support – Page 51 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

EWA issues urgent appeal to protect victims of domestic abuse

EDINBURGH WOMEN’S AID REPORTS SURGE IN DEMAND FOR SERVICES

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which has been providing services and support for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse for nearly 50 years, including refuge accommodation and legal advice, is calling on political leaders to help support the continuation of its services, following a surge in demand over the past two years.

Since the start of the pandemic, the charity has seen an increase in the number of women using their services by almost 10% due to factors including financial insecurity, social distancing and limited access to friends and family, which have made both escaping from an abuser and recovering from abuse even more difficult for women and children.

As a result, EWA, which remained open throughout the pandemic, increased its hours of operation and introduced new ways of supporting women including developing a webchat service and worked in partnership with other agencies to address the increased risks and trauma of those affected by domestic abuse.

They also continue to provide a number of services for children and young people, including outreach support in schools, delivery of the CEDAR, (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery), programme, run an employability project, offer access to therapeutic counselling for women, art therapy for children and specialist housing advice. They are also currently running a pilot legal project which enables access to family law solicitors without the need for legal aid.

To enable EWA to continue to protect and keep victims of domestic abuse safe, the charity is calling on all political candidates in the run up to the elections to pledge their commitment to the provision of specialist services for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Edinburgh.

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “Edinburgh Women’s Aid has been at the heart of delivering services to help protect women and children who have experienced domestic abuse in Edinburgh for almost half a century.

“Our support has been consistently available in the city and we have been learning and developing our services over the years in response to what women and children tell us they need to keep them safe from their abusers.

“During the pandemic we worked tirelessly and flexibly to meet the needs of women and children in Edinburgh. We remained open throughout, increased our hours of operation, developed a new webchat service and worked in partnership with other agencies to address the increased risks and trauma of those affected by domestic abuse.

“Demand for our services is increasing year on year and the provision of specialist support is vital to help women, children and young people to recover from their experiences.

“We believe it is imperative that the voices of women and children affected by domestic abuse are heard by elected representatives which is why we are asking them to pledge their commitment to the provision of specialist services for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Edinburgh.

“We are also urging people to speak to their local candidates at the door or in meetings, and ask if they have signed our pledge and if they are committed to supporting us to end domestic abuse, as without our services even more women and children’s lives would be seriously at risk in the city.”

Poppy Quest challenges walkers to discover Edinburgh’s hidden gems

Young detectives have dusted off their maps and magnifying glasses for a 10k treasure hunt around Edinburgh’s city centre.

Veteran Fraser Rowand, from Granton, joined Poppyscotland to launch its first ever Poppy Quest, with his wife Susan, and children Rebecca, 11, Lucy, 10, and George, 8,

They are challenging people of all ages to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 11^th and is open to individuals, groups and families. Walkers will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city.

There will also be a special competition for teams of cadets, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.

All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Mr Rowand, a former Lance Corporal in the Scots Guards, served two tours of Afghanistan, and now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, in Edinburgh. He said: “The services Poppyscotland provides are really vital. Many veterans find it hard to adjust to ‘Civvy Street’, so we need to make sure support is there when they need it.

“We’re really looking forward to Poppy Quest – it’s a great way to spend time together and see Edinburgh in a new light.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and a chance to rediscover this great city. We’re encouraging families, groups and individuals of all ages to challenge themselves, stretching their minds and legs and finding hidden gems along the way.

“Starting in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic en-route. Participants are welcome to bring their four-legged friends as well.

“Intrepid teams of cadets can also join the race against the clock to complete the course with all questions answered correctly.

“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work with Scotland’s Armed Forces community. As we emerge from the pandemic, veterans and their families need support more than ever, whether that’s with housing, employment, or mental or physical health.

“No one who has served their country should be disadvantaged, and we want to make sure Poppyscotland is always there when they need us.”

Registration costs are £16 for adults and £5 for 13-18 year olds, while children aged 12 and under are free. All participants will receive a Poppy Quest medal, t-shirt, map and quiz, as well as a unique pin badge for those who raise over £100. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Student journalists go live on radio for 24 hours in aid of Ukraine

Radio ENRG is delighted to present the return of its annual 24-hour Charity Broadcast Extravaganza, with funds raised going to support those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Student journalists at Edinburgh Napier University will be on air from 12pm on Wednesday 4^th May right through until noon on Thursday.

A range of dynamic and exciting shows will keep listeners entertained right through the night, with dedicated slots for musical lovers, indie fans and dance ravers.

There will also be special quizzes, live phone-ins and fierce debate, all produced by current journalism students.

Radio ENRG’s sister websites will also contribute to the broadcast, with political discussion from ENRG Debrief and all sporting needs catered for by the team at the award-winning ENRG Sport.

This will be the first time since 2019 that Radio ENRG has been able to hold its annual charity broadcast, due to the pandemic.

Students raised £625 for Endo Warriors West, a charity supporting women with endometriosis, in the most recent edition of the 24-hour charity broadcast.

This year’s event has been organised by ENRG Editor Seán McGill and Radio ENRG Station Managers Jessica Matthewson and Arran Proctor.

All four year groups will be represented on the event, with some fourth year students using it as a way to bow out of their radio shows ahead of their graduation.

Editor of ENRG, Seán McGill, said: “The decision to send this year’s money to Ukraine was an easy one. By the time the 24-hour broadcast is live, we’ll have passed 70 days since Russia’s invasion began, and more and more people are suffering every day because of it.

“Being on the radio is great fun, but if we, as a group of students, can also do some good while being on air, we see that as a real privilege.”

Co-Station Manager, Jessica Matthewson, said: “Due to the pandemic, we have been unable to conduct our annual charity broadcast for the last two years.

“We’re all so excited to be back in the studio this year, especially due to the fact that we are raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Co-Station Manager, Arran Proctor, said: “Radio ENRG is an amazing source of gaining skills in broadcast journalism. Doing this charity broadcast means that student journalists are advancing their talents for good!”

A social media team will be working hard throughout the night, taking song requests and posting updates at @RadioENRG.

Radio ENRG’s Charity Broadcast Extravaganza will be live from 12pm-12pm tomorrow (Wednesday 4^th May into Thursday 5^th May) on the Radio ENRG website radioenrg.net.

JustGiving link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/radioenrgnapier

Local MP visits SELECT HQ and adds his support to ongoing campaign for regulation of the electrical industry

A visit by their local MP has added further high-profile support to the long-running campaign for the regulation of the electrical industry being spearheaded by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association.

The campaigning body for the electrotechnical sector in Scotland recently hosted Owen Thompson MP, Member of the UK Parliament for Midlothian and SNP Chief Whip, at its headquarters at The Walled Garden outside Edinburgh.

During his visit, the MP said that, while aware that the issue of protection of title for electricians was under consideration in the Scottish Parliament, he would now seek to raise the matter in the House of Commons and would add his name to SELECT’s Wall of Support.

Meeting with SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, Director of Employment and Skills Fiona Harper, and Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson, Mr Thompson discussed a number of other construction sector issues, including procurement and payment.

The MP said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the SELECT team. I have been aware since my days as leader of Midlothian Council of the good work the organisation carries out on behalf not only of electricians but of the construction industry in Scotland as a whole.

“I am very happy to lend my name to the campaign for regulation of the electrical industry. It is an idea whose time has come, since it can only be common sense to assure the public that anyone who presents themselves as an electrician is appropriately qualified and registered and that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner.

“I fully agree that seeking to regulate electricians could have a significant positive economic impact, as well as helping to reduce the numbers of deaths and injuries caused each year by fires or electric shocks.”

During his visit on Wednesday April 13, Mr Thompson also engaged with his hosts on the importance of a collaborative public sector procurement system and a payment system which made sure that customers pay on time and in full.

While taking a tour of the HQ, he also visited the dedicated SELECT Training Centre, where the Training and Technical departments deliver a huge range of SQA-accredited courses for businesses and organisations across Scotland.

SELECT’s Alan Wilson said: “It was our pleasure to welcome Mr Thompson to our HQ and to have meaningful discussions about matters which directly affect our members, particularly recognition and the ongoing problem of late and withheld payments.

“Mr Thompson’s interest in our activities is indicative of a continuing groundswell of support for our campaigns, with a number of MSPs and other trade associations putting their names to new bricks on the Wall of Support.”

Ms Harper, who is also The Secretary of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), said: “I am sure Mr Thompson appreciated that safety is at the forefront of everything we do as an organisation and that we will not rest until protection of title makes the industry as safe as it possibly can be.”

Mr Thompson’s support comes after four MSPs and two major industry organisations recently added their names to SELECT’s Wall of Support, which shows organisations and individuals supporting the call for regulation of the electrical industry.

The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) and Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) both signed up to the online resource, along with Conservative MSPs Maurice Golden, Tess White, Russell Findlay and Jamie Greene..

As SELECT’s campaign for recognition of the industry continues to gather pace, it is now planning meetings with other MPs and MSPs in the coming weeks and months to add further names to the wall.

Love InC project produces final report

Love InC is an exciting and dynamic partnership consisting of Aberlour, Includum, CELCIS and the Care Inspectorate. The name was suggested by a care experienced young person and sums up just what the partnership is about – love in the care system for children and young people.

The final report outlines the project’s work, findings and key messages over the past three years. It narrates the journey of the partnership, reflects learning and has some important messages for corporate parents in Scotland. The project has explored how can we ensure that loving relationships are able to flourish for children and young people who experience care.

The thinking and approach of Love InC chimes with the findings and messages of the Promise. The five foundations of voice, family, care, people, and scaffolding are integrated throughout the work and the findings.

Our involvement in this partnership has contributed to this work and enabled there to be a focus on exploring the complexities of regulating love.

The Health and Social Care Standard 3.10 states “As a child or young person I feel valued, loved and secure”. We know this is not an easy thing to regulate but we are committed to children and young people feeling loved in the care system. This needs to be the norm, not something that is controversial or ambitious.

Our methodology is evolving in line with this and as part of our organisational commitment to Keep the Promise. Our focus of inspection in services for children and young people this year has children feeling safe and loved at the core.

The learning from the project about recruiting and supporting care experienced people into the workforce is important. It can help us shape and develop our approaches to participation in line with our work to keep the Promise and being a corporate parent.

You can visit Aberlour’s website here.

Love-InC-Project-Final-Report_April-2022 Download

Trainee Youth Worker opportunities in North Edinburgh

The North Edinburgh Youth Work Collaborative have this amazing opportunity back up and running! This is an ideal opportunity for a school leaver.

If you would like to see the job description please click this link:

https://docs.google.com/…/1P1A38JSBbkDIL4…/edit…

If you would like to apply please click this link:

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScCCy8pbc6…/viewform…

If you would like to chat to someone about the opportunity please contact shelley@grantonyouth.com or any member of staff at Granton Youth, FetLor, Spartans, Pilton Youth & Childrens Project or Muirhouse Youth Development Group.

Council candidates unite to support #PoppyPromise

Council candidates across the political spectrum are being asked to sign a pledge to support veterans, military personnel, and their families in their communities.

More than 80 politicians have already signed the #PoppyPromise, a commitment to ensure that current and former servicemen and women are not disadvantaged when accessing local services.

Poppyscotland is urging voters to ask the local candidates in their council area to support the five-point plan in the Scottish Local Elections next week (MAY 5^th).

The charity is concerned that many members of the Armed Forces community are struggling when it comes to accessing housing, transport, education, and benefits, due to the unique nature of their military service.

Scottish veterans often face health problems, with a large number affected by long-term illness, disability, or mental health issues. Research suggests that veterans experiencing homelessness are more likely to have multiple, complex problems, while Scottish Government data shows they are more likely to have experienced rough sleeping.

Children from military families can also face challenges such as disrupted education if they move between schools.

David Dickie, who served in Iraq with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, found himself homeless more than a decade after he was discharged. He had been living with his sister in Inverness, but lost his home and his job after her sudden death.

After returning to Kilmarnock, he submitted a homeless application to East Ayrshire Council, but was concerned about staying in a hostel since he suffers from PTSD and finds it difficult being around people he does not know.

Thanks to Poppyscotland’s advocacy, Mr Dickie was offered temporary housing in a one-bedroom flat and was supported to apply for benefits. He now lives in a council house in Kilmarnock and has returned to work as rope access safety supervisor.

Mr Dickie said: “It can be hard when you come out the Army, and a lot of people find it difficult to settle into civilian life. Councils need to be more aware of some of the issues affecting veterans.”

Mark Collins, Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “Our servicemen and women make extraordinary sacrifices, but we know there are some who struggle to return to civilian life. Many military families also find themselves at a disadvantage due to the unique nature of their careers.

“Local councils play a huge role in helping serving personnel, veterans, and their families, who rely on public services such as housing, education, transport, social care, and benefits. But some members of our Armed Forces community, such as Mr Dickie, can still find it difficult to access these due to a lack of understanding of their specific needs.

“We believe no one should be disadvantaged after serving their country. With just a few days left before we go to the polls, we’re encouraging voters to ask their local candidates to sign our #PoppyPromise. This demonstrates their commitment to listen to the voices of the Armed Forces community and ensure they are treated fairly when it comes to delivering local services.

“We hope that candidates seeking office will take this opportunity to recognise the service of our Armed Forces community by promising to act decisively to help them lead healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives if elected.”

Find out more and see which council candidates have signed the #PoppyPromise at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/about-us/campaigns-advocacy-policy/poppy-promise

Automatic awards to make accessing family benefits simpler

Plans have been announced to automatically pay the Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments to parents and carers who already receive Scottish Child Payment when their children become eligible.

The change will be introduced later this year when Scottish Child Payment is extended to under-16s and increased to £25 per child, per week.

This builds on extensive work already done to make applying for the Scottish Government’s five family payments as straightforward as possible.

It includes the ability to apply for all children in a household on a single form. The form can be completed online, by phone or on paper. Parents and carers contributed to the design of the form to make sure the language was clear and easy to navigate.

As set out in the recent Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan ‘Best Start, Bright Futures’, the introduction of automatic awards will remove the need for eligible families receiving Scottish Child Payment to reapply when their child becomes eligible for the Early Learning and School Age Payments.

This will mean less paperwork for tens of thousands of families and ensure that families automatically receive the support to which they’re entitled.

On a visit to FARE Scotland in Glasgow, Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson said: “Tackling child poverty is a key mission for the Scottish Government and automating payments, where we already have all of the information we need to do so, will mean parents and carers automatically getting the financial support they are eligible for paid directly to them.

“Since launching Best Start Grant in December 2018, we’ve made more than 177,000 payments, totalling £55.3 million in support, families who need it most. Automating payments, where we can, will enable us to help even more families.

“We are committed to making sure that receiving our five family payments is as straightforward as possible. Automatic awards, increasing Scottish Child Payment to £20, and again to £25 by the end of the year, and uprating eight Scottish benefits by 6% are some of the ways we are using our limited social security powers and resources to help families in need.”

Jimmy Wilson, Chief Executive of FARE Scotland, said: “There are families who aren’t aware of all the benefits to which they’re entitled so anything that can be done to make the process simpler is to be welcomed.

“It’s more important than ever that people understand the help which is there for them.

“The advantages in having automatic awards could be significant. We hope this move has a positive impact on take up rates which could help to reduce and prevent child poverty and support family wellbeing.”

Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Best Start Grant School Age Payment are part of a package of Five Family Payments. This package also includes Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Foods and Scottish Child Payment. By the end of 2022, the Scottish Government’s package of Five Family Payments for low-income families will be worth up to a maximum of over £10,000 by the time a family’s first child turns 6, and £9,700 for second and subsequent children
The Early Learning Payment opened for applications on 29 April 2019 and provides £267.65 per child to support child development, for example travel costs, changes of clothes for messy play, trips out and toys for home learning
The long application window, from 2-3½, captures the 2 common ages for starting nursery, depending on whether parents qualify for a free nursery place when the child is 2 or 3. There is no requirement to take up a place at nursery to qualify for a payment
The School Age Payment opened for applications on 3 June 2019 and provides £267.65 per child to help with the costs of preparing for school, for example educational toys or after school activities. Eligibility is based on the child’s age and relates to when a child is first old enough to start school. The application window runs from 1 June in that year until the last day in February the following year. There is no requirement to take up a place at school to qualify for a payment
Between launching on 10 December 2018 and 28 February 2022, more than 177,000 Best Start Grant payments had been authorised. This figure does not include Best Start Foods
In 2022-23 we expect 52,000 households will receive £18 million of support through Best Start Grant (Scottish Fiscal Commission report published 9 December 2021). With projected take up rates of 76% for Pregnancy and Baby first births, 77% for Pregnancy and Baby subsequent births, 82% for Early Learning Payment and 80% for School Age Payment
The Scottish Fiscal Commission (report published 9 December 2021) has forecast that 20,000 people will receive the Early Learning Payment and 22,000 people will receive the School Age Payment during the 2022-23 financial year
Eligible families, and carers can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/beststart or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222

New Debut Lab launched to support Scottish authors

Nine Edinburgh writers selected for new initiative

Scottish Book Trust has unveiled a new initiative to support writers based in Scotland whose debut, full-length work in poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction was published after December 2019 and impacted by the pandemic. Debut Lab is funded by, and a collaboration with, Creative Scotland.

Delivered remotely through a series of seven live-on-Zoom workshops and a range of additional online resources, Debut Lab will support writers affected by the pandemic during this transitional stage in their careers.

Workshops will include networking, marketing, author events and funding opportunities, and will be led by industry professionals including Mairi Oliver, owner of Lighthouse Bookshop, and writers Maisie Chan and Helen Sedgwick, as well as Creative Scotland’s Literature Team and Scottish Book Trust staff.

Nine writers based in Edinburgh have been selected for Debut Lab, including:

Amy B. Moreno, whose debut picture book, A Billion Balloons of Questions (Floris) will be published in June 2022
Caron McKinlay, whose debut novel The Storytellers (Bloodhound Books) will be published in May 2022
Charlie Roy, whose debut novel The Broken Pane (Leamington Books) was published in 2021
Flora Johnston, whose debut novel What You Call Free (Ringwood Publishing) was published in March 2021
Helen Boden, whose debut poetry collection A Landscape to Figure In (Red Squirrel Press) was published in November 2021
Kirsti Wishart, whose debut novel, The Knitting Station (Rymour Books) was published in March 2021
Lauren Pope, whose debut poetry collection, Always Erase (Blue Diode Press) was published in January 2022
Niamh Hargan, whose debut novel Twelve Days in May (HarperFiction) will be published in April 2022
Ry Herman, whose debut novel Love Bites (Quercus Publishing) was published in July 2020

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: “Scottish Book Trust is pleased to support eighteen authors through our new initiative, Debut Lab.

“Being a debut author is daunting enough, but the pandemic and following lockdown made it incredibly difficult for authors to promote their work.

“We hope to shine a light on this fantastic range of books, from children’s novels to collections of poetry. Our thanks to Creative Scotland for making this possible and allowing us to give essential support to this cohort.”

Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: ““Creative Scotland is so pleased to be working with Scottish Book Trust on this vital initiative for debut authors impacted by the pandemic.

“Through a series of live online workshops and additional resources led and facilitated by industry professionals, Debut Lab will highlight the wonderful variety of works and support these authors in the next exciting steps of their author journeys.”