Pulling together through the dark days of winter - Patricia Clark
I think it is fair to say we are firmly into winter, with a severe weather warning in place for snow and ice and one of the first bitingly cold days of the year.
Many of us are looking ahead to Christmas, having just put the Halloween decorations and fireworks away.
For others the cold and dark affects their ability to function, whether through impact on mental health, slippery surfaces on mobility or making people feel less comfortable when out and about.
I recall deep snowfalls in 2010, when cars struggled to move on roads and pavements were difficult to walk on.
My prevailing memory of that time was an overwhelming sense of community with neighbours looking out for each other, supplies gathered and shared and conversations in the street.
Community is so important, and I see that being played out daily. As the local area commander for North West Edinburgh, I am constantly astounded by the community spirit and support offered in a number of circumstances.
Today alone, I have seen appeals for winter clothes for local children, requests for food bank donations and charities seeking donations for gifts for children and families as we approach Christmas, all of which play an important role in supporting members of our community through the winter.
I also have the privilege of being involved with a number of statutory and charitable partners in Edinburgh, who work tirelessly throughout the year.
The partnership framework and the diversionary activities in the lead up to bonfire night were crucial to the lack of disorder we saw in the North West of Edinburgh and I am grateful to everyone involved.
I credit our young people who made good and positive choices regarding their behaviour on bonfire night. Providing opportunities for diversion is one thing, but young people have to take the choice to become involved.
I attended a meeting with some partners where we discussed the impact of serious and organised crime on children and young people and how best to prevent them becoming involved.
Whether it working with local residents, partners or teams within policing, relationships and community are at the heart of everything we do.
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