It’s National Houseplant Day (really!) and novice plant parents have been warned about six of the hardest houseplants to keep alive.
Plant pros from GardeningExpress.co.uk have revealed some of the houseplants that prove difficult to keep flourishing without doing the right research or having the correct equipment.
In order to keep miniature roses alive indoors, growers would have to mimic outdoor growing conditions for this high-maintenance “houseplant” which would require humidifiers, grow lights and even a miniature fan.
Orchids also have a reputation for being quite difficult to grow, as the tropical plants have specific needs including a particularly sparse watering schedule.
A spokesperson for Gardening Express said: “Thanks to Instagram, houseplants are more popular than ever, but it’s not always as easy as popping a plant where it looks nicest and watering it when you remember.
“Some are more high maintenance that others, and we’ve revealed six of the hardest to keep alive without properly considering their specific requirements.”
1. Boston Fern
This lush, leafy plant can give your home serious jungle vibes – as long as you can successfully mimic the growing conditions of its first home, the tropical and sub-tropical rainforests. Without warmer temperatures, high humidity, and lots of filtered light, a sad fern will shed its leaves.
2. Miniature Roses
If you buy one of these plants in a pot, it typically needs to be moved outdoors within two weeks in order to thrive. Otherwise, you’ll have to mimic outdoor growing conditions for this high-maintenance “houseplant” which would require all sorts of equipment – a humidifier, grow light and even a miniature fan.
3. Orchid
Characterised by their colourful blooms and slender stems, orchids have a reputation for being quite difficult to grow. The tropical plants have quite specific needs – namely bright, indirect sunlight and a sparse watering schedule.
4. African Violets
African Violets love humidity, which is why many people place them on top of steam radiators. You could also place bowls of water among your plants, place their pots in a tray on top of a bed of wet gravel, or let them sit in the water that drains out of the pots after you water the plants.
5. Zebra plant
Many homeowners admire these plants for their glossy white-veined leaves and yellow blooms, but the showy houseplants require tediously specific growing conditions including a consistent temperature, humidity and moist soil.
6. Cheese plant
Although some sources claim this tropical plant is easy to grow, the truth is that you must do quite a lot to keep it flourishing. The iconic holes in this plant’s leaves will not form on new leaves if the plant receives too much sun, so you have to experiment to find the perfect spot in the house.
Scots are being urged to seek support and advice from Home Energy Scotland to reduce heating bills and make their homes warmer and more energy efficient, as increasing numbers of households seek advice on ways to cut energy bills.
A recent survey shows that with more people working from home since the start of the pandemic, almost half of those (44%) worry this will lead to an increase in unaffordable energy bills.
The Scottish Government-funded Home Energy Scotland advice service has seen a significant increase in demand since July 2020. The average number of calls to the free advice service has risen by 95% compared with the same six-month period last year. In its busiest weeks, calls were up more than 200% on the same dates in 2019.
Through Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government offers support and funding to help reduce bills and save energy. This includes help worth up to £5,000 to make homes more energy efficient through the Warmer Homes Scotland programme.
Help is still available for householders throughout lockdown, with strict safety protocols in place for installation of essential home heating measures under this programme.
People are also encouraged to contact Home Energy Scotland to find out how they can make their home more energy efficient. Interest-free loans with cashback of up to 75% are available for a variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or a new renewable heating system.
Loan offers are valid for a year so householders in mainland Scotland can prepare now for installations when lockdown is lifted.
Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Kevin Stewart, said: “We want to ensure that people are able to get all the help and support available to them to keep warm and safe in their home especially during the winter.
“That is why we acted quickly and have taken action to ensure that appropriate support is available for those struggling with increased household energy bills as a result of the pandemic.
“I am really pleased that our award winning Home Energy Scotland service has adapted its approach during the pandemic and has continued to provide a range of free impartial advice and support for anyone concerned about paying their energy bills. I would urge anyone struggling with their fuel bills to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland.”
Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland, said: “Home Energy Scotland helps householders with both practical and financial support. This year calls to our helpline have risen sharply, with more than 2,000 people turning to us each week for advice on how to reduce their heating bills, save money and keep their household warm.
“As well as financial support, our advisors help customers identify practical savings they can make at home, either by changing the way they use energy or carrying out energy-saving home improvements. We can also help people access further support through our network of partners across health, social care and other areas of advice.”
Home Energy Scotland from the Scottish Government provides clear and impartial advice on reducing bills and saving energy – call 0808 808 2282 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org
Amazon and charity partner, Magic Breakfast, enlist Countdown presenter Rachel Riley for a special class with Castleview Primary School in Edinburgh
Amazon extends partnership with Magic Breakfast to provide healthy breakfasts for children across the UK, including school holidays; since the start of the pandemic Amazon has delivered more than two million meals
Magic Breakfast is among the thousands of charities around the world receiving millions of items through product and monetary donations from Amazon this festive season
Before the holidays pupils at an Edinburgh school enjoyed a very special Christmas surprise when their usual teachers were joined by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley. The TV star hosted a special maths class for the pupils at Castleview Primary School as part of Amazon.co.uk’s “VIB – Very Important Breakfast – Clubs”.
Co-hosted by Magic Breakfast – a charity which provides healthy breakfasts and wrap-around support to tens of thousands of children in disadvantaged areas of the UK, the exclusive, celebrity surprise lesson was created to mark the two millionth meal delivered by Amazon this year alone and forms part of a Christmas programme of donations by Amazon.
The VIB Club at Castleview Primary School is part of a series that will also include celebrity guest lessons at schools in Doncaster, Brent, Scunthorpe and Poole. The clubs will then be made available on the Amazon.co.ukYouTube channel to bring some Christmas magic to all children for free this festive season.
“No child should be too hungry to learn, and we’re proud to help Magic Breakfast deliver meals to children at risk of hunger. When COVID-19 meant schools had to close, we made it our mission to reach as many children as possible at home, delivering food parcels directly to the doorstep of thousands of vulnerable children,” said Rachel Seaward-Simpson from the Amazon Customer Services Centre in Edinburgh.
“This Christmas, we have created Very Important Breakfast Clubs to bring joy to children, schools and families across the UK, underpinning our ongoing commitment to deliver fuel for learning across the rest of the school year, including the holidays.”
“It was so cool to have a celebrity teach us in our class and Rachel was really nice,” said a pupil at Castleview Primary School. “She made the maths lesson super fun and gave us tips of how to spot prime factors in the real world.”
Clare Langley, Head Teacher at Castleview Primary School, added: “Amazon and Magic Breakfast do important work in our community and the breakfast clubs have been an essential part of our pupils’ lives, particularly during COVID-19.
“The support our school has been given by both Amazon and Magic Breakfast has been amazing and our pupils had the lesson of their lives with Rachel Riley this week. On behalf of the staff, boys and girls at Castleview Primary School, I’d like to thank Amazon, Magic Breakfast and Rachel for an unforgettable experience.”
Rachel Riley commented: “I believe all children deserve a healthy and happy start to their day so I’m taking part in these Very Important Breakfast Clubs with Amazon and Magic Breakfast.
“I hope I can also show children that maths can be fun with my special lesson about discovering prime numbers and factors in the world around us.”
Stars Surprise Schools with VIB Clubs
To start the day with a lesson like no other, children at five Magic Breakfast partner schools in Doncaster, Poole, Brent, Scunthorpe and Edinburgh, will be surprised with virtual visits from:
● Joe Sugg, one of the UK’s biggest YouTubers and 2018’s Strictly Come Dancing runner-up, will be joined by his partner Dianne Buswell totreat the class to a cha-cha-rming dance lesson in the first VIB Club
● Professor Green, the multi-platinum rapper and songwriter and mental health advocate, will be getting down with the kids to come up with some new rhymes in his freestyle rap session.
● Dr Ranj Singh, the NHS doctor and BAFTA award-winning TV presenter, will be beamed in with a brain-busting lesson in biology.
● Rachel Riley, Countdown presenter and the nation’s favourite mathematician, will be playing the numbers game in her lesson, showing maths is ‘easy as Pi’.
● Lia Lewis, British freestyle footballer and TikTok superstar, will kick-start the school day by teaching freestyle flair. With shin bounces, sole stalls and rainbow flicks all on the lesson plan, it will be a PE class with the wow factor!
Schools and families around the country will be able to enjoy the VIB Club lessons on the Amazon.co.ukYouTube channel for free this Christmas.
Feeding Bodies and Minds
Magic Breakfast, an Amazon.co.uk charity partner since 2016, provides healthy school breakfasts to children in disadvantaged areas of the UK to combat food poverty as a barrier to education.
When schools shut last year due to COVID-19, Amazon worked with Magic Breakfast to deliver food parcels directly to the doorsteps of thousands of children around the UK.
Last week the company announced that it has delivered two million ‘magic breakfasts’ to vulnerable children across the UK this year, and will expand its partnership to continue to deliver healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger throughout the rest of the school year and school holidays.
Amazon is also helping Magic Breakfast digitise classrooms, providing thousands of children with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) equipment including coding robot kits and programming training.
Customers can support Magic Breakfast by donating here: www.magicbreakfast.com/donate/magic-breakfast; or by choosing Magic Breakfast as their charity on Amazon Smile (available on desktop and app), where customers can shop with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to a charity of their choice.
“We’ve worked with Amazon for over four years and in 2020 alone, together we’ve delivered two million breakfasts to vulnerable children which is just astonishing,” said Alex Cunningham, CEO of Magic Breakfast.
“After a challenging year, ending with the cancellation of many school celebrations, we hope that our VIB Clubs with Amazon will give children a reason to smile this Christmas, as well as raising funds and awareness for the most vulnerable in our communities. None of this would have been possible without our partnership with Amazon, so thank you to Amazon for their unwavering support and helping us end a difficult year with some Christmas magic.”
Amazon’s Festive Giving
Magic Breakfast is among the thousands of charities around the world receiving millions of items through product and monetary donations from Amazon this festive season. Across Europe, Amazon committed €21 million to support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and in the UK,as well as increasing support for Magic Breakfast, Amazon.co.uk is donating to help organisations which are supporting communities directly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
These donations include delivering STEM gifts to children supported by Barnardo’s; supporting DePaul with the essential work the charity does to provide emergency housing, item donation and support structures for families and young people; helping the British Red Cross with its logistical support for the NHS including delivering medicine and getting patients home from hospital, as well as providing thousands of care packages for the elderly and isolated. Amazon is also working with NHS Charities Together, to provide gifts for children who are in isolation or cannot leave hospital this Christmas and to support the elderly during the festive season, as well as supporting Home Start by sending Christmas donations to local branches of the charity across the UK.
Helping Customers Give Back While They Shop
AmazonSmile makes it easy for customers to support a good cause this Christmas at no extra cost to them. While shopping for gifts, Amazon customers can support Magic Breakfast or any one of more than 30,000 participating UK charities by visiting smile.amazon.co.uk or by activating AmazonSmile in the Amazon app on iPhones and Android phones under “Programs and Features” (after selecting a charity via smile.amazon.co.uk).
AmazonSmile has the same low prices and convenient shopping experience customers have come to expect from Amazon, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to a charity of your choice. AmazonSmile has donated more than £5.5 million to UK charities and more than £175 million globally to hundreds of thousands of charitable organisations.
Customers can support Magic Breakfast by donating here:
or by choosing Magic Breakfast as their charity on Amazon Smile (available on desktop and app), where customers can shop with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to a charity of their choice.
Education expert welcomes new help but says inevitable rush by schools to access what’s on offer will slow delivery
The UK Government’s last-minute decision to close schools to the vast majority of children has again highlighted the so-called digital divide – the large number of homes where there are insufficient digital devices for pupils to work on – or no broadband connection at all.
About 9% of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home, according to Ofcom. More than 880,000 of them live in a household with only a mobile internet connection.
But pupils in England who have no access to laptops have now been designated ‘vulnerable’, the Department for Education has said, meaning that they can continue to attend school for face-to-face learning during lockdown.
And Three UK, which has an 11% market share of mobile subscriptions in the UK, said on Tuesday that it would provide unlimited data upgrades to disadvantaged schoolchildren in England until the end of the school year in July, amid pressure on others to do the same.
There is an existing DfE scheme for disadvantaged children who do not have access to a home broadband connection to temporarily increase their mobile data allowance. Schools, trusts and local authorities need to request the support on a pupil’s behalf.
As for the tablets themselves, the Department for Education says it had delivered more than 560,000 devices to schools and councils in England between the start of the pandemic and the end of last year, though there have been widespread complaints from schools that the numbers promised have not arrived.
Ministers say they aim to have delivered a further 100,000 laptops and tablets to schools by the end of this week to help it reach its overall target of 1 million devices.
Former primary school teacher Oli Ryan of education resources experts PlanBee, which has produced learning packs to help parents having to home-school their children, says: The government scheme looks pretty good – at least in theory.
‘In addition to laptops and tablets which schools and local authorities can order, they can also get 4G routers, apply for extra data allowances on parents’ mobile phones, and get their entire school set up on either Google or Microsoft’s virtual classroom learning platforms,’ he says.
He continued: ‘There’s training available for staff on distributing, setting up and using all the tech, too. The site says that once a school has registered that they are closed due to outbreak, or supporting a vulnerable child learning from home, they can get the tech delivered within two days of placing an order.’
But he warns that although the government technology offer is now better established than during the first lockdown, there are likely to be significant delays getting the technology into the hands of those who need it most: disadvantaged children.
‘It’s bad enough that learning is being interrupted for all pupils, as teachers scramble to prepare remote learning materials, but even worse is the fact that, once again, it’s the children in poorer families who will suffer for longer while they wait for laptops, tablets and 4G routers to arrive.’
He says that had the decision to close schools been made sooner, and more notice given, schools could have placed orders in time for the start of the new term.
‘Now, many primary schools and local authorities will all be applying for laptops at the same time; there are bound to be issues with delivery as a consequence.’
PlanBee’s Learn at Home Packs each contains eight lessons with teacher-led teaching input videos, parent-friendly friendly lesson plans, slideshow presentations and printable worksheets.
‘We hope these packs will take some of the pressure off parents who are new to home schooling. They’re designed specifically for mums and dads, so there’s no educational jargon. Educating your children at home can seem a pretty daunting prospect, but with these packs, we think we’re helping with the heavy lifting.’
He added: ‘We have kept the need for technology to an absolute minimum, but all education providers have to rely on it to some extent, even if it’s only to download PDF worksheets.
‘The Government needs to get the digital divide sorted – and fast.’
PlanBeehaveput alesson videosup online for FREE, so you can get a taste of what’s included in the packs. And there are lots of free teaching resources for parents here.
Following Thursday’s scenes at the Capitol, twitter made the following statement on Friday:
After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them — specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter — we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.
In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.
However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement.
The below is a comprehensive analysis of our policy enforcement approach in this case.
Overview
On January 8, 2021, President Donald J. Trump Tweeted:
“The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!”
Shortly thereafter, the President Tweeted:
“To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.”
Due to the ongoing tensions in the United States, and an uptick in the global conversation in regards to the people who violently stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, these two Tweets must be read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the President’s statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks.
After assessing the language in these Tweets against our Glorification of Violence policy, we have determined that these Tweets are in violation of the Glorification of Violence Policy and the user @realDonaldTrump should be immediately permanently suspended from the service.
Assessment
We assessed the two Tweets referenced above under our Glorification of Violence policy, which aims to prevent the glorification of violence that could inspire others to replicate violent acts and determined that they were highly likely to encourage and inspire people to replicate the criminal acts that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
This determination is based on a number of factors, including:
President Trump’s statement that he will not be attending the Inauguration is being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the election was not legitimate and is seen as him disavowing his previous claim made via two Tweets (1, 2) by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Scavino, that there would be an “orderly transition” on January 20th.
The second Tweet may also serve as encouragement to those potentially considering violent acts that the Inauguration would be a “safe” target, as he will not be attending.
The use of the words “American Patriots” to describe some of his supporters is also being interpreted as support for those committing violent acts at the US Capitol.
The mention of his supporters having a “GIANT VOICE long into the future” and that “They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!” is being interpreted as further indication that President Trump does not plan to facilitate an “orderly transition” and instead that he plans to continue to support, empower, and shield those who believe he won the election.
Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021.
As such, our determination is that the two Tweets above are likely to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6, 2021, and that there are multiple indicators that they are being received and understood as encouragement to do so.
Now also facing impeachment,just how the outgoing President will respond remains to be seen – but it certainly won’t be on Twitter!
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK
Dry January
This month is Dry January, when lots of people around the UK stop drinking alcohol for the month and try to address the effects of overindulgence during the festive season. If you have not yet joined in, it is not too late!
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure, some types of cancer, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other long-term conditions. Whether you are taking part in Dry January or not, Heart Research UK wants to help you manage your drinking habits for a healthier you in 2021.
Understand alcohol units Alcohol content varies between different types of drink and different brands of similar drinks. Check the labels so you know exactly how many units are in each serving of your chosen tipple. Go online to find easy-to-use unit calculators to help you track your intake over the week and compare drinks. Alcohol units | Alcohol Change UK
How much can I safely drink? For men and women, the maximum recommended alcohol units each week is 14, spread over 3 or more days. If you are pregnant it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol at all. Drinkaware provide assessment tools that you can use to track the amount you are drinking: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools
Stay on track Try to keep yourself on track by regularly reminding yourself of the health and financial benefits of cutting down on drinking. Avoid temptation by removing alcohol from your home or hiding it away. Even if you are not seeing friends and family in person, you can connect with people online who are also trying to cut down or quit drinking to provide support and motivation. By telling other people about your intention to control your drinking, you are more likely to stick to it.
Manage your drinking during the pandemic Many people have increased the amount of alcohol they consume at home during lockdown and it may sometimes feel that there is little else to do. Instead of drinking, focus on positive activities, such as setting physical activity goals or learning a new skill.
Alternatives to Alcohol Develop your taste for alcohol free alternatives, such as reduced calorie soft drinks and squash, herbal teas or water with slices of lemon, lime, mint leaves and ice. Try making your own mocktails or mix things up with some sparkling water or tonic water as an alternative to alcoholic bubbles and garnish with chunks of fresh fruit to add colour.
Reward yourself for your success Decide on a reward that will motivate you to achieve your goal and keep reminding yourself about it whenever you are tempted to have a drink. Avoid using alcohol as a reward.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning members of the public to watch out for insurance scams that continue to exploit the financial loss people are facing as a result of the disruption of Covid-19.
Currently at least one insurance scam takes place each minute in the UK leaving victims devastated and costing honest consumers more than £3 billion each year. There are concerns the current economic climate could see this figure rise further.
The IFB which is at the heart of the UK’s fight against organised insurance fraud has identified several scams that the public should be aware of.
Delivery driver job ad scams
IFB Investigators have noticed more fraudsters are exploiting the state of the job market by using recruitment as a tool to phish for personal information and insurance details from job applicants.
Most notably, this has been seen with bogus delivery driver roles which are frequently being advertised on social media and some classified ad websites.
Job seekers will be told that their application has been successful and then asked to hand over their details, leaving them with their identities stolen and their insurance policy being used to help facilitate ‘Crash for Cash’ scams – often used to fabricate road traffic collisions.
With more people out of work due to the disruption of Covid-19 and a surge in demand for delivery services, job applicants should be extra cautious of any suspicious looking job ads.
Compensation scams
This is when a fraudster or unscrupulous firm contacts someone out of the blue to tell them they may be entitled to compensation.
If convinced, victims will hand over their personal details which can be used to steal their identity or bank funds, or they could be encouraged to take out a fraudulent insurance claim.
With record numbers out of work or losing money due to the disruption of Covid-19, these scammers may offer to recover financial losses incurred as a result of the pandemic.
‘Ghost Broker’ scams
A ‘Ghost Broker’ is a fraudster who poses as an insurance provider to sell unrealistically cheap fraudulent insurance deals, typically through social media and online ads.
Some ‘Ghost Broker’ fraudsters have also been found to be promoting deals that are exclusively for Key Workers.
‘Ghost Broker’ scams are rising. The IFB has seen its percentage of investigations into the issue double in recent years. Research also shows one in three 18-24 year-olds has seen a suspicious insurance advert on social media.
Ben Fletcher, Director of the IFB, said:“Insurance fraud thrives in times of financial hardship and the continued disruption of Covid-19 sadly keeps bringing opportunities for fraudsters to target those most vulnerable. From the elderly to key workers, we’ve seen them get targeted.
“It’s never been more important for the public to remain vigilant to the slew of scams out there. If anyone sees something that doesn’t look right, they should report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline straight away on 0800 422 0421.”
Evidence of an insurance scam can be reported to the IFB’s confidential and anonymous Cheatline (powered by Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421 or online.
The IFB uses information from Cheatline reports to work with insurers, the police and industry watchdogs to help fight fraud, keep people safe and keep consumer costs down.
More information on a wide range of common insurance scams can be found on the IFB’s Stop the Scams campaign page.
Happy New Year! – Szczesliwego Nowego Roku – Feliz Ano Novo – Un An Nou Fericit -Bonne année – Glückliches Neues Jahr – Eutychismenos o Kainourgios Chronos – Feliz año nuevo -Shuvo noboborsho – Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu – Bliadhna Mhath Ur!
We hope you brought the new Year in in style, including playing our very own version of Auld Lang Syne and by making suitable resolutions.
Saying goodbye to 2020, let’s look forward with positivity and enthusiasm for what is to come, for this is the year we do it. This is the year we move in to Victoria Primary School and make it the hub the growing Newhaven community wants and needs. How are we going to do this and how can you help?
Things to look out for:
FEBRUARY
The launch of our Crowdfunding campaign:
Help us kickstart our Heart – Help us create a centre for you!
The first phase will identify the immediate essential work required to bring the building into use and our appointed architect will be working with the community to design age-friendly spaces to meet the needs of all users.
If you can give even a small amount to ensure our plans for the community go smoothly, then please do so and encourage all your friends and neighbours to do the same. Whether it’s contributing towards the necessary lawyers’ fees or for the installation of a lift to the first floor, everything will be put to good use. You’ll be able to read all about it in the next newsletter.
SPRING
The launch of our ‘gardening and greening project’ still to be named – watch this space project, a brand new community project run by our ever-expanding group of volunteers. Several of our volunteers who ticked “gardening” in the volunteer choices, have been busy working on this and we look forward to being able to introduce it to everyone very soon.
Then there’s our very first AGM as a SCIO. Members will be able to have a real say in what happens next. Watch out for an announcement about the date and time and method.
JUNE
The next round of the Scottish Land Fund grants. Our application will be among the many to be decided once the new Scottish Parliament to be elected in May gives the go-ahead for the fund to get going again. We’ve already had very positive vibes from the SLF so we have great hopes that our application will meet with success.
That’s just the first half of the year. Imagine what the second half has in store!
Our New Year’s Resolution was to take HoNC from strength to strength and for that, as usual, we need your help.
We want to know what you thought of the community initiatives we ran before Christmas. Did you participate in Newhaven Neighbours (still running, by the way), Newhaven Sings or Newhaven Lights Up ?
We want to know if we’re getting it right or, if not, what we could have done better.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty writes about the UK’s battle with Covid-19
We have faced several grave moments during our battle against coronavirus. But right now, the country is perhaps facing the most serious yet.
The new, more transmissible variant of this disease is spreading rapidly across the country and having tragic consequences.
On Monday the 4 UK Chief Medical Officers and the NHS Medical Director recommended raising the national alert level to the maximum of level 5 for the first time.
This means that without further action there is a material risk of our healthcare services being overwhelmed within 21 days.
Since then the situation has deteriorated further.
Hospitals are always busy in the winter but the NHS in some parts of the country is currently facing the most dangerous situation anyone can remember. If the virus continues on its current trajectory many hospitals will be in real difficulties, and very soon.
This means that the time people wait for care will continue to increase to potentially unsafe levels, hospitals won’t have room to take redirected emergency cases in regional networks, staff to patient ratios which are already stretched will become unacceptable even in places likes intensive care.
There will be avoidable deaths. NHS staff are doing their absolute best, and working remarkably; we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude, but even they have limits.
The public have made an extraordinary effort so far. Of course we are all tired of restrictions, but we need to find the collective strength to get through this critical stage and save as many lives as we can.
The advice right now is unambiguous: to drive the numbers down, we must stay home except for work, exercise and essential activities. Every unnecessary interaction you have could be the link in a chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end.
These restrictions will not last forever. Science has delivered new vaccines, drugs and tests, with more on the way, in record time. People will be reunited. Vaccines and new treatments offer us hope and a clear way out. But we are not there yet, and should not act as if we are.
We still have weeks to go before vaccines will start reducing COVID deaths and, some weeks later, the number of people being hospitalised. We cannot afford to let our justified optimism for the future come at the expense of difficult action today.
That means for now staying home and avoiding all unnecessary contacts. By following the rules, we will save lives and help normal life return more swiftly.
Doses to be administered at over 1,000 GP practices and community centres
Many more people will receive the first dose of the Oxford/Astrazeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine in GP practices and community vaccination centres across Scotland from tomorrow (Monday)
The vaccine, approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 30 December, has already been administered in primary care settings in NHS Tayside, Lothian, Orkney and Highland.
First doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will now start to be administered in GP practices and community centres across the rest of Scotland this week.
Scotland has an allocation of 533,640 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in January. These doses are available for local order and delivery to the different parts of Scotland over January.
Those aged 80 years and over will be invited to attend for vaccination by their local NHS Board or GP practice via a letter or by phone.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The delivery of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is a major development for the biggest vaccination programme we have ever delivered.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued efforts to ensure the pace of the programme continues. Next week I will update parliament with further logistical detail of the vaccination programme.
“We have over 1,100 vaccination sites, including over 750 GP practices with a growing core of over 3000 trained vaccinators to deliver the vaccine. When it is your turn to be vaccinated you will be contacted by your local health board and I urge you to please take up the offer.
“Please do not contact your GP but wait for your letter or phone call. And please remember that when the time comes for your second dose, it is crucial you get it as this is vital for longer term protection and to complete the course.
“As ever, we are dependent on the vaccine supply and we continue to explore all possible options to speed up the delivery of all vaccine and bring forward timescales where possible.
“This work, alongside our expanded testing strategy, rigorously complying with restrictions where we live and adhering to the public health guidance, is essential to protect those most at risk and minimise further impact on the NHS and social care services.”
The number of people being treated for coronavirus in Scotland’s hospitals reached another record daily high yesterday.
Latest figures show a total of 1,596 people are in hospital with Covid, up from Friday’s figure of 1,530.
93 Covid-related deaths were recorded on Saturday, the same number as Friday which was the highest daily figure of the pandemic so far.
