Day: May 9, 2022

Rabbie’s kicks off first tours on the European continent

Edinburgh coach tour operator officially adds Europe tours to its portfolio

Small group tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) has ramped up its operations with the official launch of its coach tours in Europe.

Today, the first tours have departed on the continent marking the momentous occasion for the Scottish company. The first tours to set off are the six-day South of Spain & Treasures of Andalucía from Madrid and the six-day Cinque Terre, Florence & the Flavours of Tuscany from Milan.

Rabbie’s will operate 20 new itineraries in Europe this year, each six or 13 days in duration, taking guests across Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.

Similar to the company’s popular UK trips, guests travelling on Rabbie’s European tours will travel in comfortable mini-coaches, with a maximum group size of just 16, allowing them to reach less-touristed destinations.

Each tour includes the expert services of a driver and English-speaking guide, providing insider local knowledge and entertainment along the way.

Tours available include:

South of Spain & the Treasures of Andalucía

This six-day tour travels from Madrid to Lisbon, taking in Spain’s former capital Toledo, Córdoba, Granada including Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada National Park, dramatic Ronda, Seville and the charming Algarve town of Tavira en route.

Travellers will visit a Spanish olive oil production site for a lesson in olive oil-making, be entranced by the ornamentation of the Alhambra Palace and delve into the rugged landscapes of the Cumbres Verdes mountains on the forefront of the Sierra Nevada. Stroll the city walls and picturesque plazas of cliff-top Ronda and join a half-day tour to Jerez de la Frontera – the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy. Prices start from €1,185 per person based on 4 July 2022 departure.

Cinque Terre, Florence & the Flavours of Tuscany

Over six-days, this tour takes guests on a journey exploring renaissance art, quaint coastal villages and world-famous wines.

Holidaymakers will travel from Milan to Rome by way of Parma, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Siena and Montepulciano. Uncover the terraced cliffs and clear deep blue water of the Cinque Terre, admire the famed leaning tower in Pisa before wandering the cobbled streets and picturesque piazzas of Lucca.

Marvel at the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art and architecture in Florence before journeying to the stunning hill town of San Gimignano and the Tuscan hills of Va d’Orcia. Prices start from €1,519 per person based on 1 August 2022 departure.

Rabbie’s European tour prices include transport in an air conditioned mini-coach with a local driver, the stories and services of an English-speaking guide, accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast and selected excursions.

For more information and to book, please visit www.rabbies.com

Together For Our Planet event

Don’t forget to register for Edinburgh InterFaith Association’s ‘Together For Our Planet‘, event On Wednesday 11th May – 7:30pm.

Following the wonderful Together for our Planet concert last November, what can we do to offer a faith perspective to Edinburgh Community Climate Forum?

Your opportunity to contribute as individuals and communities.

Keynote from Alastair McIntosh, Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology and
author of Riders on the Storm – The Climate Crisis and the Survival of Being

Chaired by David Somervell, Trustee of Our Future Edinburgh
– partner with EVOC in Edinburgh’s Community Climate Forum

Wednesday 11th May – 7:30pm In person and livestreamed

@fftcnetwork

@sccscot

@EcoSikhUK

@EcoSynagogue

@ecocongregation

@ECTEdinburgh

@CTPIEdinburgh

RNIB highlights flagship Sight Loss Advice Service during Mental Health Awareness Week

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) continues to support blind and partially sighted people in Scotland with a range of wellbeing services during Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today [May 9th].

Since Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the charity’s counselling team has experienced an increasing number of calls for emotional support. Referrals to its Mental Wellbeing Check-ins are also continuing to rise and the surge is expected to continue throughout the year.

These provide support within 72 hours of contacting RNIB with an hour-long call with a counsellor, allowing people a space to share their feelings, and explore coping strategies and any other support needs.

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation and RNIB is highlighting numerous resources and services available for the estimated 178,000 people living with sight loss in Scotland.

RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service also provides practical and emotional support to help reduce isolation and loneliness for blind and partially sighted people; services include peer-to-peer support such as Talk and Support, Living Well with Sight Loss courses and community Facebook groups.

These initiatives are made possible thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Funds raised will also be used to develop further projects to bring people together.

Amanda Hawkins, Strategic Lead for Counselling and Mental Health at RNIB, said: “Although lockdown restrictions have been eased for a while, we’re all still adjusting to the new way of living and it’s crucial we continue to look after our mental health in the process.

“Whether you’re experiencing feelings of isolation, interested in a listening ear, or seeking some advice, our sight loss advice line is here to support you. The mental health hub on our website also has several downloadable guides to help with loneliness, sleep difficulties, mindfulness and much more.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to someone, or for tips on how to maintain your mental health, please visit rnib.org.uk/advice/sight-loss-and-wellbeing or call our Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999.

ENTITLED: Gill Merton book launch at Gilmerton Community Centre

ENTITLED by Gill Merton

BOOK LAUNCH

Wednesday 18th May

Gilmerton Community Centre 7-9pm

“I was HOOKED after the third page! Literally even text my better half to say I wasn’t going to be able to put it down!” Review MorellisReads

In 1971, Nan Douglas and her toddler twins arrived on the remote island of Inniscuiilin, the long-lost family of the eccentric Miss Campbell.

For fifteen years, they all live quietly up at the Big House until the twins start planning their future – forcing Nan to confront their past.Because someone somewhere believes that the twins aren’t twins.

That they’re not even Nan’s children. And that Nan isn’t Nan.Only Nan herself can prove them wrong – but it’s a gamble. Win or lose, she’s still at risk of losing her beloved family …

Gill Merton is the collective pen name for five local writers, based at Gilmerton Community Centre on Drum Street in Edinburgh.

Please come along to hear readings from the novel and hear what it has been like to write collaboratively … copies of the book witll be available by donation, all proceeds to Ukraine.

Publication generously funded by the National Lottery Awards For All.

RSVP or turn up on the night!

WriteRight Editing Services at http://www.writerightediting.co.uk

Author of A Blonde Bengali Wifehttp://www.facebook.com/ablondebengaliwife

Twitter @AnneHamilton7

Mental Health: Let’s Get Listening

Mental Health Awareness Week – highlighting our #NorthEdinburgh Community Listening training offer for local people and volunteers, find out more about the power of listening and its connection to mental health and wellbeing.

High impact @ListenWellScot online training course

♥️

Scottish Charity Awards: Vote NOW!

After a record-breaking number of applications, SCVO’s 44 finalists for the #ScotCharityAwards have been announced!

Voting is open for the People’s Choice Award (sponsored by @Workflo_sol), so take a look at the shortlist and vote for your favourite now!

https://bddy.me/38WYdsx

SCVO are pleased to announce this year’s Scottish Charity Awards finalists. The shortlist includes 44 inspirational individuals and organisations from voluntary sector organisations across the country. Our judging panel will determine the winners across our nine categories.

Members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award sponsored by WorkFlo Solutions, voting closes at 5pm on Friday 20 May. You only have ONE vote, so choose your favourite carefully!

If you would like to find out the winners of all our Awards categories, you can now book to attend our glittering awards ceremony which will be held on Wednesday 15 June!

NHS 24 celebrates 20 years of service

NHS 24 is marking its 20th Anniversary this May with the opening of a new centre in Hillington, Glasgow for more staff to meet the needs of people across Scotland.

Opening the new contact centre on behalf of NHS 24, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “NHS 24 has been a critical part of our NHS in Scotland for many years and it is fantastic to see the way the service continues to develop and adapt to the changing needs of the population.

“From the expanded 111 service available 24 hours a day seven days a week, to a key role in responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 and now dedicated mental health support through the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space, it has become an indispensable part of our health service.

“The committed and professional staff providing these services work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure that the public always have access to the right information and support as quickly and as easily as possible. It is a pleasure to open the new Hillington centre and to be given the opportunity to put on record my thanks to everyone who has played a part in NHS 24’s journey over the past 20 years.”

NHS 24 took its first call at 14.10 in the afternoon of the 8th May 2002 at its Riverside Contact Centre in Aberdeen. The 27 millionth call to the service was made at 06.51 on Saturday 26th March 2022, also to the North contact centre.

Originally set up as a pilot project to support patients in Grampian, the telephone service quickly expanded and by 2004 was serving the whole of Scotland. NHS 24 now provides a range of services in addition to the core telephone triage which was changed to 111 in 2014.

NHS 24’s Chief Executive, Jim Miller, says the 20th Anniversary marks a significant moment in the organisations history: “As we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS 24 is taking the opportunity to look at its services, technology and workforce to ensure we continue to meet the needs of people across Scotland.

“The progress we have made in the past two decades is really impressive and we are determined to continue to work collaboratively with colleagues from NHS Lothian and across the health and social care system to make sure people get the right care in the right place.”

Supporting young people into work

Young people struggling to access employment will be supported by an additional £4 million through the Young Person’s Guarantee.

The funding will help young people impacted most by the pandemic, including those who are care-experienced and those experiencing mental health issues.

Three programmes will share the £4 million, which will connect people with employers, training and volunteering opportunities.

Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “We want all of our young people to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances. Our aim is to ensure those seeking work have access to valuable support and opportunities for years to come.

“We know that many young people may face additional barriers to successfully gaining permanent work and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic combined with the cost of living crisis has made this more challenging. By connecting young people seeking work directly with employers we can offer them potentially life changing opportunities.

“This additional support is on top of £15 million already allocated to local authorities through the Young Person’s Guarantee for the current year and will build on our strong record of tackling youth unemployment.”

Say it with flowers! Garden of gratitude appears in Edinburgh

Thousands of tulips line the Vennel Steps in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town thanking the public for supporting charitable causes. 

For the fourth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good Awards. 

To mark the occasion, thousands of brightly coloured tulips have appeared in the city centre. The garden of gratitude features 1,500 bunches of flowers representing a ‘thank you’ on behalf of the 1,500 charities that have already benefited from the awards to the members of the public who voted for them. 

From today, people are once again invited to nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference.

This year, another 500 charities around the UK will each receive £1,000 during the campaign.

It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Each of the 4,500 wooden tulips have been individually hand-made in the UK, featuring hand-written thank you notes.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, says: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards for the fourth year running.

“We hope that our Garden of Gratitude reminds people that their nominations really do make a difference.  Thanking those who have chosen good causes they love, as well as celebrating the 1,500 charity beneficiaries over the last three years is, we think, a fitting way to start this year’s awards. 

“Benefact Group, formerly named Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and is keen to give even more. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do.”

Since the initiative began in 2019, more than 210,000 people across the UK have nominated causes they care about, leading to more than 13,000 charities receiving votes.

Anyone can nominate a registered charity at any time for the chance to receive £1,000. The first 250 winners will be announced in June, a further 250 winners will be announced in September. 

Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year. For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Greenpeace volunteers bring The Big Plastic Count to Edinburgh

Yesterday (Sunday 8 May), Greenpeace Edinburgh volunteers spoke to members of the public on Portobello Promenade about The Big Plastic Count.

Throughout April and May Greenpeace Edinburgh, along with local Greenpeace groups up and down the country, have been talking to the public about the nationwide survey on plastic wastage.

Volunteers showed passers-by a photo of the six months’ worth of plastic used by Everyday Plastic founder Daniel Webb (below), and asked them to guess how many people’s plastic this was. Answers ranged from one household to 100 people but only a few people guessed correctly that it was just one individual’s plastic waste! 

The Big Plastic Count, a collaboration between Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic, is taking place between 16th – 22nd May.

It will uncover the truth about how much household plastic we throw away, and how much is really recycled. Individuals, households, schools, community groups and businesses across the UK will count their plastic packaging waste, record the different types they throw away and submit their results online.

The campaign is supported by actor Bonnie Wright, as well as naturalist and television presenter, Chris Packham.

Zoë, a volunteer from Newington, said: “We’re all doing our bit to recycle, but plastic waste is still everywhere. It’s so sad to see it polluting the environment in beautiful areas such as Portobello Beach.

“That’s why I’m counting my plastic for one week between 16th – 22nd May, and submitting this data to get my personal plastic footprint, to find out what really happens to our plastic waste.

“More than 140,000 people from across the UK including more than 650 households in Edinburgh have signed up to participate. Sign up to take part too at https://thebigplasticcount.com“

The data each participant generates will contribute to an overall national picture, filling a crucial evidence gap on exactly how much plastic packaging waste is leaving UK homes.

The results will demonstrate the scale of the plastic waste problem and pressure the government and supermarkets to tackle the root cause of the plastic crisis. 

The launch of The Big Plastic Count comes as new polling from YouGov, commissioned by Greenpeace UK, shows that more than four in five people (81%) want the UK Government to introduce targets to reduce plastic waste.

Across Scotland, support is also very high, with 82% supporting targets.

The YouGov survey also shows how almost four in five (77%) people in the UK recycle plastic products in order to reduce plastic waste. However, three in four (75%) don’t know what happens to their plastic recycling after disposing of it.

The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world – second only to the USA [2]. In 2018, the UK generated 5.2 million tonnes, enough to fill Wembley Stadium six times over.

Joan from Marchmont said: “‘I was amazed that one person used so much plastic in 6 months. I put the plastic I use in the recycling bin, so I’m disappointed to hear that lots of that plastic might not actually be recycled, but is in fact often incinerated, sent to landfill, or dumped abroad.

“It’s up to the Government and big supermarkets to cut plastic packaging, and to properly deal with our waste.”

This year, the government is starting to decide on legal targets to reduce plastic waste. Greenpeace Edinburgh is calling on the Government to set a target to reduce single-use plastic by 50% by 2025, to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic re-use and recycling, and ban the dumping of our waste onto other countries. 

Sign-up at https://thebigplasticcount.com/