GRANT really got us going!
Exercise equipment has been working wonders for the residents at Stockaree Tenants’ Association.
A few show such improvement in their mobility that they have been able to dispense with their walking
sticks…and it is all thanks to a community grant
Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership awarded £2,499 to provide a range of social and physical recreational activities for tenants of the Trust Housing complex in Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge.
John Seery began the tenants’ association committee when he first moved into the residence just over a year ago. “When I first came here, there was only a coffee morning and bingo,” he said.
“We thought about how to get money to do more activities for residents and decided to apply for a grant. I saw it advertised in a Neighbourhood Partnership publication and we got in touch with our local partnership development officer, Elaine Lennon.
“Elaine gave us the application forms and helped us fill them out. She kept checking back to see how everything was going.”
Stockaree purchased some fitness equipment with the funds, including two vibro-plates, which have proved very popular with tenants, dumb-bells, a pool table and a fitness instructor every second Monday.
The exercise equipment has been hailed by residents who claim it has improved their mobility and given them new zest.
Tenants have felt the benefits both socially and health-wise, whilst having fun and keeping fit.
“A couple of residents have thrown away their walking sticks and it’s definitely down to the machines,” said John.
Committee treasurer and resident Sue Hunter said: “It’s made such a difference in the atmosphere, and people are now talking and interacting when they weren’t before.”
One of your local partnership development officers (PDOs): Elaine Lennon
How long have you been a PDO and what is your background?
I have been a PDO since the North Neighbourhood Partnership team was established almost two years ago. Before that, I was monitoring and evaluation
co-ordinator for NEAR (North Edinburgh Area Renewal) for about seven years. I was keen to continue to work to make a difference to the lives of local people, and believe that through neighbourhood management this is possible.
What does your role involve?
The main purpose of my job, as I see it, is to help the relevant service providers work better together with the community to improve the services local people receive.
What are the challenges and the best things about your job?
It’s a new Partnership and there is a lot to be done. I’d love to be able to spend more quality time with groups and individuals but this isn’t always possible.
The best thing about the work for me is working in a new area, meeting new people and helping develop new ways of working with them. It’s very varied and I can find myself in an environment meeting one day, and a young people’s meeting the next!
What are the most important issues facing the community?
The main issues being highlighted in Inverleith include the environment and transport, and the local community plan aims to tackle five key areas including parks, cleansing, health, transport and activities for children and young people.
What would you like to see happening in the Inverleith Neighbourhood in the future?
Although interest and awareness in the partnership is growing, I would like more local people to become involved through coming along to meetings. Everyone’s input is valued and your contribution can really make a difference!
Your local PDOs are Elaine Lennon (Inverleith), Loraine Duckworth (Leith) and Jim Pattison (Forth).
You can contact them on 0131 529 5050 or at www.edinburghnp.org.uk