Day: January 11, 2021

Free cyber security courses for schools in Scotland

Young people aged 11-14 years in Scotland are being invited to participate in a series of free, virtual CyberFirst courses to help students explore their passion for technology and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

Created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ, and delivered in partnership with QA and the educational charity The Smallpeice Trust, the CyberFirst courses are designed to show students interested in computing and cyber security what a diverse range of career paths are available in the field and to help them develop the skills they need to excel.

The content is structured in a way that aims to harness every student’s individual potential whilst delving into the ins and outs of everyday technology using realistic scenarios.

The interactive, instructor-led courses, that will take place in virtual classrooms throughout February 2021, include:

  • CyberFirst Trailblazers – open to any student starting Year 8, S2 in Scotland in the 2020/21 academic year. Students will become ‘digital detectives’, employing digital forensics to identify the source and spread of malicious software and learning how open source intelligence can help with the collection of further information. They will also learn the basics of website customisation.
  • CyberFirst Adventurers – open to any student starting Year 9, S3 in Scotland in the 2020/21 academic year. Students will use ‘big data’, work against the clock in a cryptography exercise, and have the chance to create their own models using 3D design software.

The courses will also instil a strong sense of responsibility in students, emphasising the importance of acting safely, legally and ethically in the cyber security profession.

Chris Ensor, the NCSC’s Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “I’m delighted we are offering our CyberFirst Trailblazers and Adventurers courses online next year, giving more students from across Scotland an exciting opportunity to develop their digital skills.

“I would really encourage students to sign up to learn more about what cyber security careers actually look like and to connect with other like-minded people with a shared passion for technology. The cyber security experts of the future will play a vital role in keeping the UK safe online, and the NCSC is committed to nurturing the young talent this country has to ensure we have a well-equipped and diverse workforce.”

Dr Kevin P. Stenson, chief executive of The Smallpeice Trust, said:“With many students continuing to shield or facing the possibility of self-isolation, the online CyberFirst courses will provide a brilliant – and most importantly, safe – opportunity for young people in Scotland to boost their digital skills and enrich their problem-solving abilities from their own homes.”

The CyberFirst Trailblazer and Adventurer courses will take place during February. Further information and booking for the CyberFirst courses can be found here: https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/cyberfirst

Boom Radio unveils presenter line-up ahead of February launch

  • New national radio station for Baby Boomers unveils launch line-up
  • Announcement comes ahead of station’s February 2021 launch

BOOM Radio, a new national radio station targeting the UK’s estimated 14 million Baby Boomers, has unveiled a line-up of familiar radio names ahead of going on air in February.

Several well-known radio personalities from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will be heard, including a weekday breakfast show hosted by Graham Dene who woke up London for a generation, the familiar voice of David Hamilton from midday, Nicky Horne early evening and Diana Luke late at night.

The station’s schedule will be spiced by a soul show with Greg Edwards; appearances by ‘70s Magpie TV host Jenny Hanley; Kid Jensen; and Anna Raeburn returns with ‘Talk to Anna’, recreating the programmes she hosted generations ago – now targeting those same listeners who’ve grown into different life challenges.

Founded by radio heavyweights, Phil Riley and David Lloyd, Boom Radio is a new national station for Baby Boomers – the UK’s 50, 60 and 70-something population – who are hugely loyal radio consumers, yet arguably under-served by stations on offer.

With launch targeted for mid-February 2021, listeners can primarily expect a mix of ‘Boomer’ music favourites from across the decades, peppered with selected more contemporary hits, alongside conversation and company.

Roll-out starts on DAB in London, Portsmouth, Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow, with additional locations to follow throughout 2021 and access available online from the outset.

Phil Riley said: “We’re extremely proud of what we’ve been able to put together for Boom Radio’s launch.

“With some legendary radio names back on-air, we’re really proving what the station is all about – that age isn’t a barrier to continuing to do what you love.”

David Lloyd added: “There is guaranteed to be at least one presenter whom each listener will relate to, with the line-up featuring names of Boomers of all ages from both commercial and BBC radio from across the UK.

“We’re also calling for feedback from Boomers everywhere – if you’ve got any ideas for music, presenters or shows, then do let us know by getting in contact via our website.”

The line-up includes:

  1. Graham Dene
  2. David Hamilton
  3. Nicky Horne
  4. Diana Luke
  5. Greg Edwards
  6. Jenny Hanley
  7. Kid Jensen
  8. Anna Raeburn
  9. Les Ross
  10. Andy Marriott
  11. Jane Markham
  12. Graham Torrington
  13. Roger Day
  14. Bill Bingham
  15. Rod Whiting

Further names will be announced later this month.

For more information or to provide feedback visit www.boomradiouk.com.

How to create a home workspace without breaking the bank

  • More than one in three people still don’t have a dedicated home workspace  
  • Only a quarter of home workers have invested in a comfortable work chair  
  • Interiors experts share advice on creating a functional work area no matter what space you have available  

Despite home working remaining firmly on the agenda for the near future, more than a third of people (37%) admit they still don’t have a dedicated space to work from at home. What’s more, just a quarter of home workers have invested in comfortable seating (26%) or a desk (27%).  

The research1, conducted by online retailer, Furniture And Choice, reveals where the nation has spent its money to set up for long-term remote working this year, revealing the average price paid to create a home office is £144 per person – with some spending upwards of £300.  

Shockingly only one in four (26%) have invested in a comfy work chair. According to the Health and Safety executive2, unsuitable seating can cause people to adopt awkward postures which can lead to discomfort, back pain and upper limb disorders. This may prove costly to employers in the form of staff absences, but individuals also bear some of the costs in the form of suffering and lost income. 

It should come as no surprise that outside of the essentials, houseplants were among the most purchased items, with 14% hoping to bring the outdoors in, during a time where getting outside has never been harder. It’s not a bad option to invest in for your home office, with houseplants proven to improve concentration, boost mood and create a calmer environment.  

While other essential items such as pencil holders and filing cabinets were purchased, comfort proved to be key. More than 1 in 10 (11%) bought new cushions and 6% opted to snap up pet beds so their furry friends can seek comfort in their home workspace. 

With working from home likely to remain in some form well into this year, Rebecca Snowdon, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, shares her advice on creating a functional, yet stylish home working space:  

“Finding additional space in the home to work from may not be an option for everyone, in which case our workspaces need to integrate seamlessly into the overall style and functionality of the space we’re in.

“We can see in our research that many people have chosen not to invest in some of the office essentials, instead making use of their existing set ups, such as working from their dining table. 

“Creating a stylish yet functional work area in your home needn’t break the bank or involve huge amounts of time and planning, but with home working looking set to stay for the near future, it’s well worth giving your home office some TLC.”  

To help people create a home working space that is practical yet on trend, Rebecca shares her top tips:  

Remember the trends 

If you do need to utilise your kitchen counter then remember there was a big trend for standing desks last year, as the health benefits of standing rather than sitting for long stretches of time were widely debated.  

The good news about a standing desk is that it takes up a lot less space than a regular desk arrangement. All you need is a high console unit or breakfast bar to set up your laptop and you’re away!  

Pick the best view 

Poor lighting can make you feel tired, strain your eyes and give you a headache, all of which can take away focus and motivation. A study also found a direct positive correlation between daylight and productivity, finding that natural light improves alertness4.  

This means that a well-lit room is crucial for a good home office space, so set up your desk near a window and stay away from harsh, electric lights. The kitchen is often filled with natural light – great for keeping you energised throughout the day. 

Bring the outdoors inside 

The American Psychological Association found that workers in spaces with plants showed 15% higher productivity than those without5. 

The best plants to incorporate into your home office space, are:  

  • Peace Lily – they don’t need much light and help remove toxins from the air  
  • Devils Ivy – these can adapt easily to a variety of conditions  
  • Chinese Evergreen – offers visual variety and requires little maintenance  

Light a candle or accessorise with a diffuser 

Working in your kitchen or dining room, you might be met with smells of your partner’s lunch or last night’s takeaway. Many studies have shown that odours impact our mood, creativity and problem-solving skills6. 

 We’d advise sticking with natural scents like lavender and essential oils instead, such as:  

  • Pine – for alertness  
  • Cinnamon – for focus  
  • Lavender – to relax  
  • Peppermint – to lift your mood  
  • Citrus (any) – for wakefulness 

Using dining chairs 

Your dining table is the perfect place to work but be aware that the average table is around 3cm higher than your desk, and your dining chair 3cm lower. Make up for this deficit by using cushions to support your lumbar and pad the bottom of the chair. You’ll know you’re sitting at the right height by making sure that, with shoulders relaxed, your forearms run parallel to the table.  

Rebecca added: “With many of us finding ourselves working from home for the foreseeable future, there really is no better time to give your home working space the refresh it might need.  

“With wellbeing and mindfulness as prevalent as ever, it’s important to create a space that you can switch off from to stay well at home. Carving out a zen zone near your work space for quick stretch breaks can provide a calming space for yoga or practising meditation.” 

If you’re finding yourself working from your dining table and want to update its style, visit Furniture And Choice’s website for inspiration: 

https://www.furniturechoice.co.uk/inspiration/how-to-make-it-work-dining-tables-as-home-office-desks_a10000098  

New project to support families of drug users

A new project which helps the families of people at risk of dying through drugs will start work this month.

Families as Lifesavers, which is being funded through the Drugs Deaths Taskforce, helps family members to increase their understanding of drug addiction, while building coping strategies and helping them to continue to support their relative.

The project, run by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, is one of a number of schemes funded through the taskforce.

Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said: “Finding out that a loved-one is using drugs, and might even be at risk of losing their lives to their addiction, is one of the toughest things any family can face. People want to know the best way to respond, and what they might be able to do to help. They also want to feel they are not alone.

“As Minister for Drugs Policy I recognise that we not only have to help people who are facing problems with drugs, we also need to help their family members. Help and support is available from a number of sources, including dedicated charities like Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs.

“By funding Families as Lifesavers, and projects like it, we can help ensure that people who are in this terrible position are properly supported.” 

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs CEO Justina Murray said: “Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs warmly welcomes this two-year investment from the Drug Deaths Task Force for our Families as Lifesavers initiative. This recognises the critical role that families have, day in and day out, in supporting those at high risk of drug-related death.

“We know that families do so much behind the scenes, largely unsupported and unrecognised, to help keep their loved ones safe and to try to keep them alive.

“Our Families As Lifesavers initiative enables us to provide enhanced and intensive wraparound support to family members who believe their loved ones are at high risk of drug-related death.

“This includes learning more about harm reduction, addiction and recovery; increasing their confidence, skills and connections; and focusing on advocacy and self-care.”

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Ten tips for how to effectively homeschool

focused students doing homework at home
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

If you had a hundred home educators in a room, each of them would likely have a different approach, but there are various steps you can take to get the most out of homeschooling. 

With a third national lockdown closing most UK schools, Greg Smith, Head of Operations at Oxford Home Schooling, one of the UK’s leading home education providers, has given his 10 tips for how to effectively homeschool. 

1. Take breaks 

A bit of experimentation should identify what works best for you and the child. You might find 30-minute blasts followed by 10-minute breaks help to keep your concentration up. Alternatively, you might prefer to work for longer periods at a stretch and then enjoy a longer break. 

Boring as it might sound, giving your learning a predictable structure and routine does help to make sure you get everything done! 

2. Make a routine 

Children get the most out of homeschooling when parents decide when and what they should be studying. At school, the typical day might consist of seven 40 minute periods – four in the morning and three in the afternoon. So should parents try to emulate this? 

It’s important to remember that most children (and adults) are not able to concentrate for long periods of time, whatever the learning environment and kids do not concentrate on their studies for five hours a day at school. The average lesson is filled with interruptions and irrelevancies and the real ‘work’ might be condensed into 10 minutes. The same is true at home. Even if you have assigned 40 minutes to a subject, do not be surprised if the useful work is done in just 10 minutes and the rest is spent in (apparently) less productive activity. 

Organisation is not simply a matter of time slots. It is a combination of timetabling and study objectives. By setting routines, children will find it easier to stay focused, engaged and make progress. 

3. Get rid of distractions 

It’s really hard to focus when the TV’s blaring, the radio’s on or there is lots going on in the place you’re working, so try and get rid of the distractions.

Also, concentrating is easiest when you’re in a quiet, comfortable place, so play around with how you and your child study – sitting, standing or lying down; inside or outside; with lots of light or without – and find a method that helps them concentrate. 

4. Divide up the work 

Sometimes it can be difficult to motivate yourself when faced with a really big or difficult task. The best solution is to break it down into smaller pieces, planning out the various stages that need completing before you start. This way, your child will know what needs doing and you’ll both get a good sense of progress as you work. 
 

5. Get lots of sleep 

It’s an accepted fact that if you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll find it harder to concentrate, learn and retain information. The trick is pretty simple – get some sleep! Most people between the age of five and 11 need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night, while 11 to 18-year-olds need 8 to 10 hours. 

6. Don’t multitask 

Sometimes, particularly when there’s a lot of work to be done, it can be hard to resist the urge to multitask and try and get lots of jobs done at once. 

This is best avoided though, as, in essence, you’re dividing up the amount of brainpower you have available to a given task, meaning you might miss out on important bits of information. 

7. Meditate and reduce stress 

Plenty of scientific studies have shown the benefits of sitting silently, with your eyes closed and the mind focused on the present. This can dramatically reduce stress levels – a factor that’s been proven to exacerbate tiredness and reduce memory retention. 

8. Utilise TV and online learning 

Technology is a massive part of education both in schools and at home. Sites like BBC Bitesize and Geography Games are great for delivering educational content in a fun, engaging way. 

It can also be used to keep in touch with the homeschooling community to share tips and advice. 

If you’re temporarily homeschooling, then tools like Google Classroom can help you interact with your class and teacher from school. 

9. Stick to the curriculum  

It’s important to try and cover all of the subjects your child is used to learning about, but don’t worry too much about spending an equal amount of time on each.  

You will naturally have greater knowledge in some areas than others and it’s fine to lean on these more heavily. However, your child may have interests in subjects you are less familiar with, and it would be a shame if they were unable to continue learning about these during this period. Avoiding these topics altogether could result in your child losing their passion. 

If you are unsure about any content, it can be quite refreshing to do some research yourself and learn something new, before passing on the information to your child. 

10. Make it fun 

Learning doesn’t have to be a chore, there are hundreds of games you can play to exercise your brain, including the following memory tests. 

There are card games where you have to match pairs or groups of face-down cards, flipping two each turn and reverting them face-down if they’re not a pair. 

You could also place a number of small, random items on a tray, memorise the items for a minute, then cover the tray, listing as many of the items as you can remember in a given time period. 

Then there are two-player games, such as Memory Master, where one player stares at a picture (magazines, books or photos all work) for a minute, after which the second player quizzes them on all aspects of the picture. 

Ten of the best online learning resources: 

  1. BBC Bitesize 
  2. Geography Games 
  3. Google Classroom 
  4. YouTube 
  5. Science Journal For Kids 
  6. National Geographic For Kids 
  7. Fun Brain 
  8. Quizlet 
  9. Carol Vorderman’s Maths Factor 
  10. Seneca 

For more advice on how to get the most out of homeschooling, visit: 

https://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/revision-techniques/improve-memory-concentration/ 

Scottish SPCA: 134% increase in people looking to give up unwanted animals

Between 1 September 2020 and 5 January 2021, Scottish SPCA received 476 calls from people looking to give up their animals.

This compares to 205 calls in the same period in 2019/20. Calls about unwanted dogs increased by 103% from 105 to 213. Calls from people looking to give up cats jumped 151% from 61 to 153.

Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We predicted an increase in unwanted animals last year after an explosion in demand for pets among people at home due to the pandemic.

“Whilst not such a big issue for kittens, a generation of pups will have grown up in a household where the family is often around. Once that situation changes it can be hard for a dog to adjust and this can lead to behavioural issues and separation anxiety. These issues can lead to dogs being destructive and it is at this point many owners considering giving their pet up.

“What they don’t realise is that the dog is acting this way because of its own experiences not because of any ingrained issue.”

Thankfully, we not seen an increase in abandonments despite the growth in calls about unwanted animals.

Mike said: “A rise in abandonments is something we’ve been worried about since last March. If anyone is no longer able or willing to look after their pet, they should contact us for advice and we will do what we can.

Cat with staff member

“People should consider their future lifestyle and how to help their pet adapt. Spending time away from their pet so they can get used to being alone is a good start.

“It is heart-breaking to see a healthy animal which loves their family given up because the owners have lost interest or not considered how their circumstances may change. We would urge people to consider a reputable behaviourist or training before they give up their pet.

“Our aim is to keep people and their pets together in a happy home. People who are considering adopting an animal should think long and hard about their circumstances and whether it is the right thing to do.”

Anyone considering giving up their animal should contact Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999 in confidence.

‘Act Like You’ve Got It’

The UK Government has launched a major new public campaign urging people to act like they have the virus

  • A new TV ad fronted by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty urges people to stay at home in the face of rapidly rising rate of coronavirus infections and pressures facing the NHS.
  • Massive public information campaign is now running across TV, radio, out of home and on social media

Everyone in England is being urged to stay at home and “act like you’ve got it” as part of a major advertising campaign encouraging the public to control the spread of the virus and protect the NHS and save lives.

Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms and can pass it on without realising, which is why it’s essential everyone stays at home and remembers Hands, Face, Space.

‘Stay at home, save lives’ will run across TV, radio, out of home advertising and on social media, and will include a new advert fronted by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty which will be aired for the first time on ITV at 7.15pm on Friday 8 January 2021.

The campaign recognises the overwhelming pressure facing the NHS and urges people to stay at home. It comes as current data shows COVID-19 cases and deaths are at an all-time high and NHS hospitals and staff are under huge pressure, with some hospitals in the South East at extreme capacity.

On 1 September, there were under 500 COVID-19 inpatients in hospitals in England. On 1 November this increased to approximately 9,000. On Christmas Day, it was just below the last peak at 17,701 and on 7 January there were 28,246 – that is an increase of more than 11,000 in under two weeks.

The latest stark data shows the UK recorded 68,053 new coronavirus cases – the highest daily total of the pandemic so far, as well as the highest ever daily COVID-19 deaths with 1,325 fatalities.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Our hospitals are under more pressure than at any other time since the start of the pandemic, and infection rates across the entire country continue to soar at an alarming rate.

“The vaccine has given us renewed hope in our fight against the virus but we must not be complacent. The NHS is under severe strain and we must take action to protect it, both so our doctors and nurses can continue to save lives and so they can vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as we can.

“I know the last year has taken its toll – but your compliance is now more vital than ever. So once again, I must urge everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: Our NHS is facing a huge challenge – it is under immense pressure and it’s imperative now more than ever we all play our part.

“I know how much we have all sacrificed already, but the new variant has significantly changed the current landscape and we absolutely cannot let up now.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel – the vaccine will provide a way out of this and over 1.5 million people across the UK have now been vaccinated.

“Every day we are closer to beating this virus, but right now, we need to pull together for one final push and I’m urging you to continue to do your bit by staying at home to save lives and protect the NHS.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: “Covid-19, especially the new variant, is spreading quickly across the country. This puts many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS.

“Once more, we must all stay at home. If it’s essential to go out, remember: wash your hands, cover your face indoors and keep your distance from others.

“Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

The adverts remind the public the new Covid-19 variant is spreading fast. Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms, but can still pass it on, putting people at risk and a renewed pressure on our NHS.

It reiterates everyone must stay at home. If it’s essential to go out, it reminds people to wash their hands, cover their face and make space.

In the meantime, NHS Test and Trace is successfully reaching more people than ever before, with 96.8% of contacts reached within 24 hours and more than five million people being reached in total. As of 30 December, more than 54 million tests have been processed in the UK in total since testing began – more than any other comparable European country.

Over 1.5 million people across the UK have now been vaccinated – more than the whole of Europe. But the Government is urging people to continue to do their bit and further prevent the spread of Covid-19.

NHS Lothian rolls out vaccine to GP and community settings

Those aged 80 years of age and over invited forward for vaccination

NHS Lothian is getting ready to vaccinate those aged 80 years of age and over as it rolls out the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine into GP and community settings from today (January 11).

With mainland Scotland now in lockdown, David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and NHS Lothian COVID-19 Vaccination Project Lead today reminded those eligible who will be invited in the coming weeks that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a permissible reason to leave the home.

The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK last week (December 30).  It is the second COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the MHRA.

With age the greatest risk factor for serious illness and death from COVID-19, the first priority group for the vaccine is residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, people aged 80 or over and frontline health and social care workers.

Those aged 80 or over will receive a letter or ‘phone call from NHS [insert board area] inviting them forward for their vaccination and advising them where and when they can get it. 

The vaccine requires two doses to offer the best possible protection. Second dose appointments will be scheduled for twelve weeks after the first dose is administered, in line with MHRA regulatory advice and updated clinical guidance from the JCVI.

David Small, Director of Primary Care Transformation and NHS Lothian COVID-19 Vaccination Project Lead said: “The first of our GP practices began administering the COVID vaccine to the over 80s last week (above) and from today further roll out commences.

“The COVID vaccine offers a beacon of hope, in what has some been truly difficult times. Across Lothian, we are working tirelessly to make sure that we can deliver the vaccine to each of the relevant groups when they are due to receive it.

“Whilst stay at home guidance is in place to supress the spread of COVID-19, I’d encourage those who are eligible to attend their appointments when invited, as getting vaccinated remains a valid reason to leave your home.”

“Those who are eligible for vaccination will be contacted directly with details of when and where they will receive their vaccinations. We ask individuals to wait to hear, rather than contact their GP. 

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, said: “We are prioritising the delivery of first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 clinical priority list in the shortest possible timeframe, to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations for those at greatest risk.

“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.”

For more information visit nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine or call 0800 030 8013.

Council Leader: ‘Stay away from Holyrood demo’

Demonstrators ‘not welcome’

City Council Leader Adam McVey is urging members of the public to stay at home and not attend a planned demonstration at the Scottish Parliament today.

The council leader said: “We’ve been liaising with Police Scotland and we fully support their advice that people should stay at home. While people are entitled to express their opinions, to do so in this way and at this time puts our residents at unnecessary additional risk.

“This simply isn’t safe. To attend a protest like this now would be incredibly selfish and those doing so would be putting our families and communities at greater risk when numbers of transmissions are already far too high in Edinburgh.

“This attempt to create a crowd is utterly disrespectful to our businesses and residents who are sacrificing so much to try and keep all of us safe.

“Anyone thinking of breaking the rules by travelling to Edinburgh to attend this event should not do so – they are not welcome.”