More to life than Economic Progress – it's Official!

Renowned epidemiologist Dr Richard Wilkinson showed how increasing national wealth only increases societal prosperity up to a point, beyond which a 'law of diminishing returns' kicks in. There's more to life, we were told, than more money.

At the recent Edinburgh Partnership: in Conference (EP:iC) event on Wednesday 3 November, entitled Tackling Inequalities Promoting Health and Wellbeing for Edinburgh’s Children and Young People, Delegates heard from renowned epidemiologist Dr Richard Wilkinson, co-author of The Spirit Level and co-founder of the Equality Trust.

Speaking to the largest group ever at an EP:iC event, which included young people, Dr Wilkinson explained that his interest was in the Social Determinants of Health, and particularly the impacts of inequality on a range of 'social problems'  including teenage births, homicide, drug and alcohol addictions and educational attainment.

Dr Wilkinson presented a compelling case, sharing evidence from a range of OECD nations as well as states within the United States, that more unequal countries (like the USA or the UK) tend to experience an increased incidence of 'social problems,' whilst in the more equal countries (like Japan or Sweden) levels of 'social problems' are lower, and people trust each other more.

"Premature mortality," Wilkinson told an attentive audience, "is the greatest human rights abuse of our times." He presented a powerful case that the research showed a sort of social dysfunction associated with inequality.

Asked by a member of the Edinburgh Partnership Board what we ought to do, Wilkinson responded that the broad drivers of social inequality were - of course - employment patterns, taxation and benefits (none of which were directly controllable by the Edinburgh Partnership.) That said, there was still much that partners and individuals could do, and these levers might include 'greater economic democracy,' or using our purchasing power to make ethical purchases and investments, or developing (and using) meaningful indicators for Quality of Social Life (perhaps even a 'Happiness Index.')

The outputs from the day will be gathered by a Reference Group convened by EVOC to feed into the Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) as it develops its refreshed Children's Plan for Edinburgh.

You can find all the slides from the event via the Edinburgh Compact website.

You can also read this Newsflash to see what the Edinburgh Partnership Team after this successful event was completed.

This EP:iC was supported by the Edinburgh Compact Partnership, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Council , and the (South East) Scottish Social Services Learning Network.

All neighbourhoods

Endless Cutsbacks event

• There Is No Alternative? Aye Right!
• Is there enough anger and dissent?
• Are people being pushed into poverty to ‘fix’ the economy?
• Can there be a Scottish alternative?

This event will take place on Wednesday 17 November from 6.45pm to 8.45pm. The venue will be Godfrey Thomson Hall, Moray House School of Education, Canongate, (through arch to St John Street) Royal Mile.

For more information see the event flier.

"Precautionary Principle” sees PVG Scheme postponed

The introduction of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme has been postponed until February 2011 to ensure the system which supports it is as robust as it can be before it goes live.

Children’s Minister, Adam Ingram, announced the postponement on 3 November following advice from the PVG Scheme Programme Board. The scheme had been scheduled to go live on 30 November 2010.

More information is available on the Scottish Government website. The PVG Scheme Help Service can be reached by email or by phone on 0870 609 6006.

Bike Club Edinburgh

Bike Club is a new UK wide project that will use cycling as a means to engage with young people and challenge them to try something new. The overall aim of Bike Club is to use cycling-based activities to embed cycling into the every day lives of children, young people and their families through youth clubs, schools and other groups working with young people. They are particularly keen to target groups typically under represented in cycling. This includes young women, BME groups, young people with disabilities and those from families on low incomes.

This networking event  on Tuesday 16 November will provide you with all the information you need to know about Bike Club, what support is available to groups who would like to get involved and how to go about filling in the application form. You will also have the opportunity to meet other groups working with young people to share and discuss experiences or ideas on how to set up a Bike Club that is right for your group. Your local Bike Club Officer Amy Hickman will be on hand to offer advice, help generate ideas and answer any questions or queries you may have. For further information contact Amy on 0131 454 3434 or 07766 405369.

 

A Map of Advocacy across Scotland

A Map of Advocacy across Scotland 2009 – 2010 edition, has now been published on the SIAA Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance website. This updates the 2007/2008 edition.

This new edition includes information from all NHS Board and Local Authority Commissioners as well as from most advocacy organisations. It details statutory and non-statutory spending on advocacy in the 2009-2010 year as well as giving a picture of the numbers of people accessing advocacy during that period.

New legislation database online now

legislation.gov.uk is the now the home for the Statute Law Database and legislation previously carried by the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI.)

OPSI’s website already gave access to legislation back to 1986, but this move joins it with the content of the Statute Law Database and means that most primary legislation is now available. No secondary legislation (e.g. Statutory Instruments) prior to 1988 is available.

There are some other limitations, so do check the FAQs or guidance to be sure you know what is included and what is consolidated legislation and what is as it was passed.

Voluntary Power Consultation Report

Please see Reform Scotland’s latest publication, ‘Voluntary Power.’  This report is the follow up to a consultation paper published earlier this year . The original consultation document sought views on how the third sector in Scotland could be expanded and, particularly, how it could play a greater role in the provision of public services.

Voluntary Action Fund: Community Chest

Small grant programme providing grants of up to £1,000 and free training to help small community groups in Scotland sustain and develop their activities, including, for example:

• training for committee members and volunteers
• visits to other organisations or conferences
• professional support or consultancy. 

Closing date for applications is Friday 7 January 2011. For further information see the VAF website.

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City Centre

Befriending training from Health in Mind

Health in Mind is offering training and volunteer opportunities in the area of befriending. For more information see this poster . You can also contact Alison McGhee on 0131 225 8508.

Invitation to attend meetings on the Alternative Business Models Programme

The Alternative Business Models (ABM) Programme is about the Council exploring whether there are better, more cost effective ways of delivering quality services for Edinburgh. Given the significance of this programme the Council is committed to actively engaging with key stakeholders on these changes.

Please see this invitation  to attend meetings on Wednesday 17 November from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and on Wednesday 1 December from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the City Chambers. These sessions will be facilitated by the Council’s Equalities Manager and the Project Manager from the Alternative Business Models Programme project. Both sessions will provide information on the ABM programme and the equalities work taking place. The discussions at these sessions will also help inform the equalities impact assessment.

If you are interested in attending these events please contact Anne Elliot or call 0131 469 3764 to book a place. You will probably find it most useful if you can attend both sessions, but if this is not possible please book for either day. Please feel free to forward this invitation to colleagues in your organisation who may also be interested in attending.

The Council Equalities Manager has completed an initial Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) of the Alternative Business Models Programme. For further information you will find links to the most recent Council reports on the Alternative Business Models Programme and the EQIA report on the Council website.

Volunteer Centre Edinburgh - information sessions
 

• Do you know what we do?
• Are you newly in post and aren’t aware of how the volunteer centre can help you?
• Have you registered with us recently but don’t know exactly what we do?
• Do you have any staff that would benefit from knowing more about the services we offer, for example how we can help improve your volunteer recruitment and maximize its effectiveness?

This introductory information session is a great opportunity to find out more about the range of services that the Volunteer Centre Edinburgh can offer you as a volunteer involver.

This free event takes place on Wednesday 10 November from 3pm - 4.30pm at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh, 45 Queensferry Street Lane, Edinburgh. If you would like to book a place, please contact Sarah on 0131 243 9981.

Customer Service Skills Training

Do you want to provide exceptional customer service and stand out from other volunteer involving organisations? This half day course will help you to identify how to continuously improve your customer service and the volunteer journey. By the end of the course you will have a draft Customer Charter to take back to your organisation.

Wednesday 24 November from 09.30am to 12.00 noon at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh. Cost is £45 per person.

You can book online or contact  Steven Blyth on 0131 225 0642.
 

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Forth

Small community grants from Forth Neighbourhood Partnership

Forth Neighbourhood Partnership has agreed a new way of giving small community grants that involves local people voting to decide who will get funding.

The Neighbourhood Partnership has earmarked £14,000 from its community grants budget to award to local groups – with priority being given to smaller, grass roots groups who do not normally access community grant funding.

Groups in the Forth Neighbourhood Partnership area can apply for grants for up to £1,000 and local residents will vote on who will get money at a special event to be held at Edinburgh’s Telford College on Friday 28 January 2011.

Applications can be for as little as you need up to a maximum of £1,000 and should benefit people living in the Forth Neighbourhood Partnership area. Some of the things you can apply for include: outdoor activities, play equipment, small scale environmental improvements or a contribution towards a small community event.

Funding is for new projects and must be completed by 31 July 2011

Groups must have their own constitution and bank account with at least two signatories.

An application form and further information can be found online at the Edinburgh Neighbourhood Partnerships website or contact Jim Pattison on 0131 529 5082.

Groups are invited to submit applications by Thursday 2 December.

Please pass this information to any small community or voluntary organisations you are in touch with.

Mini Childcare Taster Course from North Edinburgh Childcare

There are still places available on the ‘Mini Childcare Taster’ Course (part 2) taking place from Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 December, from 10.00am—12.00 noon daily.

This course is suitable for unemployed people who are interested in pursuing a career in childcare and for parents / carers who wish to enhance their childcare knowledge and skills.
The course includes:

• Listening and communication skills
• Telling stories using visual aids and other tools to encourage children’s interest and participation
• Managing children’s behaviour

This course will be delivered from the Training suite within North Edinburgh Childcare at 18B Ferry Road Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 4BL. The course cost is set at a subsidised rate of £30.00 per session as a result of funding received from the Third Sector Enterprise Fund.

Individuals may be able to undertake our courses free of charge if they open a learner account with ILA Scotland. It's a Scottish Government scheme for people over 16, with an income of £22,000 a year or less or who are on benefits to get up to £200 a year towards the cost of learning something new.

To book a place or for more information please contact Kim Weir on 0131 311 6931. Please visit the North Edinburgh Childcare website for further information about other short courses on offer.

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Leith

Treatment for trauma: a more effective response to substance misuse? Dr Bell’s AGM 2010

Recent research coming from residential rehabilitation centres indicates that unresolved trauma can be a factor in substance misuse. Given the considerable impact on children of being part of a family where substance misuse is an issue, Dr. Bell’s has been offering trauma treatment since October 2009, and at their AGM this year they are bringing together a panel of “experts” to give local people and agencies the opportunity to hear about what the research is saying and ask questions.

• Dawn Harris Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
• Colin Howard Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
• Alastair Hull Consultant Psychiatrist at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth
• Linda Hill, accredited EMDR consultant will speak from her long experience, gained in a variety of settings, of people affected by trauma and abuse. She is currently working part time at Castle Craig, a leading UK addiction treatment clinic for people with drug and alcohol addictions.

Creche spaces are available from ages 0 to 7. Book at Dr. Bell’s on 0131 553 0100.

This event will take place on Thursday 18 November from 4:30 to 6:30 at Leask Hall, South Leith Parish Halls, Henderson Street.

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Liberton and Gilmerton

EVOC Winter Training Programme - free courses

The following free training courses are available over the coming months:

1. How to Apply for a Grant (Tuesday 30 November)

2. Emergency First Aid (Thursday 2 December)

3. Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate (Wednesday 15 December)

4. From a group to a team (Friday 14 January 2011)

5. Charity Law – the Basics (Friday 21 January 2011)

The training is open to Management Committee members, staff and volunteers of voluntary organisations and community groups working in South Edinburgh. All training is free and will be held at 13 Newtoft Street, Edinburgh EH17 8RG.

Please see this course information sheet for more details. If you are interested in attending any of the following, please complete this application form and return it to Andy Hunter.
 

Family events at Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park

Please see the information fliers for these events taking place in Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. This is a wonderful asset in the community and is a largely unknown little gem. Please do visit.

Willow works! is an exciting workshop to volunteers who want to learn about willow weaving and its use on repairing burn embankment erosion. Harvest willow from the local woodland and create hurdles to stop the erosion process of the embankment. There will also be activities for the younger ones to learn about the local wildlife.

Saturday 27 November from 10.30am to 3pm.

Family Trail Challenge Have fun in the park and woodland in this family friendly orienteering event!

Saturday 27 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

5-week employability course for 16-25 year olds

Just Do It is a 5-week employability course for 16-25 year olds, taking place at Gilmerton Community Centre starting Tuesday 9 November and running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 5 weeks. Participants can:

• Gain a Youth Achievement Award
• Learn new skills
• Gain confidence and meet new people
• Find out what employers are looking for

Please get in touch with Gayle on (07733) 225532 if you know of any young person who would be interested in this fantastic opportunity.

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South Central

Big Golfing Ceilidh

The Big Golfing Ceilidh will feature music from the Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band, Traditional African Drumming by the Waasylla Group, and Zawadi Alba Choir. This event takes place on Friday 12 November from 7.30pm to late pm, at the Merlin Roadhouse, 168 – 172 Morningside Road.

All proceeds raised will support the sending of golf and other sports equipment to youth in Ghana. Delicious hot food will be available!

Please see this poster for details.

Health Inequalities seminar: Child Obesity

NHS Lothian Health Promotion Service is hosting this seminar on child obesity, featuring speaker John Mooney (MRC / CSO Fellow) of the Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy.

Based on an extensive review of worldwide literature, this presentation will outline the options for, and challenges relating to, providing effective interventions to obesity for populations experiencing socioeconomic and other types of inequality. As well as considering the evidence, it will also highlight potential for the most effective options in future.

The seminar takes place at the Engine Shed on Wednesday 24 November from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. To book a place please contact Pam Craig on 0131 536 3502.

Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve Volunteering Taster session: Open to all!

Fancy doing your bit to off-set your carbon footprint? Why not help by planting trees with the Countryside Ranger Service at the Hermitage of Braid? They have 400 native trees that will produce berries and nuts for the local wildlife.

What to bring: Dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear and bring some water to keep you going. Bring protective gardening type gloves if you have, otherwise we will provide those on the day.

Please note: Under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult for supervision.

Sunday 14 November from 9.30am until 11.30am.  Meet at Blackford Glen Road, park entrance.  If you get lost on the day, please call David on 07917 174 503.

Tuesday 16 November from 1.30pm until 3pm. Meet at Hermitage house, 69a Braid Road. If you get lost on the day, please call Jessica on 07785 373 927.

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South West

Green Gym at Wester Hailes Health Agency

Please see this poster for the Wester Hailes Health Agency’s Green Gym. The new programme offers a great new range of activities which include wood carving, willow weaving, path building, Christmas Reefs, planting trees and hedgerows and a Ten Pin Bowling trip for Christmas.

If you would like further information on the Green Gym, please contact David Jeffrey, Health and Physical Activity Co-ordinator at Wester Hailes Health Agency on 0131 458 3080.

Vacancy: Arts Development Officer (Children and Young People)

WHALE Arts Agency is a community arts organisation based in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. We are seeking an experienced, creative and enthusiastic person to project manage our work with children and young people. As part of our strategy 2010 to 2013, we are developing and delivering arts projects that will help young people meet challenges and learn lessons that can be carried into adulthood. The post holder will continue our current work in this area and develop and manage new projects in response to need.

The successful candidate will be experienced in working with children and young people (aged 3 to 16) with a relevant qualification at degree level. They will be an effective project manager with at least three years experience in developing and delivering arts projects for this age group. They will be an effective fundraiser and be experienced in managing staff teams and volunteers, handling budgets, monitoring and reporting on project outcomes. A commitment to engaging hard to reach children and young people is essential and experience working with groups in areas of deprivation ideal.

This post is part-time at 21 hours a week, with flexible hours to meet the demands of the post.
Salary: £22,371 pro rata
For an application pack, please contact Sarah on 0131 458 3267.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 17 November at 5pm.

Reminder: Health Inequalities Workshop

Just a reminder of the South West Neighbourhood Partnership Health Inequalities Workshop on Thursday 11 November in the Community Room in Wester Hailes Library from 1pm to 4.45pm.

Learning outcomes of event will be:

• To increase understanding and awareness of health inequalities and their impact on the lives of those living in SWNP.
• To agree overall aims or mission statement for the SWNP health Inequalities Forum.
• To identify processes for involving the community in indentifying their health inequality priorities for the SWNP.

Lunch will be between 1pm and 1.30pm. Could you please confirm with Linda if you are attending this workshop by the 5 November for catering purposes.

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Send us your news!

Do you have any news to be circulated among the Voluntary Sector Forums? For inclusion in the next issue, please send your announcements and events dates to Julia no later than 5 pm on Monday 6 December.

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