Month: May 2020

Half of children and teens exposed to harmful online content

  • 47% of teens say they have seen content online they wish they hadn’t seen while in lockdown, and one in eight (13%) see harmful videos everyday
  • 14 year olds see the most harmful content, with a quarter saying they see inappropriate videos every day.
  • The BBFC website and free app contains ratings info and age ratings so parents can help their children make informed viewing choices.

New research by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has shown that children and teens are being exposed to harmful or upsetting content while in lockdown, often on a daily basis.

The research, carried out by YouGov, has revealed that in lockdown, nearly half (47%) of children and teens have seen content they’d rather avoid, leaving them feeling uncomfortable (29%), scared (23%) and confused (19%).

One in eight (13%) said they see harmful content daily while in lockdown, with 14 year olds exposed to the most. A quarter (24%) of 14 year olds say they see harmful content on a daily basis.

This comes as more than half (53%) parents say they haven’t spoken to their children about their increased time online during lockdown, with a third (29%) saying they didn’t think those chats would make a difference.

The BBFC is encouraging parents to talk to their children about what content they might be watching online during lockdown, as 60% of children say they have approached their parents to chat after seeing content that has upset or disturbed them while they’ve been online in lockdown.

Parents, and young people, can check out age ratings and ratings info to find out what content might contain on the BBFC website and app. The BBFC also has a wide range of educational resources to help parents homeschool their children during lockdown available on their website, and on their children’s website cbbfc.  

The research also shows that 82% of parents, and three quarters (73%) of children want to see trusted BBFC age ratings and ratings info displayed on user generated content platforms like YouTube, so they can avoid content that might upset or disturb them.

95% of parents said they want age ratings on user generated content platforms linked to parental filters. The BBFC is therefore calling on platforms to consider using BBFC age ratings for their content, and for uploaders of user generated content to age rate their content which could then be linked to parental filters.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “This research shows that during the lockdown parents can make a real difference to their children’s risks online if they talk about how to avoid potentially distressing and inappropriate content. 

“We’re supporting parents to help their children to navigate the online world safely, and both our website and children’s website cbbfc, contain a wealth of free educational resources including ones we have developed with the PHSE Association.

“But platforms have a role to play as well. What a difference it would make, for example, if YouTube had well known, trusted BBFC age ratings created by those uploading or watching the video, that parents and young people recognise from the cinema, DVD and Blu-ray and Netflix, linked to filters. Now more than ever we need to work together to protect children online by giving them the information they need to choose content well.”

This research supports the Government’s recognition of the need to help families stay safe online, with guidance recently issued containing the four-point plan including: reviewing security and safety settings; checking facts and guarding against disinformation; being vigilant against fraud and scams; and managing the amount of time spent online.

The 75th Commemoration of VE Day, 8th May 2020

Dear Editor,

I hope my words will be printed to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.

As a D-Day veteran of WW2 I felt – and still feel – we all must protect peace for all and co-operation between nations.

Tony Delahoy

In May 1945 the longed-for Peace came to Europe.

The joy, happiness,relief and sadness overtook Europe.

From that date there was a determination that the people of Europe co-operate in building an organisation to represent all peoples.

An agreement was reached on the formation of the United Nations, at which issues and policies could be agreed.

As a worldwide organisation a tremendous amount was done ro help people.

The formation of a European organisation became necessary to solve problems that were arising. The European Union has followed and developed this spirit of co-operation.

The greatest achievement of the EU is that Europe is, and has remained for decades, united in peace.

The people of Europe will defend the peace they have created.

Tony Delahoy

 

Small business Bounce Back Loans launch today

  • small businesses will be able to apply for quick and easy-to-access loans from today
  • businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 with the cash arriving within days
  • loans will be 100% government backed for lenders, and businesses can apply online through a short and simple form

Thousands of small firms and sole traders – including high street staples like hairdressers, coffee shops and florists – will be eligible for 100% government-backed Bounce Back Loans to help them make it through the coronavirus outbreak.

From 9am this morning, small business owners can apply to accredited lenders by filling out a simple online form, with only seven questions.

The government has also agreed with lenders that an affordable flat rate of 2.5% interest will be charged on these loans. And any business that has already taken out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan of £50,000 or less can apply to have these switched over to this generous new scheme.

The Bounce Back Loan scheme is the latest step in a package of world-leading support measures launched by Chancellor Rishi Sunak – with £7.5 billion already awarded in business grants, 4 million jobs supported through the job retention scheme and generous tax deferrals supporting hundreds of thousands of firms.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “Small businesses will play a key role creating jobs and securing economic growth as we recover from the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The Bounce Back loan scheme will make sure they get the finance they need – helping them bounce back and protect jobs.”

Business Secretary Alok Sharma (above) said: “We are backing small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities, with the support they need to stay afloat.

“This new scheme of 100% government-guaranteed loans gives owners of even the smallest businesses the confidence and flexibility to borrow a sum which works for them. This will help ensure they can continue to trade, and be a key part of our efforts to reboot the British economy.”

As part of the scheme, small businesses can borrow between £2,000 and £50,000. The government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee and cover the cost of any fees and interest for the borrower for the first 12 months. No repayments will be due during this period to enable firms to get back on their feet.

The loans are available through a network of lenders, including the five largest banks.

Suzanne Pilley – Police appeal on ten year anniversary

Police Scotland is renewing its commitment to finding the body of Suzanne Pilley, 10 years after her disappearance.

On May 4, 2010, Suzanne left her home in Whitson Road, Edinburgh to attend her place of work in Thistle Street, Edinburgh.

However, the 38-year-old failed to show up at her office and was subsequently reported missing after family and friends were unable to get in contact with her.

A major missing person investigation was launched, which subsequently became a murder inquiry.

As a result, David Gilroy was charged on June 23, 2010, before being convicted of Suzanne’s murder March 15, 2012. Gilroy, now 57, is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years.

While Suzanne’s body was never recovered, the investigation by Edinburgh CID focussed on the Rest and Be Thankful and Argyll Forrest, where it is suspected her remains have been hidden.

Several visits to the area with extensive searching  having been conducted over the past decade, based on information from the public. However, to date, her body remains missing.

For the 10-year anniversary of Suzanne’s disappearance, Police Scotland is asking for anyone who may have information that can assist with the inquiry to find Suzanne’s body, but has yet to come forward, to do so immediately.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, said: “I am entirely confident that justice was served in terms of Suzanne’s murder. However, it is deeply regretful that, as of now, we have been unable to recover her body and bring a sense of closure to her family.

“We will continue to revisit this investigation and conduct fresh search activity in the Argyll Forest area, whenever we receive new information from the public. So, with that in mind, I’d urge anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but who hasn’t yet spoken with police, to contact us immediately.”

“Sadly, Suzanne’s father Rob passed away in February 2019 without ever knowing what happened to his daughter. We remain committed to finding these answers for Suzanne’s mother, Sylvia and sister, Gail.”

Gail Fairgrieve, Suzanne’s sister, said: “For the past decade we have lived in a state of limbo, waiting for the news that Suzanne’s body had been found, but we’ve never been able to get that closure.

“We accept that Suzanne was murdered and believe that the person responsible is in prison, but we feel we cannot say a proper goodbye until her body is found.

“Both my mother and I want to again thank the public who have continued to contact the police, which has always given us hope that Suzanne has not been forgotten. We understand that only one person can tell us where Suzanne is but has refused to do so. Police Scotland will respond to any information and are committed to bringing us some form of closure.

“Their investigation can only conclude when Suzanne is found and so I would plead with anyone who knows something but hasn’t come forward to search their conscience and get in touch. Not for our sake, but for Suzanne’s. Please let us give her the burial and send-off she deserves.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Jeane Freeman: ‘Help is there if you need it’

Statement given by the Health Secretary Jeane Freeman at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh yesterday (Sunday 3 May):

Good afternoon and thank you again for joining us for today’s briefing.

I want to start – as I always do – by updating you on some of the key statistics in relation to Covid-19 in Scotland.

As at 9 o’clock this morning, there have been 12,097 positive cases confirmed – an increase of 170 from yesterday.

A total of 1,666 patients are in hospital with Covid-19 and that is a decrease of 8 from yesterday.

And a total of 99 people last night were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid 19. A decrease of 9 since the numbers reported yesterday.

It’s worth noting that this is first time that number has been below 100, since 29 March.  That is obviously very encouraging news.  It does show that the restrictions are working – but it also underlines why we need to stick with them.

So I want to thank all of you for the sacrifices you have made – and I know will continue to make. I know it is not easy, but I hope you are beginning to see as we do that those sacrifices are beginning to show results. And I of course want to thank everyone working in our intensive care units.   Your efforts are having a hugely positive impact.

I can also confirm today that since 5 March, a total of 2,765 patients who had tested positive for the virus have been able to leave hospital. I wish all of them well.

However I also have to report that in the last 24 hours, 12 deaths have been registered of patients who have been confirmed through a test as having Covid-19 – that takes the total number of deaths in Scotland, under that measurement, to 1,571.

As I have said previously at these Sunday briefings, these figures should be treated with some caution. Although deaths can be registered at weekends, registration numbers are usually relatively low. And that should be taken into account when looking at today’s figures.

But as always I am aware that these are not just numbers. Each one was a person who’s death is a source of grief to many. Each one, is a life lost.

So, I want to send my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one, to this virus.

As Health Secretary, I also want to thank, as I do every day all those working in our health and care sector.  I’ve already mentioned ICU workers.    But our thanks is due to all staff –  the doctors and the nurses, the paramedics, care home staff, porters, cooks, healthcare assistants, cleaners and many, many more.

Your efforts are essential to the health of our country. And all of us owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

I want to update you today on two areas. The first is mental health.

And I am pleased to be joined by Dr John Mitchell, who is a Consultant Psychiatrist and our interim Principal Medical Officer. And as you will see I am also joined by Professor Jason Leitch, our National Clinical Director.

The Scottish Government is already taking significant action to support people’s mental health, during this period.

Today I am announcing a further package of support – to address the challenges, faced by specific groups.  

There are some aspects of this crisis – the changes to routine and general anxiety – which are tough for all of us.  But we know that they are especially tough for autistic people, their parents and carers.

So we are providing an additional £200,000 for Scottish Autism and the National Autistic Society.

This funding will allow the National Autistic Society to turn many of its face to face services – for example the social groups it runs – into online services. This will help parents and carers, and autistic people, to keep in touch – so that those facing similar challenges can support each other, even if they cannot meet each other. They can be together even when physically apart.

And the funding for Scottish Autism is for their Autism Helpline – I’m going to read the helpline number out in a few moments, for anyone who wants to make a note of it.

The helpline is already a trusted source of advice and support for the people who need it. Our funding will increase its capacity to help people, at a time when there is a high demand for its services.

The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm, and the number is 01259 222 0222. That’s 01259 222 0222.

Our support will help organisations that provide help to those who need it most. And it will ensure that additional support is available – during an especially trying time – for autistic people, their parents and carers.

We are also want to enhance the help available to young people.

We know that – for many children and young people – this is a very unsettling time.  It’s tough not being at school, not being able to see you friends, and spending so much time at home.

So I want you to know that it’s OK not to be OK.

Last month – we launched a new digital resource, which helps children and young people learn about the healthy use of screens and social media.  The resource – called ‘Mind Yer Time’ –  was developed by the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Children’s Parliament.  And in the first ten days since its launch, it has had almost 13,000 views.

We are now going to do a bit more.  We are providing £105,000 to the organisation Young Scot.   That money will be used to develop a range of new digital content, on mental wellbeing.

The new content will be hosted on Young Scot’s own digital platform – as well as on social media channels like TikTok, Snapchat, and Youtube.   And it will help to ensure that if young people need information or support – they know exactly where to get it.

I am also announcing today additional support for families.

We know that during this period, many people will feel their closest relationships under particular strain.  That may be because you are spending more time with your partners, your children, your immediate family – or because you are seeing less of other family members, due to the lockdown.

So we’re providing £700,000 to The Spark – an organisation which specialises in relationship counselling.

The money will be used to expand the Spark’s Relationship Helpline service. And again, I’ll read that number out in a moment.

The helpline provides help to anyone experiencing relationship issues.  And it can also refer people on, for more in-depth counselling, if that is required.

The number of the Relationship Helpline is 0808 802 2088.  That’s 0808 802 2088.  It’s free service.  And will now be operational Monday to Thursday, between 9am to 9pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 4pm.

The most important message I want to get across today is simply this – help is there if you need it. The NHS Inform website can help you to find the services that are best for you. And the website ‘clearyourhead.scot’ has advice and tips on how to maintain your mental wellbeing. So please reach out –help is there for you.

The second issue I want to cover is our support for people with drug and alcohol issues.

We’ve already announced a number of measures to ensure that treatment and support services are not disrupted, during this crisis.  As part of that, we have increased the availability of naloxone – a medication which reverses opiate overdose.

Under existing UK legislation, supplies of naloxone can be held by non-drug treatment services for use in an emergency, but not for onward distribution.  In the current crisis that could present an obstacle to people receiving the treatment that they need.

So that’s why – today – the Lord Advocate has confirmed that – for the duration of this crisis – it would not be in the public interest to prosecute any individual – working for a service registered with the Scottish Government – who supplies naloxone in an emergency, to save a life.

I hope that statement provides confidence and certainty to relevant professionals, as they carry out their important work.  And I hope it will further ensure that people can get the treatment they need, when they need it.

I am also announcing today new support for people who are in prison or about to leave prison.

We are providing £150,000 to enhance residential rehabilitation services.   It will increase the number of residential places available, for people leaving prison.

And we are making up to £1.9 million available to support people in prison, who need opiate substitution therapy – or OST as it is known.  That is currently around a quarter of Scotland’s prison population.

The funding will make a new treatment – called buvidal – available to people in prison. Unlike other substitutes, buvidal is administered as a 7 or 28 day injectable dose, rather than daily.

This change will help to relieve pressure on our prison service.  It will ensure continuity of treatment, for people in prison.  And it is a further way in which we are trying to provide the right support during this pandemic, to those who need it.

I want to close today by reiterating the public health guidelines.

You should stay at home – except for essential purposes such as buying food or medicine, and exercising.

If you do leave home, please don’t mix with people from other households and stay more than 2 metres away from other people.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19, you and your household should isolate yourselves completely. And everybody should continue to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.

I know that these restrictions get only more difficult with time.  But I want to emphasise that the sacrifices you are making are making a difference. We are not through this yet, but we are seeing hopeful signs and it is vital that we stick with it – and build on the work that your sacrifices have allowed us to secure.

By doing that together, we slow the spread of this virus, we protect our NHS, and we save lives.  So I want to thank you, again, and I always will, for playing your part in all of this.

NSPCC launches campaign to help children in Scotland exposed to harm under lockdown

  • Latest figures from the NSPCC reveal week of April 13-19 saw the highest number of contacts to its helpline this year

With growing concern for the safety of some children during the coronavirus crisis NSPCC Scotland wants more people to know how to get advice and support and where to raise concerns about a child’s wellbeing.

The charity is launching a new TV and advertising campaign today (May 4) across the UK to promote its free and confidential helpline for adults.

The film, which will run on national television and across social media, depicts a helpline expert taking a call from someone concerned for the wellbeing of a neighbour’s child.

The UK Government has provided £1.6m in funding so that the NSPCC can expand its helpline by employing more staff across two sites and raise public awareness of it.

The work comes as the charity publishes the latest data from its helpline which shows that the crisis has exacerbated existing risks for children and created new ones:

  • In the month since lockdown there have been a total of 5,237 contacts to the helpline from across the UK from adults concerned about the wellbeing and safety of a child
  • Of these, 817 contacts were from adults with worries about parents and carers misusing alcohol and other substances, a 22% increase on the four weeks prior to March 23rd
  • Other issues where there has been a double-digit percentage increase in contacts include domestic abuse (10%) and emotional abuse (50%)
  • From April 13th to 19th the NSPCC helpline received 1580 contacts, the highest number in a single week in 2020.

One adult who contacted the helpline in the last month said: “I am concerned about the children who live next door.  Just now I heard the mother screaming and shouting at the child and I heard her say “Shut the **** up!” and there were threats of violence too.

“There is an ongoing situation where the mother invites adults to the family home and there is a lingering of cannabis in the air whilst the children are present.” (Neighbour)

 While schools and social workers remain at the forefront of work to protect vulnerable children, including by supporting them to attend school, expanding the NSPCC helpline and raising its profile will mean more adults will know they can contact our experts with concerns about the safety and wellbeing of any children.

The trained helpline staff can offer advice and make informed decisions about whether further support is potentially needed for a child and their family.

Matt Forde, NSPCC Scotland head of service, said: “One of the big challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic is ensuring that children are safe, now that so much of their everyday lives are hidden from public view.

“It is more important than ever that all of us in society play our part in looking out for those children for whom home is not always the safest place.

“Thanks to this new funding, the NSPCC will be able to reach more adults across Scotland with the message that our helpline is here to provide confidential support and advice if they have any worries about the safety and wellbeing of a child.”

Iona Colvin, Scotland’s Chief Social Work Adviser, said: “Our communities are playing a tremendous role during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting neighbours and paying special attention to individuals and families who are more vulnerable. 

“The changes to the ways that families are living at this time may put some children at greater risk and also reduce opportunities for children to speak out for themselves.

“Whether you are a family member, friend or neighbour, please be alert to any signs that children might be at risk.  If you have any concerns call the police or local social work department or you can talk it through with the NSPCC.”

Alan Small, Chair of Child Protection Committees Scotland, said: “With the closure of schools and nurseries, the onus of care has now shifted on to neighbours, delivery people, volunteers and the wider community. 

“We’re urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for anything amiss. This is even more important at a time when families may be under significant additional stress. If you’re at all worried about a child’s welfare, it’s much better to say something than do nothing.”

Some common signs that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s life include:

  • aggressive or repeated shouting
  • hearing hitting or things being broken
  • children crying for long periods of time
  • very young children left alone or are outdoors by themselves
  • children looking dirty or not changing their clothes
  • children being withdrawn or anxious.

Last year the NSPCC helpline, which has around 100 staff, received 73,000 contacts from people with concerns about a child’s welfare.

It can be reached 24 hours a day by email – help@nspcc.org.uk – or through its online reporting form. Its team of experts can also be called Monday to Friday 8am-10pm or 9am-6pm at the weekends on 0808 8005000.

Boris Johnson: ‘It’s humanity against the virus’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today co-host a major international conference to drive forward the global race for coronavirus vaccines, treatments and tests – and call on other countries to step up their efforts and work together on the “most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes”.

The Prime Minister’s call to action will come during the virtual Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Conference, which is co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations.

He will confirm the UK’s pledge of £388 million in UK aid funding for research into vaccines, tests and treatments – part of a larger £744 million existing UK aid commitment to help end the pandemic and support the global economy.

This includes £250 million for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop vaccines against coronavirus – the biggest such donation to the fund by any country.

Speaking to the conference, the Prime Minister will say: “To win this battle, we must work together to build an impregnable shield around all our people, and that can only be achieved by developing and mass producing a vaccine.

“The more we pull together and share our expertise, the faster our scientists will succeed. The race to discover the vaccine to defeat this virus is not a competition between countries, but the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes.

“It’s humanity against the virus – we are in this together, and together we will prevail.”

International Development Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “It is only by working together that we will prevent future waves of infection and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.

“By strengthening developing countries’ health systems and working to find a vaccine, the UK is playing its part in stopping the global spread of coronavirus to save lives everywhere and protect our NHS.”

Tackling coronavirus globally is crucial to preventing a second wave of the virus re-emerging in the UK, which would put even further pressure on the NHS. It will also ensure that life-saving vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests are available as soon as possible.

In the UK, work is progressing at pace on vaccine development – on Thursday the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca announced a partnership to support large-scale manufacture and potential distribution of a vaccine currently being trialled by the university.

On the 4th June, the UK will host the Global Vaccine Summit, bringing together countries and organisations to follow the UK’s lead in investing in the work of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Last week International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan announced a funding pledge equivalent to £330 million a year over the next five years to Gavi. This will help immunise 75 million children in the world’s poorest countries.

More mental health support after forty days of lockdown

Key mental health services to support families, young people and autistic people are to receive more than £1 million additional funding.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman made the announcement yesterday after 40 days of lockdown when many people have felt an effect on their mental health.

The allocation of funding comprises:

• £768,000 for a relationships helpline to be delivered by The Spark counselling service
• £105,000 to support Young Scot to develop enhanced digital content and resources on mental health
• £205,000 to support 47,000 autistic people across Scotland, including funding to increase capacity at the Scottish Autism Helpline and help for the National Autistic Society to keep people in touch online during lockdown

Ms Freeman said: “While everyone is experiencing different challenges at this time, the mental health of children, young people and families can be put under great strain.

“We appreciate that spending a lot of time together in isolation and home-working, home-schooling and juggling childcare can be really tough.

“This crisis means many people are dealing with anxiety, fear, uncertainty, anger or sadness. They may feel overwhelmed and relationships can be placed under a lot of pressure.

“We want to ensure that the right help and support is in place for the mental wellbeing of our children, young people and families. This package of measures focuses on prevention and recovery, and on maintaining healthy relationships throughout the current restrictions. It follows the launch of our national campaign, Clear Your Head, last week.”

The Clear Your Head campaign highlights practical ways to look after mental health and wellbeing while continuing to stay at home – and signposts sources of help and advice.

The Spark is a third sector organisation which delivers counselling services to families across Scotland, including relationship and couples counselling and counselling for children and young people.

They currently operate a Relationship Helpline on a small scale for nine hours a week. The number of the Relationship Helpline is 0808 802 2088 and this additional funding will enable the helpline to operate Monday-Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday 9am to 4pm.

Scotland has launched a digital resource called Mind Yer Time specifically to help children and young people learn about the healthy use of screens and social media.

It supports mental and physical health online and was developed by the Scottish Youth Parliament and Children’s Parliament. In the first ten days since its launch the guide had almost 13,000 views.

The additional funding will allow the Scottish Autism Helpline to open 8am-8pm, seven days a week on 01259 222022.

Key workers recognised in new pack

A brand new edition of Top Trumps, honouring Covid 19 key and essential workers, hits shops tomorrow (Monday 4th May).

The game lauds and applauds those key and essential workers who have saved Britain during the Pandemic: from doctors and nurses to less high-profile professions such as pest controllers, midwives and sea merchants.

Politicians, who are depicted on the Top Trumps card by Boris Johnson (controversial! – Ed.)  and journalists are included too.

One of the four scoring sections in the new game is ‘Unsung Heroes’ … and in that category it is the partners of key workers who come out top. They get a maximum 10 out of 10.

Binmen and binwomen scored a point lower at nine out of ten. Less unsung heroes like doctors (8), nurses (8) and police (7) fare lower.

In its card citation Top Trumps point out that being a partner of a key worker is “stressful and worrying”.

Claire Simon, from Top Trumps, says: “Every single front-line key worker is, of course, a heroine and hero and would each score 10 (or even 11) out of 10 by any reckoning if we had devised a Hero category.

“By creating an Unsung Heroes category we have ensured varying marks, in keeping with the game’s core classic and its unique and much-loved branding.

“From our research, which has been intensively conducted over the six weeks, partners of key workers came out top in this section. There are an estimated one and a half million partners of key workers in Britain so that’s a lot of Unsung Heroes and Heroines.

“Many of the public we spoke to pointed out that partners too are putting their lives on the line, albeit less directly. As well as being there physically they are providing emotional support. For that reason we listed partners as key workers.”

Other features of the pack include: 

  • Binmen and binwomen being named as the most stylish of all the key and essential workers.  That’s because of their fluorescent and neon clothing, which is all the fashion rage at the moment. They score 10 /10 on ‘Street Style and as they are also runners-up in the ‘Unsung Heroes’ section then they are very much the card not to bin during the game!  In its card citation Top Trumps point out that refuse collectors first began their profession during the 14th Century Black Death that swept across Europe and add: “In terms of facing a pandemic, refuse collectors can rightly joke that ‘we’ve bin here before’ ”.
  • Stuffy politicians score just 1/10 in the style section – with teachers not doing much better and obviously in need of extra fashion homework. They get just 2/10.  Journalists only manage 5/10.
  • Religious and spiritual workers are listed by Top Trumps as the very oldest profession of all the workers in the pack in an ‘Originated’ section. They are named as first appearing in 50,000 BC, which easily wins this category.
  • Gadgets and gizmos winner is the journalist, which isn’t surprising bearing in mind the lightening media advances with Zoom and the like – since the start of the Pandemic. The profession with the least formal gadgets and gizmos includes mental health workers.
  • One of the very best cards to hold in Top Trumps terms is the courier. That’s because it features very well in the Originated section: at 2400 BC. It also scores very highly in the Unsung Heroes category – notching up a nine out of ten. And in terms of gadgets and gizmos it is only shaded by journalists.

Claire Simon, who is Global Marketing Manager at Top Trumps, added: “We are sure that this new edition of Top Trumps can lift spirits in this very challenging and unprecedented period of time, as well as raising money for the NHS, with all net proceeds going direct to the NHS.”

In this version of the celebrated card game 30 different professions are listed, each marked in typical Top Trumps style across four separate scoring categories:

  1. Unsung Heroes: In the pack Top Trumps explains: “All our key workers are heroes, but some jobs are often less praised. We want to make sure key workers are given the praise they deserve”.
  1. Street Style:  Top Trumps explains: “Neon is in! This section assesses the gear and garb a key and essential worker wears”.
  1. Gadgets & Gizmos:  “What equipment the worker uses and carries to do their job.”
  1. Originated:  “The year in which profession was established (or in the case of religious and spiritual workers the estimated year: 50,000 BC!).

Top Trumps Britain at its Best: Key Workers is available priced £5 from Monday (4th May 2020) exclusively at: winningmoves.co.uk and comes in a twin deck (the other pack being Britain at its Best: Hospitals* see further below for some details on this pack).

And the dual Britain at its Best deck really IS Britain at its very best, literally. The whole product – from concept to completion – is 100% British, with the cards being manufactured by The St Austell Printing Company in St. Austell, Cornwall.

The £5 price for both packs includes postage and packaging and the Top Trumps makers say £1.50 from each dual deck sold go to the NHS.

TOP facts about Top Trumps Britain at its Best: Hospitals pack

  • The pack features UK Hospitals from Britain’s oldest (Barts – 1123) to one of its very newest (Nightingale, London – 2020).
  • It’s full of fascinating facts and the 30 different cards feature leading UK hospitals inc. Guy’s, Addenbrooke’s, St Thomas’, John Radcliffe and Manchester Royal Infirmary.
  • The four scoring categories are: ‘Year Opened’ ; ‘No. of beds’ ; ‘Fame’ and ‘Rainbow Rating’.
  • St. Thomas’ Hospital, where PM Boris Johnson was successfully treated during his recent Covid 19 confinement, features as one of the 30 cards.
  • Highest in the ‘Rainbow Rating’ section is Great Ormond Street Hospital, which has a rainbow theme throughout.
  • But arguably Britain’s most crucial hospital is a moving one, not a permanent structure or even semi-permanent as in the case of the Nightingale. And that is ‘The Ambulance’ (which features on its very own card)..
  • .. ‘The Ambulance’ has just the one bed so in terms of Top Trumps that’s a low rating. However it comes high in the OLDEST category, dating back to 1487.

    

TOP facts about Top Trumps generally:

  • Top Trumps first hit shelves 40 years ago – very rapidly becoming a playground sensation.
  • Early packs tended to focus on younger themes such as ‘Awesome Animals’ and ‘Pop Stars’ but by the 1990’s – with the initial fan base now in their twenties – all themes became universal.
  • More than 1,000 different topics have had the Top Trumps treatment .. from ‘007 James Bond’ to ‘Great British Bakes’ to ‘Harry Potter’.
  • The biggest selling deck ever is ‘Dinosaurs’  – and overall more than 50M packs of Top Trumps have been produced since inception.
  • The game is enjoyed and played all over the world and in 16 different languages, including Icelandic and Japanese.
  • Top Trumps is owned and produced by Winning Moves UK, which makes a host of other classic Brands too, including: Official versions of MONOPOLY, Waddington’s Number One playing cards and very many more.

Council Leader’s Report

Heartfelt thanks to Edinburgh’s frontline heroes

I’d like to begin by thanking Council staff and those working for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership for all their hard work, dedication, and selflessness in these extraordinary times, particularly those caring for our most vulnerable citizens in both care homes and in their own homes.

I was pleased to see the Evening News recognise this with a special ‘thank you’ video for Clap for Carers night, featuring colleagues from across our frontline services, who are themselves doing such a fantastic job.

I know everyone is anxious and worried about their loved ones and I’d imagine it must be even harder if they’re feeling vulnerable and being looked after elsewhere. I’d like to reassure you that the Partnership is taking great care to follow government guidance to prevent the spread of the virus to keep our residents and staff safe.

Amongst the sadness, I’ve seen some great uplifting stories on social media about residents chatting to relatives using iPads donated to them as well as a lively outdoor karaoke session in one care home. Keeping spirits up is something every one of us needs to work hard at during this crisis for our own wellbeing – and that of others.

Package of support for our most vulnerable

One of the most affected groups in these extremely testing times is those citizens who are at their most vulnerable or at risk. These include those aged over 70, with a physical or mental disability, and households who don’t have online access or are struggling financially. We’re working hard to co-ordinate help for them through our teams, with great support from third sector, community and voluntary organisations.

Thanks to an injection of £1.65m from the Scottish Government’s Food Fund, we’ve linked up with EVOC to set up a food distribution network, which will see over 3,000 emergency food parcels delivered across the first fortnight. These supplies are in addition to the ones we’re already sending to identified families in need with babies, under 5s and the many thousands of parcels being distributed by community groups. Families are also benefitting from Free School Meal payments paid directly to them every fortnight.

We’ve also partnered with the national homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust, to provide accommodation at the Old Waverley Hotel and specialised support for rough sleepers – an alternative to their Care Shelter and a lifeline for many over the coming weeks and months.

Multimillion pound boost for businesses

Our local businesses and independent retailers have always had a special place at the heart of our communities. They help our high streets to thrive, they support thousands of local jobs and they are key to making our neighbourhoods such fantastic and vibrant places to live.

We all want to be able to enjoy our high streets once again and supporting these businesses through the crisis is high on our list of priorities. We’ve now directed £61m in government grants to organisations in Edinburgh to help owners with bills, overheads and staff. We’ve seen high demand for this financial support and recognition from the Federation of Small Businesses for the team’s effort in working through almost 6,000 applications. Later today we’ll have responded to every application we’ve received, and we’ll be working to widen support to include businesses operating from more than one property, sole traders and social enterprises.

Yesterday we also launched a fund for the newly self-employed, an important scheme that will provide grants of £2,000 to workers who haven’t been able to qualify for other support. For those who haven’t been successful, our award-winning Business Gateway service has a range of resources to help all organisations through the emergency. We’re encouraging anyone would would benefit from advice to get in touch online.

Keeping essential services going through the crisis

We’ve made every effort to continue delivering frontline services to the people of Edinburgh over recent weeks. Our refuse collection crews have worked extremely hard to help ensure the majority of waste and recycling services continue uninterrupted and I know residents will join me (as they already are) in recognising the great job they’re doing during these hugely difficult circumstances.

We had to make some changes to services as part of our response, both due to staff shortages but also to protect the safety of crews, but we’re now returning to a full kerbside and communal waste service with the reintroduction of glass recycling collections (blue boxes) this week and garden waste pick-ups from 11 May.

One positive to come from the crisis is how brilliantly people in Edinburgh are looking out for one another – whether that be offering to pick up supplies, walk the dog or put their bins out. I hope to see this community spirit continue as normal services resume, and would encourage residents to look after our collection crews too by following our advice on what to do with waste if you have coronavirus symptoms.

A hub of activities

Under normal circumstances, our pupils would be busy preparing for their exams and starting their new academic session just now but, like many others, the coronavirus pandemic has changed our education landscape dramatically.

Hundreds of children of key workers are coming along to our 10 school hubs every day, including three special schools, having ensured this provision was available over the two-week Easter break as well. The messages of support from both parents and the children themselves have really been appreciated and thanks must go especially to the teams running them in these challenging circumstances.

The success of the hubs, support from our partner provider nurseries in caring for the Under 5s of key workers and the breadth of home learning taking place across the city are welcome signs of everyone working together to ensure all of our young people continue to receive childcare, learning and teaching.

Technology has long been a key part of day-to-day school life but never more so than now as our teachers and young people embrace the digital world that is now their classroom. I’ve heard lots of great examples of fun, innovative learning opportunities being brought to life with technology – whether that be virtual class meetings, live geography field trips (from Ipswich!) or making best use of #edutwitter and other networks.

We’re currently carrying out a survey of all our young people to explore whether we can provide even more support to those of them who don’t have the same access to devices and internet as their peers.

Taking Edinburgh forwards into a more sustainable future

The climate emergency has been pushed off the front pages temporarily. But the 50th anniversary of Earth Day last Wednesday saw this crucial issue regain the foreground, not least with the thoughtful and instructive article by the Chair of our new Edinburgh Climate Commission, Dr Sam Gardner.

In this, Dr Gardner makes a compelling case for the need for us to build a better and more sustainable Capital once the Covid-19 crisis has passed – as he says, “back to normal” simply won’t be good enough.

Our City’s new Climate Commission Chair argues that the vastly improved air quality as road traffic has fallen, with lots more of us travelling (when essential) by bike or on foot, and working efficiently from home rather than commuting – are all changes we’re living with now that we should look to sustain to tackle carbon emissions.

The crisis we’re living through has brought enormous challenges for each and every one of us, but we can use this experience to inform our next steps towards tackling the looming climate crisis.

Acting now to prepare for recovery

Helping our businesses and industries get back into shape is another pressing priority and we’re already ramping up recovery plans, working closely with partners and organisations across the city. In recent weeks I’ve spoken to dozens of businesses, we’ve held a meeting of the City’s Economic Advisory Panel, I joined the first meeting of the new Climate Commission to discuss how we can recover sustainably and chaired the first tourism roundtable, focusing on one of the Capital’s key economic engines.

In all of these discussions, there’s been consensus that we need to put sustainability and inclusivity at the heart of our economy as Edinburgh recovers. This means a responsible visitor economy, balancing the needs of residents and using our many economic strengths, including emerging technologies, as a platform for recovery.

As we expand on this work to consult with other key sectors in the coming weeks and months, it will be important for us to look at Edinburgh’s recovery plan in the round and consider residents’ views too. Thanks to our recent 2050 City Vision project, we have a wealth of ideas and opinions on the type of city the people of Edinburgh want us to be in years to come. I’m sure this feedback will prove vitally important when the whole city is ready to move forward.

Now is a good time to reflect on our latest accolade, courtesy of National Geographic last month, as one of the five most forward-thinking cities in Europe – as well as ‘the greenest city in the UK.’

Green spaces help us tackle the Covid blues

It’s more important than ever that we stay active and spend some time outdoors – and being the greenest city in the UK, our 144 public parks and greenspaces can accommodate lots of people walking, running, cycling or playing without being within two metres of others. While these remain open for local people, please continue to follow the national guidance for physical distancing: stay local, limit outings to once a day for exercise and adhere to our guidelines.

If you live close to Princes Street Gardens you’ll have seen how sensational the West gardens are looking in all their spring glory, judging by some photos I’ve seen on social media. You’ll also have noticed that works, including new drainage and the re-turfing of banks and lawns, are progressing well in the East.

We’re also implementing emergency measures to help our pedestrians and cyclists remain socially distant along pinch point pathways and roads, working closely with Transport Scotland and Sustrans to develop an approach to re-designating road space. We’ve already begun making changes, and you’ll continue to see improvements being made around the city in the coming weeks. We want to ensure that our City can support essential journeys and help local people to use open spaces, with the safest, most accessible routes we can offer.

Ensuring all voices can be heard

In the weeks and months ahead, the outbreak will remain firmly at the forefront of residents’ minds and, as agreed at last week’s Leadership Advisory Panel (LAP), it’s right that our public consultations should be delayed.

This includes the much-anticipated public conversation on the future of Edinburgh’s winter festivals, an important and timely debate for our city to have. All political parties agree that the next contract for these events (for the winter of 2022 and beyond) should be shaped by the people of Edinburgh and we’re absolutely committed to conducting a wide-ranging exercise to gather their views, but only when it’s safe and practical to do so.

In the coming weeks, councillors will have further key decisions to make and we’re committed to these being subject to the right scrutiny and transparency. Starting this month, the LAP will be replaced by the reinstated Policy and Sustainability Committee, allowing a broader spectrum of political involvement. From June, the opposition-chaired Governance, Risk and Best Value committee will also return, allowing for further scrutiny of our decision making.

It’s good to talk

We all know that staying safe at home is really important when it comes to getting through this pandemic but it can also bring great pressures on families. Our day to day lives have been turned upside down and many of our young people may be feeling particularly unsettled and struggling to cope with the big changes that have now become normality.

That’s why our educational psychologists are making sure they are there for our young people and their families. They are offering advice to young people, parents, carers and school staff who want support in managing their home learning and wellbeing.

They’ve produced a guide which provides key messages and recommended resources which will prove helpful. So please don’t hesitate to contact them on 0131 469 2800 or psychologicalservices@ea.edin.sch.uk if you want support and advice. Please make sure you take time to look after yourself, as well as others.

There are lots of great tips out there on protecting your personal wellbeing, and we’re also sharing a treasure trove of activities to do at home, compiled by one of our lifelong learning team and offering options for people of all ages to try out.

Thank you once again for playing your part in Edinburgh’s response to this crisis. We’ll get through it together, and I know we’ll emerge stronger.