Day: November 17, 2020

New Covid testing site opened

The UK Government yesterday opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre at Thimblerow Car Park (PH1 5QT), in Perth. The centre is easily accessible for people without a car.

The new facility is being provided by the UK Government as part of a UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities. It is operated by Mitie on behalf of the UK Government.

The test centre is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history. In Scotland, this comprises of 6 drive through sites, 13 walk through sites, 21 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

A new Scottish megalab has also been announced – this will provide capacity to process an extra 300,000 tests a day, create thousands of jobs and play a key part of the UK’s national infrastructure response.

In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all Covid testing and test processing outside of the NHS. Around two thirds of all daily tests are provided by the UK Government, in support of Scotland’s health services.

Tests must be booked in advance at NHS Inform or by calling 0800 028 2816. People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste).

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which is now has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.

Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart, said: The UK Government is helping all parts of the UK fight the coronavirus pandemic.

“Testing is vital, helping to manage local outbreaks and protecting people’s livelihoods. The UK Government is providing the bulk of Covid testing in Scotland, and this new walk-through centre is just the latest in our extensive testing network.

“We are pleased to be working with local and commercial partners. These sites are not possible without the hard work of many people. I would like to thank everyone involved for their incredible efforts for the good of the country at this difficult time.”

Dr Emma Fletcher, Director of Public Health for NHS Tayside said: “This new walk through testing centre is very welcome and provides an additional opportunity for people to access testing in the Tayside area.

“People are reminded that if they show any symptoms of COVID-19 they should isolate, along with their household, and seek testing immediately.

Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running.

“Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes in Perth, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.”

Drive-through testing sites

Testing under the UK programme in Scotland is currently conducted in drive-through sites operating at:

  • Glasgow Airport
  • Edinburgh Airport
  • Aberdeen Airport
  • Prestwick Airport
  • Inverness – University of the Highlands and Islands campus
  • Dundee – Dudhope Castle

There are also a number of mobile testing units which will be located in towns across Scotland for short periods each time. 

Walk-through testing sites

You may be able to access testing via a walk-through testing site. You should walk or cycle to this site and avoid travelling by public transport or taxi.

You can book an appointment via the usual booking process. We have walk-through test sites in:

  • Aberdeen (Roy Strathdee Building)
  • Dundee (Park Place car park)
  • west Edinburgh (Gate 55, Sighthill)
  • north Edinburgh (Leith Library)
  • Edinburgh city centre (Usher Hall)
  • west Glasgow (Riverside Museum car park)
  • Glasgow city centre (Glasgow Caledonian ARC)
  • Inverclyde (Crawfurds Burn Community Centre)
  • Inverness (Highland Council HQ rear car park)
  • Perth (Thimblerow car park)
  • St Andrews (Victoria Memorial Hall)
  • Stirling (Forthside Way, next to The Engine Shed)
  • West Dunbartonshire (Napier Hall)

Community impact of Covid-19 restrictions on sporting clubs and leisure venues to be investigated by MSPs

The Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee has launched an inquiry into the impact COVID-19 restrictions on sports clubs and leisure venues have had on local communities across Scotland.

The Committee’s inquiry is seeking to quantify the various societal benefits that sporting clubs and leisure venues provide their communities. They are asking sport and leisure organisations what support they require to ensure these community services can be maintained.

The inquiry will then examine impacts on individuals and their communities from the reduction or cessation of sporting events, and community-based activities undertaken by sporting organisations. This will include investigating the impact on the mental and physical health of individuals.

Lewis Macdonald MSP, Convener of the Health and Sport Committee, said: “Our sporting and leisure clubs are woven into the fabric of our communities providing a wealth of benefits to our society which so many people rely on.

“But with a ban on mass gatherings since March and with leisure centres closed for much of this time, the Covid-19 pandemic has hit this sector particularly hard. In many cases threatening their very existence and their ability to provide vital community services.

“Our inquiry wants to hear from sporting clubs, organisations and leisure venues on the unprecedented financial challenges they are facing and the support they require to come through this pandemic.

“We are also keen to hear how individuals across Scotland who engage with these institutions and the various community services they provide have been impacted.”

To help inform the inquiry, last week the Committee wrote to the Scottish Government seeking detail on when more fans will be allowed back into football grounds and on the financial challenges facing Scotland’s football clubs.

That letter can be found here:

https://www.parliament.scot/S5_HealthandSportCommittee/Inquiries/20201112_Ltr_OUT_to_MinisterPHSW.pdf

Art for hearts auction smashes fundraising record

National charity Heart Research UK has raised £53,000 with their ‘anonymous heART project’, auctioning unique anonymous artworks by a host of internationally acclaimed artists and celebrities.

Almost 500 pieces of original A5 artwork, created by huge names including Robert Smith (The Cure), Ralph Steadman, Pejac, Joe Lycett and Ashley Jackson were auctioned on eBay between the 6th – 15th November.

All of the pieces were sold anonymously, and though a full list of contributors was available, the artist of each piece has been kept a secret, only being revealed to winning bidders now the auction is over.

When the virtual hammer came down, all 497 of the pieces found new homes, raising tens of thousands of pounds for Heart Research UK’s life-saving work.

The bestselling piece (pictured, top) was an original painting by Robert Smith, iconic rock star and frontman of The Cure, which commanded a stunning £5,100 in the online auction.

The piece, entitled “I will kiss you forever…” featured the lyrics “on nights like this”, taken from The Cure’s hit song ‘The same deep water as you.’

The second highest seller was by internationally-acclaimed Spanish painter Pejac. The piece, titled ‘Bottomless pit’ (above) fetched a whopping £1,793.

Now in its third year, the anonymous heART project has seen over 1,300 artworks sold, raising over £110,000 for Heart Research UK’s pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The dust has finally started to settle from 2020’s anonymous heART project, and what a journey it has been. Every year, we are blown away by the generosity of the artists and the people bidding.

“We’ve smashed our fundraising target, so we would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated their time and efforts to the campaign.

“At Heart Research UK, we’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpieces.

“What makes this project so special is that everyone has the chance to own a piece of iconic art. It really is making high class art available to all, and we’re thrilled all 497 pieces have found a new home!”

To find out more and to register your interest in next year’s anonymous heART project, please visit heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/

The UK’s first ever plastic-free shop of its kind, right here in Leith

The Leith Collective leads the way in making 2021 the year of going green

As far as New Year’s resolutions go, to become the UK’s first ever plastic-free shop of its kind is quite an ambitious one. But local business owner, Sara Thomson, is determined to kick off 2021 in the most environmentally friendly way possible, and she’s hoping other businesses will be inspired to follow suit.

Sara is the founder of The Leith Collective which showcases the work of more than 120 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, reclaim, and resell items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill. As of 1st January 2021, The Leith Collective will ban all new plastic in its Edinburgh store.

However, it is a task that has proved to be more difficult than first expected according to Sara: ‘There is plastic in so many everyday things – things you would never have imagined contain plastic; it can be incredibly deceptive. So we’ve had our work cut out for us researching and sourcing alternatives.’

From re-imagining their visual displays and finding upcycled and biodegradable packaging, right down to the finer details such as switching to non-plastic sticky tape and barcode stickers, they’ve thought of everything.

Describing how it all started, Sara explained; ‘The idea came to me during Lockdown. It was amazing going for a walk each day and seeing nature flourish untouched, right before my eyes. Then came the stark contrast, seeing just how quickly single-use masks and plastic gloves were being discarded on beaches and roadsides, causing untold damage. I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing, I had to take action.’

Sara’s biggest hope is that other businesses will learn from her example and adopt a similar approach. ‘It’s not easy to find accurate plastic usage statistics because generally businesses don’t want to broadcast the fact they have a huge plastic waste problem. However, we just hope our pledge to become a plastic-free shop inspires other businesses to think about their own environmental impact and what steps they too can take to minimise their effect on the world around us.’

With this in mind, The Leith Collective is inviting local business owners to visit their store or get in touch via phone, email or social media where Sara will be happy to pass on any information that might help them in their own quest to go green – from ideas on how to avoid plastic and reduce waste, to tips on where to find the best alternatives.

Ultimately, Sara’s hope is that her New Year’s resolution inspires a new plastic ban revolution.

The Leith Collective can be found at RU65, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. Opening hours are Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.

Independent Cinemas re-open for business during Lockdown

Cinemas temporarily closed by the government lockdown are re-opening to the public with the launch of a new “virtual cinema” called YourScreen.

 https://watch.yourscreen.net/.

YourScreen is a partnership of local, independent exhibitors and was created to stream new films and films unavailable on other digital platforms into the homes of audiences around the country. These are films that might normally play in their local cinema.

Local cinemas promote YourScreen films on their web site and social media, directing audiences to YourScreen where they are able to purchase “virtual” tickets to watch award-winning international films. Revenue is shared between YourScreen and each local film exhibitor.

Films on YourScreen are available for up to 28 days which distinguishes it from a streaming platform like Netflix where films reside for many months and longer.

Every two months, YourScreen uploads a new programme of films on to its platform.

The first season which concludes on 20th December has a programme of eight films; from Canadian coming of age drama, Kuessipan, through to docu-comedy/drama, Lessons of Love, the tale of a Polish woman going her own way after 45 years of marriage to an abusive husband and the popular German film, System Crasher (above).

The genesis of YourScreen can be traced to Cheltenham International Film Festival (CIFF) which streamed its festival online in 2020 and inspired positive feedback from audiences who were locked down and often did not have the opportunity to visit independent cinemas or watch the latest films from around the world.

Commenting on YourScreen, one of the partnership’s founders, Leslie Montgomery Sheldon, also CIFF Director, said: “These are difficult times with cinemas in lockdown.

“But, film exhibitors must maintain their business. In the event they have decided to partner with YourScreen to stream new films, uninterrupted by lockdown, to their audiences.”

But while YourScreen is a short-term solution it is also a long-term opportunity for exhibitors to grow their business.

“YourScreen is in business for the long-term to turn independent cinemas into multi-screen cinemas; allowing exhibitors to complement their in-venue screenings with an online programme; to attract new and different audiences, boost ticket sales and generate an extra revenue stream without the overheads” said Sheldon.

The full programme for the first two-month season (26 October – 20 December):

• The Best of Dorien B.: Belgian comedy-drama.

• Lillian: Austrian, true-life drama of a young Russian woman who walks across American to find her way home to Russia.

• System Crasher: By popular demand, the third film to open our season is this acclaimed German film.

• Beyond The Horizon: French coming-of-age film with Clémence Poésy.

• Kuessipan: Award-winning Canadian film.

• Lessons of Love: Polish docu-comedy/drama which features a woman of 69 who is not too old to begin life again.

• Northern Wind: French film, explores the impact on two families in different countries linked by the same circumstances.

WHAT MADE IT BETTER? Edinburgh urged to get on board with anti-bullying drive

People in Edinburgh are being encouraged to support a campaign to address bullying behaviour among Scotland’s young people which has launched during Anti Bullying Week 2020 (16-20 November).

Led by Scotland’s anti-bullying service respectme, #WhatMadeItBetter? launches amid a changing landscape of bullying as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 47% of young people in Scotland reporting that they saw or experienced online bullying during lockdown and 59% witnessing an increase in prejudice-based posts, comments and/or attitudes*.

The campaign seeks to empower young people with advice and approaches from those who have experienced bullying, after a consultation with young people and professionals highlighted that the management of bullying related incidents was a key area of concern.

With this in mind, respectme has created a suite of resources for primary and secondary aged children to help approach and guide conversations at a time when learning supervision is has been reduced, while also supporting young people with advice from those who have been there themselves.

Anyone involved in influencing the life of a young person is invited to download the free resources available at www.whatmadeitbetter.com.

Supporting the call is the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, who said: “Anti-Bullying Week is an ideal opportunity to send a clear message that bullying of any kind is completely unacceptable and when it occurs we all have a responsibility to address it.

“Children and young people need to be educated about all faiths and beliefs and learn about tolerance, respect, kindness and good citizenship. We want all children and young people to be able to speak to someone they trust when bullying happens and that is why campaigns like this are so important.

“I look forward to taking part in Anti-Bullying week to highlight to those being bullied, that things will get better, and how we can be that person that did make things better.”

Wendy Harrington, Director of respectme, said: “Young people are heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, with every aspect of their lives – from school to home to social activities – affected in some way.

“There’s a wealth of evidence highlighting a rise in bullying behaviour since lockdown, particularly in an online setting, which has no time boundary and is difficult to monitor and supervise. This makes Anti-Bullying Week and the campaign all the more poignant as we seek to start the conversation and share valuable advice.

“The #WhatMadeItBetter? resources are free for anyone to explore, and we’d urge adults who have experienced bulling to get involved and help us shape future resources by taking our online survey which looks at what more can be done to support young people.”

Take part in the #WhatMadeItBetter? survey at: www.whatmadeitbetter.com/resources

Speaking out to young people is James Allan, frontman of award-winning Scottish indie band Glasvegas, who shared his personal advice: “As humans, we carry so many experiences with us, and in some way can blame ourselves or believe what other people say.

“If anybody does experience these things, try and challenge that insecurity or doubt in yourself and to know it’s the way we’re wired up. Things will get better and, in the meantime, be yourself, stay true to yourself and believe in yourself.” 

While the campaign launches during Anti-Bullying Week, it will run across the school year until July 2021 to continuously highlight the options available to young people and remind them that things can and will get better.

Stay up to date with the campaign and Anti-Bullying Week activities by following respectme on Facebook and Twitter. 

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021

UK’s Invisible Cities and Australia lead the way in regenerative travel

Global travel authority Lonely Planet has today unveiled a radical reimagining of its much-awaited Best in Travel picks for 2021, reflecting how the world and attitudes to travel have changed.

For 2021, Lonely Planet is looking ahead to the future of travel, recognising not only places, but also people and communities who are transforming the travel industry. Celebrating commitment to community, diversity and sustainability across the world with projects in the UK and Australia amongst some of the most inspiring innovators.

“Travel in 2021 and beyond will be a much more considerate exercise than it has been ever before,” said Lonely Planet CEO Luis Cabrera.

“With travellers cautiously re-engaging with the world and focusing on ensuring their impact is safe and positive for host communities, we have decided to highlight destinations and individuals that truly enable visitors to make genuine contributions through regenerative travel.”

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021 list has selected 30 inspirational people, destinations and tourism projects that shine a light on pioneering sustainable practices, regenerating local communities and promoting representation in all aspects of travel. 

Highlights from Best in Travel 2021 include:

Invisible Cities, UK – An exciting social enterprise that offers people affected by homelessness the opportunity to become a tour guide in their own city. Providing engaging and alternative walks bringing city stories to life with unique local perspectives for both tourists and locals in Edinburgh, Glasgow, York and Manchester.

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Founder & CEO of Invisible Cities CIC comments: “Our social enterprise doesn’t believe in labels or stereotypes and we want to help as many people as possible to realise their true potential.

“Through supporting those who have experienced homelessness and training them to become tour guides in their own city, we can help them to change the direction of their lives whilst also offering these one-of-a-kind tours to both locals and tourists alike.

“It means the world to us that we have been awarded the Best in Travel 2021 award by Lonely Planet and it’s given use a well needed boost in what has otherwise been a somewhat challenging year.”

Australia – A year on from the devastating bush fires, the country has been recognised for the amazing community restoration work, including the coordinated effort from The Nature Conservancy Australia, to help the rainforests, sapphire coasts and endemic wildlife rise from the ashes.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said: “There is no doubt that this has been the most challenging year our industry has faced, having to first deal with the impacts of last summer’s bushfires followed directly by a shutdown of travel due to COVID-19. 

“But in response to these challenges, we really have seen the best examples of the Australian spirit shining through particularly as people across the country rallied behind those communities both directly and indirectly impacted by the bushfires, with so many extending offers of support.

“That spirit of resilience has really endured as recovery efforts have continued, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is heartening that this has been recognised as part of these awards.”

Travel is always changing. Best in Travel 2021 champions people who make travel a force for good, all the more essential in a year when COVID-19 has disrupted and deprioritized travel, having a devastating impact on local communities.

Rather than delivering a destination bucket list, Lonely Planet has focused on how people travel now: outdoors; in family groups; purposefully; with careful attention to the communities they will explore. 

“We are taking the chance to re-emphasise what we are here for and why: our mission remains to be a trusted travel companion. One that inspires, informs, and guides, while being in sync with travel wants and needs,” said Cabrera.

Lonely Planet celebrates projects ranging from restoration of the Australian bush, to conservation in Rwanda, revitalization of Medellín in Columbia and the introduction of progressive solutions in Gothenburg.

From community projects in Ireland, to cultural diversity in San Diego and storytellers providing fresh perspectives, Best in Travel 2021 highlights how tourism can regenerate more responsibly once we emerge from the pandemic.

The full Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2021 List is:

Best in Sustainability

  • Best City Stay – Gothenburg, Sweden. Topping the Global Destinations Sustainability Index, the city has introduced a range of progressive and measurable solutions to achieve fossil-independence by 2030.
  • Best islands – Palau, Pacific Ocean. Progressive policies and protective measures have put the pristine archipelago at the vanguard of environmental sustainability.
  • Best Accommodation – Grootberg Lodge in Etendeka Plateau, Namibia. A luxurious low-impact lodge helping to preserve lion and black rhino populations through community empowerment.
  • Best Cycling – Virginia Mountain Bike Trail. A nearly 500-mile trail across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail gives bike-packers a low-impact way of interacting with the environment.
  • Best Food Destination – Greece. Organic produce markets and island seafood makes it an unintentional leader of the world’s most sustainable food.
  • Best Train Journey – Rocky Mountaineer. This slow-travel option has reduced its Co2 emissions by 18 tonnes per year, increased onboard recycling and introduced initiatives to protect of local wildlife.
  • Best Emerging Destination – Antigua & Barbuda. On the front line of climate change impact, the islands have made sustainability a priority, banning single-use plastics and styrofoam and established a ‘Green Corridor’ of environmentally friendly businesses.
  • Best Conservation Programme – Rwanda.  The International Gorilla Conservation Programme has brought back the wild mountain Gorilla population back from the brink of extinction.  
  • Best Walks – Le Vie di Dante, Italy (Roads of Dante). An epic 245-mile network of trails completable only by foot or bike.
  • Best Storyteller – Soraya Abdel-Hadi. The Soraya.earth blog and social media channels combine a love of travel with a desire to protect the Earth.

Best In Community

  • Best Tour – Invisible Cities A UK city walking tour company and social enterprise providing people affected by homelessness the opportunity to become tour guides in their own city, while also generating funds for homeless projects.
  • Best Restoration – Australia. Following the worst bushfire seasons in history, the rainforests, sapphire coasts and endemic wildlife are slowly rising from the ashes thanks to a number of community restoration efforts.
  • Best Tourism Project – The Burren Eco Tourism Network, Co Clare.  Bringing over 60 local enterprises together to become a global leader for sustainable tourism.
  • Best Accommodation – Kazakhstan.  Rural villagers are trained in hospitality to provide homestays while acquiring fresh economic opportunities for the local community.
  • Best Immersion – Faroe Islands. The close-knit community provides personable, home-hospitality tourism and invites voluntourists to help preserve the natural landscape.
  • Best Revitalisation – Medellín, Colombia. Transforming from the world’s most dangerous city to its most innovative through community-driven revitalization.
  • Best Trekking – Tesfa Tours, Ethiopia. Locals lead perspective-altering treks through the extraordinary landscapes and homestays.
  • Best Storyteller – Hesham Moadamani. Berlin based tour guide for Refugee Voices Tours uses his personal experience of fleeing the Syrian civil war, drawing parallels between the current Syrian conflict and the history of migration in Germany.
  • Best Small Business – Footprint Café, Siem Reap Cambodia. A social enterprise blending wholesome Khmer cuisine and a unique approach to coworking and community empowerment.
  • Best Expat Storyteller – Georgette Jupe, Girl in Florence. Through the lens of local artists and artisans her blog offers travellers a deeper connection to Italy’s most culturally significant city.

Best In Diversity

  • Best Under-Explored History – Gullah Islands, USA. The isolation of the islands allowed the Gullah and Geechee people to foster the most comprehensive African cultural heritage in the USA.
  • Best Cultural Diversity – San Diego, California. A diverse artist haven, cultural hot spot beach city shaped by the Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican and American communities.
  • Best Welcoming Destination – Amman, Jordan. Its origins stemming from Levantine and Bedouin traditions, the famed Jordanian hospitality is what gives the capital city its soul.
  • Best Emerging Voice – Gabby Beckford. Founder of the Young Travellers Network and cofounder of the Black Travel Alliance seeking to empower travellers and increase Black representation in the travel industry.
  • Best Accessible Destination – Costa Rica.  Strict accessibility laws ensure Costa Rica is a wheelchair user’s paradise.
  • Best Multi-generational destination El Hierro, Canary Islands.  This far-flung, go-slow jewel of Spain is an environmentally minded escape that enamours travellers of all ages.
  • Best Indigenous food – Hiakai restaurant, Wellington, New Zealand. Māori-Samoan chef Monique Fiso brings native ingredients and Indigenous cooking techniques to the fine dining stage.
  • Best Inclusive Storyteller – Jeff Jenkins The Chubby Diaries blog provides practical information for plus-sized travellers.
  • Best Inclusive Tours – Wheel the World, California. A travel company that empowers people with disabilities to enjoy travel experiences in over 30 destinations, in 15 countries.
  • Best LGBTQ+ Storytellers – Amsterdam-based bloggers A Couple of Men share insight on LGBTIQ-friendly travel destinations with the aim to inspire and motivate travellers.

Lonely Planet started the process for the 2021 Best in Travel list by seeking nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, photographers, videographers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and, like the rest of the travel world, Lonely Planet hit the pause button. But other things changed too. The conversation surrounding diversity took a decisive shift. The future of travel moved towards small-group engagement and decades-old issues like over-tourism came back to the forefront. As a result, Lonely Planet’s picks fit this new approach and are tailored for travel in 2021.

In addition, Lonely Planet is inviting readers to add nominations for their favourite people and places that are shaping the future of travel this year and beyond. Voting is open from today on the Best in Travel website and Lonely Planet will announce the Reader’s Choice Awards winners in January 2021.

For more information on the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2021 list,  visit www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

Award destinations can also be explored with Lonely Planet’s Guides app for free and on social media channels #BestInTravel

The Welcoming shares in funding to prevent destitution

Scotland takes steps to mitigate UK funding policy

A further £278,784 is being made available to six organisations supporting people subject to No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). 

The grants will support projects in Edinburgh and Glasgow which are helping people subject to the UK Government policy which imposes conditions on someone due to their immigration status and restricts access to welfare, housing, and financial support.

The projects receiving support focus on access to essentials, including food, clothing, essential travel and digital access.  Outreach and advocacy support will also be delivered to help people understand and access essential services and maintain support networks. 

The Scottish Government has repeatedly urged the UK Government to suspend its policy to enable people to access public services and health advice during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is a second round of funding and brings the total grants awarded through the Immediate Priorities Fund specifically for NRPF support during COVID-19 to £553,174.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “These projects are part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to provide support for everyone living in our communities during COVID-19 and contribute to our overall response to the pandemic.

“The Scottish Government as well as many stakeholders have urged the UK Government to lift No Recourse to Public Funds restrictions during the pandemic, so far without success.

“Given the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it is crucial that people can access public services and also health guidance, the majority of which is provided online, keep in touch with friends, family and networks and access the accommodation and support they need to be safe.”

The six organisations receiving funding are:

  • Community InfoSource
  • Govan Community Project
  • Refugee Survival Trust
  • Refuweegee
  • Positive Action in Housing
  • The Welcoming

All are based in Glasgow, except for The Welcoming, which is in Edinburgh.

The funding support is for a 12 week project proposed by the grant recipient in response to the immediate needs of people who have limited support options due to NRPF restrictions.

Under the first round of grants, £274,390 was distributed between the six organisations to support 12 week projects which ran between April and July.

Further support is available to people subject to NRPF through wider COVID-19 response, including:

  • the £350 million Communities Funding Package announced in March (which the Immediate Priorities Fund is part of) provided funding to local authorities and third sector organisations to support people across communities.  This new funding is not restricted by NRPF.ince 23 March, the Scottish Government has provided more than £1.5 million to third sector organisations to enable them to provide emergency hotel accommodation and support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  This includes people who are rough sleeping or have NRPF.
  • £20 million has been made available to local authorities as a flexible fund to tackle financial insecurity.  This is not restricted under NRPF and Local Authorities can use this funding to support people unable to afford essentials like food or fuel; they can also top-up Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payment allocations.
  • a discretionary payment, equivalent to the Self Isolation Support Grant, can be provided to people with NRPF who are working on low incomes and would lose earnings where they need to self-isolate.

New report warns of deepening poverty crisis threatening Scottish families

  • Aberlour report reveals a level of poverty that is ‘fundamental and absolute’ with majority of families requesting emergency cash to buy food, utilities and clothing
  • 6 in 10 families who applied to the fund could not afford to feed their children
  • 1 in 2 families could not afford to heat their homes

Scottish children’s charity, Aberlour has published a new report which warns thousands more families are at risk of falling into poverty due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aberlour issued the warning after the true extent of increased demand on its Urgent Assistance Fund was revealed in the new report, which was prepared by Professor Morag Treanor from the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University.

Between March and August this year the charity gave out over £370,000 in emergency cash grants, with demand for the fund increasing by over 1,000% based on the same time period last year, while the value of grants given out increased by 52%. In total 3,264 children were supported by the fund.

Analysis of the cash donations has revealed that applications for funding came from 31 of the 32 Local Authorities across Scotland[1] from families that were desperate for help, with the majority of applications coming from the Glasgow area. Almost all of the applications received were for basic essentials from families who were unable to afford to feed their children (60%), unable to afford to keep their homes warm (50%), and who couldn’t afford to clothe their children adequately (29%).

The report also found that 71 per cent of the applications were made by single parents, despite single parent families only making up 25 per cent of the population in Scotland[2]. Meanwhile, Aberlour found the number one reason for families requiring emergency cash was because of parental mental health issues (17% of families), which shows the hugely negative impact the pandemic is having on people’s mental health.

Other applications were for bedding, baby supplies or to replace essential white goods in the home including fridges, washing machines and cookers.

The recent labour report release by the Office of National Statistics (on 10 November) has found that the UK’s unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in the three months to September, up from 4.5%, and redundancies rose to a record high of 314,000 during the same period pushing more families towards the edge of poverty.

This November Aberlour has launched its urgent ‘Surviving Winter Appeal’ to raise funds that will go towards tackling poverty and inequality across Scotland.

SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive of Aberlour Children’s Charity warned: “When the lockdown started, we feared that it would have a devastating impact on families living in or on the edge of poverty. This has sadly proved to be the case. 

“While our services have continued to support children and families throughout Scotland, and our supporters have donated magnificent sums to our Urgent Assistance Fund, we need to continue to raise more money to sustain our vital work and reach more families at risk of falling through the cracks.”

Professor Morag Treanor from the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University who wrote the report, said: “What is striking here is that all of the applications made to the Urgent Assistance Fund were for basic essentials that are needed to survive.

“This demonstrates that there is a level of need across families in Scotland that is really quite fundamental and absolute, and on a higher scale than we have seen for some time.”

A family support worker, who referred many families to Aberlour, said: “It was particularly tough for the families referred to Aberlour who had been doing quite well and managing fine financially, and never had to worry about the benefit system.

“All of a sudden, they or their partner lost their job, and they couldn’t afford to pay the bills or put food on the table. That for them was a huge shock; when you have gone from managing, feeling really quite confident about your monthly budget, and then that just falls down overnight.

“It wasn’t just the financial impact, but the emotional impact too. One parent came to us and asked, how do I feed my children?! I have no money left. That was the biggest change from COVID, families who have never struggled before, their worlds were suddenly torn apart.”

Case study – Sue’s story

Sue lives in Falkirk with her husband and six children. Sue first found out about Aberlour three years ago. Her son Luke, who was only 11 at the time, was having problems at school.

He has ADHD and autism, and it was clear to her that he wasn’t getting the support he needed with his education. No one was listening to her, until Angela, a Support Family Worker from Aberlour stepped in. Angela’s job is to help children like Luke and their families with whatever issues they may be facing, before they get out of control.

Together, Angela and Sue worked with the school so Luke could have the same opportunity to thrive as every other child. As Aberlour says, “A bad start shouldn’t mean a bad end”. Luke’s situation began to improve, and he started to do much better.

Then COVID hit.

Now Sue didn’t just have to deal with Luke’s issues – she also had to worry about where the next meal was coming from. Her husband was furloughed, so their income took a heavy hit.

Bills and debts began to mount up, and feeding the children became a big challenge. Her family tried to help with the grocery shops whenever they could, but they were forced to start using a foodbank. The family also started to struggle to find enough money to keep the electricity meter topped up, and the warning beep was a constant reminder that money was about to run out.

It was then Sue decided to get back in touch with Angela. She helped Sue access an emergency cash grant from Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund, which meant she was able to buy food to feed the children and top up the electricity meter to keep them warm. They are also working together on a longer-term plan to get on top of the family’s finances.

Sue said: “Before lockdown things were starting to get back on track for us. Don’t get me wrong, we still had our ups and downs but we were coping and Luke was doing much better.

Then, when COVID hit, things quickly started to get worse. I was embarrassed about what people would think when I started using the food bank, and on top of that with the whole family at home and a new baby to keep warm our utility bills were much bigger than before. I just felt hopeless. 

The help we got was absolutely fantastic. I can’t think how I would have done it without Aberlour. It’s more than just help for the children, it’s emotional help for us as well. I know that Angela will always be there at the end of the phone. She was there for us before the pandemic, during lockdown, and I know she will still be there whenever I need her help in the future.”

To donate, please visit: www.aberlour.org.uk/survivingwinter

UK Government secures 5 million doses of Moderna vaccine

  • UK Government concludes negotiations with Moderna to secure access to 5 million doses of its promising coronavirus vaccine
  • vaccine could be delivered to the UK from Spring 2021, if approved by the medicines regulator
  • deal increases total number of doses secured by the UK to 355 million, as part of the government’s strategy to build a diverse portfolio of promising vaccines

The UK government has completed negotiations with biotech company Moderna to secure access to 5 million doses of its promising vaccine, enough for around 2.5 million people, the Business Secretary announced last night.

If it meets robust standards of safety and effectiveness and approved by the medicines regulator, the vaccine could be delivered to the UK and Europe as early as Spring 2021 with the potential for the government to procure more doses next year.

This would follow the first deliveries of the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Oxford University/AstraZenece vaccines which, once final data from their phase 3 clinical trials has been published and if they receive regulatory approval, could be available before the end of the year.

The agreement is part of the government’s strategy to develop a diverse portfolio of vaccines, increasing the UK’s chances of securing access to a promising vaccine. Today’s deal means the government has put in place agreements with 7 different developers and has secured 355 million vaccine doses, giving the UK the best possible chance of protecting the public from coronavirus as soon as possible.

The news comes as Moderna today publishes initial data showing that its candidate is nearly 95% effective in protecting against COVID-19, with no safety issues identified to date. The safety data is still to be released by Moderna to show whether the vaccine is both safe and effective.

Until a vaccine is found to meet robust standards of safety and effectiveness, the public must continue to take necessary actions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including following the Hands, Face, Space guidance and other public health advice.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma (top) said: “Today’s announcement is on top of the 350 million doses the UK has already secured from a range of other vaccine developers, putting us towards the front of the international pack on a per capita basis.

“The speed at which scientists around the world have worked on a vaccine has been incredible, and it is thanks to their ingenuity that we are on the cusp of one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent years.

“While this is exciting news, I urge the public to not be complacent – we are at a critical point in the pandemic and in order to save lives we must continue to follow guidance by maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks and washing our hands regularly.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news and an encouraging step forward in our fight against COVID-19.

“We have moved swiftly to secure 5 million doses of this hugely promising vaccine meaning we are even better placed to vaccinate everyone who will benefit should the rigorous safety standards be met.

“But we are not there yet. Until science can make us safe, we must remain vigilant and keep following the rules that we know can keep this virus under control.”

Moderna is currently conducting phase 3 clinical trials of its vaccine and is using mRNA vaccine technology.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has started a rolling review of Moderna’s vaccine. MHRA will carefully and scientifically review the safety, quality and effectiveness data once it has all been submitted to determine how it protects people from COVID-19 and the level of protection it provides.

The data must include results from the lab and clinical trials; manufacturing and quality controls, product sampling, and testing of the final product.

Once they have thoroughly reviewed the data, the MHRA will seek advice from the government’s independent advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines. They will critically assess the data too before advising the government on the safety, quality and effectiveness of any potential vaccine.

The MHRA is globally recognised for requiring the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for any vaccine.

Chair of the government’s Vaccine Taskforce Kate Bingham said: “Today’s news from Moderna is very encouraging. The Moderna mRNA vaccine has posted excellent efficacy data to date from its initial phase 3 readout. The vaccine uses mRNA technology demonstrating that these novel vaccines are showing early promise in being effective against COVID-19.

“The government has now signed agreements with seven vaccine developers to secure the most promising vaccines for the UK. The government’s Vaccine Taskforce are pursuing a portfolio approach to obtaining vaccines for the UK across different vaccine formats, to maximise the chances of finding safe and effective vaccines.

“We will continue to monitor the field of promising vaccines, and are very encouraged by the effectiveness shown by these early frontrunners, but we must remain vigilant to the fact that no vaccine is yet approved for use by regulators.”