Ray Chisholm - Computing Class

I am Ray, a volunteer, who runs a couple of weekly computing class at PEP; on Tuesdays 10:00 – 12:00 and Thursdays 13:00 – 15:00. We have a well equipped computer room with around 10 PCs which are all Internet enabled. Whether you are a complete novice who would just like to find out about computing and using the Internet, or already have your own PC at home and would like help in expanding your knowledge – we can help. If are already a laptop owner you can, if you wish, bring it along and use it in our computer room. If you would like to find out more about these classes why not pop in or give us a call.

Peter Holdsworth- gardening and passenger assistance

My name is Peter and I started volunteering in 2009 after my college course finished. I heard about PEP through other groups in the area and I wanted to volunteer to get out of the house, to help others and to gain confidence. I have been awarded an Edinburgh City Council Inspiring Volunteers award for my work in the gardening team. At PEP I volunteer in lots of different roles. I help with gardening and as a passenger assistant helping people on and off the buses. Sometimes I help with the weekend resource and clubs. Through volunteering with PEP I have learnt new tasks and skills that I never had before. The staff and volunteers here are very nice and friendly and so I am happy and enjoy my role as a volunteer at PEP.

Update on Andrew Crighton - September 09

It was last September when we proudly announced that Andrew had found employment at the Capital Hotel in Clermiston. Still employed and enjoying his work, Andrew recently bought a new push bike to travel to his workplace from his home in Muirhouse. Andrew realises the importance of his life-long learning sessions with PEP and faithfully attends every week in his free time. His new chosen subject is that of the American way of life - past and present. From John Wayne to Basketball, if you want to discuss it - talk to Andrew !!. Andrew, we at PEP are delighted with your continued dedication and wish you well for the future.

Innovation Awards

Seen accepting his new award from volunteer organiser Roy Douglas is Terry Strachan. Terry, one of the many cheery escorts on PEP's accessable mini buses said "An award for something I love doing - Great" !!

Just weeks after starting as a driver with PEP, Charlie (yes it is the same guy in the picture below) decided he would brighten up the proceedings at the big PEP party by donning the most stunning tie seen this side of Morningside. In an era that is famed for its conservative dress sense (compared to the sixties that is.) it was if nothing else - natty!! Charlie you are amazing and we all agree that you fit the bill of drivers requirements as a fun loving guy. Perhaps, given the right encouragenent from his passengers, he might just include this inanimate appendage to his drivers outfit for future runs to the ladies clubs or special outings. What do you think?

Charlie Forsyth, previously a fork lift driver, was referred to PEP
by Working Links. He identified driving as an interest he would like to pursue with us (being an experienced driver) and was put through the MIDAS Test by Roy Douglas, our Qualified Assessor and full-time Volunteer Manager. That was on the Friday. By Monday Charlie had his first run on our accessible buses saying "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend and encourage anyone to volunteer rather than sit about the house. We appreciate and value the contribution people like Charlie make to improving conditions for the people in our local community, and who else better to do it with than ----- PEP!!

My name is Richard Carr and on the 8th October 2008, I attended an interview with PEP through my administration course with Edinburgh City Council,

As soon as I walked through the doors of PEP I could feel the warmth of the Centre and knew straight away this was where I wanted to spend the 12 week placement programme. I have been here 4 weeks so far, and met many great people, both management, staff and the people who use the services PEP provides.
I have spent a lot of time helping with small projects in administration, working in the social clubs and with the painting and decorating team. These along with escorting on the buses, working with the home helps, and many other experiences have made up a very varied month.
PEP is a GREAT place to Volunteer or gain experience if you are studying or thinking of going into the social care industry.

Dianne Hits the High Spots

Dianne, a mature student studying community Education at Edinburgh University, took on the role as advisor to the people of Edinburgh who would like to give their spare time volunteering within the community. " I feel privileged to have been part of the volunteer exhibition, says Dianne. I particularly enjoyed meeting and chatting with both potential volunteers and individuals from other organisations about the diversity of work we do at PEP. There was a great buzz about the place especially around our 'Pitch' as Roy, Jim and myself eagerly promoted the many benefits of volunteering with PEP".

We would just like to add our thanks to Dianne for her endeavours and great spirit in presenting PEP to the public.

George is flushed with embarrassment.

George made his way as usual on Monday morning to his volunteering task in Home Care. WHen he got there the Lady of the house (who is absolutely delighted with Georges weekly cleaning) said "Could you clean out the toilet for me this morning" George sprung into action, but on entering the toilet found what he described later as the oddest 'Loo Brush' he had ever seen. Never one to be daunted George pulled out the brush from the holder to make sure it was clean. To his astonishment the brush had ROOTS on the bottom of it!! Yes George had pulled up the clients favourite POT PLANT !! After the initial panic George replaced it and got on with the rest of the job. I'm almost scared to ask for comments on this, but good on you George for sharing this with us.

Andrew's Success Story

Andrew Crighton who has worked as a volunteer with our project for the last year has secured himself a job on the staff of the Capital Hotel in Clermiston. Andrew ( a fervent Hibs fan) worked with the painting and decorating /gardening team and is well known as a 'Grafter' who was always first to turn up in the morning. Andrews reflections on his year with PEP: " I think PEP is a good place to work in. It's nice to work with people at PEP and the group I was involved with. It will be great to work with new people but I will miss this place and be sorry to go. This will be Andrew's first full-time job. Please leave a goodwill mesage for Andrew through the comments facility.

We'll miss you Andrew, but we are always pleased to see the volunteers further themselves, and were still here to give you support and encouragement if you feel you need it. Good Luck.

Scottish Gas "Working in the Community"

Just like to offer a great big thanks to Dawn Fowler and Deborah Hitchings for their month long association with our Project. The girls worked alongside Francis Durie and the volunteers in the Social Clubs that PEP provide for Social Inclusion within our designated areas. BOTH WORKED REALLY HARD AND, AS YOU CAN SEE ON THE WEBSITE, enjoyed themselves tremendously. Thanks to all the volunteers and users for making it a pleasant experience all round. More volunteers from Scottish Gas have already started to make an impact on PEP users, and we welcome future help with open arms. do you think you would like to get involved?
phone our number if you have a few hours to spare. The choice of tasks is truly amazing, and the training and support is second to none. PEP 0131-315-4466

Update on Home Care

With brooms at the ready our two girls (Helen & Julie) started their first day as home care assistants. After the first two calls the girls felt elated at the experience and settled down to lunch at Julies mum-in law. Mine never gave me anything but a scowl!! Onward refreshed and willingly they visited Eric (87 year old) to finish off their day. How did they feel about the first day? "Great!! can't wait till next week". "The banter was good and we feel that we made a difference. It was more than a home care service - it was a social visit as well which seemed to go down well with our new found friends".

Well done ladies.

Benson & Who ?

A phone call came into the office last week. Realising that it was a job for Roy, Trish called out "Roy it's for you, a woman wanting her hedges done" Roy, in the middle of a minor crisis, picked up the phone and said "Good morning Mrs Hedges, what can I do for you"!! Yes even in time of crisis we're still polite. Thanks for the laugh Roy.

PEP is cosmopolitan

In the last few days maybe as many as 10 new volunteers have floated into our building. It must be the sun that has brought them out.

Interestingly, several are very highly qualified people from other parts of the world who want to, in their words, 'give something back'. A GP from Russia, a senior nurse from China, a social worker from Germany, a teacher from Spain...PEP is becoming truly cosmopolitan and of course, we have many great local folk too.

If you want to join us, just contact Roy on 315 4466

All trained and kitted up

PEP volunteers here, gearing up for the new homecare service: first squad go out tomorrow...Helen & Julie...all trained and kitted up. Lots of excitement at being the first to deliver a brand new service.

You will be the first to know how it goes!

ROYSTON POOCH POWER

Travelling through Royston Mains yesterday, David our driver, let out a howl of laughter."Look everybody" he cried, "Look out the right hand window" All eyes averted to the right only to see a dog going like the clappers in the middle of the road. Ears flapping - nostrils flaying and tongue lolling, the faithful hound galloped on. This sight was followed by a long lead ....... and a cyclist sitting on a bike gripping the handlebars with one hand and the leash in the other !!
Is this genius we ask ourselves ? Could this be a new activity in the 2012 Olympics ? Read your local NEN for up- dates .

Clear conscience

George, volunteer driver, comes in yesterday...hot and bothered, guilt written all over his face. 'I've lost the yard key.'

'Me too,' says driver David, neither guilty nor bothered.

Roy grinds his teeth...losing one key is an accident, but 2 in one day is careless and this means an emergency journey to the locksmith for him.

This morning in trips George, face wreathed in smiles, and produces from his pocket 1 gate key. 'Iain found it yesterday, just outside the office. It must have fallen when I pulled the van keys out my.' The man is plainly relieved, conscience now clear.

We've still not found David's though... and his conscience is as clear as it ever was!

Is that a dead body in the coffin ....?

The MAGIC Club is the source of this next snippet. This time, volunteer David, gets locked in the toilet...'Help, let me out...help, I'm locked in, help...' The Bold Jim, head honcho volunteer, rushes to the rescue and in the absence of a screwdriver uses sharp knife to swivel the lock. Lots of conferring between David and Jim, lots of handle pulling, twisting and turning but no release for David. By this time they're beginning to panic and Frances decides to intervene. One twist of the knife and the door opens...
Q. How many PEP volunteers does it take to unlock a door?
A. None, just leave it to the staff!

The tale provokes a lot of laughter in the office when David recounts it next day and another story: about the time when Mandy was at a funeral and all the way through the service the assembled mourners can hear tap, tap, tap, tap, tap...confused looks, maybe it's not a dead body in that coffin after all, then a wee plaintive cry, 'Can someone unlock the toilet door please? I'm locked in!'

The Gardians of the Gardens

Dorothy (part of a team of 4) has the responsibility of brightening up the morning, afternoon and evening of the passers by to the project. It must be a pleasure for all visitors to be welcomed by an array of beautiful plants, shrubbery and flowers in bloom (better than a door-person at Jenners !!)

The team consisting of Dorothy, Helen, Edith and Betty tend not only to the front of the building, but the fragrant sensory garden at the rear of the building.

Talking to Dorothy gives a great insight into the care, attention to detail, and the knowledge (that is gushed with great enthusiasm) that is shared by the team in their voluntary task. We mere mortals are not the only ones who benefit from the girls dedication. The sensory garden is a magnet for the birds, could the herbs even be a source for the healthy eating group in the future ?. On behalf of all who benefit, 'PEP' would like the ladies to know that their efforts are extremely appreciated by all. Thank you !!