The second of this round of VSF was the Forth and Inverleith Forum, chaired by Dawn Anderson (Pilton CHP) Morag Wilson (Stepping Stones).

Forth Ward includes Pilton, Granton, Wardie, Trinity and Newhaven.  Inverleith Ward is just to the North West of the City centre, with the Water of Leith running along its southern boundary and coversBlackhall, Drylaw, Craigleith, Inverleith and Warriston to the north and Stockbridge and Dean Village to the south. Inverleith Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Western General hospital are among the landmarks within the ward.

This Forum recently commissioned the Animate report as to the workings of the VSF model which is an interesting read and can be found here: FIVSF animate report

The forum is keen to be dynamic and to share resources within the area. The members present gave an overview of some of the activities they are currently involved in which include:

Stepping Stones is a charity for young parents and provide educational programmes and care inspectorate registered childcare. Some of the mothers recently took part in a 9 week film making programme to demonstrate what motherhood means to then. We watched the powerful and eloquent story ‘I am not ok’

The charity also have sexual health and relationship resources available to share which include self checking models and weighted baby vests. Sleep counsellors are available and resources on smoke free homes.

We heard from Julie Smith from First Port, which supports social enterprise across Scotland. There has been some work in Macmillan square to form a market day. Last time there were 8 stalls from local enterprise and there is a hope to develop a crafters network. They are available for 1-1 business support and peer support.

Two events coming up are:

22nd Feb North Edinburgh Arts Festival of Growth

12th March NE Arts volunteer recruitment day. 

Next up is the SW VSF this week.

Grace