Water of Leith Clean Up
Sunday 28 June 11am – 1.30pm
Meet at clock at Canonmills clock (foot of Brandon Terrace) at 10.45. Wear long sleeves and long trousers (nettles!) – and bring a picnic!
Local Community Learning & Development Worker Callum Mcleod said: “It’s normally a fun day and if you can make it along I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself!”
North Edinburgh Arts was even busier than usual this morning as friends and colleagues got together to congratulate one of their own. JULIE SMITH explains …
Congratulations to Sara Martin on being awarded an Inspiring Volunteer by the City of Edinburgh Council and Volunteer Centre Edinburgh. She is a great example of the many inspiring women North Edinburgh has produced over the years.
She has been active in the area since she moved here 11 years ago. From first attending Buggy Brigades with her daughter, she was a founder member of North Edinburgh Women’s Group. From there she has gone on to give her time to lots of projects in the area: she runs a Rainbows group at Drylaw Church, is an archery instructor in the archery group and a stalwart of West Pilton Park Action Group.
It is as a volunteer for North Edinburgh Timebank that she has truly made her mark. Throwing herself into the singing group – the Timebank Temptations – she has encouraged others to get involved and without her it’s doubtful if we’d ever end up singing the right notes in the right order!
She makes sure everyone is organised and up-to-date with what’s going on and isn’t slow to tell us off if we forget our folders or pencils! Equally, she is hugely encouraging to everyone else involved in all activities.
Without her, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic last month couldn’t have happened, and she is also a stalwart of the Knit and Natter group. It’s been a real privilege to work with her, and I know all her friends in the Timebank want to congratulate her. She has been there for lots of them at various points when they needed a chum – as they have been there to support her. She’s been active in North Edinburgh Fights Back and is a huge champion of the local community. She is a woman of strong opinions and a willingness to muck in wherever and whenever she can.
North Edinburgh is full of people making a difference in innumerable ways to their communities. As carers and cleaners, cooks and comforters, campaigners and confidantes – everyone is needed and valued. I hope Sara will act as an inspiration to others to take that first step and get involved in something they feel passionate about!
If you would like to get involved in North Edinburgh Timebank, or find out more about the activities it organises, contact Julie Smith on 07958540438 or email north.timebank@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
5000 young people and 540 charities say: ‘Happy Birthday!’
ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has marked its 10th birthday with Annabelle Ewing MSP and revealed the impact of their efforts since forming in 2005.
The charity has announced that since 2005 they have supported over 5000 young people across Scotland who have given more than three million volunteering hours to over 540 charities and not-for-profit organisations.
The charity revealed research that demonstrates the life-long impact of volunteering on its young people. 78% of ProjectScotland volunteers go on to employment, education, or training within 6 months, and 93% of volunteers said the experience had an impact on their long-term career and life choices.
To kick off the celebrations Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing attended Falkland Palace, a National Trust for Scotland property which is one of the ProjectScotland’s biggest partners, to meet past and present volunteers and ProjectScotland’s CEO, Paul Reddish.
The visit marks the start of a year of celebrations for the charity which will reflect on the young people, charities and communities who have been supported through volunteering with ProjectScotland.
Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, Annabelle Ewing (above)said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on their achievements over the last ten years.
“ProjectScotland plays a key role helping to improve the prospects and aspirations of young people across Scotland, recognising the importance of developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”
Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “At ProjectScotland we aim to help give young people structure, experience and the confidence to find work that matches their aspirations, talent and skills. The results of the last ten years prove we are making great strides supporting young people into brighter futures and we are extremely proud of our work to date.
“Scotland has led the way in the UK, with a supportive Government that has youth employment right at the forefront of its priorities and policies, but there is still much to be done particularly in tackling underemployment of talented young people in low paid work and supporting those furthest from the job market. For our tenth birthday we’re taking time to reflect and celebrate and also very much looking to the future and the work that still needs done.”
For further information on ProjectScotland please visit www.projectscotland.co.uk
ProjectScotland: Helping young people in Scotland to get on in life through volunteering
Young people in Edinburgh looking to develop new skills, take on exciting projects and gain valuable experience this summer should consider ProjectScotland. The charity, which helps young people get on in life through volunteering, has announced six new and exciting opportunities across the city.
ProjectScotland matches young people with charities working in areas including the arts, sports, youth work and animal care, or to departments within charities such as marketing, human resources, fundraising and journalism.
For budding writers with a keen news sense there is an opportunity for a Journalist and Content Creator to join the team at Relationships Scotland. Or, for those who possess the skill to capture a reader’s attention in 140 characters or less, the disabled access review website and app Euan’s Guide is looking for their next Social Media Guru and Content Whizz!
For those people looking to be out and about this summer, Gorgie City Farm is looking for a Summer Activities Assistant. From taking part in animal work to event planning and tour guiding, the role is perfect for anyone who enjoys working with children and animals.
For a role offering more desk-based experience, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland is offering multiple opportunities for volunteers to build a variety of skills. Their role of Strategic Group Facilitator will allow a volunteer to gain skills in the provision of key secretariat support whilst the Community Researcher role will give a volunteer key research and organisational skills.
Age Scotland is seeking a Community Contacts Collation Volunteer with great communication skills to help collect information and answer calls on their Silver Line Scotland national helpline. Volunteers will gain valuable organisational skills as well as experience in dealing with members of the public.
Gunduz Ozturk, former ProjectScotland volunteer at Blackwood Foundation, has recently gone on to secure a full time position with Port of Leith Housing Association. He says his volunteering gave him the edge when it came to securing his job:
“Volunteering is amazing. You get out of it what you put in – I got to learn new skills, got help with training, and realised what sector I wanted to pursue a career in. I really can’t recommend it enough.”
Aileen Kennie, Partnership Manager Team Leader at ProjectScotland, said: “We offer 16-30 year olds a variety of three month quality volunteering opportunities with great organisations across Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland.
“Our partners in Edinburgh, including Lloyds TSB Foundation, Age Scotland and Euan’s Guide, give our volunteers the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community and develop themselves, while organisations benefit from additional talent and energy.”
All ProjectScotland volunteers receive a travel allowance, are offered a mentor, and are invited to a series of job-focussed workshops designed to help them plan for the future.
Young people in Edinburgh can apply online at: www.projectscotland.co.uk
Like to be at the heart of something good?
Attending todays’ Jobs & Employment Fair are:
Airport Recruitment Centre
Army recruitment
Bluebird Care
Blueprint training
Care Uk
Freespace
NHS recruitment
Urban Union
Scottish Gas
Home Instead
Support/providers
Cre8te/Digital Skills Academy
Forth Sector
Freshstart
Income maximisation/Welfare reform
Making it Work
North Edinburgh Childcare
Smartworks
Volunteer Centre
Intowork
Barnardo’s Works East
CITB
Community Jobs Scotland
Cyrenians
Edin College
Edinburgh Guarantee/IYP
SDS
Tomorrow’s People – Working it Out (North Edinburgh)
RUTS
Now all we need are the punters … !
Sunday 3 May, Easter Drylaw Park 10.30am – 7.30pm
This Sunday will see thousands of walkers march 26, 13 or six miles around Edinburgh as part of the annual Kiltwalk fundraiser. As a charity partner of the event Barnardo’s is organising a pit stop three miles from the finish line and are looking for volunteer helpers.
Volunteer with Barnardo’s to help:
If you are available come along and help in the park for a few hours your support would be hugely appreciated! All volunteers will be given a Barnardo’s teeshirt, pin badge and cheer sticks as well as snacks and drinks while you are helping out.
Interested? Contact Karen Gillies on 0131 446 7019 or email karen.gillies@barnardos.org.uk
Yet another young volunteer joins us from the council run Scheme, financially helping 16 & 17 into work or education and volunteering (writes James McGinty).
Young Connor joins our Young Team Chris Paul and Dale doing the many tasks that are required to run a successful Community Centre. Chris is pictured enjoying the morning sunshine and tending to the daffodils, maintaining a bright and cheerful garden for our community to enjoy!
Can the Timebank Temptations be The People’s Choice?
North Edinburgh’s Timebank Temptations choir has been shortlisted for a Voluntary Arts EPIC Award. Voting opens on Monday for the UK and Ireland’s largest amateur cultural award.
Run by Voluntary Arts, the Epic Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the amateur cultural sector. Last year’s Epic Award winners included a drumming group who came together for the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, an arts festival in a remote Scottish village, an Irish poetry group that held sessions in their local park and a Welsh knitting project that brought their entire community together – from farmers to ferrymen.
Across the UK and Republic of Ireland over 60,000 voluntary arts groups provide regular opportunities for cultural engagement in their local areas and the Epic Awards shine a spotlight on their achievements. All voluntary-led arts groups were eligible to apply, and entries this year were encouraged from:
The Timebank Temptations certainly tick a box or two – and now they need your support.
From Monday 20 April you can visit www.epicawards.co.uk and vote for Timebank Temptations as the People’s Choice!
Susan Jeffrey received Drylaw’s Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship at a packed Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre last night. Susan was joined by friends, family and colleagues at a reception organised to mark the annual award that celebrates our unsung local heroes (writes Dave Pickering).
Susan was the unanimous choice of Drylaw Telford community members for her incredible contribution as a volunteer with the Brownies at Drylaw Parish Church – Susan has been with the pack on a Monday evening for thirty years!
Presenting the award, Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “It’s really nice to see such a big crowd here tonight and it’s particularly good that Mrs Tierney has joined us once again.
“The community council received four every strong nominations this year ans it says a lot that Susan was the unanimous choice of the community council for her thirty years service with the local Brownie Pack, but also in recognition of her work as a fundraiser with Drylaw Church, where she chaired the fundraising committee.
“Presenting the award gives me particular satisfaction this year as I am an ambassador for the local Girl Guiding movement and I know just what a difference people like Susan can make to young people’s lives. I wonder just how many girls and young women have been influenced in a positive way over those thirty years? Susan has been described as a ‘warm, caring person’ and while she may be quiet and reserved she has made a great contribution to community life here in Drylaw.”
Susan said: “I would like to thank everyone – my friends and family – who have helped and supported me. I don’t know if I will manage another thirty years but we will see how things go!”
Speaking after the presentation Guide Leader Elizabeth Martin, ex-Commissioner of Raeburn Division (which covers Pennywell District, of which Drylaw is part) said: “It was an honour for me to present Susan with her 30 year knot at 170th ‘B’ Brownies in January, my final role as Division Commissioner for Girlguiding Raeburn.
“Susan has seen many girls go through Brownies and some have even become leaders within Girlguiding and Scouting. She always encourages the girls to do their best along with encouraging the volunteers she has had over the years to take a full part in the unit. Susan runs a very full programme of activities for the girls and plans the unit meetings with her other leaders. Congratulations, Susan on your Award.”
If you’d like more information about Girlguiding – perhaps your daughter is interested in joining or you’d like to find out about volunteering with the organisation, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk
Susan is the fifteenth recipient of the annual award – and the women have forged into a clear lead! The tally now stands at 9-6 in the girl’s favour, so come on Drylaw boys – get out and support your community!
Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship Award Winners:
2000 Harry MacDonald
2001 David Pickering
2002 Anna Aitken
2003 Alexander Sandilands
2004 Emma Robertson
2005 Florence Atkinson
2006 Evelyn Crawford
2007 Jackie Brown
2008 Eileen Outterson
2009 Margaret Robinson
2010 Henry MacDonald
2011 Ian Moore
2012 Alex Dale
2013 Mhairi Curren
2014 Susan Jeffrey
More pictures from last night’s event:
Dave Pickering
