Equal Midlothian Week
Enjoy a week of events from Monday 20 May that bring communities together and highlight equalities work in Midlothian.
All the events are free and the week culminates in the popular community event, MELA 2024.
The full programme
Monday 20 May
10:30-12:00: LGBT Youth Scotland, Charter Mark and Schools
Join us for a week packed with inclusivity and progress! We'll be focusing on the important work LGBT Youth Scotland is doing in Midlothian, including their Charter Mark initiative and collaborations with schools. Learn, engage, and be part of the positive change. This event is online so you can participate from the comfort of your own space. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something great!
To book on Eventbrite
13:30-15:00: Community Engagement Self-Assessment with Kate Thornback, Equality & Human Rights Lead, Midlothian Health & Social Care
Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership (Midlothian HSCP) plans and directs a number of different health and social care services for the people of Midlothian.
We are reimagining how we listen and respond to the people of Midlothian so that we can plan, design and make decisions about how we deliver health and social care with the voices of our community at the heart of everything we do.
This session will describe what we have done so far in refreshing our approach to community engagement, what we plan to do in the future and how you can get involved.
To book on Eventbrite
Tuesday 21 May
10:30-12:00: Health in Mind's Peer Connecting, Black & Minority Ethnic Community Focus, East & Midlothian with Monika Dyczko
Information session for people from minority ethnic communities. Health in Mind will be providing information on how this service is for anyone aged 18 or over, from a minority ethnic community who is experiencing cultural and/or language barriers, stigma, isolation or mental health and wellbeing difficulties. The service provides one to one support, support groups, information and community connecting for individuals and families.
To book on Eventbrite
13:30-15:00: Men in Child and Social Care at Equal Midlothian with James Maynard of Midlothian Council
James has spent the last six years changing career direction and entering Child and Social care. He’s hit many barriers and stereotypes in the process. He wants to inspire people, especially older males if they want a career change. So sign up to listen and ask questions.
To book on Eventbrite
Wednesday 22 May
10:30-12:00: Sight Scotland, Visual Impairment Awareness with Colin Hilditch
Learn about causes of sight loss, eye conditions and their effects, understand the emotional impact of sight loss and how assistive technology can empower a person with a visual impairment.
To book on Eventbrite
13:30-15:00: Menopausal leaders with Annette Lang of Midlothian Council
Women in Leadership Roles – Sharing Our Experiences, Challenges and Tips with Annette &and guests. Speakers from different walks of life
share their experiences and reflections on being a woman in a leadership role.
To book on Eventbrite
Thursday 23 May
10:30-12:00: Imposter Syndrome in Education with Maddie Breeze of Stirling University
Have you ever felt like you don’t belong at school, college, or university? In this interactive discussion, we will use research on ‘imposter syndrome’ in universities alongside our collective education experiences to ask how universities could change to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel welcome.
To book on Eventbrite
13:30-15:00: UNCRC, My Child & Me with Jenifer Hudson of Midlothian Council
This session is an introduction for parents and families to the incorporation of the UNCRC. Questions that will frame the session: What is the UNCRC?; What is the incorporation of the UNCRC? Schools are being asked to take a rights-based approach; what does this mean? Why is understanding children’s rights necessary for teachers and parents/families? How are schools beginning to embed a rights-based approach? How might we promote a rights-based approach as parents and family members?
To book on Eventbrite
Friday 24 May
13:30-16:30: MELA, Gorebridge Beacon, Hunterfield Road, Gorebridge, EH
Come along for a magical mix of culture, food and entertainment. There’s music, dance, artistic performances, creative workshops, complementary therapies, delicious food, relaxation and activities for children. No need to book, just turn up.
MEND Interactive session details
The MELA will also include an interactive session with Daniel Gilius of MEND, a not-for-profit company that aims to tackle Islamophobia in all its forms. The session will look at the root causes of Islamophobia in Britain today. Focusing on the role of the media and politics, this session looks at the ways in which the Muslim community is often marginalised and even attacked on a regular basis. The session will also highlight some of the ways in which we can all contribute to being a part of positive change to tackle this form of hate.