Day: October 4, 2021

Christmas Wonderland launches at Perth Riverside

Brand new Christmas themed lighting trail to dazzle Perth: 2 – 23 December  

This year, for the first time ever, Perth Riverside will play host to Christmas Wonderland, a brand new Christmas-themed lighting trail, providing outdoor festive fun for the whole family.   

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, the glittering lighting trail set across Norie Miller Walk and Rodney Gardens, is a first-of-its-kind event that will light up the faces of kids big and small, surrounding them and the whole family in Christmas cheer. Festive fun for the whole family, not only will you take in some of the most spectacular seasonal sights, but you can also experience first-hand the magic of Perth.  

From 2nd to 23rd December, guests are invited to experience this magical lighting trail as they wander on foot through a one-way, 1km winding pathway overlooking the picturesque Perth Riverside.   

This is Norie Miller Walk and Rodney Gardens as never seen before! Fantastic lighting, festive effects and a sparkling atmosphere all transforming the parks into a wonderful Christmas evening out.

You will find singing trees, hear sleigh bells ringing amongst the snowflakes and many surprises, with candy canes and other delicious delights, all provided by local food vendors who have been invited along just for this special occasion. 

It is Christmas Eve every night at Perth Christmas Wonderland! 

Christmas Wonderland at Perth Riverside – we ho-ho-hope to see you soon! 

Tickets start from £13 for adults and £8 for children under 16. Children under 3 can also attend for free. Family ticket bundles which allow access for 2 adults and 2 children and are available from £36.

On 18th December and thereafter, adult tickets are £14, child tickets are £9 and family tickets are £40. 

The walk will take approximately one-hour and tickets will have allocated time slots for guests to arrive in. First entry is at 4pm and last entry is at 8:15pm. No re-entry once leaving the trail.Tickets must be booked online in advance. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “We are incredibly excited to bring the first ever Christmas Wonderland to Perth this year. Following almost two years of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we are excited to be bringing a COVID safe and festive experience to the citizens of Perth.

“The lighting trail really showcases Perth in all its beauty and with plenty of surprises, hiding elves and delicious treats to look forward to, we are sure that the Christmas Wonderland will get the entire family feeling festive in no time!” 

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit:  www.perthchristmaswonderland.co.uk 

You can also find us on:  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/perthchristmaswonderland/ 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/perthchristmaswonderland 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerthXmas_WL 

Midlothian Disabled People’s Directory 2022: up to date information for Disabled people

 A new version of a directory for disabled people living in Midlothian called ‘Midlothian Disabled People’s Directory 2022’ has just been released.

Without correct, relevant and up-to-date information, disabled people can become isolated, unable to exercise their own rights, receive the support they need and make their own choices on how they want to live.

The directory is produced by a unique group of disabled people at Forward Mid. Their aim is to ensure that disabled people are always treated with dignity and respect as full and active, equal citizens and to secure equality and human rights for disabled people living in Midlothian and beyond.

The directory is available to download free here www.forwardmid.org.uk

The directory is a practical resource containing empowering information.

It signposts to organisations that can give people the support they need: from resolving a specific issue, finding a social activity, or a wider goal such as gaining more control of their lives.

Physical copies of the Directory are available from Midlothian Voluntary Action 4/6 White Hart Street, Dalkeith; local libraries: Dalkeith, Newtongrange, Danderhall, Gorebridge, Penicuik and Loanhead.

You can also download it free from www.forwardmid.org.uk

Directory2022mobileDownload

Business Gateway Edinburgh strengthens its recovery support with new programme

Small business owner

More resource is being put into supporting local business leaders through a new Growth Recovery Programme as the Capital’s business community looks to survive and thrive following the past 18 months.

As challenges continue to arise from the pandemic as well as UK’s exit from the European Union, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Business Gateway service has developed a programme designed to assist small business owners and/or directors to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence to recover and grow their businesses.

Part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the six-session, small group programme will take place virtually and cover a variety of topics including ‘Redefining Your Business Model’, ‘Developing as a Business Leader’ and ‘Financing Growth’. 

Starting on Wednesday 27 October and running until Wednesday 1 December, participants will be able to gain new knowledge and tools they need to support their businesses within the evolving business landscape.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Fair Work Convener, said: “Businesses have had to innovate and diversify in order to survive in what has been an extremely difficult time for everyone. Many still face challenges they have to navigate, but there are opportunities too. Business Gateway Edinburgh has developed this new programme to help equip people with up-to-date knowledge, expertise and advice.

“We hope to be able to support a wide range of businesses from different sectors across the city. We’ve found that many of the business leaders involved in these programmes often go on to build their own networks and build valuable relationships while benefiting from peer-to-peer support.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, Fair Work Vice Convener, said: “This new programme adds to the variety of initiatives already offered by Business Gateway Edinburgh, including Women in Business and Gateway to Investment, while supplementing the ongoing one-to-one and on-call support offered by the team.

“We are committed to helping businesses through what continues to be a very challenging time. Through the Council’s wider services we have extended outdoor seating arrangements for the hospitality sector, facilitated grant funding, provided rent assistance to our business tenants, and through the Forever Edinburgh campaign, we continue to inspire people to visit and drive footfall in and around the city.”

To apply please speak to your Business Gateway Adviser for an application form or email: bglothian@bgateway.com

Planning Democracy: Community Guide to Planning Appeals

Planning Democracy’s new Community Guide to Appeals is now available.

If a developer appeals a planning decision what can you do? How do you get the community voice heard at an appeal? What happens when?

All these questions and more can be found in the guide at:

https://www.planningdemocracy.org.uk/get-help/resources/

Latest Accident & Emergency Activity report highlights scale of health inequalities

The latest Hospital Episodic Statistics (HES): Hospital Accident and Emergency Activity 2020-21 published by NHS Digital and NHS England show that attendance rates in the most deprived areas of England were almost double the attendance rates in the least deprived areas.

The data show in 2020-21 in the most deprived areas of England there were 39,161 attendances per 100,000, while in the least deprived areas this figure is almost halved to 20,784.

Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The pandemic has highlighted the scale of health inequalities across the country. The data show that those from the most deprived area are almost twice as likely to visit their Emergency Department than those from the least deprived area.

“We welcome NHS England’s willingness to engage on the issue and address health inequalities, but we must see real action taken. We also look forward to the formation of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and would welcome the opportunity to input into their agenda.

“The health inequalities are clear and tackling them will be a serious challenge. On a fundamental level, if the government is serious about levelling up and tackling these inequalities, the first steps must be to fund and support local authorities and Integrated Care Systems and invest in preventative health.

“The scale of health inequalities means tackling homelessness; immigrant health; domestic violence; and youth violence. While supporting those with; mental health illnesses; learning disabilities; and both drug and alcohol addiction.”

There were also 1.39 million reattendances in 2020/21 which is equal to 10.4% of all unplanned attendances. This is the highest figure on record and up 1.7 percentage points when compared to the previous year 2019/20.

Dr Henderson continued: “It is also deeply concerning that one in ten patients reattended the Emergency Department (ED), it is vital that patients have the appropriate information and support available to manage their condition following their visit to the ED. We need better data on this issue to understand what is driving people to reattend.”

In 2020/21 302,784 patients stayed in an Emergency Department for 12-hours or more from time of arrival, this is 21 times higher than the 12-hour figure from decision to admit, which is 14,150.

Dr Henderson concluded: “Utilising the right metrics in Emergency Departments is crucial to improving patient safety. It is vital that we measure health equalities, reattendances, and 12-hour stays from time of arrival across the country.

“Analysing these metrics will help us, NHS England and the government to take effective action to support the patients, communities and areas that need it most. That means fewer reattendances, closing the gap on health inequalities, reducing long stays, and improving the patient experience.

“This data paints a very real picture of the state of health and the state of healthcare in this country. We welcome the engagement of NHS England and the government’s agenda on these matters, but we must now see the tangible actions taken to tackle these issues.”

Church of Scotland supports Challenge Poverty Week

The Church of Scotland will mark this year’s Challenge Poverty Week (4-10 October) with a series of short videos featuring the work of the Priority Areas team and the congregations they support.

In partnership with The Poverty Alliance, the annual event aims to highlight the issue of poverty across Scotland, as well as what can be done by individuals and organisations to campaign for a more equal society.

Starting today (Monday 4 October) the videos will tie in with environmental issues in the run-up to COP26. They will be available for viewing on the Church of Scotland YouTube channel with a new one released each day during the week.

The churches featured are designated as Priority Areas by the Church of Scotland as they are in areas experiencing the greatest impact from poverty according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Speaking about Challenge Poverty Week, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Lord (Jim) Wallace, said: “We need not be defeatist in the face of poverty.

“With vision and determined commitment, solutions can be identified and pursued.

“Challenge Poverty Week gives us an opportunity to come together, and with a united voice calling for such a commitment.”

Shirley Grieve, who is the Church of Scotland’s Priority Areas secretary, said: “As we enter Challenge Poverty week and join our voices in Priority Areas with others engaged in this campaign, we are mindful of the challenges people already struggling with poverty will face this winter.

“On top of the removal of the £20 weekly supplement on Universal Credit, people are already facing huge increases in fuel costs as a result of the recent surge in gas prices.

“We hope people will be encouraged to take part in Challenge Poverty week in whatever way possible and show that we can take action together to eradicate poverty.”

The Priority Areas team will also be holding a series of webinars throughout the month of October, which will explore the connection between climate change and poverty.

Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “Too many people in Scotland are living with the constant pressure of living in poverty.

“As we plan our economic recovery, we must redesign our economy to reflect the values of justice and compassion we all share.

“By boosting people’s incomes and reducing the cost of living we can solve make sure we all have what we need.”

Join in on social media using the hashtags #ChallengePoverty #NowIsTheTime

Find out more about Challenge Poverty Week and join an event.

Sign-up to a ‘Poverty and Climate’ webinar which are taking place on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 6 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 13 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 20 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 27 October 2 – 3.30pm

UK’s new simplified travel system takes off today

  • new simplified travel system with a single red list and the rest of the world comes into force from 4am this morning
  • fully vaccinated travellers from over 50 countries and territories have simpler, cheaper rules, with just a single post arrival test needed
  • changes come as UK government welcomes fully vaccinated residents of over 50 countries and territories who can travel like fully vaccinated UK travellers

From 4am today (Monday 4 October 2021), the UK’s new travel system comes into force with countries and territories categorised as either red or the rest of the world.

The new simplified travel system also means that eligible fully vaccinated passengers and eligible under-18s returning from over 50 countries and territories not on the red list, can do so without needing to complete a pre-departure test (PDT), a day 8 test or enter a 10-day self-isolation period, making it easier for those travelling – whether that’s to see friends and family, or on business trips.

As announced last month, the new rules also mean that from later in October eligible fully vaccinated passengers with an approved vaccine and recognised certificate from a country not on the red list will be able to replace their day 2 test with a cheaper lateral flow test, reducing the cost of tests on arrival into England. The government aims to have this in place for when people return from half-term breaks.

Anyone testing positive will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test, at no additional cost, which would be genomically sequenced to help identify new variants.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good, and today’s rule changes are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.

“Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than 8 in 10 people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery.”

Also from today, under-18s from the over 50 countries whose vaccination status the UK recognises will not need to present a negative PDT before travelling to England. This applies regardless of their vaccination status.

All under-11s, regardless of where they are travelling from, are already exempt from pre-departure testing for arrival in the UK. If children aged 11 and over are not travelling from one of the 50-plus countries and territories where vaccines are recognised, they will be required to follow the same rules as for unvaccinated passengers.

From today, the UK is expanding it’s vaccinated policy to a further 18 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Canada. The recognised vaccines are Pfizer BioNTech, Oxford AstraZeneca (including Covidshield), Moderna and Janssen (J&J).

This builds on the UK government’s successful pilot phase with Europe and the US, and brings the total number of countries in scope of the policy to over 50, with more countries and territories being added in the coming weeks.

Those eligible must have a document from a national or state-level public health authority that includes certain information including name, date of birth and vaccination details, as set out in guidance on GOV.UK.

The UK government has maintained it would take a phased approach to recognising vaccines administered by other countries and territories, building on the success of the pilot with the US and Europe.

Fully vaccinated residents in other countries not yet part of the inbound policy, as well as those partially vaccinated, will still have to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests for day 2 and day 8 after arrival, and self-isolate for 10 days, with the option to test to release after 5 days.

The UK government is continuing to work with international partners as we seek to more regularly expand the policy to further countries and territories.

All arrivals will still need to fill in a passenger locator form ahead of travel. Travellers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance including Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before, during and after travel to keep up to date with entry requirements and ensure compliance with the latest COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 regulations for the country being visited.

Passengers should also carefully check booking conditions prior to booking.

The Scottish Government has ‘reluctantly’ agreed to adopt the same system.

Have you got seven days to take seven actions on litter?

Environmental charity calls for young people to engage with mini-Litter Less campaign

Scotland is facing a looming litter emergency and environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is calling for teachers and youth leaders to get involved in a new international 10-day campaign to tackle litter.

The Mini Litter Less campaign will run from 18 – 28 October 2021 and those that sign up to participate will be supported with a seven-point action plan. 

The plan includes activities to learn about the biodiversity and nature around you, to understand plastic pollution, to find out more about invisible pollutants, to consider consumption habits, to think about the partnership approach to tackling the issue, and to organise a litter pick and celebration picnic.

The campaign will also feature a Zero Waste Day where young people will be encouraged to live a whole day without producing any waste at all.

Participants will be asked to post their thoughts, photos and videos on social media using the #LitterLessCampaign, and the best three will be selected by us and entered into an international competition – with the best 10 global entries winning a prize of $100.

Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Education and Learning Manager Daniel Barrie, said: “Litter Less is an annual campaign we run on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).  Across the world 15 other countries participate and it supports over 1.3million children and over 20,000 educators to improve and enhance the places they love in their own villages, towns and cities by campaigning to stop litter.

“This Mini Litter Less campaign provides an easy to follow seven-point action plan to help drive a change in the behaviour that causes litter.  The actions are easy to fulfil and are designed to be tackled one a day over a period of time. 

“Tackling litter and waste is crucial if we are to reverse declining standards of cleanliness across our country and the planet so we would encourage everyone to get involved.”

KSB have run the wider Litter Less campaign for nine years, and in that time £56,000 of support has been provided to 244 Scottish schools, helping them to become more ‘litter-ate’ and to purchase litter picking equipment and bins.  

In addition, more than, 4,000 educators and 50,000 children and young people have been involved across Scotland.

If you are interested in getting involved contact:

litterless@keepscotlandbeautiful.org or visit our Litterless web pages.

Scottish sporting bodies back campaign to help keep children safe in sport

  • One in five parents wouldn’t know who to turn to for help if they had any welfare concerns in relation to their child’s sport/leisure clubs
  • Campaign kicks-off to help parents understand their role in keeping children safe and who they can turn to for help
  • Scottish Athletics, Scottish Gymnastics and Netball Scotland join in supporting the NSPCC’s and Children 1st’s Parents in Sport Week

A group of Scottish governing sporting bodies has backed a joint NSPCC and Children 1st campaign which is raising awareness of where parents can turn if they have concerns about their child’s sports club.

An online survey*, conducted on behalf of the NSPCC by YouGov, has found that 20% of parents** who had children in sports and leisure clubs, would not know who to speak to if they had any worries about a child’s welfare at the club.

Now, Scottish Gymnastics, Scottish Athletics and Netball Scotland are backing Parents in Sport Week (4-10 October 2021) – an annual campaign run by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and Children 1st, aiming to equip every parent with the safeguarding knowledge they need, and highlight the important role parents play in youth sport.

Doc McKelvey, Scottish Gymnastics CEO, said: “Many sports around the world, including ours, have had cause to focus and self-reflect following complaints on different issues. Scottish Gymnastics fully supports this campaign which highlights how important parents and carers are in helping keep children and young people safe in sport.

“Gymnast welfare is at the heart of everything we do, and wellbeing and protection is a priority in our clubs and programmes. We have embarked on a long-term project to ensure all our members, parents and carers know more about safeguarding and child protection, how to identify and raise concerns, and give them the confidence to do so. We are grateful to the NSPCC and Children 1st for helping raise awareness and empower parents.”

Claire Nelson, CEO of Netball Scotland and the Strathclyde Sirens, said: “We are once again proud to support NSPCC Scotland’s and Children 1st’s Parents in Sport Week. The campaign this year aims to ensure parents have access to the right resources, tools and information to feel confident that their children can return to, and most importantly enjoy, sport safely.

“After such a challenging year we know that many parents and children are feeling anxious about restarting clubs and activities, so this campaign will provide vital support to empower families to get back to doing what they love.”

David Fallon, Head of Development for scottishathletics, said: “We are delighted and proud to once again support the ‘Parents in Sport Week’ campaign, led by NSPCC Scotland and Children 1st.

“We will work with our clubs and members to promote the campaign toolkit, and encourage as many parents and guardians as possible to understand the important role they play in the bigger safeguarding picture of sport.

“We hope that by promoting this campaign, more parents will ask those important questions around safeguarding when their child takes part in athletics in Scotland, helping us to ensure our clubs are offering a safe, fun, and engaging environment.”

As part of the campaign the children’s charities have issued three key safeguarding tips for parents in relation to children’s sport:

  • Every club should have a child welfare officer in post – familiarise yourself with who that is and their contact details;
  • Check if your club has a safeguarding policy in place and understand how that keeps children safe;
  • Know that the NSPCC helpline is there if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach the helpline on 0808 800 5000 or at help@nspcc.org.uk

Children 1st provides a helpful guide for parents on finding a safe sports club for their child. And, this year, the NSPCC has launched new resources aimed at parents, to help them understand their role in keeping children safe and who they can turn to for help if they have any worries about their child’s sport.

Resources include a free e-learning course for parents on keeping their child safe; a new animation which helps parents identify when something might be wrong in their child’s sport; and the new NSPCC CPSU Parents Hub – an online destination providing safeguarding information for parents.

Paul Stephenson, Senior Consultant at NSPCC’s CPSU, said: “We’re proud to be running our annual Parents in Sport Week campaign once again, alongside Children 1st, to help more parents be a significant part of their children’s sporting lives.

“Since launching the campaign five years ago, countless sports bodies, clubs and coaches have supported our work and worked hard to develop better relationships with parents and carers.

“This year, we want to provide the tools needed to help parents and carers access important information to help keep their children safe in sport, to spot poor practice and to empower them to speak out. We’re also continuing to support the tireless work sports clubs put into involving parents in their safeguarding process.

“Sport is a huge part of childhood, with many young people spending countless hours practicing, playing and making new friends, and it is so important that every parent feels confident about ensuring their child is safe and having fun.”

Parents who have any worries about their child’s experience in sport or physical activity can seek advice from the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing: help@nspcc.org.uk.