Tag: Deaf Action

North Edinburgh projects hit the Lottery jackpot

Community groups across Edinburgh will be able to provide vital services and support for thousands of local people thanks to National Lottery funding announced today.

North Edinburgh projects have done particularly well in the latest round of funding. Both North Edinburgh Arts and Stepping Stones North Edinburgh are awarded six figure sums, while Muirhouse Millennium Centre, Heart of Newhaven, Blackhall Children’s Sports Committee, Ama-zing Harmonies and Granton Parish Church are among other local organisations to receive grants today.

The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 384 projects across Scotland, sharing in £15,048,544. 

See below for a full list of projects

North Edinburgh Arts will use their award of £148,821 to continue their ‘Green Projects’ programme which provides green spaces for local people to come together whilst offering a range of volunteering opportunities and arts and garden activities for people of all ages to get involved in.

Valla Moodie, Green Projects Manager, North Edinburgh Arts said: “This funding will enable us to start an exciting phase of work as we move back into our refurbished and extended building after two years in temporary venues, setting up our new Community Shed workshop and redeveloping our community garden at the back of our venue.

“This support, given to our ‘Green Projects’, will allow us to continue to offer opportunities for our local community that improve their health and well-being whilst contributing to the enrichment of their neighbourhood, building local resilience to big issues and sharing and supporting them with actions that combat climate change.”

STEPPING STONES North Edinburgh receive £132,020 through the Improving Lives programme.

The group, based at Inchgarvie Court in West Pilton, will use the funding to continue delivering their Family Wellbeing project, supporting primary school children and their families by providing individual, group and equine mental health support in North West Edinburgh.

Thanks to an award of £126,671, Deaf Action will run a digital literacy programme to help deaf people across the city develop and improve their skillset.

Support will be provided through a series of one-to-one sessions and group work covering specific topics such as word processing, scam awareness, healthcare apps and video calling software.

Lauren McAnna, Community Services Manager, Deaf Action said: “Our Digital Inclusion Service will support deaf people living across Edinburgh to become digitally empowered, unlocking a world of information, resources and opportunities that will foster greater independence and help improve life outcomes.

“We will support deaf adults and older people who face significant barriers to communication and social inclusion and who are likely to be experiencing financial hardship and/or socioeconomic disadvantage. 

“By supporting deaf people to overcome barriers to digital literacy they can become more connected and active citizens, have increased independence and improved wellbeing in many aspects of their lives.”

An award of £19,929 to Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland means they can continue to identify more victims of human trafficking across the city.

Joy M Gillespie, CEO, Survivors of Human Trafficking said: “We will be able to work with our cross-sector partners to recover more victims of human trafficking in Edinburgh and provide vital prevention information to those most at risk. 

“We believe there is power in partnership and are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for partnering with us to help end end human trafficking in Scotland.”

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This latest round of National Lottery funding will be distributed to groups across Edinburgh who are providing a range of essential services and support for thousands of local people, helping to make a real difference to their lives.

“As The National Lottery prepares to mark its 30th birthday later this year, today’s investment is a timely reminder of the difference that National Lottery players continue to make to communities across the country.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.   

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk    

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New British Sign Language action plan

45 commitments to tackle barriers

Actions to help improve the lives of British Sign Language (BSL) users have been published as part of ongoing work to make Scotland the best place to live, work and visit for people that use the language.

The BSL National Plan 2023-29 has made 45 commitments aimed at tackling barriers faced by BSL users by embedding the language across health, education, transport, culture and employment.

Commitments made include:

  • building the right partnerships and connections to ensure deaf and deafblind children and their families can access BSL support at an early stage
  • improving accessibility to arts and culture events, in addition to promoting BSL culture
  • working with Transport Scotland and transport operators on solutions to make public transport easier to use for BSL users
  • improving accessibility of the Scottish Government website for BSL users

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “BSL is a vibrant language which is of significant importance to the lives of many people.

“This plan lays out our ambition to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to visit and live in. These 45 commitments will improve access to vital services and provide more opportunities for BSL users to contribute further to Scotland’s economy, culture and communities.

“The BSL community should be at heart of our decision making process in this area, which is why we will also establish a BSL National Plan Implementation Advisory Group, to ensure that the views of the community are properly represented.”

Philip Gerrard, CEO at Deaf Action, said: “I welcome the publication of the new National BSL Plan for Scotland.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the consultation process that led to the new plan, which demonstrates the continued commitment of the Scottish Government to improving the experiences of BSL users who live, work, visit and learn in Scotland.

“I now urge all agencies with responsibilities under this plan to meaningfully engage with it – there is much to do.”

BSL National Plan 2023-2029 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Johnnie Walker Princes Street celebrates Deaf Awareness Week with BSL-supported Whisky Tasting

Tickets are now available for the special whisky experience with support from Deaf Action

To mark Deaf Awareness Week (1-7 May 2023), Johnnie Walker Princes St, Edinburgh’s Five Star Whisky Attraction, has created a new edition of one of its most popular whisky tasting experiences, with assistance from British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters from Deaf Action.

Taking place on May 5 2023, guests will enjoy a specially curated 90-minute tasting led by a whisky specialist, alongside a BSL interpreter with the support of Deaf Action. The Whisky Explorers: British Sign Language Edition will offer those using BSL a chance to enjoy a specially curated sensory experience at the venue, which was recently named the Best Whisky Experience in the World by Whisky Magazine.

Guests will be taken on a 90-minute exploration of Scotland’s liquid landscape, sampling a stunning collection of drams from iconic regions including Islay, the Highlands and Speyside. They will also have the opportunity to savour a very special Lowland grain whisky, exclusive to Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

Building an inclusive and modern visitor experience has been a core focus of Johnnie Walker Princes Street from its inception, and this new experience is the start of regular opportunities for the deaf community created by the team. The business worked with Euan’s Guide to ensure the building and its various experiences are fully accessible, and the venue is fitted with an induction loop system for those who use hearing aids.

This new tutored tasting which is due to be rolled out throughout the year, is another stride forward for the world-renowned experience’s inclusivity goals. Johnnie Walker has worked closely with Deaf Action and a native BSL using consultant to ensure the experience is tailored to the needs of deaf BSL users and those hard of hearing.

Tony Bradford, Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience team, said: “We have worked closely with groups and charity organisations since before our doors were even open to ensure we are as accessible and welcoming to all communities.

“From offering complimentary tickets for carers, as well as the installation of our ground floor Changing Places toilet, we pride ourselves on being able to cater for guests who may have different access requirements.

“It’s been brilliant working with the Deaf Action team to create this bespoke, top-notch whisky experience for those using BSL. No stone has been left unturned in our planning for the Whisky Explorers: British Sign language Edition, and we look forward to continuing our journey to ensure Johnnie Walker Princes Street can be enjoyed by all.”

Lauren McAnna, Community Services Manager at Deaf Action, said: “In today’s world, businesses must be aware of the various markets they are catering for, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street have done just that by developing its Whisky Explorers: British Sign language Edition.

“The commitment from the team to making this the best experience possible for those using BSL, has been extremely heartening, and we look forward to continuing the relationship and creating more experiences for deaf and hard of hearing groups going forward.”

Tickets will include 10% off other retail purchases of up to £250 as well as for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to 7 days afterwards (T&Cs apply). To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till. 

For more information and to book an experience, please visit: 

www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

Christmas: The lights are on at St James Quarter!

It’s Christmaaaas! St James Quarter has celebrated the launch of its festive season with Forth One’s Boogie, Arlene and Marty hosting its ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ event on Thursday. 

They were joined by representatives from St James Quarter’s charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action, who pushed the big red button and declared it officially Christmas at The Quarter. 

Edinburgh Rock Choir echoed joyful tunes throughout the galleria as crowds gathered to watch over 40 glowing sculptures light up and give an explosion of colourful sparkle.  

To help spread Christmas cheer, St James Quarter also donated over £6,000 worth of prizes to Forth One’s Boogie in the Morning ‘Supervan’ campaign, which has raised £100,545 to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.

The prizes, which included a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki & Ramen and a year’s membership at Everyman, were collected during the ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ event ready for the lucky winner to take home.  

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “It was fantastic to see everyone turn out for the Christmas light switch on last night, it was a true moment of togetherness and community.  

“Boogie, Arlene and Marty got the crowds ready for the festive season and we are so proud that St James Quarter was able to support the Supervan campaign this year – it’s been wonderful to see the exceptional amount of funds raised to support those who need it most. We wish all of our guests in Edinburgh and across Scotland a very Merry Christmas for 2022.”  

St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Christmas Light Switch on

Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids said: “We have been absolutely delighted with the donations towards our Supervan campaign from St James Quarter and the many retailers.

“Over £6,000 worth of items and experiences was an absolutely fantastic effort and what better way to celebrate than ending our Supervan journey at The Quarter by having Boogie, Arlene and Marty switching on the Christmas Lights.

“We are so grateful to be the chosen charity partner alongside Deaf Action and bringing our cause to the forefront at Edinburgh’s most incredible venue.”

Chistmas is just around the Quarter!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at St James Quarter! The festive season kicks off with the official ‘Christmas Light Switch On’, hosted by Forth One’s Boogie and Arlene tomorrow (Thursday, 10 November) from 6pm.

Taking place on Register Square, the dazzling event is open to the public and free to attend, with representatives from charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action, set to push the big red button and light up The Quarter for Christmas.

St James Quarter’s retailers are also getting involved by revealing their glitzy Christmas window displays to accompany the 40 glowing star sculptures that will give an explosion of gold sparkle throughout the galleria for shoppers to admire.  The Edinburgh Rock Choir will also be spreading Christmas cheer by taking to the stage and singing loud for all to hear.

This Christmas St James Quarter has donated over £6,000 worth of prizes to the Forth One Boogie in the Morning Supervan campaign which raises vital funds to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.

The contents of the Supervan will mean the winner’s Christmas shopping is complete with a variety of experiences and goodies from businesses across Scotland.

The donations from The Quarter include a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki Ramen, a year’s membership at Everyman plus many more.

The text lines to enter will be open from 06:00 – 10:00 on Friday 11th November, for further details tune into Forth One Boogie in the Morning.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “There is no better way to mark the beginning of the festive season than joining our charity partners to switch on the shimmering stars throughout the Galleria.  

“This year we are also joined by Boogie and Arlene who will no doubt be singing along to the Edinburgh Rock Choir. As the past few years have shown, this time of year is about bringing people together and enjoying the Christmas spirit. We look forward to welcoming our guests and filling St James Quarter with festive joy”.  

Life-changing Lottery funding boost for groups empowering young Scots

The National Lottery Community Fund, which delivers the Young Start fund, today announces £1,876,551 to 23 youth led projects that will help develop the skills and talents of thousands of young Scots.

A club which provides fun and friendship for hundreds of young people across Edinburgh can keep its doors open. Thanks to an award of £100,000 Deaf Action will continue to bring young people across the city  together like 17-year-old Emily, who has been part of the Youth Club since she was nine years old.

Emily said: “My experiences with Deaf Action’s Youth Club have been amazing,” says Emily. “When I first joined, I was really shy and didn’t know much about my deafness. But ever since I’ve been here, I’ve met new friends and the activities have helped me learn more about myself.

“The leaders here, who are also deaf, have helped us all learn more about our deafness. We can look up to them and can see how they’re successful, and it just helps to know that things later in life are going to be good.

“The best part of being in the Youth Club definitely has to be making friends. The friends I’ve had for the longest time have been the ones I’ve made here and have to be the best ones I’ve ever met.”

Lauren McAnna, Deaf Action Community Services Manager said: “This funding will be used to continue to deliver and grow our vital Youth Club, which makes it possible for deaf young people to enjoy the same opportunities as their hearing peers.

“We will offer a range of fun and motivational opportunities to help them to build life skills, while they explore their deaf identity and unique culture.

“Our programme is shaped by the diverse voices of our young people, who through our Club, enjoy the sense of feeling like an equal amongst their peers. “

An award of £92,000 to Tweeddale Youth Action SCIO  means they can continue their ‘Food Punks, project which provides cookery, communication and teamwork skills to local young people.

Dave Hodson, Locality Manager at Tweeddale Youth Action said:” We are hugely grateful for the support.

“Through our ‘Food Punks project, we have seen some hugely positive outcomes from young people on the margins, who in some cases had been written off and had written themselves off.

“Learning some nifty cookery skills is the tip of the iceberg for our crew who also learn how to work as a team, communicate effectively, and how important it is to be able to rely on each other and cope with high pressure environments.”

One young person who has benefitted from the project is 16-year-old Cameron* from Peebles who says that the project has helped him gain the experience and skills he will need when he leaves school  and looks for a job.

Cameron said: “I’ll be leaving school soon, and I’ll need to focus on either further education or getting a job, but environments like collage or school aren’t my favourite.

“The youth club has offered me help and are looking for possible employment opportunities for me, which makes me feel confident in that I now have more opportunities than I did before.

“The staff give me responsibilities like handing me a recipe and they know they can safely trust me in the kitchen without accidentally setting the kitchen on fire or cutting myself! Having that level of responsibility really helps me focus on what I’m doing and getting it done safely, and overall, and gives me confidence for a more independent future.”

Announcing today’s funding, The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “These latest awards, made to such a diverse range of projects, will make such a difference to the lives of thousands more young people like Emily and Cameron.

“Deaf Action and Tweeddale Youth Action are both fantastic examples of how Young Start funding can help organisations deliver invaluable services to young people across Scotland.

“We are always keen to support projects that put Scotland’s young people at the heart of the development and running of services. If your group has an idea how you would make this happen, then we’d love to hear from you.”  

Young Start helps young people aged eight to 24 become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential. Funding of up to £100,000 is available for youth led projects.

 Groups can apply by emailing:advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or calling 0300 123 7110.  

Find out more at: 

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start  

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Scotland’s first Deaf Rave to take place tonight at St James Quarter  

It’s the last opportunity for partygoers to grab a ticket for the trailblazing Deaf Rave event, a celebratory live entertainment experience with music, sign songs, rap and visual performances, as it comes to Scotland for the first time tonight (Friday, 19th August) at St James Quarter. 

Taking place on level B3 of the St James Quarter car park, the event will be an accessible day time clubbing experience, promoting deaf identity and culture whilst bringing music to the masses.

The event line-up will see the very best deaf DJ talent take centre stage including Troi Lee (DJ Chinaman), Matthew Taylor (MC Geezer), DJ Ceri Karma, Jia McKenzie, Billy Reid and Aerial Fung (Def Motion) dancers.  

Established in 2003, Deaf Rave began with a vision to provide a platform for deaf and disabled artists and to provide unique, live entertainment for the deaf community. The rave will be jam-packed with a variety of different performances including sign song, sign rap, sign dance acts and more.  

The event will run from 5.00pm-10.00pm and last-minute tickets can be purchased via the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website with ticket prices starting from £10.  

This one-off event is in partnership with Deaf Action, a charity based in Edinburgh supporting, and celebrating deaf people. Deaf Action was established in 1835 and works with deaf people across Scotland and the South of England.

The charity’s inspirational work is geared towards empowering all deaf people to achieve their potential and fully participate in society, with equality of rights, access and opportunity.  

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said:  “We’re very excited to be hosting Scotland’s first Deaf Rave in partnership with Deaf Action.

“As our long-standing charity partner, it’s great to see them bringing this experience to Edinburgh for the deaf community and wider audiences to experience.” 

Troi Lee, Founder of Deaf Rave, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Deaf Action and St James Quarter for providing us with the opportunity to bring our event to Scotland for the first time.

“Our events will showcase the very best deaf DJs and guests can expect a whole host of entertainment including sign songs, sign raps and dance performances against a highly visual backdrop.

“Our Deaf Rave is part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival so we’re looking forward to welcoming members of the deaf community from all around the world.” 

Stacy Rowan, Fundraising Manager at Deaf Action, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring Deaf Rave to Scotland as part of the inaugural Edinburgh Deaf Festival.

“We want this event to unite everyone through a love of music and culture. The event is accessible to everyone, so bring your dancing shoes!” 

For more information, please visit: https://www.deafrave.com/ 

St James Quarter supports local charities with daring challenge

St James Quarter is calling all daredevils to kick off their shoes and test their nerves by signing up for an adventurous charity walk over broken glass in aid of two local charities on Sunday 12th June.

Taking place on Register Square outside the Galleria, brave participants will have the chance to break out of their comfort zone and support the vital services carried out by Deaf Action and Cash for Kids with all proceeds going towards the vital work they do.

St James Quarter is encouraging friends and families to come along and support on the day with St James Quarter colleagues also rising to the challenge to take part in the seven-foot-long glass walk, with some even giving their feet a makeover for the occasion.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “It’s an honour to be working with two amazing charities that do so much to help others. I’m ready to roll up my trousers, get my toenails painted pink and brave the glass walk in the name of a good cause.

“The whole St James Quarter team is excited to be getting behind this daredevil challenge and we hope to raise as much money as possible for Deaf Action and Cash for Kids. We’re encouraging everyone who can to sign up and join us for what is set to be an experience to remember.”

For more information and to register go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-james-quarter-glass-walk-tickets-304715591537

Registration costs £22.50 and there’s a minimum sponsorship required of £150. Participants will also attend a 90-minute workshop with Firewalk Scotland prior to the glass-walk.

St James Quarter launches gift wrapping service to raise festive funds for charity partners

With 12 days until Christmas, St James Quarter has launched a brand-new gift-wrapping service, giving shoppers a helping hand this festive season.

Located on level one of the Galleria, the St James Quarter volunteers can expertly wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes, in exchange for a charity donation for the shopping destination’s charity partners, Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and Deaf Action.

The festive service launched on Saturday where the volunteers were joined by The Rolling Hills and St Giles choirs who serenaded shoppers with Christmas tunes to help spread the Christmas cheer this year.

The gift-wrapping service will continue until Christmas eve and is available from Thursday to Sunday, 12 noon until 6pm. St James Quarter is also spreading the festive cheer to the lower levels, with unlimited parking for £5 after 5:30pm this festive season.

For more information, please visit www.stjamesquarter.com

St James Quarter announces partnership with two city charities

St James Quarter is proud to announce its partnership with two Edinburgh charities, Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and Deaf Action. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise over £100,000 in the next 12 months, improving the lives of disadvantaged children or those who are deaf or hard of hearing in the local community.  

Over the next year, St James Quarter aims to raise the equivalent of 1p per visitor to The Quarter through a host of staff and guest initiatives.

Through the partnership with Deaf Action, St James Quarter is committed to becoming the world’s first cultural and lifestyle hub which is fully inclusive and accessible to deaf visitors.

There are 75,000 deaf and hard of hearing people living within 1 hour of St James Quarter, so together, the partnership aims to raise deaf awareness, celebrate deaf culture, and equip those at St James Quarter with the skills they need to offer a truly welcoming and inclusive experience for all.

Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids is a local charity based in Edinburgh. Everything raised locally, stays locally. The partnership with St James Quarter will help to raise vital funds to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the local Edinburgh community who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect and additional needs.

The collaboration comes at a crucial stage for Cash For Kids who have supported over 10,000 local families who have been hardest-hit by the pandemic by providing the basic essentials such as food, toiletries, clothing and electricity.

Nick Peel, Managing Director for St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter sits at the heart of the Edinburgh community, and we distil this ethos through everything we do.

“We’ve been truly inspired by the incredible work Deaf Action and Cash For Kids do and we’re really proud to play our part in supporting them over the next 12 months.”

Victoria Hendry, Charity manager at Radio Forth Cash for Kids, said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen as a charity partner of St James Quarter. Being a local charity supporting children and young people right on our doorstep, we’re so passionate about creating strong partnerships with local brands and with St James Quarter being such a staple destination in the city we couldn’t think of a better fit.

“We are really looking forward to working with them over the coming months on innovative and creative events and campaigns to enable us to support events more local children in and around Edinburgh.”

Philip Gerrard, CEO of Deaf Action, said: “Deaf Action is honoured to be one of the first official charity partners for St James Quarter for the year ahead. With 1 in 5 people in Scotland being affected by hearing loss, this is an amazing opportunity to raise the profile of deafness across the country.

“As we work with the team at St James Quarter to improve accessibility, we can help them become the UK’s first fully inclusive lifestyle hub where the deaf community feel welcome.”