Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership – Page 2 – The NEN

Scran Academy on ‘Foodwill’ tour!

Leading Scottish social enterprise, Scran Academy, has embarked on The Big Scran Care Tour, a six-month tour of more than 100 social care sites across Edinburgh to deliver a token of ‘foodwill’ to as many as 4500 health and social care workers across the city, in celebration of their hard work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The youth charity based in North Edinburgh is delighted to be teaming up with Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh City Council’s Thrive Edinburgh for The Big Scran Care Tour.

The essential funding has enabled Scran’s young people and staff to prepare and deliver either Scran Munchy Boxes, a Scran Lunch Table, or hot meals from the Scran Van to workers at 73 GP surgeries and 30 social care sites across the city, with more sites being scheduled.

Working with Scran Academy’s innovative business model, the Big Scran Care Tour is being co-designed and enabled with a team of inspiring young people at its heart. All the young people engaged have faced poverty-related barriers or life challenges such as care-experienced, risk of homelessness, poor mental health, disengaged from mainstream school or unemployment.

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership Staff Wellbeing Group decided to use some of the funding allocated by The Scottish Government to engage Scran Academy to provide celebratory treat meals and snack boxes delivered on-site to GP practices, health centres, community hospitals and community care services to say a huge thank you to staff for their commitment, dedication and hard work during the pandemic.

Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick, the staff wellbeing lead for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Thrive Edinburgh has a long-standing partnership with Scran Academy. They have an exceptional model that is a win win for all involved, and by partnering with them, all we’ve done is extend it to a win win win!

“It’s fantastic to be able to use our staff wellbeing fund in a way that delivers benefits to all, and we’re already receiving fantastic feedback and thanks from all colleagues who have been visited by the Scran team so far.”

This pioneering programme of events will see young people empowered with the skills and confidence to lead in the hospitality industry, fostering huge social return as well as promoting staff wellbeing.

Will Bain, Scran Academy Catering Manager, said: “The Big Scran Care Tour is such an exciting programme for the young people we work with. They get involved in everything, helping us to plan, cook, deliver and evaluate the whole thing, so each event on the tour is something they really get behind.

“It’s such a big confidence and skills boost – and when they meet the healthcare staff and get great feedback, they know they’ve achieved something meaningful.”

Faye (15), a Scran Academy attendee, said: “I like working on the van and it makes me feel happy that I am doing it to say a big thank you to all the hardworking doctors and nurses”

Kacey (15), a Scran Academy attendee, added: “I think it’s really good that we get to talk to all the healthcare staff when we serve them. I think we do a really good job.”

Some key dates on the Big Scran Care Tour:

Royal Edinburgh Hospital – 8^th June

Ferniehill Surgery – 10^th June

Links Medical Centre – 13^th Jul

Inchview Care Home – 5^th Aug

Eyre Medical Practice – 25^th Aug

Astley Ainsley Hospital – 16^th Sep

Craigmillar Medical Group – 21^st Sep

Sighthill Green Medical Practice – 13^th Oct

My Mind Matters exhibition opens next week at Out of the Blue

My Mind Matters 

An exhibition of original works by artists who experience complex and enduring mental health conditions  

Out of the Blue, The Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh EH6 8RG 

Open to the public Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th May 10am – 4.30pm; Friday 13th May 10am – 2pm  

This exhibition, taking place in Mental Health Awareness Week, showcases a range of original works by 22 artists. The artists all experience complex and enduring mental health conditions, and many of them have never displayed their art in public before.

The works are created using a variety of mediums and encompass a mix of drawings, painting, sculpture, spoken word, textile, and photography. Many pieces are for sale, with all proceeds of sale going directly to the artists. 

The exhibition is delivered in partnership by Carr Gomm, Volunteer Edinburgh, Penumbra and the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership. 

Funding for exhibition space is provided by Carr Gomm Futures.

Progress Review reports improvement to older people’s services in Edinburgh

Delivery of older people’s services in Edinburgh has shown good progress since 2017, according to a joint report published by the Care Inspectorate and Health Improvement Scotland.

Following an initial inspection in May 2017, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership has received acknowledgement from the Joint Inspection team across the Care Inspectorate and Health Improvement Scotland, that the review has now closed.

The latest report cites the partnerships efforts in driving forward – with pace – a clear vision and structured approach, that is now seeing positive progress in a number of areas.

It follows a challenging progress review in 2018 and contains a number of recommendations but, based on progress, the Joint Inspection team has noted that no further review activity is now planned.

Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, Cllr Ricky Henderson, said: “We very much welcome this latest and final review, and the deserved recognition it gives all who work for, and with the partnership.

“The publication of the report in 2017, was a difficult read for all who were working in the Partnership at the time but the strategic vision, practices, and structures that have since been developed and implemented, are the backbone to the significant and good progress being made.

“Whilst there remain challenges – particularly with the current system pressures faced – the strengthened relationships built, strategic aims, and the cohesive approach to the work of the partnership, deserve this positive recognition.

“These are significant strengths for how the partnership will continue to push forward over the challenging winter period and beyond, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank every single person who directly or indirectly provides care in Edinburgh, for their incredible hard work and commitment to all in our care.”

Read the report:

Edinburgh-older-people-services-progress-review-Nov-Download

What does wellbeing mean to you?

As part of the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership’s Summer Season Conversations, community researchers will be in Fresh Start Pantry on Wednesday (8th September) from 9.30am – 12.30pm to meet with members of the local community to chat about wellbeing and what it means to them.

Fresh Start will host this as safely as possible and it will be a drop in session with track and trace upon entry and social distance within the space.

All welcome.

Triple Point’s Heron Court Leith housing development completed

Triple Point Social Housing REIT has announced that work has completed on its major new development in Leith, which provides high-quality new homes for local people with long-term disabilities.

In April 2019, Triple Point announced its investment in the scheme, developed by HB Villages (HBV), with construction officially started by Deidre Brock, the MP for Edinburgh North and Leith.

Twenty-four new supported housing apartments have been built on West Bowling Green Street in Leith, which are specially adapted to provide long-term homes for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and other complex care requirements.

Residents will be referred to the scheme by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership based on significant local need, with care provided to residents by Lifeways, and housing management services provided by Inclusion Housing.

The £5.4m scheme, called Heron Court, is the first of its type in Scotland and has been developed by HBV, a specialist supported living developer, using funding from Triple Point.

The developers instructed an all-Scottish construction team including Edinburgh-based architects 56Three, structural and civil engineers Curtins, locally-based mechanical and electrical consultants Horizon M&E, and Alloa-based contractor Marshall Construction.

Triple Point uses private capital to acquire, or fund the development of, newly built or newly renovated housing in the community for people with long-term care needs whose rent is funded by government.

This type of housing has been shown to improve the wellbeing of people moving out of institutional care settings, while saving the government money. Triple Point’s portfolio has over 450 properties providing homes for over 3,000 residents.

Based on strong demand, Triple Point is looking to invest in more supported housing schemes like Heron Court across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Max Shenkman, Head of Property Investment at Triple Point, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of Heron Court. The development will allow people with disabilities and complex care needs to live independent lives in high-quality and carefully adapted apartments.

“Triple Point is committed to investing in projects that deliver a positive social impact, and Heron Court will provide homes in the heart of the community to support some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people. With more Scottish developments in the pipeline, we look forward to delivering further positive impact in the area.”

Oliver Carroll, development director of HBV, the supported living developer, said: “We are delighted to complete delivery of this special scheme in the heart of the community.

“We have had tremendous support from officers at Edinburgh City Council who are responsible for delivering specialist supported care across the city. Everyone we have worked with on delivering Heron Court recognises the need for modern specialist supported living accommodation for Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

“We are tremendously excited by all the interest that is being shown in this particular scheme and we are already progressing discussions with other local authorities and funding partners to deliver more like it in Scotland.”

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The completion of this scheme – less than two miles from Edinburgh city centre and less than two years after works began – is a remarkable achievement and a great example of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Accessibility and technology are two important features of the design of the building which will enable residents to live more independently. Many of the residents will have keys to their own front door for the first time which will be a tremendous boost to their independence and a positive impact on their lives.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “This is a brilliant example of a new-build development that blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment and community not just physically but emotionally as well.

“It is important that we continue to place great emphasis on solving the housing requirements of people in Edinburgh who need extra support and give them the opportunity to live as independently as possible.”

Deidre Brock, MP, who officially started works at the site in 2019, said: “The completion of this development is another important step towards ensuring the most vulnerable in our society are well looked after in accommodation that properly suits their needs.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing folk move into the scheme over the next few months and making their home here in Leith.”

ARC: New Addiction Recovery Companion app puts support in your pocket

The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have launched a new app to connect those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction to local support services.
The Addition Recovery App (ARC) is the first to offer a personalised emergency button, quickly connecting users to help when things get tough.
The app offers easy access, at any time, to a range of professional support services and help from others dealing with drink and drug problems. There is also a calendar to help plan recovery time, the capability to track mood, prompts for motivational exercises and inspirational quotes.

Today the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have launched the new Addiction Recovery Companion (ARC) – an app that puts drug and alcohol recovery into people’s own hands.

The app is the first to offer a personalised emergency button, making it even easier for Edinburgh citizens to reach out to the people most important in recovery when things get tough, or something goes wrong.

The app also provides live information from all drug and alcohol support services in Edinburgh including:

Information about local recovery networks in Edinburgh, keep you motivated and help you manage your time
Live information on recovery meetings taking place every day across the Capital, where people can meet and share their experience, strength and hope
Up to date information on professional services available
a calendar function to help people plan their day, stay motivated and manage your time
a diary to keep track of recovery progress and record the ups and downs of recovery
Inspirational quotes and exercises aimed at those who need a mental boost

The ARC app provides a personalised experience for every user, as everyone’s recovery journey is different. It allows users to make a plan that is right for them alongside giving them the opportunity and the space to reflect on their journey and follow their progress.

Visit https://arcapp.co.uk/ to download the app on android or IOS.

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The recovery community is a huge force in Edinburgh. There is lots of professional support available across the Capital, but more importantly, people are also increasingly helping each other to deal with drink and drug problems.

“That’s why the Addiction Recovery Companion app is so important. It is filled with information to support and guide people in their recovery, alongside tools to immediately connect them to those who can help if things get tough.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I welcome the launch of the new Addiction Recovery Companion App to support people accessing services for drug and alcohol recovery.

“Using technology to improves access to drug and alcohol services, for people recovering from addiction, is a clever initiative from Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

“Edinburgh and Scotland face a real challenge to reduce the number of drug related deaths in Scotland and this tool can be part of a bigger strategy for peoples road to recovery.

“It is important that people who do not have access to a smart phone are still able to easily access these services.”

When asked about the benefits of the app, users have said:

“It’s such a useful tool. I can see me using it more and more the further we go back to normal.“

“I’m quite disorganised and the calendar/map is great. I like that, when I’m in town, I can just pull up the map to find out what’s happening nearby.”

“It’s a clever app. The inclusion of the reflection section is useful for the days where I need some motivation.”

“For me, structure is important, and the Arc App helps with that.“

Living Well Locally: Councillors to discuss 20-Minute Neighbouhoods

Tomorrow (Thursday (10 June), members of the city council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee will consider a high-level strategy for 20-Minute Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh.

The model is a well-established approach used worldwide as a way of delivering services within communities. This includes finding ways for residents to access most of their daily services provided by the Council in a local, accessible and sustainable way, along with those delivered by our partners in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

This is a new approach for the Capital and the aim is to deliver more sustainable places, improve public services, and build on what is already a powerful sense of local community across Edinburgh.

Over the last year, the pandemic has seen a dramatic change to the way we all live and work in our local area, and while the concept was already underway in pioneer cities such as Paris, Melbourne and Portland, the global health crisis has highlighted even more strongly how important ‘liveable’ neighbourhoods are.

The emerging City Plan 2030 identified eight town centres as starting points and further work identified 11 more areas to prioritise as they are areas which have gaps in their service provision and/or no natural town centre.

Each of the 19 areas in total has its own unique cultural identity and local heritage and it’ll be important to clearly articulate the differing role each neighbourhood plays socially, culturally and economically as the strategy progresses.

The draft strategy outlines that, if approved, the first areas of focus will be where the need is greatest, whether that’s because of deprivation, poor connectivity, or demographic issues. For example, the council will:

Maximise the opportunities created by new school investments at Liberton and Currie
Work to deliver the new Pennywell Hub to provide a partnership between public and voluntary sectors
Build on the community-led Local Place Planning work in Wester Hailes and Leith
Work with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership to combat loneliness and isolation, and build new networks of support and wellbeing
Look at new schemes to improve the quality of place in some of our busiest and most traffic-dominated centres such as Niddrie Mains Road.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Twenty-minute Neighbourhoods are about helping local people access the services they need, where and when they need them.

“Getting what you need in your community is about more than just having your services and amenities close at hand. It’s also about empowering communities, fostering stronger partnership working at a local level and, where appropriate, delivering multiple services from stand-alone ‘hubs’.

“We know from our Capital Resident’s Survey that 58% of people agree it would make sense to have all public services delivered from one location. We also know this can be a more efficient way of organisations working within our communities and getting better outcomes for our residents.

“Crucially, building thriving local neighbourhoods will not only boost quality of life and residents’ wellbeing but it will also be greener by cutting carbon footprint of frontline services and making support easier to reach within walking distance.”

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The Edinburgh Climate Commission supports our work on 20-Minute Neighbourhoods as the heart of a sustainable community and it’s clear the plans also support our wider Business Plan priorities in terms of ending poverty, increasing wellbeing, tackling inequality and focusing on prevention.

“The strategy we’ll be considering at Committee sets out a new way of working with our communities and we know from the experience of finding new ways to deliver services during the pandemic that communities want to work with us to co-design services, so it’s an exciting opportunity for Edinburgh.

“We’ll be working on supporting and creating environments where businesses can thrive and residents’ needs are met, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere and local identity.”

If approved, implementation of the strategy will begin immediately.

While the delivery of the strategy will be an ongoing programme of work, a detailed implementation plan will be developed, based on the ‘inform, engage, reflect and deliver’ model.

Potential locations for 20-Minute Neighbourhoods:

Corstorphine
Lochend / Restalrig
Ratho
Craigmillar / Bingham
Moredun/Gilmerton
South Queensferry
Currie/Balerno
Morningside / Bruntsfield
Stockbridge
Gorgie/Dalry
Muirhouse (above)
Tollcross
Granton
Nicholson Street
Wester Hailes
Kirkliston
Oxgangs
Leith / Leith Walk
Portobello

What does living in North Edinburgh mean to you?

Fresh Start, with the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership, are running online events on 12th & 13th May to allow residents to discuss how our services can adapt to fit what matters to you, the people that live and work in the area!

Join the conversation on Wednesday 12th May, 1-2.30pm by registering here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZYsd…

Or Thursday 13th May, 7pm – 8.30pm, by registering here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZ0qcu…

Please share around your networks and get the conversation going!