Day: May 25, 2022

Get your tickets for Scottish Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular

TV presenter, magician and comedian, Stephen Mulhern, is urging people to grab their tickets so they don’t miss out on the highly anticipated event known as the Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular at St Ninians, near Kelty in Fife.

This event is also being promoted through a newly-launched radio campaign.

The Youth Spectacular which is part of Her Majesty the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations, is taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June.  The amazing young talent who are participating will be performing on a newly constructed arena on the site of the former opencast mine at St Ninians.

The event is sponsored by National Pride UK who jointly own the site and are planning its future development.  The event is being organised by local Events Manager, Michael Boyle and the former Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo impresario, Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson.

Tickets are being snapped up by the public as progress moves swiftly ahead on delivering what is set to be a weekend for all to remember the Platinum Jubilee and to be inspired by the performance and the setting. 

The performers confirmed to date include:

·         The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the world’s foremost youth display team

·         Katie Robertson, the award-winning ‘Wheeled Piper’

·         Massed pipes and drums from Scottish schools

·         Massed military bands

·         The musical skills of the massed army cadet force brass bands

·         Highland dancing displays and other dancers

·         The world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Stephen Mulhern, hosting the event, urged people to ensure they don’t miss out and said: “I am incredibly excited to be hosting this amazing event. Bringing together a fabulous line-up of young talented performers on what was a former coal mining site is truly awe-inspiring.

“This will be a truly inspiring spectacular event and I would urge people to get their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.”

Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “We’re delighted that tickets to this fantastic event in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee are proving popular, testament to the tremendous young talent that will perform. 

“The local communities are coming together to show great support for what we are sure will be a fantastic celebration and a brilliant event for all the family to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming everyone onto St Ninians and having a great weekend of fun.”

Tickets are available to buy at: https://platinumjubileeyouthspectacular.co.uk/get-tickets.html

Kids return to lessons with a splash: swim programme sees 87% recovery


Scottish Swimming has carried out research with the 36 organisations which help deliver the Learn to Swim Framework, including a majority of local Leisure Trusts/Local Authorities and a number of independent aquatic providers.

So far 27 have returned their most up-to-date participation figures, with those numbers showing that 70,186 youngsters are currently enrolled. Of those 27 Leisure Trusts and other delivery partners, 12 have actually exceeded their pre-pandemic participation levels.

Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s extremely positive to see such a high number of children return to swimming lessons. It tells us what an appealing and enduring programme we have created in Learn to Swim.

“Leisure Trusts have done an impressive job in getting youngsters back in the water so quickly and the fact that some of them are already ahead of pre-pandemic levels is nothing short of astonishing.

“Unfortunately, many swimming teachers moved on during the pandemic, whether to pursue alternative careers or for a variety of other reasons. The result is that some lesson providers will be more cautious about the rate of recovery, because they simply may not have enough swimming teachers to service the pent-up demand.

“We will be working very closely with all of the Trusts over the coming months to focus on recruitment, training and retention of swimming instructors, because what is clear to see is that the Learn to Swim programme is as popular as it has ever been.”

The Framework is being delivered across Scotland by 36 Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers in more than 160 pools.

It is aimed at youngsters from birth upwards and provides consistently high-quality teaching at least once a week and which progresses through a series of lessons and levels over a number of years.

Over the first four years of the partnership, Learn to Swim has provided lessons to around 106,000 kids.  It aims to reach another 100,000 kids by 2025.

Research into the cognitive benefits for young people who take swimming lessons has shown they achieve a range of developmental milestones earlier than those who don’t, regardless of their gender or background.

Children who are members of a swimming club and who compete regularly, develop core competencies – such as target-setting, teamwork, resilience, time management and leadership attributes – which can help them greatly in their future careers and lives.

Learn to Swim is championed by Scotland’s swimming superstars, World Champions and Olympic and Paralympic medallists Duncan Scott and Toni Shaw as its Ambassadors.

More information on the Learn to Swim Framework can be found on the dedicated website:  https://learntoswim.scot/

Scottish Government announces latest plans for children’s rights legislation

Plans to progress Scotland’s ground-breaking children’s rights legislation have been announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill was backed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in March 2021, but could not be implemented because of a legal challenge brought by the UK Government. In October, the Supreme Court ruled that certain parts of the Bill were outwith the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Government has now set out how it will address this. Over the next few weeks, there will be targeted engagement with relevant organisations and children and young people on proposed changes to the Bill. These will then be brought before Parliament via the Reconsideration Stage.

The Deputy First Minister said: “The UNCRC Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament to deliver the highest protection possible for children’s rights. The Supreme Court ruling was bitterly disappointing, but we have fully respected and carefully considered its implications.

“We sought support from the UK Government to make modest adjustments to the Scotland Act to address the issues with the devolution settlement that the Supreme Court ruling highlighted. Despite their public commitment to engage constructively, this was rejected by the Secretary of State for Scotland.

“As a result, we will remove UK Acts from the remedial provisions within the Bill, which is a dilution of the effect of the legislation, and we will consult with children and young people on the proposed changes.

“It is disappointing that this will not become law in the form which our Parliament agreed. However, we can now move forward with legislation to build a Scotland where respect for human rights anchors our society and the institutions which govern and deliver public services.”

Corra Foundation announces £1m Henry Duncan Grants

Funding to support children and young people experiencing inequality

Corra’s Henry Duncan Grants are open to organisations supporting children and young people (aged 6-26 years) experiencing inequality. Grassroots organisations with an annual income of £500,000 or less can apply for up to £8,000 a year for up to five years.

This year Corra is working alongside children and young people to support the design and decision-making processes for Henry Duncan Grants.

The theme for this year was developed with children and young people, and two key priority areas were identified:

  • Organisations that are supporting children and young people to shape their own lives.  
  • Organisations that are supporting children and young people to develop skills for the future. 

Carolyn Sawers, Corra Acting CEO said: “Our strategy is all about listening to people’s voices, shifting power and getting alongside people to create change. This means grant making needs to be shaped by the people it exists to serve.

“We’re enormously grateful to the children and young people who helped us design this year’s Henry Duncan Grants, and to those who will participate in making the funding decisions.

“One of the things we’ll be looking for is organisations that engage children and young people in their own design and decision-making processes.”

Corra welcomes applications from organisations working to:

  • Provide advice and advocacy services that are person-centred and led by the child/children or young person/people. 
  • Support safe spaces for children and young people to connect with each other and access support. 

At least £300,000 (approximately 30%) of the fund budget will support organisations that are led by Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. This reflects the historic inequity of funding and Corra’s proactive focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Tuesday 5 July.

Corra will be holding information sessions for organisations interested in applying to Henry Duncan Grants as well as opportunities to discuss ideas with a Grants Advisor.

To find out more, including how to sign up please visit the Corra Foundation website.

Edinburgh College set to showcase facilities during May Open Days

Edinburgh College is opening its doors and showcasing its facilities during two open days later this week as it gears to make a full return to campuses in August.

The College, which has four campuses across the capital region, is hosting two open days on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 May.

Midlothian and Milton Road Campuses will be open from 12-3pm on Friday 27 May, and Granton and Sighthill Campuses will be open from 10am-2pm on Saturday 28 May.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to head to College campuses to find out more about course options; find out more about funding options and accommodation; and meet representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA).

The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Engineering and Built Environment, Health Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism Hospitality and Business.

Perspective students can find out more about beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, as well as continuous professional development courses – something for learners at any stage of their education journey or career.

Guided tours of campus facilities will take place throughout the events, with staff on hand to answer questions and to provide demonstrations along the way. In addition, student showcases and performances will also take place on the day, while free refreshments will also be on offer.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “It’s fantastic to be throwing our doors open wide to the public and giving prospective students and visitors a real flavour of what it is like to study at one of Scotland’s largest colleges.

“After disruption to on-campus learning caused by the pandemic, we are delighted to be looking ahead to academic session 2022/23 when most course delivery will return to our campuses which house state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to best prepare students for successful careers in their chosen area of study.

“We look forward to welcoming people from across the region to our May open days – we’ll see you on campus!”

For more information and to register attendance at May Open Days, visit: 

https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-may-2022

Ten years of success for Scotland’s Family Nurse Partnerships

More than 10,000 young mothers and their children have been helped by a decade-long programme since it began as a pilot in NHS Lothian.

An analysis report on the Family Nurse Partnership shows positive results for mothers and babies in areas such as breastfeeding rates and stopping smoking, with most children meeting all their milestones, and 95% receiving all their immunisations.

The Family Nurse Partnership supports young, first-time mothers to prepare for motherhood and throughout the first two years of their child’s life.

Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd met mothers and staff who have taken part. She said: “Over 10,000 young women have now received support through this programme since it started, which is a fantastic milestone.

“Family nurses help mothers to think about the future, what kind of parent they want to be and their goals and aspirations for other areas of their lives like education and employment.

“Earlier this year we committed to expanding the programme to all young first time mothers aged 21 and under by the end of 2024. Where possible, we will also target first time mothers under the age of 25 who are care experienced or from the most deprived communities. This expansion will mean we can support up to an additional 500 families per year by 2025.”

Val Alexander, service manager of the Family Nurse Partnership, who has been with the programme since it began, said: “We are so proud of the Family Nurse Partnership and everything our clients have achieved. 

“The Family Nurse Partnership programme works to support young, first-time mothers to prepare for motherhood and continues that support for them and their child through the first two years.

“FNP was first delivered in NHS Lothian and to see it extended across Scotland to reach thousands more families is something very special for all of us.

“This 10-year analysis of the delivery of the service across Scotland will help us to see how far we have come and map out our goals and ambitions for the future of the programme and young families.”

Community council to launch fortnightly litter picks

DRYLAW/Telford Community Council is to introduced fortnightly litter picks across the area following the success of a recent cleanup on the cycle path near the Red Bridge.

The first one takes place this Sunday – location and meeting time will be confirmed when the community council meets at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre tonight.

To get involved, to suggest clean-up hot spots or for further information check out Drylaw Telford Community Council on Facebook or email CC secretary Pam Higgins at pamhigginsdtcc@gmail.com

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Applications open for EBS Incubator

Edinburgh Business School helping support entrepreneurs

  • Applications are now being accepted for the Edinburgh Business School Incubator
  • The scheme is designed to provide early stage entrepreneurs with office facilities and expert advice to advance their ideas
  • Deadline for applicants is Monday 13 June 2022

It has helped entrepreneurs take the next step in their careers and now the Edinburgh Business School (EBS) Incubator at Heriot-Watt University is back for another year!

Applications are being accepted from early-stage entrepreneurs looking to access facilities and a suite of expert support and advice to advance their ideas.

The EBS Incubator, provides specialist, one-to-one mentorship, free desk space as well as dedicated training and workshops to encourage, support and develop entrepreneurship.  

And against a backdrop of rising inflation, applicants will be pleased to learn that there are no costs involved. Their only financial obligation is to fund their own Public Liability insurance.  

A space in the Incubator is for one year although there may be an option to extend.

Anyone can apply, providing they are not a full-time undergraduate or taught postgraduate.

Professor Laura Galloway is leading the Business Incubator at EBS. She says there has never been a more important time to encourage growth in the sector. “The cost of living crisis and rising inflation has created a perfect storm among small and medium sized enterprises,” she said.

“To access the support needed to help drive forward these ventures, which are vitally important to the UK economy, means there has never been a more important time for dedicated schemes, such as our EBS Incubator, to be made available.”

Since its launch in 2018, the EBS Incubator has assisted more than 50 companies and played a pivotal role in helping participants access grants and other finance and refine their offerings.

Professor Galloway, adds: “The Incubator’s aim is to create a diverse community of new-start firms and provide them with support that would help them take their business ideas and ambitions to the next stage.

“That’s why today I am calling on all fledgling entrepreneurs who would benefit from the dedicated, tailored support, to get in touch.”

Among the current Incubees include the digital communications platform, Tecive, whose Director, Mael Abgrall, spoke of the benefits of the scheme, saying: “The incubator helped us reach the next stage for our start-up, greatly improved our focus and helped us take the steps to grow our business.

“Additionally this was a great opportunity to meet, work and get feedback from like-minded people.”

For further details or to apply visit the Edinburgh Business School website.

The deadline for applications is noon on Monday 13 June 2022. 

Applications will be considered by a committee who will decide which businesses are shortlisted to give a five-minute pitch explaining their business and how the incubator will benefit them.

Tax credits customers warned about scammers posing as HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning tax credits customers to be aware of scams and fraudsters who imitate the department in an attempt to steal their personal information or money.

About 2.1 million tax credits customers are expected to renew their annual claims by 31 July 2022 and could be more susceptible to the tactics used by criminals who mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.

In the 12 months, to April 2022, HMRC responded to nearly 277,000 referrals of suspicious contact received from the public. Fraudsters use phone calls, text messages and emails to try and dupe individuals – often trying to rush them to make decisions. HMRC will not ring anyone out of the blue threatening arrest – only criminals do that.

Typical scam examples include:

·         phone calls threatening arrest if people don’t immediately pay fictitious tax owed. Sometimes they claim that the victim’s National Insurance number has been used fraudulently

·         emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates, bogus COVID-19 grants or claiming that a direct debit payment has failed

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We’re urging all of our customers to be really careful if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or bank details.

“There are a lot of scams out there where fraudsters are calling, texting or emailing customers claiming to be from HMRC. If you have any doubts, we suggest you don’t reply directly, and contact us straight away. Search GOV.UK for our ‘scams checklist’ and to find out ‘how to report tax scams’.”

HMRC does not charge tax credits customers to renew their annual claims and is also urging them to be alert to misleading websites or adverts designed to make them pay for government services that should be free, often charging for a connection to HMRC phone helplines.

Customers can renew their tax credits for free via GOV.UK or the HMRC app and are advised to search GOV.UK to get the genuine information and guidance.

Renewing online is quick and easy. Customers can log into GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, be reassured it is being processed and know when they will hear back from HMRC. Customers choosing to use the HMRC app on their smartphone can:

  • renew their tax credits
  • update changes to their claim
  • check their tax credits payments schedule, and
  • find out how much they have earned for the year

HMRC has released a video to explain how tax credits customers can use the HMRC app to view, manage and update their details.

If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits claims, they must report the changes to HMRC. Circumstances that could affect tax credits payments include changes to:

·         living arrangements

·         childcare

·         working hours, or

·         income (increase or decrease)

Tax credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024. Many customers who move from tax credits to Universal Credit could be financially better off and can use an independent benefits calculator to check.

If customers choose to apply sooner, it is important to get independent advice beforehand as they will not be able to go back to tax credits or any other benefits that Universal Credit replaces.