Congratulations to North Edinburgh’s very own Timebank Temptations, who have been Highly Commended in the Scotland Sings Chorus Awards!
Tag: volunteers
Lord Provost unveils tribute to our city’s volunteers
‘again and again I see how important volunteering is to the social fabric of the city’ – Lord Provost Donald Wilson
A roll of honour celebrating Edinburgh’s inspiring volunteers has been unveiled at the City Chambers. Muirhouse tenants leader Betty Stevenson (above), who was Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteer last year, was among the guests of honour at the ceremony yesterday.
In the event organised to mark National Volunteers’ Week, unpaid helpers from across the city joined the Chief Executive of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh Harriet Eadie and Lord Provost Donald Wilson to see the tribute unveiled for the first time.
The names of Edinburgh’s eight ‘Lord Provost’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year’ award-winners have been inscribed on a bespoke Honour Board, which will be added to each year with the names of future titleholders.
The award is the top accolade at Edinburgh’s annual Volunteering Awards. This year’s ceremony will take place at the City Chambers on 16 June when the ninth person to join the roll of honour will be announced.
Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “A few years ago I had the idea that Edinburgh’s volunteers should be celebrated in just as high a regard as our most famous and important names from history with a public tribute. I am delighted to finally see the Honour Board in place.
“Each and every one of the names on this roll of honour belong to inspiring individuals whose volunteering efforts have changed people’s lives and earned them an award. One of those names is Betty Stevenson, Convenor of the Edinburgh Tenants Federation. She is a formidable champion of tenants’ rights and has worked tirelessly for years to make sure their voices are heard. I was delighted that Betty and so many other previous winners could join me for the unveiling.
“In my role as the city’s Volunteer Ambassador, again and again I see how important volunteering is to the social fabric of the city. By reminding people about Edinburgh’s outstanding unpaid helpers, I hope the roll of honour will help inspire more Edinburgh citizens to start volunteering for the benefit of others.”
Nominate your inspiring volunteers
Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Awards 2015
Edinburgh’s Volunteering Ambassador the Lord Provost Donald Wilson will honour some of the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to the people of Edinburgh at a special awards ceremony to take place on Tuesday 16 June at The City Chambers.
Now nine years old, Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Awards reflect the exceptional range of organisations and individuals working in the city’s vibrant charity and non-profit sectors.
Nominations are now invited for this year’s awards, and can be submitted online here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IVA2015
Organisations are welcome to nominate up to three individual volunteers and one team of volunteers.
Some lucky nominees will be invited to accept their award at the City Chambers, others will receive a certificate in the post. ALL nominated volunteers will receive a certificate either in person or in the post.
Eligibility criteria for 2015:
· The Awards are only open to people volunteering in the City of Edinburgh
· There are no age restrictions.
· Volunteers must have volunteered for at least six months with your organisation before being eligible to be nominated.
· If they have previously received an “Inspiring Volunteering Certificate” at the City Chambers they should not be nominated again.
· Only fully completed nominations will be considered for individuals or teams, and we will quote from these statements when presenting the awards.
Shortlisted nominations will be considered by the Lord Provost for the ‘Lord Provost of Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year Award 2015’.
Special recognition categories to highlight some of the diverse areas of volunteering across the City of Edinburgh include:
· A Young Volunteer (aged between 11 and 25 years old)
· Long Standing Contribution to Volunteering Award (an individual who has volunteered for 10 years or more, and has made an outstanding contribution)
· Charity Shop Volunteer
· Fundraising Volunteer
· Trustee Volunteer
· Health & Social Care Volunteer (volunteers engaged in health and social care, including support work, befriending or projects which reduce social isolation and help assist independent living)
· Sports Volunteer (volunteers actively involved in supporting sports in their communities).
· Environment & Conservation Volunteer (volunteers engaged in environmental activities including education, conservation or gardening).
· Arts, Culture & Heritage Volunteer
· Housing / Tenant participation champion *** Introduced in 2014 ***
The Awards Ceremony usually takes place during Volunteers Week – which runs every year from the 1– 7 June, however in 2015 it will be take place on the later date of Tuesday 16 June. Nominations will close on 1 April 2015 at 8pm.
We also encourage volunteer involving organisations to organise their own recognition events during Volunteers’ Week, whether that be their own mini awards ceremony, coffee morning, lunch or social activity that recognises and celebrates the contribution of their volunteers. It’s a great opportunity to do something to say thank you, and show your volunteers that they are valued and appreciated.
Lord Provost Donald Wilson, said: “There are thousands of dedicated and inspiring volunteers in Edinburgh selflessly giving up their own time to help and support others. These awards are simply one way of recognising some of their tremendous work, and their contribution to the wellbeing of our city’s residents cannot be overstated.”
Kris Von Wald, Convenor of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, said: “The Lord Provost has agreed to present these awards because he recognises how important volunteers are to Edinburgh and its residents. The Awards seek to acknowledge the hard work, commitment, energy and positive difference that volunteers make”.
POLCATS pounce back!
Port of Leith Housing Association’s POLCATs (Port of Leith Community Action Team) are on the prowl again ensuring the local neighbourhood is looking its best!
Staff from the Housing Association volunteered to spend a day working with some of the residents at their sheltered housing scheme, St Nicholas Court, to turn a couple of rose beds into new vegetable beds ready for planting in the Spring. The roses were replanted elsewhere in the garden which was also given a good tidy up at the same time.
Further assistance came in the form of donations of equipment and materials from Greenfingers.
Claire Ironside, Director of Customer Services at PoLHA, said: “Ensuring Leith and North Edinburgh looks its best is top of our agenda and we’ll be continuing our efforts throughout the local area over the coming weeks and months.”
Local Health Project looking for leaders
We are looking for
VOLUNTEERS WITH ATTITUDE …
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE !
Are you the kind of person that sees a problem and wants to fix it?
Is your glass always half full? Do you have a skill that you can share with others or would you like to develop new skills?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions then read on…
Pilton Community Health Project is currently looking for Physical Activity LEADERS!
Would you like to lead a group of your own? Would you like to GET MORE INVOLVED in your community? Do you think you have what it takes to encourage others to get moving? If so, then we may have the perfect opportunity for you!
We have been encouraging and supporting local people to start up their own activities. So far we have a Bollywood dancing group and a weekly Walk/Jog Group. We would also welcome IDEAS and SUGGESTIONS for BRAND NEW ACTIVITIES.
Our walk/jog group is expanding fast and there is room for people to get involved in this activity. Here’s what some of our existing volunteers have to say about being an activity leader:
‘Becoming a walk/jog leader has given me something to focus on when not working and chance to contribute to society. It has also given me structure to my day so I have something to do.’
Phil (walk/jog leader)
‘I’ve been dancing Bollywood my whole life and I’ve always dreamt about teaching others to dance too. Volunteering as a dance leader with PCHP has given me the chance to share my love of Bollywood. Leading my own session each week has made me believe I have the skills to be a good teacher. I have met lots of new people from my community, people of all ages and backgrounds. I am proud to live in North Edinburgh.’
Savita Purran
Volunteering can be a highly beneficial and rewarding experience. It can increase confidence and self-esteem. It can also open the door to training and employment and there are great social benefits too!
Over the last year, our fabulous team of physical activity volunteers has grown from strength to strength. In fact, some of them are even award winning!
Pilton Community Health Project’s walking volunteers have just won the ‘Paths for All volunteer group of the year award’. The award recognised their dedication and team spirit that has been key to the success and expansion of the walking programme.
The ‘walking with us’ volunteers are passionate about walking and how being active can address health inequalities. Without volunteers, the project wouldn’t be able to offer an increasingly wide range of opportunities for local people. Together they effectively manage the walking groups and help others ‘take steps’ toward improving their health and wellbeing.
“I don’t volunteer to get awards, but I felt honoured that we were given our award in the Parliament – it felt that our work was really acknowledged even at the highest level,” said volunteer Liz.
If you are interested in finding out more about physical activity volunteer opportunities on offer you can:
telephone 0131 551 1671
email liannepipskyj@pchp.org
or visit www.pchp.org.uk for more information
#StrongerNorth Residents clean up in West Pilton
These hardy volunteers gave up their spare time yesterday to tackle some of the litter problems around West Pilton Crossway.
Forth Councillor Vicki Redpath joined the hit squad and tweeted: “West Pilton residents are right to be pleased with themselves after a successful cleanup.”
Pilton group walks off with award!
PILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT VOLUNTEERS ‘WALK’ AWAY WITH AN AWARD!
We are delighted to announce that the Pilton Community Health Project walking volunteers have won an award from the Scottish charity Paths for All.
The award for ‘Health Walk Volunteer group of the Year’ will be presented by Shona Robison MSP at the charity’s annual celebration ceremony ‘Celebrating Scotland’s Walking Champions’ tomorrow (Tuesday 4 Novomber) at the Scottish Parliament.
The ceremony recognises the achievements of volunteers from across the country and their contribution to making Scotland more active.
The Pilton Community Health Project walking volunteers have won the award for their dedication and team spirit; this has been key to the success and expansion of the walking programme.
The team consists of eleven highly motivated volunteers who are all passionate about walking and how it can address health inequalities. Without them, the project wouldn’t be able to offer an increasingly wide range of opportunities for local people.
Together they effectively manage the walking groups and help others take steps toward improving their health and wellbeing.
Congratulations to all!
MS Therapy Centre seeks volunteers for Golden Mile
The MS Therapy Centre is looking for volunteers this Sunday (22 June) to take part in the Golden Mile Walks.
As part of the Centre’s 30th anniversary, it is looking for each volunteer to raise £30 which will make a difference to all those in the Lothians living with multiple sclerosis.
Nancy Campbell, Operations Manager at the Centre, said: “With a choice of walking one, two or three miles we hope Edinburgh people who may be at a loose end on Sunday and fancy a walk will take part in the Golden Mile Walks and raise much needed funds for us.
“Nearly 2,500 people in the Lothians live with the debilitating condition of MS and our Centre provides a life line for many. We are there for practical and emotional support and only exist because of the generosity of others.”
The Golden Mile Walks take place at 11:30 am at the Edinburgh College Sports Grounds (formerly Civil Service Club), Marine Drive, Silverknowes.
For more information go www.challengescotland.com
City set to celebrate dedicated volunteers
and Muirhouse’s Betty is Inspiring Volunteer of the Year!
Edinburgh’s Volunteering Ambassador the Lord Provost Donald Wilson will honour some of the dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and commitment to the people of Edinburgh at a special awards ceremony taking place on tomorrow (Wednesday 4 June) during Volunteers’ Week.
Now eight years old, Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteering Awards reflect the exceptional range of organisations and individuals working in the city’s vibrant charity and non-profit sectors.
This year’s nominees include sports coaches and language teachers; fundraisers and befrienders; green fingered gardeners and inky fingered administrators as well as charity shop workers and guardians of our artistic heritage. We even have a group who don costumes to bring history to life.
A wide age range is represented and our nominees come from across the broad spectrum of cultures that make up our ever more diverse city.
This year there’s a new special recognition category of Tenant Participation Champion which recognises the work done by Community Councils and tenants organisations in fighting for the rights and improving the quality of life for those living in Edinburgh’s public and private rented sectors.
This year’s recipient of the “Lord Provost’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year Award” is Betty Stevenson, the Chair of The Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation.
Betty has been a consistent champion for the rights of Edinburgh’s tenants for many years. Fearless and forthright, she has never been afraid to stand up to the powerful be they councillors or MSPs if she believes they are not doing enough to protect the most vulnerable. She expects the same level of commitment from everyone involved in ETF and leads by example.
Lord Provost Donald Wilson, said: “There are thousands of dedicated and inspiring volunteers in Edinburgh selflessly giving up their own time to help and support others. These awards are simply one way of recognising some of their tremendous work, and their contribution to the wellbeing of our city’s residents cannot be overstated.”
Kris Von Wald, Convenor of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, said: “The Lord Provost has agreed to present these awards because he recognises how important volunteers are to Edinburgh and its residents. The Awards seek to acknowledge the hard work, commitment, energy and positive difference that volunteers make”.
Congratulations to Betty, and congratulations also to the following individuals who will receive Special Recognition Awards:
Arts, Culture & Heritage Volunteer
Dr Helen Bennett, Curation and cataloguing of the glass plate negative collection of George Paxton (1850-1904) at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Charity Shop Volunteer
Kieran Potter, Accessories Merchandiser / Sales Statistician / Weekend Shift Leader / Shop Window Display Team at Oxfam
Environment / Conservation Volunteer
Evie Murray, School Garden Clubs and Leith Croft Co-ordinator at Leith Community Crops in Pots
Fundraising Volunteer
Irene Schofield, Fundraising Volunteer at Gorgie City Farm
Health & Social Care Volunteer
Donald Peden, Befriender at Ecas
Long Standing Contribution to Volunteering Award
Reg Kingman, Former Chair of Drum Brae Community Council at Drum Brae Community Council
Sports Volunteer
Kate Graham, Coach Coordinator at Forth Canoe Club
Tenant Participation Champion *New category this year*
David Thomson, Chair Redbraes Residents Association at Redbraes Residents Association
Trustee Volunteer
Amelia Calvert, Chairperson (Trustee) at Eczema Outreach Scotland
Young Volunteer
Naomi Paton, Peer mentor at Citadel Youth Centre
The award ceremony has been organised by Volunteer Centre Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Compact Partnership. Should be a great night – there’s a lot to celebrate!
Let’s hear it for the girls!
Fresh Start honours volunteers’ community spirit
Hundreds of Edinburgh’s homeless households have been helped settle into their new homes thanks to generosity of local schoolchildren – who were recently honoured for their community spirit.
St George’s Lower School for Girls received a Community Volunteer Award from Edinburgh’s West pilton-based homelessness resettlement charity Fresh Start for its support in helping previously homeless families make a house a home.
Children from the school have collected items to go in Fresh Start’s Starter Packs for the last few years, providing invaluable support for the charity, which survives on donations to be able to make up the packs.
Every year, Fresh Start makes up and distributes around 9,000 packs, which provide the basics for new households to survive.
Keith Robertson, Managing Director, said: “The support of St George’s Lower School has meant hundreds of new households in Edinburgh have been able to make a house a home. These packs provide basics like bedding to keep warm at night, curtains to close the world out, crockery to eat dinner on. Without the kind of community spirit show by St George’s Lower School, we would struggle to continue to be able to provide the support we do.”
Head of Lower School Marjorie Hall said: “It’s been an honour to help provide goods for the packs – all the school children who have taken part have learnt a lot. They make houses to provide the goods in, which helps them to make the connection between being homeless and getting a house. It’s an important life lesson for them – that homelessness can happen to anyone.”
The school’s award was one of a number of awards, given out at the charity’s annual Volunteer Awards on Friday (November 8).
Every year Fresh Start volunteers, staff and directors nominate volunteers to get an award – Starter Pack Volunteer, Hit Squad Volunteer, Church Representative Volunteer, Community Volunteer and Corporate Volunteer.
Other award winners were:
- Evelyn Scott from Colinton, who received an award for being an outstanding Starter Pack volunteer.
- Tony Shephard from Abbeyhill, who received an award for being an outstanding Hit Squad volunteer. These volunteers help to decorate homes of Fresh Start clients.
-
Jack Simpson from Craiglockhart, who received an award for his work as a Church Representative.
- The award for Corporate Volunteers went to Lloyds Banking Group.
Keith Robertson added: “At Fresh Start we depend on the support of our volunteers and the donations that come in, which is why we take a moment each year to honour those who help us so much.”
