Tag: Restalrig

Ripple Refillery to revolutionise affordable living in Restalrig


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The Ripple Project is proud to announce the launch of North-East Edinburgh’s first community-run refillery project from its Restalrig Lochend Community hub. 

The volunteer-run ‘Ripple Refillery’ will open on 27th March and is the latest sustainability initiative from the North-Edinburgh membership-led community charity. Local people will have the opportunity to bring their own containers and jars to stock up on a variety of essential items, such as dry foods, toiletries, pet food and cleaning products, all supplied at affordable prices. 

The project is led by Tristan Green, Community Action Worker, at The Ripple, who commented: ‘Our goal is to help the community by providing access to good quality, low-cost food.

“Our stocked items are based upon a community feedback survey which highlighted essential items that local residents struggle to afford in retail quantities.

“Given the continuous cost-of-living crisis and the harrowing news reported this week that there are now 12 million people in absolute poverty in Britain, more creativity is required when trying to ease the worries of those most in need.

‘The refillery will help local people to save money whilst also supporting the environment by removing the need for single use plastics and reduce food wastage. We’ve been working with local producers including Edinburgh Community Food and Organic Egg Supplier Dave Stoddart to ensure that we’re able to offer the best local produce where possible. Any small profits will be re-invested into community-based projects in the area. 

“I’d like to thank all of our amazing community volunteers who give up their time to help run the refillery and we would love to hear from local businesses who might be able to support us with the supply of stock.” 

Any local businesses looking to support the initiative can contact Tristan Green at Tristan.green@theripple.org.uk.  

Opening today on Wednesday 27th March, the Ripple Refillery will be open every Wednesday (11am-3pm) and Thursday (3pm-7.30pm).

Additional volunteers are wanted to ensure we can progress to opening even more days during the week.

PICTURED: The Ripple Refillery – Tristan Green with volunteers Sandra Little, Maureen Croall and Irene Taylor

Witness appeal following Restalrig knife incidents

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery and a robbery in the Restalrig area on Saturday (12 August 2023).

Around 5.45 am, a 33-year-old woman was threatened by a man armed with a weapon as she was just about to get on a bus on Restalrig Road South. The man attempted to grab her bag but she managed to get on to the bus which drove off.

Around 6.30 am, a man threatened shop staff at a convenience store on Restalrig Road South with what was believed to be a bladed weapon. He demanded cash but only managed to grab other items as he was chased from the store.

The suspect for both incidents is described as white, 30-40 years of age, has a long and pointed nose which may have been broken previously, dark brown hair. He was wearing a black hooded long-sleeve jumper with a gold metallic North Face logo, grey jogging bottoms with the Adidas logo on left-hand side pocket and black trainers.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Although thankfully, no one was injured, this was very frightening and distressing for those involved.

“Officers are checking CCTV in the area and making local enquiries however, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area between 5.30 am and 6.45 am that morning and who saw the man.

“It may be that he has either approached or threatened others in the area, or may have been hanging about the street, which we can see from CCTV was quite busy at that time.

“So, if you have any information about the incidents or recognise the description of the man, then call police at Gayfield Police Station via 101. Please quote reference number 0930 of Saturday, 12 August 2023. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

UPDATE

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with two robberies on Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh which took place on Saturday, 12 August, 2023.

They are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 18 August, 2023

A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our inquiries following our earlier appeal.”

Tommy Sheppard MP invites public to event to help with cost of living

Tommy Sheppard, MP for Edinburgh East, is hosting a free advice event with key local and national organisations to help constituents through the current cost of living crisis.

It will take place on Friday 31 March at The Ripple Project, 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh EH7 6DZ, and will run on a drop-in basis from 11am to 1pm.

Representatives from Citizens Advice Edinburgh, Social Security Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Age Scotland and the Edinburgh Food Project will be on hand to offer practical support and expertise on a range of issues including money and debt advice, welfare and benefits, energy costs, and personal finances.

Granton Information Centre also provides a weekly advice service for local people at The Ripple Project.

The advice event follows a similar one hosted by the SNP MP in October last year, which saw over eighty people attend from across the Craigmillar area. 

It also comes as polling carried out by Survation in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees revealed the stark impact of rising costs imposed on households in recent months, with findings showing in Edinburgh East: 

•             21% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months

•             32% of people haven’t been able to afford to turn the heating on

•             21% of people fear they may have to use a foodbank

Commenting, Tommy Sheppard MP said:  “With each passing day, we see new figures which highlight how devastating this crisis is for households. I’m determined to do everything I can to support those who are struggling, and ensure they have the information they need to tackle the rising cost of living.

“From practical ways to save money on your energy bills to signposting you towards extra money you may be eligible for, the organisations invited have been chosen to cover a range of problems that ordinary families are facing right now.

“We shouldn’t need to have events like this, because our Government in Westminster ought to be doing something about it. Instead, at a time when households desperately need help, they are withdrawing vital support and imposing real-term cuts to incomes.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that people know that help and support is available – I’d encourage anyone struggling with the cost of living to attend this free advice event.”

Jamie Gray, Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland, added: “We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting lots of people at this cost of living event. 

“With more people now worrying about their energy bills, our advisors will be there to give advice on ways you can reduce your energy use and save money on your bills. They will also be able to look at whether you would be eligible for any grants or funding that can help make your home more energy efficient which will lower your energy bills.

“If you aren’t able to make it along to the event, we can still support you. Just give us a call on 0808 808 2282 or email us via our website at homeenergyscotland.org/contact.”

CAN’T ATTEND FRIDAY’S EVENT?

GRANTON Information Centre holds weekly outreach surgeries every Thursday at the Ripple Project for people with an EH6/7/8 postcode.

To make an appointment to see Shannon at the The Ripple Project (Restalrig and Lochend Community Hub) please contact GIC on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email appointments@gic.org.uk .

The Ripple Project to open it’s doors for a day of happiness

WELLBEING OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 9am – 4pm

People living in cities around the world care about their mental health and the mental health of their fellow residents; they also know that urbanization – living amongst masses of people with its related stressors and burdens – can often be toxic to mental health and well-being.

Edinburgh is no different to any other global city BUT the areas The Ripple Project works in – Restalrig, Lochend and Craigentinny – are different to other parts of Edinburgh.

Low and insecure income and problem debt, unemployment and poor quality housing has consistently been associated with an increased risk of common mental health problems, loneliness and social isolation only adds to this already bleak picture.

As part of their wellbeing programme, on Saturday 16th October the Ripple Project is offering local residents the opportunity to stop, look after themselves and try something new.  Activities on offer FREE of CHARGE include Reiki, massage, singing, drumming, capoeira, creative art, reflexology and many others.  

Cat Robertson, Wellbeing Co-ordinator said “This is a day where people can come and take stock, try something different and think about the things that matter.  So often we forget to do things that just make us happy”

The Ripple Project is a grass roots community that has a strong track record spanning over 20 years of tackling poverty and inequality by working with local people to help them to help themselves. 

Based at the Restalrig Lochend Community Hub since 2010, the charity normally provides daily activities including a community café, a youth service, a wellbeing project, a community shop, a programme for volunteers and support for people to make and sell their own items. 

The Ripple Project also writes and delivers a community newspaper into 6000 homes every 3 months.

Their Community Hub at Restalrig Road South is open 5 days and 4 evenings a week – 8am to 8pm as well as occasional weekends.  The Ripple Project has a small staff team, with the rest of the activities delivered by over 100 volunteers who commit to and give us over 5,500 thousand volunteering hours per year.

Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple said: “The Ripple is the place in our community that people come to chat with others, to have a healthy meal and to take part in exercise, learning and other social activities. 

“So often we see people who do not see anyone from one day to the next or just need help with some something small that is bothering them.  We get to know people and they get to know us, we know when they don’t turn up or when somethings wrong. 

“We work together to help each other and try and make our area a better place to live and work in.”

To find out more about The Ripple Project  please visit www.rippleproject.co.uk

Witness appeal following ‘deliberate’ hit and run

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was struck by a car which then failed to stop. The incident happened on Restalrig Avenue near the junction with Craigentinny Avenue around 4.30pm on Friday (27 August).

A 34-year-old man was struck by a black Vauxhall Corsa car which had mounted the pavement before driving off.

The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh later that evening for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

Detective Inspector Jonny Wright of Gayfield CID said: “Our enquiries so far suggest the car was deliberately driven at the man and we are seeking further information in relation to the matter.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area around 4.30pm on Friday afternoon and may have witnessed the incident or hold any information in relation to the incident to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who may have seen a black Vauxhall Corsa car with collision damage since then to get in touch.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 4357 of 27 August, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Appeal for information after ferrets abandoned in Edinburgh

Scottish SPCA are appealing for information after two ferrets were found on Restalrig Road South on 23 March.

The animal welfare charity was alerted to the incident after a member of the public witnessed two girls leave the animals on a small grassy area and run off.

Scottish SPCA inspector Jennifer Surgeon said: “This ferrets were left in a cat box that was far too small for them. The cage was left open and the ferrets were running loose. Luckily the member of the public managed to contain them.

“Both ferrets appear to be in good body condition but were both very dirty. The cage they were in was also filthy.

“We appreciate that the people who left the ferrets in the area may have intended for the animals to be found but this is not the right way to give up an animal if you can no longer care for them.

“Thankfully, despite their ordeal, they appear to be unscathed and are now in the care of one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where they are receiving the care they need.

“We would like to find out what happened to these ferrets. If anyone has any information on how the ferrets came to be in this situation they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

If anyone is concerned about an animal, please do not hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999. 

We need your support today. From as little as £1, you can save lives.

Please support the Scottish SPCA today.

Have you seen Lukasz?

RE-APPEAL FOR MISSING MAN LUKASZ MACHALSKI

Police are appealing for information to help trace a man one week since he was reported missing from his home in Craigentinny.

Lukasz Machalski (26) was last seen in the West Pilton Drive area around 9pm on Sunday, 13 December. There was a possible sighting of him about 12pm on Monday, 14 December, in the Restalrig area. Lukasz has not been seen or heard of since. There is growing concern for his welfare.

He is described as being 5th 10ins tall, with fair blonde hair which is often shaved. At the time he went missing Lukasz was wearing a grey jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and Nike trainers that are black and gold.

Lukasz is known to have links with Glasgow and may have travelled to the city. He is also familiar with the West Pilton and Restalrig areas of Edinburgh.

Inspector Gordon Duff of Craigmillar Police Station said: “It has now been a week since Lukasz was reported missing and along with his family, we are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and are keen to locate him as soon as possible.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen him to contact us immediately. Similarly, if Lukasz is reading this, let us know you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2653 of 13, December

Reconnecting families in Lochend and Restalrig

Reconnecting Families: a project for the local communities of Restalrig and Lochend. 

Aerial Art House has officially launched registration for the “Reconnecting Families” activities. The project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, will take place from 29th August to 21st November in the Restalrig area, at Aerial Art House (respecting the social distancing measures), or online if the restrictions won’t be eased. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis families with young children at home and parents-to-be are struggling more than ever due to increased stress and reduced support.

The “Reconnecting Families” project aims to protect those people’s mental health and wellbeing by encouraging post-lockdown community bonding and exercise. 

“We believe that circus can help our neighbourhood come out strong from this crises” said Emanuela Orti, Company Director at Aerial Art House.

“We want people to experience the joy of circus and the magic of being together,” added Hania Chwialkowska, Founder and Director at Aerial Art House. 

Local families will be able to attend free of charge: 

• Community support sessions 

• Circus-based fitness classes for kids 

• Family entertainment 

100 activity packages will be distributed to local who won’t be able to take part in the activities for any reason. 

Midwife advice sessions will follow pregnant women and new mums aerial yoga sessions to provide support and help families strengthen social connections in their neighbourhood.

Circus classes of various types will keep the kids active and entertained, to benefit their physical and mental health. Family entertainment will improve people’s mood during this difficult time.

For more information about the “Reconnecting Families” project, registrations, or donations e-mail aerialarthouse@gmail.com or visit Aerial Art House Facebook page.

Appeal following disturbance on Hawkhill Avenue

Police are appealing for information after a man suffered serious injuries following a disturbance in Restalrig. The incident happened around 10.30pm on Wednesday (13 May) on Hawkhill Avenue.

A 27-year-old man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment for his injuries. He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Two men, aged 48 and 41, and a 34-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin, of Gayfield CID, said: “Our enquiries continue to trace a further individual believed to be involved in the incident and we’d urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or has any information that could assist our investigation to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting incident 4131 of 13 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.