volunteering – Page 7 – The NEN

Big Hearts’ Milly wins prestigious Inspiring Volunteer award

An Edinburgh-based volunteer has been awarded with the Inspiring Volunteer Award by Volunteer Edinburgh for her work on Big Hearts’ That’s Me! programme.

Milly Whitehead (18) has spent the last year volunteering on the programme, which aims to make a positive impact on teenagers and young adults who could benefit from wellbeing support.

Since joining Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Milly has been supporting young people on the programme, and is delighted she is being recognised for her efforts.

Milly said:“It was very unexpected! I just got it in my emails and I was very surprised, but it was a great thing to tell my family.

“Obviously I don’t do it to be rewarded for it, but it’s nice to know that the effort I’ve put in has been seen.”

Seeing the wellbeing of a young person she has supported improve gives Milly an enormous sense of gratification.

She added:“It’s nice when I see them in new friendship groups, seeing them do well and progressing.

“A few of them have got on to new courses at college. It’s really nice to see them in a new environment and growing.”

Milly has also seen a huge growth in her own confidence through dedicating her time to the programme. Speaking about the difference it has made to her.

She said: “I’m here to make an impact, but I didn’t expect it to have such an impact on myself too.

“My dad has been telling everyone just how much I’ve grown over the past year. It wasn’t something he expected I would do.

“It’s just an environment where I’ve felt myself since joining. I’ve felt a lot more confident.

“I love the club, so it’s nice that there’s something I can be a part of. It’s opened my eyes to more things that they’re doing and it’s really nice to see.”

Pauline Fraser is the Volunteer Development Officer at Big Hearts. She is delighted for Milly winning the award and said: “It’s very well deserved, 100%. When she first came along she was very quiet, but she has improved a lot since then.

Pauline Fraser started as a Big Hearts volunteer, and is now working as the charity’s Volunteer Development Officer. She said: “Milly’s around the same age as some of the participants, so that was good for her I think. She was a bit of a role model for them.

“She has volunteered at our fundraising Gala, she’s volunteered at Big Hearts Day, and what a difference in that short space of time.”

Big Hearts Community Trust is a registered charity operating from Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian FC. Since 2015, they have been using the power of football as a vehicle to improve lives across the communities they serve.

In the past year, Big Hearts engaged with over 8,000 adults and children in need, with support from over 250 dedicated volunteers.

Brian Eddington: 1949 – 2023

Brian Eddington died last month at the age of 74 years. A North Edinburgh man through and through, he was born in Leith but spent most of his childhood and early years in West Pilton after his family were rehoused there (writes LYNN McCABE).

Brian lived in Drylaw for a number of years and then moved down to Muirhouse where he lived for more than 2 decades. He returned to Leith a few years ago when he was unable to return to his flat in Muirhouse after having part of his leg amputated.

Brian loved his community and was involved in many different groups, classes and local initiatives over the years. He was a creative person and found a second home in Muirhouse Festival Association (MFAC) where he developed a passion for community arts.

He was a member of the local drama group and was actively involved in the annual panto and gala. Brian was also involved in the Greater Pilton Print Resource (GPPR) (later Greater Pilton Design Resource/Source) and North Edinburgh News (the NEN), which provided so much rich source material for the Never Give Up project which Brian helped to produce along with fellow activists.

Brian had a passion for photography and history and he was able to bring together his local knowledge and his skills to document the ongoing changes and developments in Muirhouse which he witnessed first hand as a local resident. His photographs tell their own story about the process of regeneration and the impact this has had on his community.

In 2009, Brian joined North Edinburgh Social History Group along with Roberta Blaikie, Anna Hutchison, Brian Robertson and Ian Moore with a mission to record the history of activism in North Edinburgh.

Brian was a great person to have on board and relished trawling through 40 years worth of back copies of the Commune and the NEN and long forgotten photos, leaflets and posters which had been stored in dusty store cupboards and filing cabinets in local projects waiting for someone to find a use for them.

During the project, Brian was sufficiently movitated to get over his aversion to computers and managed to pick up some IT skills along the way which enabled him to access photographs of the area which had been digitalised by the Scotsman.

The project was a long hard slog and took 2 years to complete but the Never Give Up publication, exhibition and film gave Brian, the group and the wider community a great deal of pride in seeing their community accurately represented for a change.

It is an important piece of work documenting the rich history of North Edinburgh and the important role played by local people in their fight for social justice – a fight which continues until this day.

Following the launch of the Never Give Up project, Brian was involved in helping to establish a new adult education class called Power to the People : an introduction to the history of Protest in Scotland.

The class ran for a number of years and brought together new activists alongside people who had been involved in local and national politics. Inevitably perhaps, the focus of the class moved from studying politics and protest to actually doing it!

The Power to the People group were involved in many local issues over the years including cuts to local services and the campaign to stop the eviction of local families from their homes.

Brian’s love of history and politics continued until the end with his daily blog on facebook about important Scottish figures and events.

I’ll finish with a wee quote from Brian from the Never Give Up publication where he is talking about his time in Muirhouse drama group:

“We used to do street theatre about different issues. We did a thing about the poll tax where someone got arrested for not paying their poll tax. They got sent to a privatised jail.

“We basically done it any place where we could find people standing about. Folk thought it was hilarious. We handed out leaflets about the poll tax at the same time – that was the serious part of it. It was a good way to get across a serious message”.

Brian’s funeral service takes place this morning at 11.30 at Warriston Crematorium’s small chapel.

Call for Communities in Scotland to apply for Environmental Grants

The Action Earth campaign, run by national charity Volunteering Matters, has launched to help support communities to participate in outdoor environmental volunteering. Projects can apply now to the campaign, which NatureScot funds.

Nature is in crisis, and we face a climate emergency. Last year, we completed 134 successful projects, helping restore and protect environments to deliver a ‘nature-rich’ future for all.

Volunteering Matters Action Earth offers easy-to-access grants of up to £250 for environmental activities across Scotland. This year, we have 132 nature awards for any group of volunteers carrying out practical environmental improvements or wildlife habitat creation in local urban spaces.

Previous projects have included wildflower meadow and pond creation, woodland and wetland renovations, bird and bat box siting, and creating or improving community gardens.

We are also keen to support projects working with people with disabilities, defined health issues, or barriers to involvement. From last year’s 134 projects to benefit from Action Earth grant funding, over 3,325 volunteers were involved in improving biodiversity in their community – 1,100 of them having disabilities and/or defined health issues.

The campaign is also keen to hear from projects whose work benefits disadvantaged communities, especially in urban areas and in places with reduced local amenities. 45% of volunteers in 2022 were from areas in the lowest 20% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

2023 Marks the 20th anniversary of Volunteering Matters and NatureScot’s partnership to help communities make positive local change.

Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive and Accountable Officer, Scottish Natural Heritage. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska says: “The Action Earth campaign is a brilliant way for communities to make space for nature and protect local greenspaces, native wildlife and habitats – in turn, helping tackle the nature and climate crises. I encourage groups to apply and look forward to lots of exciting projects this year.”

For those looking for inspiration for their projects, the Volunteering Matters Action Earth website has instructions on how to build bird boxes, bat boxes, frog hibernacula, hedgehog boxes, and bee/insect homes. NatureScot also has many tips to help nature this spring through its Make Space for Nature campaign.

More information is available and applications can be made NOW at the Volunteering Matters Action Earth website:

https://volunteeringmatters.org.

https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/action-earth

Young Leader programme at PYCP

Exciting new opportunity for young people 14-18, PYCP is running a new 10-week Young Leader Programme.

Come along today (Thursday 11th May) to our intro session to find out more.

Learning 2 Lead provides a chance to get more involved here at PYCP, learn new skills and use existing skills.

Young people can also work on a Youth Achievement Awards, which look great on college/university/job application forms. For example, a bronze Youth Achievement Award is the SQA equivalent to a National 5

Some of the more unusual activities you can try at Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign

As Edinburgh Leisure launches its new May membership campaign, here’s a look some of the more unusual activities to try at Edinburgh Leisure.

Pickleball

Don’t get yourself in a pickle! Invented in the USA over 50 years ago by a family who named it after their dog Pickles, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world.

Played on a court very similar to badminton but with a lower net, it is played with a ball and a paddle, and uses racket skills from tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis. The rules and scoring system mean that pickleball is very accessible for the young and not so young, making it a family activity for everyone to enjoy.

Pickleball is available at the new Meadowbank Sports Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre. Book your place online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class”

Volunteering

Have time on your hands? Perhaps, you could consider volunteering for Edinburgh Leisure?AtEdinburgh Leisure, their wonderful volunteers play a vital role in supporting people in our Active Communities programme.

They make an enormous difference to people’s lives and, quite simply, many of Edinburgh Leisure’s projects couldn’t exist without them. No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer, training and support will be provided.

Get an overview of their different programmes, and register your interest in any that suit you.

Hydrospin

Most people are familiar with Aquafit, but Hydrospin takes working out in water to a whole new level. If you’ve tried spinning, then try cycling underwater for an hour to get a whole new perspective on a workout.

Hydrospin is a water-based fitness class combining the dynamism of indoor studio cycling with the benefits of water-based exercise.Available at the Royal Commonwealth Pool only.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/fitness-classes/water-based

Adult swim and dive coaching

Hone your skills in the water with Edinburgh Leisure’s 1-2-1 swim and dive lessons.

Whether you are looking to build confidence in the pool or perfect your technique Edinburgh Leisure’s enthusiastic team will help guide, support and encourage you to achieve your goals – fast. Their lessons are open to all ages and abilities, although the swim 1-2-1 session times are more suitable for adults.

Prices are £22 for a 25-minute session or £44 for 50 minutes. Bookings can be made up to a week in advance (or 8 days in advance if you have a membership card).

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching-courses/swimming#SwimAdult

Squash

Grab your racquet and step on court at venues across Edinburgh. Available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and the new Meadowbank Sports Centre.

And if squash isn’t your bag, then there’s always tennis, badminton, Pickleball or table tennis.

Edinburgh Leisure run a series of Adult social sport classes across their venues. These are regular social and fun classes designed for all ages and abilities:

Badminton – Instructor led adult social classes available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Meadowbank Sports Centre and Wester Hailes High School. More information on these sessions can be found here

Pickleball – Gracemount Leisure Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre. Book your place in the class online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class”

Take a dip in a Victorian pool

Edinburgh Leisure boasts not one but five Victorian pools!

At Glenogle, Portobello, Dalry, Leith Victoria and Warrender, which over the years have received substantial refurbishment and TLC. To swim in a Victorian pool with the natural light that floods in through their glass roofs is a relaxing experience like no other.

Turkish Baths, steam rooms and saunas

And chill! Looking for something a little less strenuous or to soothe your muscles after a workout? Or just a place to unwind?

Taking some regular time out can improve your mental and physical wellbeing. The gentle moist heat in Edinburgh Leisure’s spa facilities will relax your mind and body which can have a beneficial effect on your sleep and help to alleviate any aches and pains. There are lots of options across Edinburgh!

And for the ultimate in relaxation therapy, look no further than Edinburgh Leisure’s authentic, original Victorian-designed Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, the last of their kind in Edinburgh.

Sauna and Steam Room: Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre

Sauna: Dalry Swim Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre and Warrender Swim Centre

Steam Room and Turkish Bath: Portobello Swim Centre

With 50+ venues across the city, which includes 1 world-class climbing centre;11 superb swimming pools, including 5 Victorian ones; 15 state-of-the-art gyms; 32 tennis courts; 141 sports pitches; and 750+ fitness classes per week, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is right up your street and has a flexible and affordable membership option to suit most budgets.

Those joining in May will pay no joining fee*. There are also additional member benefits, including priority bookings, free gym induction and discounts on a range of activities. There is no contract and membership can be frozen or cancelled at any time.

For more information and to join Edinburgh Leisure:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/may-membership-campaign

Summer hours at Lauriston Farm

Summer hours!

Now the days are longer, we can be at the community garden and allotments a bit later, so … starting this Tuesday 2nd May, the drop-in hours are:

Tuesdays 3-5pm

Thursdays 1-3pm

We hope you can join us. You don’t need gardening experience and you don’t need to book – just come along when you can.

There are a mix of jobs – you can choose the ones that are right for you, have a blether with neighbours, get some sea air, learn more about growing food using nature-friendly methods, and feel good about feeding the neighbourhood.

You also get a share of produce when things are ready to pick.

Hope to see you there!

North Edinburgh Community Festival: Call for Volunteers

SATURDAY 13th MAY – WEST PILTON PARK

Volunteer-information Download

ELREC: Free Permaculture Course at Lauriston Farm

We are excited to announce the launch of our Permaculture Course, taking place at ELREC plot in Lauriston Farm as part of our Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle project.

This course is open to everyone who is interested in learning about gardening and sustainable land management practices.

Our course offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of topics such as soil building, sowing seeds, compost making, beneficial insects, pest management, and much more. By taking our Permaculture Course, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to live more sustainably, reduce your ecological footprint, and contribute positively to the local and global ecosystem.

This is an excellent opportunity to participate in a transformative and enriching experience that empowers individuals to create meaningful and positive change in their lives and communities.

The best part? The course is completely FREE, although donations are welcomed to support our work. To book your spot, please email cfc@elrec.org.uk.

Check out the course timetable here https://www.elrec.org.uk/elrec-permaculture-course-at…/ for more details.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about permaculture and join us on this journey towards sustainability and regeneration!

Volunteer sessions with Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Did you know that we have regular volunteering sessions?

We have a wonderful community of people from all walks of life who gather in the garden to help us maintain its beauty and help with seasonal gardening tasks.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or a complete beginner we would love to have you!

We have an employed gardener on site if you’d like to learn specific things and advance your skills, or if you just need a helping hand to gain some confidence.

For more information check out of website and email us with your interest to arrange an introductory visit.

#scotlandcommunitygardens

LifeCare: Would you like to join our board?

We are looking for new trustees to help LifeCare in its great work supporting local older people

LifeCare is at an exciting stage in its development and we are looking for Trustees who will passionately inform our services bringing new skills and experience to help lead the organisation.

We are particularly (but not exclusively) interested in individuals with experience in the following fields:

Health and Social Care
Finance
Fundraising
Marketing and Digital Innovation
Hospitality

Most of all, we are looking for people with lived experience of care, or as an unpaid carer, to help strengthen our capacity to better embed the voice of the people who use our services at Board level.

Can you help us? We are looking for people who share our values, that are passionate and committed about supporting local older people, who can be creative in building our profile and work closely with our team and stakeholders to deliver outstanding person-centred services to our clients.

The Board usually meets in the evenings (either in-person or via Zoom). The role is non-remunerated however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and training / ongoing support will be provided. If you have any questions or would like a quick chat to find out more, please contact our chair beverleyfrancis@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter expressing your interest to beverleyfrancis@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk. Please contact us if you would prefer to submit an application in another format.

Closing date 31^st March 2023

Webpage: https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/2023/02/27/join-lifecares-board-of-trustees/