Tag: Community

Arson attacks cause millions of pounds worth of damage to churches

Churches are being urged to take steps to prevent arson after a church in Sheffield was seriously damaged in an attack.

Claims data from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical shows over 150 churches across the UK have suffered arson attacks over the past five years, causing millions of pounds worth of damage to historic buildings.

In the latest incident, Pitsmoor Christ Church was the victim of a fire on 4 July, which South Yorkshire Police are investigating as arson.

While the number of attacks dropped during the pandemic, Ecclesiastical is warning churches to take urgent action over the summer months when arson attacks more frequently occur.

Nationwide threat

The data revealed that almost every county in the country has seen churches targeted by arsonists, with London, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Essex and Kent the worst affected.

Unlike theft of metal where organised gangs tend to carry out raids over a large geographical area, arson is often as a result of the actions of an individual and with no clear trends. This makes proactive action to protect church buildings even more important

Communities devastated

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical was formed over 135 years ago to protect Anglican churches and church buildings against the risk of fire. The Gloucester-based company’s risk management experts produce fire prevention advice, including arson prevention guidance, specifically designed to help protect churches.

While thankfully a rare occurrence, the impact of arson on churches and the wider community can be substantial as recent significant fires have shown.

In 2017 the Grade II listed Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton, Greater Manchester was devastated by an arson attack leaving the community distraught.. The restoration project, led by Ecclesiastical, is due for completion later this year.

More recently, All Saints Church in Mackworth, Derbyshire was gutted by fire in December 2020. A teenager has since pleaded guilty to setting fire to the church and schools in the area and is awaiting sentencing. A lengthy restoration project is underway to restore the Grade I listed building and return it to the local community.

Churches urged to take steps

Following the latest fire, Ecclesiastical’s risk management team has urged churches to take additional steps to protect themselves.

Jo Whyman, risk management director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Our data shows that arson seems to be on the increase again and the impact of these attacks can be truly devastating.

 “It’s horrible to see churches damaged as a result of a fire – particularly at the hands of criminals. These buildings are part of the fabric of our society, at the heart of our communities, and have been for centuries. Senseless acts by individuals not only destroy bricks and mortar, but often priceless artefacts that have historical significance to our nation.”

Extinguishing the risks

To help manage the risk of an arson attack and help to protect the country’s cherished historic churches, Ecclesiastical’s risk experts have issued advice to churches.

These include:

  • Keep your church secure: At night lock your church doors, windows, and any external gates. Installing security lights and keeping the exterior well lit will deter intruders. Also, consider installing fire alarms, intruder alarms and CCTV that provides continual monitoring to an alarm-receiving centre.
  • Report suspicious activity and make your church look busy: Use the building as much as possible for church and community activities.
  • Practice good housekeeping: Keep internal doors shut and locked when not in use, this can slow the spread of fire through a building and prevents access to obscure areas. Safely store items that could start fires inside the church, for example portable heaters and matches, and move bins away from the outside of the building. Take particular care when building or maintenance projects are being undertaken, ensuring building materials and waste are stored safely, securely and well away from the building.
  • Carry out regular external inspections of your church buildings and grounds: Make regular checks to the building and report damage to the police and your insurers as soon as possible. Cut back vegetation on a regular basis.
  • Repair damage to the church immediately: A damaged building is at risk of further attacks, including arson. Ensure any damage is repaired and graffiti removed quickly.
  • Check your fire extinguishers: Check you have enough fire extinguishers including some that are water (hydro-spray) or carbon dioxide types.
  • Be prepared for fire: Keep up-to-date fire risk assessments for your premises. Consider ways in which deliberate fires could be started and how you can prevent or reduce the risk.

Mr Whyman continued: “Churches are legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment and in doing so they’ll be able to understand the risk of fire – including the risk of an arson attack.

“It is really important that steps are taken to prevent fires and by following our guidance you can help to reduce the risk of arson at your property. The good news is, many of the recommended safeguards don’t require capital investment but simple precautionary steps which could make all the difference.

“Our Risk Management team are on hand to assist our customers and bespoke guidance and support is available through our Risk Advice Line as well as general guidance available on our website.”

A full list of Ecclesiastical’s arson prevention advice can be found at the company’s website, www.ecclesiastical.com.

Aegon supports Pride events

  • Aegon UK and Aegon Asset Management are pleased to announce that they will be supporting this year’s Pride Edinburgh on 25th June and Fife Pride later on this year.

After two full years away due to the pandemic, both Prides are back for 2022 for a celebration of diversity and LGBTQIA+ life in Edinburgh, Fife and beyond. 

This year marks the 25th annual Pride Edinburgh, being titled Pride Edinburgh 25: Let it Be! The day will be filled with fun, inclusive events, including a march from the Scottish Parliament that ends with a music festival.

To make sure that everyone who wants to take part can, Aegon is sponsoring a Ride with Pride bus to help those more vulnerable the opportunity to join in with the march and the festivities.

As sponsors, and a major employer in Edinburgh, Aegon will also have a presence at the event to engage with attendees about Aegon, how the company celebrates inclusivity and diversity, as well as it’s sustainability initiatives.

When Fife Pride returns later this year, it will take place in the centre of Kirkcaldy, with activities from the likes of Surge theatre company, who, sponsored by Aegon, are running free street theatre workshops for the local community in the lead up, with participants being part of a performance on the day itself. Aegon employees will be supporting the workshop and will be there on the day.

Andy Manson, Chief Marketing Officer at Aegon UK, said: “After two years of having many big events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s really exciting that our communities can return to celebrating Pride in person again.

“At Aegon, we’re passionate about creating an inclusive working environment that celebrates all forms of diversity and individuality. We’re really excited to be supporting Pride events again this year: it’s just one of the ways we demonstrate our dedication to being an inclusive employer where everyone can be fully themselves and feel that they belong by celebrating our differences.

“After two years of virtual celebrations, it’s bound to be a fun, lively experience. We wish everyone who attends a wonderful time.”

Join The Picnic in Victoria Park

The Heart of Newhaven Community, Friends of Victoria Park and The VP Allotment Holders invite you to The Picnic in the Park, at Victoria Park on Sunday 19 June from 12.30pm-3.30pm.

Bring a picnic and enjoy meeting your neighbours in the park

  • Children’s Races (including the world-famous 3-legged!) Fun Dog Parade
  • Plant Swap Table
  • Kids’ Books Swap Table
  • Live Music
  • Optional Fancy Dress for People and Pets!
  • Prizes for taking part for Children and Dogs!

Check the ‘Friends of Victoria Park’ and ‘Heart of Newhaven’ Facebook pages for updates

https://www.facebook.com/fovpedinburgh 

and 

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeartofNewhaven)

Inspired by the Eden Project’s Big Lunch

Men’s Sheds to pop up in Scotmid stores during Men’s Health Week!

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has teamed up with Scotmid, for Men’s Health Week (13th – 19th June 2022).

The leading community retailer invited Shedders into their stores to help raise awareness of Men’s Sheds at a community level and to broaden awareness of the wealth of benefits Sheds bring to men’s overall health and wellbeing.

In the UK, men aged 40-49 have the highest rates of suicide*. The Men’s Shed aims to encourage men to have open and honest conversations around mental health, to help tackle loneliness and wider challenges they face and feel unable to talk about.

Carluke Men’s Shed popped up in Scotmid’s Law store and recruited three new members before lunch! Shedders were on hand to chat to customers and answer any questions they had about the charity and the products they produce.

Shirley MacGillivray, Head of Communities and Membership at Scotmid, said: “We are delighted to team up with the SMSA to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds during this important week.

“We recognise the part we can play to improve the health and wellbeing of our employees and the communities that we serve, and this is the perfect way to mark and support Men’s Health Week in our Scottish stores.”

Scotmid has previously been a SMSA award sponsor, supports many sheds across Scotland and welcomes Community Grant applications from individual Sheds.


Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “The SMSA is working in partnership with Scotmid to offer this excellent opportunity for Sheds to showcase the services and facilities that they have to offer men aged 18 and over.

“It’s important that we encourage men to get together within their local community and connect with each other.  After all, conversation is hugely important for our health and wellbeing.”

The SMSA now has over 129 sheds open across Scotland, with 72 further sheds proposed or in development.

One of the charity’s core objectives is to put an emphasis on how important it is for men to connect with their local community.

Community Festival is ‘huge success’

The North Edinburgh community came out in force yesterday to enjoy the North Edinburgh Community Festival at West Pilton Park.

More than fifty local organisations contributed to a memorable day of music, food, arts and crafts, entertainment and information.

Local activist Willie Black, who chairs the Festival organising committee, said the hard work involved in staging the event had proved worthwhile.

“Covid has meant that it’s been a long time since our community has been able to have a party so it was great to see local folk coming out in huge numbers to enjoy themselves.

“Today has been a celebration of everything that makes North Edinburgh special and I’d like to thank each and very individual and organisation who contributed so much to making the festival such a huge success.”

More pictures to follow

Make the Heart a Home: Heart of Newhaven launches crowdfunder

We’re moving in: help us make The Heart a home

Help us create a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive centre at the Heart of Newhaven, Edinburgh. We have the funds to buy the site, and the City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to sell it to us, and we will have the keys soon but we need your help to make the vision a reality.

The former Victoria Primary School site IS going to be the Heart of Newhaven Community. The Heart of Newhaven (HoN) will be a brand new intergenerational centre for the whole community to enjoy. The Scottish Land Fund (SLF) has awarded us £792,000 and we were given permission to purchase the site. Victoria Primary School has moved to a new building on a different site and we will be taking over the building SOON.

We will have the building soon but now we need YOUR help to refurbish, furnish and heat it and get it properly up and running, while we build sustainable fundraising and other income.

There is more information about how you can donate here: 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/moving-in-2022. 

We are also looking for volunteers for people to help clear up so we can get ready to turn The Heart into a community hub. 

If you can help with the crowdfunder, clearing up the site or would like to get involved in other ways, there is information on the website: 

www.heartofnewhaven.co.uk

We need your support. Thank you for any help you can provide!

Best wishes,

CROWDFUNDER

£1.32 Million invested in Edinburgh’s Voluntary Sector Mental Health Projects and Services

EVOC is delighted to announce that more than 120 community and voluntary organisations are to benefit from grants totalling £1.32 million from the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in Edinburgh.

This investment will support a wide range of projects and enable people across the City to access additional mental health and wellbeing support in their communities. Programmes being funded include activity-based canal boat trips; befriending services; art therapy sessions; community garden growing workshops; 1 to 1 mentoring with childcare; outdoor programmes for families; local pantries and counselling.  

A full list of groups and organisations awarded grants is available here.

As a partner in Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface we have taken the lead in developing a new community commissioning-based funding approach that invests the Scottish Government funding in projects that support the needs of different communities.

The process has taken both a geographical and thematic approach and focused on making sure people get the support they need, when they need it, where they need it.   

Ian Brooke, EVOC’s Deputy Chief Executive said: “‘It is fantastic to see this investment going out to grass-roots organisations across Edinburgh and to know this is the result of shared decisions based on evidence of real need in the City’s communities.

“Our ambition to roll out a community commissioning-based approach for this fund, in less than six months, has relied on the hard work, commitment and energy of everyone involved.

“We believe this is the first process of its kind to be delivered in Scotland, if not the UK and have commissioned a research team to make sure that lessons learned and further improvements are made from this experience which can then be used to develop and refine future cross-sector funding models.”

Fresh Start is one of more than a hundred and twenty organisations and partnerships that have received a grant in this the second phase of the Fund – fourteen grants of under £2,500 were awarded earlier this month.

They have been awarded £10,673 to deliver a project that reduces the anxiety and stress that parents and care givers encounter trying to keep food on the table.

Fresh Start will run a variety of food related projects including family Fridays, provide Dish of Day cook bags, deliver community meals and provide additional support to families to tackle holiday hunger.

It is envisaged that they will support over 100 families in North Edinburgh.

Biddy Kelly, Managing Director, Fresh Start said: “We are delighted to have been successful in our application to the Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and are looking forward to getting the services to people at a time when they are most in need.

“I am also delighted that our collective Respond and Recovery Group in North Edinburgh could co-ordinate our applications to ensure maximum impact and reduce duplication, and that we saw a significant amount of essential work being not only funded but recognised by this process of funding in a new way.’

A partnership between Leith Community Growers and Leith Growing has been awarded £17,341.72 to explore views about local community garden development, develop community garden spaces across the North East of Edinburgh and deliver a programme of workshops on gardening, growing, connecting with nature and outdoor play.

Patrick Dunne, Leith Community Growers said: “‘Leith Community Growers aims to support and develop growing and green space initiatives in Leith.

“This funding allows us to run sessions about gardening with local organisations and our own community to the benefit of their wellbeing and mental health, and also supports us to encourage local community members to develop their local spaces in whatever way they can.

“It’s been interesting to be a part of this new model of funding process. While challenging at times it has encouraged us to reach out and collaborate with groups and spaces that are new to us and we are very happy that those new relationships will grow and be of benefit in our community in the next 12 months.

“We are looking forward to growing alongside the people of Leith this year.”

A NEW APPROACH

EVOC has worked alongside key partners in the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, Edinburgh’s Thrive Collaborative, Volunteer Edinburgh and others from the voluntary sector to develop a process that prioritises what works at a grass-roots level and what the people and communities of Edinburgh really value.

These efforts will continue and build on the City’s partnership working, developing new ways in which people and local organisations can be supported.

In addition, the work being carried out toward the development of an Edinburgh Wellbeing Pact offers opportunities for organisations to get involved throughout the next year.

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The pandemic has seen rises in health inequalities, mental health challenges, and growth in social isolation.

“Whilst this is a national picture, in Edinburgh we are committed to finding ways to reach people and ensure they have access to the right kind of support at the right time. Everyone’s different.

“Via this funding, we’ve not only been able to accelerate work in this area, but through the engagement led by EVOC and our Edinburgh Wellbeing Pact, we’ve been able to reach a wide range of communities and reach those with lived experiences who are not always heard.

“Without doubt, we are very encouraged by what’s been achieved and are committed to building on this as we move forward.

“We’re incredibly thankful to all who have engaged and taken part in this process, particularly to our partners at EVOC for their hard work throughout.”

A full list of groups and organisations awarded grants from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for the City of Edinburgh can be found here.

The Scottish Government announced the £15 million-pound Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in October last year and announced additional investment for this fund on 25 February.

An overview of the community commissioning process devised and delivered for the Edinburgh funding by EVOC and other key partners can be found here.

Adopted Leither starts new chapter on Edinburgh waterfront

A BRAND NEW four-bedroom townhouse on the capital’s enviable waterfront has transformed a man hailing from the west of Wales into a Leith local.

John Evans, stumbled across the Waterfront Plaza development by Cala Homes (East) when out on a walk and decided it was the best location for him to start a new chapter.

John moved to Edinburgh more than 25 years ago and has since fallen in love with Leith and everything it has to offer. He made the move to the highly desired Waterfront Plaza from his previous home in Trinity last year.

The Welshman has grown a close affinity to Leith, starting the charity LeithGives during the first lockdown with the aim of providing support to those in need during the pandemic – through local business, charity and community partnerships.

John said: “I love spending every day in the heart of Leith. I have everything I need around me and wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s so sought after for a reason.

“To now live exactly where I want to live and in the perfect home has been absolutely brilliant. I knew about Waterfront Plaza from my work on the board of the Leith Trust, however I never considered it as a potential home until I stumbled across it on a walk one day.”

November 2021 saw John make the switch from a five-bedroom Victorian house in Trinity to one of Waterfront Plaza’s modern four-bedroom townhouses. The townhouses at the development feature an expansive terrace, well designed interiors and Cala’s signature high specification and contemporary style.

One of the bedrooms in the four-bedroom property has been converted by John to a study from where he works from home and he is also in the midst of transforming his garden space into a bee-friendly area.

John says: “The home has been so easy to change and adapt to exactly what I am after. It’s been ideal to have my own study whilst the world gets used to hybrid working. I’m also keen to start my own bee-friendly garden and Cala were very helpful with all of that.

“There have been loads of other nice touches from Cala along the way. The team on site have gone above and beyond to help us transition into our new home.”

John has two sons who have also been enjoying their new home. Rhys, 21 works at the local pub, The Malt and Hops when he’s home from university and Bryn, 17, has been making full use of Leith’s transport routes to school and the city centre.

The family of three have been making the most of having Leith’s vibrant food and drink scene on their doorstep too – regularly visiting the range of local bars, cafes and restaurants.

John added: “I’m surrounded by options which makes daily life so much better. As well as great food spots like Café Domenico’s and everything Leith Shore has to offer, I’ve become a keen local of The Malt and Hops which has great music during the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival.

“It is a great feeling to be part of such a thriving, vibrant community.”

Ranging from £305,000 — £540,000, there are still a host of different home types available at Cala’s Waterfront Plaza development for homebuyers seeking both life by the water and the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Ranging from stylishly designed two and three-bedroom apartments to penthouses and spacious townhouses, Waterfront Plaza has a number of options available for homebuyers seeking a capital life in Leith.

To watch John talk about his new townhouse, click here.

To watch John talk about life at Waterfront Plaza, click here.

For more information on Waterfront Plaza please visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/waterfront-plaza-leith/