It’s Thursday the 4th of February. Welcome to the fifth bulletin from Porty News
We were delighted to read that Handicabs are offering FREE transport for people with mobility issues who’ve an appointment to get their vaccine. This applies to anyone who has difficulty getting out and about due to age, disability or heath issues. Usually to use Handicabs, you need to be registered with the charity but that won’t apply if you’re going to get your jag. Booking is essential and is subject to availability so they recommend calling 447 9949 as soon as you get your appointment. However, when you do make the booking, you’ll be asked about how you’re feeling; whether you’ve any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19 (high temperature, a continuous cough or if you’ve noticed any change in taste and smell) and finally if you’re self-isolating. If you answer yes to any of these questions, I’m afraid you’ll be refused.
If you’re involved with a community or third-sector (ie – charity) group, you’ve got two weeks to apply for one of this year’s Portobello and Craigmillar Community Grants. The fund is worth over £22,000 and groups can apply for grants of up to £2,500. This will enable local communities to (for example) start–up new projects, buy a new piece of equipment or raise awareness of the group’s activities. The aim is to fund small scale projects that the enhance quality of life and complement other improvements in the area. You need to get your application in by noon on Friday 19th of February and the funding panel hope to make a decision early in March. You can get in touch by using the email address in the transcript of this bulletin communitygrantfundpcnn@ea.edin.sch.uk
I’ve only just realised, thanks to a post from Portobello High School, that it Children’s’ Mental Health Week. During the week, youngsters have been encouraged for example to "Be Active". It’s perhaps easier for them to get out and about than other city schools as Porty is surrounded by lots of beauty spots, but, if they can't get outside, then the school has links to a variety of fitness options. The young folk are also being asked to "Give to Others" as a way of creating connections with other people, something the school reminds us that can be incredibly rewarding
Finally today, some excellent news from Portobello Library – well, it’s sharing the glory with Edinburgh Libraries which has won an award from Press Reader. As they point out, it’s all thanks to “our lovely library users who have read more newspapers & mags on Press Reader than any other library service this year”. If you don’t know about the service, they helpfully provide a link (which again you’ll find in the transcript) – and to log in, you’ll need to have a library card and a PIN.
https://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk/web/arena/pressreader
That’s it for today. More tomorrow