Join us for an exciting new Dramatherapy group starting next Wednesday 18 September. Block one explores the theme of ‘origins’ over 6 weeks and provides a safe space for you to explore what this theme means to you, using a range of creative techniques.
If you’ve enjoyed learning about St Columba’s Compassionate Gardeners this month, and would like to get involved and make a real difference to someone through this service, download the volunteer pack, or apply today at:
If you’re looking to escape the hubbub of the Edinburgh Festivals, then why not join us in The Hub, on Friday 23rd August for a free, relaxed live music session..
From 2-3pm our friends, Jenny Baxley Lee, Katey Warren and Astro & Stella will be performing a variety of Americana, Country and Folk songs for your listening pleasure.
All are welcome – booking recommended. Please register by emailing arts@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.
A new nursing graduate from Queen Margaret University (QMU) has gained recognition for her sensitive and compassionate care of people near end of life with an award from St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Ailsa Timoney, who graduated with Master of Nursing from QMU in July this year, was presented with the St Columba’s Hospice Care Palliative Care Nursing Award.
Twenty-six-year-old Ailsa from Edinburgh undertook a 10-week placement at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, as part of her QMU degree course.
She was surprised how much she enjoyed the placement at the hospice, as she anticipated that it would be a really sad experience. However, she found the work really rewarding, so much so that she would consider moving into a palliative care position at some point during her career.
Ailsasaid: “Working at St Columba’s wasn’t what I had expected. It was really fulfilling to be able to provide a good level of person centred care to each individual patient, and I know this really helped the individual, as well as their families, in the journey towards end of life.”
Discussing her university experience, she said: “I really enjoyed being a student at QMU – everyone is so supportive and friendly, and it’s such a welcoming community. The four-year undergraduate master’s course was both challenging and very worthwhile, and the academics and the degree prepared me well for entering the nursing workforce. I received great support from staff. There was always someone available to help and guide me through the course.
“I’m thrilled to have received the award from St Columba’s Hospice Care – it’s such a special place and I learned so much on my placement with the team there. I’m now excited to be coming into the nursing profession and starting my role as a community nurse.”
Georgios Tsigkas, Programme Leader for the Master of Nursing course at Queen Margaret University, said: “This award recognises the dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism that Ailsa demonstrated throughout the full four years on the course.
“She is a great ambassador for our nursing programme, and through her work and attitude she epitomises the values of QMU in wanting to make a difference to the lives of others.”
Ruth Magowan, Head of The Division of Nursing at QMU, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with St Columba’s Hospice Care, which is the first University Hospice in the east of Scotland.
“Our partnership aims to enhance the delivery of person-centred palliative care through integrated research, teaching and clinical practice, and we are delighted that Ailsa has been able to benefit from her time with Hospice, and proud that her attitude and hard work have been recognised by the team there.
“Ailsa has proved to be an exceptional student and we know that she will go out into the nursing workforce and make a very positive contribution to person-centred care. The Hospice award is the icing on the cake for Ailsa, and gets her career off to a flying start!”
Big News from St. Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine!
St. Ninian’s Parish Church has been recognised in the House of Commons for their outstanding fundraising efforts benefiting St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Since the start of their annual coffee morning back in 2000, their incredible community has rallied together to raise over £50,000!
This year alone, their event raised an impressive £3,703.98!
A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and supported this event.
Special recognition goes to Margaret and Jim for their tireless efforts in making this event such a success year after year. Your commitment is truly inspiring!
We know that you hear people’s life stories, their triumphs, trials and tribulations pretty much all day every day, and that some of those conversations can be pretty tough.
Well, to help you navigate these chats, and to help you help those who might be experiencing grief, change or bereavement, we’d like to invite you to a FREE event!
As well as providing a delicious buffet, we will provide you with resources and opportunities to learn more about how to help those who are in need.
To sign up- call our Wellbeing team on 0131 551 1381.
*** Please note, this event is reserved for hairdressers & barbers only. ***
Next Tuesday, 9th April, our latest exhibition will be unveiled outside the Iona Cafe at 1pm.
The exhibition will be comprised of artworks created by members of the ‘Make Your Mark’ group, and it would be fantastic to see as many people as possible there to support the artists!
There will be a range of works encompassing a range of different mediums and subjects, and the Iona Cafe will be open as normal to provide food and refreshments!