the paths feel safer.

Balsam bashing

So, please see the attached flyer (above) for an activity this coming Monday evening for Himalayan Balsam bashing – i.e. getting people to come along and help clear the plants before the flowers seed and spread. I can’t find a way of describing it which doesn’t make it sound like hard work – but it is actually a great way of spending an hour or so, and very satisfying!

We will be organising more sessions in the coming months, including tree clearing, ivy cutting, path creation etc – if you would like to get involved, either as an individual or as an organisation, please let us know. We would love to be able to host your group or participants down on the paths.

Mark Sydenham
Fundraising and Marketing Manager | Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Inverleith’s BIG Search takes place on Monday

BigSearch

Visit the of wealth of parks, libraries and other landmarks in Inverleith!

Have fun in your area!

Come join The BIG search in Inverleith – for all ages (teams of up to 6 people one of whom must be named responsible adult) to explore the neighbourhood by following clues and questions, then bringing the completed sheets back to King George V Park for an afternoon of fun activities including BBQ, launch of new park play equipment!

Come collect your question sheet and map plus a free tshirt for first 50 participants from 12 at Blackhall Library and bring it back to King George V Park by 2.30pm. Take part in fun activities, BBQ and winners will be announced after launch of new play equipment at 3pm.

This event is part of Inverleith Summer Programme. For more information, or to register your team, contact Callum on 332 6316, email callum.mcleod@ea.edin.sch.uk or Elaine on 07803 454565, email elaine.lennon@edinburgh.gov.uk

Family fun and games at Grassmarket

Old Town gets ready to celebrate Playday

playday1Edinburgh’s Grassmarket will be transformed into a giant children’s play area tomorrow as the city to promote play in the city. The historic Old Town street will be transformed, with lots of family-friendly activities on offer including junk drumming, giant weaving, magic potions, a giant sand pit, water play and a cardboard city!

The event hopes to build on the successes of previous years where thousands of people have came along to join in Playday activities.

Playday is the national day for play, which is being celebrated next week. On Playday thousands of children and their families get out to play at hundreds of community events across the UK.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. It’s all about learning for life and showing that play is fun not just for the child but for adults as well.

logoCouncillor Keith Robson is the city council’s ‘Play Champion’. He said: “Play is a massively important part of a child’s development and makes a tremendous contribution to happy and healthy childhoods. Our very popular Playday in the Grassmarket provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate play and promote its many benefits.

“One of our objectives is that we want to ensure that communities recognise the importance of play for children especially outdoor play. Not only are there significant health benefits from being out in the open air, but also exposure to a range of different activities can help a child’s development.

“Here in Edinburgh we’re very lucky to have some fantastic outdoor spaces and I would encourage all parents to get outdoors with their children during these lovely summer months. The great park at west end of Princes Street Gardens has been a family favourite these holidays when friends have been visiting from around the UK.”

Edinburgh’s Playday event will be held in the Grassmarket from 12.30pm – 4.30pm. On offer will be a giant sand pit, water play, magic potions, cardboard city, play pod, mud kitchen, giant weaving, play for babies, junk drumming and much more!

Access is free but children should be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact

cf.play@edinburgh.gov.uk

Edinburgh_Playday_369x475There have already been two meetings of the Edinburgh Play Forum which is made up of various community groups, schools and other organisations with an interest in promoting play in the city. The aim is to make Edinburgh a playful city where children can enjoy their childhood.

The Council is currently updating it’s Play Strategy which will be discussed at the Education, Children & Families Committee later in the year.

Foodies Festival to tempt tastebuds in Inverleith

cakes

Foodies Festival, the UK’s largest celebration of food & drink, returns to Inverleith Park all weekend from Friday 8th – Sunday 10th August.

Each year the ever-growing festival sees visitors flock to feast on a delightful choice of culinary activities, making Foodies Festival one of the big social events of the summer.

This year we’re promised top chefs cooking in the Chef’s Theatre; wine, beer, and cocktails in the Drinks Theatre; you can join top pastry chefs in the brand new Chocolate, Cake, Bake and Preserves Theatre, and kids can learn to cook too in the Children’s Cookery Theatre.

A new Feasting Tent at the heart of the festival will become the social hub, where visitors will enjoy eating with chefs, friends and family at long banqueting tables.

Another fun addition this year is the Vintage Tea Tent that will hold daily tea dances, alongside a Vintage Kitchen Market allowing visitors to pick up beautiful pieces to add to their own kitchens at home.

The new Real Ale and Cider Farm offers an area for visitors to chill out on hay bales and strike up a conversation with beer and cider expert Melissa Cole and fellow beer lovers. There’s a guitar behind the bar for those in the mood to get a sing-along started! Who knows, maybe The Wurzels will make a surprise guest appearance!

A new Chilli Food Market will excite those with a love for spicy foods with a range of chilli growers and artisan producers of sauces, sweets and jams. For those who can handle the heat a Chilli Eating Challenge takes place at 5pm daily!

Foodies Festival tickets are on sale now – for tickets or more information visit www.foodiesfestival.com