Heart Research UK Healthy Tip – Bike Week

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Bike Week 6th – 14th June – https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek

Get cycling this Summer

Regular physical activity will help you to maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart healthy. Cycling is a fun way to improve your overall health and wellbeing as well as enabling you to get out and explore your local area. We have some tips to get you started with cycling this summer.

If you currently don’t own a bike …

You can check whether your employer offers a Cycle to Work scheme as this can make buying a bike more affordable. Travelling around by bike may help you to make savings on travel costs.

If you don’t have access to a cycle to work scheme, you could check out the deals available from your local bike shop or look out for a cheap second hand bike. You can get advice online or at your local bike shop about which bike is most suitable for you and what extra equipment you might need.

If you are unsure whether cycling is for you, why not find out whether you can hire a bike in your local area to try it out first.

Start off small

Don’t try to do too much too soon. If you try to cycle for too long the first time you go out, you may get fatigued or injured and this may put you off continuing. Build up gradually, starting with a short cycle on fairly flat ground, building up to longer and more challenging cycles slowly. Make sure you allow yourself adequate recovery time in between cycles.

Fuel and fluid

As you build up to longer rides as you get fitter, you should always remember to take food and a drink on your bike rides. A snack, such as a banana or a cereal bar, and a bottle of water strapped to your bike frame will help to keep you going for longer.

You can find plenty more healthy tips and recipes at heartresearch.org.uk

 

British Psychological Society launches homeworking guidance

In response to the huge change in working practices the British Psychological Society (BPS) has published guidance on how to create healthy sustainable homeworking conditions for both workers and their employers.

Working from home has become widespread since restrictions to control Covid-19 were introduced in the UK. This has meant a major shift for individuals and organisations.

The guidelines, ‘Working from home: Healthy sustainable working during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond’, outline the practical steps and considerations that can make homeworking a success and has advice for both workers and their employers.

Drawing on psychological expertise the guidelines advise workers to set appropriate boundaries between their work and personal life and encourage employers to recognise and address risks to physical and mental wellbeing involved in remote working. It also recommends that employers adopt a flexible approach because each individual’s situation will be different and may change rapidly without warning.

Professor Gail Kinman, joint author and member of the BPS Covid-19 Working Differently Group, said: “Working from home can work well, but under current conditions some people have struggled to adjust to new environments and working patterns.”

“Managing employees is different and what works in a traditional workplace may not apply when working remotely. It’s important to get the balance right when making arrangements that aim to meet everyone’s needs. Effective two-way communication is essential at every stage.”

“We hope our new guidance will help employers and employees work together to ensure successful and healthy homeworking.”

Working from home

 

Green Recovery Summit

Scotland’s environment experts to inform economic recovery after coronavirus with online Green Recovery Summit

Environmental protection must be prioritised in economic recovery plans, Scotland’s top sustainability experts are to tell decision-makers next week. 

Around 50 of the nation’s thought-leaders on the environment and the green economy are to come together on Monday (8 June) to outline their vision for a sustainable recovery from the coronavirus. 

An online summit hosted by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) and sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland will bring together industry experts, transport chiefs, academics and policy advisors to shape the environmental considerations that must be at the core of Scotland’s strategy for economic recovery post-pandemic.

Delegates at the invite-only Green Recovery Summit are expected to discuss a number of considerations, from financing the green recovery to sustainable procurement, then collectively decide which options to prioritise before the half-day event concludes.

A report from the summit is expected to help shape recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of a recovery plan for Scotland. 

The Green Recovery Summit builds on four earlier events designed to generate solutions to the climate emergency – including most recently the role of the construction industry in driving the circular economy, in which products and materials are made to last for as long as possible. 

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “We are all aware that swift, decisive action is needed to avoid deepening the climate emergency we find ourselves in.

“Scotland has long been recognised as a leading nation on the circular economy, and as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic we have an unprecedented opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a more sustainable future. 

“The circular economy has huge potential for Scotland with economic opportunities worth up to £3billion estimated before coronavirus impacted the economy, as well as significant benefits for our environment.

“As we set out key next steps that will shape how we live and work for years to come, it’s vital that we ensure progress towards a greener, more resilient economy is right at the heart of our plans.” 

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS), said: “The coronavirus pandemic has transformed our societies both nationally and globally, and we have borrowed a huge amount of money to get us through this crisis.

“It is vital we use this coming period to build and shape our continuing emergence from this crisis in a way that ensures we best protect ourselves from any future ones.

“Climate change has to be the most profound of these, and it would be a huge missed opportunity not to use this forced change as a springboard for a transformation to a more sustainable society.

“The upcoming Green Recovery Summit is a perfect platform to propose positive changes and present solutions.”

 

Children’s Charity warns Urgent Assistance Fund money is running out

Aberlour Children’s Charity, Scotland’s largest children’s charity, has warned that its Urgent Assistance Fund, which provides urgent grants to Scotland’s most vulnerable families, will run out of cash by the end of June if demand continues at the current level.

Since the beginning of lockdown, applications have increased by 1,385%, and in the last 12 weeks the charity has provided 1,049 urgent grants totalling £331,855. Not only is the volume of applications increasing, but also the value of each grant has increased from an average of £100 up to an average of £300.

The grants have now helped 1,007 families, directly supporting 2,245 children across Scotland. Single parent families have been particularly hard hit, with 71% of the grants going to single parent homes, and applications have been received from every local authority, with the exception of the Western Isles.

Glasgow has received 41% of the grants, four times more than any other Local Authority.

The Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund makes cash payments to families who are struggling, helping them pay for a range basic, essential  needs. The charity has warned that many families were already at breaking point and their finances have been further impacted by the coronavirus, pushing them to crisis point; many more will struggle to feed their families or keep the lights on, pay for fuel or replace essential white goods when they break down.

Donations to the Urgent Assistance Fund have increased since the pandemic was declared, with a total of £405,610 donations received since 16 March 2020, but the charity is calling on the general public and its supporters to continue to donate to ensure the fund can continue to support Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

Liz Nolan, Deputy Director at Aberlour Children’s Charity, commented: “We are currently paying out an average of £28,000 per week, and applications to our Urgent Assistance Fund have dramatically increased by 1,385%. At this rate, the fund will be completely drained by the end of June.

“We’ve received applications from people who have never needed our support before, from families who have lost their jobs, have children to feed and are having to wait weeks to access Universal Credit.

“We are providing cash, rather than vouchers, direct to families as a means to support themselves. Most families do not have the means to travel to the large out-of-town shops where vouchers can be redeemed. We trust families to do the best for their children.

“To give an example, we are working with a family who had been struggling financially for some time, and when the mother lost her job in March, she faced a five-week wait to access Universal Credit, meanwhile there was no money.

“Just a week later the gas supply was cut off as they were behind on payments, leaving them with no central heating and only one electric heater between the whole family, including their two-year-old who suffered from bronchitis. Their only access to hot water was the kettle, making it difficult to heat a bath, and when the family washing machine broke down it was the last straw.

“Thanks to the Urgent Assistance Fund this family has a new washing machine and second electric heater, and a cash grant to spend on food and other essentials. We really don’t want to have to turn away families in such dire need.”

“Every single penny donated to the Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund is paid out to families in desperate need, and I would urge anybody who can, to please donate.”

You can donate to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund here:   www.aberlour.org.uk/donate/UAF

If you require urgent assistance, you can apply to receive funding from  Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund. You’ll need a health professional, Social Worker, teacher, third sector organisation, clergy or other professional to support your application. Full details.

 

FM: Progress – but DO NOT meet people from another household indoors

Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House yesterday (Thursday 4 June):

Good afternoon. Thank you very much for joining us for today’s briefing. I want to start with my usual update on the current position in relation to Covid-19.

As at 9 o’clock this morning, there have been 15,553 positive cases confirmed – that is an increase of 49 from yesterday.

A total of 1,021 patients are currently in hospital with either confirmed or suspected Covid-19. That represents a total decrease of 96 from yesterday, including a decrease of 21 in the number of confirmed cases.

A total of 28 people last night were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid 19. That is a decrease of 6 since yesterday.

I am also able to confirm today that since 5 March, a total of 3,758 patients who had tested positive and required hospital treatment for the virus have been able to leave hospital.

And in the last 24 hours, 9 deaths have been registered of patients confirmed through a test as having the virus – that takes the total number of deaths in Scotland, under that measurement, to 2,395.

Now, as I often say, we cannot and indeed we should not read too much into any one day’s figures – and tomorrow’s figure or the next day’s figure may be higher than the one I have just given you – but I think it is still worth noting that yesterday was the first weekday, since 27 March, when the number of deaths registered under our daily measure was in single figures.

I think that demonstrates the progress we are making against this virus, but it also underlines why we all continue to need to comply with the public health guidance, so that we can continue to make this progress and don’t allow it to go into reverse.

But of course 9 deaths is still too many, and thinking of those 9 lives lost reinforces the point I make every day: that these figures are not just statistics; they represent people – unique and irreplaceable individuals – whose loss will have left families shattered and grieving. So I want to send my condolences once again to everyone who has lost a loved one to this virus.

I also want to express my thanks– as I always do – to our health and care workers, for the incredible work you are doing in incredibly challenging circumstances. My thanks goes to each and every one of you. The entire country owes you a debt of gratitude.

I am joined today by the Chief Medical Officer and the Cabinet secretary for Health. The Cabinet Secretary has some information to share about the prioritisation of cancer services, and the Chief Medical Officer will focus on figures which were published yesterday relating to patients in intensive care.

Before they speak, I want to  acknowledge the job losses announced yesterday at Rolls Royce in Inchinnan.  That announcement will have been devastating news for the workforce and their families, at what is already a very anxious time – and unfortunately it may not be the last of its kind in the period ahead. I want to stress that the Scottish Government will do everything we can to secure as good an outcome as we can for those whose jobs are at risk.

Yesterday’s news emphasises a point I have made before – that alongside a public health emergency, we are also now dealing with an economic emergency, on a scale none of us have experienced.

And that requires – and it will get – the attention and focus of the Scottish Government, just as the health emergency has and continues to get.

We have already allocated more than £2.3 billion to help businesses in Scotland through measures such as grants and business rates relief. That is in addition to welcome UK Government measures such as the furlough scheme.

Mitigating and addressing the economic costs of Covid is going to become an even greater priority in the weeks and months ahead.

But alongside that, and as part of our response, we also want to help businesses, where possible, to adapt and find new markets.

One of the areas where we have been doing that already, is in relation to personal and protective equipment, or PPE – in Scotland.

We are publishing a report today that summarises how we are securing PPE for health and care workers in Scotland – it also sets out the work we are doing to develop a manufacturing chain for that equipment.

To demonstrate the scale of some of this work, it’s maybe worth looking at an item such as fluid resistant surgical masks. Those are masks which help to prevent blood, bodily fluids and secretions from one person – including water droplets from coughs – coming into contact with the mouth or nose of the person wearing the mask.

Prior to Covid-19, National Services Scotland would provide around 57,000 of those masks to our health and care sector each week.

Now, instead of needing 57,000 masks a week, we need 4 ½ million. That is an 80-fold increase.

To meet that demand, we are importing equipment from overseas. 100 million fluid resistant masks have been imported from China, and a further 60 million are on order.

But we are also working with suppliers in Scotland to establish domestic supply chains.

Alpha Solway, a firm based in south-west Scotland which specialises in protective clothing, is due to start producing masks in August.  They have taken on 30 new staff to do so, and they are using raw material sourced from Don & Low in Forfar.

As a result, we hope that in due course, manufacturers in Scotland will be able – not just to meet demand for these masks here in Scotland – but also provide them to other parts of the UK or to other countries in Europe.

There is a similar story in relation to other items of equipment. We are creating supply chains for non-sterile gowns and FFP3 masks.  In addition, Berry BPI are planning to make 2-3 million new aprons a week in Greenock. A number of smaller Scottish enterprises are planning to make visors.

And CalaChem Ltd has produced 580,000 litres of hand sanitiser at its Grangemouth plant, using ethanol provided by Whyte & Mackay.

Many other Scottish businesses have diversified in order to help with the provision of PPE and I am grateful to each and every one of them.

They have worked alongside public service bodies such as NHS Scotland, Scottish Development International and the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland.

And it is worth highlighting that in many cases, companies are not simply making existing products. They are often using innovation to improve the equipment – for example by ensuring that face masks fit better on small faces, and that more equipment can safely be re-used.

Fundamentally, the Scottish Government’s priority – which we are achieving – must always be to ensure that we have adequate stocks of PPE.

Our health and care service workers – the people who help and protect us – must themselves be protected.

That is important at the moment, but also for the future, as we look to reopen the NHS, and maintain secure stocks of equipment for social care.

We will always, when necessary, place major orders with overseas suppliers.

However we are also increasingly taking advantage of the expertise of manufacturers here. Doing that gives us greater reassurance that supplies will be secure in the long term, and it also creates real benefits in terms of jobs and exports.

Those benefits don’t of course come close to balancing the wider economic harms caused by this pandemic – and so the Scottish Government will continue to work with business and the UK Government to address those. But these benefits are welcome nonetheless. And they are a testament to the ongoing importance and excellence of our manufacturing sector here in Scotland.

I will hand over to the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Medical Officer in a moment. Before I do that, however, I want to re-emphasise our key public health guidance.

And I’m asking you today to focus not just on what you are now allowed to do as a result of the small changes we made last week – but to focus even more so on what we are still asking you not to do.

It is by not doing certain things right now that we will help stop the virus spreading – so that means not meeting other households indoors, not coming within 2 metres of people from other households, not shaking their hands or hugging them, not sharing food or utensils with others or touching hard surfaces they may also have touched and not leaving your face uncovered in enclosed spaces like shops and public transport.

So I’m asking you to think about all of that every time you leave home or meet with someone from another household.

And, particularly, ahead of a weekend when the weather forecast is more traditionally Scottish ie heavy rain – I want to particularly emphasise this point:

You cannot and must not meet people from another household indoors – that is a sure fire way of allowing this virus to spread again.

So if you’re not willing to get your waterproofs on and meet outdoors, don’t meet up at all.

I cannot emphasise that enough.

So to recap –

You should still be staying home most of the time, and you should still be meeting fewer people than normal. If your life feels like it is getting back to normal at the moment, you should ask yourself whether it should be and whether you are complying with all the guidance.

When you do meet people from another household, you must stay outdoors, and you must stay 2 metres apart from them.

Don’t meet with more than one other household at a time, don’t meet more than one a day – and keep to a maximum – I stress, a maximum – of 8 people in a group.

Wash your hands often. Take hand sanitiser if you are out and about.

Wear a face covering when you are in shops or on public transport.

Avoid touching hard surfaces – and clean any you do touch.

And if you have the symptoms of Covid-19 – a new, continuous cough; a fever; or a loss of, or change in, your sense of smell and taste – you must get tested, and follow the advice on self isolation.

Above all else, please remember that the decisions each of us take as an individual, affect the health and wellbeing of all of us.

Please, continue to do the right thing, and to stick to those guidelines. It really, really matters, and it matters as much now as it did at the start of this pandemic. By doing so, we will continue to slow the spread of the virus, and save lives. So thank you, once again, to all of you for doing that.

Face coverings to become mandatory on public transport in England

  • UK Government asks transport operators in England to make wearing face coverings a requirement of using public transport from 15 June to coincide with the next stage of carefully easing restrictions
  • bus, coach, train, tram, ferry and aircraft passengers must wear a face covering on their journey to help reduce the risk of transmission when social distancing is not always possible – with government also working with operators to ensure staff are provided with face coverings where appropriate
  • guidance remains to work from home if you can and avoid public transport where possible.

Face coverings are to become mandatory on public transport in England, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced.

This differs to advice in Scotland, where it is recommended that you consider using face coverings in limited circumstances – on public transport and when shopping, for example – as a precautionary measure.

Wherever possible people should continue to avoid public transport and walk, cycle or drive, but for some people this may not be an option. Transport usage has been slowly increasing, including on the tube which has seen around a 20% rise this week compared to last week.

When necessary to use public transport people may be more likely to be in enclosed spaces for longer periods of time where we know there is a greater risk of the spread of the virus and social distancing is likely to be difficult to follow consistently.

This differs from enclosed spaces like shops, for example, where people can more easily go outside if social distancing is not possible and where shop owners can place limits on the number of customers allowed inside at any one time.

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has set out that using face coverings in this setting can provide some small additional protection to fellow passengers and can help people to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus if they are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.

Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing yesterday, Grant Shapps confirmed the government is asking operators to introduce face coverings as a requirement for travel from 15 June 2020.

The UK government will also work closely with the transport industry to help them implement the plans.

The changes will be made under legislation such as the National Rail Conditions of Travel and Public Service Vehicle Regulations for buses. While the government expects the vast majority of people to comply with the changes, operators will be able to refuse travel or issue penalty fines for those who fail to wear a face covering, in a similar way to the rules on having a ticket for travel. British Transport Police will also support the implementation of these changes.

Social distancing and hand washing remain by far the most important disease prevention measures but it is also vital all passengers travelling on buses, coaches, trains, trams, ferries and aircraft should wear a face covering and the government will also work with operators to ensure staff are provided with, and wear face coverings, where appropriate for their role.

People should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting their face covering on and after taking it off and it is important that people don’t touch their face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand to mask transmission of the virus.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “People should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible. But, as restrictions are carefully eased when it is safe to do so, it’s likely that we will see more people needing to use public transport.

“So, while respecting social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene remain the most important steps we can all take to stay safe, wearing a face covering can play a role in helping us to protect each other.

“This is about the small changes we can take to help control the virus, which is why I urge everyone using transport to wear a face covering, to help keep us all safer.”

Face coverings are not the same as face masks. It is important that people do not use medical grade PPE masks to ensure these remain available for frontline staff.

Last month, the UK Government set out advice for people on how to make their own face coverings easily at home, using scarves or other textile items.

These face coverings should cover the mouth and nose while allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head to give a snug fit.

Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Wearing face coverings on trains will help to ensure that those who need to travel by rail can do so with confidence.

“Greater use of face coverings will boost the othehttps://www.facebook.com/DHSCgovuk/videos/804076303453181/?t=4r measures we are putting in place to keep people safe, like more thorough cleaning, improved information on potential crowding and one-way systems at busier stations.”

https://www.facebook.com/DHSCgovuk/videos/804076303453181/?t=4

To ease pressure on public transport, the UK Government has announced measures to encourage people to choose other forms of transport, including £2 billion for cycling, and the acceleration of e-scooter trials across the country.

To capitalise on the increase in cycling uptake in recent months, the government is also encouraging more people to commute by bike with initiatives such as the Cycle to Work scheme to help with the cost of bikes, including e-bikes.

In Scotland, it is recommended that you consider using face coverings in limited circumstances – such as public transport and when shopping – as a precautionary measure.

‘Perfect COVID storm’ for children’s mental health

  • The NHS in Scotland failed to meet a maximum 18-week waiting time target for children and young people to receive treatment from mental health services
  • More than a third are waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment.
  • All health boards bar the Island health boards failed to meet this target
  • Danger of ‘perfect storm’ of pent-up demand as lockdown eases overwhelming services

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading independent and third sector providers of children’s services, has warned of a “perfect storm” of a mental health crisis coupled with further cuts to some services following the Coronavirus pandemic.

It has urged the Scottish Government to invest significantly in mental health services to address this, warning of an overwhelming demand on services, and urged parents and young people to seek support if they need it.

The call comes as latest waiting time figures from Public Health Scotland, covering the period January to March 2020 (just as the lockdown came into force), show that 4,093 children and young people started treatment at specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in this period.

Of this number under two-thirds (65.1 per cent) received this treatment within the Scottish Government’s 18-week waiting time target from referral to treatment.

This was lower than the previous quarter (66.4 per cent) and significantly lower than the same period last year (73.6 per cent), meaning that just over a third are not being seen within the waiting time target.

All bar the island health boards failed to meet the Scottish Government 18-week waiting time target for children and young people to receive treatment from CAMHS. This target should be delivered for at least 90 per cent of patients.

Individual health boards failing to meet this target are: NHS Borders (89.8 per cent), NHS Fife (76.0 per cent), NHS Ayrshire & Arran (71.4 per cent), NHS Grampian (86.0 per cent), NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (58.8 per cent), NHS Highland (84.8 per cent), NHS Lanarkshire (57.7 per cent), NHS Lothian (54.6 per cent), NHS Tayside (65.0 per cent), NHS Dumfries & Galloway (87.2 per cent) and NHS Forth Valley (54.2 per cent).

The coalition has warned of a significant demand on services once the lockdown ends as subsequent to these figures there has been a fall in the number of children being referred for specialist help during lockdown, which could have a devastating impact on their mental health.

It warned that the absence of support from teachers and other care professionals could result in early warning signs being missed and lead to a surge in demand for services once the lockdown ends. Self-isolation and social distancing are already having an impact on young people struggling with issues such as anxiety and depression.

A recent report by Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament, called Lockdown Lowdown, found almost two-fifths of young people felt moderately or extremely concerned about their own mental wellbeing: –

  https://youngscot.net/news-database/lockdownlowdown-results

And a separate report from YouthLink Scotland showed the youth-work sector was facing a mental health crisis due to projected budget cut of £20.5 million this year – https://www.youthlinkscotland.org/news/may-2020/survey-report-reveals-20m-funding-hit-for-sector-as-youth-mental-health-crisis-looms/

Although the coalition welcomes the announcement made  by the First Minister (27 February) to invest £3.8 million in developing mental health services to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, it fears that not enough will be done to safeguard the mental health of our vulnerable children.

A spokesperson of the SCSC commented: “These latest waiting time figures highlight that nearly all of Scotland’s health boards are failing to meet the Scottish Government waiting time target for treatment.

“Along with cuts in services this points to a ‘perfect storm’ of a mental health crisis as we come out of lockdown, coupled with further cuts in services.

“While referrals have dropped during lockdown and children are not accessing support, we are storing up immense problems for the future as these same under-pressure services face being overwhelmed due to a greatly increased demand.

“Children are not currently getting access to social services and are not going to school or reporting their experiences. Taking them to see the GP may currently be considered low priority.

“It is important to stress that these services are still available and the Scottish Government must look to support these young people as we come out of lockdown by investing significantly in services.”

Protest … but do so safely

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has urged people planning to protest against racial injustice to do so in a way that safeguards them and the wider public from the on-going threat from coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mr Yousaf said: “In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, it is again clear that the scourge of racism continues to blight every nation on earth, and all of us must play our part in tackling it.

“I fully understand and feel the anger, and the sadness, that leads people to want to gather together and to show solidarity and community at this time.

“Unfortunately, the threat of COVID-19 is still with us and I must urge people not to attend mass gatherings, which pose a clear risk to public health, even with social distancing in place.

“The Scottish Government advice is still that no more than eight people should meet at any one time, and for those people to be from no more than two households.

“I would encourage people to explore alternative ways to make their voices heard on this vital issue, including for example through social media and by engaging friends, families and work colleagues.

“In Scotland, we value the considerable and important role of our diverse minority ethnic communities. We cannot, and will not, tolerate hate crime, prejudice or discrimination of any kind. It is not enough to simply not be a racist – we must be anti-racist, by supporting our minority ethnic communities, and condemning racism, hate and injustice wherever we find it.

“I hope we will soon be able to gather together to show our solidarity. But until then we must continue to do what is necessary to protect the health of everyone, following the guidelines. That is the best and quickest way to ensure we continue along the path of easing lockdown, and meet again sooner rather than later.”

If someone is a victim of a racist hate incident, or a witness to one, they can contact Police Scotland or one of the third party reporting centres that continue to provide a service by telephone or online.

Sick Kids Hospital staff virtual choir performs ‘Lean on Me’

Doctors, nurses and frontline workers from Edinburgh’s Sick Kids hospital have recorded an uplifting video as a virtual choir to boost morale and show the health benefits of singing during the pandemic.

The moving performance of ‘Lean on Me’ by Bill Withers was created and coordinated by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children – with the aim of bringing the hospital community together and raising people’s spirits at a difficult time.

Over 80 doctors, nurses, radiologists, physio and occupational therapists and ECHC team members, including sopranos, altos, basses and tenors, recorded videos of themselves singing their individual pieces at home, which the charity then edited together.

Dr Kirsty Hogg, Paediatric Doctor at the Sick Kids who appears in the virtual choir video, said: “Taking part in the virtual choir was a fantastic experience and the final product is a beautiful example of what we can achieve when we all work together, even in these unusual times.

“This was a lovely idea by the charity and I’m delighted to have been involved. It is a message of hope and solidarity to show that we are all in this together and are helping each other through.”

ECHC usually runs the Sick Kids Community Choir for hospital staff on a weekly basis. The choir performs for patients in the hospital and at fundraising and community events.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Arts Programme Manager at ECHC, said: “From our work with children and families at the hospital, we know how beneficial singing can be as a way to bring people together and as a distraction during times of stress.

“The power of music is amazing and it is at times like this when it can have the biggest impact. When we put the initial call out about the virtual choir, we didn’t expect to get the response that we did. It has been absolutely incredible.

“We chose the song ‘Lean on Me’ because it has such a strong message of support. We wanted to give people a sense of closeness and community at a time when many are missing their family and friends.

“We also wanted to help people to relax and have fun. Singing lifts your spirits and makes you feel good, so is hugely beneficial to our mental health. We hope the video will help to spread a little positivity during this difficult time.”

The video can be downloaded from ECHC’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFWkifyjLTU

ECHC is running a COVID-19 Emergency Appeal to support children, families and staff at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and other healthcare settings across the Lothians through the pandemic.

Donations can be made at https://echcharity.org/support-us/covid-19-appeal

First Bus announces app update to live-track bus capacity

First Bus, one of the UK’s largest operators, is launching an update to its mobile app that will enable customers across Edinburgh to live track not only the location of their next bus but also its available capacity, as the operator continues to develop ways to help customers social distance on board its fleet.

First Bus will be the first major bus operator to roll out live capacity tracking. This reduces uncertainty for customers and allows them to make informed decisions about their essential journeys.

Going live this week, the app update will show customers a bus icon on a map depicting the live location and available capacity of each vehicle in the vicinity. This new functionality will provide customers with the information they need as the bus approaches.

The innovation has been made possible by First Bus’s new passenger counting functionality, announced at the end of May. Data from this system feeds directly to the First Bus app in real time.

With social distancing guidance being observed at the same time as lockdown restrictions are being relaxed, this additional capacity will allow customers to travel in comfort and safety. To further support social distancing, and in addition to passenger counting, seats on each bus are now clearly marked indicating where customers should sit.

First Bus continues to encourage cashless payments, and use of the App to purchase mTickets, to reduce the need for contact between customers and drivers.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of First Bus in Scotland, said “We are really proud to have been able to fast-track this technology to ensure safe, informed travel during these difficult times.

“Our buses provide an essential service for our customers and we are doing all we can to support them.”

This latest update from First Bus forms part of its ongoing work to improve the customer experience.