Day: September 17, 2021

From Digital Disasters to Face Masks: Research reveals the biggest communication barriers

  • A new study has revealed the biggest modern communication barriers for Scots
  • The survey, conducted by modern hearing specialist Hidden Hearing, revealed that conversing digitally can be a huge barrier, with just under a fifth of Edinburgh adults having fallen out with someone after misreading a text message
  • But communication barriers can occur in-person too, with the biggest barriers revealed to be several people talking at once, background noise, struggling with face masks, people talking too quietly or fast – all of which are linked to your ability to hear
  • 36 per cent of those from Edinburgh are currently worried about a family member’s hearing, and worry their relationship would suffer if left untreated
  • One in ten local adults put off making a call to family members as they are worried about their own, or the other person’s hearing
  • GP and medical broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones said, “People want to communicate better, but they aren’t recognising that some of the biggest barriers are linked to hearing loss. When you struggle to hear, communication can become challenging, and feelings of frustration may arise, which is why getting regular hearing tests is so important.”

New research by high street hearing specialist Hidden Hearing has revealed the biggest modern communication barriers – from digital disasters to face masks.  

The research revealed that a fifth (18 per cent) of those from Edinburgh have fallen out with someone after misreading text messages, with just one in five also admitting they can spend ‘hours’ puzzling over someone’s wording or tone in a text trying to work out if they are actually annoyed or joking.

Nationally, undetected sarcasm (42 per cent) was revealed as the most common miscommunication, followed by jokes being taken the wrong way (41 per cent) and misunderstanding the tone of the message (36 per cent), leading to one fifth wrongly assuming someone was in a mood with them.

Adults are most likely to over analyse texts and emails from work colleagues (35 per cent), followed by a partner (20 per cent) or a love interest (13 per cent).

Hear this: The biggest communication barriers revealed

But communication barriers don’t just happen digitally, they can occur in-person too, with the biggest barriers being several people talking at once (39 per cent), background noise (39 per cent), face masks (38 per cent), people talking too quietly (37 per cent) or fast (32 per cent) – all of which are linked to hearing loss. 

“People want to communicate better, but they aren’t recognising that some of the biggest barriers are linked to hearing loss,” said GP and medical broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones.

 “When you struggle to hear, communication can become challenging, and feelings of frustration may arise, which is why being proactive and getting regular hearing tests is so important.”

Additionally, mumbling was revealed to be the most frustrating communication habit (41 per cent) – however thinking someone is mumbling is common sign of hearing loss – so the issue is likely to be with the listener rather than the ‘mumbler’. 

The survey revealed that men struggle to hear more than women, with the average male struggling to hear nearly once a day, in comparison to women who have difficulty hearing 273 times a year.

One in three people believe hearing is critical for a conversation to flow, however over 50 per cent of those who experience hearing loss choose not to have their ears tested, highlighting that the issue is being ignored.

Hearing loss: It’s a family matter

More than 2 in 5 (41 per cent) adults put off calling people as they are worried about their own, or the other person’s hearing, with 17 per cent revealing that they have experienced a communication breakdown with a friend or family member because of a hearing loss. Shockingly, 45 per cent of adults’ struggle to hear someone speaking at least four times in a week.

Over one third (35 per cent) of people feel untreated hearing loss is frustrating for everyone involved in the conversation.

When it comes to the best place for conversation to flow – sitting around the family dinner table came up tops, as chosen by a third.

Dr Hilary Jones said, “If you, or a family member, are finding it hard to keep up with conversations when socialising, it may be a sign of hearing loss.

“Taking a hearing test and wearing hearing aids can help you listen better, feel connected and tune into conversations. Hidden Hearing’s 5-minute online hearing test can provide an immediate insight into how well you, or a family member, can hear.”

Time to embrace face-to-face

Nearly one third (31 per cent) of Brits reported feeling frustrated as a result of digital miscommunication, as well as anxious (27 per cent) and stressed (25 per cent). Feelings of anxiety were especially apparent in the younger generation, with 41 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds stressing over a text or email, in comparison to 1 in 10 over 55s.

Nearly one quarter (23 per cent) have waited to say something to someone in person to avoid it being misunderstood over text – even if it meant waiting weeks to have the conversation.

The OnePoll nationwide study of 2,000 adults found that a huge 79 per cent believe face-to-face is the best way to talk to someone, rather than through a gadget, with 41 per cent of adults believing that ‘people these days have lost the art of communication and rely too much on technology.’

The top phrases Brits would most like to hear in person rather than over a phone were ‘I love you’ and ‘Will you marry me?’ – both selected by 44 per cent of respondents. Nearly one third would also much rather be broken up with face-to-face, rather than over the phone.

The main benefits adults find in having conversations in person include being able to look someone in the eyes (51 per cent), paying attention to body language (47 per cent) and finding it easier to note tone (46 per cent).

Dr Hilary Jones explained: “Spending time with your loved ones or friends, especially in-person as opposed to digitally, has a profound positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing, wellbeing”.

“In person communication enables us to understand tone, pay attention to body language, and feel better connected, reducing feelings of frustration, depression and anxiety, shown to be the most common feelings from miscommunication. These feelings can be heightened even more for those who struggle to hear.”

Visit www.hiddenhearing.co.uk to find your nearest clinic or take Hidden Hearing’s free online hearing test.

The biggest communication barriers

Several people talking at once
Background noise
Face masks
People talking too quietly
People talking too fast
Language barriers
Zoning out of the conversation
Difference of opinions
Misunderstanding or misinterpreting a written message (e.g. email or text)
Not understanding jargon or vocabulary
Not understanding the tone of voice or intention behind a written message
Multi-tasking
Hearing problems
Fear of how the other person would react
Social distancing 
The best places to communicate

At home
Around a family dinner table
On holiday
Outside in nature
In a restaurant or café
On the sofa
On a walk or bike ride
Over a shared hobby
In bed
While drunk
Via phone calls
While driving
At work
Via text message
In a meeting room

Scotland’s sell-out lighting trail returns to Hopetoun House

 Wondrous Woods presents Woodyfest: October 21 – November 14, 2021

 Scotland’s spectacular sell-out lighting trail Wondrous Woods is set to take flight again with a festival-themed extravaganza led by the event’s magical mascot Woody the Owl. 

The trail will once again light up Hopetoun House, the country’s finest stately home, illuminating a mystical woodland journey through the magnificent grounds of a 300-year-old ancestral home outside Edinburgh. 

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s fun, colourful, celebratory festival-themed trail, Woodyfest will be a journey like no other, like no other, showcasing a host of new and exciting festival themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane, Welly World and UV Madness. 

Setting off from the glorious architectural gem of the House, the enchanting 2km woodland walk meanders through secret paths, amongst ancient woodlands and clearings and past the atmospheric old summerhouse, before returning via the Lime Avenue to the dazzling sight of Hopetoun House beautifully illuminated. En route, along with creative lighting, there will also be several sound and special effects installations. 

Last year’s inaugural event attracted over 35,000 visitors and this year’s festival is expected to out-sell that with social distancing measures now permitting visitors to travel from across Scotland. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “It was amazing to be able to deliver Scotland first large scale COVID safe experience for the public last year and give them something special to look forward to in what were some very difficult times.

“We have put a lot of thought into this year’s trail because we wanted to produce something that is fun and exciting, but also pays tribute to the many events and festivals that have cancelled this year and last year, which is what led us to the theme of Woodyfest. There is going to be some fun surprises this year. Woodyfest will have something for everyone!” 

21CC Group has worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them to produce the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as delivering multiple large-scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds. 

The Earl of Hopetoun comments: “Last year’s lighting trail was innovative and magical for all of us at Hopetoun and we’re delighted to welcome back the Wondrous Woods event. 

“It not only shines a light on our home and the beautiful grounds  but is a real boost for the team after a particularly challenging period. It’s been fascinating to see just what such an ambitious project can achieve and I look forward to being able to show such a unique visitor attraction.” 

21CC Group is a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999.  They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients.  

Earier this week it was announced that Maggies Centres will be Wondrous Woods’ charity partners.

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wondrouswoods.com 

‘World class’ child cancer care strategy launched

A strategy to deliver world class cancer care for children and young people has been published by the Scottish Government.

Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, the Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People in Scotland 2021-2026, was launched by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf during an online event yesterday.

The strategy highlights 10 priorities for the next five years, supported by almost £6 million investment, which include:

  • working towards funding genetic testing to provide personally targeted treatment
  • expanding Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell therapy (CAR-T) to teenagers and young adults
  • setting up a national molecular radiotherapy service for children
  • funding a dedicated health workforce to care for teenagers and young adults 
  • raising the profile of supported care services and holistic care
  • developing a single centre of excellence to provide radiotherapy treatment to improve survival among children with cancer

Mr Yousaf said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy, but receiving one at such a young age is especially difficult.

“We know that diagnosis has come a long way, with survival rates remaining stable for children and young people. However there is still more we can do to support this age group to live long, healthy and happy lives.

“This strategy, backed by almost £6 million, marks an exciting time for children and young people’s cancer services as the first strategy for this age group. It outlines our 10 ambitions to build on previous successes so that, by 2026, we will see improved and enhanced outcomes for patients and ensure equal access to care across Scotland.”

Medical Director of NHS Forth Valley Andrew Murray said: “I am delighted to see the launch of Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, after such a challenging period in the NHS Scotland’s history, and I look forward to working with our clinicians and families to deliver its ambitious objectives over the next five years, improving experiences and outcomes.”

The strategy can be read in full here.

The launch was somewhat overshadowed by news that the Scottish Government is calling in the army to help tackle a crisis in the ambulance service – and a Twitter post of a film of Health Minister Humza Yousaf’s unfortunate accident on a scooter.

Success for cancer charity in £1 million youth giveaway

A Livingston charity set up by the mother of a young man that lost his battle with cancer at the age of 15 has been gifted £1,000.

Persimmon Homes East Scotland made the donation to the Team Jak Foundation through its Building Futures initiative designed to support under 18s across the region.

Allison Barr’s son Jak Trueman fought a rare form of cancer but lost his battle with the illness in February 2015.  Jak was determined to leave a legacy that would help and support other families who receive the same devastating news that he and his family dealt with.

Allison Barr said: “I am overwhelmed and delighted to accept a whopping £1,000 from Persimmon Homes to help young people, their families and friends dealing with cancer. 

“I applied to Persimmon Homes for the funds to help cover the cost of sessions that invite children to relax and enjoy a healthy meal or snack in a clean environment – something that many take for granted but make a huge difference to the young people we help.”

The Building Futures scheme aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health and sport.

Laura Still, sales and marketing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “Young people are at the heart of all our futures, and we are fortunate to be able to provide support and help create positive outcomes through our Building Futures campaign.

“We will make donations from £1,000 to £100,000 to grassroots sports groups, charities dealing with physical and mental health issues, as well as community arts and education projects.

“Persimmon already donates £768,000 each year to good causes through its Community Champions funding programme and through Building Futures, we are dedicating help exclusively to the younger members of our society.”

Building Futures is delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation in partnership with Team GB, the British Olympic Association, and the company enlisted the help of Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Dani Rowe to launch the scheme.

Laura added: “This initiative is a superb way of supporting young people across our communities and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for funding. These sums of money can be life-changing and could make a real difference to the recipients.”

A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects.

Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a grand final in November.

In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

The initiative is now closed to new applications.

To find out more about Building Futures visit: www.persimmonhomes.com/charity/building-futures

MSPs to examine Scotland’s overseas relationships

The Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee is launching an inquiry into the Scottish Government’s international work.

Post Brexit constitutional change has inevitably impacted on how the Scottish Government engages with the European Union and the wider world.

The Committee will examine what the Scottish Government is trying to achieve in its work with foreign governments, international organisations like the European Union and also with its international development efforts. The committee will engage with stakeholders, examine best practice and, where necessary, make recommendations to inform the Scottish Government Policy.

The Committee is seeking to engage with stakeholders on what the Scottish Government’s external affairs policy could look like, recommend what areas should be prioritised, and to learn from examples of best practice.

It will examine issues including the Scottish Government’s engagement with the EU set in the context of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, successful examples of non-EU nations and regions engaging with the EU, and asking how the Scottish Government’s overseas work interacts with UK foreign and diplomatic efforts.

Speaking as the call for views launched, Committee Convener, Clare Adamson MSP, said: “The Scottish Government has an overseas footprint including representative offices in key cities, an international development budget and staff working to promote Scotland and its interests internationally.

“A key question for the Committee now that the UK has left the EU is Scotland’s future relationship with the EU.  This includes how Trade and Co-operation Agreement will impact on how the Scottish Government engages with the EU and how that engagement interacts with UK government policy in this area.

“We are also keen to look at good ideas and best practice from elsewhere, so we can make recommendations where necessary.”

You can respond to the call for views at this page.

The Committee is asking questions including:

• How should the Scottish Government engage with the EU and what should it seek to achieve from its engagement?
• How might the EU-UK TCA affect how the Scottish Government engages with the EU and how will that engagement interact with UK government policy in this area?
• What role should the Scottish Parliament have in scrutinising the operation of the TCA and how the TCA influences the Scottish government’s engagement with the EU?
• What should the priorities of the Scottish Government be in developing its external affairs work and overseas presence, including its international development policy?
• Does the Scottish Government’s budget for external affairs deliver value for money? Please elaborate.
• What principles should inform the Scottish Government’s international engagement (e.g. economic, democratic, human rights, climate change or cultural / ‘soft power’ priorities)? And should that engagement be based on geographical or policy focus? Please elaborate.
• How do the Scottish Government’s EU and international policies interact with UK foreign and diplomatic policy in these areas?

Community outreach Music Hub opens at Stockbridge church

A ground-breaking community project which uses the power of music to promote health and wellbeing is being launched in Stockbridge today.

The “Music Hub” at Stockbridge Church is led by professional cellist, Clea Friend, who has played all over the world with artists including Sir Rod Stewart, opera tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Clea Friend
Clea Friend

It will encourage interaction and friendship among people of all ages by offering opportunities to create, listen and discuss music in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.

Concerts involving musicians from a wide range of genres will be regularly held in the building on Saxe Coburg Street along with a “Culture Club” featuring screenings of theatre and opera productions followed by discussion.

Miss Friend, a community music practitioner who has worked with people with special needs for 20 years, plans to run classes for children and young people living with autism to help them express themselves better.

She will work with local schools, care homes and others as part of her role and regularly perform with Artisan, an Edinburgh based professional classical music ensemble.https://www.youtube.com/embed/WkJaeUIoVkI

Miss Friend, 48, the daughter of musicians who took up the cello aged six, said a project that she has run with a violinist for several years called ‘Recitals for Wrigglers’ – short interactive and educational concerts for pre-school children – will now be based at the church.

“I am delighted to be leading the Music Hub which seeks to promote health and wellbeing, communication, integration and inclusion through music making and listening to music,” said the University of Edinburgh graduate.

“As a professional cellist and a trained community music practitioner, I have a fusion of skills that feed off each other and understand how music affects the brain and the body and how it can be used to improve people’s lives.

“It is very therapeutic and I am really passionate about working with people who may not have access to music or have special needs of some kind to help them communicate better.”

The Music Hub, supported by Amati Global Investors and Chamber Music Scotland, is officially opening at 1pm with live music, speeches, presentations of the resources on offer and a question and answer session.

Rev Dr John Cowie
Rev Dr John Cowie

Rev Dr John Cowie, minister of Stockbridge Church, said music played a big part in the life of the congregation and members are “delighted” to host the new community outreach project, which also has an online presence.

“I love music, it draws people together, and the Music Hub is an exciting addition to the life of the church which has the tagline ‘Friendship through Music’,” he added.

“Clea brings great musical skills, local and international experience and a commitment to bringing people safely together which is important as we emerge from the isolation of lockdown.

“Stockbridge is regarded as a wealthy community but there are a lot of people who suffer from loneliness and there are families who are not well off and we want to support them.”

Community outreach

Prior to the pandemic, Dr Cowie, who plays the bassoon in a community orchestra, said the building was regularly used for concerts by the likes of St Mary’s Music School and Napier University’s orchestra.

“Worship is drama to some extent so when people built the church they were thinking of how they could be heard so it is a good space for music,” he explained

“The congregation is excited to see how the Music Hub grows and develops and if it builds bridges in the community and into the community, we will be very happy,”

New Shackleton exhibition shines a light on explorer’s final voyage to island of South Georgia

100th anniversary of Shackleton’s ‘Quest Expedition’ sparks new exhibition showcasing his remarkable career and leadership to a new audience

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Today, a brand new exhibition that celebrates the remarkable life and achievements of renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) will be unveiled by the South Georgia Museum.

The exhibition ‘Shackleton’s Last Quest’ is launching on 17 September, 100 years after Shackleton’s last voyage, the Quest Expedition, set sail from London.

The new exhibition focuses on Shackleton’s untimely death and his final resting place at Grytviken on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, and showcases the significance this small British Overseas Territory played in his story. It will also look at his life and the personal qualities that made him so extraordinary, resulting in him still being revered around the world today, a century after his death.

As part of the exhibition, some key objects never before seen outside South Georgia have been brought together for the first time and include the original Hope Cross – the wooden cross that topped the memorial cairn built by the men of the expedition at Hope Point, King Edward Point in 1922.

Shackleton’s grave in summer (L) and in midwinter (R).

It is fitting that Shackleton was in South Georgia when he died. His final diary entry reads: ‘A wonderful evening. In the darkening twilight I saw a lone star hover, gem-like above the bay.’

Image credits Julie Shaughnessy (L) and Deirdre Mitchell (R)

As well as being online at https://sgmuseum.gs/shackletonslastquest the exhibition will be mirrored at the South Georgia Museum at Grytviken, for visitors to the island to see.

It was Shackleton’s wife who decided that South Georgia would be his final resting place and many people make the pilgrimage to his grave to pay their respects, in non-Covid times.

When visitors are able to return to the Museum (which has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic), they will also be able to discover more about his life and final voyage through this exhibition.

The Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition (known as the Quest Expedition) was Shackleton’s fourth and final expedition, aiming to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent.

Large crowds gathered as the ship, Quest, left St Katherine Docks in London on 17 September 1921, with a crew comprising eight shipmates from the famous Endurance Expedition, who were keen to return to southern waters.

However, this was to be Shackleton’s last journey and after arriving at the quiet waters of King Edward Cove in South Georgia on 4 January 1922, he unexpectedly died in the early hours of the following morning.

His untimely death saw an outpouring of grief across the world and came to be seen as the end of the heroic era of polar exploration. Shackleton was buried on 5 March, two months after his death, at the whaling station Grytviken, South Georgia.

The original crow’s nest, which along with the cabin is one of the last vestiges from Quest, will also be making the journey to South Georgia where it will be the centrepiece of the exhibition at the Museum.

This is the first time it will leave its current home in All Hallows Church by the Tower of London to travel back to South Georgia to mark this significant anniversary. Before it heads south to the Antarctic, the Quest Barrel – as it is also known – will be on display at Shackleton’s birthplace in Ireland, at the Shackleton Museum, Athy. In spring 2022 it will continue to South Georgia to take its place in the exhibition.

Alison Neil, Chief Executive of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), the UK charity which manages the Museum (above) on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) said: “South Georgia is synonymous with Shackleton, as the island played host to the beginning and the conclusion of the ill-fated Endurance Expedition (1914-1917) and is also Shackleton’s final resting place.

“As a guardian of the island’s fascinating heritage, the South Georgia Museum is delighted to have developed this new exhibition. Given Shackleton’s deep associations with South Georgia, it is fitting we will be marking the centenary of the launch of the Quest Expedition and Shackleton’s untimely death in this way.

“The exhibition will mark what is considered the end of the heroic era of polar exploration, focusing on Shackleton’s final resting place and the significance South Georgia played in the story. It will consider his life and those enduring qualities that made him such a revered figure in polar world history and bring him to a new audience.”

Visitors to the exhibition, both online and at South Georgia Museum will learn more about the details of the voyage, hear about how Shackleton came to be buried on the island, and explore objects and images that are being exhibited for the first time.

These include items from Shackleton’s funeral such as the banner that led the procession from the Grytviken church to the cemetery – a Norwegian tradition brought to the island by the whalers.

The exhibition also makes connections to other institutions with collections and links to Shackleton and polar exploration, through virtual ‘loans’. These digital loans include Shackleton’s diary, his Quest cabin clock and a full replica model of Quest.

The online exhibition can be found at https://sgmuseum.gs/shackletonslastquest

It is hoped that the exhibition at South Georgia Museum will be open from this coming season or the next, depending on travel restrictions.

Council welcomes Scottish Government’s support for capital’s poorest families

City of Edinburgh Council finance leaders have welcomed yesterday’s Scottish Government announcement that around 8,000 Edinburgh children from low-income families will benefit from a £320 uplift before Christmas.

As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, children that are entitled to free school meals will receive payments of £160 per child in October and December.

This follows three payments that were made late in 2020 and early this year to eligible families by the Council, taking the total to £620 received by each child.

In Edinburgh, these were:

a Winter Support Fund payment of £100 per child in December 2020;

a Spring Hardship Payment of £100 per child in March 2021; and

a Summer Family Pandemic Payment of £100 per child in June 2021. This was issued along with the Summer holiday Free School Meals Payment of £92.50 per child.

This will take the total money distributed to children in low-income families by the end of 2021, over these five payments, to around £4.8 million.

In 2022, the Council also will deliver £520 payments per child in 4 instalments on behalf of the Scottish Government.

As detailed by the Scottish Government, this cash is equivalent to the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), a £10-a-week benefit which provides regular, additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child aged under six years old.

Finance Convener Councillor Rob Munn said: “Many families are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and it’s more important than ever that we continue to support those most in need, particularly at a time of year when household bills are increasing. So we welcome this additional money from the Scottish Government, that will be administered through the Council, to give some added relief.

“As a Council we are committed to ending poverty and supporting the wellbeing of our residents and through building a better foundation for our young people we hope that we can create a better future for all.”

Finance Vice Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths said: “Direct support must go hand in hand with the ongoing financial support to ensure that no child is left behind as a result of these unprecedented times.

“Our teams from across Children’s Services have worked tirelessly to put in place a series of measures across the city to continue to support and monitor the effects the pandemic is having on our children. Thanks must go to all our hard-working staff and third sector partners who are providing these vital services.”

Last chance for Healthy Heart projects to apply for £10,000 grant from Heart Research UK

Community groups in Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand.

The deadline for applying is 5pm on Monday 20th September 2021.

The Heart Research UK and Subway® Healthy Heart Grant is available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease in the community. Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills and healthy eating and should encourage people to get more active and promote positive mental wellbeing.

The £10,000 has been raised locally in Subway® stores throughout the region. Previous grantees from Scotland have included the Feel Good Women’s Group, who led fitness and cooking classes for local women.

In response to the pandemic, we have adapted the criteria for our Healthy Heart grants. We will accept applications for projects which can be delivered remotely or with social distancing measures in place. This year we are also accepting applications for the funding of equipment only.

Community groups in Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand.

The deadline for applying is 5pm on Monday 20th September 2021.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through our partnership with Subway®, we hope to encourage people all across the country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so.

“This grant is available to ensure everyone can benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities. We’re really grateful to the many customers and staff at Subway® stores who have raised the money to make this possible.”

The deadline for applying is the Monday 20th September 2021 and this can be done by visiting:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-heart-grants/

For more information, please call 0113 234 7474 or email: 

healthyheartgrants@heartresearch.org.uk

Leith MSP gets back behind the bar to back local hospitality sector recruitment drive

Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson will be pulling pints behind the bar in Joseph Pearce’s today (Friday 17 September) to show his support for hospitality businesses in the local area and the city more widely.

One of the MSP’s first jobs was as a bartender and he worked in a number different hospitality businesses in the city throughout his twenties. While working in hospitality he has said that he developed practical, organisational and interpersonal skills which have benefitted him throughout the rest of his career, including as an MSP.

Brexit has resulted in major staff shortages within the hospitality industry, which is affecting opening hours and the capacity to serve customers.

Commenting on his support for local hospitality businesses and their recruitment drive, Ben Macpherson MSP said: “I developed many practical, organisational and interpersonal skills while working in hospitality, and I learned a lot about different aspects of society from meeting and listening to colleagues and customers alike. I also made a lot of new friends from all over the world, who I’m still in touch with to this day, and had some great times working with them.

“The sector still has some improvements to make when it comes to its fair work responsibilities – but I have seen significant and meaningful change since I worked behind the bar 10 years ago, and today there are many hospitality businesses offering fair pay, good career paths and fulfilling opportunities.

“The experience of the pandemic has reminded us that local hospitality businesses are a key part of our communities and our economy – they are where we so often come together with loved ones and friends, and provide the setting for so many joyful moments in our lives.

“Cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants are an important part of our society and I would encourage anyone looking for work to consider what either a temporary job or a career in hospitality can offer as a chance to learn new, transferrable skills.”

Anna Christopherson, Co-Owner of Boda Bars, said: “Working in hospitality gives you people skills, integrity and sales skills that you will need in every job you ever have.

“I wish everyone would work in hospitality at least once in their lives. It is a great job that gives you freedom to work everywhere around the world.”