Trick or Treat: Morrisons launches two Halloween-themed pizzas
– Morrisons Dirt ‘n’ Worms Pizza is a sweet treat –
– Morrisons Spicy Fright Feast Pizza has hidden layers of Scotch bonnet chilli sauce –
– Freshly made from Morrisons in-store pizza counters –
Morrisons has launched a Dirt ‘n’ Worms Pizza – which is sure to have families and friends up and down the UK squirming as they tuck in this Halloween.
The Dirt ‘n’ Worms Pizza has a 10 inch stonebaked base and is topped with squidgy chocolate soil cookie dough, chocolate chunks and strawberry worms. The perfect sweet treat to share.
Morrisons pizzas are a customer favourite and priced at just £2.89, the Dirt ‘n’ Worms is a fraction of the cost of similar limited-edition or sweet pizzas from other high-street chains.
For those who dare, Morrisons is also launching a 14 inch Spicy Fright Pizza for just £3.89.
The Spicy Fright Feast Pizza has a stonebaked base with hidden layers of Scotch bonnet hot chilli sauce, slices of jalapeño pepperoni, spicy chicken breast, chilli cheese and is topped with hot chillies for spice fang-atics to enjoy.
Mark Pearson, Buying Manager at Morrisons, said: “These pizzas are two of the spookiest we’ve ever made. Whether sweet or savoury is your thing, both are sure to be crowd pleasers and will keep everyone happy this Halloween.”
Morrisons foodmakers will prepare the pizzas fresh in-store every morning for trick or treating customers to pick up throughout the day from Morrisons in-store pizza counter.
Vet charity warn fearful pets face fireworks misery
As Bonfire Night approaches, pet owners may find themselves more stressed than excited by the prospect.
Vet charity PDSA is urging owners to take preventive action – especially those who took on a pet during the pandemic – in a bid to reduce the extreme distress and suffering that fireworks can cause for many of our four-legged friends.
Our pets’ enhanced senses mean they can find the loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks overwhelming, which can lead to severe anxiety and trauma.
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “The firework season may be an especially difficult time for pups who were raised during lockdown – our 2021 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report* shows that 15 per cent of UK dogs (139,000) obtained during the pandemic are showing signs of fear.
“One well recognised fear in dogs is noise phobias, and our previous research reports that 40% of dogs are afraid of fireworks. Of those dogs owned before the pandemic, our research revealed 3% of dogs (260,000) were reported as showing signs of fear, so it’s unknown what the impact will be come November.
“Thankfully, there are simple steps to reduce distress in our furry family members – the sooner you can start preparing the better. While some pets who are very affected by fireworks can take months of training to make them more comfortable with the bangs and flashes, there are still plenty of things you can do now to help. PDSA has produced a free guide to help owners lessen the impact of this stressful period.”
PDSA’s top tips on tackling fireworks phobias include:
Start early
The earlier you can start your pre-fireworks prep, the better – aim to start getting them used to the bangs and whistles at least six weeks prior to Bonfire Night or other big occasions. Play firework noises quietly throughout the house and pair these with their favourite treat. If they show any signs of stress, stop the noises, and try again at a lower volume when they are not reacting. Continue to do this all year round, so your pet builds up positive associations with these sounds.
Secure your garden
Secure your home and garden in advance, as fearful furry friends may panic and scarper. Ensure any ‘escape routes’ – such as holes in fences – are inaccessible.
Set up a hideaway
Create a ‘den’ in a quiet room or cupboard, which your pet can use as a safe space to hide in. It’s important that your pet already views this space as a safe place that they can escape to. Make it extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats, and add pillows or cushions to help absorb the loud noises – you can also do the same to hutches for smaller four-legged friends, who may also appreciate some extra bedding to hide away in.
Create calm vibes
Using pheromone products can help anxious pets, as the scents they release provide a calming effect to relax a stressed pooch or puss. You can even prepare a calming playlist, as music with a repetitive beat might help to disguise the loud bangs from fireworks and may keep your furry friend relaxed.
Speak to your vet
If you’re concerned your pet has a severe phobia of fireworks, it’s best to speak to an expert. Your vet can advise you on measures to improve the phobia, such as professional behaviour therapy or prescribe medications to help.
For more information on how to prepare your pet for Bonfire Night and to download PDSA’s free Firework Guide, please visit:
Consultation on new approach to prevent food insecurity
Proposals to end the need for food banks as a primary response to food insecurity have been published.
Views are being sought on the Scottish Government’s draft national plan, which is supported by food bank operators, including the Trussell Trust and Independent Food Aid Network.
The plan follows action during the pandemic to prevent food insecurity through strengthening household incomes and the delivery of cash-first responses to financial hardship.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We share the same vision as food bank operators – they are not a long term solution to poverty. Our draft plan sets out what we will do within our powers – including introducing a shopping voucher pilot scheme – to make food banks the last port of call.
“Over the last year we have invested around £2.5 billion to support low income households, including nearly £1 billion to directly support children.
“Despite our fixed budget and limited powers we are taking action to support those in poverty, including discussions around establishing a minimum income guarantee for Scotland.
“As part of the right to an adequate standard of living, people need to be able to access food that meets their dietary, social and cultural needs and this plan shows the way forward.”
Sabine Goodwin, co-ordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network, which represents more than 500 food banks across the UK, said: “As the cut to Universal Credit and cost of living increases exacerbate poverty in Scotland, the publication of the draft national plan to end the need for food banks couldn’t be more timely.
“With a cash first, collaborative approach to food insecurity as the cornerstone of this plan, a time when food banks will no longer be needed to plug the gaps left by financial hardship is within sight.”
Most people recover from coronavirus within 4 weeks, but for some people symptoms can last longer, or new ones can develop. Symptoms can also change over time and can affect anywhere in the body. This is often referred to as long COVID and can include breathlessness, a cough, aches and pains, insomnia and low mood or anxiety.
The information on NHSinform.scot includes the most common symptoms, how a patient is assessed and how to manage ongoing symptoms.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan, says: “Coronavirus can vary from person to person, and sometimes recovery can take longer than we would like. The important thing is not to compare with others and to take the time to look after ourselves.
“The information on NHS inform can really help with managing ongoing symptoms until they do naturally fade away. Of course, you should contact your GP practice if you’re worried about the severity or persistence of your symptoms or they’re getting worse.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is important that people with long COVID symptoms get the right advice and having all the information in one place will hopefully make it easier for them. The information and support available at NHS inform has been designed to help people with their recovery.
“The Long COVID Support Fund was established with £10m last month and was designed to maximise and improve the co-ordination of a broad range of existing services across the health and social care system and Third Sector in response to the condition.”
The Tattoo reveals a ‘refreshed brand approach’ ahead of the Show’s return with senior hires, new creative direction and increased investment
Performance in a New Light encapsulates changes the Tattoo has undertaken over several months of planning and preparation, and includes the introduction of a new ticketing system, fresh membership packages and increased investment into creative elements of the Show, including new lighting, projection and staging.
The new ticket platform, in partnership with SecuTix, will include mobile ticketing for the first time and a new digital view finder that allows guests to choose their seats with a virtual, 360-degree panoramic view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Similarly, a new agreement with Woodroffe Basset Design will deliver the latest in cutting edge lighting design and bring a fresh feel to the Tattoo performance, allowing newly appointed Creative Director Michael Braithwaite to produce a more emotionally charged performance than ever before.
Audiences will also have access to a range of new membership packages, designed to enable fans to keep up to date with the Tattoo through exclusive content and access all year round – including an early bird booking window, retail offers and members only events.
To support the new brand direction, the Tattoo has appointed several senior managers and new Board Members:
Chief Executive Buster Howes and Creative Director Michael Braithwaite are joined by Jason Barrett, who takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, while Andrew Kerr OBE, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Tricia Bey, founder of Barwheys Dairy, Chris Edmonds, Chair and UK Executive Vice President of Ticketmaster and Lee Roberts, Managing Director of Canvas Partnerships, join the Board.
Chief Executive, Buster Howes, said: “Performance in a New Light marks a new era for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and I greatly look forward to the hard work of the past many months finally finding tangible and musical expression in the Show in 2022.
“We have, whilst the Esplanade has been dark, set out to reinvigorate who and what we are, and to develop a fresh, bold and dynamic brand that will deliver an even more thrilling event for our audiences.
“Whilst preserving that which makes the Tattoo iconic and unique, we will be increasingly innovative with the Show; we are investing more in its production and have recruited new Board members and world-class appointments to our Management team to imaginatively enable these exciting developments.”
Chairman, Peter Lederer, said: “This is a bold, refreshed approach for the Tattoo as we all look ahead to the Show’s return next summer.
“I’m very proud of the resilience and creativity shown by the whole team as we bounce back from the challenges of the Pandemic and help to play our part in the recovery of the wider live events industry.
“The increased investment in production, and enhancements to both the senior team and the Board, underpin an increasingly innovative and creative ethos, which will surely find expression in a Show to surprise and delight both established and new audiences in 2022 and beyond.”
While the annual Show will continue to have distinct themes, the Tattoo brand will focus on delivering Performance in a New Light year on year as part of its new, long-term vision.
More information on the membership packages can be found here:
Programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination calls on the public to ‘See Us’ and build on progress
Scots are being encouraged to join forces and build on improved public perceptions of mental health as part of a new nationwide campaign.
A survey of over 2000 Scots, including 1000 who have experienced mental health problems, found that more than half (58 per cent) say that their own perceptions of people with mental health problems have improved in the last 10 years.
The research, from See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, also found 63 per cent think that perceptions of mental health had improved since the start of the pandemic.
The findings have been published today (20 October), at the launch of a new campaign – See Us – asking Scotland to keep the momentum going.
See Us encourages people from all walks of life – whether they have experience of a mental health problem or not – to join the movement to end stigma, by getting involved in events, activities and speaking up to challenge outdated stereotypes.
While attitudes have improved, See Me says big changes are still needed in people’s behaviours. The same research, which was carried out by Censuswide, found that more than two-thirds of people (71 per cent) with mental health problems surveyed have still experienced stigma or discrimination – most commonly from someone they know, including friends, people online, immediate family and work colleagues.
Stigma and discrimination often prevent people from asking for help when they need it most – and can be the difference between life and death.
See Me volunteer Osama Nadeem, from Paisley, has struggled with his mental health since primary school as a result of racist bullying.
The 22-year-old says that stigma was one of the biggest barriers he faced when it came to asking for help – but that acts of kindness, and showing support, can make a huge difference for those who are struggling.
He said: “When I was in primary seven, I remember standing in the corner of the playground, and I started to cry as it all just got to me. Two girls who were in my year came over to me, and asked what was wrong. I didn’t want to say, but they wouldn’t leave me until I told them. Them coming to me helped – and that memory sticks with me.
“No one needs to be an expert to talk about mental health. If you’re struggling, just talking about it – talking about stigma, talking about how you’re feeling – can help a lot. That’s why this campaign is so important.”
Fellow volunteer Jenn Barnes, 34, from Glasgow, joined the call for support. Jenn, who has struggled with her own mental health since her teenage years, lost her brother to suicide in 2017, and has spent the time since campaigning and raising awareness of the impact of mental health stigma and the power of speaking up.
Jenn said: “While there is more awareness of mental health now, stigma still exists – and I think a lot of people don’t even realise it. It’s really important that we get as many people as possible to back the campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination. You can’t do it on your own. It’s like mental health in itself – you need someone there to help you. If everybody comes together, it will make things a lot easier.”
To help the people of Scotland get involved and tackle mental health stigma and discrimination, See Me has launched a new home for the social movement on their website at seemescotland.org/SeeUs, where you can access resources to help you make change.
See Me director Wendy Halliday said: “For too long tackling mental health stigma has been seen as the responsibility of those who have experienced it.
“It’s time to move past Seeing Me, the person struggling, and for everyone to stand up and say: ‘See Us, we’re making a difference together.’
“Wherever you want to make a change, and however you want to do it, there is something for you in this movement.”
Join in the conversation on social media using #SeeMeSeeUs and help others to find out about the movement.
Licensing Officers were joined by the Convener of the Licensing Board @CllrNormanWork visiting licensed premises in Clermiston & South Queensferry to promote Police Scotland’s #DontAskForIt campaign yesterday.
It is a criminal offence to buy alcohol for someone under 18. You could receive a £5000 fine or upto 3 months in prison.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has officially launched the new NHS Scotland Academy, backed by £9 million of investment to accelerate training and build the country’s health workforce.
As a collaboration between NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Education for Scotland, the Academy will contribute to improving staffing levels to meet growing patient needs.
It will feature a mix of residential, distance and virtual reality learning, with a range of training programmes linked to recruitment, career progression and redesign of roles.
Mr Yousaf said: “The NHS Scotland Academy is part of our wider £1 billion commitment to health through the NHS Recovery Plan which will increase capacity, deliver reforms, and get everyone the treatment they need as quickly as is possible.
“Our workforce is at the heart of everything we do, and I want to express my sincere thanks for the continued courage, commitment and professionalism of all staff during this time.
“We have been clear that as a result of the pandemic our NHS will face challenges in the years ahead and the Academy will play a key role in supporting it to be well-equipped and prepared as we look to recover. We will publish a National Workforce Strategy later this year in which the Academy will be a key feature of designing, developing and delivering training programmes.
“This will also broaden opportunities for young people – in support of our Young Person’s Guarantee, alongside those who may be seeking a career change. This will enable them to receive on-the-job clinical training and a route to future career progression.”
The Academy has already started providing vital support and training to meet high demand health programmes. This includes a pilot perioperative nurse training programme which qualifies graduates to work in a theatre environment in just six months – when previously it would take a year.
Community pharmacists are being trained to support primary care services, by issuing prescriptions for specific conditions without the need for patients to see a GP.
NHS Golden Jubilee’s first nurse endoscopy graduates have taken up post this week, ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment for a number of conditions, including cancer.
The Academy is also playing a vital role in supporting National Treatment Centres, to ensure NHS Scotland can meet the needs of Scotland’s ageing population through our overall commitment to recruit at least 1500 additional staff.
Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee Jann Gardner said: “The pandemic has made it clearer than ever the need to offer fast, efficient and effective access to training and education for health and social care staff.
“Drawing on the strengths of the Golden Jubilee’s state of the art facilities, and the educational expertise and technology offered by NHS Education for Scotland, the NHS Scotland Academy will support the workforce, and benefit the people of Scotland for years to come.”
Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland Karen Reid said: “Having the right staff with the right skills in the right place is fundamental to delivering the best health and social care outcomes. The pandemic has made us think about working in new ways and about making better use of technology.
“Our partnership in the new NHS Scotland Academy allows us to join up educational expertise and technology – enabling faster learning, and a more skilled workforce, for the people of Scotland.”
Adult Education resuming a limited face to face programme – with a few courses starting at Leith Community Centre from 8th November for a 5 week term.
All precautions will be taken with distancing, mask wearing, sanitising and ventilation to Keep students and tutors safe. So the class can get on with being fun, informal and informative!
Courses available are:
Activity
LVL
Start date
Day
Time
Art(PR): Drawing & Painting – All – (8/11) – LCC12311N
ALL
08/11/2021
Monday
10:00 – 12:00
Yoga: Gentle – All – (9/11) – LCC65852N
ALL
09/11/2021
Tuesday
17:30 – 19:00
Russian – Beginner – (9/11) – LCC55512N
BEG
09/11/2021
Tuesday
15:00 – 17:00
Russian – Post Beginner – (9/11) – LCC55752N
PBG
09/11/2021
Tuesday
18:00 – 20:00
Writing Creative: Life Writing – All – (9/11) – LCC64652N
ALL
09/11/2021
Tuesday
18:30 – 20:30
Art(PR): Drawing & Painting – All – (10/11) – LCC12313N
ALL
10/11/2021
Wednesday
10:00 – 12:00
Yoga – All – (10/11) – LCC65753N
ALL
10/11/2021
Wednesday
17:30 – 19:00
Art(PR): Drawing & Painting – All – (10/11) – LCC12353N
ALL
10/11/2021
Wednesday
18:00 – 20:00
Discover: Archaeology Today – All – (11/11) – LCC32614N
ALL
11/11/2021
Thursday
15:00 – 17:00
Art(PR): Drawing & Painting – All – (12/11) – LCC12315N
You can book on our website: www.joininedinburgh.org – the courses will be available to view and book from today – Thursday morning.
Telephone enrolments will be available for 2 days on Thursday 21st October and Friday 22nd October this week from 10:00 – 16:00 by calling (0131) 469 3003 or (0131) 469 3005.
Courses will be charged at £41.25 for the standard fee and £16.50 for benefits, senior citizens and students.
