Day: November 12, 2020

Helping students home at end of term

Plans announced to support students to return safely

Thousands of students in Scotland will be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) under plans to allow those wishing to return home at the end of term, to do so safely.

In a statement to Parliament, Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead outlined the measures being taken by colleges and universities to support the safe return of up to 80,000 students ahead of the winter break.

The plans include a widespread COVID-19 testing scheme, which is expected to be rolled out by the start of December.

Enabling easy access to testing for students with COVID-19 symptoms has already proved to be effective in controlling outbreaks. Now Scottish students will be included in a UK-wide initiative to test some asymptomatic students prior to the end of term. 

The Government is working in partnership with institutions and the UK Government’s testing programme on the logistics of offering both lateral flow testing – a new rapid test currently being used in Liverpool, which can deliver a COVID result in about 15-20 minutes – and if needed a more sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which may take up to a day or longer to produce a result.

The other measures outlined by Mr Lochhead include:

  • All students will receive early, clear advice on staying safe. Those who chose to stay in student accommodation over the holiday period will also be well supported
  • There will be staggered and early departure from campuses, with universities being asked to make any necessary adjustments to scheduling, to ensure in-person teaching and assessment ends early enough to allow students time to get home at the end of term
  • Any student who wants to return home for the end of term, is being asked to voluntarily reduce their social mixing for two weeks before going home. This means going out only for essential reasons and exercise
  • All college and university students travelling home will be given advice on how to do so safely, which includes following public health advice on the use of public transport

Mr Lochhead said: “Covid 19 is a challenge for all of us, our students included. We have all worked hard to support students in gaining an education this term, and like everyone else we have learnt and adapted as we have progressed.

“Our challenge is to look after the wellbeing of our students by enabling them to return home, while at the same time keeping them, their loves ones, and communities safe.

“Testing will play a role – but only a limited role. My message to students is, ‘thank you for all your efforts, and please keep doing all you can to keep yourself and others safe’.

“I have no doubt the majority of students will want to act responsibly, and will follow the measures that will be set out.”

Read the Minister’s full Parliamentary statement 

Further information and guidance will shortly be published on the Scottish Government website.

Latest figures show fall in violent crime in Edinburgh

Police Scotland has today issued its Qtr 2 Management Information data for the period of 1st April to 30th September 2020.

These figures show that the number of serious assaults fell from 181 to 128, while there were also 40 fewer robberies and assault with intent to rob, compared with the same time last year.

A proactive approach to tackling weapons offences within the Capital has seen a rise in the number of these crimes recorded.

In total, 13 more offences for carrying an offensive weapon were recorded, however, the number of crimes for handling a knife fell from 95 to 77.

Overall, offences involving offensive or bladed weapons rose from 387 to 411 and more crimes were detected, up from 323 to 339 year-on-year.

Similar to the rest of the country, fraud has increased within Edinburgh. In total, 837 fraud offences were recorded during the six-month period, compared with 700 in the same timeframe the previous year.

There have also been increases in the number of crimes for taking and distributing indecent images of children, as well as the threatening to, or disclosure of intimate images.

A further 16 crimes for indecent images of children were recorded, while five more crimes for threatening to or disclosing of intimate images were also recorded.

Continued and targeted monitoring of Edinburgh’s road network has seen drink and drug driving offences increase, with 251 offences in the first six months of 2020/21, compared with 190 the year before.

There have been two occasions where there has been a fatality during a road collisions, which is the same as last year. However, serious and slight injury collisions have both fallen within the Capital.

Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “Following the last quarter data, we are beginning to see crime levels return to normal levels. However, we remain committed to keeping our communities safe and bringing offenders to justice.

“While I am pleased to see the benefits of our proactive approach towards weapons, and of course, the fall in violent offences, it is always disheartening to see a rise in drink driving offences. It is never acceptable to get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and we will continue to target motorists who do so.

“Rises in online crimes are consistent across the country and continue to bring new challenges to policing.

“However, as DCC Fiona Taylor set out today, our cyber strategy provides clear direction as to how we aim to tackle the threat, risk and harm of digitally-enabled crime.”

Distillers support Edinburgh groups tackling alcohol misuse

The Scotch Whisky Action Fund (SWAF) has announced its support of three organisations based in Edinburgh working to tackle the effects of alcohol misuse and promote responsible drinking.

The fund was established in 2013 by the Scotch Whisky Association and has made over 50 awards to innovative projects across Scotland working to reduce alcohol-related harm. The aim is to inspire innovation and develop small, grassroots projects that can develop into larger scale initiatives. The Fund is managed by Foundation Scotland and awards are decided by an independent panel.

The projects granted funding in this year’s awards aim to ensure that the effects of alcohol misuse can continue to be addressed in a supportive setting, and recognising that this support is all the more important because of the pressures on everyone’s lives caused by COVID-19. 

The projects have adapted how they deliver support during the current restrictions, so they can operate in COVID-secure ways, including embracing virtual platforms.

Rowan Alba, a homeless charity based in Leith, also provides support on tackling alcohol misuse in the community.

The SWAF funding will build upon their pilot work providing training for Edinburgh pub staff on recognising and engaging with older people in the community living in extreme isolation and at high risk of alcohol related harm.

Helen Carlin, CEO of Rowan Alba, said: “The SWAF funding will help to strengthen the work that Rowan Alba is doing in the local community to address the harm that alcohol can have, particularly when combined with social isolation.

“Leith has an amazing community spirit; everyone looks out for each other. This funding will help us to build on these relationships and meaningful conversations that can make a real difference in ensuring that someone gets the help that they need. We would like to encourage pubs and bars throughout the city to contact us if they would like to be involved in the training being provided.”

Fast Forward is based in Edinburgh and supports young people to make informed choices around risk-taking behaviours, including knife crime, substance misuse, gambling and gaming and alcohol related harm.

The SWAF funding will contribute towards the ‘Own It!’ project, created by Fast Forward’s Arts-Based Project Director Kai Peacock, which uses a virtual platform designed to empower young people about making positive decisions around the use of alcohol. The project will be tested on groups of young people across 10 areas of Scotland, starting in West Lothian.

Allie Cherry-Byrnes, Chief Executive of Fast Forward: “The skill and enthusiasm of the Fast Forward team have helped us create the Own It! project, that will help support young people to explore the impact of risk-taking behaviours, particularly alcohol related harm.

“We’re delighted to be working with the Scotch Whisky Action Fund to continue the development of the project, ensuring that it can be used by as many groups as possible via its digital format. If any youth-based organisations in Scotland would like to be involved in the project as it develops, we would urge them to contact us to discuss it further.”

Edinburgh Young Carers (EYC) is Scotland’s largest independent young carers’ service, providing respite and support to young people aged 5-25 who care for or are affected by someone else at home – usually a parent or sibling.

Edinburgh Young Carers is receiving funding from the Scotch Whisky Action Fund for the second time, towards a dedicated project aimed at tackling the impact of COVID-19 on its service users. The SWAF funding will be used to support the work of the organisation’s Health and Wellbeing service, helping to give young carers quality time to take a break, talk about what is affecting them, and the opportunity to learn coping techniques.

Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “We are grateful to have been awarded funding from the Scotch Whisky Action Fund again, and for the Award Panel’s understanding in the wake of COVID-19 which allowed us to adapt our plans and project delivery.

“The SWAF funding will help to give our young carers strength and resilience to deal with the ongoing situation, which for many has had a serious impact on their home life, their sense of isolation, and their access to respite time. We also look forward to sharing the learnings from this project with other organisations in Scotland’s caring sector.”

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said: “The Scotch Whisky industry is committed to tackling alcohol misuse and supporting the organisations receiving awards this year is very important to us. 

“It’s particularly important at a time when COVID-19 is putting enormous pressure on individuals, families and communities across Scotland.  These projects represent part of the industry’s broader commitment to tackling alcohol misuse.”

Change law to guarantee all publicans a decent living, Scottish Government urged

The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee has published its report into legislation proposed by Labour MSP Neil Bibby to govern the relationship between tied pub tenants and pub-owning businesses. 

The Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill is being backed by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, which is calling on the Scottish Government and all parties in the Scottish Parliament to vote for the legislation when it is debated later this month. 

Licensees in Scotland are currently exempt from regulations that are in place across the rest of Great Britain which stop large pub companies from taking more than is fair or sustainable from pub profits by forcing licensees to buy their beer from them rather than on the open market. 

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Parliament Committee’s report, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “CAMRA is calling on Business Minister Jamie Hepburn and the Scottish Government to do the right thing and give their backing to the Tied Pubs Bill when it is debated later this month.

“This Bill will create, in law, a powerful pubs code to guarantee tied pub tenants are treated fairly and can earn a decent living. 

“Scottish Government support for this legislation would be very warmly welcomed by both consumers and the licenced trade as a positive move to help pubs, publicans and pub-goers, after weeks and months of harsh restrictions which are devastating the industry. 

“Just a few weeks ago Heineken’s pub arm, Star Pubs and Bars, were fined £2 million by England and Wales’ Pubs Code Adjudicator for serious and repeated breaches of the pubs code. But despite being headquartered in Edinburgh, their Scottish tenants don’t have similar protections to stop pub companies taking more than is fair or sustainable from tied licensees’ profits or make it harder to sell a range of locally-brewed products in their pubs. 

“The Scottish Government must now take this opportunity to change the law so that tied pub tenants here have the same protections as those south of the border.” 

Charity claims that Covid has stalled the fight against funeral poverty

A recently released report by Royal London found that the year started positively with the number of people who struggle to meet the cost of a funeral reducing from 12% last year to 9% this year*. 

However, Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown has disrupted this trend and continues to do so as John Halliday – co-founder of charity run funeral directors Caledonia Cremation – explains: “The funeral restrictions implemented during lockdown did lead to simpler funerals. However, many still felt the financial strain upon losing a loved one. The average cost of a basic cremation in Scotland is still high – £3,569 and cremation fees continue to rise higher than inflation.  

“We must also consider the wider impact of Covid-19. Lockdown and restrictions have resulted in significant job losses which has meant more people entering the lower income bracket.

“Support services such as the Department of Social Security and the Register of Deaths department have also been stretched which has provided even more barriers to support for the bereaved. 

“Also, organisations who were campaigning to improve the industry have stalled because of Covid-19. The Competitions and Market Authority were set to recommend remedies to ongoing issues which have contributed to funeral poverty – overpricing or confusing pricing by some in the funeral industry. But Covid has meant that they have had to put this on hold. 

All these factors have created a desperate situation for bereaved people in Scotland, especially those from low-income households. 

“The recently released Royal London report* has found that around two in five bereaved people surveyed (39%) said that Covid-19 has made their financial situation worse (with 13% saying it has got much worse, and 25% saying slightly worse). 

“During the lockdown, we too have had to have extended our support by launching a free emotional support helpline in addition to offering not-for-profit cremations. Due to the delays in some Government departments, we also absorbed the administration on behalf of our clients so they could grieve without the additional stress.” 
 

Caledonia Cremation supported one Edinburgh client who felt the real impact of the Covid-19. 

As lockdown had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, Mical lost her job at an airline. Shortly afterwards, her grandmother and father passed away in quick succession.

She explained:  “I had only just lost my job when my grandmother passed away from Covid. I hadn’t had the chance to apply for benefits, so I didn’t qualify for any for any financial help. 

“Luckily, I found Caledonia Cremation who cremated my grandmother using funds I managed to collect from the whole family. Then my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Shortly after the diagnosis he caught Covid and passed away. I once again turned to Caledonia Cremation who helped me apply for the Funeral Support Payment to cover the cost of that cremation. 

“Without Caledonia Cremation,I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done. I think that the only alternative would have been to get into thousands of pounds of debt, and maybe try and arrange some sort of payment plan which could take a long time to clear, especially as I am currently unemployed.”  

As more job losses are predicted, John is urging everyone to reconsider before taking out a loan to pay for their loved one’s funeral: ““We have been fighting funeral poverty in Scotland since 2018 by providing not-for-profit cremations and practical and emotional support. 

“Since we started, we have calculated that we have saved bereaved Scots over £1million in funeral costs. We believe this has sparked a revolution in funerals with more Scottish funeral directors providing affordable options and more transparent pricing.  

“With the continuing Covid restrictions still affecting people’s financial situation, we urge any bereaved people to know they aren’t alone. If they need support during these terrible times – get in touch and we will help.” 

* The Impact of Covid-19 on Funerals – National Funeral Cost Index Report 2020 by Royal London 

Wondrous Woods: new dates added at Hopetoun House

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group and set in the magnificent grounds of Hopetoun House, Wondrous Woods has announced that they will be adding new dates to their festive lighting trail as a direct response to the overwhelming interest that they have received.

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “Woody the Owl and I have quite literally been blown away by the positive response that we’ve received for Wondrous Woods over the last few weeks.

“As of yesterday we were completely sold out and with so many people still enquiring about availability, we took the decision to put on a further week of tickets to allow more people to enjoy the trail.”

The Hopetoun trails offer us a spectacular environment, like no other. The spacious grounds have enabled the team to safely deliver this creative lighting journey, ensuring that everyone remains in adherence with strictest of safety guidelines.

The 21CC Wondrous Woods production has also enabled Geoff Crow to bring back his full event management and technical production workforce from furlough following the pandemic and in addition to this, over 120 people have been employed in the full delivery of the trail over the past four weeks.

The lighting trail has also been a welcome boost of income for the 57 supply chain businesses that have been involved in the delivery as well as Hopetoun House as a venue and the local visitor economy. With the trail attracting over 50% of the annual visitor figures to Hopetoun House in the space of four weeks. It is anticipated that the local economic impact of Wondrous Woods is in the region of £250,000.

The Earl of Hopetoun comments: “This is the first time we have hosted such an ambitious event at night and it’s hugely exciting, following such a difficult year for us all, to develop something so different for Hopetoun.

“With the outbreak of the global pandemic earlier on this year, visitor figures to our house were looking somewhat bleak; since its opening, however, Wondrous Woods has successfully attracted over 50% of our annual footfall in just a few weeks which is an astounding achievement.”

21CC Group have worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them for the delivery of the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as the delivery of multiple large scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds.

21CC Group are a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999.  They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients. 

Tickets on sale now at See Tickets: 

https://wondrouswoods.seetickets.com/tour/wondrous-woods

Event website:  https://www.wondrouswoods.com/

Sam Smith to perform exclusively for Clyde 1 and Forth 1

Here’s how to watch the exclusive performance on Monday 16th November, 4pm

Clyde 1 and Forth 1 are set to broadcast an exclusive session from multi-award-winning global star, Sam Smith on Monday 16th November.

Music fans will have a chance to catch Sam perform a selection of tracks and to listen to an exclusive interview in a special show hosted by Garry Spence from 4pm on Clyde 1 and Forth 1. They can also watch the exclusive performance online via the stations’ Facebook pages.

Speaking about the event Sam Smith said: “We are all trying to find new ways to be together remotely during these strange times, and I am so excited that I’m still able to perform and share a moment with all of you.

“I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who’s supported me and my music over the years. This performance is for all of you xx”

Garry Spence said: “We might not be able to bring you to Sam Smith, so we’re bringing Sam Smith to you. Sit back and enjoy an incredible performance and interview from one of the UK’s greatest. You won’t want to miss it!”

Sam Smith’s highly anticipated new album ‘Love Goes’ is out now.

For more information you can listen to Clyde 1 and Forth 1 on FM, DAB, online, via the station App and on your smart speaker.

Sam Smith’s performances will also be broadcast on MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM, Radio Borders and West FM.

Race Inequality in the Workforce

Race Inequality in the Workforce: Analysing the state of play in the coronavirus economy

The impact of Covid-19 on the labour market has affected specific groups of workers more than others, including those with an ethnic minority background.  In this new report, we explore evidence that shows the specific impact that the pandemic has had on Black and ethnic minority workers, demonstrating the ways in which they face a range of additional risks during the economic downturn, in terms of both loss of employment and poorer quality work.

The report makes 11 recommendations for government and employers to ensure that job quality is protected for all and that groups at particular risk are safeguarded. 

This short report complements our Good Work for Wellbeing in the Coronavirus Economy report which was launched last month.  It seeks to understand how we can ensure the best possible jobs recovery and achieve good work for all in the coronavirus economy.

You can read Race Inequality in the Workforce: Analysing the state of play in the coronavirus economy here.

You can read Good Work for Wellbeing in the Coronavirus Economy here.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CarnegieUKTrust or please feel free to get in touch via Georgina Bowyer, Policy and Development Officer (georgina@carnegieuk.org).

Sarah Davidson

Chief Executive, Carnegie UK Trust

Twitter: @CarnegieUKTrust

www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk

Latest news from Newhaven

Heart of Newhaven Community (HoNC) continues to work towards acquisition of the Victoria Primary School site and despite the impact of Covid 19, our timetable for completion remains the same: as soon as the children move to their new school, we will move in, hopefully in the autumn of next year, 2021.

To acquire the building, which we have permission from City of Edinburgh Council to purchase, we need to find £700,000. To this end, an application to the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) has already been submitted.

With the current SLF funds geared towards applications with more immediate needs, particularly those who have Covid-related issues, we have decided to pause our application until the next round of grants which will bring it more in line with our expected purchase date.

This comes on the recommendation of the SLF itself, who consider our application a very strong one but have advised us that such a pause would make our case even stronger. They are continuing to support us and helping us fund our preparation.

So fear not if you see headlines about the next community projects to have gained SLF grants later this month and no mention of HoNC. We are confident we have a strong case, made even stronger by this hiatus. Our plans for purchase and our timetable remain the same.

To help our case, we need even more members of our SCIO to show support within the community. Numbers are increasing steadily but if you haven’t already applied to be a member, please do so as soon as you can. In this case, size really does matter! Membership is free and it gives you a say in what happens.

https://heartofnewhaven.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fd16ea8a13e69c80d6ed68f43&id=51195851da&e=29f8451b48

Equally, we need volunteers and not just for the long-term. At the heart of our project is the well-being of the community we serve. Covid 29 has not only put the brakes on the construction of the new school, it has affected so many in our community, in so many ways.

If you can sign up as a Newhaven Neighbour to help the isolated and vulnerable within our community, perhaps by collecting prescriptions, doing shopping, tidying a garden, delivering Christmas boxes, making an occasional phone call to check on the isolated, then we would welcome your help. Check our website for a form to fill in.

Become a Newhaven Neighbour. Get in touch. Add your name. The community will be the stronger for it.

https://heartofnewhaven.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fd16ea8a13e69c80d6ed68f43&id=766b999cfe&e=29f8451b48

Remember that you can still read our Chair Rodney’s regular 20:20 vision in his View from the Chair which you can find on the website.

The View from the Chair

More than half of home care was reduced or stopped completely as a result of pandemic, survey reveals

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on home care has been revealed following an online survey by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee.

Published yesterday, the survey found that 54% of recipients of home care saw their care either reduced or stopped completely. In one instance, a respondent reported having their care stopped for more than six months.  Reduction in care was a recurring theme from respondents with families feeling that they were “left to get on with it”.

The survey, which ran during August and September, sought to hear the experiences of both carers and care recipients during the pandemic. Key concerns raised include: 

  • In the event of a second wave, the most important issue for those surveyed was safety. They told us it was vital to have access to appropriate PPE as well as frequent testing, and that carers should receive adequate training in both infection control and social distancing.
  • Additional pressures and a loss of routine led to increased anxiety for unpaid carers, who stressed the need for respite. Respondents felt “mentally exhausted” and “frightened to let staff back into their homes”. 
  • It was agreed that there needs to be greater recognition of unpaid carers who were often “left to pick up the slack”. There were calls for more support and financial help as well as a ‘professionalisation’ of the system, with a move towards a professional career model.
  • A fear of services shutting down again left respondents feeling determined to “not be forgotten about” or “left to manage entirely on [their] own”.  They called for the continuity of care services and care packages to remain in place in the event of future outbreaks.

Speaking as the findings of the survey were published, Committee Convener Lewis Macdonald MSP said: “The first wave of Covid-19 had a devastating impact on the social care sector in Scotland.

“Now that we’re in the midst of a second wave, and continuing national restrictions, it is vital that we hear the voices of home care workers and those receiving care at home across the country. These findings are deeply concerning suggesting over 50% of those receiving care at home saw their care reduced or stopped completely during the pandemic.

“Other concerns raised around mental health, safety, and the prospect of care shutting down again, make it clear that things must improve. 

“The Committee recognises the hard work of carers, paid and unpaid, who have gone above and beyond during this unprecedented challenge and we also want to thank all those who took part in the survey for sharing their experiences in what are still very difficult times.”