Day: July 14, 2021

Morrisons customers help raise £20 million for British farms

– Sales of Morrisons ‘For Farmers’ dairy and egg ranges help British farmers invest in sustainability and animal husbandry –

– Scheme has led to increased woodland and insect habitats, more grazing and free roaming time, and new cow comfort initiatives –

Morrisons customers have raised £20 million to support farms and the countryside by choosing to pay a little more for products in Morrisons For Farmers range. 

The funds have been ploughed back into a range of farm schemes to improve biodiversity and further improve animal welfare, in a period when British farmers have faced financial uncertainty due to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In October 2015, Morrisons was the first British retailer to launch a dairy product where part of the purchase price went directly back to farmers. Milk For Farmers was the original product – at 10p-a-litre more than Morrisons own label standard milk – with the full difference passed on to its dairy farmers.

The range now includes Cheese For Farmers, Cream For Farmers and Eggs For Farmers which similarly give customers the opportunity to pay a little more to support farmers directly. 

Funds from the For Farmers range have helped the farmed and natural environment. Morrisons For Farmers ‘Chuckle Eggs’, costing an extra 1p per egg more, has enabled farmers to invest money in planting woodland and creating insect-friendly wildflower habitats for their free-range chickens to roam around in. To date 169 acres have been planted. This month a similar insect habitat scheme is being rolled out across all Morrisons milk farms. 

Money from the Milk for Farmers range has enabled more investment in animal husbandry from the 140 dairy farmers aligned to Morrisons. Farmers directly selling into the Morrisons Milk For Farmers range grazed their cows for an average of 224 days last year – over a hundred more days than are required. 

Dairy farmers have also put the additional money towards new rotating brushes, mattresses and scratch pads for cows, along with foot baths to reduce lameness. 

Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons, said: “Our farmers continue to face some uncertainty due to the impact of Brexit and the pandemic. So we are pleased to have passed on £20 million from our For Farmers range to help fund initiatives which may otherwise have suffered from under-investment.

“It’s great to see many customers want to pay more to support British farmers – and want to buy dairy products from cows that have been let out to graze and eggs from free range hens who can roam in enriched woodland and grassland areas.”

Morrisons is British farming’s biggest supermarket customer and buys directly from over 3,000 farmers and growers. Morrisons is 100% British for its fresh meat, milk and eggs and always buys British produce first when in season and when available.

Morrisons has already embarked on a programme to be completely supplied by net zero carbon British farms[1] by 2030, five years ahead of the market. 

Over the next nine years, Morrisons will work with its 3,000 farmers and growers to produce affordable ‘net zero’ carbon meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables. As part of the programme, Morrisons will also work with universities, farming and countryside organisations and carbon experts.

For more information on the Morrisons For Farmers range, please visit:  

https://www.morrisons-farming.com/backing-british/for-farmers-range

See It On Screen launches with free Double Bill Premiere

Outdoor screening of two short films at The Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge

Scotland’s newest independent film production company, See It On Screen, launches today with the announcement of a summer premiere of its first two short films, Ice Melts and Out Of Town.

The films will be premiered at an outdoor screening at The Neighbourgood Market at Edinburgh Accies Rugby Club on Thursday 22nd July at 7pm.

Both films, Ice Melts (10 minutes) and Out Of Town (20 minutes), are original short stories written and directed by Archie Middleton, an Edinburgh-based graduate of MetFilm School in London, and have harnessed local and emerging talent and crews to create the finished films.

Archie said: “These films are my first published works as a professional and I am immensely proud of each and every member of the cast and crew who were involved in creating them.  It demonstrates clearly that there is real talent and ability all around us which just needs a chance to prosper.”

And See It On Screen is determined to continue unearthing new talent, give it the exposure it deserves and, with it, access to the film industry.

Hester Middleton, founder of See It On Screen and producer of both films, explained “We are committed to the idea that talent can be found anywhere and recognised on sight.  Archie has brought around him a team of dedicated individuals, all of whom are passionate about storytelling in film, some with film qualifications and some without.

“Our aim is to build a community of film-interested friends and supporters, and to create opportunities to work in film for those who would not otherwise have access. We won’t charge anyone to see our films, but we do hope that they will inspire our audience and other benefactors to support our future projects through donations.”

Ambika Okhandiar, Event Director of The Neighbourgood Market, added: “We are delighted to be hosting See It On Screen’s premiere event! It’s great to be playing our part in launching this ambitious and worthy venture within local cinema.

“We have had a successful festival this year, including screenings of Euro 2020 and Wimbledon.  We’re excited to host this premiere and we look forward to meeting the cast and crew and welcoming all film fans. I am sure they will all enjoy sampling the amazing food and drink options that The Neighbourgood Market has to offer.”

Event Details:

See It On Screen Presents

Double Bill Premiere of “Ice Melts” and “Out Of Town”

7pm Thursday 22nd July

The Neighbourgood Market

Edinburgh Accies RFC

Portgower Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Now Open: Community Funding Available via Corra Foundation

Corra Foundation are welcoming applications from community groups, organisations and charities for a number of funds currently open. 

Focusing on a variety of themes, the grants open are aimed at supporting communities at local level, from support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic charities delivering projects on mental health, to funding for grassroots organisations working with homelessness and small funding pots for neighbourhood projects. 

The Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund, Enabling Neighbourhoods and Communities Fund and The Local Support Fund are administered by Corra Foundation on behalf of the Scottish Government. #ShiftThePower Scotland Comic Relief Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation working as an intermediary partner with Comic Relief in Scotland. 

July closing dates for two of the funds – Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund and Henry Duncan Grants are fast approaching. Please see below for more information and links to guidelines and applications.  

A round-up of current funds from Corra Foundation: 

Supporting Third Sector Armed Forces community organisations whose operations have been affected by COVID-19. Up to £75k available towards running costs until the end of March 2022. 

Closing 12 noon, Fri 16th July. 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/revision-of-armed-forces-third-sector-resilience-fund/ 

Funding community-based support for mental health and wellbeing via 3 strands: 

Organisation Grants – max £8,000 for 5 years – closing 21st July 

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Project Grants – max £8,000 for 3 years – closing 21st July 

Micro Grants – max £1,000 one of grants – rolling applications 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/henry-duncan-grants/ 

Up to £30k, multi-year funding for grassroots organisations and charities working under 2 themes:  

Gender Justice – contributing to gender equality by reducing violence and discrimination and promoting increased opportunity for women, girls and LGBTQI+ community. 

A Safe Place To Be – homelessness support including for refugees & asylum seekers. 

Closing 12 noon, Fri 20th August 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/revision-of-shiftthepower-scotland-comic-relief-fund/ 

  • Enabling Neighbourhoods and Communities Fund (Scottish Government Funding) 

    Up to £3,000, open to groups with strong local relationships with the community and which support people to connect and improve wellbeing – whether that’s community garden projects, children’s groups or local sport clubs. 

    Rolling application deadline. 

More information and application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/enabling-neighbourhoods/ 

Supporting small community-based groups delivering frontline services to people who use or used drugs, people in recovery and families affected. £1,000 to £10,000 available per year, up to 5 years. 

Rolling application deadline. 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/drugs-services-funds/ 

More detail on all the open grants and the application process can be found at https://www.corra.scot/grants/.

For questions or to discuss ideas or applications, please get in touch at hello@corra.scot.  

Elior teams up with Social Bite for Glitterfest initiative

Christmas spirit arrives early this year for Social Bite

Leading contract caterer Elior UK has teamed up with client Scottish Rugby for a Christmas campaign that will donate one hot meal for every party booking received for its renowned Glitterfest events. 

In total around 3,000 meals will be donated to the vulnerable in the local community during the month of December.

The meals will be provided through Social Bite – the Edinburgh-based organisation that distributes food and hot drinks throughout the year to people experiencing homelessness and food poverty. 

Founded in 2012 as a sandwich shop operating as a social business, and supported by well-known names such as Prince Harry, George Clooney and Leonardo di Caprio, Social Bite is on a mission to end homelessness through pioneering employment, food and housing initiatives.

Since the start of 2021 they have provided over 180,000 food packs and essential items to people in need; and exist to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.

Craig Stewart, Regional Managing Director, Elior, says: “After the disappointment of having to cancel our popular annual Glitterfest Parties last year due to Covid, we are delighted that this year’s festive offer will not only give revellers a wonderful night to remember, but at the same time we will be distributing around 3000 free, hot meals to people in the local community for whom this time of year can be particularly difficult.

“Keeping people at the heart of everything we do is of the upmost importance to us and with our strong ties to the community, we are determined to support in any way that we can!”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite co-Founder, says: “We are delighted to partner with Elior on this excellent initiative as part of our Festival of Kindness campaign. It’s great news that, by having fun at BT Murrayfield, locals will, in effect, be helping other local people in the community who will be struggling at Christmas. 

“It is through the generosity of organisations like Elior and Scottish Rugby that we are able to make it that little bit brighter for so many vulnerable people who would otherwise go without.”

Not forgetting the inspiring work of the NHS and key workers, Elior has also pledged 50 free places for them at Glitterfest Party Nights at BT Murrayfield.

From Saturday 27 November until Sunday 19 December the Glitterfest Party Nights will, as ever, be hosted by local radio presenter Boogie – aka Andy Bouglas – who will entertain throughout the evening from pre-dinner drinks through to the three-course festive meal, games, prize giveaways and dancing.

Elior will once again be providing the mouth-watering array of food on 31 December when Murrayfield hosts a spectacular Hogmanay party that promises to see in 2022 with a bang.

Standard tickets start from just £39pp with VIP tickets costing an extra £15pp. For further details and to book tickets, visit www.glitterfest.co.uk. 

  Alternatively, phone 0131 346 5250 or email sparkle@murrayfieldexperience.com.  

Is a small group tour the best way to secure a summer staycation?

With accommodation and attraction partners in less-frequented towns and popular tourist hotspots across the country, group tours may be the best kept secret to securing the summer staycation of your dreams this year.

Small group tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) operates a guaranteed departure policy – meaning if you book, you go. Yes, even to Devon and Cornwall in the peak of summer, and the best news – there’s still plenty of availability!

Rabbie’s takes pride in their sustainable approach to travelling and promises that its guests ‘take only photos and leave only footprints’. Rabbie’s use small mini coaches that can visit locations off the beaten track that larger operators are not able to reach. Offering explorations beyond the guidebook while supporting and giving back to the smaller, less touristed communities around the country.

This summer’s tour highlights include:

Devon & Cornwall

Immerse yourself in the folklore of England on this five-day tour departing from London. First stop is England’s ancient capital, Winchester. Here guests can visit The Great Hall and see the round table that inspired Arthurian legends.

Dartmoor’s rolling hills, steep valleys, and peat bogs make for a dramatic landscape, and animal lovers will enjoy the rare sight of grazing wild ponies. The North Devon Coast leaves guests spoiled for choice with castles, cliff top walks and Boscastle, the charming Elizabethan fishing village, all waiting to be explored.

You will struggle to find a more photogenic coastal view than St. Michael’s Mount, take a moment to learn more about this remote island community. Finally take time to explore Glastonbury and discover the secrets of the town behind the music on the journey back to London. Prices for this five-day trip to a magical corner of England start from £369 per person.

Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye

Experience the peace, tranquillity and sheer rugged beauty of the Scottish Islands on this five-day tour. After departing from Edinburgh guests are treated to the impressive mountain views of the West Highlands before arriving in the bustling town of Oban.

From here set sail to the tiny Isle of Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Guests have the opportunity to visit the other worldly Fingal’s Cave and beautiful Iona Abbey.

Travel back to the mainland for a visit to the beautiful fishing village of Plockton. On to the Isle of Skye your guide will choose the perfect activity for you depending on the weather. Be sure to enjoy the views as you head back along the shore of Loch Ness en route back to Edinburgh. This five-day tour costs from just £389 per person.

Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester

Castles, cathedrals and coastline, all this and more are waiting to be explored on this three-day tour of Snowdonia, North Wales and Chester. After leaving Manchester, travel to the walled market town of Conwy before heading deep into Snowdonia.

The mountains and glacial landforms create the perfect backdrop for your travels and provide spectacular views. Guests are given the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Isle of Anglesey before visiting one of the most charming and unique villages in Wales.

Portmeirion was built as a tribute to the Mediterranean and this coastal village boasts technicolour streets, palm trees and sculptures. End your Welsh whistle-stop tour with visits to Harlech castle and the Roman town of Chester. Experience this impressive corner of Britain with prices starting from just £189 per person.

With staycation options running slim, Rabbie’s offer a stress-free travel experience with availability this summer. Guests are able to sit back and relax in the air conditioned mini-coach while their driver-guide takes the wheel. The expert drivers know the stories, sights, and secrets of the areas they travel and give their personal insight to destinations and are sure to make it a journey to remember.

For more information and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.  

Free Theatre Auditions in Edinburgh This Weekend!

Renowned talent management and theatre training programme, Stagebox, is back in Edinburgh this month hosting free auditions at Festival Theatre this Saturday ()17th July 2021.

Stagebox Edinburgh launched in February 2021, providing the region’s rising stars with unrivalled talent management and performance training programmes.

Amongst a number of success stories nationwide, Stagebox client Abby Wallace from Edinburgh recently landed a prime role in the brand-new BBC comedy series, Dinosaur, as Young Nina.

But Abby is not the first rising star from Scotland; she follows in the footsteps of 11-year-old Stagebox client, Lexi Sheppard, who is currently filming for a Netflix movie musical and previously trod the boards as Young Cosette in Les Miserables on London’s West End.

If you know a young performer aged 8-18 years old who is looking to take their talent to the next level, Stagebox is inviting auditionees to take to the stage at the in-person audition workshops.

Successful candidates will enjoy the exclusive award-winning performance training programme in Edinburgh during the school holidays, as well as benefitting from the talent management at Stagebox.

Commenting on the upcoming auditions, Stagebox’s General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “We’re thrilled to return to Edinburgh following our May auditions in the city – as a widely-respected hub for the creative arts we are so excited to bring this opportunity to the region’s budding talents.”

Kirsti Bagger, Head Agent at Stagebox said: “We have completely removed Stagebox audition fees this year as we’re passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. Whether you’ve got plenty of experience or are a complete newcomer, anyone can audition to become a part of Stagebox – we’re simply looking for passion, ambition and star quality!”

These auditions are guaranteed to fill up fast and limited spaces apply.

To register your spot for the Edinburgh audition date, please visit Eventbrite.

To find out more about Stagebox, please head to: https://www.stagebox.uk/

*Auditions will be socially distanced in adherence with COVID-19 guidelines.

Positive diets for negative emissions in beef race to net zero

Diet is at the heart of beef’s race to net zero, according to respected Dr Karen Beauchemin, a federal scientist in Canada and an international authority on Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from livestock farming.

Seaweeds, fat from crushed oilseed rape and feed additives have all been part of a practical research programme she and her colleagues are carrying out, looking at both feeding and breeding to make the economics and environmental commitment stack up for beef producers.

“The goals of economic and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand in beef farming and are complementary,” she says. “We have discovered multiple methods of reducing methane emissions in beef production, but the number one way is still to improve overall efficiency whether that’s through more kilograms reared per cow or improved grass utilisation.”

The studies have shown that methane is a direct result of the amount and quality of food, and in this week’s QMS podcast, Dr Beauchemin, who has worked in animal nutrition for over 30 years, looks at diet-related strategies that can be used to reduce methane emission patterns, and achieving the balance for producers to make cumulative gains.

“The research shows that methane emissions are highest when diets are higher in fibre, such as grass or silage, but this can be mitigated by cutting silage earlier to minimise the starch levels.

“And, although by feeding concentrates and grains producers can reduce emissions, we don’t want to overfeed these to beef cattle as their unique ability is to digest highly fibrous feeds like grass that cannot be consumed by humans and make use of that energy to produce food that can be.”

In Canada, consumers have been paying a carbon tax since 2019, $20/tonne soon to rise to $170/tonne, but it is not currently applicable on agricultural products.

There is pressure from the retailers, however, and the Canadian beef industry has introduced a low carbon beef framework to allow retailers to source from producers who are working to reduce their environmental impact.

The “badge” on the supermarket shelf is more than GHGs, however, explains Dr Beauchemin. It includes land use, water management, animal welfare and a healthy work environment.

On the challenges of consumer perception of livestock production on the environment, she adds: “Cattle do produce GHGs but they are producing food. With cars we’re talking about fossil fuels that are extracted from the earth and the CO2 emissions emitted are in the atmosphere for a long time.

“Methane from animals is part of a biological cycle. We have energy trapped in plants by photosynthesis, those plants are converted by animals into energy that goes into producing meat and milk for human consumption. The methane emitted in this system is short lived – it is broken down in about 12 years.

“Also, the animals are maintained on pasture and those pastures are sequestering carbon or have sequestered carbon, so they have large reserves. We have to be careful with comparing the emissions from animal production with fossil fuels.”

While there is a lot of interest in using breeding to improve feed efficiency, Dr Beauchemin focuses on diet over genetics. She has been very involved in the commercial-scale study of 3-NOP, a feed additive from manufacturer DSM which inhibits methane in the rumen.

In collaboration with several teams including experts in large-scale methane measurement, feedlot nutrition and health consultants, the results from 15,000 cattle have shown that it can reduce methane in a forage-based diet by up to 25% and by 80% in a feedlot finishing diet.

The podcast series is available through Apple Podcast, Buzzsprout, and Spotify, as well as via the Quality Meat Scotland website and social channels.

Research highlights challenges for Scotland’s unpaid carers and carer support workers during pandemic

.

Carers Trust Scotland today is releasing research about the experiences of the pandemic among unpaid carers and carer service support workers across Scotland. More than 500 participants shared the challenges of caring, and supporting unpaid carers, throughout the pandemic.

The pandemic has been difficult for unpaid carers, with 90% of respondents stating they are spending more time caring and 82% saying they have had no respite since the beginning of the pandemic.

With lockdowns and restrictions, many unpaid carers have been unable to share the responsibilities with family and friends and many services have had to pause or reduce their input.

These challenges also impact those carer service workers supporting unpaid carers. As other services paused, 76% of carer support workers that participated found their workload increased. 65% say that their job role has changed, as delivery of support moved online.

Carer support workers highlighted the emotionally demanding calls from unpaid carers, and the challenges of taking these calls in a home working environment without the support of colleagues that you would have in an office.

Hannah Martin, Research and Engagement Officer for Carers Trust Scotland, said: “The pandemic has been a very challenging time for both unpaid carers and carer support workers.

“The challenges unpaid carers have faced, have directly impacted those supporting them. Through the lived experience of unpaid carers and carer support workers, this research illuminates those challenges throughout this unprecedented time.”

In addition to providing an evidence base of experiences, the research puts forward recommendations and suggestions to support carer services and staff as they move out of the crisis phase of the pandemic. This includes recognising and valuing the incredible contribution of unpaid carers, and carer support workers over the pandemic period.

World-leading researcher on unpaid carers’ rights and Carers Trust Ambassador, Professor Saul Becker, said: “During the pandemic, unpaid carers of all ages, have been spending more time caring and more people than ever before have taken on unpaid caring responsibilities while statutory and other support services have been reduced or not available.

“This has also added additional pressures on carer support services that have had to adapt their practices quickly and provide holistic support to unpaid carers during very challenging circumstances.

“I welcome this COVID-19 in Scotland impact report on unpaid carers and carer service workers and believe every effort should be made to support the implementation of the report recommendations and suggestions, which could further improve the lives of unpaid carers and recognise and value the vital role of carer support services.”

Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart, said: “Carers, and the services that support them have done a remarkable job in very difficult circumstances over this past year during the pandemic. I want to thank them for all their hard work and effort.

“During the pandemic, we have invested an additional £1.9 million in extra carer support via carer organisations. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with the Carers Trust and national care organisations to ensure that carers continue to receive the support and the services they rely on. We will continue to do so as we move into a new phase of the pandemic and society starts to open up.

“The Scottish Government is committed to establishing a National Care Service by the end of this parliament to oversee the delivery care, invest in better terms and conditions for the workforce and provide better support for unpaid carers.”

Edinburgh disability groups amongst those to benefit from £610K Lottery cash boost

A service supporting autistic adults to set up their own micro-enterprises, a project helping people with disabilities to find love and friendship and a family support project for those living with down’s syndrome are amongst 23 groups in the capital today sharing in £610,119 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

An Edinburgh business mentoring service supporting autistic adults to set up their own micro-enterprises today receives £9,500, IWORK4ME will deliver its service Scotland-wide via face to face and online meetings.

Artist Ruth Mutch trades as Penguin Parade.  She continues to grow her business having increased her range of merchandise from just a few items to over 200. 

Ruth, who is supported by her mother and IWORK4ME, said: “Trying out self-employment and running a micro business with the support of IWORK4ME and my mum has really given me a purpose in life and helped my mental wellbeing and self-esteem. 

“I now feel I have achieved something and am successful whereas before I felt a failure.”

Sue Hope, Development Manager, IWORK4ME, added: “We are delighted with this National Lottery award.

IWORK4ME is a small charity which promotes self-employment as a beneficial career solution for autistic people like Ruth across Scotland.  This funding ensures that we can continue our Business Mentoring service on Zoom and promote the service on social media to a wider audience.”

get2gether supports adults with disabilities to lead their own lives whist finding love and friendship.

Over the next three years, with an award of £150,000, they will provide a range of activities from party nights to exercise classes that reduce isolation and help people realise their full potential.

Marion Smith, Project Manager, get2gether, said: “A huge thanks to the National Lottery for continuing to support us.  get2gether supports adults with disabilities to lead independent, self -determined adult lives. 

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’ll be able to continue bringing members together through a wide range of activities.”

Based in Edinburgh, but supporting families across the country, Down’s Syndrome Scotland receives £197,214 to deliver essential information, advice and support through a new extended helpline, a live chat facility and other online platforms.

Chief Executive, Eddie McConnell, said: “We are so grateful to have received this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. It will allow us to continue to provide vital support for people with Down’s syndrome and their families across Scotland.

“Our Family Support team offer specialist support and information to families on a variety of topics via our helpline as well through video sessions.”  

Families with disabled children are to benefit from an award of £9796 to Firsthand Lothian for a programme of one to one and early intervention support.

Bev Read, Director, Firsthand Lothian, said: “This National Lottery funding enables us to provide much needed support for families across the city of Edinburgh who have children with disabilities or are disadvantaged.

“Through our direct 1:1 work with children, engaging them in stimulating activities that both aids their development and are fun, we will help children and families become more resilient.  Thank you so much to National Lottery players for making this award possible.”

Across Scotland, 184 community projects are today sharing in £4,435,695.  

Announcing the funding, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “It’s great to see these community projects being funded in Edinburgh to help people as they recover from the pandemic. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects improve communities and the lives of local as people as they start to come together again to re-build and re-connect.

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raDOgetise is making such a difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Thanks to National Lottery players, last year we awarded over half a billion pounds (£588.2 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK. 

Over eight in ten (83%) of our grants are for under £10,000 – going to grassroots groups and charities across the UK that are bringing to life amazing ideas that matter to their communities.