People Know How – Page 2 – The NEN

Planning committee to consider Tynecastle High School plans

APPLICATION FOR YET MORE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

The planning application for an exciting new student residential development at Edinburgh’s former Tynecastle High School site is set to go to a Council hearing on Wednesday 21st September.

Planning officials have recommended the application be granted, subject to conditions.

Committee paper: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=6497&Ver=4

It comes as the developers of the scheme, S1 Developments, announced that the last property in the final phase of The Ropeworks development in Leith (in collaboration with Teague Homes UK) had been sold. The development, which includes 318 private residential units and 350 affordable mid-market rent units, was launched in 2017 and has established a thriving new community on a formerly derelict industrial site.

Much like the Ropeworks, this high-quality student development at Tynecastle will regenerate a site that has lain vacant for over a decade and fallen into a state of disrepair. The sympathetic restoration of the original Category B-listed school building, designed by John Alexander Carfrae, forms an integral part of the proposals.

Development of the site is challenging due to the proximity of the neighbouring North British Distillery, Tynecastle Stadium and the Western Approach Road. The new buildings have been carefully designed to limit the impacts in terms of air quality and noise; creating a sheltered courtyard and communal amenity spaces at the heart of the site. The original school hall will be repurposed as a central amenity hub providing high quality shared facilities including a gym, library and study spaces.

This communal approach is well suited to student living and the proposed development will far exceed amenity standards for similar student developments, having more than double the external and internal amenity space of any recently consented schemes.

An independent economic report has estimated that the student development could release the equivalent of up to 170 properties back into the housing market, which would be more appropriate for families to live in, contributing an additional £266,000 in council tax annually.

Student numbers are increasing at 3 per cent a year in Edinburgh, reaching their highest ever levels, and around 70 per cent of students within the Gorgie Dalry Community Council area currently live within open market housing stock.

The committee report notes that “student population figure in the calculated area, including the proposed development, when viewing the wider area would be approximately 24 per cent. This proportion would not lead to an over-concentrated student population in the area.”

Sustainability is at the heart of the development which will be car free with heat generated entirely by air source heat pumps. The landscaping proposals increase green space across the site by more than 40 per cent, helping to increase biodiversity within the local area.

The complete development will see increased spend of £1.7 million Gross Value Added in local shops and create an additional 55 jobs in the city.

If planning is approved, charities LOVE Gorgie Farm and People Know How will operate community facilities on the site. The highly popular urban farm, which already works with Tynecastle High School, will operate an extensive community garden, while the latter will operate a community facility within the building.

LOVE Gorgie Farm will seek to engage children and young people in its environmental programmes through the garden, located on the western edge of the site. This will include planting beds, a shelter, storage space and greenhouses. It will allow it to enhance its role in the community and to expand the farm’s Earth School project, for example, which will stimulate interest in nature, encouraging new generations to create a brighter and more eco-friendly future.

People Know How will operate a community facility, with the option for other local community groups to use space. The charity supports children, young people and their families in Edinburgh transitioning from primary to high school; helps individuals access the digital world and assists communities to shape their areas through community consultation and empowerment.

A large number of students volunteer to work with the charity and this enables a positive relationship with students in the building to be established. Not only does this support the charity in its work, but also benefits the volunteers and engages them in the local area.

S1 Developments have recently achieved planning approval for the nearby former CTD Tiles warehouse site on Temple Park Crescent. Work has recently started on site to deliver 46 high quality apartments, including 11 affordable homes in association with Link Group.

Dan Teague, Director at S1 Developments, said: “At S1 Developments we develop sites to suit the location and have delivered hundreds of homes, including affordable homes across the city, most recently at The Ropeworks in Leith.

“Following our careful assessment of the Old Tynecastle High School site, we feel that student development is the most appropriate use given the severe constraints. This will not only secure the redevelopment of the school, and provide a boost to the local economy, but also serve to free up the equivalent of 170 homes which are more appropriate for families.

“The original school building has fallen into a sorry state since it ceased being a school over a decade ago. Whilst the redevelopment is challenging, we are hopeful that the proposed use brings with it an opportunity to save and renovate the original school building and continue its educational use, benefitting the local community.”

Lynn Black, CEO of LOVE Learning, operators of LOVE Gorgie Farm, said: ‘“There is no doubt that should planning permission be granted, the new community garden will greatly enhance LOVE Gorgie Farm and our ability to deliver environmental programmes and help tackle food poverty.

“The garden will complement superbly what we do at the farm in the terms of educating children and young people on nature, food production and the delivery of an eco-friendly future, maximising its use as a therapeutic resource.”

Glenn Liddall, Chief Executive of People Know How, commented: “The delivery of this development will allow us to increase our activity with the local community. While we will be operating it, we are also keen that other local groups and organisations be able to make use of it.

“As a large number of students routinely work with us by way of volunteering, internships and placements, this is a win-win for us, and also engages them in the local community.”

Local Sighthill/Gorgie councillor, Catherine Fullerton commented: “The school has lain moribund for far too many years and is an appropriate site for such a development. It will bring community benefits too through the delivery of community space for charity People Know How and a garden managed by LOVE Gorgie Farm.

“There is clear evidence that the demand outweighs supply of student accommodation in Edinburgh, and this site has excellent travel routes to the various colleges and universities in the capital.

“In addition, and importantly, the development will boost the local economy in Gorgie and Dalry which is of great importance to me, having lived in both these areas and shop there regularly.

“I am also pleased that much of the original building/facades will be restored as a reminder of the old school which served the community well.”

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity doubles up at SCVO national awards

Congratulations to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), who received not one but TWO top awards at last night’s SCVO Scottish Charity Awards event!

The charity explained on Facebook: ‘Something pretty AMAZING happened tonight … ECHC won the PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD at SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2021!

‘And then, just as we were gathering our thoughts and getting our emotions in check … we were announced as WINNERS of CHARITY OF THE YEAR too!

‘This is truly incredible. THANK YOU to everyone who voted for us and to our wonderful supporters, partners, volunteers and staff for your dedication in helping children and families in hospital.

‘This past year has been one of the toughest and we could not have done it without you all. So, this one’s for you…THANK YOU! ‘

#twoawardsinonenight

#charityoftheyear

#peopleschoiceaward

#scottishcharityawards

ECHC’s Victoria Buchanan said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named Charity of the Year and People’s Choice winner at the Scottish Charity Awards 2021! Through the tightest Covid restrictions and a hospital move; ECHC was privileged to stand alongside those ill, injured and shielding at home.

” From emergency care packs, silent discos, giant inflatable octopuses and record-breaking fundraising appeals, we pulled out all the stops to continue to bring fun, comfort and friendship to wards and waiting rooms and ease worries during one of the toughest years families have faced.

“None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our supporters, partners, staff and volunteers. This award is recognition of their phenomenal efforts to ensure children in hospital could be children first, patients second, even in a global pandemic.”

https://youtu.be/C8chri-SO_o

You can watch the whole SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2021 event on YouTube (above).

The winners of the annual awards ceremony dedicated to recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced last night (1 October) in a glittering online event hosted by Sally Magnusson live from the EICC.

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector and this year’s shortlist included 47 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.

The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel, with the tenth People’s Choice category winner decided by the public, with over 12,000 votes cast. As a result this year one finalist received both the Charity of the Year and People’s Choice Awards!

The winners for 2021 are:

Campaign of the year – Stop It Now! Scotland – Get Help or Get Caught

Child Sexual Abuse impacts one in six children in Scotland and targeting offenders is one of the most important ways of tackling abuse before it happens. As a result of the ‘Get Help or Get Caught’ campaign over 79,000 people visited the team’s website and 185 people accessed specialist self-help resources designed for people who are worried about their own online behaviour towards children and young people.

Stuart Allardyce, Director Stop It Now! Scotland said: “We’re thrilled to have won Campaign of the Year for our #GetHelporGetCaught campaign – thank you so much. As a child protection charity, our aim at Stop It Now! Scotland is to prevent children from being sexually abused, whether that’s online or offline.

“Child sexual abuse affects one in six children across the UK, and the number of adults posing a threat to children is growing. Our campaign is one way to tackle that problem, by telling adults who are offending or who might offend about the harm they cause, the consequences, and the support our helpline and website provide to stop their illegal behaviour.”

A special commendation was given to Aberlour Children’s Charity – Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund.

Volunteer of the year–Central and West Integration Network – Shawn Nicholas Fernandez

Shawn wants to be a role model for both BAME and disadvantaged communities. He successfully made an impact in communities across Glasgow by delivering Cyber Crime Prevention Awareness Workshops and also creating a space through a community gardening project to help refugees by encouraging them to spend more time in nature to benefit their mental health and wellbeing.

Sean said: “I am extremely overwhelmed and proud to be part of Central and West Integration Network and a special thanks goes to all the Staffs and the beautiful volunteers who are always working unconditionally without expectations.

“By winning this award, I hope it will be an eye opener and encouragement for other volunteers especially those that are socially excluded. Nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it. Every organisation should recognise their volunteers and their contributions to the community because they are the cornerstone and should be rewarded.

“Circumstances in life may not always turn out the way we want it to be. Life may not be as smooth as we want it to be. But hard work, dedication and perseverance goes a long way. Thank you.”

A special commendation was given to Bob MacKenzie from CACE (Cumbernauld Action on Care of the Elderly)

Pioneering project – Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs – Click and Deliver Naloxone

Over the last ten years, nearly 10,000 families in Scotland lost a loved one through drug-related death. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdose, providing vital time to call an ambulance.

The team at Scottish Families recognised the need for access to this vital medication and launched a unique national Click and Deliver service, providing training and free Naloxone by post to any adult in Scotland. From May 2020 until March 2021, the team issued 295 kits, potentially saving 295 lives.

CEO Justina Murray said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the Pioneering Project Award. This life saving project was set up in a matter of days, at the height of lockdown and we are so proud of it.

“Our colleague Suzanne Gallagher has done an awe inspiring job of running this service from her front room, delivering 743 kits and counting. Thanks also need to go to Kirsten Horsburgh and our friends at Scottish Drugs Forum for everything they have done to help create and promote this service.”

Employee of the year – Carers Trust Scotland – Nicola Bell

Nicola has achieved a huge amount in the last 12 months. Working with young carers, she set up #Supermarkets4Change, campaigning to raise awareness of unpaid carers with supermarkets to include young carers in the protected hours set aside for vulnerable people to shop.

This work, led to those young people nominating her for the Scottish Youth Parliament Support Worker of the Year Award, which she went on to successfully win. Resources she produced for professionals and young carers on the topic of supporting carers through a whole family approach have been so well received they are being translated into other languages by European carers organisations to use in their own countries.

She said: “I am so honoured to have won Employee of the Year! I would not be here without the support of the amazing Carers Trust Scotland team and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance. To all the incredible young carers & young adult carers – thank you!

“I feel very proud to work with such inspiring colleagues, services and young people each day.”

A special commendation was given to Fiona Mitchell from Harlawhill Day Care Centre.

Community Action – Cumbernauld Resilience

Cumbernauld Resilience was established in March 2020 as a community-based response to the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. It united people from all over Cumbernauld from a diverse demographic to reach out and help their neighbours.

The team has over 120 volunteers who have freely given their time, expertise and commitment to distribute over 90,000 meals and other essentials to locals – even hosting Christmas celebrations for over 600 people!

Chair Tony Murphy said: “As a relatively new charity, we are humbled and delighted to have been recognised in this way. We are especially delighted to have won in the Community Action Category as, from the outset, Cumbernauld Resilience’s ethos has been about mobilising the wonderful community spirit that exists in our town to help those in need.

“Thank you so much to every supporter, donor and volunteer – without your unbelievable support and unselfish commitment we really wouldn’t have been able to reach out and help so many in our community during their hour of need.”

Climate Conscious – Forth Valley Sensory Centre – Making Sense of Energy Saving

The project helped people cut their energy bills, despite the pandemic, but also secured new heating systems, warmer home payments and even new windows for a number of deaf and blind people who were struggling to heat their homes and pay their bills.

On top of this, with the change to LED lighting in the centre and the advice provided to centre users in braille, workshops, accessible video and BSL, it saved the equivalent of 300 tonnes of CO2.

Chief Executive Jacquie Winning said: “This award covers two of the biggest issues in today’s society, accessibility and the climate emergency.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us and to the staff at our Centre for making such an innovative project come to fruition!”

Trustee of the year – Linkes (SCIO) – Robert Smith

Robert is the co-founder and driving force of Linkes community project (2006), serving as chairperson to promote integration, empowerment and social inclusion. In response to the pandemic, he was visionary and determined, quickly building alliances to set-up a food distribution project.

Between March – September 2020, Robert’s team of volunteers delivered a whopping 18,000 meals and 2,000 grocery packs. Since October he has also overseen logistics of a weekly food-hub. Robert makes the magic happen, whether he is running board meetings, bulk buying food, driving the van, supporting new volunteers, making friendly phone calls– he is an unstoppable force for good.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. It’s not something I expected as the other finalists have all achieved incredible things and I’d like to congratulate them on their work.

“I would also like to thank the amazing team of staff, board and volunteers at Linkes, our partners and funders and everyone else in the community who contributes to what we do. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved in what has been an extremely difficult year and on behalf of the team at Linkes, I’d like to say a big thank you for this award.”

A special commendation was given to Julia Grindley from Edinburgh School Uniform Bank.

Digital citizens – People Know How

People Know How believe in the inextricable link between social and digital isolation and the pandemic has only reinforced that view.

Over the last year the team has provided devices, digital skills and connectivity to thousands of people across Edinburgh and East Lothian. In doing so, the team has helped people stay connected with loved ones, access support and home-school their children.

Throughout this work they identified that the biggest obstacle to digital inclusion is data poverty, which is why they have now launched a national campaign to end data poverty.

Claudia Baldacchino, Communications & IT Officer, said: “It’s an honour to have been awarded the Digital Citizens Award. We’re so proud of our volunteers and staff for achieving so much over the last year, supporting thousands of people with devices, digital skills and connectivity.

“We’d also like to thank all our partners and funders who have made this work possible through their support and collaboration. We will continue to combat data poverty and digital exclusion as we recover from the pandemic and beyond, and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

A special commendation was given to Space – The Louise Project.

Charity of the year AND People’s Choice Award – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC)

Covid-19 has been a rollercoaster for everyone; no less for children and families in hospital and those privileged to support them. Innovation and dedication from supporters, partners, staff and volunteers saw support for children shielding at home, in wards and waiting rooms continue through the tightest regulations and a hospital move. From emergency care packs, silent discos, inflatable octopuses and record-breaking fundraising appeals, ECHC has excelled to ensure children in hospital are children first, patients second, even in a global pandemic.

Victoria Buchanan said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named Charity of the Year and People’s Choice winner at the Scottish Charity Awards 2021! Through the tightest Covid restrictions and a hospital move; ECHC was privileged to stand alongside those ill, injured and shielding at home.

“From emergency care packs, silent discos, giant inflatable octopuses and record-breaking fundraising appeals, we pulled out all the stops to continue to bring fun, comfort and friendship to wards and waiting rooms and ease worries during one of the toughest years families have faced.

A special commendation was given in the Charity of the Year category to North Edinburgh’s Scran Academy SCIO.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time in the voluntary sector and we were delighted to celebrate the achievements and successes of our finalists and winners at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.

“We had a record-breaking number of entries this year and each one demonstrated just how well the voluntary sector has responded and adapted to changes and restrictions over the past 12 months.

“Thanks to our sponsors, the team at the EICC, our host Sally Magnusson and everyone who applied and voted for making this year’s Awards so special. Congratulations to our winners for 2021!”

Find out more about all this year’s finalists.

All Aboard! People Know How get set for canal boat launch

On Saturday 25 September, Scottish charity People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church will be officially launching their new canal boat, All Aboard.

After People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church announced their partnership in 2019, they ran a pilot project including consultations, events and activities on a chartered canal boat, including projects and events for young people and the community.

The pilot demonstrated the importance of their aims to provide a space for wellbeing and community cohesion and the response they received from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

In February of this year, the two partners finalised the purchase of their own custom-built canal boat, and in June that boat was craned into the Union Canal. Since then, they have been getting it ready for its official launch.

Anna Philbrick, All Aboard Coordinator, said: “It’s been an exciting process preparing our new boat to officially launch on the canal – from installing the bright yellow canopy and lift, to training up our team of volunteers, to ensuring our boat is safe and accessible for all.

“The launch comes at a pivotal time in the canal community’s recovery from the pandemic, and we’re really looking forward to start hosting sessions and projects as well as new volunteers interested in this unique opportunity. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board!”

The launch event invites you on board the new boat and offers many opportunities to get involved with All Aboard. The project is currently looking for crew and helmsman volunteers to support the running of the boat, taking young people, families and adults on trips on the canal.

There are also opportunities to provide support on the boat through art, music, meditation or any other ideas you might have!

Come down to the All Aboard canal boat at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 25 September and join us for the launch of All Aboard!

Register on Eventbrite: https://all-aboard-boat-launch.eventbrite.co.uk

Tynecastle School student accomodation plans unveiled

LOVE Gorgie Farm and People Know How will operate community facilities

S1 Developments has submitted a planning application for an ‘exciting new student residential development’ at the former Tynecastle High School site.

The developers say ‘this high-quality student development will regenerate a site that has lain vacant for over a decade and fallen into a state of disrepair. The careful restoration of the original Category B-listed school building, designed by John Alexander Carfrae, forms an integral part of the proposals. The development will far exceed amenity standards for similar student developments and has sustainability at its heart.’

Charities LOVE Gorgie Farm and People Know How have also been revealed as preferred operators for community facilities on the site should planning permission be granted.

The highly popular urban farm will operate an extensive community garden while People Know How, which already works with Tynecastle High School, will operate a community facility within the building.

The original school hall will be repurposed as a central amenity hub, sitting within a collegiate-style courtyard space and providing high quality shared facilities for student residents. The landscaping proposals increase green space across the site by more than 40 per cent, helping to increase biodiversity within the local area.

The development has been designed to be highly sustainable with zero parking, 100 per cent cycle parking, the employment of low carbon technologies and no use of fossil fuels.

Council guidance points to the benefits of purpose-built student accommodation in freeing up traditional housing stock for families with children and it has been estimated that a development such as this could release up to 180 properties back into the housing market. Local businesses will also benefit through increased spending from student residents.

People Know How will operate a community facility, with the option for other local community groups to use space. The charity supports children, young people and their families in Edinburgh transition from primary to high school; helps individuals access the digital world and assists communities to shape their areas through community consultation and empowerment.

LOVE Gorgie Farm will seek to engage children and young people in its environmental programmes through a community garden, on the western edge of the site, which will include planting beds, a shelter, storage space and greenhouses. The farm’s Earth School project, for example will stimulate interest in nature, encouraging new generations in creating a brighter and eco-friendly future.

Dan Teague, Director at S1 Developments, said: “We’re delighted to be submitting a planning application for this exciting development, and to also highlight our involvement with two charities who do such valuable work in local communities.

“As S1 Developments we develop sites to suit the location and have delivered hundreds of homes, including affordable homes across the city. Following our careful assessment of this site, we feel that student development is the most appropriate use given the constraints.

“This will not only secure the redevelopment of the Old Tynecastle High School, and provide a boost to the local economy, but also allows us to develop the site in manner which is compatible with neighbouring uses.

Julie O’Donnell, Head of LOVE Gorgie Farm, said: “We’re very exciting about the prospect of operating the community garden should the scheme receive consent.

“With the environment and climate change such topical issues the garden will complement superbly what we do at the farm in the terms of educating our children and young people on nature and the delivery of an eco-friendly future.”

Glenn Liddall, Chief Executive of People Know How, commented: “It is great to be offered this facility, allowing us to increase our activity with the local community. While we will operate it, we are also keen that other groups and organisations be able to make use of it.

“As a large number of students routinely work with us by way of volunteering, internships and placements, this is a win-win for us. It not only allows us to establish a positive relationship with students in the building who can support us in our work but benefits and engages them in the local area.”

People Know How charity calls for end to data poverty in Scotland

People Know How have launched a nationwide campaign, Connectivity Now, calling for accessible and affordable connectivity in homes across Scotland to facilitate an end to data poverty.

Coronavirus highlighted digital exclusion across demographics, postcodes and sectors throughout Scotland. Organisations across sectors have now joined the battle against digital exclusion to continue offering their services, products or support.

The Connectivity Now manifesto is a call-to-action for organisations across sectors. It consists of 3 actions:

1. Regulate connectivity

2. Link connectivity to shared spaces

3. Zero-rate essential service websites

Read the full manifesto and pledge your support to #ConnectivityNow on People Know How’s website.

To make your pledge even more impactful, the charity is encouraging pledgers to record a short video clip, completing the following sentence: I support Connectivity Now because… Pledges including a video will be shared on People Know How’s social media channels, tagging and promoting your organisation as a supporter.

To spread the word and help get more pledges, People Know How have posts pinned for you to share on their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels and don’t forget to use the #ConnectivityNow hashtag!

Let’s unite our experiences from this pandemic and do something about data poverty!

Ready to pledge? Visit the website to read the manifesto, pledge your support and move one step closer to #ConnectivityNow:

www.peopleknowhow.org/connectivity-now

London Road: Green light for yet more student accommodation

An application for planning permission for the development of high-quality student accommodation on London Road has been approved by City of Edinburgh Council at committee this morning.

Located at London Road, the 76-bed development, is being undertaken by developer, HG Developments. This is a second phase development of the neighbouring student accommodation at 61-63 London Road, also being undertaken by HG Developments. This incorporates the vacant land, presenting a continuation of regeneration along the London Road corridor.

Situated opposite Meadowbank Stadium, the contemporary state of the art development will replace the existing car wash and will see the delivery of a six-storey block, predominantly in brick, bringing a strong architectural element to the corner site.

The planning application was progressed after the site was re-marketed when a previous residential development consent for the scheme could not be progressed due it not being possible to build over a sewer present on the site.

On completion, charity People Know How – currently housed at Crewe Toll’s 525 Ferry Road – will locate their headquarters on the ground floor of 61 – 63 London Road, closer to the communities in which they operate.

The charity supports children, young people and their families in north-east Edinburgh transition from primary to high school; helps individuals access the digital world and assists communities to shape their areas through community consultation and empowerment.

The site is not within a Conservation Area or within the boundary of the UNESCO World Heritage site and is in an area within which there is a considerable volume of mixed-use development proposed, complementing the established residential areas nearby.

It is located on London Road, a major thoroughfare in the city boasting a high frequency of bus routes, including buses that directly serve university and college campuses and facilities.

Given the high sustainability of the location, only four parking spaces will be delivered, two accessible spaces and two to accommodate cars for the for the City Car Club, now known as Enterprise Car Club.

A high focus on cycling is a key part of the proposal, with capacity for 198 bicycle spaces. There will also be Sheffield racks available for visitors and staff, giving a total of 210 bicycle spaces.

Energy efficient design will enhance the sustainability of the development, and water consuming systems will offer considerable reductions in water use compared to baseline technologies, including low flush toilets and low flow taps and showers

In addition, the proposal will help to address the increasing demand for student accommodation in the city. Edinburgh’s leading universities and colleges are a key driver of the capital’s economy and civic life, and student bed provision in Edinburgh remains below average compared with competing student cities across the UK.

Architects 3DReid worked on the scheme and the planning consultants were Turley.

A spokesperson for HG Developments commented: “We are delighted to have received approval of our application at committee today. This high-quality student accommodation proposal will serve to redevelop a brownfield site in previous commercial use.

“Given the high sustainability of the location there is no requirement for car parking spaces beyond those for the City Car club and disabled spaces, and we are ensuring that there is excellent provision of bicycle spaces.

“The development also serves to address the increasing demand for student accommodation, fulfilling the ambitious growth plans of universities in the city, which are key drivers of the economy. This also helps to reduce pressure on the private housing market as well as delivering a substantial amount in additional expenditure into the local economy.”

Glenn Liddall, Chief Executive of People Know How commented: “Having worked closely with the developer we were pleased to see this scheme, which acts as an extension to the neighbouring building which is now under construction, gaining planning approval. We are locating our headquarters here, allowing us to serve the local community and enabling us to grow.

“As a large number of students routinely work with us by way of volunteering, internships and placements we are in the enviable position of being able to establish a positive relationship with students in the building, who can support us in our work, which will also benefit them; and engage them in the local area.”

Ruta Turcinaviciute, Project Designerfor 3DReid commented: “The proposed scheme marks an important moment for the future redevelopment of a constrained and complicated site, which will benefit the urban quality of London Road and represent a further contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the wider area.

“The proposed building seeks to address the prominent corner of the site, to its eastern approach, while the material and language of the building follows the emerging palette of the new developments currently proposed in the area, in addition to responding to the tones of the more historic tenements that form the wider context.”

Lottery cash boost for Edinburgh community projects

SCRAN Academy, People Know How and Dads Rock are among six Edinburgh projects to share in £247,582 funding from The National Lottery Community Fund announced today.

Scran Academy receives an award of £10,000 to deliver free hot meals to vulnerable people across the North of Edinburgh, working with local partners to ensure gaps in service are covered.

John Loughton, Founder and Chief Executive of Scran Academy, which is based at Fet Lor Youth Club on Crewe Road South, said: “COVID-19 has hit our communities rapidly and created serious implications for many of our most vulnerable people.

“Scran Academy and our partners have been able to repurpose and rapidly respond to help offer over 10,500 delivered ready meals to those elderly, frail, facing food poverty or socially isolated.

“The support from The National Lottery demonstrates a trust and understanding in us as grassroots providers to ensure no-one went hungry or alone from day one.

“In many ways agencies like ours have become not only the sole source of hot food and human contact, but like a fifth emergency service. Everyone deserves the dignity of a safe hot meal and safe human interaction; that’s we do, thousands of times every day across the city.”

There’s also £10,000 for Crewe Toll-based People Know How.

The charity will use the funding to help cover the cost of refurbishing and delivering over 200 computers to those in need of support during the coronavirus outbreak.

By refurbishing donated computers, delivering them to people’s doorsteps, and providing follow up phone support, People Know How aim to support members of the community to stay connected, find support or home-school their children.

Dads Rock will provide a wide range of online support to 1,000 families across the city over the next six months thanks to a National Lottery award of £9,950.

Thomas Lynch, Service Manager, Dad’s Rock, said: “Every year we work in deprived areas to help dads, children and families in need of support through free playgroups, mentoring of young dads and delivering antenatal and parenting workshops.

“Thanks to this funding we have been able to respond quickly to the impact of COVID-19 and support our beneficiaries at this difficult time. We are now providing online workshops to parents, including antenatal and Raising Children with Confidence.

“We are also supporting our Young Dads online and, on the telephone, providing music tuition online and providing support to all our families through videos and social media.

“Through these activities parents feel supported and have the tools they need to fully support their children, even in lockdown.”

Biggest award of all goes to Edinburgh Development Group (Scotland), based at Craigmillar’s Castlebrae Centre, who receive almost £198,000.

This group will use the funding over three years to develop two further care co-operatives, using learning from the model previously operated within the City of Edinburgh.

The new co-operatives will be centred around South Queensferry and will involve a community of interest (people with disabilities) and a workers co-operative which will provide a range of support.

The project will work directly with 45 people and involve at least ten volunteers.

Intercultural Youth Scotland (£10,000) and Love Learning Scotland (£10,000) were the other Edinburgh-based projects to receive funding.

Across the country 141 groups, from charities to smaller voluntary led community projects, are receiving funding raised by National Lottery players for a range of activities, many of which will help people to support each other through the COVID-19 crisis.

Projects funded include those that will deliver emergency care packages to vulnerable Scots, those providing online and telephone support to isolated people, as well as projects that will bring people together and give hope for the future once the lockdown is over.

Announcing today’s funding, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Director, Neil Ritch, said: “In these difficult and unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.

“These awards, made possible by National Lottery players, recognise the hugely valuable and important contribution that Scotland’s voluntary and community sector plays in boosting the health, wellbeing and morale of local people.

“Many of them have found innovative ways to keep their communities connected during the current crisis, whilst others will support people in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”

Over the next six months the National Lottery Community Fund will focus its funding in Scotland on those projects that supporting organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19.

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

Two opportunities in one on March 11: Funding Fair and Open House

EVOC is hosting a Funding Fair on the 11th March 2020. The event is free and open to organisations of all sizes.

The half-day will include:

– Stalls from funding providers across Scotland and the UK providing information and advice on their opportunities

– 10 minute Funding surgeries with a select number of funders – perfect if you have a specific project in mind as you’ll have the opportunity for a more in-depth chat.

– Free Training session from The Robertson Trust on writing grant applications.

– Free Training session from The Charity Bank on social investment – if you want to know more about how loans to charities and social enterprises work, this is for you!

– Get to know your local Third Sector Interface: EVOC, Volunteer Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Social Enterprise will be there to let you know what support is available to your organisation

– An opportunity to network and meet other trustees and voluntary sector colleagues from across Edinburgh!

Funders confirmed so far:

– Bank of Scotland Foundation

– BBC Children in Need

– Cattanach Trust – stand and surgeries

– Charity Bank – Stand and free training session

– Community Shares Scotland – stand and surgeries

– Corra Foundation

– Edinburgh University: Edinburgh Local grants

– Firstport

– Funding Scotland

– National Lottery Community Fund – stand and surgeries

– Paths for All

– RBS Social & Community Capital

– Robertson Trust – Free training session.

Please note: Sign up for training and funding surgeries will be on the day on a first come basis.

Spaces are limited so please arrive on time if you wish to guarantee a place!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/edinburgh-funding-fair-tickets-88675385465

Also on the day: Are you looking for office, studio or desk space? During your visit to 525 Ferry Road, why not pop in to People Know How’s Open House?

They will be hosting tours and providing information about the building, a modern 100,000 sq foot office building with open plan and single unit studio spaces available now.

https://open-house-525-ferry-road.eventbrite.co.uk

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Local charity secures £50,000 from the Movement for Good Awards

Edinburgh-based charity People Know How has won a game-changing £50,000 award as part of the Movement for Good Awards.

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Continue reading Local charity secures £50,000 from the Movement for Good Awards