independent living – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

LIBERTUS launches Positive Futures initiative to help address social isolation amongst over-50s

Edinburgh charity will host an interactive event to offer volunteer opportunities and promote the ‘Positive Futures’ initiative

Libertus has announced that it will host an Interactive event on the 24^th of October 2024 to officially launch its Positive Futures Services Project at the Canalside, Wester Hailes location.

At this informal event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments, try some of the activities and speak with Libertus’ volunteers.

Libertus, an Edinburgh-based charity committed to supporting independent living since 1981, with Positive Futures groups designed to reduce social isolation among over-50s by supporting individuals to attend, develop and facilitate art classes, jewellery making, knitting, and crafts, to board games, chair-based Pilates, and gym groups.

In the past year, Positive Futures Volunteers have facilitated nearly 1,300 weekly groups and supported over 220 participants across Central, North West, and South East Edinburgh.

The Libertus Interactive Event will provide attendees with a glimpse into the services available at Canalside. Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, has expressed his support for the launch of the new initiative in South West Edinburgh, and will be present during the Interactive event to discuss Libertus services and its continued work in supporting individuals across Edinburgh.

Andrew Farr, General Manager at Libertus, said: “Since opening in 2021 we have identified a need in the local community for an initiative to help address social isolation particularly amongst the over 50s.

“We are delighted to invite people to explore our volunteering and activity opportunities at Libertus Canalside.”

Jennifer Fairgrieve, Chairperson of Libertus Board of Directors, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming attendees to our Interactive Event in October, and to hosting MP Ian Murray.

“In addition to highlighting the Positive Futures programme, the Interactive Event will also provide visitors with the chance to explore Libertus Day services for its older people and its mental health drop-ins for over 25s.”

Dan Fuller, Project Manager of Positive Futures, commented: “The Positive Futures program has supported individuals in the community to reduce social isolation amongst over 50s.

“By having a shared passion our service attendees are able to build strong bonds and networks. Positive Futures also helps individuals add an element of structure to their week.”

Alison Brown, a volunteer at Positive Futures, has seen firsthand how the services at Libertus have supported individuals in the local Edinburgh community. Alison commented: “My mum attended Libertus as a service user in the 90s, and the positive impact it had on her well-being inspired my husband to start volunteering in 2000.

“When he was no longer able to volunteer, he became a Day Service member in 2015. Following in their footsteps, I began volunteering at Libertus, which eventually led to me joining the board in March this year.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to an organisation that has supported my family for the past 30 years.”

By helping people stay active, connected, and engaged, Positive Futures is playing a vital role in reducing social isolation and improving well-being across Edinburgh.

The Interactive Day is free to attend and will take place between 11am to 2.30 pm on October 24^th. To sign up and find out more information please reach out to the Libertus team on: enquiries@libertus.org.uk

More than 300 affordable homes coming to Granton later this year

Harbour Homes is working with Cairn Housing Association to create 306 homes at Granton Harbour (Plot S), which are due to welcome their first tenants in autumn 2023. There will be 96 affordable properties for Harbour Homes to provide social housing and 130 Harbour Lettings homes for mid market rent. The remaining 80 properties will be social rent homes for Cairn Housing Association.

A seven-bedroom independent living home and office space with an adjoining one-bedroom flat are also being built for Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust to support people in the care system. Dean and Cauvin provide accommodation for young people (from ages 15-21) as well as supporting their transition to living independently.

Pamela Kidd (left), Chief Executive at Dean and Cauvin and Harbour Group Chief Executive Heather Kiteley (right).

Following a visit to the site Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour (formerly Port of Leith Housing Association), said: “This development is going to offer so much to the local community in Granton and continue our dedication to providing affordable homes in Edinburgh.

“The progress that has been made at this site is great to see and I can’t wait to see the finished high-quality homes.”

Jason MacGilp, Cairn Housing Association Chief Executive, commented: “It is great to see the progress of this important development and we are looking forward to its completion this year.

“Our thanks go to the contractor team at CCG for their hard work on this high-quality scheme. Cairn are delighted to be working in partnership with Harbour Homes and with the City of Edinburgh Council to make a positive contribution to meeting housing needs and the wider regeneration of the waterfront.”

Young adults who visited the site and will be moving into Dean and Cauvin’s unit said: “We’re looking forward to fewer stairs, better beds, having double glazing and having better showers. Excited to be the first group of people to be staying there. Great that it’s next to the seaside!”

Staff from Dean and Cauvin commented: “There will be nicer conditions for staff and it will be good to have a nicer sleep-in room for staff.

“The new office being on the ground floor will mean it is closer to the main living space so everyone can stay connected. It should feel much more like a home. Bigger windows will allow in more light and fresh air.

“We’re most excited about having a laundry room and a nice dining area for everyone to eat together and socialise. It’ll be nice to have a purpose-built space just for us.”

(PICTURED – TOP L-R) Meg Deasley (Director of Property Services, Cairn), Rachel Fraser (Development Officer, Harbour Homes), Jason MacGilp (Chief Executive, Cairn), Heather Kiteley (Harbour Group Chief Executive), Gordon Cameron (Director of Group Operations, Harbour) and Susan Wilson (Development and Regeneration Manager, Cairn).

Charity expert Marie to lead inspirational innovator awards

An inspirational design competition has a new cheerleader after a charity expert was appointed to help drive as many entries as possible.

Highly experienced Marie McQuade will now devote herself to raising awareness of the Blackwood Design Awards, which aim to transform the lives of those who need support to live independently.

The Dragon’s Den style competition has helped uncover a host of innovations to help people with disabilities or age-related conditions – but was put on hold for two years during the pandemic.

Now it is hoped Marie’s appointment will help relaunch the refreshed competition which typically attracts innovation and design breakthroughs from all over the world.

She said: “In Blackwood’s 50th year, it is more important than ever to celebrate and showcase the amazing inventions that have the potential to accelerate the industry and provide significant benefits to peoples’ lives.

“Every year individuals and organisations from around the world send in their thoughtful designs and we are really looking forward to seeing who will submit what and from where.

“This opportunity is hugely exciting and I am really looking forward to organising this unique and highly impactful competition that will see new designs, technologies and adaptations come to life.”

Marie joins Blackwood with over 25 years’ experience in the charity sector, having worked in diverse roles, supporting causes including Victim Support Scotland and the Scottish International Development Alliance.

She previously held a senior role at THINK Consulting Solutions, an International fundraising specialist which has worked with charities all over the world, developing fresh, innovative solutions to boost not for profit funds in a competitive landscape.

She has also supported Third Sector Organisations to grow their insights, income and impact at charities such as Changing Faces UK, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres and Mencap, where she gained a wealth of knowledge in fundraising, events and communications.

Colin Foskett, Blackwood’s Head of Innovation, who kickstarted the Design Awards, said: “Marie comes with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge in the charity and fundraising sector and is perfectly equipped to deliver the Design Awards to the highest standard.

“She has already thrown herself into the jobs at hand and we are both really looking forward to welcoming this year’s wonderful selection of up-and-coming innovators.”

Marie’s work will see her approaching universities, innovation hubs, tech incubators and other organisations with a stake in design, engineering and technology to encourage them to enter the awards.

She will also play an instrumental role in organising the event, including attracting sponsorship and recruiting members of the judging panel for the Dragon’s Den style competition, which will see entries evaluated on their ability transform lives.

Previous winners have included an app that helps make living spaces safer for people with dementia and inventor Grant Douglas’ “spill proof” spoon – the S’up Spoon – designed for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake.

Key categories include Best Collaborative Project, Best New Concept and Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology.

Groups or individuals can apply for the Blackwood Design Awards which are open to both seasoned professionals and gifted amateurs, meaning that both technologically advanced and those simpler, yet often most successful designs, are equally welcome.

The awards will mark Blackwood’s 50^th Anniversary, since the it was founded by Dr Margaret Blackwood, a respected campaigner for improvement to help people with disabilities to live more independently.

Blackwood now operates more than 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, and invests in innovation and technology to help people live life to the full.

The charity has already built two developments of tech-smart ‘Blackwood Homes’ in Glasgow and Dundee which use a “CleverCogs” digital system to make life easier for older people and people with disabilities.

For more information or to enter the awards, please visit www.bespoken.me or e-mail bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk.

People looking to join can find more information at:

www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/peoplehood

or by messaging: getinvolved@blackwoodgroup.org.uk

For more information, please visit: https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk

Podcast is sound choice for all passionate on independent living

Blackwood’s 50^th anniversary includes new show for underserved sector

A pioneering independent living specialist in Scotland is launching a dedicated podcast to help celebrate 50 years of helping people live more independently.

Blackwood has promised the episodes will have something for everyone interested in Scotland’s rapidly changing housing, health and social care sector – including its own staff and customers.

The new venture will feature an exciting line-up of guests that reads like a Who’s Who of housing, health and social care, as well as leading experts in robotics and designers focused on improving living spaces for those with disabilities or age-related conditions.

Fanchea Kelly, Chief Executive of Blackwood, said: “We’re privileged to have access to so many interesting people who have given so much throughout their professional lives to improving the lives of others.

“So, we are incredibly pleased to be creating a new platform for those voices that will help explain and explore their work while making it easily accessible.

“We’ll be speaking with agenda setters and policy makers as well as the finest minds in science, research, robotics, smart technology and design. What unites them all is a passion for helping people to live longer, happier and more independent lives.”

As well as high-profile guests, the new podcast will also help the charity celebrate its 50^th anniversary by focusing on some of its longest-serving staff and customers, who will tell their personal stories about how Blackwood changed their lives for the better.

Since being founded by disability campaigner Dr Margaret Blackwood, the organisation has gone on to become one of the most progressive in helping people to live independently, despite disabilities, mobility-limiting conditions and the effects of ageing.

Particularly renowned as a pioneer in technology, Blackwood’s annual Design Awards attract inventors and innovators from all over the world, while its bespoke “Blackwood House” design is seen as the benchmark for tech-assisted independent living.

Confirmed guests lined up for the new podcast include social care policy leaders, Brian Sloan the Chief Executive of Age Scotland; and Blackwood’s own high-respected Chair, Julie McDowell.

Broadcaster Pennie Taylor is also scheduled for a host slot. She is best-known as a long-standing BBC Scotland Health Correspondent and is still one of the country’s top journalists covering the health and social care sectors.

Other episodes will feature Blackwood’s tech champions interviewing academic experts on how robots and other cutting-edge technology will continue to transform independent living.

They will include Professor Praminda Caleb- Solly, of the University of Nottingham and Dr Mauro Dragone, from Heriot-Watt Universities Edinburgh Centre for Robotics.

Fanchea added: “There really will be something for everyone. We all know someone who needs extra care to live independently and since growing older is an inevitability, we have a vested interest in this for our own futures.

“The pace of technological change is summed up in podcasts, which have become one of the most accessible forms of communication there is, so it is a fitting format for Blackwood to adopt as we celebrate 50 years.

“The housing and care sector has gone through a tremendous change since we started, especially with advances in digital technology. We want to ensure Blackwood is at the forefront of what the next 50 years will bring.”

Since 1972, Blackwood housing and care has been providing specialist accommodation aimed at maximising independent living – with innovation being a key driving force.

The charity’s vision has remained consistent with what founder Dr Margaret Blackwood set out years ago – “helping people live their life to the full”.

Technology modernisation has seen the installation of a digital services system, CleverCogs alongside the launch of the bespoke “Blackwood House”, which is a cutting-edge design combining technology and modern construction to meet customer’s changing needs.

Blackwood operates more than 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, helping transform its customers’ lives.

The podcast will be available on the Blackwood website as well as on the usual channels including iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and most mainstream podcast apps – or by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/show/blackwood-50

Housing provider pledges service ‘Fit For The Future’

A leading housing provider has outlined its commitment to transform the sector and continue helping customers to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

As the population ages, Bield has placed a high priority on providing services that promote healthy ageing and creating partnerships that integrate customers with the community and local assets.

Facilitating independent living starts at the housing allocation process, with individuals across the provider now being assigned to properties in relation to their specific needs.

Although allocations are based on a traffic system and dependent in each area, this management can help to reduce moves and supports longer term tenancies.

Chief Executive of Bield, Dr Lynne Douglas, said: “With a growing older population and people living with more complex needs, it has resulted in a flexible structure being implemented. The model Bield operates allows services to be added or removed as required.

“For example, some of our developments benefit from additional meal service options whereas others are linked in with the Care Inspectorate which enables care-at-home to be provided.

“It’s important for us that we offer support in specially designed accommodation that is affordable, sustainable and suited to the individual.

“An integrated approach and working to support the needs of all parties is required to fully enable older people to live independently – making Scotland not only the best place to grow up, but also to grow old.”

The provider, which operates in 22 local authority areas across the country and has a diverse customer base of over 5,000 individuals, has seen first-hand the importance of community relationships after working closely with groups throughout the pandemic.

Sourcing prescriptions and shopping for groceries were only some of the acts of kindness displayed, which is something Bield has incorporated Kindness to its core organisational values.

Lynne added: “Helping customers integrate into the local and wider community is an extremely important part of what we do.

“Due to the average age of our customers, many of them live alone so we have a variety of ways to ensure they remain socially connected through external partnerships as well as with neighbours and staff internally.

“We’ve trained staff to have more meaningful conversations with older customers as well as facilitating an ongoing, innovative partnership with Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership and Inverclyde Health and Care Social Partnership to bridge digital exclusion.”

Bield’s Alarm Receiving Centre (BR24) also plays an important role in understanding how older customers can benefit from being connected to local assets such as community hubs, while the service focuses on providing round the clock support.

Lynne added: “We’ve found through qualitative data gathering from our Inspire project, that BR24 has actually helped individuals transform their lives through only a short intervention with an operator.”

This reinforces the Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ philosophy which encourages people to make their own choices about how they live their lives whilst being there to offer support if needed.

Edinburgh charity will host an interactive event to offer volunteer opportunities and promote the ‘Positive Futures’ initiative

Blackwood’s 50th anniversary includes new show for underserved sector

Blackwood’s 50^th anniversary includes new show for underserved sector