The Yard is Tesco Bank local charity of the Year

Local children’s charity The Yard is one of three childrens’ projects that will be supported by Tesco Bank over the coming year.

Tesco Bank ‘colleagues’ from each of the three Bank’s three regions choose a local children’s charity to support, and this year the lucky recipients will be:

The Yard (Edinburgh)

The Yard is a playground for children with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. It gives children space to explore, join in and make friends – things that they can be excluded from in other environments.

The large outdoor playground is a perfect place to build dens, climb trees and charge around on one of their specially adapted bikes and trikes. Indoors there is also room to paint, bake, draw, smile, chat and be with others or be alone in the calming sensory room.

The Yard’s specialist Playworkers look to encourage children and young people to explore and be themselves, promote risk and challenge to help children overcome barriers to inclusion, and nurture natural curiosity.

HOPE For Autism (North Lanarkshire)

HOPE for Autism is a charity set up by parents who didn’t feel their children’s needs were being met. They have a great understanding of what is required to support the whole family, as they have been through it themselves.

HOPE for Autism currently offers services to families affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including evening groups for children and young people, parents’ group meetings and services for carers, such as one-to-one and group support, free training and social nights.

Grace House (Sunderland)

Grace House is a purpose-built children and young person facility in Sunderland which will offer short break and respite care services for children and young people with complex disabilities, health needs and life limiting conditions.

They are presently planning to increase the number of their en-suite bedrooms to eight before their planned opening in May 2015 which will allow them to have up to eight children visiting at any one time. Eight bedrooms will allow them to help between 250-300 children every year.

Congratulations to you all!

Warm welcome at The Pregnancy Cafe

Are you pregnant? Live locally? Come along to the

PREGNANCY CAFE

at The Haven, next to Craigroyston Primary School

Every Tuesday 10.0 – 11.30

Tea

Friendly company

Help and advice

Pregnancy information

Freebies

Baby stuff

Interested? Ask your midwife or call Jo 537 4230 Julie 332 9269 or just turn up!

Circle Scotland’s Haven Project, Craigroyston Primary School

Muirhouse Place West, EH4 4PX

Positive parenting: the Teen Triple P programme

Raising a teenager? Teen Triple P parenting programme

What is Group Teen Triple P?

Group Teen Triple P is a parenting programme which can help parents and carers cope positively with some of the common issues associated with raising a teenager.

The group and telephone/ individual consultation sessions give parents an opportunity to explore ways they can build a stronger relationship with their teenager, reduce conflict, manage problem behaviours and help their teen stay safe.

Group Teen Triple P helps parents make small changes in the way they handle things which can make big differences to the whole family.

Teen Triple P is suitable for parents, step parents and carers of pre-teen and teenagers aged approximately 11-16 years. Groups for kinship carers and dads also run.

What does it involve?

It is natural to feel nervous when attending a group and meeting new people. The facilitators will try to meet each parent before the group starts, either during a home visit or at the venue. They will do what they can to make everyone feel welcome. Teen Triple P groups are run by two facilitators with up to 12 parents in each group. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Each parent will be given a parent workbook which is theirs to keep.
Each group usually runs for 9 weeks with:

 Five group sessions which last for 2 hours
 Followed by three phone or individual sessions
 Then a final group session

During group sessions, parents learn from DVD clips, discussions and activities.

Parents choose which strategies to try each week at home. The facilitators will chat with parents during telephone or individual sessions to offer additional support.

Outline of Sessions

Introductory Session: Getting to know you. Parents are given a brief overview of the programme and get a chance to meet the facilitators and other parents in the group.

Session 1: Positive parenting. This session provides parents with an introduction to positive parenting, explore factors that influence teenage behaviour, and set goals for change.

Session 2: Encouraging appropriate behaviour. During this session, ways of improving positive relationships with teenagers are considered. Strategies to increase desirable behaviour and holding family meetings are also covered.

Session 3: Managing problem behaviour. In this session, parents learn how to develop family rules, deal with noncooperation and acknowledging and managing teenage emotions

Session 4: Dealing with risky behaviour. This session helps to identify risky situations, explores routines to deal with risky behaviour, and discusses family survival tips.

Session 5-7: Implementing parenting strategies. During telephone or individual consultation sessions, facilitators assist parents to review their chosen parenting strategies.

Session 8: Programme close. Parents return for a final group session to review progress, look at ways to maintain changes and problem-solve for the future. Information on additional available supports is provided.

Where does Group Teen Triple P run?

The City of Edinburgh Council runs Group Teen Triple P in each area of the city. They run in venues such as Community Centres, Schools and Libraries. Programmes run during the day and in the evenings.

How do I apply to attend Group Teen Triple P?

Applications can be made at any time as we operate a waiting list system. We welcome applications directly from parents or practitioners may apply for a place for a family they are working with.

Application forms can be requested by emailing supportingparentsandcarers@edinburgh.gcsx.gov.uk

or by telephoning 0131 529 6700

More Information

If you would like more information about Teen Triple P or wish to discuss if it is suitable for you or a parent you are working with contact Jillian Hart, Teen Triple P Lead, Parent and Carer Support Development Officer- Tel: 07860736129 or email jillian.hart@edinburgh.gov.uk

Quotes from Edinburgh parents who have attended Teen Triple P groups:

“I have found the program very helpful and supportive, the atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly.”

“Really enjoyed this course, it helped me a lot.”

“It is reassuring to know that we are not alone, to have a better insight into what motivates our daughter, and to be able to refer to the workbook for tips and strategies.”

“Really made me think, we have a better relationship.”

“Excellent content with varied strategies which makes the program flexible and manageable for all”

“I feel stronger and more confident as a parent and a person.”

TTP flyer Kinship

Charity appeals for daffodil volunteers

Marie Curie is appealing for people in Edinburgh and Lothians to donate their time to collect for the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal this March.

The appeal is Marie Curie’s biggest fundraiser and the charity needs volunteers to encourage people in the local community to give a donation and wear a daffodil pin. The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses care for people with a terminal illness in their own home or at the Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh so they can spend more time with the people they love.

Fiona Beaton, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Edinburgh and Lothians, said: “We need over 500 people from Edinburgh and Lothians to help with our collections this February and March. Donating just one or two hours of your time to the appeal will allow Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to terminally ill people and their families at the time when they most need support, both through care in their own homes and in the Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh.”

Di Shakspeare, Volunteer Collector from East Lothian said: “I was previously a Marie Curie Registered Nurse for twenty nine years so I know the difference that Marie Curie can make to local families, allowing them to rest knowing that their loved ones are in safe hands. On my retirement, I decided I wanted to help with the charity as a volunteer. In my experience, being a collector is a lot of fun and a great way to meet new folk, some with their stories to tell, while also raising funds and awareness for this wonderful cause.”

To volunteer to collect for Marie Curie and support the Great Daffodil Appeal call Fiona on 0131 470 2291, email fiona.beaton@mariecurie.org.uk or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.

New Year, new funding to tackle homelessness

Government announces £2.3 million to address housing issues

Organisations which help homeless and vulnerable people find homes and live independently will get a funding boost next year, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has announced.

More than £2.3 million will be allocated to 32 new and existing projects which make it easier for older and disabled people to live independently, will improve access to housing for homeless people and will support refugee, asylum seekers and new migrant communities.

Projects to benefit from the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme in 2015-16, include Housing Options Scotland which will receive £242,000 to meet increased demand for its advice services for disabled people, older people and veterans.

Shelter Housing Law Service will be awarded £183,868 to provide specialist legal expertise on housing issues while the Scottish Refugee Council has been granted £130,000 for its work helping refugees adapt to life in Scotland.

Mrs Burgess said: “It is heart-breaking that in a country as prosperous as Scotland some people do not have the support they need to help them live as independently as they can and fulfil their potential.

“I am pleased this £2.3 million fund will be split between organisations that are addressing these inequalities, and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“This Government is clear, we want to provide opportunities for people to flourish and we recognise that a lack of suitable housing can be a major barrier preventing them from achieving their full potential.

“Whether it’s through working with the elderly, veterans, young people or asylum seekers, each of these 32 projects is closing this inequality gap, and tackling prejudice and discrimination.”

Moira Bayne, the chief executive officer of Housing Options Scotland welcomed the funding support. She said: “In 2014 Housing Options Scotland was able to help over 400 disabled people, older people and armed forces veterans to find the Right House in the Right Place.

“None of this would have been possible without the financial support of the Scottish Government.

“Thanks to this funding we have been able to help a wide range of people including a visually impaired teenager in the Scottish Borders who has had his family home extended to maximise his independence and a young former RAF officer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who has now returned to live near her son in Morayshire.

“We are absolutely delighted with the funding we have been awarded for 2015. We are mindful of how privileged we are to be offered such support in such difficult times and we look forward to helping many more people in the coming year.”

The Glasgow Simon Community and Positive Steps are two projects that will receive funding for the first time in 2015.

Through £90,975 funding Positive Steps will give training to men who have a history of re-offending and homelessness.

Cathryn Mill, development officer with Positive Steps said:

“Funding through the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme will allow Positive Steps to deliver and implement a significant test of change project.

“Dundee in particular suffers from high levels of reconviction rates that present issues related to homelessness.

“The proposed project will target short term persistent offending and the lack of access to secure accommodation. We will also offer targeted support to address offending behaviours.”

The following Edinburgh-based organisations will receive funding in 2015 -16:

Age Scotland £126,250

To provide information and advice to older people to help them maintain their independence.

Bethany Christian Trust £44,000

Funding for homelessness projects including literacy and numeracy, budgeting support, employment and volunteering, and street work.

CRISIS (project 1) £26,000

The project to help improve access to the Private Rented Sector for homeless people in Scotland.

CRISIS (project 2) £52,943

Tenancy support project which works with people in shared housing.

Housing Support Enabling Unit (HSEU) £120,640

Assisting providers in the voluntary, private and registered social landlord sectors.

Move On Ltd £25,000

Project helping young people at threat of homelessness through peer support.

Housing Options Scotland £242,000

Provides tailored housing advice to disabled people, older people and veterans.

SACRO £49,000

Dealing with neighbourhood conflict and promoting positive community relations.

Scottish Churches Housing Action (1) £57,000

Project supporting a range of services and activities including starter packs and befriending networks.

Scottish Churches Housing Action (2) £9,000

Prison leaver peer support project for HMP Edinburgh. Prisoners will be supported through housing, health, training and employment interviews following release.

Scottish Housing & Support Conference £11,000

Funding for annual conference for service users and providers of housing support services.

Scottish Women’s Aid £67,345

Project focusses on homelessness and prevention of homelessness for women who are victims of domestic abuse.

Homeless Action Scotland £164,000

Facilitates national homelessness networks and National Homelessness and Employability co-ordinator.

Shelter Housing Law Service £183,868

To provide access to specialist legal expertise and representation on housing issues across Scotland

Scottish Social Networks (Rock Trust) £30,721

To support the work of the Housing Option Hubs. In particular by raising awareness of the link between positive social networks and prevention of homelessness.

Venture Trust £60,437

Outward bound courses and wilderness training to improve the confidence of homeless young people to develop their independent living skills.

An Audioboom clip of the Housing Minister can be found here: https://audioboom.com/boos/2745068

Do they know they're carers?

Angela Dias joined North West Carers Centre in the summer. She talks about how the project supports local carers – and how NWCC could help YOU:

North West Carers Centre (NWCC) has been part of the furniture in the local area for nearly 20 years, and you might know us. You might be a Carer who has used our services, or you might be one of the many people who don’t know that they are Carers!

So what is a Carer? A Carer is anyone who cares, without pay, for a family member, neighbour or friend who cannot cope without this support. The person you support may have a disability or be ill, have age related conditions such as dementia, or mental health needs, or be addicted to alcohol or drugs.

There are many reasons people need this support, and Caring is not restricted to helping someone with tasks like bathing and going to the toilet – Carers could be giving emotional support, supporting someone to deal with letters and bills, helping with medication, shopping – the list is extensive.

Carers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and can be any age. NWCC supports Carers from the age of 5, and our oldest Carers are in their 90s!

We offer different kinds of support, from support groups for different ages (including Children who care for others), respite care, and can help you find services you need – if you need help in your caring role which we can’t provide, we usually know someone who can!

Carers also want to have fun, so we organise outings and activities, which some people like to come to with the person they support, others alone.

If you’re a Carer who would like to know more, or have some support, or maybe you’d be interested in volunteering for us, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Angela Dias, Manager, North West Carers Centre

Picture: Young Carers at this summer’s Scottish Young Carers Festival

For further information visit:

www.northwestcarers.org.uk or telephone 315 3150

Granton Food Bank: tons of support from Sainsburys customers

THANK YOU!

Sainsburys Blackhall would like to thank all our colleagues and customers for their support with our weekly collections of food for the Food Bank at Granton Baptist Church.

From January until the end of October Sainsbury customers have helped us distribute 9179kg (nearly 10 metric tonnes) to people and families in food crisis in this area. There were 521 visits to the Food Bank over this period.

Granton food bank said a big thank you again for Sainsburys Blackhall’s support.

Gail, Sainsburys Blackhall

LOOPS phone support for older people

Last month Volunteer Centre Edinburgh launched a new dedicated phone line for people aged 65 and over living in North West and South East Edinburgh, giving easy access to information on a huge range of activities available to them.

loops nw poster

Using a dedicated direct dial number 0131 603 8311, lines will be open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday with a call back service outside of these times.

There are trained friendly volunteers taking calls and chatting through options along with an email service on loops@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk.

People are living longer and the new phone line aims to help people maintain a good quality of life by giving access to information on activities which can help keep us happy and healthy as well as giving us a great excuse to socialise.

The phone line is part of the Local Opportunities for Older People, or LOOPs initiative which is piloting a variety of innovative, new services across Edinburgh aimed at encouraging people 65 plus.

The phone line is hoping to reach out to as many as possible. We are hoping you will be able assist with the distribution of information to people that would benefit from the service and pass on information so that we can reach as many people as possible and tackle the effects of loneliness and isolation while improving the quality of life.

The LOOPS Newsletter can be seen on http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=0b38cc2994553b30f6e3d8565&id=2ded133f71&e=bd92abb693

Heather Yang, LOOPs Development Officer

Sing out at St Serf’s

THE SINGING GROUP
FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA & THEIR CARER(S)
(Formerly known as Singing for the Brain)

Our group has been running since June 2010, meeting at 2.30pm on the first and third Thursday of each month. We currently meet at Inverleith St Serf’s Church Hall on Clark Road, Edinburgh

The group is for people with dementia, and their carers, who still live at home in the community. Research has indicated that people with dementia leave singing groups ‘on a high’ and this positive mood can last for some time after each session. This is also good for the well being of the carer.

The group come together to sing with emphasis on enjoyment and fun. Volunteers are on hand but those with dementia should be accompanied. There is no charge for attending the Singing Sessions, but a donation for refreshments is appreciated.

The group meet for coffee and conversation first, giving people a chance to socialise. Support is also available from volunteers and other families. When singing begins, we sit in a circle ensuring that everyone is equal and not identified by their illness. We then sing along together for around
45 minutes, led by ‘music volunteers’.

The group was started by a small number of individuals who were inspired by the “Singing for the Brain” groups running in England.

For further information, please contact: Sheila Hardie 551 1229, Kate Walker 554 4940, Diana Kerr 552 3857 or Pam Robertson 553 7239.

New projects to help families tackle money worries

£2.4 million funding to help families deal with debt

Community projects which will help vulnerable families deal with debt and welfare problems are to benefit from a £2.4 million funding boost. The money will see 16 projects receive significant funding through the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s ‘Tackling Money Worries’ programme.

Local independent advice agency Granton Information Centre is a partner in two Edinburgh initiatives – with Stepping Stones and Changeworks in Canny Families, which provides help to young families and expectant mothers in North Edinburgh, and the Family Friendly Money Advice project in Leith, a collaboration with NHS Lothian, Citadel Youth Centre, Dr Bell’s Family Centre, the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Community Food.

See below for the full Tackling Money Worries project list

TMW_Project_Listing_2014

‘Tackling Money Worries’ support will be focused on low-income families facing a change in their circumstances, as this places them at higher risk of debt and money problems. Among the projects are:

• Eight projects focusing on the birth of a child and early years;

• Two projects focusing on changes to family structure; for example, when a relationship breakdown occurs;

• Six projects focusing on the impact of going through the criminal justice system, including families where someone is in prison or about to leave prison.

There will be direct advice and help for families to deal with crisis debt issues, as well as help with building on their money-management skills to support family life throughout their early years and childhood.

The TMW programme will bring together quality debt advice providers and agencies that are already trusted by families in their community. It will also build lasting and effective connections that will benefit families in the longer-term.

The funding of these projects has been made possible by Scottish Government approval for SLAB to spend up to £2.4m between October 2014 and the end of September 2016 on initiatives related to the Child Poverty Strategy.

This is on top of Scottish Government funds which, in combination with funding from the Money Advice Service, are already supporting 92 grant funded projects.

These programmes were due to end in March 2015, but both funders now intend continuing this funding partnership beyond that date. This would enable extension of help for people on low income in Scotland across a longer period.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In the past week we have seen the publication of a report that laid bare the extent of child poverty in Scotland. This is a totally unacceptable situation in a country as wealthy as ours.

“It is vital that the most vulnerable members of our society are provided with the help and support that they need, at the times in their life when they need it most. The Tackling Money Worries programme will help 16 projects across Scotland deliver this support through a £2.4 million investment.

“We know that the UK Government’s benefit reforms are driving people into poverty and that is why we are investing £81 million in the next financial year to help mitigate the effects of these changes.

“This help is vital but I am clear that we must also work to address the underlying issues of poverty in our society. That is why we have set out the need for Scotland to have full responsibility over welfare and employment powers to the Smith Commission.”

Dr Lindsay Montgomery, Chief Executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this new programme of projects. The projects will play an important role in helping find long-term solutions for low-income families struggling with financial difficulties by dealing with their underlying debts.

“They will provide support to some of the hardest to reach families in Scotland who are most at risk of facing complex financial problems. We appreciate the financial support from the Scottish Government for this programme of grants.”