Month: July 2022

Angela Constance: Drugs deaths situation remains ‘unacceptable’

Official statistics for 2021 show decrease of just 1%

While welcoming an end to seven annual increases in drugs deaths, Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance made clear the situation remains “unacceptable”, and work will continue at pace to address the emergency.

The latest National Records of Scotland statistics show 1,330 people lost their lives in 2021 – a decrease of 1% and Ms Constance says it is clear there remains much work to do to save lives.

A national mission was announced in January 2021 to tackle rising death deaths in Scotland with additional funding of £250 million over the course of this Parliament.

The first year of the national mission has seen the introduction of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards, the expansion of residential rehabilitation provision, the setting of a new treatment target, increased funding to community and grass-roots organisations and the laying of ground work for innovation such as Safer Drug Consumption Facilities. 

1,330 people lost their lives to drug misuse in Scotland in 2021, according to latest figures published by National Records of Scotland.

The number is 1% lower than 2020 which makes it the first year since 2013 in which drug misuse deaths have not increased. However, it is still the second highest annual total on record.

Of those who died from the misuse of drugs, 65% were aged between 35 and 54 years old and more than two thirds (70%) were men.

Dundee City had the highest age-standardised drug misuse death rate of all local authority areas (45.2 per 100,000 population for the 5-year period 2017-2021), followed by Glasgow City (44.4) and Inverclyde (35.7).

Julie Ramsay, Vital Events Statistician at NRS, said: “Drug misuse deaths have increased substantially over the past few decades – there were more than five times as many deaths in 2021 compared with 1996. 2021 is the first year since 2013 that drug misuse deaths have not increased.

“In 2021, after adjusting for age, people in the most deprived areas were more than 15 times as likely to have a drug misuse death as those in the least deprived areas. This ratio has widened over the past two decades.”

In 93% of all drug misuse deaths, more than one drug was found to be present in the body, and the type of drugs that are implicated in deaths has been changing. In 2015 there were 191 deaths involving benzodiazepines, last year there were 918, near five times as many.

This increase has mostly been driven by street benzodiazepines rather than those which are prescribed. Of all drug misuse deaths in 2021, 84% involved opiates or opioids (such as heroin, morphine and methadone). 69% involved benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and etizolam).

In 2020 (the most recent year available for the rest of the UK) Scotland’s drug misuse rate was 3.7 times that for the UK as a whole, and higher than that of any European country.

Ms Constance said: “Scotland suffers a terrible toll from drug deaths, leaving families grieving and in pain and my heart goes out to all those affected by the death of a loved one through drugs.

“These latest statistics provide yet more heart-breaking reading, and the situation remains unacceptable. While there is so much more work to do, every life saved means one less family grieving and I am determined we can use this halt in the upward trend of recent years as a platform for real change.

“My focus now is on taking action and delivering new investment to improve services and get more people into the treatment which works for them. Residential rehabilitation is one of a range of treatment options available and today I am visiting River Garden Auchincruive to speak to residents and staff about the services provided. Later I will be meeting some families affected by a loved one’s drug use and asking what more we can do to help.

“I am concerned about the rise in deaths among women and will look to expand on current steps we are taking including the provision of two Mother and Child Residential Recovery Houses which will enable women to receive support while staying with their children.

“Despite regional differences, we are focused on a national mission and I’ll continue to use all the powers at my disposal, including holding local leaders to account in implementing the MAT standards, to drive improvements across Scotland.

“We are already implementing many of the recommendations from The Drug Deaths Taskforce, which issued its final recommendations last week, and I will report back on further actions to Parliament.

“In the first year of the National Mission we built the foundations for change. Now, with the backing of £250 million over the course of this Parliament, we will deliver on those foundations and our new Oversight Group will provide scrutiny, challenge and expert advice on the National Mission as we continue our efforts to improve and save lives.”

River Garden Operations Manager Mikael Heddelin said: “We offer a very different approach to recovery which allows residents to leave behind their addictions.

“Importantly that comes from communal support of peers and meaningful and qualitative work via our on-site social enterprises. We provide training, help develop competence in a range of areas and facilitate reintegration back into society.

“Peer support and lived experience are key elements in the recovery journey at River Garden. Our ethos and culture allows our residents to recover without stigma and the local community play a huge part in what we do.”

River Garden resident Paul said: “I grew up in care and began using drugs at the age of 12. Throughout my life I tried various rehabs, none of them worked.

“At the age of 47 I joined River Garden. I have been here almost two years and I have purpose and self-worth. I’m happy and healthy and I feel good about myself.

“River Garden has been totally transformational for me. I really enjoy the work and the camaraderie. I have made many friends amongst the volunteers, the visitors
and the contactors who work at River Garden.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs commented: ““My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of those who have died due to drugs.

“In Lothian the number of people who died due to drug misuse last year has doubled from ten years ago.

“SNP Ministers approach to tackling drug deaths is an unequivocal failure with drug deaths continuing to rise in Lothian for the last six years.

“If Angela Constance, the Minister for Drugs Policy, can’t reduce drug deaths in her own region of Lothian, then this does not bode well for the rest of Scotland.

“SNP and Green Ministers must get on board with the Scottish Conservatives Right to Rehab Bill, to ensure that everyone who needs rehabilitation for drugs has access to it.

“These latest shocking numbers clearly suggest that there is a particular problem in turning around the situation in Lothian. If that is the case, then SNP Ministers must consider direct control over drug services to drive urgent reforms.”

Link to National Records of Scotland Drug-related deaths in Scotland

£400 energy bills discount to support households this winter

The UK government sets out further details of the Energy Bills Support Scheme

  • Households to start receiving £400 off their energy bills from October, with the discount made in 6 instalments to help families throughout the winter period
  • government confirms today important details of the Energy Bills Support Scheme, which will provide energy bill discounts to 29 million households across Great Britain
  • today’s announcement comes as the government launches a new online one stop shop setting out ways homeowners can help to heat their properties as part of wider Help for Households campaign

Millions of households across Great Britain will receive non-repayable discounts on their energy bills this winter, as the UK government today (29 July 2022) sets out further details of the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

The £400 discount, administered by energy suppliers, will be paid to consumers over 6 months with payments starting from October 2022, to ensure households receive financial support throughout the winter months.

Those with a domestic electricity meter point paying for their energy via standard credit, payment card and direct debit will receive an automatic deduction to their bills over the 6 month period – totalling £400.

Traditional prepayment meter customers will be provided with Energy Bill discount vouchers in the first week of each month, issued via SMS text, email or post, using the customer’s registered contact details. These customers will need to take action to redeem these at their usual top-up point, such as their nearest local PayPoint or Post Office branch.

In all cases, no household should be asked for bank details at any point. Ministers are urging consumers to stay alert of potential scams and report these to the relevant authorities where they are suspected.

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: People across the country are understandably worried about the global rise in energy costs, and the pressure this is placing on everyday bills.

“While no government can control global gas prices, we have a responsibility to step in where we can and this significant £400 discount on energy bills we’re providing will go some way to help millions of families over the colder months.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “We know that people are struggling with rising energy prices which is why we have taken action with support over the winter months to help ease the pressure on household budgets.

“This £400 off energy bills is part of our £37 billion of help for households, including 8 million of the most vulnerable households receiving £1,200 of direct support to help with the cost of living.

“We know there are tough times ahead and we will continue to do everything in our power to help people.”

Households will see a discount of £66 applied to their energy bills in October and November, rising to £67 each month from December through to March 2023. The non-repayable discount will be provided on a monthly basis regardless of whether consumers pay monthly, quarterly or have an associated payment card.

This means that where a person’s housing circumstances change during the 6-month period, such as those leaving or moving home, they will still benefit from the relevant portion of the total £400.

This also applies to students and other tenants renting properties with domestic electricity contracts from landlords where fixed energy costs are included in their rental charges. In these circumstances, landlords who resell energy to their tenants should pass the discounted payments on appropriately, in line with Ofgem rules to protect tenants.

As part of this package, we are confirming today that further funding will be available to provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the 1% of households who will not be reached through the EBSS. This includes those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents. An announcement with details on how and when these households across Great Britain can access this support will be made this Autumn.

Details set out today will ensure the scheme is delivered to as many domestic electricity customers as possible over the winter, regardless of which supplier they use or their choice of payment method.

  • Direct Debit customers will receive the Energy Bill discount automatically as a deduction to the monthly Direct Debit amount collected, or as a refund to the customer’s bank account following Direct Debit collection during each month of delivery
  • standard credit customers and payment card customers will see the Energy Bill discount automatically applied as a credit to standard credit customers’ accounts in the first week of each month of EBSS delivery, with the credit appearing as it would if the customer had made a payment
  • smart prepayment meter customers will see the Energy Bill discount credited directly to their smart prepayment meters in the first week of each month of delivery
  • traditional prepayment meter customers will be provided with redeemable EBSS Energy Bill discount vouchers or Special Action Messages (SAMs) in the first week of each month, issued via SMS text, email or post. Customers will need to redeem these at their usual top-up point

Steps are also being taken to protect consumers from the risk of fraud, gaming, and non-compliance. Suppliers will be expected to report to government action they are taking to ensure the support has been passed onto consumers, including notifying customers in writing they have received the £400 Energy Bill discount from HM Government, and ensuring it is clearly shown on bills or statements for Direct Debit and credit customers.

Greg Hands Energy Minister said: “Today we have set out how the government will deliver discounts to help 29 million households with their energy bills this winter.

“I encourage families across the country to engage with these plans and particularly those customers on traditional prepayment meters who need to take action.

“Coupled with world-leading action to radically enhance our home-grown energy security, we will continue to be on the side of British consumers now and into the future.”

The Energy Bills Support Scheme forms part of the government’s £37 million Cost of Living Support package, providing Help for Households with rising prices, targeted at those most in need.

Households most in need will be eligible for further support in addition to the Energy Bill discount. This includes:

  • a £650 one-off Cost of Living Payment for around 8 million households on means tested benefits
  • a £300 one-off Pensioner Cost of Living Payment for over 8 million pensioner households to be paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment
  • a £150 one-off Disability Cost of Living Payment for around six million people across the UK who receive certain disability benefits
  • a £500 million increase and extension of the Household Support Fund available to councils to support vulnerable households with the cost of essentials such as food, utilities and clothing

Today’s announcement comes as the government launches an online service to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by providing a one stop shop of ways to make properties more energy efficient.

The new GOV.UK website, originally available through the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service, offers a breakdown of support available through various schemes and how much financial support they can receive towards energy improvements.

This is part of the government’s ‘Help to Heat’ support, investing £12 billion to make homes, particularly for low-income households, warmer and cheaper to heat, already delivering average energy bill savings of around £300 a year.

Lord Callanan, Energy and Business Minister, said: “This is a challenging time for many amidst the rising cost of living, which is why the government is stepping in with direct support.

“From delivering discounted energy bills throughout the winter months to launching a new website providing homeowners with help to make homes cheaper and warmer, we want to make sure UK residents have the information they need to access all the support that is on offer.”

Proposals for significant mixed-use development in Falkland set to go out for public consultation

Proposals for a significant mixed-use development in Falkland  and an extensive range of new facilities for the village are set to go out for public consultation.

Scotch Whisky Investments (SWI) is bringing forward proposals for the delivery of a mixed-use development in Falkland. The Falkland development forms part of a multi-million-pound investment in Fife, including a single malt Scotch whisky storage and bottling facility in Glenrothes.

The international business, which is involved in the whisky asset management sector, has a license to offer financial investment products in the form of bottles and casks of single malt Scotch whisky issued by the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets (AFM).

SWI seeks to showcase the history of, and educate people about single malt Scotch whisky, as well as promote investment in the commodity.

SWI is seeking to deliver a mixed-use development in Falkland at the former St John’s Works site, located to the south of the village. This includes proposals for a new iconic corporate headquarters building with restaurants, museum and serviced accommodation and extensive community facilities for Falkland.

The development will deliver significant investment, creating employment and tourism opportunities for the village.

The 3.64-hectare St John’s Work’s site was formerly a linoleum factory and then taken over by Smith Anderson, a manufacturer of paper bags, before its closure in 2013, after which it was demolished.

This headquarters building aims to act as a centrepiece for learning about and showcasing single malt Scotch whisky, as well as providing a place of hospitality for worldwide investors in this commodity. Designed to house the worldwide administrative functions of the company itself, the intent is that the site will have stature and status with global appeal.

The Scottish Government has suspended in-person public consultation events due to COVID-19.

Full details about the proposals will be available to the public at 9 am on Tuesday 2 August on the dedicated project website: 

https://orbitconsultations.scot/falkland/. 

An online consultation for Falkland will take place between 3 pm and 8 pm on Tuesday 2 August.

A second in-person public consultation for the Falkland event will be held on Wednesday, 14 September, between 4.30 pm and 7.30 pm, at Falkland Community Hall, Back Wynd, Falkland, Fife KY15 7BX.

If you cannot access the exhibition boards on the day of the event, please contact Orbit Communications at Falkland@orbitconsultations.scot or on 0131 202 3259 or at 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE, and we can arrange for them to reach you in an alternative manner.

A spokesperson at SWI said: “We’re delighted to be giving the public the chance to have a say on our development proposals at Falkland. 

“This exciting development provides much-needed investment in the community with a globally recognised headquarters for Scotch Whisky Investments. 

“We are consulting extensively to ensure that that the public have an opportunity to input their views and shape our proposals. We encourage the community to attend, raise any questions they may have and provide feedback.”

Letters: Keeping children safe in the Metaverse

Dear Editor,

It can be difficult for parents and carers to keep up with online technology because it changes so quickly, but it’s something that children and young people deal with every day.

There’s been lots of news about the metaverse being the next big development in online technology, but it’s important to know exactly what it is, and what risks it could pose to children and young people.

The metaverse is an online environment where users can take part in activities which they might already enjoy offline or in the ‘real world’. For example, people can go shopping, have dinner, or watch a film at a virtual cinema. Some experts call it a ‘3D internet’.

Companies use technology to allow users to access the metaverse using a headset to create a more immersive ‘real-life experience’.

The NSPCC is concerned that there’s no age-assurance in the metaverse, so anyone can go online and pretend to be younger or older than they really are. This makes it easier for children to access inappropriate material or digital environments where they could be at risk, and easier for online offenders to groom, bully or abuse children.

When it comes to ensuring your child is safe online, talking with them regularly about their online life means they will feel relaxed about telling you if they do have any worries. You can also ask them who they are talking to online. If it’s people they don’t know offline, don’t get angry, just remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are and they should never arrange to meet someone offline without telling you first.

Using parental controls and, for younger children, keeping gaming devices and computers in family spaces will also help to keep them safe.

For more information visit the NSPCC website. If you are concerned about a child, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk. 

Gail Sayles

Local Campaigns Manager, NSPCC Scotland

Dom Littlewood saves Edinburgh family £75 on their energy bills

  • Dom Littlewood visited the Matheson family in Edinburgh as they navigate increasing energy bills and the rising cost of living
  • Part of a new mini-series, titled What’s Watt, Dom helped the Mathesons follow practical steps to better manage their energy use, including using their smart meter’s in-home display (IHD)
  • By following the advice, the family has been able to reduce their energy bills from around £7-8 per day to under £5
  • What’s Watt launches alongside the second chapter of the Super Smart Energy Savers Report, with research by Smart Energy GB revealing that 33% of Scots say that this is the first summer that they’ve taken action to reduce their energy use 

Download Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MSOZzbxBt4

Video caption: Dom Littlewood and Smart Energy GB launch a new online mini-series as part of the Super Smart Energy Savers campaign, tracking the Matheson family in Edinburgh as they take steps to better manage energy use and take control of their household budgets.

A family of four in Edinburgh have made significant savings on their energy bills after taking part in a new series with presenter and consumer champion, Dom Littlewood.

Jane and John Matheson, from Edinburgh, recently moved in together along with their two children. Since doing so, their energy bills have increased by more than three times what they were paying when they lived separately. 

The new mini-series, What’s Watt, created by Dom Littlewood and Smart Energy GB follows Dom as he visits families across Great Britain including the Mathesons in Edinburgh, to help them navigate increasing energy bills and the rising cost of living.

The Matheson family followed Dom’s practical advice to better manage their energy usage and help reduce their household bills by an average of £75* per month since his visit. 

They’ve achieved this by following advice such as shutting doors more often, turning down the temperature on their washing machine and using their smart meter’s in-home display to monitor their energy use in near-real time in pounds and pence. 

Jane Matheson said: “Since Dom’s visits we’ve been shutting doors more often, turning lights off, turning our washing machine down to 30 and only washing full loads. The tumble dryer thinks it has been made redundant, we have turned our thermostat down, ordered new insulating curtains and made enquiries about loft insulation.”

By making these small changes, Jane and John are hoping to instil positive habits in their children, so they can continue to reduce their energy usage and spending into the winter months. 

The series launches as research finds that four months on from April’s energy price cap increase, over a third (33%) of Scots say this is the first summer they’ve taken action to reduce their energy use, after typically paying less attention to bills during the warmer months. 

Despite many taking actions already, one in five (26%) Scots would like more advice on ways to save energy in the summer, with 25% wanting tips they haven’t heard before.

Following this demand for new tips, Dom Littlewood and Smart Energy GB have also teamed up with consumer advocates Helen Skelton and MoneyMagpie, to co-author the second chapter of the Super Smart Energy Savers Report.

The panel has been formed with combined expertise to ensure it features actionable advice to help all households manage their energy use and take control of their household budgets.

Advice from the Super Smart Energy Savers Panel includes:

Get the most out of your fans – choosing the right fan is key to staying cool and in control of your energy bills. Making sure any fans or cooling equipment you have around the house are as energy efficient as possible will reduce your consumption of electricity. The way you use your fan is important too: for example, some have timers that enable you to save energy when you’re asleep; or placing a bowl of ice in front of your fan will lower the temperature of the air circulating in the room and cool you down quicker.

Get a smart meter – smart meters ensure your bills are accurate and come with an in-home display that shows exactly how much energy is being used in near-real time and in pounds and pence, giving customers more control over their energy use. If you’re trying to reduce your energy use to keep bills down, knowing how much you are using – and what you’re spending – can be a huge help. As can knowing what the bill will be before it arrives. And they’re available at no extra cost from your energy supplier.

Switch to a summer routine – maybe you use your tumble-dryer regularly during the winter but using a tumble dryer three times a week costs approximately £223 a year**, so think about drying washing outside if you’re able to in the summer. It will dry much quicker and cost less than using a tumble-dryer.  

Dom Littlewood, TV presenter and consumer advocate comments: “Filming this series and meeting the Mathesons was an eye opener. It’s clear that people have become more energy conscious this year – even though sometimes it’s one member of the home leading the change.

“Whilst households are taking lots of positive steps to manage their energy use, by working directly with families we found we were able to identify some further small steps they could take, such as getting a smart meter to monitor energy use.

“My new content series, What’s Watt, and the Super Smart Energy Savers Report offers households access to information they may not have seen before, so they have more tricks up their sleeve when it comes to taking control of their household budgets.” 

Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB, comments: “Summer is traditionally a time that energy use and bills are pushed to the back of our minds, but the increase in energy prices this year has changed that.

“With the temperatures soaring over the last couple of weeks, people are even more mindful of how much energy they’re using in the home just to keep cool and want to understand how to keep bills as low as possible.

“Understanding your energy use can have a big impact on habits – shown by how much more those with smart meters are reducing their energy bills compared to those without. It’s difficult to change what you can’t see, so using a smart meter’s in-home display to monitor energy use in near-real time helps you stay in control.”

To download the report visit – https://smartenergygb.org/super-smart-energy-savers

To view the What’s Watt mini-series visit –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MSOZzbxBt4

New Naked Malt Garden set to open next month in collaboration with Underbelly and top local bars

As the world’s largest arts festival is set to return to Edinburgh, Naked Malt will launch the city’s best kept secret cocktail garden complete with sipping stations and Instagrammable delights this August.

An official sponsor of Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022, Naked Malt has created an immersive drinks den called the Naked Malt Garden, located in the legendary Bristo Square serving signature cocktails from some of Edinburgh’s most sought after bars including Top 50 cocktail bar in the UK – Hey Palu and the innovation-driven Superico. 

Launching on August 3rd, the picturesque garden embodies an urban summer in the city with a vibrant backdrop of oranges, refreshing lemons and of course, whisky. Encouraging guests to drink whisky their way. 

Designed specifically to encourage you to savour those little moments in life, the pop up embraces Naked Malt’s ethos to “Live Naked” – celebrating those shared moments with friends. The garden itself  is full of Instagrammable highlights including a striking Live Naked vibrant wall, a standing ‘Sipping Station’, along with comfortable seating and a relaxed outdoor vibe.

Popping up at the Med Quad area in Bristo Square,  right next door to McEwan Hall for four weeks from 3rd – 29th August, The Naked Malt Garden will bring the very best whisky cocktails to the city centre during the highly anticipated return of Edinburgh Fringe.

The whisky brand has collaborated with expert bartenders from two of Edinburgh’s most respected bars Hey Palu and Superico, to create specially crafted whisky sours. 

On the menu, you’ll find three exclusive Naked Sours including their signature Cloudy Apple Sour, alongside an imaginative Tropical Tuesday serve made by Hey Palu (above).

This contemporary drink sees Naked Malt whisky expertly mixed with a homemade passion fruit syrup, a blend of pineapple and lemon juices alongside Orgeat for that ultimate summer drink. 

Meanwhile, top bar Superico has crafted The Superico Sour which offers a sophisticated twist on a classic sour which blends Naked Malt whisky, Coconut liqueur, Miso Pineapple Syrup and Lemon Juice. 

The Naked Malt Garden will be the perfect spot to enjoy expertly made whisky sours and encourage Edinburgh Fringe visitors to #LiveNaked this summer.

Emily Stephenson brand manager at Naked Malt said: “Taking over an iconic location, we’re excited to reveal The Naked Malt Garden, in collaboration with some of Edinburgh’s top bartenders, just in time for the return of the biggest arts festival in the world. 

“Edinburgh in August is a sight to behold, and we can’t wait to welcome guests from the city and beyond to enjoy some very special Naked Sours. 

“We’re eager to ensure the spotlight stays on the city’s local bars during the Fringe and that they reap the benefits of the huge influx of tourists into the city,  which is why we’ve collaborated with the incredible teams at Hey Palu and Superico, to design their very own Naked Malt cocktail.

“Their skilled bartenders have concocted some truly delicious drinks, inspired by Naked Malt’s ethos to Live Naked – celebrating the little moments when we can get back to our real selves.”

Family-run Italian cocktail bar Hey Palu has gained a cult following since arriving in the city, recognised as one of the Top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, with their modern cocktails and friendly atmosphere.

A design-led cocktail bar, Superico were crowned winners of the best ‘Bar, Club & Lounge’ at the Hospitality Design Awards in New York in 2021, the only venue outside of the US to be shortlisted. Led by Mike Lynch, a multi-award-winning mixologist, the venue has delighted visitors to the city with its show-stopping food and innovative cocktails. 

The Naked Malt Garden opens on August 3rd until August 29th and runs daily at Bristo Square from 10am until 1am – Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am-3am on weekends.  Strictly for over 18+s. Free entry. 

Follow Naked Malt on Instagram or visit website for more information

Eddie Izzard is announced Patron of Fringe charity

Eddie Izzard has been appointed as the first alumni Patron of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

As our first Patron, Eddie will represent the idea that the Fringe Society is the charity that underpins the Fringe and supports the Fringe to fulfil its vision to ‘give anyone a stage and everyone a seat‘. 

In 1981, while studying Accounting and Financial Management at Sheffield University, Eddie first came to Edinburgh, and the Fringe, with a vision of emulating her Monty Python heroes who had all played there, but it took her 10 years to get shortlisted for the Perrier Comedy Award in 1991 (now the Edinburgh Comedy Awards).

Eddie performed at the Fringe twelve times over thirteen years to get her career to take off – in sketch comedy, street performing, and finally in stand-up comedy.

Eddie is now recognised around the world, having played in forty-five countries, in four languages, and in venues like Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl.  She has also acted in such diverse Hollywood films as Ocean’s Twelve and Thirteen, Six Minutes to Midnight, Valkyrie, Victoria & Abdul, Whisky Galore and The Lego Batman Movie, as well as Sky’s hit drama Stay Close.

Winner of both Primetime Emmy and International Emmy awards, and nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor, Eddie is a global champion for creativity, and a vocal supporter for those starting out.

Eddie Izzard said: “The Edinburgh Fringe gives people from all around the world – a wonderful, open door opportunity to perform and be seen.  But it is also physically and mentally as tough as hell.  It took me eight Fringe festivals to start breaking through, and ten festivals to finally arrive! 

“But the Fringe Festival taking place in the dramatic and historic capital city of Edinburgh gives it something else.  It gives it grandeur.  It is this grandeur, coupled with young people’s intense creative struggle, that has made the Edinburgh Fringe what it is today.  A legend.”

Shona McCarthy, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Chief Executive, said: “Eddie’s enthusiasm and passion for what the Fringe represents is inspiring, and she speaks from the heart and personal experience of its challenges. We are delighted to welcome her as a Patron of the Fringe Society. 

“As someone who has performed at the Fringe since the 80s, she has experienced the festival as an emerging artist, as a street performer, and as a returning performer at the top of her game.

“As an organisation created to support artists in navigating, and maximising their time at the Festival, Eddie’s involvement, through her role as Patron, will resonate with many looking to develop their careers.  It is a privilege to have Eddie on board, supporting the work of the Society and working with us to achieve our Fringe development goals and commitments.”

Yesterday’s announcement follows the 2021 appointment of Phoebe-Waller Bridge as the Society’s first honorary President.

In the coming months we will recruit a range of patrons from our Fringe alumni to join Phoebe and Eddie in championing the Fringe vision and development goals.

We want the Edinburgh Fringe to be the best Festival in the world for artists and audiences alike, and it is both welcome and necessary to have the support of brilliant Fringe alumni to help make that happen.

Healthy Tip: Staying Hydrated This Summer

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Staying Hydrated This Summer

Staying hydrated is important for keeping your heart and circulatory system healthy. Thirst often feels similar to hunger, so drinking plenty of fluid can prevent over-eating and weight-gain. We have some tips to help you stay hydrated:

  • Am I dehydrated?

Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating. If your urine is pale and clear then you are hydrated. If your urine is more yellow, brown or dark in colour with a strong smell, you are probably not drinking enough.

  • How much should I drink?

Aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluid every day. You may need to drink more during hot weather, or if you are doing a lot of physical activity.

  • What should I drink?

Water is best, but if you don’t like water, you could try herbal teas or sugar-free squash. Coffee and tea also count, but try to cut out any added sugar.

You can get water from fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, oranges and apples. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as it causes you to urinate more, which can lead to dehydration.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

More than 100 online child abuse crimes in Scotland every month Online Safety Bill delayed, NSPCC warns

  • Charity urges next Prime Minister to keep the promise made to children and families and commit to passing Online Safety Bill as a national priority
  • NSPCC say children will carry the considerable cost of further delay to social media regulation

More than 100 online sex crimes will take place against children in Scotland every month the Online Safety Bill is delayed, NSPCC research indicates.

The charity’s analysis of Police Scotland crime data found that online child sexual abuse offences had more than doubled over the last decade.

The data shows 1,298 Indecent Image offences and crimes of Communicating Indecently with a Child were logged in the year to March– up from 543 just ten years ago.

The NSPCC said the growth in crimes and the scale of abuse taking place against children should serve as a wake-up call for the next UK Prime Minister to make the Online Safety Bill a national priority.

The charity said it underlines the urgent need for Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to commit to passing the legislation in full and without delay.

It warned the disturbing reality of delay is more children being groomed on their smartphones and tablets, being contacted by offenders in the summer holidays, and coerced into acts of online sexual abuse in their bedrooms.

The landmark Online Safety Bill was due to pass through the House of Commons last week but was postponed until at least the autumn when a new Prime Minister will be in place.

The NSPCC first secured the commitment to regulate social media four years ago in a bid to combat the inaction of Silicon Valley to abuse taking place against children on their platforms.

The legislation would put a duty of care on companies for their users and mean they would have to put measures in place to prevent and disrupt child abuse on their sites and protect children from harm.

The charity is concerned the delay could result in the Bill being watered down despite years of failed self-regulation by tech firms putting children at increased risk.

Frida*, who is a survivor of online abuse, said: “The abuse that I experienced started ten years ago when I was 13. It is sickening that since then the number of young people being abused online has grown dramatically.

“Being groomed has had a horrific impact on my life and I want no other young person to endure that. I know this delay to the Online Safety Bill will see more young people like me experience harm when it could have been prevented, and that is devastating.”

The NSPCC has written to both Conservative leadership candidates saying, ‘delay or watering down of the Bill will come at considerable cost to children and families. It would represent the reversal of an important manifesto commitment that commands strong levels of public support’.

YouGov research for the NSPCC found more than four fifths of UK adults think the Online Safety Bill should deliver strong and comprehensive measures to protect children from online child sexual abuse.

NSPCC Chief Executive, Sir Peter Wanless, said: “With every second the clock ticks by on the Online Safety Bill an ever-growing number of children and families face the unimaginable trauma of preventable child abuse.

“The need for legislation to protect children is clear, commands overwhelming support from MPs and the public and builds on the UK’s global leadership position in tackling harm online. Robust regulation can be delivered while protecting freedom of speech and privacy.

“There can be no more important mission for Government than to keep children safe from abuse and the next Prime Minister must keep the promise made to families in the election manifesto and deliver the Online Safety Bill as a national priority.”

Summer holiday booked? Is water safety on your packing list?

With school summer holidays under way for families across the UK, many of us will be counting down the days until we step on a plane for potentially the first time since pre-covid. However, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is asking families if they are up to date on their water safety knowledge.

The charity fears that we will see more tragedies overseas in the coming months, as we have seen in previous years, as families head abroad to enjoy the sun, sea and swimming pools. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “Every year during the summer we see a sharp rise in the number of accidental drownings not only in the UK but also with UK citizens abroad.

“Unfortunately we have already this year seen a number of drownings of both adults and children who were enjoying their holiday abroad and we do not want to see any more over the summer period.

“We understand how exciting a summer holiday can be but we want to ensure that families long awaited trips do not turn to the unimaginable for all of the wrong reasons. We are encouraging families to ensure that they take responsibility for their own water safety and enjoy their time on holiday but be safe whilst doing so.”

The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s advice is clear, that those preparing for their summer holidays should ensure the following simple tips are understood by all members of the family:

  1. You are your family’s lifeguard – Lifeguard standards differ outside of the UK and Ireland. Always supervise children and keep them within arms’ length.
  2. Do your research – check the safety arrangements of any water-based activities and if there is lifeguard cover at the pool/beach and know what to do and who to call in an emergency.
  3. Do not use inflatables in open water – Inflatable dinghies or lilos are a well-known hazard – each year there are a high number of incidents where people on inflatables are blown out to sea. 
  4. Make sure the whole family can swim and knows basic water safety – visit www.rlss.org.uk to take their free, online Lifesaver Lifechanger toolkit.
  5. Check bathing sites for hazards, check the safest places to swim and always read the signs – find out what local warning signs and flags mean.

Lee continued: “We want to help families enjoy water safely with our summer water safety information.

“We truly believe that people can be equipped with the right knowledge around water safety, and as a result we won’t need to see the fatalities we currently are seeing with accidental drownings both in the UK and abroad.”

For further water safety information visit the RLSS UK website – www.rlss.org.uk.