Tag: Edinburgh Interfaith Association

Care home residents enjoy third annual Fringe Cares Festival

Care Home Residents Enjoy The 3rd Annual Fringe Cares Festival

2024 Fringe Cares Festival – conceived by The Edinburgh Interfaith Association back in 2023 – started once again with a very successful event at Queen’s Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road.  

Performers from all over the world take part in the Fringe Cares Festival which brings a taste of the musical & theatrical talents of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to all residents of 7 care homes in the city, in a partnership sponsored by Barchester Healthcare, The Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Scottish Care and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Queens Manor Care Home, the founding care home Residents, relatives, friends and staff – along with several guests from the local community, were able to participate in a full afternoon of entertainment.

Lord Provost Councillor Robert Aldridge attended and said, “This is my favourite part of the Fringe!”

The event included a piper on arrival, drinks canapes and cocktails.  Street performer Andie Mars with her impressive hula hoops displays, forget me Nots Children’s’ Parties provided face painting and visiting Princess Ariel.   Matthew Shiel, award winning classical pianist played in the foyer. 

The main act – “Ella, Etta and Eartha”, singer Melissa Western and her accompanists rounded off the show in a performance inspired by those legendary female singers. 

Professor Joe Goldblatt, who inspired and instigated the Fringe Cares Festival explained: “The first year my wife and I sponsored one performer and I was amazed when residents who had not spoken for months suddenly burst forth into song, in French, when a Fringe performer began to sing the Edith Piaf classic ‘La vie en rose’.  

“As they sang along, I was speechless and in awe of the power of musical memories to inspire their strong positive emotions and awaken their senses. The events of this year so far at Queens Manor were no less than spectacular – offering the same level of amazement that we had in our founding year!” 

Margaret-Ann Davidson, General Manager of Queens Manor in Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted the Queens Manor Team is able to support our residents to participate in such an exciting initiative, which has grown each year; and we are proud to be part of   Barchester Healthcare, the founding sponsor for this special programme. 

“Music, entertainment, time with loved ones and friends are key elements of life enrichment for all care home residents.    In years gone by the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe would have been part of the lives of many of those in our care.  

“Through the Fringe Cares Festival, we are able to bring a flavour of the excitement, fun, and delights of the Festival Fringe to our residents at home. The long-term aim of this project is to help ensure that all care home residents in Edinburgh have access to the Fringe Cares Festival in the next 10 years – regardless of care provider.   

“There are many other entertainers participating at the other 6 care homes.  We look forward to the feedback and photographs”.  

The executive director of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, Iain Stewart said: “EIFA is very proud to have conceived this programme as part of our commitment to bringing people together to celebrate, communicate, and appreciate one another through music. 

“The 36-year-old EIFA is the oldest interfaith association and represents all faiths and none promoting respect, understanding, peace and love.

The Fringe Cares Festival at Barchester dramatically demonstrates that we may all come together and benefit through music”.   

We are already looking at inspiration and planning for this event in 2025 – if you would like to be involved or become a sponsor, please reach out to either Joe Goldblatt at joe@joegoldblatt.scot or margaretann-davidson@barchester.com.

UK disorder – Police Scotland update

EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT

Police Scotland continues to engage with our communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

Today (Wednesday 7 August, 2024) Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.

Our Chief is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for our policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.

“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.

“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.

“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.

“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.

“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”

FIRST MINISTER MEETS FAITH LEADERS

First Minister John Swinney has held positive talks to provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.

The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with communities around the country.

He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK. 

Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide people.

“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in Scotland to express our solidarity together – we respect each other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.

“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.” 

The First Minister met with representatives from the following faith and refugee groups this morning:

  • Scottish Hindu Foundation
  • Scottish Association of Mosques
  • Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
  • Senior Rabbi, Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue
  • Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
  • Scottish Episcopal Church
  • Church of Scotland
  • Muslim Council of Scotland
  • Scottish Refugee Council

The First Minister also met with:

  • Jo Farrell (Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Alan Speirs (Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Gary Ritchie (Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Douglas Ross MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
  • Anas Sarwar MSP (Scottish Labour)
  • Lorna Slater MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Secretary of State for Scotland @IanMurrayMP has also written to reassure Scottish faith communities and underline there is no place in Scotland for racism, bigotry, or the politics of hate:

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A STATEMENT BY EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION

Strachan House hosts a fairytale start as part of new Fringe Cares initiative

Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall was one of four Barchester homes who set their stage by hosting their first of many Edinburgh Fringe Cares events on Saturday.

Following on from the success of our Edinburgh Fringe Cares events last year at Barchester’s Queens Manor and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester became the founding sponsor of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.

Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative, no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester got to go first, with 4 of their Edinburgh homes taking part!

It’s hoped this year’s events will shape the foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years.

Strachan House immerse their residents and families into a spectacular performance from their nominated Edinburgh Fringe performer’s Octovoce, who took the audience through a magical journey of cappella style song.

The promotional event was one of four that Barchester Healthcare sponsored to showcase how the Edinburgh Fringe should be made accessible to everyone in care homes. 

Strachan House was one of the four homes to demonstrate how successful these events can be and how it can benefit residents wellbeing. 

Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “This was a fun event to do. Staff and residents loved getting on board by dressing up in character and our chefs prepared a themed menu of goodies for the special occasion.

“The home was transformed into a colourful castle of colour as our residents were taken on a magical afternoon of music. But the biggest success has been to be part of the four Barchester homes to showcase how every home in Edinburgh can do this.

“Along with Queens Manor, Archview and Drummond Grange, who also hosted their Edinburgh Fringe Cares events, we hope that this is something that will continue for years to come for everyone living in a care home.

“Putting this event together and having the residents on board with all their ideas has been amazing and to support them to bring it all together has been an honour.

“Professor Joe Goldblatt who attended the event and created the idea behind Edinburgh Fringe Cares has been truly inspiring.”

General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and staff have been very excited about this event and the team worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure it is was great success.

“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding, and certainly will be remembered for years to come.

“Our aim was to demonstrate to other care providers how this can be achieved and the benefits of delivering it within a care home setting.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Scots Holocaust victim Jane Haining to be remembered with Stolperstein ‘stumbling stone’ in Edinburgh

Following a campaign initiated by Edinburgh Central SNP MSP, Angus Robertson, the City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to pay for the installation of a Stolperstein or ‘stumbling stone’ memorial to Jane Haining.

90 years ago, Jane Haining left Edinburgh for Budapest to help Jewish children in the Hungarian capital. She was killed in Auschwitz in 1944 and subsequently recognised as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ at Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem. Ms Haining is the only Scot to be given the honour. 

The motion was passed by city councillors yesterday.

‘Stolpersteine’ or ‘stumbling stones’ are small brass plaques set in pavements with the inscription of the name and life details of victims murdered by the Nazis. Across Europe, there are now over 75,000 brass plate memorials outside the homes or places associated with victims of the Nazi Holocaust. 
 
The proposals were welcomed by Councillor Vicky Nicolson and Professor Joe Goldblatt, Chair of the Edinburgh Interfaith Association and prominent member of Scotland’s Jewish Community, who brought a motion to the City of Edinburgh Council to have the Stolperstein paid for and installed by the City. 

Angus Robertson MSP said: ‘Jane Haining is Scotland’s most prominent Holocaust victim and is Righteous Amongst the Nations at Yad Vashem.

“A ‘Stolperstein’ to her memory would be fitting, perhaps outside Edinburgh’s St Stephen’s Church, where her mission to help Jewish children was dedicated. As well as being a proper commemoration, it will also serve as a warning to never forget the lessons of history.”

Professor Joe Goldblatt said: “I hope that in the years to come when children and others pass the Stolperstein stone and plaque they will feel pride because of this daughter of Edinburgh whose courage and bravery saved so many Jewish lives.

“I hope that the Church of Scotland and Jewish community will work closely together to plan a meaningful and memorable unveiling of the stone.”

SNP Councillor for Inverleith Ward, Vicky Nicolson, said: “Before Jane Haining left for Budapest, a dedication service was held for her at St Stephen’s Church in Stockbridge. It was presided over by the chair of the Jewish mission committee, Dr Stewart Thompson.

“Jane Haining left for Budapest the next day, seven months before Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on 30 January 1933.  She went to her dedication service as an everyday citizen and left as a missionary to Budapest where she looked after and saved many Jewish children’s lives until her extermination at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

“Edinburgh was the last place Jane Haining chose to be prior to her mission and it is time we, the Capital City of Scotland, commemorate her incredible humanity, bravery and kindness.  

“Her Stolpestein will be a marker and a reminder of the Holocaust and what that did to the world. Jane Haining was an incredible woman and for Edinburgh not to have recognised her yet is wrong and we want to right that wrong.”

Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh City councillors have voted in favour of buying and installing a ‘Stolperstein’ in memory of Jane Haining, who showed tremendous courage in the face of intolerable evil during a dark period of history.

“A woman of deep Christian faith, she was fully aware of the risks she was taking but repeatedly refused Church of Scotland pleas to leave Budapest and return home to Scotland as the war engulfed Europe.‘

“Jane was determined to continue doing her duty and stick to her post, saying ‘If these children need me in days of sunshine, how much more do they need me in days of darkness?’.

“She was simultaneously an ordinary and extraordinary woman and her story is one of heroism and personal sacrifice and reminds us that when we feel powerless, there is always something that we can do.

‘Her story is moving, humbling, heart-breaking and inspirational and we hope that this honour will help keep her memory alive for generations to come.’

Together For Our Planet event

Don’t forget to register for Edinburgh InterFaith Association’s ‘Together For Our Planet‘, event On Wednesday 11th May – 7:30pm.

Following the wonderful Together for our Planet concert last November, what can we do to offer a faith perspective to Edinburgh Community Climate Forum?

Your opportunity to contribute as individuals and communities.

Keynote from Alastair McIntosh, Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology and
author of Riders on the Storm – The Climate Crisis and the Survival of Being

Chaired by David Somervell, Trustee of Our Future Edinburgh
– partner with EVOC in Edinburgh’s Community Climate Forum

Wednesday 11th May – 7:30pm In person and livestreamed

@fftcnetwork

@sccscot

@EcoSikhUK

@EcoSynagogue

@ecocongregation

@ECTEdinburgh

@CTPIEdinburgh

Pilgrimage for COP 26: A welcome from Edinburgh

Edinburgh InterFaith Association welcomes you to the Cop 26 Pilgrimage & Launch Event today.

Don’t forget to come along to our Pilgrimage Event for Cop26 as we welcome pilgrims for Climate Justice and join us as we visit different places of worship across Edinburgh.

There will be a silent rebellion mediation at 12 at the National Gallery. And the big launch welcome event will take place at New College at 1.30pm prompt with contributions from Religious Leaders and politicians including our patron the Lord Provost.

The pilgrimage concludes with langar and a short welcome event at the Leith Gurdwara.

Register for the langar facebook.com/events/1220756771753926… This is the first of many great events for Cop 26 – our full programme of events can be viewed at http://edinburghinterfaith.com

Dear Daughter, Your Life Matters

Out Now: ‘Dear Daughter: Your Life Matters’ by Edinburgh Interfaith Director Iain Stewart

Iain’s new powerful anti- racism song was released in support of Black Lives Matters and United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Iain said: “I urge you to take action to fight the blight of racism by sharing the song on your social media channels. Together we can end racism!

“The song is dedicated to the parents of black or mixed-race children who like me worry that their children will have to face racism as they grow older.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch

Edinburgh Interfaith Association’s latest podcast available now

Edinburgh Interfaith Association’s latest podcast is available online now.

Guests include Jane Ansell, founder of Sleep Scotland, on how to get a better sleep during lockdown; Imam Hafiz Muhammad; and Craig Weir, the piper who has played from everyone from Queen to the Dalai Lama!

 

Edinburgh Interfaith Association presents A Spotlight On Faith

Edinburgh Interfaith Association (EIFA) has produced a series of online productions, A Spotlight On Faith.

EIFA strives to bring people together for the greater good, provide expert services, build meaningful and beneficial relationships and to represent the interests and needs of faith communities.

The latest video features an interview with Voice finalist Michelle John talking music, faith and her campaign against domestic abuse.

For more interviews go to the Edinburgh Interfaith Facebook page