Police Scotland to launch Beat Hunger campaign

Despite the challenges of Covid 19, your North East Policing Team have continued to be out and about, promoting safety and reducing the risk of harm in the community.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait

Working alongside our colleagues from Roads Policing we have conducted a number of Operation Close Pass initiatives in the Portobello area, aimed at educating drivers as to the dangers of failing to give cyclists enough space.

In addition we have continued to tackle the harm caused by illicit drug supply. Over the last 2 months our officers have responded directly to information received from the public and have executed a number of search warrants, recovering over £60,000 of controlled drugs and significant seizures of cash.

Looking ahead I am pleased to announce the launch of our Police Scotland ‘Beat Hunger’ Campaign, led by our very own Community Sergeant, Elaine McArthur-Kerr

The ‘Beat Hunger’ Campaign is aimed at tackling food inequality / poverty in the North East area of Edinburgh and building on already positive relationships that exist between the Police and the wider community.

By securing funding through the Police Scotland Local Partnership and Initiative Fund, the campaign will initially be open to identified groups within the foodbank community, specifically single young adults and families who will receive additional support to their foodbank emergency food boxes. Working with our partners at the Edinburgh North East Foodbank we aim to launch in March 2021.

Additional support supplied by Police Scotland in the appropriately titled ‘Beat Box’ will include a recipe Book by Michelin Star Chef, Martin WISHART, a selection of basic cooking utensils and fresh nutritious ingredient to supplement long life items.

The recipe book provides step-by-step instructions and tips on food management, with recipes to accommodate those with no cookery skills and provide at home activity for those with families. In addition, it will signpost to additional support, for example mental health / family / financial support

This is a clear opportunity to support some of the most vulnerable in our community during unprecedented times and to improve on their physical / mental health and wellbeing with nutritious food and cooking activity, positively promoting healthy eating and assist with lifelong learning.

Following the initial launch, the campaign will be extended to the wider community and we are working in partnership with Edinburgh Community Food, Community Renewal Trust and our local authority in identifying nominations for recipients of the ‘Beat Box’.

This campaign is directly linked to community safety and wellbeing and the aim is to adopt a joint approach with Police and partners to support the vulnerable members of our community to make better choices resulting in positive lifestyle choices and improved wellbeing.

Finally and whilst the vaccination programme continues at pace, I would like to reassure you that Police Scotland officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.

People should not leave their home unless for essential purposes. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait is North East Edinburgh Local Area Commander