Month: November 2021

Lothian MSP calls for change to Social Security

Foysol Choudhury MSP has called on the Scottish Government to be ambitious in its approach to Social Security.

During a Holyrood debate ‘’Accessing Scottish Social Security Benefits’’, he called for the rise of the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week in 2022/23, given that over a quarter of Scottish children now live in poverty in Scotland. He also called for a raise to the 20-metre rule. Currently, if you can walk one step over 20 metres you cannot access the enhanced rate of mobility support.

MS Society Scotland has also called for the extension of the rule say that it has acted as a barrier to people with MS accessing social security benefits.

Mr Choudhury asked if the Government was prepared to change the eligibility criteria.

Commenting after the debate, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Scotland needs to be ambitious. The devolution of welfare powers gives us the chance to shape what kind of society do we want to be.

‘’The chance to restore dignity and respect to the heart of the social security system, yet now we know that the delay of the SNP has only halted the progress and affects the potential benefit takeup for Scotland.’’

Foysol Choudhury’s speech in full:

Thank you Presiding Officer and it gives me great pleasure to speak in today’s debate.

Presiding Officer, the devolution of welfare powers gives us the chance to shape what kind of society do we want to be. The chance to restore dignity and respect to the heart of the social security system, yet now we know that the delay of the SNP has only halted the progress and affects the potential benefit takeup for Scotland.

There can be no doubt that Covid-19 has hit low-income families and the most vulnerable disproportionately hard, deepening poverty and dragging more families into financial insecurity.  Today half of the families in poverty have a member who is a disabled person and even before the pandemic, child poverty rates were high and projected to rise further.

The over next decade, Scotland must be bold, must be willing to use the full levers of powers to transform if we are to meet our targets on child poverty and live up to our ambitions of being a nation that respects, protects and fulfils human rights and where we can all achieve our potential.

We can start of course with the Scottish Child payment, something that has continued to be on the minds of the chamber thanks to the efforts of my friend and colleague, Pam Duncan Glancy.

Just over a quarter of Scottish children live in poverty in Scotland. 260,000 children, right now in 2021.  That’s something that should shame us all. We talk a lot, but this Parliament needs to seriously get ambitious for Scotland’s children.

Let’s raise the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week in 2022/23. Let’s ensure that every kid in Scotland have a good quality of life, without the people that love them having to worry about where the money is coming from.

Even with the full rollout, the Scottish Government is likely to miss their interim child poverty target by six percentage points – leaving an extra 50,000 children in poverty. From the end of the furlough, the cruel cut to Universal Credit thanks to the Tories, and the Scottish Government delays to rolling out and increasing the Child Payment have squeezed Scottish family incomes when they are already having to deal with the economic shocks dealt by the pandemic. We can and must do better.

Presiding Officer, for those with lifelong conditions, they look to this chamber and ask, ‘how are you going to defend me’?

Those with MS for example are looking for hope. The MS Society, Labour and many organisations are all calling for the removal of the 20-metre rule from the proposed Adult Disability Payment. The Scottish Government are replacing PIP with ADP and as part of this new benefit, the Government has largely replicated the PIP eligibility criteria, including retaining the 20-metre rule as part of the assessment criteria for ADP.

A Citizens Advice Scotland Survey in 2021 found that a majority of Bureaux advisers working to help people with disabilities navigate the social security system agree that the 20 metre rule should be extended to 50 metres. 

Presiding Officer, for those who don’t know that the 20-metre rule is, it was introduced as part of the eligibility criteria to access Personal Independence Payment. Under the rule, if you can walk one step over 20 metres you cannot access the enhanced rate of mobility support.

Fatigue, both physical and mental is one of the most debilitating symptoms of MS and other neurological conditions. The rule does not consider the severity of fatigue many will experience after walking 20 metres.

So, I would be grateful if the Government can respond to concerns raised by those who have MS. Is the Government prepared to change the eligibility criteria. Because those claiming disability payments deserve dignity and respect.

Presiding Officer, the social security system we shape in this Parliament must ensure no one is held back by poverty and inequality.  Scottish Labour would use all the powers we have here in Scotland to make sure that people have the support they need to participate fully in society.

The social security system Labour would build to secure the wellbeing and human rights of everyone and seek to guarantee a Minimum Income Standard that no one would fall below. Having a strong, adequate and automated SSS will lead to higher levels of takeup.

Scottish Labour will build a social security system based on the principles of Adequacy, Respect and Simplicity. Those are the principles that will guide me as we come together to shape our Social security for Scotland to ensure it works for all.

Remember, remember The Firework Heroes Code

This week, as Bonfire Night celebrations take place, HELP for HEROES are calling on the British public to practice ‘The Firework Heroes Code’. We want people to be more mindful of the negative impact that fireworks can have on veterans and others.

Professor Colin Preece, Wellbeing Manager for our Hidden Wounds team, says, “The vast majority of the veterans that we support for mental health issues tell us that they don’t like fireworks.

“It can be the bangs and the flashes, but also the smell of fireworks can be a massive trigger for them. These stimuli can remind veterans of bad moments they experienced in combat and make them relive traumatic events in their lives. It can be particularly problematic for those with PTSD.”

The Firework Heroes Code

  • Be mindful – think about the impact fireworks can have on people (and animals) nearby
  • Go to planned public fireworks displays – rather than set off fireworks at home
  • Give neighbours advance warning – it can be as simple as a message on a local WhatsApp or Facebook groups. If you are having fireworks at home this gives those near you the chance to create a coping strategy
  • Go silent – consider using the new generation of ‘silent’ fireworks
  • Give support – if you think someone has been affected by fireworks, make them as relaxed and as comfortable as possible and encourage them to reach out for professional help.

Former Senior Aircraftsman in the RAF, Matt Neve, explains why this code is so important: “The planned public events aren’t so bad, and the new silent fireworks are a good idea. It’s the unexpected bangs of fireworks in people’s homes or in the street that take me right back to where my trauma began and triggers my PTSD.

“Hearing them makes me fearful and angry but I also have a physical reaction as I shake and my heart races. I have to take myself out of the situation and sit somewhere quietly, take deep breaths and compose myself to bring myself back to the ‘now’.”

Many people look forward Bonfire Night and it is a big event in the calendar, but not everyone enjoys them, and that goes for pets too. ‘The Firework Heroes Code’ is a really simple way to ensure that you minimise the impact of your own event on others – so we can all feel comfortable at this time of year.

We understand that reaching out for support can be difficult. If you are a veteran or loved one and need support, we are here for you.

Wondrous Woods shines a light on Maggie’s 25th Anniversary

Spectacular lighting trail’s glowing tribute to cancer support charity’s birthday  

Scotland’s spectacular lighting trail Wondrous Woods – now extended to Sunday, November 21 – has honoured its charity partner with a glowing tribute to celebrate the cancer support organisation’s 25th anniversary.  

Maggie’s is currently celebrating 25 years and last night (November 4) the spotlight shone on the charity with a special evening of illuminations at the Wondrous Woods event at Hopetoun House. 

The magnificent stately home radiated with an amber glow as the charity’s orange logo was projected onto the mansion which was also lit up in the same hue.  And along the woodland trail orange lasers punctuated the magical forest journey through the grounds in tribute to Maggie’s 25 years of providing expert support to people with cancer, their friends and family. 

Visitors to this year’s Wondrous Woods, which runs until November 14th, are also being invited to help raise vital funds for Maggie’s by opting to donate to the charity, which relies almost entirely on voluntary donations, when they buy tickets for the trail. 

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group, this year’s celebratory trail includes several sound and special effects installations and has been showcasing a host of new and exciting festival-themed features including Kaleidoscope, Rubik’s Cube, Loo Lane and UV Madness. 

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “We’re just delighted to be associated with Maggie’s and wanted to pay tribute, in our own way, to the fantastic job they do – and have been doing for the past quarter of a century.  

“Their support centres, empathy and advice are so important for people coping with a cancer diagnosis which is such shattering news for patients, family and friends. 

“The fact that Maggie’s services are free is fantastic but that cannot happen without constant support and funding.  We hope that by highlighting their amazing work we might prompt some additional contributions.” 

Andrew Anderson, Centre Head at Maggie’s Edinburgh said: “Maggie’s Edinburgh was the first centre to open in 1996 so to have a light shone, literally, on our work locally is wonderful.

“It was a fantastic tribute to everyone who has enabled us to do so much over the last 25 years and a beacon of light for the years to come. Thanks to everyone who is supporting us through Wondrous Woods.” 

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

Avian Influenza update

Measures to limit spread of the disease

Following confirmation of avian influenza (H5N1) among a flock of kept birds in the Angus constituency, laboratory results have identified the strain as highly pathogenic in poultry.

In order to limit the further spread of disease, a Protection Zone (PZ) of three kilometres and a Surveillance Zone (SZ) of 10 kilometres have now been put in place around the infected premises.

Within these zones, a range of different controls are now in place, including restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure.

Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors will conduct visits in the local area to support compliance among bird keepers.

Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and that cooked poultry products including eggs are safe to eat.

Rural Affairs Secretary Marie Gougeon said: “Following this confirmation I have put in place measures to help control any further spread of the disease in the surrounding area. 

“We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds.”

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “This highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed and all remaining birds are being humanely culled.

“All bird keepers – whether major businesses or small keepers with just a few birds – must ensure that their biosecurity is up to scratch to protect their birds from disease.

“Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately.

“Private vets, or the local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to provide practical advice on keeping birds safe from infection.”

Declaration of Avian influenza Protection Zone and Protection, Surveillance and Restriction Zones.

39 Scottish Primary Schools to begin mental wellbeing challenge

  • 39 Scottish schools start I Can’t to I Can mental wellbeing challenge on 8th November to build self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem mental ahead of Anti-Bullying Week
  • The 5-day Challenge was created as a response to anxiety pandemic amongst young people during these uncertain times
  • Half of all mental health conditions present themselves by the time a child reaches 14 but most cases remain undetected and untreated
  • I Can’t to I Can provides teachers with resources to teach simple brain hacks that can last a lifetime and turn around a child’s negative thinking within a week

The ongoing pandemic, concerns about climate change along with the endless horrific news headlines are enough for any young person to deal with. Add into the mix the normal issues of growing up magnified through the lens of social media and it’s no wonder that young people are 50% more likely to have a mental health problem than they were three years ago.

From 8th November, 39 schools in Scotland will be taking part in the RTT 5-Day ‘I Can’t to I Can’ mental wellbeing challenge.

The aim is to provide children aged 7 – 10 with a series of mind hacks to help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience. This will give them the mental stamina to cope with these challenging times and skills to support them throughout their life if they learn to practice them daily.

Available online, the free resource is based around the RTT concept of the inner cheerleader. Everyone is born with an inner cheerleader as without that driving force encouraging us, babies would give up after taking their first, unsuccessful attempt at anything.

Sadly, the inner critic can kick in as young as 5 which is why the skills taught in ‘I Can’t to I Can’ are so key and it takes just a week to instil positive new approaches in children aged 7 to 10.

Commenting on the challenge, Dr Sian Peer, therapist and Director of the RTT School said: ‘As a parent myself, I know how crippling anxiety can be for a young child. We wanted to share some of the incredible mental wellbeing tools that are the cornerstones of RTT to help primary school children understand and manage their emotions.

“The 5 Day Challenge provides teachers with a daily lesson plan over a week, each building on the learning from the previous day. There are videos, fun exercises and ideas to do at home making the whole experience interactive and memorable.’

Although most schools will participate in the challenge during the week of 8th November, the resources are going to be accessible to schools on an ongoing basis.

Schools interested can visit www.rtt.com/method

Libraries’ Digital Help Surgeries

We can help you get started or troubleshoot problems with our ebook, audiobook, magazine and newspaper services.

During November we are running one-to-one digital help sessions on Tuesday afternoons in the Central Library.

You must book in advance by emailing informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk with your name and phone number. We will phone you back to arrange a session time. 

Covid-19 arrangements for this session

A few things will be different about this session in order to keep our staff and customers safe  

·         Booking is essential

·         Please attend the session on your own if possible (if someone needs to come with you, they must be from the same household)

·         You will be required to wear a mask throughout the session, unless exempt

·         On arrival you will be requested to complete the Test & Protect process via the QR Code scan or on paper. The information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR requirements and to be disposed of after 21 days

·         Hand sanitiser is available throughout Central Library including the location of the session

·         You will be asked to remain 1m socially distant throughout the session

·         While at the session please follow good hygiene practices (avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of it safely)

·         Please do not attend the session if you display symptoms of coronavirus

·         We are following guidance in line with the Scottish Government Covid-19 guidance – https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/ 

By booking a help session, you agree that you have read and agree with the above guidance. 

Our team can also support you remotely via phone call or email. Please contact us via email at: informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk or message us on Facebook or Twitter.

Fireworks Safety: Advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Watching fireworks can be great fun for children. However, figures show that, more often than not, it’s children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks.

If you are looking to enjoy fireworks, the SFRS always advise to attend a safe, organised public display. Events may be cancelled or limited this year due to COVID-19.

The period around Nov 5th is traditionally one of the busiest for our fire crews.  Scotland needs its firefighters for real emergencies.  Attending bonfires can cost life saving minutes getting to a house fire.

CONFIRMED EVENTS

It is safer, better for the environment and often less expensive to attend organised public firework displays.

It is now ILLEGAL for the general public to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm in the evening (this extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali).

If you are unable to attend an organised display, we would ask you to consider the impact of fireworks on people and animals. It is often children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks.

The noise and lights that fireworks emit can also be overwhelming for people with a sensory impairment and those with neurological differences such as autism. Animals can also find fireworks particularly distressing.

COVID-19

With COVID-19 leaving many organised public events cancelled, we know that people may consider hosting their own events.

First and foremost, we would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This is already a traditionally busy period of the year for ourselves and our partners and it is very important that we maintain an ability to respond to other emergencies.

We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance.

Download our Bonfire & Fireworks Safety leaflet so you can enjoy your evening responsibly.

COP26 Climate Strike: Police appeal to protestors to act responsibly

Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie ahead of the Fridays for Future and Climate marches taking place this weekend:

ACC Ritchie said: “The Fridays for Future and Climate march are due to take place this Friday and Saturday, the 5th and 6th of November, and we expect Glasgow to be busier than usual on these days.

“You will certainly see an increased police presence in Glasgow during these events but please don’t be worried. Officers are there to maintain the safety of the public and participants, as well as to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or to counter-protest.

“These rights are always balanced against the rights of the wider community. If you are planning on attending the marches or are travelling to Glasgow for another reason, plan your journey in advance.

“Both the road and public transport networks are likely to be really busy. There are road closures in place during COP26 and information about this can be found on the Get Ready Glasgow website.

“Among the officers who’ll be deployed this weekend are Police Liaison Officers, they will be wearing light blue police vests. They act as a link between event organisers and the police. Their aim is to make sure that participants can exercise their democratic right to demonstrate while helping to ensure the policing response is proportionate.

“A number of other specialist officers will be deployed for these events as well. As will officers from other police services from around the UK who have come to Glasgow to provide assistance. So you’ll likely see officers in uniforms which are slightly different to those worn by Police Scotland.

“We have engaged with key campaign groups to ensure these protests can take place safety and with as little disruption as possible. However, we have made clear that should violent disorder or damage to property occur, those involved will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“If you’re going to a march, please act responsibly, be respectful in your actions, and follow the route and instructions given to you by police officers or event organisers. We’re there to keep everybody safe.

“Thank you.”

Movember: GP reveals five things you should know about prostate cancer

  • One in eight UK men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
  • Dr Rhianna McCylmont explains the main symptoms and treatment options 

Movember aims to raise awareness of the key health issues impacting men, helping them to identify symptoms and get diagnosed whilst their conditions are still treatable. 

One of the main focuses is prostate cancer, which is the most diagnosed form of cancer amongst men in the UK. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime 1. 

Below, Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at the digital healthcare provider, Livi, reveals some of the key facts about the disease, including the main warning signs and what to do about them:  

  1. Who’s at risk? 

The prostate is an organ that only men have, and its main function is to produce the white fluid which mixes with sperm to create semen. 

Dr Rhianna said: “Although prostate cancer can affect men of any age, it’s most commonly diagnosed in older age groups, particularly over 50s.  

“Research has also found that men of an African, or African-Caribbean descent are also more at risk from the cancer compared to men from other ethnicities.” 

  1. What can increase the risk of prostate cancer? 

Dr Rhianna said: “There are various factors that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including family history. The risk increases if a male member of your family developed prostate cancer before the age of 60. 

“Another factor which can increase the risk is obesity, with NHS information suggesting that obesity may be linked to an increased likelihood of the development of prostate cancer.” 

  1. What are the symptoms? 

Dr Rhianna said: “Unfortunately, prostate cancer can often be symptomless, which is why it’s so important to have your prostate checked regularly as you get older.” 

When symptoms do appear, particularly as the illness becomes more advanced, they can include: 

  • Increased frequency in needing to urinate 
  • Difficulty when starting to pee, or a weak flow 
  • Feeling like your bladder hasn’t fully emptied 
  • Feeling an urgent need to urinate 
  1. How is it tested? 

Dr Rhianna said: “If you notice you have any symptoms related to prostate cancer, you might be offered a PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen test. This is taken as a blood test and can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.  

“Your GP will also suggest an examination of your prostate, which is undertaken through a rectal exam.  

“If either or both of these tests indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, then you will undertake an MRI scan to assess the prostate, and a biopsy will be used to officially diagnose the condition.” 

  1. What are the treatment options? 

Dr Rhianna said: “Treatment of prostate cancer depends largely on the severity of the condition, and how far advanced it is, as well as other factors including whether it has spread to other areas of your body, and your general health. 

“Treatment options are varied and include surgery to remove the prostate (a prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or ‘watchful waiting’, where the cancer is considered to be relatively minor, and poses little threat of spreading, or developing further within the patient’s lifetime, so is left untreated but closely monitored.”  

Dr Rhianna adds: “Movember has done a fantastic job of raising awareness of male-specific health conditions such as prostate cancer, and thankfully so, as it’s incredibly common, but often treatable if caught early enough.  

“The good news is that whilst the condition is common amongst men and potentially very serious, most patients diagnosed with it do survive. This is why it’s so important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms and understand the need to be checked as they get older.”  

For more information about prostate cancer, visit:

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/prostate-cancer-a-doctors-guide/ 

Dobbies to spread festive joy in Edinburgh with ‘Not Your Average Community’ campaign

In the festive spirit of giving, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store has launched a new campaign to share some joy in the run up to Christmas.

Not Your Average Community will see three local groups from across the UK win £1,000 to spend on trees, lights and decorations to brighten up their local area for Christmas. The campaign follows on from the successful Not Your Average People and Not Your Average Gardener campaigns, which saw Dobbies recognise outstanding and talented individuals making a difference in their local areas.

Now Dobbies is looking to celebrate special community groups, charities, clubs or neighbourhoods in Edinburgh who deserve some festive treats.

A member of the Dobbies’ team will help each winning group select their Christmas items, providing expert advice on the best trees, lighting and decorations to make the most impact. As part of this visit, the winning groups will be invited to enjoy afternoon tea in their local Dobbies’ restaurant.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “With Christmas just around the corner, we’re looking to spread some festive joy in Edinburgh with our next community initiative.

“We are looking forward to hearing from community groups from across Edinburgh who want to brighten up their local area for their friends, team members or neighbours. Whether they need outdoor lighting, Christmas trees or festive finishing touches, our teams will be on hand to help them make the most of their prize.”

Not Your Average Community is open to community groups, clubs, charities and neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, where they will be invited to complete a simple application form online telling Dobbies about their community group, why they are important to their local area and what trees, lights and decorations they would need to make a difference to their space.

Entries will close for all applicants at 5pm on Monday 22 November, and winners will be selected and contacted by the end of November.

Prizes will be collected at the start of December.

For more details on Not Your Average Community and how to get involved, visit https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community.