We’re all here because we care about the future of the Astley Ainslie site. We pop into your inbox this Tuesday to share 3 ways that you can make a meaningful impact. One thing’s for sure, we need to make our voices heard and we must take action to make a difference in our community. Join us today in AACTing!

#1 - Be heard

NHS Lothian Charity are seeking your view on the Greenspace Management Plan. These details are shared on their website:

The NHS Lothian outdoor estate is a valuable asset. If planned and managed well, it can make a significant contribution to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff, patients, visitors and local communities. It is also a key asset in our response to the climate emergency. We work with staff and partners across a wide range of sites to unlock this potential through our Greenspace and Health programme. The aim is for the grounds to be activated, giving people a variety of reasons to use different parts of the site.

NHS Lothian Charity and NHS Lothian have appointed Liz Thomas Landscape Architect to produce a greenspace management plan for the Astley Ainslie Hospital. The timeframe for the plan is 5 years, with a review to be undertaken after 2 years and annual commitment to carry out the detail of the work plan, subject to commitments of funding and resources.

The plan aims to deliver on two outcomes:

• Enhancing the therapeutic environment of the Green Estate, and

• Meeting NHS Lothian climate change and biodiversity commitments

How to share your view

• Pop up sessions: NHS Lothian Charity are hosting a series of pop-up engagement sessions across the AAH estate, with a series of boards where you can see the ideas so far and give us your feedback.

• Dates: Tuesday 23rd, Monday 29th August and Sunday 4th September. More information can be found by downloading a copy of their flyer.

• Online Survey: You can also provide your feedback online.

#2 - Get involved

Everyone needs a wing-person (or two!). We’re a small but mighty group of active campaigners looking for some superheros to join the squad! We know that we’re lucky enough to have such a variety of skills and experiences within our community and we need your help to achieve community ownership of the Astley Ainslie site. Are you, or someone you know, flexible and action focussed, with skills in areas such as Events and Communications? You can expect meaningful and impactful tasks that’ll drive change in our community. We’d love to hear from you on contact@aact.scot

#3 - Share the cause

Are you a member of a club, group or community who would be interested in learning more about the future of the Astley Ainslie? We are working with sports groups, churches, interest groups, to raise the profile of the Astley Ainslie Community Trust and boost membership (which only costs £1) so that, together, we can protect this valuable space.

If we’re not yet in contact with your group, get in touch so we can raise our voices even louder! contact@aact.scot