Weber Shandwick, the world’s most award-winning communications company, has joined forces with Kelvin College to recruit three Modern Apprentices.
The firm, which employees a team of 50 consultants, creatives and designers in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, is enjoying a great start to 2021 and has already bolstered its team with five new recruits this year.
Natalie Buxton, Managing Director of Weber Shandwick in Scotland, said: “We believe that the more open, varied and diverse we are as an industry the better the work we will do. So, whether you’re a school/college leaver, returner or interested in a new career, we are looking for smart people from all backgrounds who are restless and want to do impactful work.
“Our aim as a business is to nurture, grow and retain talent. I joined the company as an Account Manager 15 years ago and many of the team here came on board early in their career and have worked up through the ranks to senior positions.
“The apprentices will get the opportunity to work with some of the communications industry’s best talent, not just here in Scotland, but with colleagues across the UK and globally.”
The apprentices will enjoy a combination of formal and on-the-job training and can expect to gain an understanding of strategic planning, creative, media relations and digital strategy across a range of sectors, including consumer, tech and energy.
Apprentices are full-time, paid employees who will earn while they learn and can be based at any of the company’s offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen. The apprentices will receive a Living Wage for a twelve-month contract and will earn a SVQ Level 7 Qualification at the end.
Weber Shandwick has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry; in 2020 Weber Shandwick was named to Ad Age’s Agency A-List and honoured as PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Decade. The agency was also nominated as one of the Best Places to Work in 2019.
Senior Associate Rebecca Halligan, who joined Weber Shandwick through the apprentice scheme in 2017, said: “Becoming an apprentice at Weber Shandwick was an excellent way to join the world of PR.
“I was allowed the opportunity to develop my skills in the areas I enjoyed and have been able to maximise on my potential since joining the team. From working on big brands since day one, training in offices across Europe, and being welcomed with open arms into the team, Weber Shandwick apprenticeship programme is an unbeatable start to a career in communications.”
RETIREES prove you are never too old to travel as they make their way across the continents sampling different cuisines and experiencing new cultures all from the comfort of their home.
Cramond Residence care home in Edinburgh have been running themed events during lockdown, each one based on a different culture, to continue providing enriching experiences and keep residents entertained.
Each themed event consists of traditional music from the chosen destination, culturally appropriate activities, and a special menu to match. Residents will be took a trip to Italy in April, after visiting India in March and China in February.
Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The residents love our themed events as it gives them a chance to reminisce on their favourite holidays and trips whilst some can experience new cultures of countries they haven’t visited before.
“In our ‘trip’ to Italy, our head chef, Patsy McKenzie (above), will be hosting a master class on pizza making where Residents will be encouraged to make their very own pizzas.
“There will also be games and a presentation on the history and culture throughout the month.”
Since restrictions were reinforced at the beginning of the year, residents have been isolating in nine self-contained small-group living units within the purpose-built care home, to help with infection control.
Residents have access to Android tablets and are encouraged to use video conferencing apps to stay connected with friends. Each group’s lounge area can be connected via video to bring the whole home together.
The innovative use of technology has meant that Lifestyle Coordinators at the plush home have been able to deliver a rich activity schedule, including a virtual reality whisky distillery tour, a St Andrew’s Day ceilidh and a trip around the world.
Lifestyle Coordinators lead activities from the high spec cinema room, connecting into each lounge, or each bedroom, encouraging two-way communications with the residents.
Lisa added: “Staff have been working extremely hard over the past few months to think of new activities to keep residents entertained and connected during lockdown.
“It’s so important to organise meaningful and stimulating activities for the residents as this boosts their mental and physical well-being. The themed events have been a major hit across the board. It’s something fun for everyone to get involved in.
“We’re constantly receiving suggestions of where residents would like to travel to next, the list is never-ending!”
Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.
SP Energy Networks unlocks £33.9 million of funding for green projects to deliver Net Zero in Central and Southern Scotland
The investment in 18 projects over the next 18 months will help achieve a green economic recovery
Work is part of massive change needed to ready the grid for huge increase in demand as electrification of heat and transport gathers pace
Projects will upgrade parts of the network to provide additional electrical capacity in areas where we are expecting growth in low carbon technologies
SP Energy Networks has unlocked £33.9 million of fresh funding to invest in 18 green energy projects in Central and Southern Scotland.
The projects will provide additional electrical capacity in areas where SP Energy Networks, the distribution network owner for the area, is expecting electricity demand to grow, delivering the network infrastructure required to support the UK’s low carbon future and helping to accelerate a green economic recovery.
This work will see the installation of four brand new main substations in Central and Southern Scotland, including the construction of a new £6m substation near the COP26 venue in Glasgow.
The city is hosting the most important climate summit since 2016 in November this year and the substation will create a lasting COP26 legacy by enabling future green developments and the connection of low carbon technologies into the grid and help Glasgow with its own Net Zero ambitions.
This project, and the 17 other network infrastructure projects, will be delivered over the next eighteen months and will provide the capacity for the connection of a host of LCTs such as electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps.
These technologies will help households transform their energy use as they switch to electric options from a current reliance on gas and fossil fuels to power transport and heat. And, on the journey to Net Zero, more and more of this electricity will come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
“I strongly welcome this investment in Scotland’s energy networks, which will help our progress towards decarbonisation while ensuring that the economic and social benefits of the energy transition are realised across the country.
“We have worked closely with our stakeholders to support the strong and successful bids from Scotland’s network companies for this substantial funding. These projects and investments will support further innovation in green energy, unlocking capacity in our networks to support electrification of transport as well as other technologies like battery storage, renewables and heat pumps.
“Today’s announcement by Ofgem is the product of an agile approach to investment and we must now build on this to ensure that our networks remain capable of supporting Scotland’s net-zero transition.”
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “These projects were selected because they are shovel-ready, can be delivered at speed and will help communities in Central and Southern Scotland to take important steps forward on their journey to Net Zero.
“To tackle climate change we’re electrifying transport, decarbonising heating and buildings and connecting more wind and solar energy generation than ever before. Our network must be ready to support these changes and set the foundations for a Net Zero future.
“In six months, Glasgow will host the most important climate summit in years, COP26. At the forefront of discussions will be how everyone can accelerate climate action and this funding will help to speed up our own work to deliver a network that can unlock Net Zero for Scotland and the communities we serve.”
The investment announced today will create 154MW of new network capacity to power more than 200 rapid or ultra-rapid EV chargers and 1,500 domestic heat pumps in the region as well as numerous other significant connections.
Each project has been selected for the contribution it will make towards driving a green economic recovery, achieving Net Zero and delivering a resilient and reliable energy network that will work for energy consumers now and well into the future.
Frank Mitchell said: “We have ambitious plans to revolutionise the distribution network between 2023 and 2028 – we’re going to reinforce or replace hundreds of miles of cables, upgrade more than 800 substations and bring new technologies online to help us manage the increased energy flowing through our grid.
“The projects we have announced today are welcome, but they only represent the tip of the iceberg for our energy networks. Make no mistake, this is an infrastructure project to rival anything this country has delivered in recent memory.”
In total, 40 projects will be delivered across SP Energy Networks distribution area, which provides electricity to more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across Central and Southern Scotland and Cheshire, Merseyside and North and Mid Wales.
Shop Here This Year campaign encourages shoppers to support local Edinburgh businesses by shining a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the city
The campaign continues with a new series of free workshops hosted by Edinburgh-based influencers to help businesses maximise their digital marketing offering and encourage residents to shop local
The Shop Here This Year campaign continues to spread support to local businesses in Edinburgh with a new series of free digital marketing workshops, hosted by Edinburgh based influencers.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council under Forever Edinburgh, Shop Here This Year has adapted the campaign in the wake of the global pandemic to ensure continued support for businesses across the city who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The campaign continues to shine citizens a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the Capital and the businesses that bring them to life, showcasing the independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences that make them great places to visit.
Oddly enough, Drylaw, Pilton, Muirhouse and Granton are not among those ‘local’ neigbourhoods and town centres … Ed.
The next phase of the campaign sees three virtual workshops hosted by local influencers. The new series has been created to support businesses in making the most of their digital marketing platforms in continuing to promote their businesses to existing and new customers.
Taking place on Zoom throughout the coming months, these workshops will each target a different sector of Edinburgh’s diverse and vibrant retail scene: Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors, Food & Drink and Attractions, Heritage & Tours.
The workshops will focus on developing key skills that will empower business to grow and maximise their digital presence, following, and engagement.
Each workshop will be tailored to specific sectors and will cover essential digital marketing skills; how to increase brand awareness, take impactful imagery, build a following and share engaging copy.
Although aimed at certain types of business, be they food, lifestyle or attraction focused, businesses from across Edinburgh’s varied retail sectors are encouraged to sign up to one, or all three workshops, in accordance with relevance and their own availability.
To kick things off Gemma Armit of Everything Edinburgh and Two Scots Abroad will host the first influencer workshop aimed at businesses with links to Attractions, Heritage & Tours, on Tuesday 15 June from 5.30pm.
Then on Tuesday 29 June, again from 5.30pm, Emma Bathgate of Vegan Edinburgh will host her own workshop focused on Food & Drink retailers.
Finally, at 5.30pm on Tuesday 6 July, Lauren Dall of The Luxe List will host the third and final workshop focused Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors.
Workshops are FREE to attend and open to all Edinburgh businesses. To sign up businesses should register via Eventbrite, links below:
A new local business champion network, created by the Councils Business Growth and Inclusion Team, has been instrumental in shaping the campaign.
The network includes a range of businesses from all 11 neighbourhoods and include: Cove, Action Porty, Fabhatrix, Reddoor Gallery, Walker Slater, Leith Police Box, Cranachan and Crowdie, Scottish Textiles, Ragamuffin, 181 Deli, Bakery Andante, Specsavers, Herbie of Edinburgh, Seakist and Leith, Stockbridge and Grassmarket Outdoor Markets.
The Business Champion Network, said:“We are delighted to be involved in the Shop Here This Year campaign, which allows local businesses like ours to engage with Edinburgh’s citizens in a way that has never been more important.
“The past 12 months have been hard on everyone and while we are excited at the prospect of things slowly opening up, we need to explore avenues that are open to us in the meantime.”
“Not only will these workshops give Edinburgh businesses an opportunity to develop vital skills needed to help promote our businesses via social media and connect to shoppers, they will also enable us to engage with other businesses in our area, building a the sense of community and hopefully providing us with a network of support that will continue long into the future.”
Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said:“Edinburgh’s local business community is incredibly important to everyone living in and around the city. Our town centres are diverse and vibrant, all offering something different from the very best in local food and drink, delicious coffees to elegant cocktails.
“We have so many shops offering locally made products, crafts, art, fashion, books and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
“By bringing these businesses together with digital marketing professionals who have had a front row seat to the struggles that retail and hospitality businesses are going through, we can create a community of support on the road to recovery.
“This campaign is run by Forever Edinburgh, the city’s visitor marketing brand, and works alongside its newest promotional activity of the Capital – The Story Never Ends.
“We hope these new skills will also help businesses build and tell their audiences more about their stories – be it their origins, about their products and suppliers or their customers experiences – and get involved by using the hashtag #ForeverEdinburgh.
“It’s another great opportunity to help both residents and visitors rediscover all the amazing unique experiences our Capital has to offer.”
The campaign continues s to engage with the local communities across the city and encourages people to share their Edinburgh shopping moments using #ShopHereThisYear and #ForeverEdinburgh on social media. Of course, while restrictions remain in place, those taking part are encouraged to do so in a Covid compliant way.
In addition to regular meetings with neighbourhood champions, the team have also prepared a digital toolkit for businesses looking to get involved.
• #neighbourhood (for spotlight weeks) #Grassmarket #Stockbridge etc.
Shop Here This YearCampaign Summary
Supported by funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership, “Shop Here This Year” is a digital campaign led by the City of Edinburgh Council which aims to inspire people to shop local. It will promote local businesses across 11 ‘town centres’ in Edinburgh: Stockbridge, Gorgie & Dalry, Portobello, Southside, Leith, Morningside & Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Corstorphine, Queensferry, Royal Mile, and Grassmarket
Recognising the vital role of independent, local businesses for the city economy, the campaign seeks to showcase your business among EH postcode consumers, raising awareness and encouraging them to spend their money in the local community where it can have a huge impact on business resilience and local employment.
Shopping locally is a good thing, not just as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in general. It has strong environmental credentials; it supports the places where we live in our city and it maintains the diverse and exciting mix of independent businesses which give each town centre its unique character.
The campaign will be featured across the City of Edinburgh Council’s various digital channels including:
The Stroke Association in Scotland is planning to support hundreds more people affected by stroke as they recover from the effects of their stroke and impact of lockdown in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The charity has received a Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund to help develop and expand its peer support offers to help people affected by stroke, rebuild their lives again.
John Watson, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “As well as the physical disabilities caused by stroke, there are many other stroke related difficulties less visible but just as important. For example, a third of stroke survivors in Scotland will experience depression.
“We are delighted to be granted this award from The National Lottery Community Fund who has recognised the value of our support services and need for them to grow – particularly at this time. Our Recoveries At Risk survey last year highlighted that just under half of people affected by stroke felt less able to cope with the impact of their stroke during lockdown.
“In response to the pandemic, we are delivering new support offers in Scotland that aim to address the psychological impact of stroke – particularly the emotional needs of people affected by stroke.
“We will use the funding to continue and expand the support options for people recovering from stroke throughout Scotland. That support will help stroke survivors connect with local groups, facilitate Zoom meetings, and run face to face support groups. They will also receive vital information to help with their own self-management.”
Heather Melville-Hume from Galashiels, was only 43 when she had her stroke two and a half years ago. It came completely out of the blue. In an instant, her life changed as she knew it.
Heather was unable to walk confidently or use her lower right arm and dominant hand. The fatigue that came after her stroke was overwhelming. Everything felt like a huge mountain to climb – both physically and emotionally.
And as if that wasn’t hard enough to deal with, Heather then lost her husband who she had been with for seven and a half years.
She said: “Nobody around me had been widowed at such a young age and there was no one I knew my age, dealing with the impact of a stroke. I was in a very lonely place.”
Heather heard about the charity’s stroke café via social media. And although initially anxious to join online and talk to people, something made her do it.
“I was delighted to feel at first like I didn’t need to say anything. People were just talking normally about everyday things, and it was very relaxed with a warm welcome by volunteers involved.
“After a while people started to talk about what sort of a week they’d had. And that’s when I heard some fascinating stories about peoples’ stroke experiences and how they were coping/had coped. I realised I was not alone, that every stroke comes with its challenges, but there is hope and you can get back to a new normal.
“I am delighted the Stroke Association in Scotland is receiving support from The National Lottery Community Fund. There is so much value in connecting with strangers with shared experiences in lifting your mood, spirit and importantly raise a smile on the hardest of days.”
ANOTHER BIG WINNER announced this morning was ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council), who received almost £100,000.
The Forth Street-based organisation will use the funding ‘to continue supporting isolated women and activities will include exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, a women’s health forum, and opportunities to practice talking and writing in English.
‘Participants will meet new friends and will benefit from a supportive network, improved wellbeing and increasing social interaction.’
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “In these unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.
“I would like to congratulate the Stroke Association in Scotland on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference.”
At the end of the war in 1945 the population, including the armed forces, were exhausted, many having also lived through the 1930s of unemployment and poor living conditions. The population were determined to change things after six years of war.
The main thing to tackle was the formation if a National Health Service. In 1948 this would tackle the poor state of the nation and provide an example of how the nation could be organised for the people.
Now, more than seventy years on, the foresight of setting up the NHS has been experienced and it is paying off, particularly in the circumstances of the Covid 19 epidemic.
Millions of people have expressed their gratitude for the NHS, for it’s originators and for all the people who work within it.
But now, a danger looms over our NHS. The Conservatives, who voted AGAINST the formation of the NHS, feel they are able to start ‘reorganising’ the service to allow the private sector a controlling role in it.
This infiltration is the first step by the Tories in a plan to kill off the NHS as a service for all.
Forth Ports has unveiled ambitious proposals for the creation of Scotland’s largest and best located renewable energy hub on a 175 acre site at the Port of Leith – supporting Scotland’s economic recovery and energy transition plans and the achievement of Scotland’s net zero carbon emissions targets.
This £40m private investment will see the creation of a bespoke, riverside marine berth capable of accommodating the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessels.
The facility will feature a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre (t/m2), backed up by 35 acres of adjacent land for logistics and marshalling. This will be supplemented by the upgrading of a 140 acre cargo handling site to accommodate lay down; assembly; supply chain and manufacturing opportunities.
The total area is equivalent to around 100 full size football pitches.
The Port of Leith Renewable Energy Hub has the potential to:
Make a major contribution to Scotland achieving its 2045 net zero greenhouse gases target
Secure the Firth of Forth as the driver for Scotland’s green energy transition
Help spearhead Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s Covid-19 recovery plan
Support up to 1,000 high quality, long term direct jobs and about 2,000 indirect jobs
Launching the plans, Charles Hammond OBE, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are committed to playing a significant role in the renewable energy sector and, through that, Scotland’s energy transition to net zero as we also tackle the challenges of Covid-19 recovery and economic regeneration.
“This is a pump-priming investment in logistics and marine infrastructure at the Port of Leith as we harness Scotland’s natural resources for future generations and has the potential to play a significant part in our forthcoming Firth of Forth Green Port bid.
“Leith’s proximity to the North Sea, which is set to become home to many more offshore wind developments, coupled with the natural deep waters of the Firth of Forth, makes this an ideal location to support not only those developments already planned, but the pipeline of projects that are sure to follow.
“That’s why we’re prepared to invest our land, our expertise and our shareholders’ money to further build and strengthen Scotland’s renewables supply chain to deliver new long-term jobs. Forth Ports is committed to both help make Scotland’s renewables future a reality and help it meet its carbon reduction targets.”
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson, said:“The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to increase offshore wind capacity to 11 GW of energy installed by 2030 – enough to power more than eight million homes.This commitment, which will support our transition to a net-zero economy by 2045, capitalises on the fact that Scotland’s seas have some of the best offshore wind resources in the world.
“It is fundamentally important that the bold and necessary action required for us to reach net-zero is taken in a way that is fair and just for everyone. It must seize the economic benefits that will be created, supporting jobs and our wider society.
“This significant investment from Forth Ports to develop the Port of Leith places them in an ideal position to harness the offshore wind opportunities in the North Sea, creating good green jobs and supporting a just transition to net-zero – not just for the city of Edinburgh but the wider area and beyond.”
City of Edinburgh Council leader, Councillor Adam McVey, said:“Renewable energy plays a vital role in tackling climate change and in securing a bright economic future for everyone in our Capital. The increase in jobs for people in Leith and across Edinburgh is hugely welcome and underlines our economic resilience as a City.
“The continuing regeneration of clean industry in the docks with the development of the Port of Leith Renewable Energy Hub is an important and welcome step in supporting the needed transition to a cleaner, greener future for the next generation.”
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables,said: “Scotland is at the start of its offshore wind journey, with plans to increase capacity tenfold in the coming decade. Ports and harbour infrastructure have an enormous role to play in the growth of that multi-billion pound sector which, with support from government and industry, is likely to grow much more quickly than it has to date.
“The announcement of such significant activity by Forth Ports is hugely welcome and will act as a signal to draw other, wider private and public sector investment to grow the skills, expertise, innovation and supply chain we need to make the most of this exciting next phase of the renewable energy industry’s development.
“The Scottish Government’s Sectoral Marine Plan contains many sites for floating wind development which, coupled with investments in infrastructure capable of handling the scale of floating turbine technology, mean we have a chance to gain a foothold in a market with enormous economic and export opportunities, particularly in the US and Asia. Scotland can truly lead the world in offshore wind, and today’s news from Leith is the first step in that journey.”
This will be a wholly private sector investment of £40m, backed by Forth Ports’ shareholders, in support of the industrial regeneration of the Port of Leith and reinforcing the role of the Firth of Forth in Scotland’s energy transition. It will further underpin the position of Scotland’s Central Belt as a leading area of engineering and manufacturing skills and capabilities.
With existing offshore wind farm development plans and the Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind seabed leasing round still to come, offshore wind alone has the potential to create enough work for this renewables hub for the next 30 years.
The Firth of Forth’s natural deep waters and its proximity to the North Sea make it ideally suited to supporting future offshore wind farm development, both fixed and floating.
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs said: “This £40 million investment into a renewable energy hub at the Port of Leith is exactly what is needed for Scotland’s green economic recovery.
“Creating jobs, building the economy and developing green energy are all key to building back better and stronger.
“Forth Ports have put themselves in pole position to be a Green Port, Scotland’s take on the UK initiative of Free Ports.
“Leith has historically been a source of wealth for Edinburgh and the East of Scotland and this investment will massively benefit the region.”
Edinburgh-based groups helping older people to re-connect, new parents feel less isolated and those with sight loss more empowered are amongst those today sharing in £1,483,518 of National Lottery funding.
The cash from The National Lottery Community Fund is being shared by 30 groups in the city helping local communities adapt and recover from COVID-19.
Neil Saddington, Equalities and Inclusion Worker with the group, said: “Most of the Spring Chickens group are elderly people who experience a variety of different health issues and disabilities.
“This essential National Lottery funding has enabled us to do valuable work to combat isolation and loneliness during the most recent lockdown. Now that restrictions are slowly being lifted, we are looking forward to one to one outdoor meet ups to support some of the most isolated members of the group get out and about again.”
There was more good news for another North Edinburgh project as FetLor youth club has also received National Lottery support.
The club said in a statement: “FetLor are delighted to have received an award from The National Lottery Community Fund. We plan to use this funding to support our young people as they return to the Club after lockdown.
“FetLor is a club at the heart of the north Edinburgh community and this funding will support the young people from that community as they make a return to what’s important; being with friends in a safe and supportive space.”
FetLor Director, Richie Adams said, “This last year has been challenging both for our members and for our community. As we move out of lockdown, we are delighted to be welcoming young people back into their club.
“We are looking forward to supporting our members build resilience, achieve their potential and have great fun doing so! The support from the National Lottery enables us to do all we can to make sure our members have a fun time thriving and growing at FetLor”
Based in Edinburgh and working Scotland wide, Sight Scotland offers support to anyone impacted by sight loss, as well as their relatives, friends and carers.
Thanks to an award of £150,000, its Family Wellbeing service will providea range of support to address the loneliness and mental health impacts of sight-loss, and the additional impacts of Covid-19.
Mark O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, said: “A huge thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for this funding. It will enable us to provide practical and emotional support to even more people affected by visual impairment in communities across Scotland via our recently established Family Wellbeing Service.
“With the number of people with sight loss in Scotland set to increase by 30,000 to over 200,000 in the next decade, it is vital that Sight Scotland is there for people with sight loss and their loved ones whenever and however they need us.”
An award of £107,000 goes to Passion4Fusion to deliver a health, wellbeing and support service for Black African people in Edinburgh and West Lothian.
Welcoming the award Jonathan Ssentamu of Passion4Fusion, said: “We are very excited and really grateful for the support of the National Lottery Community Fund to enable us to develop this much-needed project which will help to address the complex issues and needs that Black Africans are facing.
“Experience has shown us that many Black Africans living in poverty and deprivation would choose to be ‘invisible’ rather than admit to needing help and in turn seeking the help they need. Our Project will support people directly within their local community, making it as easy as possible to access culturally sensitive services that will allow them to thrive in life.”
“This essential National Lottery funding has enabled us to do valuable work to combat isolation and loneliness during the most recent lockdown. Now that restrictions are slowly being lifted, we are looking forward to one to one outdoor meet ups to support some of the most isolated members of the group get out and about again.”
Dads Rock will deliver group sessions to fathers on topics such as parenting advice, health and safety and mental health, thanks to an award of £9,950.
Lisa Holder, Fundraising Manager, said: “This funding will help us give online support to around 1000 parents across Scotland over the next year, helping them to feel less isolated and learn new skills.
“It will enable them to become more confident and resilient and their children will feel safe, loved and supported.”
Networking Key Services Limited is a community organisation working closely with South Asian and other ethnic minority communities in Edinburgh.
Welcoming their £103,840 award, Naina Minhas, Manager, Networking Key Services Ltd, said: “The National Lottery funding we have received in the past has enabled us to set up a forum for South Asian female carers in Edinburgh.
“This new award will go a long way to address the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on South Asian communities and will enable us to support communities in their recovery from the challenges that have further widened pre-existing inequalities.”
Across the country 246 community projects are today sharing in£10,922,832.
Announcing the funding, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “It’s great to see such a variety of projects being funded in Edinburgh to help local people adapt and recover from the physical and mental health impacts of COVID-19.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference, connecting local people to others in their communities.”
National Lottery players raise £30 million every week for good causes in the UK.
Six-week post-lockdown recovery programme now live!
Former MP, author and trainee Personal Trainer Tom Watson included in the team
The UK’s leading health and fitness group David Lloyd Clubs, alongside psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibbard and nutritionist Jenna Hope, have launched Team PB – a six-week programme to motivate, encourage and support people to realise their health goals, specifically with the Coronavirus pandemic and its physical and mental effects in mind.
Six volunteers from across the country, including former leading politician, author and trainee Personal Trainer Tom Watson, will take part in the programme and will share their stories, challenges and achievements via David Lloyd Clubs Instagram channel, Facebook and website.
Members of Team PB have all been significantly impacted by the pandemic in some way and are all dealing with various mental well-being, nutritional and physical challenges brought on by the crisis.
Meet the members:
Tom, 54 from Bewdley, who over the last few years famously lost 7 stone and reversed his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, hit a brick wall when it came to his health in the third lockdown. He wants to get back to his health journey with the help of Team PB.
John, 41 from Manchester feels completely burnt out as a result of the pandemic and hopes that Team PB will help put him back on track to leading a healthy lifestyle so his physical and mental health can improve.
Eva, 59 from North London has found that the lockdowns had a huge impact on her activity levels and with a big birthday approaching wants to improve her physical wellbeing
Michelle, 32 from Southampton is a mother of three and had Covid in December 2020. She is still recovering and experiences a lot of post-exercise exhaustion despite being a healthy and fit person. She’s joined Team PB so she can reach her potential.
Rachael, 44 from Derby has found she has struggled with anxiety over the past year and hope being part of Team PB will help her get back into exercising to improve her mental and physical health
Jack, 27 from North London was an asymptomatic sufferer of COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic, and after finding it incredibly hard to breathe during exercise, gave up exercising altogether. With Team PB’s help, he wants to work towards building a stronger and healthier physique and growing my confidence.
Expert support comes in the form of David Lloyd Clubs fitness trainers, plus Psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibbard and nutritionist Jenna Hope.
Tom Watson, commenting on his inclusion in Team PB, said: “I have been on a life-changing health journey these last four years. Learning about the importance of good physical and mental health and putting what I’ve learnt into practice has been quite literally life-saving for me.
“When the pandemic hit, like so many, I tried my best to keep active and keep positive and found exercise helped with this. I took regular runs with the DL Run Club and completed online classes at home.
“By the time the country reached the third lockdown, I had hit a brick wall, and my health took a bit of a nosedive. I know this has been a common occurrence for so many – not having access to a gym and the motivation that comes with access to good facilities and trainers like those at David Lloyd Clubs has impacted my physical and mental health.
“I’m delighted to be part of the David Lloyd Clubs Team PB project. I’ve already noticed a difference in working with Sophie Lammas, my trainer at the club in Bromsgrove, over these past couple of weeks and feel excited to be part of such a positive initiative. I hope that as a team, we can share our experiences to give others the confidence to reset their health journeys after the pandemic lockdown.”
Commenting on the role that diet plays in positive physical and mental wellbeing and her role as the Team PB nutritionist, Jenna Hope says: “It’s no secret that so many of us have struggled with our diet during lockdown, reaching for unhealthy snacks and drinks to combat feelings of boredom, anxiety and loneliness meaning we’ve piled on the pounds.
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of optimising nutrition to support our wellbeing, but many don’t realise the significant link between nutrition and mental health as well. I am looking forward to showing how an improve diet will boost the wellbeing of everyone, not just those affected by weight gain.”
Taking a ‘360’ approach to health and fitness, the six-week programme will start with an assessment with Dr Jessamy and nutritionist Jenna Hope to understand how members have been affected by the pandemic, to understand what has been holding them back in the past and to identify any barriers or bad habits which will.
Alongside a session with one of David Lloyd Personal Trainers, an in-depth and tailored support package will be created. They will have three one to one PT sessions a week for six weeks with regular Zoom meetings with Dr Jessamy and Jenna Hope to ensure they are equipped with the tools and support to help create healthy life-long habits.
Dr Jessamycommented: “The mind and body are intimately connected and so the two should go hand in hand with any transformational fitness programme.
“Exercise is great support for mental health, increasing self-esteem, energy levels and endorphins, improving body image, motivation, mental functioning and sleep, and boosting morale. Beating those ‘I can’t’ thoughts and seeing what your body is capable of is incredibly empowering.”
“The success of a programme such as this requires motivation, resilience and good habits applied consistently, so that will be our start point. I will give our team an individual psychological assessment so they can think about how best to approach this challenge and understand what has been holding them back and feel more empowered to tackle their issues head on. I can’t wait to see them develop in confidence as they start to see the results.”
Jenna Hopecontinued: “A nutrient rich diet is pivotal for supporting optimal physical and mental wellbeing and should be the start point for anyone starting a fitness programme.
“But nutrition is a complex and very personal thing – what is right for me, may not be right for you, and without the right diet fueling your physical programme, you won’t achieve your best results. I am delighted to be a part of David Lloyd’s Team PB; throughout the six weeks I’ll be providing bespoke nutrition and meal advice to help support the team to live the healthiest versions of themselves.”
Lucy Day, head of gym at David Lloyd Clubs comments: “The pandemic has really brought home to millions just how important health and wellbeing is. So many people have been negatively affected both physically and mentally, and we know that more people than ever will be wanting to invest in themselves and commit to being healthier and happier.
“What sets our Team PB campaign apart, however, is it takes a truly ‘360’ approach to fitness and wellbeing, underpinned by expert psychological and nutritional support. It will identify any bad habits and motivational blockers, offering expert tailored advice throughout, which will give our team positive and sustainable results to improve their wellbeing for years to come.
“We hope to change the lives of these members, ensuring that they become the very best versions of themselves and in turn inspire others to go on their own journeys to becoming healthier and happier.”
EXPLORE Data Science Academy (EDSA) is investing up to £250,000 in the strongest and highest achieving graduates in Scotland by offering as many as 40 free scholarships for its six- month online data science courses.
Applications are open now until the 6th June 2021.
EDSA is inviting top graduates that have excelled in their studies and consistently performed well academically to apply and expand their knowledge in Data Science. The EDSA has trained over 1000 young data scientists in South Africa since 2017 and has a graduate employment rate of over 90% at above average starting salaries.
Its courses were recently recognised by Amazon Web Services (AWS), which has partnered with EDSA to offer data science learning to young Africans.
“We believe that our data science course formula, which includes self-study, team challenges, real world problem solving, and world class facilitators, can produce similar results in the UK,” said Shaun Dippnall, CEO of EDSA.
“The higher education system is not producing a sufficient number of work-ready graduates. Our courses are designed to ensure that our students, once graduated, have both the technical and practical skills needed in the workplace,” Dippnall adds.
On completion, the EDSA will assist graduates to find employment through its network.
Skills shortages
A recent survey found that 73% of UK firms believe they lack the talent to complete AI and data science initiatives. EXPLORE Data Science Academy is bridging that gap by offering a suite of comprehensive online courses including Data Science, Data Engineering, Data Analytics, and Business Intelligence, that deliver specialist training in a real-world environment.
Dippnall believes this is an ideal opportunity for highly talented Britons to top up their skills and embark on an exciting career in one of the most sought-after careers at no cost.
“As data becomes the currency of modern business, the race to become data-driven has seen organisations investing heavily in core analytics skills, but lack of support, funding and time available for upskilling are cited as current challenges within the UK data science community,” Dippnall says.
Real world problem solving
EDSA’s courses are practical and deal with real-world problems in business. “The innovative design of our learning platforms and the passion of our scientist facilitators equip EXPLORE students to do great things. Facilitators are experienced in tackling real-world problems and skilfully mentor learners throughout the programme,” he adds.
While the EXPLORE Data Science Academy is new to the UK, its consultancy division EXPLORE AI has been delivering artificial intelligence solutions for Britain’s largest water utility supplier, Thames Water, as part of a project to monitor the supply and demand on its network. There are more than 70 data scientists from EXPLORE AI working for Thames Water, many of which graduated from EDSA.
“The Thames Water success story validates EDSA’s decision to expand out of the South African context and take its place on the world stage. We are excited about our entry into the UK market and I encourage exceptional graduates to apply. This could well be the gateway for 40 such candidates to embark on a thrilling and rewarding career – at no cost. What have you got to lose?” concludes Dippnall.
Data Science Course details
Learners will gain an overview of Data Science and Machine Learning – the skills required to be a data scientist. In the Fundamentals phase they learn how to clean, analyse and visualise data as well as how to effectively communicate the findings. During Machine Learning, students solve real-world problems by building regression, classification and unsupervised learning algorithms in Python. This involves data exploration insight building, improving and communicating models from a raw and unstructured dataset.
Topics Covered:
Data Science Fundamentals
SQL – Create and query a SQL database to extract valuable information
Python Programming – Create Python functions to process and analyse datasets
Visualisation – Building dynamic and interactive dashboards using Power BI
Machine Learning
Regression – Learn about linear regression, variable selection, feature engineering, regularisation, decision trees, parametric methods, ensemble methods and bootstrapping. Build regression models and test the results of forecasts.
Classification – Learn about logistic regression, natural language processing, decision trees, support vectors, neural networks, ensemble methods and hyperparameter tuning. Build and optimise classification models to improve the accuracy of predictions.
Unsupervised Learning – Learn to apply unsupervised techniques, clustering, dimensionality reduction and recommendation systems to gather insight and derive patterns from unstructured data
Have what it takes to be a data scientist?
To apply for a free slot in this world class data science course, applicants must go to https://explore-datascience.net/ and undertake an aptitude test to qualify for selection.
The scholarship application window is open now until and the 6th June.
