Month: March 2020

Six years jail for attempted murder of baby

A man has been sentenced for the attempted murder of a baby in Edinburgh. Lukasz Chomiczewsk, 26, was sentenced to six-years imprisonment yesterday.

Chomiczewsk was convicted on Tuesday 18 February, following a trial at Edinburgh High Court at which he plead not guilty.

Chomiczewsk committed the offence on Tuesday, 6 August, 2019 at an address in Leith, when he strangled the one-year-old girl which could have resulted in her death.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Ramsay of Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “This was a senseless attack on a defenceless child resulting in serious injury.

“Chomiczewsk was in a position of care for the girl and was meant to protect her, instead he subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, for which there is no justification.

“I would like to thank all the officers and partners across all agencies involved in this investigation who helped to secure the conviction and today’s sentence. It sends a clear message to those in the community who would commit such crimes that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Edinburgh Science Festival: Making Science Sociable

Making Science Sociable

Edinburgh Science Festival isn’t just for kids! We’ve rounded up the best events in this year’s programme that would make for a fun day or night out with friends and leave you enlightened and entertained.

Whether you’re into coding, comedy or cocktails, we’ve got something for everyone this April …

Dynamic Earth After Dark

Saturday 4 April
7:30pm | 3 hours

£12/£10

Ages 14+

Stratosphere, Dynamic Earth

Prepare for jaw-dropping beauty and stellar entertainment under the shadow of Gaia by Luke Jerram. This scale version of our home planet offers a unique opportunity to view Earth as it’s seen from space while you enjoy explosive science demonstrations that showcase the incredible power of the elements – earth, air, fire and water. Experience Dynamic Earth after dark and celebrate with a special themed cocktail, elementary face painting and preview fun, interactive activities before anyone else.

Dome Nights

Sunday 5, Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Monday 13, Friday 17 and Sunday 19 April
6pm | Durations vary

Prices vary

Ages 8+

ShowDome, Dynamic Earth

Marvel each night at an unforgettable selection of films in Dynamic Earth’s newly upgraded 6K 360° dome cinema. Screenings include awe-inspiring solar system visuals in Gustav Holst’s Planets 360, films inspired by the music of Pink Floyd and a selection of shows from Dynamic Earth’s daytime collection. Take the chance to view Luke Jerram’s stunning Planet Earth art installation, Gaia, before or after an evening of movie magic.

Wildcats and Whisky

Friday 10 April
7pm | 2 hours

£30

Ages 18+

Holyrood Distillery

Join us for a dram or two of Scotland’s most iconic drink as we tell you the story of one of the country’s most famous animals. Hear Edinburgh Zoo’s wildcat expert discuss the history of wildcats in Scotland and reveal the exciting next chapter in the battle to save our last native cat species. This night out with a twist is full of feline fun that you won’t want to miss. Over 18s only.

Stranger Than Fiction: Panel Game

Monday 13 April
7.30pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Upper Hall, Pleasance

A panel game with a difference – the panel vs you! The Festival’s most popular lie-busting show is back with an elementary theme as a motley team of non-fiction writers will try to pull the wool over your eyes by sneaking some surprising facts hidden amongst ridiculous fiction and persistent science myth. Each round has a different flavour ranging from short themed talks to quickfire truth-or-fiction. Get ready to make some noise.

Cyber Zone

Monday 13 — Sunday 19 April
Times vary, see individual listings

Prices vary, see individual listings

All Ages

Salisbury Building, Pleasance

Discovering the digital world has never been so cool. We’re introducing our very first, immersive Cyber Zone packed with events covering technology, computing, programming and artificial intelligence (AI) for children and adults

Cyber Zone events include Hack Your Own Self-Driving Car, Enter the Multiverse: Crafting Immersive Stories in VR, App Factory For Grown Ups, Artificial Intelligence For Grown Ups, Interactive Digital Storytelling For Grown Ups, Create A Virtual Reality World​For Grown Ups and Coding For Grown Ups

Islands of Love: The Science of Reality Romance

Tuesday 14 April
8pm | 90 mins

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 14+

Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance

Don’t be muggy, come along and dissect an absolute bev of a brain and uncover the personalities that are most likely to couple up – especially if it’s all seen on TV. Dr Raj Persaud explores the scientific theory behind our favourite summer lovefest. What kind of personality type is best for you and do they ever end up on a TV programme like Love Island? How can you improve your ability to spot different personality types? Come along and take part in our fun science experiment where you judge each character and we’ll tell you if you were right.

The Science of Poetry

Wednesday 15 April
7.30pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Pentland Room, Pleasance

Find your inner poet and discover how you can help raise awareness of the biggest global environmental challenges. Join Prof Patrick Corbett from Heriot-Watt University and Scottish poet Dr Colin Will for a discussion on the use of poetry in science communication with a focus on the Earth sciences. You’ll have the opportunity to test your poetic skills through writing your own poem which geological specimens, from the British Geological Society, will provide inspiration for. 

Jukebox Bingo: Science Up Your Life!

Wednesday 15 April
8pm | 90mins

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance

Lay down your labcoats, dust off your party threads and take a firm hold of your dobbers as the Festival gets glittery with a special science-flavoured edition of Edinburgh’s musical quiz sensation. Jukebox Bingo is a 2020 twist on the beloved pastime of the nannas of the nation, testing your recall of scientifically-inspired chart classics from across the decades. Match the tracks on the decks to the artists on your bingo card to win some truly questionable prizes. Featuring sideshow shenanigans aplenty, this is a night out not to be missed. 

Ugly Animal Preservation Society

Thursday 16 April
6pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

Stand-up comedy with a conservation twist. Enjoy an evening dedicated to raising the profile of some of Mother Nature’s more aesthetically challenged children. The panda gets too much attention and the ugly blobfish was made famous by the internet, so now the Ugly Animal Preservation Society move their attention to EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered). Sit back and laugh as comedians Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley join science communicator Hana Ayoob to take you through the world’s weirdest and most wonderful critters. 

What’s So Funny?

Thursday 16 April
6pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance

Why do we laugh and when do people laugh the most? Pioneering researcher into the science of laughter, professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4, Prof Sophie Scott, will take you on a journey to discover all of this and more. A scientist studying laughter – it’s funnier than you might think! 

An Evening with Gaia

Thursday 16 April
7pm | 3 hours

£15/£12

Ages 18+

Stratosphere, Dynamic Earth

To honour the 30th anniversary of the now iconic pale blue dot image, join us for an evening packed with science talks, live music, poetry, and hands-on activities, all in the shadow of the incredible Gaia at Dynamic Earth. View our beautiful blue marble as it’s seen from space and delight in the evening’s entertainment. The evening’s lineup includes satellite expert Dr Murray Collins, Glasgow-based musician Nicolette Macleod, mythologist Dr Christine Plastow, geologist Dr Roger Musson, poets Hannah Lavery and Leyla Josephine, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, and will be hosted by comedian Susan Morrison. 

Univer-Silly Challenged

Thursday 16 April
8pm | 90 mins

£12/£10/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

Are you ready to have your geek-card challenged? Join comedians Simon Watt and Rachel Wheeley, along with some special guests, for an anarchic comedy gameshow turned pub quiz that lets you embrace your inner nerd. Win points in wacky rounds, to give your team the advantage in a fiendish final challenge for chance to become the Challenged Champions and go home with a niche prize. Turn up with a team or join in with some random punters you meet on the night. 

European Stone Stacking Championships

Friday 17 — Sunday 19 April
11am—4pm | Drop-in

£10 to participate/Free to watch

All Ages

Dunbar Beach, Eye Cave Beach

Rounding off the Science Festival’s contribution to Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, the European Stone Stacking Championships returns for the fourth Year.

Stone stacking takes materials found in nature and works with Earth’s gravity to create sculptural towers, archways and other awe-inspiring structures from rocks and stones. Transient in nature – at the mercy of the elements, tides and time – these wonderful land-art creations merge artistic skill and the laws of physics to amazing effect.

With competitions, demonstrations and workshops across the weekend, be amazed by what the professionals can create and try it for yourself!

Cheeseology

Friday 17 April
6pm and 8.30pm | 90 mins

£15 Includes samples

Ages 12+

Quaker Studio, Pleasance

Cheeseology returns! Exploring the science behind cheesemaking and ripening, dairy technologist Paul Thomas and journalist and cheese expert Patrick McGuigan are ready to take you on a cheesy journey through some of Europe’s finest exports. Cheeseology combines a tutored tasting with an exploration of cheesemaker practices and physicochemical parameters which influence texture and flavour development. 

Queer by Nature

Saturday 18 April
6pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

What do penguins, lizards, sheep and humans all have in common? They all engage in homosexual behaviour. A bisexual woman armed with a biochemistry degree and committed to investigating the science behind her identity, comedian Florence Schechter takes us on a hilarious and thought-provoking tour of LGBTQ+ behaviour in animals and the evolutionary benefits of being queer. Expect laughs, single innuendos and a whole load of fun, sexy, science facts. Please note this event includes some graphic descriptions of a sexual nature. 

Coasts and Cocktails

Saturday 18 April
8pm | 90 mins

£20/£18 includes drinks

Ages 18+

Quaker Studio, Pleasance

Scotland has over 10,000 miles of coastline and a huge population that lives and works beside it. It’s time to celebrate our bodies of water with an evening of entertainment featuring poet Janette Ayachi and Neu Reekie’s Michael Pedersen, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, with songs and stories from host Nicolette Macleod. Close out the final Saturday of the 2020 Science Festival in style with a couple of complimentary sea-themed cocktails to make you feel less like a fish out of water!

10,000 Decisions

Sunday 19 April
8pm | 1 hour

£9/£7/#SCIFIVE £5

Ages 12+

Cabaret Bar, Pleasance

Good or bad, our decisions make us who we are. American comedian Robyn Perkins brings her Sydney Fringe Comedy award-winning show to the Edinburgh Science Festival! 10,000 Decisions uses a series of hilarious personal anecdotes, family stories and neuroscience to come up with a well thought out decision for one anonymous audience member. It’s quirky, thought-provoking and fun, laced with intriguing science.

Whisky and Water

Sunday 19 April
8pm | 90 mins

£20/£18 includes samples

Ages 18+

Quaker Studio, Pleasance

It is one of the world’s most loved spirits, with a history stretching back as far as we can remember, but what makes Scottish whisky so great might surprise you. Our expert panel will guide you through the symbiotic relationship between Scotland’s most famous drink and the environment in which it is made.

Join us for a tipple provided by Isle of Arran Distillers and find out why the whisky industry just might be as important to Scottish water as Scottish water is to whisky. Snacks and samples are provided.

www.sciencefestival.co.uk

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Stagecoach calls for new public transport apprenticeship

  • Company marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week with call for new qualification
  • Dedicated bus driving Modern Apprenticeship could deliver hundreds of new opportunities
  • New initiative and funding flexibility would enhance Scotland’s position as bus world leader

Stagecoach has called for a new Scottish apprenticeship to be created to maximise career opportunities for young people in the country’s public transport sector.

Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator has marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March) with a call for the introduction of a dedicated new apprenticeship qualification for the bus and coach sector in Scotland.

The company, which was founded 40 years ago in Perth, said that creating the new qualification and making funding more flexible could give young people in Scotland access to hundreds of extra apprenticeships opportunities a year.

Last month, Stagecoach announced it was to recruit 600 extra apprentices during 2020. By the end of the year, it will employ around 1,000 driver apprentices and around 200 engineering apprentices.

The majority of these opportunities will be created in England where there are accredited apprenticeships in bus and coach driving and in bus and coach engineering. However there is no bus and coach driver apprenticeship currently available in Scotland.

Stagecoach has also called for a more flexible approach to apprenticeship funding. The key role of a bus driver cannot be undertaken by anyone under 18 years of age, however current funding in Scotland is largely focused on apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds.

Stagecoach Apprenticeships Manager Matthew Darroch said: “There has been a welcome focus on upskilling the UK’s workforce by governments across the country in recent years. We have been making huge investment in extensive new opportunities for young people, but we want to do more.

“Stagecoach is the industry leader in delivering bus driver apprenticeships in England, and we have similar ambitions for Scotland. If a Scottish Modern Apprenticeship in bus and coach driving was made available, Stagecoach would be able to deliver around 250 of these apprenticeships a year in Scotland.

“Public transport is central to delivering the Scottish Government’s welcome and ambitious climate change targets. To make that happen, the public transport sector needs the next generation of skilled bus drivers to operate the vital greener bus and coach services which support our economy and keep our communities connected.

“These simple changes could also help give further impetus to the bus sector in Scotland, which is a world leader in terms of manufacturing and operations.”

Around 550 driver and engineering apprentices are currently employed by Stagecoach across its operations in England, Scotland and Wales. The huge expansion of apprenticeships in England will see the company more than double the number of learners employed over the next 10 months.

Stagecoach is already the industry leader in bus driver apprenticeships .The 12-month programme provides a combination of practical training and off-the-job learning. It is delivered in partnership with training supplier Interserve Learning & Employment, complementing Stagecoach’s high standards around safety and customer service.

More than 30 Stagecoach employees have gained their bus driver apprenticeship to date , with a further 100 expected to have completed the programme by the summer. They are the first in the country to have achieved the qualification.

Stagecoach’s engineering apprenticeship programme has run for more than 15 years, with a number of employees having gone on to develop their careers with the business.

For more information on the bus driver apprenticeship programme go to: https://learning-employment.com/apprentices/transport-apprenticeships/stagecoach-bus-drive-apprenticeship/

Further details on engineering apprenticeships are available at: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/apprenticeship-schemes-with-stagecoach-bus

Stagecoach is a supporter of the Scottish Government’s Developing Our Young Workforce initiative, which is designed to help all of the country’s young people get work ready and ensure employers have access to the skills to help their businesses grow.

The company offers a range of work experience opportunities, provides placements as part of Foundation Apprenticeships, hosts workplace visits for schools, helps bring the curriculum to life in the classroom, and supports its employees who mentor young people.

Letters: Support Mary’s Meals on Mother’s Day

Dear Editor

This Mother’s Day, I am thinking about everything women do to give their children the best start in life.

Like the women in countries such as Malawi, Liberia and India, who rise early each day to cook and serve food to hungry children in their communities with the charity Mary’s Meals.

Their dedication epitomises powerful motherly love, and it is thanks to them that Mary’s Meals is able to feed 1.6 million hungry children around the world every school day. The food they lovingly serve attracts little ones into the classroom, giving them the energy to gain an education that can, one day, be their ladder out of poverty.

I am in awe of these incredible women. And that’s why I am asking your readers to send a Mary’s Meals gift card to the special women in their lives this Mother’s Day. For just £15.90, it will feed a hungry child every day for an entire school year.

Please visit marysmeals.org.uk/mothersday to purchase your gift card in honour of the mums who make Mary’s Meals. I have already told my boys this is a gift I would be delighted to receive!

Love,

Sophie Thompson (Actor)

Hate Crime & Third Party Reporting

Police Scotland takes hate crime very seriously and will do everything they can to bring those responsible to justice:

If you have been targeted because of your disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity, or you are aware of someone else being targeted, we want you to report it.

Reporting hate crime is important.  If you report it we can deal with it, we can try to prevent the same thing happening to someone else and together we can work to rid Scotland of hate.

We are committed to dealing with hate crime and take all reports of hate crime seriously.

You can report a hate crime:

Third party reporting

In some cases victims and witnesses of Hate Crime do not feel comfortable reporting the matter directly to the Police, and may be more comfortable reporting it to someone they are familiar with.

To ensure anyone is able to report Hate Crimes, Police Scotland works in partnership with a wide variety of partners who perform the role of 3rd Party Reporting Centres. These partners have been trained to assist people in submitting a report to the police, and can make such a report their behalf.

Examples of 3rd Party Reporting Centres participating in the scheme range from Housing Associations to Victim Support offices and Voluntary Groups.

Find your nearest Third Party Reporting Centre.

If you are interested in becoming a Third Party Reporting Centre, please contact the Equality & Diversity unit by e-mailing:

 SCDEdinburghDiversityUnit@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Botanics launches vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is now serving its new indulgent afternoon tea menu, that for the first time includes completely vegan and gluten-free experiences. 

Created by Sodexo, the foodie team behind the restaurant and cafés at the Botanics, the new addition is the perfect way to enhance a fantastic day at the Gardens.

Launching in time for Mother’s Day, The Gateway Restaurant provides a relaxed and contemporary backdrop to enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea, whilst overlooking the gardens from this world-renowned sustainable venue. Available from 6 March, the new offer is inspired by the gardens, bringing the outdoors in and onto the plate.

Served from 2.30pm each day, the Botanical Afternoon Tea features an edible plant pot and mini cone topped with candy floss along with a selection of seasonal sandwiches and sweet treats guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds.

A highlight of the vegan option is the sausage roll made with locally sourced wild mushrooms and on the gluten free menu, the venue has introduced a savoury quiche.

The chocolate trough, inspired by a window box features on all three menus as does the quintessential scone. Served on individually decorated stands afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or al fresco on the terrace.

Commenting on the new afternoon tea, Susan Holligan, Catering General Manager at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This new immersive afternoon tea provides guests with a complete Botanics experience.

“The menu has been designed to showcase the best of the garden and reflect how it changes during the year. It will feature seasonal dishes that illustrate the changing flora and fauna surrounding our restaurant.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy the decadent afternoon tea experience regardless of dietary requirements, so with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK and 8.5 million people on gluten-free diets, we have worked hard to create the perfect alternatives.

“We don’t believe in simply substituting certain items to fulfil allergy requirements, we have worked just as hard on our full vegan and gluten-free stands so that everyone has the perfect Botanical Afternoon Tea experience.

“Afternoon tea is always a popular occasion, but it certainly peaks around Mother’s Day when families come together to spoil their mum or grandma. And with this literally just around the corner, we’d advise early booking to avoid disappointment.”

Available from 6 March, afternoon tea costs £24.95 per person with unlimited tea and coffee, or £29.95 per person with a glass of fizz. The gluten-free and vegan options have to be ordered 24 hours in advance.

Pre-booking isn’t essential but recommended.

ARMED short-listed for care award

ARMED, developed by HAS Technology, has been shortlisted as part of the Tomorrow’s Care Awards, an accolade that champions life-changing care technology that benefits both staff members and end-users. 

Proudly developed in Scotland, by a local team, ARMED was developed in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University and Scotland’s Digital and Health Institute (DHI).

Set to commend and recognise the revolutionary work of the teams behind the products, the awards identify the most noteworthy care solutions in the industry for 2020. 

Tomorrow’s Care has shortlisted ARMED (Advanced Risk Modelling for Early Detection) as one of their finalists due to the innovative approach the technology has had in assisting people to live more independently and to reduce falls and associated hospital admissions. 

ARMED uses wearable technology to measure data associated with frailty and risk of falling, enabling those managing care to intervene at earlier stages, preventing more significant health risks. It also promotes self-management by making people more aware of a variety of indicators. 

A number of Scottish Councils have been instrumental with initially testing the technology and it was recently piloted with Scotland’s Loreburn Housing Association. The project saw successful results in just six months, with zero falls reported with the case study group. 

Brian Brown, Director of ARMED at HAS Technology Group, commented: “We are always striving to improve the lives of those receiving care and support and are thrilled our ARMED technology is being recognised across the UK, and not only in Scotland.  

“This nomination is testament to the hard work of each and every one of our team and we are thrilled to see digital transformation being embraced by the sector with an increased priority to improving lives, increasing independence and preventing health issues before they arise.”

With a proven success rate, as well as being in the 1% of companies chosen to be a Microsoft partner, ARMED has quickly expanded, demonstrating how AI and deep learning can revolutionise preventative care.

People are asked and encouraged to vote for the social care technology provider by visiting the Tomorrow’s Care website and clicking ‘Tomorrow’s Care Awards’.

Voters will then have the opportunity to read more about the finalists before clicking the link through to the voting page where they can submit their choice.  Voting closes on Friday 13th March. 

To vote for ARMED in the Tomorrow’s Care Awards, visit: https://www.tomorrowscare.co.uk/awards 

ARMED has also been recently announced as a finalist in the Digital Health and Care Awards and Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.

To find out more about ARMED technology, visit https://www.armedprevention.co.uk/

Fraud: Ringing The Changes

Police are reminding local businesses and retail outlets to be vigilant following a recent fraud known as ‘Ringing the Changes’ which was committed in the city centre.

The incident occurred around 5.45pm on Monday (2nd March) in a shop on Rose Street.

This type of fraud involves the suspect using deception tactics and sleight of hand during a request to change large sums of money into different denominations. The suspect would then leave retailer or business hundreds of pounds short, after they have taken possession of the cash.

PC Chris Bright of Gayfield Police Station said: “We would like to remind businesses, retailers and members of the public to be aware of this behaviour and to remain vigilant.

“We would also ask anyone aware of suspicious behaviour to contact Police Scotland immediately via 101 or by calling the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Nominate your grassroots volunteers

Sir Kenny Dalglish and McDonald’s UK are looking to celebrate grassroots football volunteers in the 2020 Scottish FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards

Nominations are officially open for this year’s McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, in association with the Scottish FA. The awards celebrate the efforts of grassroots volunteers across Scotland who go the extra mile in their local communities.

McDonald’s is the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK, having worked with the four UK FAs for 18 years. Throughout this time, it has continually championed the work of volunteers who invest countless hours to deliver safe, fun football to children and young adults regardless of age, gender or disability.

The awards are supported by football legends from the men’s and women’s game across the UK including Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Casey Stoney MBE, Martin Keown and Pat Jennings.

McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Sir Kenny Dalglish and former Scotland international, who is encouraging local communities across Scotland to nominate their grassroots heroes, said: “For eighteen years, McDonald’s has always been keen to sing the praises of local grassroots heroes who invest so much of their own personal time into the game.

“I really enjoy hearing about the enthusiasm, devotion and passion of volunteers all across Scotland every year. From rising stars to top volunteers, there are eleven categories to nominate someone in. From the Wick coastline down to the Scottish border, make sure you nominate your football heroes.”

The awards feature a wide mix of categories which reflect the huge range of roles that volunteers play, including Best Volunteer in Youth Football, Best Community Football Club, Best Para-Football Project, Football Mum of the Year and Best Community for All Project. Individual awards take place in all home nations including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Nominations for the 2020 Scottish FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are now open.

To nominate a grassroots football club or volunteer, go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk/awards.

The award nominations for Scotland close on 10th June and winners will be presented with their awards at a ceremony at Hampden Park.

Last year McDonald’s also celebrated a milestone moment in the McDonald’s Fun Football Programme as it reached two million hours of Fun Football provided to children across the UK. 

McDonald’s is committed to its target of giving over 500,000 children the opportunity to play football for the first time and providing over five million hours of football to 5-11-year-olds by 2022.

For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football and to find out how your club could benefit, follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.

New approach to informing stroke research priorities

The Stroke Association is calling on people affected by stroke in Scotland to have their say on what stroke research should be taking place.   

There are over 14,000 strokes every year in Scotland and about 128,000 stroke survivors rebuilding their lives. For the first time, the Stroke Association is funding an ambitious new project to determine the future of stroke research.

The Stroke Association is working with stroke survivors and their carers, health and social care bodies, the James Lind Alliance, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and other charities to deliver a set of priorities for stroke research that work best for the people that matter most. 

Andrea Cail, Director Scotland at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do.  It affects people differently, it could be anything ranging from affecting speech and physical ability, to affecting your emotions and personality.

“The good news is that stroke research continues to find new treatments, and also ways to improve how we can help more people live independently in their own home, return to work and rebuild lives.  

“However, we want future stroke research to address the things that matter most to everyone affected by stroke and make the biggest difference to the lives of stroke survivors. Through this initiative we will develop a defined set of research priorities for stroke. But, if we are to be successful, we need everyone in Scotland who has been affected by stroke to engage with this project. 

“If you’re a stroke survivor, or support a loved one who has had a stroke, this is your chance to make your views and voices heard. We invite you to get involved as stroke impacts on so many people in our communities.

“Our survey is open to those closely affected by stroke, from stroke survivors and the family members who support them, to people who work with stroke survivors.”

Ruth Lyle, from Hawick who had a stroke in 2017 and is involved in the project said: “I really welcome the move the charity is making in involving people affected by stroke to come up with a set of research priorities. 

“I took an interest in being a member of the Steering Group because there are certain areas of stroke that I think we need to know more about. All those affected by stroke – not just researchers – should get the opportunity to feed into this piece of work. 

“We need to know what is important to those individuals. I would encourage people affected by stroke to get involved with the JLA project and complete this short survey to tell us what stroke issues matter most to you.”

The Stroke Association has been at the forefront of stroke research for the past 30 years. In Scotland, the charity funded early research into thrombectomy, the game-changing treatment that can gives stroke patients a better chance of living the best life they can after stroke.

The Stroke Association also continues to fund cutting-edge research in Scotland. For example, they are currently funding research into how those affected by stroke can be supported to manage their recovery more independently, as well as research looking specifically at managing the devastating effects of stroke on mental well-being, like depression and anxiety. 

Have your say for stroke and find out more about the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership at: www.stroke.org.uk/jla.

Your questions can help the Stroke Association and our partners(ii) influence stroke research and answer the questions that matter most to the people affected.

For more information and to have your say visit: www.stroke.org.uk/jla  

Get talking about the JLA PSP on social media using the #MySayforStroke