Month: November 2020

Next steps for controlling capital’s short term lets

The Council has published its response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on short term lets. It welcomes the announcement that draft legislation on proposals is expected to be considered by Parliament next month.

The report, which will be considered by councillors at Tuesday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee (1 December), broadly welcomes the Scottish Government’s approach to a new licensing regime and planning control areas and outlines what is required to happen next to allow the Council to implement both licensing and planning controls after the new legislation comes into force next spring.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Earlier this year I wholeheartedly welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that our call for a new regulatory scheme had been successful. Since then there has been a consultation on proposals and the government has confirmed a draft will be considered by Parliament in December with new legislation being brought in next spring. All of this progress has been in direct response to our hard work in pushing for the powers we know we need to deliver for our communities.

“We’re seeking some clarification on some technical issues regarding implementation and are still working on how these powers can help us control the number of short term lets in the city through a combination of planning and licensing policies.

“We’re pleased that, through new short term let control areas, we’ll be able to control the number of short term lets in the city as properties being let out in these areas would automatically require to have ‘change of use’ planning permission in place.

“It’s also good news that when people apply for a licence we can ask for evidence that they have that permission. This is something we’re very keen to do and our ‘Choices’ consultation for our next local development plan – ‘City Plan 2030’ – showed overwhelming support for control zones.

Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Great progress is being made to tackle this issue we have campaigned so hard to address. This is so important as short term lets have reduced the city’s housing stock, hollowed out communities and caused numerous issues for residents such as noise and other anti-social behaviour.

“It’s important though that we manage expectations just now as there’s still a lot of work to be done when the legislation is approved later this year to implement the right licensing regime and planning controls for Edinburgh.

“I look forward to the draft legislation going before Parliament in December and legislation becoming a reality in April so we can use the new legislation to improve the lives of many of our residents throughout the city.”

Further information:

  • The Scottish Government proposes that the licensing system be delivered by local authorities but the regulations will specify a minimum licensing scheme which will be mandatory. Local authorities will have the power to introduce licensing conditions from a specified list of options to address local issues of concern.
  • The Scottish Government’s proposals would not allow the licensing system to control the numbers of short-term let properties by imposing a cap or limit. 
  • Rather, it is the short term lets control area that would be used to manage high concentration of short-term let properties.
  • The proposed regulations would allow planning authorities to designate all or part(s) of their area as a control area.
  • Within such a designated area, the use of a dwelling house for secondary letting will always be deemed to involve a material change of use and requires planning permission.
  • This is consistent with the Council’s desire to have a method of managing high locational concentrations of short-term let properties and clarifying the planning process for such changes of use to bring a simpler approach.
  • The proposals also address a key Council principle about ensuring a joined-up Planning and Licensing approach by including a mandatory condition for licence applications which would require the host to confirm that they have applied for, or obtained planning permission (if required), that it remains current and that they are complying with any planning conditions.

Teachers say Scottish Government is failing to support school safety

85% of teachers working in level 3 and 4 areas believe schools should move to a blended or remote learning model to protect the safety and welfare of pupils and staff, and over three-quarters (77%) believe their school remaining fully open is a political decision, rather than one based on safety.

76% of teachers across the whole of Scotland said they do not feel the Government is providing the necessary support for them and their school during the pandemic.

A survey of over 700 teachers across Scotland by NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, found serious concerns over the adequacy of the health and safety measures in place in schools and the level of protection currently being afforded to pupils and staff.

67% reported that pupils in their school have displayed symptoms of Covid-19, with just over half (51%) saying that classes or year groups had been sent home because of suspected or confirmed cases of the virus.

57% said staff in their school have displayed Covid symptoms.

Only a quarter (25%) of teachers feel the control measures introduced in their school are adequate with only just over a third (34%) saying they feel confident in the way their school is dealing with suspected or confirmed cases of Covid.

Just under half (49%) of teachers say they feel unsafe or very unsafe in their school, versus 16% who say they feel safe or very safe.

The survey also highlights the impact of the pandemic on teachers’ workloads, with nearly four in five (79%) saying their workload has increased or substantially increased compared to the same point last year. Remote learning preparation was cited as the biggest driver of increased workloads, with 74% saying they have been expected to develop and deliver remote learning provision in addition to their existing workload.

74% cited their current levels of stress and anxiety around work as high or very high.

Patrick Roach,NASUWT General Secretary,said:

“The NASUWT wants schools to remain open, but to remain open safely, with additional measures which prioritise the safety and welfare of pupils and staff.

“We believe that a move to blended learning with smaller class sizes in areas with the highest rates of Covid should be part of the strategy to managing and suppressing the virus, along with greater protections for clinically vulnerable staff and enhanced safety mitigations.

“We need better data on case numbers in schools, a system of inspection and enforcement of safety measures, rigorous protocols on self-isolation when cases do occur and more funding and resources for schools to ensure safety is not compromised on the grounds of cost.

“The challenges of developing and adopting blended and remote learning are clearly having an unsustainable impact on teachers’ workloads, which is why funding for additional supply teachers is needed so that schools can maintain consistent and high-quality learning provision for pupils learning in the classroom and at home.”

Jane Peckham, NASUWT National Official Scotland, said:

“Teachers do not feel the Government is doing enough to support their safety and that of the pupils they teach and feel ministers are failing to fully recognise the tremendous pressures they are facing in continuing to provide education to children and young people in these unprecedented circumstances.

“The failure to address these realities is risking the health and safety of pupils and school staff.

“Without action we will see more pupils being absent from school and more teachers being absent from work because of illness or because they need to self-isolate. We will also see more teachers succumbing to mental and physical burnout.

“We have already set out to minister the additional actions we believe need to be taken to protect the education of children and young people whilst ensuring that our schools can continue to operate safely.

“It is now incumbent on Government to fulfil its responsibilities to protect children, young people and all those who work in our schools.”

Breakdown advice for motorists

As the days get shorter and colder, motorists are being offered advice on what they should do if they breakdown.

The experts at LeaseCar.uk have put together their tips to give drivers a helping hand if they find themselves ground to a halt.

Advice varies slightly depending on whether cars are on the motorway or driving in the countryside, but the overriding rule is to find somewhere safe to stop.

Among other advice is to get out of the vehicle and ensure the car is visible to others on the road.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Breaking down can be overwhelming particularly if it’s cold, the weather conditions are poor and you’re not sure where you are.

“The general rules are to pull over somewhere safe and to make sure the vehicle is visible to other road users. If you have breakdown cover, call them to get the recovery in process.

“What you do next very much depends on where you’ve broken down and how vulnerable you and your passengers feel.”

Here is LeaseCar.uk’s breakdown advice:

1. Stop safely

It’s important to get your car off the road, if you can, to avoid obstructing traffic and causing any unnecessary incidents. That can be harder on a motorway but where possible pull off at the next exit or onto the hard shoulder, stopping as far to the left as you can.

2. Make your car visible

Your car needs to be visible to other motorists, particularly if it’s dark or the weather conditions are poor. Make sure hazard lights are on and sidelights if it’s dark or foggy. Do not put a warning triangle out – the priority is to get off the road.

3. Stay safe

The advice is to get out of your car using the doors furthest away from the traffic and wait behind a barrier. If you’re on a motorway, try and move up a bank where possible. Leave any animals in the car.

4. Be seen
if you have high vis jackets or waistcoats, put them on so you’re seen.

5. Warning triangles

If you’re on a motorway, do not use a warning triangle – your priority is to get away from traffic. If you’re on a quieter road and it’s safe, a triangle can be placed at least 45m behind your vehicle.

6. On a smart motorway

Smart motorways use technology to manage and keep an eye on the flow of traffic. The hard shoulder may be used as an extra lane, so if you breakdown and can’t get off the road, pull into one of the emergency refuge areas. If it’s safe, get out of the car. If you breakdown in a live lane, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and call for help.

7. In a city

Try to find a safe spot and put on your hazard lights. Open the bonnet if you can to show others you’ve broken down and you’re not just waiting by the side of the road.

8. In the countryside

If you are not causing an obstruction, there’s no need to put your hazard lights on. Instead stay in your car until recovery arrives. If you feel at risk, lock the doors.

9. In a car park

This is one of the safest places to breakdown. Open your bonnet so the recovery vehicles can find you. If you don’t want to stay with your car, wait by the entrance and you can guide the breakdown team to your vehicle.

ALDI’S FESTIVE DRINKS RANGE RAISES THE BAR!

Aldi has revealed its 2020 Christmas drinks line up featuring a number of Scotland’s most loved distillers and brewers, and includes award-winning whiskies, craft gins, limited edition cocktails and festive-themed brews.  

Whether you are looking to top up your own drinks cabinet ahead of the festive season, or that special gift for friends and family, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at your local Aldi.  

The Glen Marnoch Single Malt Whisky range starts at just £16.49 (70cl; 40%ABV) with customers able to select from the Highland, Islay or Speyside Single Malts. Alternatively, for a special treat that won’t blow the budget, why not try the recently crowned Scotch Whisky ‘Master’ award-winning Glen Marnoch 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt (£20.99, 70cl, 40%ABV). 

With Scotland now almost as famous for making great gin as great whisky, it’s no surprise to see Aldi’s gin collection featuring some of Scotland’s most talented distillers.  

Eidyn Gin is developed exclusively for Aldi by The Old Curiosity Distillery in Edinburgh, and launched earlier this year. Priced at just £19.99 (70cl; 40% ABV) this premium London Dry style gin is already turning heads, picking up a silver at the Scottish Gin Awards this November. 

The Eden Mill Botanical Project Miniature Gift Set (4x5cl; £9.99) is the perfect stocking filler for gin lovers this Christmas. The set includes a range of flavours from the Eden Mill Botanical Project including Chilli & Ginger, Plum & Pink Grapefruit, Passionfruit & Coconut along with its Scottish Dry Gin. Each of these miniatures are also available in full size 70cl bottles priced at £15.99. 

Also from Eden Mill, the Botanical Project Mulled Gin (£15.99, 70cl) makes the perfect winter warmer with an initial hit of mulled fruit followed by a gentle spiced finish. 

Bringing the bubbles to the party, the Eden Mill Botanical Project cocktail range includes Blackcurrant & Rhubarb Gin with Ginger, Blueberry & Vanilla Gin with American Cream Soda and Baked Apple & Salted Caramel Gin with Cola all priced at £1.19 per can (250ml, 5% ABV). 

And Scotland’s brewers have certainly not been left out in the cold, with a range of seasonal brews to get beer lovers into the Christmas spirit, including Cairngorm Brewery’s Santa’s Sledgehammer (£1.69, 500ml, 5.6%ABV) and Orkney Brewery’s Clootie Dumpling (£1.69, 500ml, 4.3%ABV). The range also includes Edinburgh-based brewer Innis & Gunn (10 x 440ml, £10.12) and Clan Ales Barrel Aged Ales (4 x 330ml, £10.99) 

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Scotland’s prodigious talent for brewing and distilling is recognised around the world, and with the range of exceptional Scottish beers and spirits on offer at Aldi this Christmas its clear to see why.

“We are proud to support our extremely talented and inventive Scottish brewers and distillers who have outdone themselves again with this fantastic line up of Scottish drinks perfect for the festive season.” 

The full festive drinks range is now on sale at all 95 Aldi stores across Scotland. 

Sick Pay for All petition

The TUC is spearheading a #SickPayForAll campaign.

The union body says that as we move into winter, cases of coronavirus are surging rapidly. It adds that no one should be faced with both illness and the fear of being plunged into debt.

The TUC says however that 2 million people do not even qualify for sick pay.

Its petition demands the government scrap the minimum earnings threshold for statutory sick pay, increase the weekly level of sick pay to at least £330 per week, and give employers the resources to afford sick pay for their workers.

The TUC argues that even for those who do qualify, the current payment of £95.85 a week is not enough to pay the bills. Four in 10 workers would be forced into financial hardship.

“At a time of skyrocketing cases, fixing statutory sick pay can prevent the spread of the virus and ensure millions can get paid to quarantine safely at home,” the TUC #SickPayForAll petition notes.

It adds: “No one who self-isolates should worry about putting food on the table. No one should feel forced to go to work instead of recovering from the virus. Everyone has the right to decent sick pay.”

Sign the #SickPayForAll petition. 

See the video featuring TUC safety specialist Shelly Asquith below

Scots lead the way in the UK for caring for the environment

·       73% are recycling more during Covid-19 times

·       94% say tackling recycling is an urgent task

·       96% say recycling is everyone’s responsibility

·       55% say economy currently takes priority over the environment

·       Scotland ranked first in the UK when considering the environment since pandemic began

A whopping 95% of Scottish consumers say that since the Covid-19 outbreak, it is more important than ever to take care of our planet and the environment, a European-wide study by drink can recycling initiative, Every Can Counts, has found.

The stats show that Scots are leading the way in the UK for feeling the importance of recycling in current times.

The majority (94%) of survey respondents in Scotland said it is an urgent task to tackle recycling, while 96% said that considering recycling and its importance for the planet is an obligation of all citizens and consumers, not just world leaders. Despite this however, the survey also discovered that in these uncertain economic times, 55% of Scottish consumers say that the economy is currently a priority over the environment.

In the wake of Sir David Attenborough’s latest film, A Life On Our Planet, as well as his joining Instagram at 94 and achieving one million followers in record-breaking time, it seems environmental issues are finally coming to the fore.

Within the film’s poignant and hard-hitting introduction, Attenborough says, “The natural world is fading. This film is my witness statement and my vision for the future. The story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake, and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right.” 

It seems this seed has been well and truly planted in the minds of Scots with 73% stating that, during the pandemic, they have recycled more than ever, suggesting that the increase in time spent at home has made it easier for people to do their bit and recycle more. Only 48% however, said they often or always recycle when at work and less when out and about at 45%.

Commenting on the figures, Rick Hindley, Director of Every Can Counts says, “The figures imply that given the time and correct resources, we’re all more than capable of recycling everything we can.

“It’s when we’re out and about or at work that it becomes more difficult. The findings from the survey also suggest that Covid-19 has prompted us to consider our own fragility as human beings and look at the way we treat the planet, our home.

“The Covid-19 outbreak has of course brought about devastating effects. However, as we can see from these survey results, one positive is that people are beginning to sit and up and take notice of the vital environmental issues we are facing. We do not have forever to rectify the damage that has been done to our planet. The time is now.

“Recycling – and especially recycling drink cans given that aluminium is infinitely recyclable – is something we can all do to help the planet. Over the past five years, the UK recycling rate for drink cans has increased by 16% to an impressive 76%. Our vision is to get that to 100%.”

Scottish respondents echoed this call to action with a massive 92% saying they would like to do more when it comes to recycling and 84% feeling that more needs to be done in general to encourage recycling amongst consumers.

Of the 12 UK regions surveyed as part of the wider European study, Greater London, Yorkshire & Humberside, the South West and South East came up top when quantifying the importance of recycling with scores of 80% plus, closely followed by Scotland and the West Midlands with scores of 79%.

It appears that the challenges of Covid-19 have further inspired Scots to care for the environment. 95% of Scots agreed that Covid-19 has made taking care of the planet and recycling more important than ever, the highest level of agreement recorded across all 12 UK regions, shared with the East of England.

Below: UK regions ranked in order of agreeing with the following statement: After Covid-19 it is more important than ever to take care of our planet / environment and recycle. 

1.     Scotland 95%

2.     East of England 95%

3.     North West 93%

4.     Northern Ireland 93%

5.     Greater London 91%

6.     North East 91%

7.     Yorkshire & Humberside 91%

8.     East Midlands 90%

9.     West Midlands 89%

10.  South West 89%

11.  Wales 86%

12.  South East 84%.

Give the gift of a happy dance by shopping with East Lothian independents this Christmas

Shop smart, shop local – give the gift of a happy dance, by shopping with East Lothian independents this Christmas 

The gift of a happy dance. That’s what you will be giving the owners of Buck & Birch, Seilich and Yummikeys, if you shop with them this Christmas.

Three East Lothian businesses with three real-life stories; stories that took them from kitchen-table ideas to beloved Scottish names, all with the support of a local community. 

And what do they want this festive period? For you to keep it East Lothian. 

Stocked, sold and in many cases, created locally, each brand offers a touch of Scottish magic, intertwining a respect for their hometown with products that keep customers returning again and again. 

These labours of love not only supply the best of the best, but continue to support their East Lothian by connecting and collaborating with other businesses, hiring local talent and promoting seasonal produce. Buck & Birch. Seilich. Yummikeys. The only brands to be shopping if you want to give back to your highland home. 

So, what can Santa bring you from East Lothian this year… ?

Boozy bounty from Buck & Birch 

The ethos of Buck and Birch is to go back to the source, hand harvesting ingredients when they are at their best, just like the old days. The founders are driven by passion and inquisitiveness, constantly exploring the full potential of the enigmatic ingredients found along Scottish shores, and in the local woodlands and hedgerows.  

For those who want a luxurious taste of the wilds of Scotland, the Aelder Amarosa Gift Set (£25 for 2 x 200ml bottles wrapped up in a classic box) contains two delectably fruity liqueurs to liven up any cocktail.

Aelder Elixer Elderberry Liqueur and Amarosa Aromatic Rosehip Liqueur give the sweet and spicy edge to your Christmas day. 

For the gin connoisseur? The Botanist Gin Wild Cocktail Collection (£29). 

A collaboration with Botanist Gin, the Wild Gin Cocktail Collection offers a limited-edition range of three pre-bottled cocktails, just ready for the drinking. Inspired by their shared knowledge and passion for the place they call home, flavours in The Ramble, The Amigroni and The Plants & Quincidence will never fail to transport you back to your Scottish roots.  

Something sweet from Seilich  

Skin-saving botanists, Seilich grows all plants themselves in a meadow in Scotland, creating lotions, sprays and balms utilising flower waters from native produce. Harvested organically, at least 50% of each product comes from the Seilich meadow and the rest from other vegan, organic and natural sources. The first company to gain Wildlife Friendly certification in the UK, each item is nourishing and made to suit every skin care addict, ensuring there is something sweet-smelling for everyone on your list. 

Perfect for those dipping their toe into the natural beauty world, the Complete Cleansing Set (£23) offers everything needed to create the most luxurious cleansing routine. A Wild Carrot and Camomile Cleansing Lotion and Peppermint and Camomile Gel Cleanser are paired with a sumptuously soft Tabitha Eve Organic Bamboo Flannel, to leave your face glowing and rejuvenated. Use the zingy gel morning and night, followed by the soothing cleansing lotion and finish off with a hot cloth to ensure that your favourite part of wearing make-up, will be taking it off.  

Combining Wildlife Friendly floral waters with moisturisers and botanical extracts of oat and comfrey, the divine Face Mist Set (£28) not only smells incredible but offers three skin-friendly additions to your regime. Soothing, hydrating and refreshing, each face mist can be used morning or night to add a delicate sheen and boost your skin’s moisture levels. Containing Rose and Mallow Face Mist, to nourish, Mint and Yarrow to refresh and Wild Carrot and Camomile to calm, the hardest part will be choosing which one to spritz! 

Yuletide calm from Yummikeys 

Created following a bill for lost car keys, Yummikeys is taking on the world of single-use plastic, one family at a time. With over 90% of toys ending up in landfill, founder Elspeth Fawcett’s mission was to make a toy that was not only un-put-downable for baby, but also a treasured keepsake for parents; a family heirloom to be loved from generation to generation. Safe, recyclable, engravable and most importantly, FUN, the stainless-steel teethers have garnered awards and attention along the way.   

A set of three stainless-steel animal Yummikeys interlocked with bright silicone beads, these cooling accessories are perfect for the ‘obsessed with car keys’ stage, but without all the worry. Safe, hygienic and not the predecessor to a large motor bill if lost, these keys offer hours of fun and are perfect for newly emerging teeth. For mamas who want to cherish the memories of baby for a little bit longer, keys can be engraved with name and birthdate too. Dishwasher proof and recyclable – Christmas music to our ears. £24.50 (£34.50 engraved). 

Made with mum in mind, each Ultrasound Scan Necklace is delicately engraved with your personal ultrasound image; a cherished keepsake of the time when it was just you and them. Carefully designed, each elegant disc, which comes with one scan engraving as standard, is available in silver plated stainless steel or rose and yellow 18ct gold plate (all £39.50 each).

On the back, optional dates, names and number of weeks can be added (£10 for up to 20 characters) and each necklace has the option to add more discs (£30 per), meaning you can hold all your babies close to your heart.  

Get all wrapped up, shop local and have a very, merry East Lothian Christmas!

Food and Drink industry concerns over advertising ban

I wanted to share with you a letter, written from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), as well as UK Hospitality and the Advertising Association, to the Prime Minister highlighting our concerns regarding the proposed online advertising ban consultation, announced last week.

It is co-signed by a number of our leading companies and household brands, but we are really concerned about the large numbers of small local businesses that form the backbone of our industry who will be damaged or even put out of business by this proposal.

From a local businesses’ perspective, the currently proposed advertising bans, especially online, will have large impacts on what can and cannot be advertised to a local community.

For example, under the suggested bans, it could mean that local wedding cake businesses would not be able to advertise their creations or market their products on social media platforms such as Instagram due to be classified as a product ‘high in sugar, fat and salt’.

It could also restrict or ban the promotion of a charity bake sale on a local online forum, a local butcher may not be able to promote its finest bacon and a baker would not be able to share their latest creations such as Bakewell Tarts, Cornish pasties, Scotch Eggs or Welsh Cakes.

For a newer business, which we know are already facing enormous pressure in the current climate, it may limit their ability to promote newer products. How can they raise awareness of the company or their products to consumers if they cannot promote it using advertising mechanisms?

Those signing the letter represent more than 800 food and drink manufacturers and 3,000 leading UK brands. The food and drink industry alone is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth more than £28bn to the economy, employing almost 500,000 people.

Please find our letter attached in full (see below).

Best wishes,

Rachel Bickerstaffe

Corporate Affairs Administrator
Food and Drink Federation

Could Help to Heat help someone you know?

This winter will be one of the most difficult in living memory with lockdown and increasing unemployment forcing more people to spend time in homes they can’t afford to heat and potentially ending up in hospital. Many people will use more, pay more and owe more, while earning considerably less.

Yesterday was Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and Scottish Gas Networks is raising awareness of how we can make sure our communities stay safe and warm this winter.

This includes our Help to Heat scheme, which supports those struggling to make ends meet by providing funding to connect some households to our gas network for free. In some cases, we can also fully or partially fund a gas central heating system.

According to National Energy Action (NEA), the same health conditions impacted by cold indoor temperatures will place people at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Coping strategies which people normally use to get through the cold winter months, such as only having one heated room for the family to socialise in, could also increase the spread of infection.

This not only threatens even more lives but hampers collective efforts to reduce infection and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. Some households also take risks by using unsafe heating sources such as a cooker or outdoor patio heater to get warmed up, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or start fires.

In 2017/18, excess winter deaths exceeded 50,000 across the UK, and the NEA estimates that 17,000 people died because they were unable to keep adequately warm at a reasonable cost. This winter, that figure could be far greater as people self-isolate in a cold home in response to COVID-19.

It’s important to us that our communities are safe and warm this winter and we want to help people to reduce their heating costs.

Heating a home with electricity is proven to be three times more expensive than it would be with a gas central heating system, so could you or someone you know benefit from a free connection to our gas network?

Mr R, a father of two from Winchester, received funding for a gas connection and A-rated central heating system from SGN’s Help to Heat Scheme. Mr R said: “I found the scheme while my heating was being temperamental. When we found out we could get the funding me and my wife were very happy, it was a huge relief. The heating system install was actually rushed through because eventually our old oil boiler just broke.”

The family had their brand new energy efficient heating system installed during the coronavirus pandemic, with emergency work continuing to ensure they weren’t left without heating.

“The contractors were great, I was really happy with the installation, it all ran very smoothly. I was really happy with Felicity on the phone, she took control of my install and I’m thrilled with the outcome, it worked out brilliantly!”

To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for a free gas connection and gas central heating from our Help to Heat scheme, visit sgn.co.uk/HelptoHeat, or call YES Energy Solutions on 0800 015 5174 to speak to a Help to Heat advisor.

You can also email our team at HelptoHeat@sgn.co.uk with your name and contact details.

If you’re already connected to our gas network, you can receive free independent support to assess your energy bills and consumption.

We work with established partners to help you to reduce your utility costs and help you to stay safe and warm this winter. Find out more at sgn.co.uk/extra-help

COVID: More than 53,000 heath and social care staff in Scotland seek psychological support

More than 53,000 health and social care staff have received psychological support from the National Wellbeing Hub since it was launched in May, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced yesterday.

Established during the first phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the hub supports all health and social care workers, including unpaid carers, who need help due to COVID-19, alongside a new 24/7 National Wellbeing helpline.

The hub helps people facing challenging situations at home or at work and includes digital programmes designed to help manage stress and reduce anxiety.

Trained practitioners at NHS24 offer callers to the helpline a compassionate and empathic listening service based on the principles of psychological first aid, as well as advice, signposting and onward referral to local services if required.nvnvnv

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We are all deeply grateful for the continued hard work, commitment and professionalism of those working in health and social care services. With a second phase of COVID-19 and additional winter pressures, I know our frontline workers continue to face increased anxiety and fatigue due to the unprecedented public health challenge we continue to face.

“The Hub has already helped more than 53,000 people and I hope all health and social services workers in hospitals and in the community make use of the high quality resources and advice available on managing stress and anxiety, fatigue, sleep, relaxation and exercise. For those who need one-on-one support, our wellbeing support line continues to provide around the clock help.

“I would also encourage everyone, especially those who receive health and social care support, to remember the challenges facing key workers and continue to thank them for their incredible work.

“We are continuing to monitor the impact of the pandemic on our valued workforce and will do our best to ensure that appropriate support services are put in place to help them.”

To access the helpline, health and social care staff should dial 0800 111 4191.

The National Wellbeing Hub is designed to be the first point of contact for all employed health and social care staff but also for their families, as well as unpaid carers and volunteers looking for support.