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