The number of gym goers using Edinburgh Leisure fitness facilities has increased by 10.1% since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, new Freedom of Information data has revealed – and the organisation has seen a 70% increase in take up over ten years. Continue reading Local MSP praises healthy Edinburgh Leisure figures
A healthy lifestyle project for youngsters in Leith has been given an extra boost thanks to a leading regional builder. Continue reading Healthy funding boost for Pilmeny Youth Centre
Edinburgh’s education leader has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has agreed to meet additional costs for providing free school meals for all P1 to P3s. The government will provide £4.5m capital funding for the City of Edinburgh Council to build new dining accommodation and upgrade catering facilities across the city.
Councillor Paul Godzik, Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee, said he was pleased that the Government had met their commitment to fully fund the policy.
He said: “There have been a number of discussions between the Council, Cosla and the Government over recent months regarding the additional capital funding needed to fully deliver the extended entitlement to free school meals in Edinburgh.
“There was a real danger that that we would not be able to fully deliver this policy due to the additional costs involved but I’m pleased the Government has put the funding in place.”
The £4.5m from the Scottish Government will result in:
Cllr Godzik continued: “The minor works required in some schools have already been completed or will be complete before January 2015. Obviously the new buildings and extensions will take some time to deliver but we will put in place interim measures in those four schools to ensure those pupils who want to receive free schools meals from next term can do so.
“It has been an uncertain few months for many parents and staff at the affected schools but I’m sure everyone is relieved that the funding has been agreed. We will of course ensure parents are kept up to date as the plans progress.”
Learning Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said: “Free school meals will also play an important role in improving attainment in schools, through offering children healthy and nutritious lunches that will help them achieve their best in class.
“It’s never too early for children to start learning about the benefits of healthy eating and free school meals, in addition to learning through Curriculum for Excellence, will play a big role in helping to deliver that message.”
News of the investment has been welcomed by Edinburgh MSP Colin Keir. The funding will lead to new halls being built at East Craigs and Cramond Primary Schools in his Edinburgh Western constituency.
Colin Keir MSP said: “This news is very welcome. I have been campaigning since I was the local councillor for a separate dining hall for East Craigs as the current hall doubles as a gym. This is good news too for Cramond Primary where I’m sure news of this investment will also be warmly welcomed. Investment in these new halls will not only improve the accommodation and facilities but also allow them to provide the Scottish Government’s promise of free school meals for P1-3 pupils.
“In the aftermath of the former Labour government’s financial crash and in the teeth of the Tory/Liberal Democrat austerity agenda slashing budgets, it is testament to the good stewardship of the Scottish Government that this extremely welcome investment has been achieved. ”
A report outlining the background to the Free School Meals will be discussed at the Education, Children and Families Committee tomorrow (Tuesday 8 December).
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has urged new Health Secretary Shona Robison to take a fresh approach to tackle obesity and make active lifestyles the norm.
New figures show that 65 per cent of adults in Scotland are overweight, with 27 per cent obese, a rate that has remained unchanged since 2008. The proportion of adults who are physically active to the recommended level has only increased by 2 per cent in a year.
One in eight children spends more than four hours a day watching TV or another screen, and there has been no change in the proportion of adults and children walking or cycling to work and school.
Alison Johnstone MSP said: “People are suffering from poor health and the cost to our NHS is climbing. You only have to look at the situation in Edinburgh where the public funding squeeze threatens cuts to leisure facilities and programmes that help young and old stay active.
“With the appointment of a new Health Secretary we have a chance to turn things around. I will be pushing for the forthcoming Scottish budget to prioritise preventative spending so we invest in walking and cycling infrastructure, leisure facilities and a healthy food culture, all of which will benefit our communities and the public finances.”
Pilton Community Health Project’s Good Food For ALL event is tomorrow at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from 9.30 – 2.30. Don’t miss it!
Westwoods Health Club at Fettes has been crowned the Best Premium Health Club in Scotland in the prestigious Health Club of the Year Awards UK. What makes the accolade even more special is that the competition judges were the club’s own members!
David Gibson, one of Westwoods fitness Instructor/personal trainers also won one of the five National People’s Awards.
Now in its fourth year, the MEMBERS’ CHOICE Health Club Awards received 35,000 votes from members rating their club on the quality of facilities, customer service and value for money. Four hundred club entries came from a mixture of small independents, public leisure centres, hotel clubs and some of the best known brands in the industry.
Westwood’s director Wendy Wallace said: “We were keen when we opened the club 12 years ago to not only offer a fantastic health and fitness facility but to also create a friendly social club that makes a real difference to the lives of many people. We would like to thank all of our members who took the time to assess our facilities as it is because of them that we have been presented with this award.”
General manager James Matthew added: “We are so excited to have won this award. The whole team works extremely hard to deliver a high standard of service and value for money.”
Westwoods member Kirsty Rennie said: “I have been a member for many years and I am delighted that Westwoods has finally been recognized for its excellent facilities and friendly, helpful staff. I love using the club especially when I know that my kids are being so well looked after by the fantastic crèche staff.”
Picture: The happy Westwoods staff team with the awards!
Whilst many of you were possibly sitting enjoying the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games last night …
Dave and Phil’s Walk/Jog Club started here in North Edinburgh at East Pilton Park and had a great turn out for the first night! This brand new exciting activity is led by amazing and enthusiastic and experienced local volunteers and is accessible to anyone who would like to try out jogging for the first time; or second, or third….
It’s also great to see so many people getting out and using some of the fantastic local green spaces we have here in Greater Pilton too! Please feel free to spread the word about this great activity to anyone and everyone you think needs to know.
Healthy Regards
Lianne Pipskyj
Development Worker- Physical Activity
Pilton Community Health Project
The Chest Heart & Stroke Rehab Group celebrates it’s first anniversary at the Calton Centre in Leith’s Montgomery Street this month. The group provides much-needed support and exercise for people in the Leith area who are living with chest and heart conditions.
Enthusiastic group member Paul Hodson describes himself as a “stroke survivor” and is really passionate about the support he receives. “There are a couple of things about the Leith group that really matter to me. They’re really good company and also I’m finding I’m getting my strength back, step by step – after a heart attack and a stroke, that’s pretty important.”
The group, which meets every Wednesday from 2 – 3.30pm at the Calton Centre, may only have been running for a year but it has already made a real difference to all those who attend regularly. As well as weekly exercise there is an opportunity to exchange information and relax over a cup of tea.
Group chairman Roger Jones was initially unsure about joining a group. “When it was suggested I join cardiac rehab sessions, I said ‘no way!’ First, I was recovering from a difficult operation and felt that was enough to be getting on with” he explained. “Second, I wasn’t keen on the idea of joining ‘a club’ – I’m not that sort of person. But I was wrong. These classes are both helpful to my health (light exercises only!) and good fun. Being part of a group like the Chest Heart & Stroke Rehabilitation Group offers the chance to meet like-minded people who have been through similar health experiences. They’re a great crowd!”
An important part of keeping well following any hospital stay after a heart or chest incident is exercise. Anyone who has received heart or pulmonary rehabilitation following a stay in hospital is advised to continue exercising – but many do not, and this can lead to further hospital admissions.
Further information is available from Roger Jones on 0131 652 350 or Morag Hammond their trainer on 07818 250871. The Chest Heart & Stroke Rehab Group is affiliated to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and is one of five support groups in Edinburgh.
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MUIRHOUSE MILLION STEPS 2012
One day, Two routes AND our fabulous goody bag, free Zumba passes, FREE swim and our very collectable certificate for everybody who registers and does the walk!
Last years Million Steps was on a Saturday but we have moved it back to a Friday due to popular demand!
Last year we did well over a million steps…. can we beat that!!!
Groups and organisations used this as an opportunity for raising funds for community groups and local groups – so if you are a local school, community group, mothers group, dads group, local organisation, work place, get a team together and take those wee steps towards a healthier lifestyle!
PS if you are a local organisation or business and you can’t make it on the day you can always take part in Walkin’ at Work week, from 17 – 21 September.
Lisa Arnott, PCHP Community Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator (on behalf of the organising group)
