Month: August 2021

Crimestoppers launches Safer Communities summer campaign

Don’t let thieves steal our summer 

Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers is launching their new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’: 

We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.

As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday. 

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINALS BEHIND ANY OF THE BELOW CRIMES, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW – CALL 0800 555 111 OR USE THE ONLINE FORM HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU’LL STAY 100% ANONYMOUS. ALWAYS.

With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.

Theft

Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends. 

When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIEVES WHO CARRY OUT THESE CRIMES? STAY 100% ANONYMOUS BY TELLING US WHAT YOU KNOW. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE FROM THEFT.

Burglary

Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence. 

Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.

“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT A PLANNED CRIME, OR HAVE SEEN A CRIME TAKE PLACE AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Car crime

Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise. 

Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.

Barrie Millett, Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, Mitie, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.  

“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.” 

Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Social Security Scotland rolls out face-to-face support to apply for benefits

People who live in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles are the first to access new face-to-face support when applying for Scottish benefits ahead of a full roll out later this year.

The introduction of Social Security Scotland’s new Local Delivery service coincided with the launch of the Child Disability Payment last week, the first Scottish disability benefit which needs to be applied for.

Clients can book an appointment to meet with a specially trained adviser at a venue within their local community or at their home and also be able to request video call or telephone appointments.

Client Support Advisers will answer any queries about Social Security Scotland benefits, help to complete paper or online applications forms, offer other support such as identity and document verification and help with submitting change of circumstances information. There will also be an increased range of ways people can apply for payments they are entitled to. 

The service started in the pilot areas for Child Disability Payment ahead of being rolled out across the whole of Scotland from November 2021.

Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “The introduction of the new face-to-face service demonstrates how the Scottish Government is committed to delivering social security differently from the UK Government.

“We want to make sure people get all of the financial support they are entitled to. Key to making this happen is ensuring that the service is easily accessible to clients from the initial application stage onwards.

“We’ve listened to people who have experience of the current UK system and we’ve ensured that our social security system treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.

“We have designed a system which will allow people to apply in the way that suits them best – by post, phone, online, video call or face-to-face. It gives people choices and makes sure that we take into consideration different accessibility needs – particularly for those looking to apply for disability assistance.”

Dunard Centre plans unveiled

Images of the proposed new design for the Dunard Centre supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, reveal an opportunity to make an ‘inspiring contribution to the city’s cultural rebuild‘, project leaders IMPACT Scotland said yesterday.

One of the boldest ventures in the city’s recent past, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music and performance venue in over one hundred years will rival the best in the world in acoustic quality and audience experience, bringing together architect Sir David Chipperfield, recognised throughout the world for high quality architecture in sensitive heritage sites and leading acousticians Nagata Acoustics, established international authorities in the field of concert hall design. 

As the cultural flagship for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Dunard Centre will fill a recognised gap in the region’s cultural infrastructure and provide a platform for local, national and international musicians to perform to audiences in the very best environment.

The 1000 capacity hall is designed with the flexibility to welcome the widest possible range of acoustic and amplified music and performance to a mid-sized venue.

The simple elegance of the exterior reflects the surrounding neoclassical design of the Edinburgh New Town and opens up an undiscovered area of the city centre, linking the St James Quarter, St Andrew Square and the Register Lanes and contributing to the regeneration of the area. 

Impact Co-chair Fergus Linehan said: “We are delighted to unveil the stunning design for the Dunard Centre which will be a truly transformational venue in the heart of Edinburgh.  

“The restrictions throughout the pandemic have highlighted the enormous contribution participating in the performing arts, whether as an audience member or a performer, makes to our wellbeing.

“It is a great honour to be leading a project which will make such a positive and inspiring contribution to the city’s cultural rebuild.” 

Co-chair Gavin Reid added: “As well as being a creative hub hosting music and educational experiences of all kinds, the Dunard Centre will reach out beyond its own walls to be an inspirational springboard for outreach work across the city and beyond.”

Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal partners also welcomed the announcement.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting prospect for Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. 

“These designs show the great potential for a new, dynamic creative space in the heart of the city.

“The UK Government is investing £10 million in this project as part of it’s £1.5 billion commitment to Region Deals across Scotland, helping communities everywhere to build back better from the pandemic.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital. This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years which will expand Edinburgh’s landscape for enjoying music and the arts.  

“It is in a prime central and sustainable location, with fantastic public transport connections and will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the opening of the Edinburgh St James Quarter- ensuring that our City centre remains a vibrant and thriving destination.”

Malcolm Buchanan, chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting proposition that will enrich the city’s education, music and arts communities and one that we are proud to be part of.

“Royal Bank of Scotland has supported Scotland’s arts sectors throughout its 300-year history, three centuries which have cemented Edinburgh and the country’s position as a capital for global culture.

“The Dunard Centre will play a role in continuing that tradition and create further opportunity for another generation of artists and performers.”

Sir David Chipperfield said: “Tucked behind Dundas House and on axis with George Street, the Dunard Centre occupies a strategic site linking the formal qualities of St. Andrew Square and the New Town with the more intimate atmosphere of lanes around Register House towards the new St. James Quarter.

“The identity of the building is determined by its circular form, contributing to the silhouette of the city and enclosing a 1,000-seat hall. This flexible world-class facility is designed to adapt to a wide-ranging programme of performances and cultural activities, ensuring it will serve as a meaningful new addition to the life and fabric of Edinburgh.”

The redesigned building will house:

⦁ 1000 capacity auditorium with the capacity for live streaming, digital capture and broadcasting
⦁ flexible multi-purpose rooms for education, conferencing and hospitality
⦁ foyer with informal opportunity for performance
⦁ café/bar with indoor and outdoor seating

The space has been skilfully re-imagined to create a world-class auditorium of exceptional acoustic quality in the heart of the city, retaining the 1000 capacity, while reducing the size of the proposed building.

The budget for the project remains at £75 million, with two-thirds of this being met by private philanthropy and fundraising. £35 million is being donated by Dunard Fund, and a fundraising campaign for a further £15 million has already received significant pledges.

As part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal the UK and Scottish Governments are each providing £10 million, and City of Edinburgh Council £5 million.

A variation to the planning application is being submitted this week. If planning permission is granted, construction will begin in 2022, with an estimated build length of 3 years.

3% pay rise for Scotland’s NHS medical and dental staff

The Scottish Government has announced a 3% uplift for NHS medical and dental staff, in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic.

This is in line with the recommendation of the independent UK Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration.

The pay uplift will be backdated to 1 April 2021.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “This pay award is in recognition of an exceptional year for all of our NHS workers and reflects the immense value we place on the continued hard work and dedication of medical and dental staff.

“This announcement means that our senior medical staff will continue to be the best paid in the UK. As well as rewarding them for their efforts during the pandemic, it will help to ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive employment option for medical and dental staff.”

The announcement covers three main staff groups not covered by the Agenda for Change pay deal  – NHS Scotland Medical and Dental (M&D) staff; General Medical Practitioners (GMPs) and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs). 

Agenda for Change employees have already been awarded a deal providing minimum pay uplifts of 4% to all but the highest-earning staff.

Dentists: Government must apply full pay award

The British Dental Association has called on the Scottish Government to confirm that the recently announced 3% pay award for dentists will be applied to practitioners’ overall remuneration package to avoid front line staff potentially being left out of pocket and practices struggling to invest to improve care. 

Historically in Scotland the recommended uplift has not applied to all dentists allowances and payments, meaning the overall awards often fall short of the pay review body’s recommendations.

Last year the Scottish Government did not apply the recommended 2.8% uplift to practice allowances – which make up around 16% of practice income – leaving an overall increase of less than the review body’s recommendations. The BDA estimates that the net award for that year was around 2.3%.

While one-off support to fund improvements in ventilation has been offered by the Scottish Government, NHS dentists do not routinely receive capital investment. These earnings serve to fund all improvements in equipment, training, and facilities for NHS practices.

Scottish Government officials have stated they will provide details of how the package will operate in due course. The BDA is calling for the 3% uplift to be applied to the full remuneration package.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “The Scottish Government’s announcement has left key questions unanswered. 

“This uplift will do little to correct a decade of austerity, and not all of this increase may actually reach dentists, who rely on their earnings to invest in their practices.

“In the recent election, Ministers put dentistry front and centre in their pitch for government. If they are going to deliver on their promises they shouldn’t be short-changing front line practitioners.”

Green light for Wasps to get Granton Station buzzing

Arts and social enterprise charity, Wasps, is to breathe new life into the former Granton Station after the Finance and Resources Committee approved their lease yesterday.

The Edwardian former station is to be transformed into a cultural and creative hub by Wasps, Scotland’s largest provider of studio space for artists and creative industries.

The first spades were put in the ground in June to bring the historic former Granton Station back to life as a high-quality creative workspace within the community, with a new public square in front of the building for pop-up events and recreation.

At a cost of around £4.75m, the project is being part-funded through Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund support and town centre funding. This project is part of the Council’s £1.3bn wider regeneration of the area.

Wasps is set to move into the building in 2022 to create the cultural hub, providing space to support around 40 jobs, as well as helping around 100 people each year with creative business development opportunities.

The Glasgow-based social enterprise charity will deliver a heritage programme for local people and railway enthusiasts on the unique history of the location, as well as providing exhibition space to showcase local talent. They’ll also host workshops and a series of outdoor and online events for locals, with the potential to attract thousands of visitors to the area.

Councillor Rob Munn, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “I’m delighted that the Committee has approved the lease for this historic building so Wasps can now start putting their exciting plans into place to bring this fantastic piece of Edwardian architecture back to life.

“The arts and cultural activities and events planned by them will attract thousands of visitors to Granton Waterfront, as well as nurturing artistic and cultural talent in the local area.

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day, said: “In June, we saw the first spades going in the ground to create this fantastic new space for artistic and cultural talent and we’ll soon be announcing the name of the new square being developed in front of it.

“The new hub run by Wasps will be a key focal point in our wider £1.3bn regeneration of the local area, creating new homes, jobs and communities. I’ve met with Wasps recently and I’m keen to see them work with existing local community groups.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with Wasps as they move forward and develop their exciting plans for the building and the wider Granton Waterfront area and beyond.

Audrey Carlin, Wasps’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Wasps and for the area, as part of a wider cultural regeneration initiative. Wasps already supports 180 artists in Edinburgh, and this new facility, at the gateway into Granton, will incubate more digitally based creative people.

“On completion it will attract a diverse and vibrant community to the heart of Granton, and provide new opportunities for established communities in North Edinburgh, while acknowledging the heritage of the building and its connection to the city.

“The project also offers new employment and community engagement opportunities, something we have helped to foster successfully at other locations across Scotland.”

New Chancellor formally installed

Napier inauguration event marks the arrival of Will Whitehorn

Will Whitehorn has formally taken over from Dr David Eustace as Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University.

The Edinburgh-born President of industry group UKspace takes on a role which will see him confer degrees at graduations and other awards of the University, and act as figurehead at external ceremonies and official functions.

The official handover to Will, who will serve for five years, took place at a small ceremony at the University’s Sighthill campus followed by an evening function.

A former executive at the Virgin Group, his business interests include travel, technology and communication as well as leadership, marketing and product design.

He worked on a series of major Virgin projects, including the Pendolino train, and later took up the post of President at Virgin Galactic, which saw him play a central role in developing the concept of commercial space travel.

New Chancellor of ENU Will Whitehorn with previous Chancellor David Eustace. Photographed at Edinburgh Napier University’s Sighthill campus on 11 August 2021.

On being appointed to the role, Will Whitehorn said: “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen as the new Chancellor of this great University in the city I was born and raised in.”

He added: “University should be an adventure and Edinburgh Napier does a better job of fulfilling that dream for students than many educational institutions around the country can even dream of, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play my small part in taking the achievements of the University to new heights.”

Outgoing Chancellor Dr Eustace, an award-winning photographer who graduated with distinction from the University’s BA Photography, Film and Television programme in 1991, was appointed to the role in 2015.

Among the initiatives he introduced was the Chancellor Talk series, launched in 2016 with the aim of giving students, staff and the wider community access to high-profile people whose talent and drive had made a real difference to our world.

Dr Eustace said: “Being Chancellor was a wonderful learning process which has helped me develop. There are many things I’ll miss, especially the graduation ceremonies, but it was time for a new Chancellor and new ideas.

“Nothing stands still and it shouldn’t. The joy of education is that there is no finishing line.”

Edinburgh’s Scott Quin aims for back-to-back Paralympic medals

After winning a silver medal for Team GB at Rio in 2016, Edinburgh-based para-swimmer Scott Quin hopes to double his medal tally this summer in Tokyo.

Scott has been sponsored by national rail contractor, QTS Group, throughout the last five years in his preparation for the Tokyo games.

In recognition of his continued commitment to his sport and to help inspire other young athletes to follow their dreams, QTS has named Scott as an ambassador for its Youth Athlete Programme.

Launched in 2014, the programme supports aspiring young athletes, by providing funding to help towards the costs of training and competing. QTS currently has 15 athletes on the programme, including Scott and fellow ambassador, skier, Nicole Ritchie.

The summer Paralympics will take place in August and will be 31 year-old Scott’s second games. In Rio 2016, he narrowly missed out on the gold medal in the 100m Men’s S14 Breaststroke, taking home a silver, but this year he’s aiming for the top podium spot.

Following a tough 18 months of training which has brought new challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic, Scott is now working with a new trainer Matt Trodden. Matt has known Scott for 10 years, but it was not until this year that he took control of Scott’s Paralympic preparations.

Scott said: “Rio 2016 was an amazing experience, but for me it is all about the swimming and trying to inspire other young athletes to get into the pool!

“That is why I enjoy the work with QTS Group so much, the company are really supportive and it’s a privilege to be an ambassador. QTS has relieved the financial strain of competing from myself and my family, paying for travel, accommodation, food, and equipment. This means I can put all my concentration into the pool and fully focus on my training, and hopefully some more success.

“Being an ambassador has also inspired me to work towards a career behind the scenes when I eventually can’t compete at the highest level. I want to inspire other young athletes – across all abilities – that if you work hard enough and keep your feet grounded, anything is possible.”

Scott was born five weeks prematurely with a life-threatening condition, Crouzon syndrome which causes the brain and skull to fuse together.

With just a three percent chance of survival he underwent an eight-hour surgery where medics broke every bone in his face, reshaped his skull and lifted his eyes upwards. He was left with a large scar from ear to ear, tunnel vision and learning difficulties.

Scott is now one of Britain’s top para sport swimmers and the European record holder at 100m and 200m breaststroke. He hopes to add Paralympic Gold medal holder to his long list of sporting achievements this summer.

As an ambassador to QTS Group’s Youth Athlete Programme, Scott is a testament to the programme’s success. Scott hopes to help nurture and inspire other young athletes as they join the programme and progress in their sporting careers.

Alan McLeish, Managing Director of QTS Group said: “Scott is a true inspiration to anyone that meets him. His outlook on life is so humbling when you know what he has been through.

“It is a genuine privilege to be able to support his training and preparations as a para-swimmer, and specifically, the Tokyo games. Everyone at QTS will be setting their alarms to watch Scott in Tokyo to cheer him on!”

Peter Vardy Group is Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby welcomes Peter Vardy Group into the club’s Partner Family, as Scotland’s leading motor dealership become the Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby. 

The four-year deal will see the Peter Vardy BMW logo feature on the upper sleeves of both the team’s home and change Macron match jerseys as the capital side compete in the newly formed United Rugby Championship and European Cup. 

Edinburgh-based Peter Vardy BMW will also provide the capital side with pool vehicles utilised by club staff and players, including the Edinburgh Rugby Community Team. 

The announcement comes on the threshold of a new era of professional rugby in the Scottish capital, with the upcoming launch of the United Rugby Championship and the long-awaited opening of the club’s new 7,800 capacity stadium – Edinburgh Rugby’s first-ever permanent home. 

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “We’re delighted to announce Peter Vardy Group as the Official Car Partner of Edinburgh Rugby. 

“It is an extremely exciting time for the club – with the completion of our new purpose-built home and the launch of the United Rugby Championship – so to have Peter Vardy Group join us on this journey is a great vote of confidence that we are moving in a bold and positive direction. 

“Having already joined Scottish Rugby’s Sponsor Family earlier this year, it has been brilliant to see, first-hand, the Group’s enthusiasm for rugby in Scotland.” 

Peter Vardy, Chief Executive, said: “Following our support of Scottish Rugby earlier this year, it seemed a natural development for us to back the game at a local level. 

“We have been hugely impressed by the commitment of Edinburgh Rugby to nourishing community involvement and the active participation of young people throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

“We recognise that this is a landmark year for the club and we are delighted to play our part in helping make it as successful as possible.” 

Morrisons offers free water refills to customers at its forecourts

Morrisons is offering free water refills nationwide at all of its petrol forecourts, as well as in store, to encourage customers and motorists to make the switch from single-use plastic to refillable bottles. 

Over 14 billion single-use plastic bottles are used each year in the UK – equal to 39 million a day – with the majority purchased on-the-go or at work. However, new research has found that 63 per cent of people would like to do more to reduce plastic, but claim the biggest barrier to taking action is a lack of plastic free alternatives.

At Morrisons petrol forecourt kiosks, customers will now be able to hand their reusable bottles to attendants who will fill them up for free, before sanitising them and returning them to the customer. The service will be available at all of Morrisons 338 filling stations nationwide.

The move comes after a 12 week Morrisons trial in August 2020 where 18 per cent fewer single-use water bottles were sold, in comparison to the same period the previous year. Morrisons is therefore extending the refill service following the trial’s success. 

Morrisons has already installed over 300 stand-alone water fountains in the Food-to-Go sections of its stores for customers to fill their bottles on-the-go. It was also one of the first to offer water refills in all of its cafe stores nationwide in 2018. 

Natasha Cook, Sustainability Manager at Morrisons, said:“When we listen to customers, it’s clear they want us to help them reduce the amount of single-use plastic they throw away.

“We know that customers often pick up a bottle of water when paying for petrol, so offering free water should be an effective way of reducing these single-use plastic bottles.” 

Natalie Fée, CEO and founder of City to Sea, said: “Plastic water bottles are one of the most commonly found single-use plastic items on our beaches and in our oceans, which is why we have to make refilling our water bottles the new normal.

“Our free Refill app shows you where you can top up your bottle for free and now includes the 338 Morrisons petrol stations – which is absolutely brilliant news for people and the planet!

“But this isn’t just about water, it’s about all highly polluting single-use plastics. That’s why Refill now shows you where you can eat, drink and shop with less plastic and why City to Sea welcomed the fantastic news of Morrisons trialling refillable milk bottles back in store. Refill and reuse is the future of packaging, and Morrisons are taking big steps in helping us on this journey.”

Free petrol station and in store refills is the latest plastic reduction initiative from Morrisons who has reduced plastic in their 497 stores by over 8,000 tonnes of our own brand plastic packaging since 2017.  

Other moves include Morrisons being the first supermarket to ditch plastic carrier bags in favour of paper carrier bags, using traditional paper bags for loose fruit and vegetables, plus introducing a refillable container service on fish, meat and deli counters to reduce single-use packaging. 

Customers can locate refill stations by using the Refill App and www.refill.org.uk.

Don’t assume it’s COVID – it might be meningitis, charity warns

CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW are urging young people off to university or the world of work this Autumn not to assume it’s COVID-19 if they feel ill – it might be meningitis.

As A-level results are announced and thousands of young people contemplate their future, the charity is concerned that the combination of new-found social freedoms, the desire of young people to mix in large groups and a move to campus-based accommodation for students, present the ideal opportunity for infectious diseases to spread, putting young people at a higher risk of meningitis.

It’s calling on young people to carefully consider their actions if they or any of their friends fall ill. In particular, Government advice to self-isolate if COVID-19 is suspected could have the worst possible consequences if the illness is not COVID-19 but meningitis or septicaemia.

One person who knows, only too well, the consequences of making the wrong assumption, is 26-year-old Londoner Nick Gilbert, who is spearheading Meningitis Now’s awareness campaign.

In 2018, Nick felt under the weather, but assumed he didn’t have anything serious. After resting overnight, he went about his business the next day and even went on a date.

But just 24 hours after first feeling ill, Nick collapsed, vomiting in a busy central London street. His symptoms were mistakenly assumed to be drunkenness by the many people who saw him.

Fortunately for Nick, a young woman passer-by helped him to hospital, where his meningitis was diagnosed. Nick went on to make a good recovery.

“I dread to think how the outcome could have been different if I’d just gone home and shut myself away from everybody,” Nick said. “It’s vital that anybody who feels ill does not automatically assume it’s COVID-19.

“Learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Let someone know if you are feeling unwell. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, trust your instincts and get urgent medical advice. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999.”

Ryan Bresnahan wasn’t so lucky. His mum, Michelle, who set up the Bristol-based charity, a Life for a Cure, following Ryan’s death from meningitis in 2010, has been campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and funds for research.

Ryan was a fit and healthy 16-year-old when he was tragically struck down by Meningitis B within an hour of first feeling ill.

Michelle said: “I know only too well how devastating this disease can be and have seen the worst it can do, destroying young lives and tearing apart those who remain.

“No-one should be left counting the cost of making the wrong assumption – meningitis can affect anyone at any time but we need to highlight that teenagers and young people are the second most at risk group of contracting the disease, after babies and toddlers.”

Meningitis Now chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said: “Research has shown that up to a quarter of 15 to 24-year-olds carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the back of their throats compared to one in 10 of the general population.

“Whilst many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY, which protects against four strains of meningococcal meningitis, at school, we estimate that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination. If that’s you – contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations.

“And very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

“Common complaints such as a hangover and Freshers’ Flu are often given as reasons for a person not feeling too well – but we are asking young people not to simply assume this is the case. A headache and fever are also common signs of meningitis, which is why it is so important that if young people feel unwell, they should not jump to what seems the obvious conclusion – COVID-19 or just a hangover!”

The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu, tummy bug or a hangover and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet.

More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.

Meningitis Now has a free information pack for parents and students, including leaflets, signs and symptoms cards and fridge magnets – all of which contain lifesaving information.

Find out more and request a pack at www.MeningitisNow.org