Day: March 27, 2021

Freemasons rise to Covid-19 challenge

Donations total £1m and 18 million hours of volunteering

Faced with the greatest global pandemic in living memory, Freemasons came together in 2020 and donated a total of £1m as well as their time to help those in need.

The donations were used to help communities in various critical areas, including foodbanks, support for unpaid carers, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies for hospitals and hospices, support for women’s refuges, and funds for NHS workers, ambulances and equipment.

Freemasons also worked 18 million hours as volunteers in a range of different areas, where there was a need, including driving vulnerable people to hospital, preparing meals, taking care of people at risk, organising care packages, producing scrubs, PPE and hand sanitiser.

At the start of the crisis in April 2020, some Freemasons adapted their businesses’ production lines to produce nearly 5,000 visors for use in healthcare settings. Since then, Freemasons have produced or procured tens of thousands of pieces of additional PPE.

Meanwhile, to help protect women and children from domestic abuse, Freemasons donated more than £165,000 in 2020. The donation helped more than 2,000 women during the lockdown, who received more than 1,000 parcels containing essential items for women fleeing domestic abuse.

Freemasons also focused their efforts on hospitals and care homes, donating nearly 1,000 tablets to provide vital contact between coronavirus patients and their loved ones. The tablets were provided to more than 50 hospitals, care homes and hospices. In London, hospitals including The Royal London, Queen Mary’s and St Thomas’ received approximately 115 tablets; while in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, some 200 tablets were donated.

Elsewhere, to support thousands of families struggling during the crisis, Freemasons donated 300,000 meals and 38 tonnes of food to homeless people, women’s refuges and vulnerable people, supporting more than 120,000 people in total. Moreover, £560,000 was donated to provide meals and help numerous foodbanks.

Dr David Staples, chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), said: “No one in this day and age should have to worry where their next meal is coming from.

“We are so glad that we were able to provide thousands of families across the UK with a hot meal or food donations to help get them through this current crisis. Freemasons have achieved all of this in just a few months and have also given their time to produce and deliver food to the vulnerable.”

The UGLE is also encouraging its members to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to help vaccinate the population. “More than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work were undertaken by Freemasons. Now it is crucial that we help in every way we can to protect the population. If the NHS needs volunteers, then we are happy to emphasise the importance of this to our members,” said Dr Staples.

He continued: “Our response to the Pandemic shows what Freemasonry is all about; supporting those in need, giving back to our communities and volunteering where it can make a real difference. 

“Freemasons have been doing this for over 300 years and I am proud of the time and commitment that our members have given to support the nation in its fight against Covid-19.”

In addition to the £1m donated in 2020, the Freemasons have committed a further fund of £2.1m to support the ongoing Covid-19 crisis response. Of that £2.1m, £850,000 has been allocated to support homeless people through several charities with which UGLE partners.

More than 40,000 homeless individuals are being provided with food and essentials, transport, help with accessing services such as counselling and healthcare, as well as employment and training opportunities.

Scottish shedders launch election manifesto

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has launched its first-ever manifesto, ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections 2021, calling on politicians to support men’s health and wellbeing through Scottish Men’s Sheds.
 
The Association, which is trailblazing the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland, recommends five key actions for politicians, invested groups and the general public as a whole to support Men’s Sheds and fully recognise the wealth of health and wellbeing benefits for men over the age of 18.
 
SMSA’s vision is that every man in Scotland will, one day, have access to—and the opportunity to attend—their local Men’s Shed if they choose to do so. 

Jason Schroeder, SMSA Executive Officer, said: “SMSA is launching this manifesto at just the right time.  Sheds will be needed more than ever in post-COVID-19 recovery and it is vital to expand the SMSA and its support mechanism in line with the growth of the Movement to support Sheds across Scotland now and in the years to come.
 
“Investment and support to lead change is required to underpin the ongoing creation of this health by stealth and voluntary social wellbeing pathway for men.  SMSA is also recommending that localised support across the Shed network is embedded; a start-up and development fund for Sheds is implemented; a focused national awareness campaign is delivered; and the reach to the Armed Forces and Veterans community and Blue Light services is improved on.”
 
SMSA pledges to continue making a real difference by empowering thousands of men (our sons, brothers, fathers, uncles and grandfathers) and their communities – over the coming years – to play their part in a system change towards a wellbeing economy.  

The manifesto is available on the SMSA website.

Expert advice: Post-lockdown social etiquette guide

After being kept out of venues, clubs, bars and restaurants for the best part of a year, Brits are being offered an etiquette guide to keep in mind when out and about this summer.

The team at Groubook have put together top tips on how to navigate social events once the hospitality sector reopens to the public.

Physical distance, hand sanitiser and masks are likely to still be common practice until the whole country has been vaccinated. The pandemic has changed our social behaviour and whilst the idea of dancing in a field at a festival or in a club with mates seems miles away, there is definite hope ahead.

Drinkers in bars and diners in restaurants will still be expected to keep to social distance measures and a few friends may not feel comfortable socialising for a while, so it is essential to be mindful in the months ahead.

Founder of Groubook, Bradley Gough said: “As we start to look forward to sunny days spent in beer gardens and nights out with our friends, it is important to be conscious of how alien the first few trips out might feel.

“The measures we saw during the tier system over the summer felt super awkward and at times impolite, but everyone is in the same boat, figuring out pandemic protocols as they go.

“Some people will be rearing for a night on the town, whilst others will be more cautious. The social etiquette guide is a reminder to people as the world starts opening up again.”

Post-lockdown etiquette

1.     Distance

Physical distancing is likely to stick around for some time and whilst most people will be used to it, it is easy to forget when out and about enjoying quality time with family and friends. As the public head back into venues, be considerate of any distancing guides that have been put in place, whether it’s capacity restrictions, marked areas to form a queue in, sit down at or for directing the flow of traffic.

2.     Cover your mouth

Covering a cough or sneeze is common practice and basic manners, but when living in a post-lockdown society the public has new etiquette to consider. When we inevitably get back inside boozers, it will be a good idea to get everyone to cover up their mouth when singing, or shouting in the direction of others.

3.     Be kind

A lot of people working in the hospitality sector have only been in to do a couple of shifts over the last year, meaning they might be a little out of practice and may need more patience than usual. The pandemic has also taught us that no one truly knows what strangers are going through privately. Hopefully being stuck in the house for such long periods has made everyone check their manners, but in case it hasn’t… he is a reminder!

4.     Greetings

Everyone is desperate for that first hug with a family member or a high five with a friend, but the etiquette on greetings has obviously shifted. Experts are predicting that the traditional ritual of a clink of glasses, over dinnertime with people outside of our household, will become popular again post-pandemic. However, for the foreseeable small party-goers and pub drinkers will have to settle for cheery waves, mini dances and elbow bumps.

5.     Protection

Whilst it’s not the usual night out protection most people have in mind, the regular use of hand sanitiser is likely to stick around long after the pandemic, so it will always be sensible to have some on you. The same can be said for mask-wearing, which is likely to stick around for those not seated and moving through venues. The biggest complaints around masks are not being able to see facial cues and voices becoming muffled, so get used to using eyes to portray a smile, hand gestures to compensate for facial expressions and talk up when in louder spaces.

6.     Be prepared

Sharing pretty much anything on a night out is a thing of the past, so it is best to be prepared. Pack the essentials, because sharing a lip balm in the loos or grabbing a mate’s gum will be pretty socially unacceptable. Bring plenty of layers so coats don’t have to be shared if it’s cold, or when people are sneaking out to a smoking area.

7.     Be understanding

When making plans in a post-lockdown climate it might be tricky to fully firm plans up, especially with friends or family members that have been shielding. Is so important that each party feels as comfortable and safe as possible. Certain demographics are known to be at a higher risk regarding COVID, and there is often no way of telling this unless they disclose it. Be understanding and accepting of people who may hesitate to join you in activities that may put their health at risk.

8.     Book in advance

When the day finally does come, and restaurants and bars reopen, they will be trying to gauge how busy they will be and how much stock they will need. A great way to alleviate the pressure on staff and avoid long waits is to tell a venue the plan way in advance. Take advantage of online booking systems and apps like Groubook, which lets groups of friends, families or colleagues book and arrange their nights in one place, while taking advantage of discounts and rewards.

The team at Groubook believe the app will give independent bars and restaurants a head start when they’re finally able to open for business and help them recoup some of the losses from the pandemic.

The app was launched in Nottingham in August 2020, as restrictions began to ease and saw rapid initial take-up with numbers growing by 250% in the first six weeks.

Cumnock Tryst celebrates success of local composer Michael Murray as RSNO announce inclusion of Psycho-Scherzo in ‘Scotch Snaps’

  • Michael Murray’s Psycho-Scherzo will be performed as part of the RSNO’s ‘Scotch Snaps’ series on 23 April 2021
  • Michael, who works as a night warden, has been composing since he was 9 and in 2017 and 2019 his work was performed at The Cumnock Tryst

At a time when hope is in the air, yet good news remains at a premium, The Cumnock Tryst are delighted to celebrate the success of local night warden and classical composer Michael Murray.

Michael, who turns 40 next month and works as a night warden for the Ayr central shopping centre, composed oboe solo Psycho Scherzo in 2019 and is over the moon that it will be performed on 23 April as part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) 2021 Chamber Series.

Throughout the pandemic, the RSNO has been leading the way in presenting work in new ways for their international audiences and ‘Scotch Snaps’ is an online Chamber Music series celebrating five living Scottish composers.  

Michael Murray, Composer, said: “I was both shocked and delighted when I heard that the RSNO would perform Psycho-Scherzo as one of their Scotch Snaps, and as part of this season’s Chamber Music Series in April this year.

“After all the disappointment caused by the pandemic, the cancellation of live events and in particular The Cumnock Tryst, it felt like a sign that things were looking up.”

“I have noticed during lockdown that more people have been buying my work online, which is perhaps partly due to performers having time to explore what’s out there, and potentially add to their existing repertoires. So, for me at least, there has been a sliver silver lining, although like everyone else, I can’t wait for things to return to some sort of normality and to be able to go and enjoy live music together again in the same space.”

Michael discovered a love for composing at the tender age of nine after he was gifted a guitar, and he first came to the attention of The Cumnock Tryst’s founder and award-winning composer Sir James MacMillan when he took part in a masterclass at Cumnock Academy when Michael was fifteen.

Since then (and despite his meteoric rise to classical music fame) James has kept a keen eye on Michael and his music and included his work in the Cumnock Tryst festival line up in 2017 and 2019.

Sir James MacMillan, founder of the Cumnock Tryst, said: “Myself and the whole Cumnock Tryst team are absolutely delighted for Michael and we can’t wait to tune in to Psycho-Scherzo when it is performed by the RSNO on the 23 April as part of their 2021 digital programme.

“I discovered that Michael had a passion for composing when I hosted a masterclass at his school, the same school I went to, and he has continued to impress me with his commitment to and love for it over the years.

“This is a tough time for musicians, for everyone in the arts, but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel and I for one cannot wait to hear Michael’s pieces once again performed live.”

Recovery & Renewal: Arts & Business Scotland supports culture and business sectors in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

  • Culture & Business Fund Scotland COVID-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand will foster creative partnerships between the culture and commercial sectors in Scotland
  • An extension of the Culture & Business Fund Scotland, it opens eligibility to more culture organisations and businesses than ever before
  • The fund aims to foster partnerships that bring innovative reciprocal cultural, social and economic benefit in the wake of the global pandemic
  • How we work and live has changed, and culture organisations offer solutions to staff wellness and commercial success

Arts & Business Scotland is delighted announce the launch of a new funding strand that brings together the creativity of the culture sector (which comprises arts, heritage and creative organisations) with the business acumen of those in business and the public sector, to support all sectors in their recovery and renewal in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Culture & Business Fund Scotland COVID-19 Renewal & Recovery Strand aims to broker long lasting relationships between organisations in the commercial, public and culture sectors, with partnerships that bring more than just financial support to the table.

A continuation of the existing Culture & Business Fund Scotland (CBFS), the COVID-19 Renewal & Recovery Strand is subject to fewer regulations in terms of eligibility, meaning that more businesses, public bodies and culture organisations can apply than ever before.

In normal times, the CBFS has only supported partnerships where the business or public sector body is investing in or sponsoring arts or heritage activity within Scotland for the first time, or if it has not done so in the previous two years.

It also provided potential match-funding of business investment in or sponsorship of an arts or heritage organisation within Scotland for up to a three-year period, albeit with the CBFS providing 50% match funding against the business investment for Year Two and 25% match funding for Year Three.

The COVID-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand offers, up to, three years of 100% £ for £ match funding of between £1k – £40k and is open to all applicants, including those who have previously received CBFS funding, no matter how recently. These changes to the criteria and guidelines came into effect on 1st March 2021 and will be applicable for applications received before 31st March 2024.

The world has changed radically over the past twelve months and Arts & Business Scotland is committed not only to providing arts, culture and heritage organisations with much needed funds, but also to enabling businesses and public bodies to access the expertise, perspectives and skills that exist within arts, culture, heritage and creative organisations, that can help them on the road to covid recovery.

As we look back on a year of lockdown and consider the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives, from working from home and home-schooling, to not being able to spend time in groups, or meet new people, it is clear the landscape has and will, continue to change.

For example, with many having worked from home now for at least twelve months, the prospect of returning to the office can be daunting. There are also many who have started new roles since the pandemic began and may have yet to meet their colleagues in person.

Embracing the fresh insights and creative approaches of culture organisations, from art galleries and ensembles through to theatres and festivals, can support businesses through these transitions by opening up new ways of working to facilitate team building and staff wellbeing.

NCR and V&A. Credit: Ross Fraser McLean

The CBFS has a track record of helping businesses support and develop their people and staff. I

n 2018 the V&A Dundee secured a commitment from NCR Solutions Group through the fund to support their launch and NCR Dundee employees were given the opportunity to take part in events thanks to the partnership.

Leigh Duncan, Manager, Customer Experience Programme at NCR Financial Solutions Group, said: “In allowing us to become a sponsor for the launch event, the CBFS gave NCR’s Dundee employees the opportunity to be part of a major event within the city.

“The feedback from them has been overwhelmingly positive as they felt they were deeply involved in the launch.”

The Sligachan Hotel and SEALL Festival of Small Halls. Credit: Sara Bain

Not all businesses who have benefitted from a CBFS facilitated partnership are of the same global scale as NCR, nor the culture organisations of the same scale as the V&A, but that has not detracted from the success of these partnerships. The Sligachan Hotel and SEALL Festival of Small Halls partnered through CBFS in 2018.

Dierdre Curley, Director at The Sligachan Hotel, said: “The Isle of Skye is so often celebrated for its beauty, but we also need to keep investing in our culture, our music, our people.

“This is without a doubt a step in the right direction for Skye and its local communities, and for people in Scotland and around the world to get an idea of who we are as islanders and what we want to represent.”

You can find more examples of successful partnerships HERE

David Watt, Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, said: “There can be a perception that funding initiatives pairing the commercial and culture sectors is a white knight situation, where the arts, heritage or creative organisation is rescued by a business through solely financial support. With the Culture & Business Fund Scotland Covid Recovery & Renewal Strand this isn’t, doesn’t have to be and shouldn’t be the case.

“Particularly now, after over a year of extreme uncertainty and varying degrees of isolation, businesses are looking at to how best to support staff and ensure the wellness of their workforce, and culture organisations can hold the key and provide diverse solutions.

“Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement and reflecting the impact of the pandemic on every aspect of life, the changes to the Cultural Business Fund Scotland mean more organisations and businesses are eligible than ever before and we hope to inspire the cultural and commercial sectors in Scotland to work together in building the road to covid recovery.”

Helena Ward, Creative Industries Manager at Creative Scotland, said: “This year’s strand of the Fund is a fantastic opportunity for more businesses, public sector bodies and culture organisations than ever before, to support each other in a way that impacts their success and the wellbeing of their staff.

“It has been an incredibly tough year for everyone, but now is the time for our businesses, culture sector and places of work, to collaborate on, and invest in, creativity.” 

A&BS will be running a series of free online workshops to help potential applicants and beneficiaries understand how to make an application to the fund.

Those looking to receive information on these and other A&BS events, should contact: events@aandbscotland.org.uk or visit A&BS website to see all upcoming events and opportunities HERE

Edinburgh charities to benefit from Barratt’s £57,500 charity fund to aid pandemic recovery

– Funds set to boost employability and supported education in east Scotland –

Local housebuilder Barratt Developments Scotland has pledged to support the nation’s recovery from the pandemic with a £57,500 investment in employability and education, including £20,000 for the east of Scotland.

Two Edinburgh charities which aim to bolster employability and promote a fair and inclusive education for vulnerable young people have been selected to receive a share of the funds – employability charity WorkingRite and education charity Kindred.

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “Employability and education are two areas which will be vital in aiding Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic – which is why we are focusing our efforts on supporting charities carrying out this work day to day.

“It’s always been the Barratt way to give back to the communities in which we have a presence, and it’s been great to hear how the donations will help WorkingRite and Kindred support people into employment and give young people the best chance to succeed at such a challenging time.”

Employability

With redundancy levels across the UK hitting record highs, the need for new opportunities and reskilling programmes has never been greater. Barratt’s donation to WorkingRite comes at a vital time and will ensure that young people have access to potentially life changing support.

WorkingRite has a proven track record in helping individuals improve their prospects and maximise their potential by matching a young person to a small business in their local community, where they learn valuable skills ‘on-the-job’.

Barratt Developments itself is a major champion of employability. Its graduate and apprenticeship recruitment programmes have continued in spite of the pandemic, and it is currently working with the veteran community to create opportunities for those leaving the armed forces.

Sandy Campbell, Founder of WorkingRite, said: “WorkingRite greatly appreciate the generous donation from Barratt Homes. As we emerge from Covid restrictions, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds need all the help they can get to achieve a working future.

“Barratt’s donation will help make that happen – by funding the training and mentoring we provide for those of our young people who are hoping for careers in the construction trades.”

Supported education

Also receiving a donation is Kindred, a parent-led organisation that helps support children with disabilities and long-term conditions. Last year, Kindred supported hundreds of families with its services, which include a team at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children and a community team that works across its services with parents of children with exceptional healthcare needs.

Sophie Pilgrim, Director of Kindred, said: “We are delighted to accept an amazing donation from Barratt Homes East Scotland. We support over 700 families of children with complex needs each year from across Scotland.

“Living in a safe and comfortable home has been especially important to families of children with disabilities over the last year. Kindred has supported 98 families to find the right, adapted accommodation so we are particularly pleased to be supported by a housing provider.

“Our hospital team will be moving to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh and we will use the funds from Barratt to help us manage to move to our own new home! A big thank you from our staff and families.”

For more information on Barratt Developments East Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/. 

Supreme Court ruling ‘Opens the Door to Equal Pay Justice’ for thousands of Scottish retail staff

Responding to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that shop floor workers in ASDA can be compared to colleagues in distribution centres for the purposes of equal pay, GMB Scotland Organiser Robert Deavy said: “The ruling opens the door to equal pay justice for thousands of ASDA workers in Scotland and it’s a massive moment.

“ASDA has fought tooth and nail for years to deny shop floor workers, predominantly women, their proper value and this is now their fourth defeat in the courts.

“The need to accept they are wrong, that over 40,000 claimants across the UK are right, and now sit down with GMB to start a process of settling the liability for their discrimination.

“It should also be a moment to reset ASDA’s historical approach to industrial relations and move towards full collective bargaining for its employees.

“Lessons need to be learned and resistance has got ASDA nowhere. After everything these workers have given this business over the last year, their voices must be heard.”

The story is unlikely to end here, however.

An Asda spokesperson said: “This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion. We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender.

“Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates. Asda has always paid colleagues the market rate in these sectors and we remain confident in our case.”

The company stresses that yesterday’s ruling only relates to Stage One of the Equal Value process and is not the conclusion of the case.

The second stage of the process will now consider whether store and distribution roles are of ‘equal value’. This could potentially be followed by a third stage in the process that would consider if there are any factors other than gender why the roles should not be paid equally.

Police launch Pedal Protect bike theft campaign

Police Scotland has launched a national campaign to tackle the rising number of bike thefts taking place across the country and to raise awareness of bike security within the cycling community.

Pedal Protect officially kicked yesterday (Friday 26 March), to address the increasing trend in bike thefts, which has been experienced throughout Scotland in the past year. It will also be supported by British Transport Police.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and downward trend in various acquisitive crime offences, Police Scotland’s year to date figures in February 2021 showed over 4900 reports of stolen cycles were made. This is a rise of 18% from the previous year.

Often these crimes are motivated by opportunity, with those responsible taking advantage of poor or non-existent security measures in place when leaving bikes unattended, or storing them within sheds, garages and other outbuildings.

The launch of Pedal Protect took place at Fettes Police Station, where officers highlighted the significant number of lost and stolen bikes that come into police possession on a weekly basis.

In order to improve bike security officers across the country will be hosting a range of bike marking events and will publicise these on the Police Scotland social media channels.

In addition, police have been engaging with bike retailers in town and cities and many have now agreed to provide Pedal Protect and Bike Register security information leaflets to customers who purchase a new bike.

Local policing teams will also continue to gather intelligence on bike thefts taking place in their communities, and carry out appropriate enforcement action when required. The public are asked to come forward with any information relating to the theft of bikes within their communities.

Detective Superintendent Matt Paden, Police Scotland Acquisitive Crime Lead, said:  “Across Scotland, cycling is a popular form of transport, as well as a recreational past-time and each year the public spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on buying bikes.

“Despite the significant sums of money people spend on a bike, the amount spent on security pales in comparison. Stealing a bike is often seen as an attractive option for those involved in acquisitive crime, as to do so is normally a quick process, with modest security measures in place, easy to overcome.”

“While bike theft typically takes place to allow thieves to make a quick sale, we now believe more expensive custom bikes are being targeted by organised crime groups so they can be resold for hefty prices, which fund their criminal operations.

“We have launched Pedal Protect because we will be conducting a range of intelligence-led activity to return stolen bikes to their rightful owners, but also to encourage all of those who currently own, or who are considering buying a bike, to invest in appropriate security.

“Our Police Scotland website has a range of useful information on keeping your bike safe available at www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/secure-your-bicycle

“I would also urge anyone who has had a bike lost or stolen to regularly check in with their local policing division and provide all relevant details so we can return as many recovered bikes as possible, often cycles are recovered but no one comes forward to claim them”

Supporting the Pedal Protect campaign is record-breaking Scottish cyclist, Mark Beaumont.

Attending the launch, Mark Beaumont added: “A bike can cost anything from a couple of hundred pounds, to several thousand pounds, but no matter what you pay, the feeling you get when your bike is stolen is the same.

“It’s devastating when a valued possession is taken from you and that’s why it’s so important to make sure you take all the necessary steps to keep your own bike safe.

“I’m really happy that Police Scotland has launched Pedal Protect, because not only are they taking the investigation of any stolen bike seriously, but are working hard to educate the public on how to safeguard their bikes.

“Having been the victim of a bike theft myself, I know how much distress it causes and that’s why I would urge all cyclists to consider the security they currently have in place for their bikes and ask themselves, are these measures sufficient?

“Police Scotland will be promoting their Pedal Protect campaign on a number of channels, including social media, so I’ll be sharing their messaging on my streams too. I really hope this helps raise awareness on bike security and potentially stop any of my followers having their own bikes stolen.”