Tag: City of Edinburgh Council

Drive to end the waste of empty properties

The shortage of good quality housing is a challenge for both national and local government but initiatives are under way to try to meet the shortfall and cut waiting lists …

Housing and empty property rates reform will aim to regenerate Scotland’s communities, Local Government Derek Mackay said ahead of a stage one debate on the Unoccupied Properties Bill yesterday.

The Bill will allow councils to remove existing discounts and increase council tax on certain long-term empty homes, which often fall into disrepair and can become a focus for antisocial behaviour such as vandalism or fly tipping. There are 25,000 long-term empty homes across Scotland and these new powers could assist councils to work with home owners to provide homes for people who need them.

The reforms also include measures to incentivise owners of vacant business premises to  bring up to 5,500 properties back into commercial use.

Under the current system of Empty Property Relief the Scottish Government would have provided approximately £757m of business rates subsidies, over the period 2010-15, to owners of business premises who have failed to find occupants. The new reforms will reduce this subsidy by £36m and aims to encourage maximum occupancy of Scotland’s town centres, linking to the Regeneration and Town Centre Strategies.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Mr Mackay said: “The Unoccupied Properties Bill is an important step in regenerating and revitalising communities across Scotland. At a time where there are over 140,000 families and individuals on social housing waiting lists and 25,000 long-term empty properties across Scotland, these reforms could play a significant role in providing homes for people who need them.

“The Bill will assist councils to remove discounts and increase council tax on certain empty homes and should be a strong incentive to owners to sell or let the property to someone who needs it.  The Scottish Government is focused on retaining Scotland’s reputation as the most supportive environment for business in the UK and the review of business rates reflects the current economic challenges and opportunities.  The total relief package offered by Scottish Government now exceeds £0.5 billion per year.

“The current system of empty property relief is not working for our communities and we recognise there is a need to incentivise owners of business premises to find occupants. We are working with stakeholders across the business community and we plan to introduce new incentives which will potentially bring up to 5,500 vacant business properties back into use.

“This Government is focused on supporting Scotland’s business community. We have retained the small business bonus scheme, which has either eliminated or substantially reduced business rates for two out of every five commercial properties in Scotland, and even after proposed reform, empty property relief will remain significantly more generous than that offered in England and Wales.

“As part of the Town Centre Strategy, this Government wants to see Scotland’s high streets thriving. I have listened to, and will continue to listen to, a wide range of stakeholders on these reforms and I have emphasised that there is flexibility on our approach.

“We are open to ideas on how we can maximise opportunities to regenerate our town centres and the planned town centre review will build on this and look to tackle some of the long-standing issues facing communities, through working with local authorities and others to deliver innovative solutions.”

RICS Scotland Director, Sarah Speirs:   “RICS Scotland wishes to see all land and property to have a purpose and be used efficiently. Empty property does not make valid contributions to the Scottish economy, environment or, generally, the sociability of places. Therefore, RICS Scotland agrees with the Scottish Government that the issue of unused and vacant properties needs be addressed, and would welcome positive measures that revitalise Scotland’s high streets and town centres.   “From a commercial point of view, we would hope that a balanced, collaborative approach – where public and private sectors can come together to find sensible solutions that provide access to property for those wishing to produce and trade – can be struck to ensure the consequential impact of any policy does not generate negative perceptions and reduce confidence.”

The Bill has been welcomed in Edinburgh, where a drive is already underway to get empty houses occupied. A task force to bring privately-owned empty homes back into use in the capital is being set up by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The membership of the group  will include representatives from the Scottish Empty  Homes Partnership, private landlords and housing associations.

Some of the key actions for  the task force will be to:

  • put together a bid for  funding from the Scottish Government’s new Empty  Homes Loan Fund
  • consider the need for  advice to owners of empty homes and
  • look at implementing new  legislation which allows local authorities to charge higher council tax for  empty homes.

Latest  figures from the Council show that at December 2011 there were 1,486 private  sector properties empty for more than six months which is 0.8% of all private  sector homes. Of these 967 had been vacant for more than a year.

The Empty Homes Task Force  is one the commitments made by the Capital  Coalition which was formed back in May.

Councillor Cammy Day,  Housing Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Even though Edinburgh  has a relatively low level of empty homes in both the social and private sectors  this Council has a duty to look at all the avenues open to us to deliver more  homes.

“The Capital Coalition made  a commitment in May to set up this task force and I’m delighted that we have  taken what is undoubtedly a major step forward in tackling this pressing issue.

“Everyone knows there is a  desperate need for more housing in the capital and we hope the task force will  be able to find ways of bringing more empty homes back into use.”

Kristen Hubert of Shelter  Scotland, who run the Scottish Government funded Scottish Empty Homes  Partnership, said: “The Council should be praised for setting up this task force  and their commitment to bringing empty homes back into use.

“There are many reasons why  a home might be left empty. Owners can have sentimental attachment to it or they  don’t have the finances, the time or the skills to complete their plans for the  property.

“Whatever the reason,  bringing empty homes back into use has many benefits – it adds to the housing  supply, contributes to local regeneration and supports community  safety.

“We look forward to working  with the taskforce in tackling the problem of empty homes across  Edinburgh.”

A report  on the Empty Homes Task Force is set to be discussed at a meeting of the  Health, Social Care and Housing Committee on Tuesday 11 September.

The percentage of empty  homes in Edinburgh has been steadily decreasing since 2008 from 2.4% to 2% in  2011 – less than the Scottish average of 2.8%.

The Council has already  taken steps to reduce the potential for a greater number of empty homes during  the recession by working with builders and housing associations to buy unsold  new properties and convert them to affordable homes. This has resulted in a  total of 76 newly built unsold properties being purchased since  2010/11.

Earlier this year the  Council used Council Tax data to contact over 1,000 owners of homes that had  been empty for more than six months. They were sent a leaflet outlining the  benefits of bringing their homes back into use.

Adult Education enrolment now open

CRAIGROYSTON a wide range of courses available

With the kids back to school today, what better time to think about going back to school yourself? The city council’s adult education programme offers a wide variety of courses geared to suit your circumstances – and, with venues that include Craigroyston High School and Edinburgh’s Telford College, often right on your own doorstep!

No less than 48 venues are offering courses over the next academic term, and the ever popular programme has some exotic new additions this year – how about some Bollywood dancing or Mexican Cooking to spice up your life?

With day, evening and weekend courses on offer across the city, there is a variety of subjects to choose from, including art, computing, languages, fitness, genealogy, crafts, yoga, belly dancing, wine appreciation, gardening or stress management.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Convener for Education, Children and Families said: “The amount of classes and subject matter on offer this year is absolutely fantastic, there truly is something to suit all tastes.  Some will see these classes as an opportunity to try something new or take on a hobby but they can also be a stepping stone on to further education or indeed into a new career.

“I would advise anyone who has some time to spare over the coming autumn and winter to look into what’s on offer and to secure your place sooner rather than later.”

Rajni Ravikunar, who is teaching a Bollywood Dancing class this year, says she is looking forward to classes starting   and is encouraging the public to have a go: “The classes are great fun and will give participants a chance to get fit too.  We’ll be bringing a taste of Bollywood glamour to Edinburgh, I’m really excited.”

There are a number of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at Higher and Unit levels being run by Stevenson College Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Telford College. These can be taken as formal qualifications for work, college or university or simply for personal development or interest.

Courses start on 24 September except Highers which begin on 03 September. Enrolment is now open.

TELFORD offers Highers and SQA Units

 

The Edinburgh Guarantee

Ann Confrey with the third in a series of articles on Employment and Training opportunities in North Edinburgh:

The Edinburgh Guarantee

A joint initiative to improve employment opportunities and break the cycle of youth unemployment 

At almost double the adult level, youth unemployment is a growing problem in Edinburgh. Addressing this problem is one of the highest priorities for Edinburgh and the city is meeting the challenge head on with a new political coalition that is working in partnership with business.

The challenge of finding employment is significant enough for those with degrees and good exam results but for anyone without those qualifications that challenge can appear insurmountable.

The numbers tell a bleak story:

  • In the year ending September 2011, 6,000 residents of Edinburgh aged 16 to 24 were unemployed – 36% of the total number of people unemployed in the city
  • In May 2012, there were 2,845 Jobseekers Allowance claimants aged under 24 in Edinburgh – 24% of all claimants
  • Of the 3,423 pupils, who left publicly- funded schools in 2011, 423 – almost 12% – were unemployed nine months later.

So what is the City of Edinburgh Council doing to address this problem and secure a future for our young people?

When Chief Executive Sue Bruce (above) took over as Chief Executive in 2011, one statistic struck her more than any other. She said: “Of the thirty two local authorities in Scotland, Edinburgh was sitting at 32nd for providing positive destinations for its school leavers from publicly funded schools.”

“Scotland’s Capital city was at the bottom of the list when it came to getting its young people into a job, a training course or higher education. That trend had to be tackled, it had to be arrested and reversed.

“It was clear that the problem would not be solved either quickly or by the council working alone. To create an environment where school leavers would have opportunity to realise and fulfil their potential, every sector of the city would need to come together with one purpose, to galvanise business and change the landscape for the better forever.”

The result was the Edinburgh Guarantee, created to drive a cultural change that recognizes the creativity and energy that young people can bring to business, dispel the negative perceptions and unite the public, private and third sectors to achieve a common goal – A positive destination for every school leaver.

On 8 December last year a call went out to city businesses and organisations across all sectors to provide jobs, paid work experience, training or continued education for every school leaver in Edinburgh.

The call was made at a breakfast debate which brought together 120 individuals from Edinburgh businesses and organisations to discuss the ongoing issue of youth unemployment in Edinburgh and to encourage participation in the development and delivery of the Edinburgh Guarantee.

Under the Guarantee, Edinburgh City Council has committed to ensuring that “…all teenagers will have the chance to leave school with a job, work placement or apprenticeship secured in order to drive down youth unemployment to zero”.

What is the Council doing?

As a lead partner in the Edinburgh Guarantee, and as the city’s largest single employer, the Council has fully committed to taking positive action to increase the number of opportunities that it offers to young people and to provide additional targeted support to maximise their take up.

In 2011/12 it created:

  • 50 new apprenticeships in the Council using existing Modern Apprentice Framework
  • 80 new training places in the Council offering support and work experience for young people assessed as not job ready
  • 50 opportunities with Council contractors through the use of community benefit clauses

How are businesses encouraged to participate?

The Council will provide support to other employers who join the Edinburgh Guarantee through the services of a dedicated Economic Development Business Liaison Officer. (pam.peters@edinburgh.gov.uk)

The types of support available include:

  • Marketing of opportunities
  • Briefing of young people’s support agencies
  • Pre-screening of applicants
  • Practical support for young person’s transition into work eg bus passes, food vouchers etc
  • In work support for vulnerable young people
  • Training for staff to be coaches/mentors for young people
  • Sign posting to potential funding sources
  • Sharing success and best practice

Facts’n’ Figures update:

Since it’s inception in 2011

  • more than 100 businesses and organisations have joined the Edinburgh Guarantee
  • over 400 additional opportunities have been generated
  • 50 new apprentice posts have been created within City of Edinburgh Council

What does that mean for young people in North Edinburgh? Will this initiative benefit them or pass them by?

From the progress being made it certainly looks like North Edinburgh is benefitting greatly from the initiative and employers are delighted at the choice of talent in the area.

The success of local initiatives has been noticed further afield – so much so that earlier this year Craigroyston Community High School had a very high profile visitor when HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay joined a number of business leaders on a ‘Seeing is believing’ visit.

As part of the visit, two local business leaders talked about their experiences of taking part in a paired reading programme every Thursday to support the school’s literacy programme.

The Duke heard all about the Employability Course – a course that offers pupils in S4 the chance to develop their skills, make the most of work experience opportunities and business mentoring.

Muirhouse Youth Development Group demonstrated how, having become a Social Enterprise, they ran a Bike Project in the school.

Scottish Champions of the ‘Formula 1 in Schools’ programme demonstrated their winning car and explained how business support had been crucial to their success.

Prince Charles visited each of these projects, and commended the links that the school and business leaders had established. He encouraged business leaders to increase their engagement with schools, and encouraged everyone to continue working towards positive destinations for all leavers.

Edinburgh’s Telford College – Junior College

“There are a huge number of young people who could excel in certain areas of employment if they were made aware of them and given access and opportunity to pursue them.“ says Principle Miles Dibsdall OBE (pictured above). Here at our Junior College students are presented with a range of courses to help them chose a route to further education or employment. The College works together with Children and Families and Economic Development teams at the Council to ensure that course planning is linked to both senior phased in secondary school and employment opportunities being created in the city.

“By understanding the areas of work in need of employees and reflecting this need in the qualifications we provide we have a good chance of making this (the Guarantee) a reality.” added Miles.

Other contributing local initiatives include Barnardo’s Works Edinburgh based close to Granton Square. The established team is about to embark on a fourth successive year delivering employment programmes across the city.

Participants of the programme go through a tailored induction to develop their employability skills before moving on to a placement with an employer whilst still able to claim benefits. Placements give the young people opportunity to demonstrate what they can bring to a business while the employer benefits from dedicated support throughout the placement period.

Employers can be part of this success – contact helen.brown@barnardos.org.uk

Facts’n’Figures: So far 40% of young people going through the Barnardo’s programme are now in independent employment across a range of sectors.

Ann Confrey

 

Council urged to ‘dive in’ to save Waterworld

Campaigners plan a springboard for success?

Splashback, the Edinburgh residents’ campaign seeking to re-open Leith Waterworld, will this morning submit a bid for a community-led re-opening of the leisure pool. Waterworld was closed in January and subsequently put up for sale by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC).

Back in February, councillors postponed a decision on the sale for six months following the submission of a 6500 signature petition by campaigners.

The community bid, which comprises a detailed business case and offer letter, will be handed in by campaigners to council headquarters at Waverley Court this morning. the site.

Campaigner Johnny Gailey said: “Today we’re taking our community bid to the Council, handing over the torch to the Council. It is only fitting that, during this exciting Olympic time, the future of such a well-loved and accessible pool is secured for the people of Leith, all of Edinburgh and beyond. We are providing a proposal, a springboard, for a new beginning for Waterworld, and we hope the Council will take a leap of faith and dive in.”

Fellow campaigner Ida Maspero said: “We believe our business case and supporting documents demonstrate that best value – in the broadest sense, not simply financial – will be achieved by giving the community a chance to re-open this unique and much-loved leisure pool.”

The business case draws heavily on the results of an extensive user survey run by Splashback between mid-May and end-July.  The survey, which saw over 800 responses, is part impact study and part market research. It reveals the damaging impact of the closure in January, with 74% of respondents saying that they are now swimming less since Leith Waterworld closed.

Maspero continued: “Waterworld’s unique features – particularly its warmer water temperature and shallow beach area – made it particularly popular with parents of young children to gain early water confidence, and for those with disabilities to enjoy the freedom of water. The survey has seen a good number of responses from people with disabilities or their carers, identified by respondents as a user group for whom Waterworld was particularly important.”

One respondent wrote: ‘I attended Leith Waterworld almost every saturday and sunday for the last 5 years.  I am a carer for a young man with Down Syndrome and we loved coming along every weekend, sometimes both days.  Then I had my daughter 2 years ago and brought her every weekend too.  It is very badly missed!’

For more information on the Splashback campaign visit their blog www.splashbackedinburgh.blogspot.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook/com/SaveLeithWaterworld

The Council’s talking rubbish!

Well, recycling anyway!

The city council has organised a series of recycling events to raise awareness of imminent changes to refuse collection and recycling services. The recycling roadshow rumbles into North Edinburgh’s Local Neighbourhood Office in West Pilton Gardens on Wednesday 15 August from 10am – 2.30pm and again on Wednesday 29 August (same venue and times).

For further information visit: http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20048/waste_education/480/recycling_roadshows_and_events

 

 

Campaign group seeks answers on ‘privatisation’

Local campaign group North Edinburgh Fights Back has written to city council leaders seeking assurances that council services will not be privatised. The group wrote the letter following a recent meeting in Muirhouse where concern was expressed over the introduction of increasing numbers of non-council staff into cleansing and refuse operations.

Writing to council leader Councillor Andrew Burns, Mike Vallance said:

I am writing on behalf of North Edinburgh Fights Back, a community group
involved in opposing public service cuts and privatisation, and fighting  against injustice and inequality. You will of course be familiar with our group, not least from our recent presentation of the Anti Poverty Charter to the full CEC meeting.

 As is made clear in the Charter, our group is totally opposed to the privatisation of public services and the cuts in services and worsening in working conditions this invariably entails. As such we played a full part in the campaign to keep the Street Cleansing, Refuse Collection, Janitorial and related services in-house, and were very pleased when the CEC voted to reject the privatisation of these services.

Of course the Labour Group voted to keep these services in-house, and thus our members were shocked when they learnt at our meeting on 25 July in Muirhouse that your administration is presiding over the introduction of large numbers of workers from the private contractor Blue Arrow into the Street Cleansing and Refuse Collection services.

We understand that over the last fortnight around 60 Blue Arrow staff have started operating out of the Cowans Close depot, carrying out street cleansing in Edinburgh city centre. This follows the recent similar controversial use of employees from the private company Enterprise in street cleansing, an episode which was publicised in the local media.

And for several months, refuse collection workers have told us, at least 20 – 30 Blue Arrow employees have been working at the Russell Road refuse depot. In addition five lorries, each staffed by 3 Blue Arrow workers, have been operating out of Powderhall depot. What’s more, Blue Arrow recently advertised for 3 refuse collection supervisors to work on a council contract.

Our members are shocked to hear the CEC are effectively disregarding the decision to keep these services in-house, a decision that so many Edinburgh citizens campaigned to achieve.

We understand from workers we have spoken to, that they believe that new workers are indeed needed and that they should be recruited as normal directly employed council workers, where possible with permanent contracts, and we totally support this.

We have also been informed that shop stewards have brought these matters up with both management and with councillors, and they report their views seem to be ignored.

We also have been informed that the CEC is trying to impose new shift patterns on workers in Refuse Collection, including a compulsory back shift, working up to 10.30pm at night. We are in complete support of theworkforce’s opposition to being forced to work such anti-social hours.

What’s more, it is clear that these hours would mean bin lorries operating in residential areas late at night, causing disturbance to residents, including disturbing children trying to sleep before school the next day. Further we understand from workers that this would cause major problems at addresses where the workers, due to the resident’s disability or frailty, need to come into gardens to take out and empty buckets: such residents are likely to be alarmed at workers doing this relatively late at night, at a time when in winter it will be long past nightfall.

In this respect, we can inform you that at our meeting several people reported bin lorries already operating very late at night, even in the early hours of the morning, in north Edinburgh/ Greater Pilton – we presume this is the private contractors which the CEC are using?

We demand that the CEC reverse the decision to use private contractors in Refuse Collection and Street Cleansing and instead take on the new workers needed as normal directly employed council employees, where-ever possible on permanent contracts. We ask for your immediate reply to explain what you are going to do about this matter.

We further ask that you send us full details of the Blue Arrow contracts in Street Cleansing and Refuse Collection, including length of time, number of workers involved, etc. In addition we ask you to inform us who authorised these contracts, for example were they decided upon at CEC committees and/ or the full Council?

The North Edinburgh Fights Back letter has been passed on to Councillor Lesley Hinds, who has responsibility for Transport, Infrastructure and Environment issues. Cllr Hinds has requested information from the Director of Services for Communities and plans to respond to the group when this information is available.

Stay safe during the Festival

The Festival gets into full swing this month and Edinburgh’s population more than doubles as visitors pour into the city to be entertained. With the Fringe getting under way this weekend, police have issued safety advice to visitors from near and far.

Lothian and Borders Police are encouraging those visiting Edinburgh’s festivals to think about how they can guard against falling victim to crime.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists and visitors are expected to visit the Capital in the weeks ahead, and while incidents of crime remain relatively low during the festival period, the increased numbers of people in the city provide attractive opportunities for criminals.

The policing response to this year’s festival activity will focus on preventing crime, in particular theft, violent crime, and anti-social behaviour.

As part of this preventative approach, police are urging people to access advice on how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.

Tips on crime prevention are available on information displays that have been erected in the High Street, while the Police Information Centre, also located in the High Street, will act as a hub where visitors will be able to obtain advice.

Chief Inspector Gavin Phillip, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world-renowned and attract a huge number of visitors, enhancing the Capital’s reputation as a safe place to visit, live, and work.

“We want to ensure that people enjoying the city during this period have an enjoyable time, and in that regard our policing plan in the month ahead will focus heavily on crime prevention.

“In particular, we want people to take steps to keep their personal possessions safe and avoid falling victim to thieves.

Likewise, we are asking revellers taking advantage of the extended opening hours during the festival to be mindful of their personal safety.

“A range of crime prevention advice is available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and I would urge those planning to visit the city centre in the weeks ahead to visit the site”.

Community Safety Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Edinburgh really comes alive during the festival season with thousands of people flocking to the city centre to take in all the fantastic events taking place.

“Thanks to the great partnership work between City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police the Capital is a safe place, however it’s important people take steps to ensure they don’t fall victim to crime.

“There will also be extra patrols from both police and the Council’s community safety officers and environmental wardens to ensure the city continues to offer a very warm welcome to visitors from all over the world.”

 

Flying the flag: Edinburgh’s greenest of them all!

Edinburgh’s parks have scooped a record number of Green Flag Awards for the best green spaces in Scotland. Of 44 flags awarded in Scotland this year, the capital scooped no less than 24 awards – more than half of all flags presented across the country!

Ravelston Park and Woods is one of four new city parks to receive Green Flag recognition for the first time this year, and they join twenty who retained their awards from last year.

Parks are judged against eight criteria, including community involvement and sustainability. The Green Flag Awards criteria:

  • A welcoming place
  • Healthy, safe and secure
  • Clean and well maintained
  • Sustainability
  • Conservation and heritage
  • Community involvement
  • Marketing
  • Management

Welcoming the announcement, city environment leader Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “We’re delighted that, once again, Edinburgh is leading the way is providing high quality parks and gardens for our residents. The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out by local communities and staff to ensure Edinburgh’s renowned parks are preserved.”

Flag raising ceremonies will take place in the four newly awarded parks next week.

The Green Flag Awards were established by Keep Britain Tidy in 1996. Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “An award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy”.

Edinburgh’s green roll of honour

The parks and green spaces in Edinburgh to be given a Green Flag Award this year are:

  • Prestonfield Park (New award)
  • Ravelston Woods Local Nature Reserve and Park      (New award)
  • Ferry Glen and Back Braes (New award)
  • Lochend Park (New award)
  • Braidburn Valley Park
  • Pentland Hills Regional Park
  • Harrison Park
  • Easter Craiglockhart Hill LNR
  • Hopetoun Crescent Garden
  • Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park
  • Inverleith Park
  • Figgate Park
  • Station Road Park
  • London Road Gardens
  • Corstorphine Hill
  • Craigmillar Castle Park
  • Portobello Community Garden
  • Morningside Park
  • Muir Wood Park
  • Hailes Quarry Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Hermitage and Blackford Hill Local Nature      Reserve
  • St Margaret’s Park
  • Princes Street Gardens

For more information on the Green Flag Award scheme, visit ww.keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag.

You need friends: LEAP launches fundraising charity

Malta House
Saturday proved to be an especially happy birthday for a groundbreaking local project when a new charity aimed at raising funds for LEAP, the Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme, was launched as part of LEAP’s fifth anniversary celebrations. Founders of the Friends of LEAP charity joined graduates, patients and staff at their annual ‘reunion’ event to celebrate the continued success of the innovative service based at Malta House in Stockbridge. 

Set up by a group of dedicated and skilled volunteers, Friends of LEAP will help to raise additional funds for the programme along with managing the donations they receive.

Dr David McCartney, Clinical Lead, LEAP, NHS Lothian, said: “LEAP continues to grow from strength to strength with more and more people successfully completing the programme and going on to live alcohol and drug free lives. We are delighted to see that the Friends of LEAP charity has been established. We welcome their support and I am sure their work will make a significant contribution to the service. All donations we receive are gratefully received and will go directly into catering for the needs of our patients.”

Trustee Alison Hume is one of four volunteers involved in setting up the charity. “Having volunteered at LEAP over the last few years we are delighted to set up Friends of LEAP. We have witnessed the dedication of staff, the high success in patients completing the programme and the impact that this has had not only on their lives but also that of their families and friends and we are delighted to be involved in this way.”

The LEAP programme operates seven days a week for people dependent on substances who want to achieve drug and alcohol-free recovery. There are six elements to LEAP’s three-month treatment and rehabilitation programme. These are:

  • Medical
  • Therapeutic
  • Mutual aid/recovery communities
  • Housing
  • Education, training and employability
  • Aftercare

“More than 500 patients have been admitted to the programme,” added Dr David McCartney. “It’s important we celebrate our achievements and look ahead with positivity in continuing to assist people in the future.”

Launched in September 2007 LEAP is the first programme of its kind in Scotland, and is an innovative partnership between NHS Lothian, the City of Edinburgh Council, Transition (Access to Industry) and the Serenity Café and the Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Lothian.

You can find out more about LEAP here LEAP webpage