Gail Porter has formally launched LOVE Gorgie Farm’s Big Christmas Mission appeal, looking to bring some festive cheer to children and young people in need.
The Edinburgh-born celebrity has joined LOVE Learning, the education and social care charity that owns the farm, to reach out to the community and urged it to play its part by donating wrapped toys, clothing, food, and anything else they can spare.
An invite has also been extended to any local businesses or organisations that would like to get involved. These can be emailed on christmas@l-o-v-e.org.uk
If donating, please label to advise on age, sex, and product description to ensure it goes to the right recipient.
These can be donated at LOVE Gorgie Farm and there is also a GoFundMe page to make it as easy as possible for people to donate: https://bit.ly/33dXVrw
In addition to this, money raised from a series of activities in December will go onto support LOVE Gorgie Farm and the valuable work it is doing to support vulnerable children and their families.
Starting tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December) it will be creating a Santa’s Grotto within it’s stables. The Grotto will cost £10 per child and includes a gift to take home.
On Wednesdays each week, low-income families who are already users of LOVE Learning’s services be able to enjoy the Grotto for free.
Alongside this, they will also be hosting a 1-2-1 small animal handling experience for £15 per child. This will grant recipients access to the animals for half an hour and comes with a souvenir photo.
There will be a virtual light switch on today to celebrate the beginning of the Big Christmas Mission appeal.
Gail said: “This is a fantastic appeal and I would urge everyone who feels able to dig deep and do what they can to support children and families in need. I was delighted to visit the farm earlier this year just before it reopened and have very fond memories of it as a child.
“This is a fantastic charity doing valuable work in the local community and I am delighted to see it continue this through the Big Christmas Mission appeal.”
Lynn Bell, CEO of LOVE Learning, said: “We are seeking to brighten up Christmas this year for children and families in need and are asking for generous donations to help bring some much-needed joy.
“It has been a tough year for everyone and no more so than for our children and young people, so please give what you can, whatever that may be.
“Help us to bring the LOVE back to Christmas this year and for many years to come.”
48% of Scottish charities reported a decrease in income this year, as a result of the pandemic
Almost two thirds (61%) of Scottish charities experienced an increase in demand this year, more than the UK average of 55%
Almost a half (47%) of Scottish charities anticipate further demand over Christmas
Across the UK, homelessness/refuge charities saw an 81% increase in demand since the pandemic, followed closed by mental health service charities (77%)
According to the latest report by leading match-funding charity, the Big Give, half of Scotland’s charities would usually secure more than a quarter of their voluntary income during the Christmas period, while a staggering 22% would typically raise between 50 – 75%.
But this year, it’s a very different story as demand will outweigh donations, as almost half (49%) expect donations this year, and over the next 12-months, to be lower than usual.
“We run a Giving Tree at Christmas, ensuring that children who ordinarily would not get a gift do. Last year we handed out over 10,000 gifts to children in the North East of Scotland, we expect demand for this [charity service] to increase this year, as more people are pushed into poverty and having to make real choices, do we eat, do we pay bills or do we buy our children gifts.” – reported one of the Scottish charities which took part in the survey
Christmas is a critical time for charity fundraising, this year more than ever before.
The Big Give saw a 24% increase in applications for their annual match funding campaign, the Christmas Challenge, which offers the public the opportunity to have their donations matched between 1-8 December.
This year charity income was badly impacted by Coronavirus, as high street charity shops have been closed and fundraising events cancelled. The report, in which over 1,000 UK charities were surveyed, reveals that almost half (48%) of Scottish charities reported an income decrease.
“During Lockdown, we had to close our shops, which is our source of income, in order to support our charitable work and the foodbank …” – reported one of the charities which took part in the survey.
Christmas has always been a critical point in the year for vital fundraising, as 50% of the Scottish charities who participated in the survey said that they usually raise a quarter of their annual voluntary income in December, while 22% raise a staggering 50-75% of their income.
Donations aren’t meeting demand
During the year, almost two thirds (61%) of Scottish charities saw an increased demand in their services. And sadly, it’s only predicted to get worse, as the pandemic puts a further strain on charity resources; almost half (47%) anticipate an increase in demand for their services during the Christmas period.
“Our foodbank remained open and we delivered food parcels to those who were isolating. The demand has grown hugely. In order to reopen we had to spend money on ensuring that our shops were safe for customers to return to and for our staff and volunteers to work in. We have reduced the amount of stock in the shops so that we can make them safe, therefore reducing our income.” – reported one of the charities which took part in the survey
Charities are using a variety of tactics to cope but thousands could close
More than one in 10 (13%) of Scottish charities have had to make staff redundancies, while over a quarter (26%) will be restructuring the charity, as preservation measures.
In the UK, 60 of the 1,000 surveyed (6%), are considering mothballing or closing completely. Extrapolated across the sector, this could mean the closure of around 10,000 charities. Smaller charities are particularly vulnerable.
“We are teetering on the edge of collapse if we can’t raise enough funds this Christmas.” – Reported a London-based child welfare charity
James Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive of recruitment company REED, and Trustee of The Big Give,commented:“The disruption caused by Covid-19 is hugely challenging for the charity sector. We are approaching an alarming crunch point where many worthwhile organizations might fail for lack of funds. Now, more than ever, both charities and their beneficiaries need and deserve our support.
Reed added: “Charitable campaigns, such as The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge, provide a vital lifeline for charities and this report clearly highlights why giving this year, no matter how small your donation, is more important than ever.”
Homelessness and refuge charities, and those supporting people’s mental health are particularly vulnerable this Christmas.
While almost a third (31%) of charities across the sector in the UK have already experienced a “double whammy” of decreased voluntary income and increased demand for services since the pandemic, homelessness/refuge charities saw the greatest demand, up 81% since the pandemic hit, followed closed by mental health service charities (77%)
Tom Kerridge, Michelin-starred chef, author and TV presenter, who is backing this year’s campaign, through the charity Only a Pavement Away, commented: “Christmas highlights how important friends and family are and this year more than ever, the idea of not being able to spend it with your loved ones is sad for everyone.
“So imagine being homeless, having no close friends or family to spend it with and that sense of loneliness on what should be a day surrounded by love. This year more than ever, the plight of homeless people is so important and charity is key at this time of year.”
The net effect of Coronavirus has been a decrease in volunteering
Almost half (43%) of Scottish charities reported a decrease in volunteering since the pandemic, likely linked to the lockdown and the social distancing measures put in place. Only 13% of charities have reported an increase, despite community morale being at an all time high, the circumstances of the year has made physical support extremely difficult.
Volunteering at Christmas is likely to be affected as well. The worst-affected sector across the UK this year is Cancer, with charities reporting an 82% reduction in income), followed by hospitals/hospices (79%), animal welfare (67%) and older people (64%).
“As our schemes require face-to-face contact with volunteers, approximately two-thirds of our current volunteers have been unable to volunteer over this period. Our greatest need at present is for new volunteers without underlying health conditions who will be able to volunteer and meet the increasing demand for our services.” – reported Open Homes Nottingham, who provide accommodation for homeless 16 – 25-year-olds
Smaller charities are hardest hit
The decrease in income has hit smaller charities hardest, with the smallest (income under £100k) reporting an average decrease of around half (51%) of their total income. With those charitable cause sectors experiencing the largest drops in income so far, being Armed Forces/veterans causes, sports/recreation, cancer and older people.
Some areas have been worse affected than others, with charities in the South West (76%), East Midlands (69%) and Wales (69%) reporting the greatest reduction in income.
The report was compiled following a survey of 1,011 UK charities was conducted as part of research for the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s largest online match funding campaign. Since 2008, the Big Give has raised over £135m for charities through match funding. At a critical time for the sector, the 2020 campaign will support over 750 charities across a broad range of sectors, geographies and size.
A number of Scottish charities are participating in the campaign including:
This year, the Big Give Christmas Challenge has been endorsed by more than 20 celebrities, including Jo Brand, Sue Perkins, Sir Michael Palin, Tom Kerridge and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, to name a few, all of whom feature in the campaign’s official video – https://youtu.be/nTO-NsK__Gc
For further information on the Big Give Christmas Challenge, or to donate, visit: theBigGive.org.uk
Netflix UK now carries BBFC age ratings on all films and TV shows.
Innovative industry partnership between regulator and streaming services brings UK families trusted age ratings and guidance.
Nine in 10 parents find BBFC age ratings on Netflix useful in helping them to choose content well for their family.
Netflix is the first streaming service in the UK to carry a BBFC age rating on all TV seasons and feature films on the service, helping families choose content with confidence.
The innovative partnership between a streaming service and the regulator, an industry first, has now reached the joint goal of 100% coverage of BBFC age ratings on the platform. This milestone has been welcomed by Caroline Dinenage, Minister of State for Digital and Culture.
Netflix applies BBFC Guidelines standards to content, with the BBFC setting those standards and auditing ratings to ensure consistency. Netflix have now populated their entire catalogue of original and acquired content with BBFC age ratings, giving families in the UK trusted age rating guidance and advice.
David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “With people spending increasing amounts of time online, it’s more important than ever for families to have clear, consistent advice on content so they can choose well.
“This innovative partnership with one of the biggest services in the UK has allowed us to do just that – and we’re delighted that Netflix’s entire UK catalogue now carries BBFC age ratings, which people know and trust. No matter what families choose to watch, they can watch with confidence.”
Jessica Stansfield, Director of Ratings Policy and Compliance at Netflix, said: “We wanted our members to see the same trusted age ratings on our service as they recognise from cinema and DVD – to simplify the process of choosing content, however they watch. We’ve been working closely with the BBFC for nearly a decade now, and we’re excited that our partnership has moved to the next level.
“BBFC age ratings are trusted in the UK, and together we’re now providing our members with the information they need. Our continuing partnership with the BBFC allows us to ensure our members always press play on content that is right for them and their families.”
According to recent BBFC research, nearly nine in ten (88%) of parents find BBFC age ratings on Netflix useful in helping them to choose content well for their family.
Caroline Dinenage, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: “This government is committed to ensuring new technology is safe for everyone to enjoy and we are keen to see online platforms doing all they can to protect children.“
Putting the BBFC’s trusted ratings on all shows and films on Netflix will help parents and young people make the right choices to avoid age-inappropriate content. I welcome this partnership and urge more streaming services to take similar steps.”
Families can now choose content safe in the knowledge that everything they press play on is rated to trusted, high BBFC standards. Netflix’s parental controls are also powered by BBFC data. Netflix has also improved its parental controls based on BBFC data and member feedback.
Parents can now:
pin protect individual profiles to prevent kids using them;
tailor their kids Netflix experience by filtering out titles that are not appropriate for their age based on BBFC ratings;
remove individual series or films by title. When this filter is used, the blocked title(s) won’t show up anywhere in that profile.
easily review each profile’s setting using the “Profile and Parental Controls” hub within account settings;
see what their kids have been watching within the profile created for them; and
turn off auto play of episodes in kids profiles.
David Austin added: “We hope that others will follow Netflix’s lead and provide comprehensive, trusted, well understood age ratings and ratings info, consistent with film and DVD, on their UK platforms. Our research shows a great demand for consistent age ratings, with 94% of parents saying it’s important to have consistent ratings across all video on demand platforms, rather than a variety of bespoke ratings systems. That’s why we’re committed to working in partnership with the industry to ensure that families in the UK get the age rating guidance and advice that we know they need, and want.”
John Adams, dad of two and blogger at Dad Blog UK, said: “I feel this is a great achievement from Netflix and the BBFC, because viewing habits have changed significantly over the last decade. As a family we are more likely to sit down and watch a film together at home than go to the cinema, all the more so during the Coronavirus pandemic when opportunities to get out are limited for all families. It’s very reassuring to know that every film and TV series on the platform carries a trusted BBFC age rating.”
Jodie Fisher, mum of three and blogger at jodiefisher.co.uk, said : “As a mum of three little girls, I think it’s important to be conscious of age ratings, as it’s all too easy to just click on a film because it looks suitable for your family, or even yourself, then figure out it isn’t. I’m really pleased to see Netflix have reached this milestone, and now has BBFC age ratings on all their content – it certainly makes me feel much more confident when choosing what to watch with my family.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a one-off payment for Scotland’s lifesavers and care-givers on the frontline throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A pro rated payment of £500 will be made as soon as is practicable to all NHS and social care workers employed since 17 March 2020 – including staff who have had to shield, or who have since retired.
This investment of around £180 million will see over 300,000 staff gain some benefit from this bonus, including nurses, porters, doctors, primary care staff, homecare workers, care home staff, hospice staff and residential child care staff.
The First Minister said: “Back in the spring, at the height of the first wave of COVID, many of us publicly – and often loudly – showed our appreciation for the work our NHS and social care staff were doing.
“The applause was important, but it was never enough. Our appreciation must be shown in a more tangible way.
“We’re in the early stages of negotiating a new pay deal for NHS Agenda for Change staff for 2021/22. The UK Government’s public sector pay policy will not make that task easy, but we will do our level best to give NHS staff the pay increase they deserve. However, these negotiations will take time to conclude.
“Those who have worked in our hospitals and care homes – at the sharpest end of the COVID trauma – deserve recognition now.
“So I can announce today that, on behalf of us all, the Scottish Government will give every full time NHS and social care worker £500 as a one-off thank you payment for their extraordinary service in this toughest of years. Those who work part time will get a proportionate share.
“The money will be paid in this financial year and it will be separate from any negotiations about pay for the longer term. There are no strings attached.
“Of course, a payment like this can never come close to expressing our full admiration for those who have cared for us so heroically. But to our health and care workers, it is a demonstration of what we collectively owe you – and a heartfelt thank you for the sacrifices you have made.”
The pro rata £500 bonus scheme, which will be funded from the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 support package, applies to employees employed since March 17, for:
All NHS Employees, including:
staff who have been active in the NHS since 17 March 2020 but who have since left NHS employment, including retirees
staff who accepted and worked on temporary contracts since 17 March to aid pandemic response but who have since left NHS employment, including students who worked under temporary contracts but who have since returned to University
staff covered by the Two Tier Agreement
General Practitioners and their practice teams, including 2C practices
Staff providing NHS services under independent contractor arrangements including:
GP surgery staff
NHS Dental surgery staff
NHS pharmacy services staff
NHS optometry staff
Staff working in Adult Social Care including:
Care home staff
Homecare staff
Palliative care/hospice staff
Adult Personal Assistants
Social care staff in residential child care settings
Social Workers (including those working with children and families and in criminal justice)
One in five are not connected to the internet, missing out on a simple way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones
Everyone is asked to show solidarity by posting purple pictures
With just four simple steps, more disabled people could get online for Christmas
The UK’s leading disability charity, Leonard Cheshire, is calling on the public to take part in a new social media campaign, raising money to help disabled people get connected with their loved ones at Christmas.
To combat the loneliness around half disabled people feel, LeonardCheshire is asking everyone to show how they see purple, the recognised colour of disability. Posting a purple themed picture, connecting with four friends to do the same, and donating £5, can help a disabled person who feels isolated get online this Christmas.
There are four simple steps to get involved:
Post a picture incorporating the colour purple
Use the hashtag #ISeePurple
Donate £5 to Leonard Cheshire
Tag four friends to do the same
Just £25 is enough to get a disabled person online. Launching the campaign ahead of International Day of Persons with Disability 2020 (3rdDecember), Leonard Cheshire is inviting the public to show how they see purple, whether that’s through their clothing, make-up, furniture, or just out and about in their day-to-day lives.
The coronavirus pandemic means many of us are feeling more isolated. But for one in two disabled people loneliness can be an everyday reality. One in five people with a disability have no access to the internet. Around half don’t have a computer or smartphone. With lockdown restrictions in place, many disabled people face a lonely Christmas[1].
Hugh Fenn, managing director of UK services at Leonard Cheshire said: “It’s been a tough, and lonely, time for us all. No one has felt the impact of this pandemic more than disabled people.
“Technology can help the people we support keep connected and feel less lonely in these challenging times, which is why our #ISeePurple campaign is raising funds ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.”
People aged 60 – 64 will be invited to receive the seasonal flu vaccine from 1 December as part of the largest flu immunisation program ever delivered in Scotland.
The most effective way to protect against flu this winter is continuing to prioritise those who are most at risk, especially in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
With vaccination for the first phase of the flu programme well under way, eligibility is being extended next to those aged 60-64.
Those entitled to the flu vaccine will receive an invitation letter by post from their health board letting them know where they can receive the vaccine and how to book an appointment.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicola Steedman said: “Flu is serious in itself, but with COVID-19 also circulating in the community, getting a flu jab is more important than ever.
“For those who may be concerned about going to get the flu vaccine, we can assure you that there will be strict infection and prevention control measures in place at delivery sites to protect you.
“The vaccine is safe, and the best protection we have against flu. This year more than ever it is important that those invited for vaccination take up the offer to protect themselves, their family and, where possible, the NHS. I’ve had my vaccine already, and would urge all of those who are eligible, including the new group of 60-64 year olds, to get one too.
“We will continue to adapt our approach to any changes that occur throughout flu season, always prioritising those most at risk from flu, as well as seeking to protect the NHS.”
The National Theatre of Scotland has won a UK-wide award from sight loss charity RNIB for ‘using its time, resources and skills to support the blind and partially sighted community during the coronavirus crisis’.
Scotland’s national theatre company was shortlisted under the ‘Best Corporate Response’ category of the charity’s See Differently ‘Coronavirus Heroes’ Awards.
The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the people and organisations who have stepped up to help, support and find solutions to the challenges faced by people with sight loss and their communities during the pandemic.
RNIB Head of Integrated Marketing Lorna Forbes said: “Although 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year, there have been some amazing acts of kindness and support that have played a significant role in helping others through a tough time.
“Our awards recognise these amazing achievements and say thank you to these outstanding individuals and organisations.”
National Theatre of Scotland’s Artistic Director Jackie Wylie said: “We are delighted to have won one of the RNIB’s Coronavirus Heroes for our work to support audiences during the ongoing pandemic.
“At the National Theatre of Scotland, we are committed to ensuring all of our projects are accessible to everyone, including blind and partially sighted audiences. The importance of providing access to culture for isolated people across the country, especially during such a uniquely challenging time, cannot be overstated, so to be recognised for the work on our COVID-responsive digital season is an honour.”
In response to the lockdown, the National Theatre of Scotland developed ‘Scenes for Survival’ – a programme of digital performances exploring personal journeys of lockdown life, created with accessibility as a priority.
The free shows were made available to audiences throughout the summer garnering more than 16 million views across all platforms to date and remain available to watch for free through the National Theatre of Scotland website.
Audio-described versions of shows were available on the Theatre’s YouTube channel and website. All were are also subtitled, while the series is being regularly updated on its website with individual British Sight Language (BSL) introductions to performances.
‘The Scenes for Survival’ programme was created in association with BBC Scotland, Screen Scotland, BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine project and Scotland’s leading theatre venues and companies, with support from Hopscotch Films.
£100 million package will help communities at risk
Funding to help people pay for food, heating, warm clothing and shelter during the winter is part of a new £100m support package.
The fund will help those on low incomes, children and people at risk of homelessness or social isolation cope with winter weather and the economic impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and Brexit.
The Winter Plan for Social Protection, announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, will also address domestic abuse and digital exclusion.
COVID-19 has had a significant negative effect on Scotland’s economy hitting jobs and living standards hard – and Brexit will exacerbate the situation.
With winter approaching, some of Scotland’s most at-risk communities are facing rising costs for food, fuel and other essentials.
Key elements of the plan include:
£22m for low income families including £16m to give the low income families of an estimated 156,000 children in receipt of free school meals a one-off £100 payment by Christmas
£23.5m to help vulnerable children through additional support for residential and care homes, social work, and the Children’s Hearing system
£15m for the Communities and Third Sector Recovery Programme to support the work of local organisations
£5.9m to promote digital inclusion for older people, support social isolation and loneliness and to promote equality
£7m to help people who are struggling to pay fuel bills
£5m to help those at risk of homelessness find a settled home
The Winter Plan for Social Protection also includes £15m of flexible funding for local authorities entering COVID-19 protection level 4 – announced by the First Minister earlier this month – which can be used to pay for food and essentials.
The First Minister said: “We will shortly become the only part of the UK to give low income families an extra £10 per week for every child – initially for children up to age 6 and then for every child up to age 16.
“This has been described as a game changer in the fight to end child poverty. The first payments will be made in February, but I know that for families struggling now, February is still a long way off.
“So I am announcing today a £100 million package to bridge that gap, and help others struggling most with the impact of COVID over the winter months.
“It will include money to help people pay their fuel bills and make sure children don’t go hungry. It will offer additional help for the homeless, and fund an initiative to get older people online and connected. And it will provide a cash grant of £100 for every family with children in receipt of free school meals.
“The money will be paid before Christmas and families can use it for whatever will help them through the winter.
“That could be food, new shoes or a winter coat for the kids. Families will know best what they need – that’s not for government to decide.
“Initiatives like this are not just about providing practical help to those who need it most – they are an expression of our values and of the kind of country we are seeking to build.”
The £100m Winter Plan for Social Protection has been developed to mitigate social harms posed by the concurrent risks of COVID-19, winter cost of living increases and EU exit, as well as to promote equality and human rights.
The full breakdown of the £100m fund is:
Support for families on low incomes (£22m)
Supporting services for children and young people (£23.5m)
Enhancing capacity within the third sector and communities (£15m)
Funds for local authorities moving into level 4 (£15m)
Further help with fuel costs (£7m)
Further investment in strategic national food activity (£2m)
Further investment to support people affected by homelessness (£5.14m)
Increased digital inclusion through Connecting Scotland for older people, support for social isolation and loneliness and strategic investment to promote equality (£5.91m)
A campaign on benefit uptake and income maximisation (£0.25m)
Reserve fund to meet potential pressures (£4.2m)
End Child Poverty members in Scotland welcomed the First Minister’s announcement today committing to provide low-income families entitled to free school meals in Scotland with a £100 per child payment.
Amidst rising child poverty and the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, this package of financial support for families whose children are eligible for free school meals will bring some welcome relief.
Speaking on behalf of End Child Poverty members in Scotland, Peter Kelly, Director of Poverty Alliance in Scotland, said: “It has been clear that children and families struggling to stay afloat through the pandemic cannot wait for the Scottish Child Payment for the lifeline support they need.
“So, it is very welcome that the Scottish Government has listened to people living on low incomes and organisations across Scotland, by committing to cash grants to support families through winter.
“For many fighting to keep their heads above water amid a rising tide of poverty, the cold winter months are bringing deeper hardship. This payment will act as an anchor to help them weather the storm until the rollout of the Scottish Child Payment.”
For many months End Child Poverty members in Scotland have been calling on both the Scottish and UK Governments to act urgently to get money into the pockets of struggling families, to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic and consequently the concerning rise in child poverty. We are pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our calls and committed to supporting families most in need.
Getting cash directly into the pockets of families ensures dignity, respect and choice for families, recognising that families themselves are best placed to decide how to provide for their children. Working directly with children and families every day, they tell us the difference having money in their pockets means for them.
Many families across Scotland have been facing a long and difficult winter of increasing financial uncertainty and anxiety about how to pay their bills or feed their children. The Scottish Child Payment will not be fully rolled out until 2022, so this additional payment for those families will help bridge the gap between now and then.
Today’s announcement will go some way to alleviating the financial stress and anxiety for many families over the coming weeks and months.
However, there is currently no detail about how families with only pre-school aged children will benefit from today’s commitment or families with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, and this must be clarified. We also continue to call on the Scottish Government to commit further to increasing household incomes for struggling families who will continue to face much more uncertainty and financial insecurity during the pandemic and beyond.
We also continue to call on the UK Government to commit to making the temporary uplift to Universal Credit of £20 per week a permanent lifeline for families, beyond April next year. This permanent uplift should also be applied to legacy benefits and Tax Credits.
We believe today’s announcement is a good first step towards getting the desperately needed and vital financial support into families’ pockets. As we look towards next year and beyond there is much more needed if Scotland is to meet its child poverty targets. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to help them achieve this.
