Police Scotland are hosting a range of online recruitment events via Microsoft Teams for those interested in making a difference and giving back to communities as a police officer.
Black Minority Ethnic and White Minority Ethnic online recruitment events are taking place from 6.30pm – 8.30pm on Thursday, 25th August, Thursday, 8 September, Thursday, 15 September and Thursday, 22 September.
There is also a women’s online recruitment event on Tuesday, 13 September from 6.30pm – 8.00pm and a European online recruitment event on Tuesday, 27 September from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
These events are for groups currently under-represented in Police Scotland. The consent, support and cooperation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland.
To ensure that bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do. We are committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups.
Those who attend will be given an insight into the application and training process, the role of a police officer and the endless opportunities available once you embark on this exciting career path.
The UK has announced £37.65 million in UK humanitarian funding to help people across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin area
£37.65 million of urgent UK humanitarian funding will deliver life-saving assistance across Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Niger.
20 million are projected to be in need of urgent aid across the region by the end of 2022.
The money will help fund two projects for the next year focused on the most vulnerable, including malnourished women and children.
The UK will support around 1 million of the most vulnerable people across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin with food, water and sanitation.
Growing instability and violent extremism across the region and the war on Ukraine have exacerbated existing issues with food insecurity and malnutrition. As things stand, there will be close to 20 million people across the region in need of humanitarian aid by the end of the year.
And the Sahel faces further vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme weather shocks, putting unimaginable stress on communities, meaning urgent intervention by the international community is now a necessity.
The UK is providing £37.65 million in urgent humanitarian assistance, focused on these areas where conflict, climate change and extreme hunger is causing the most suffering.
Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford said: “Millions of people across the Sahel and West Africa are unimaginably suffering with hunger and malnutrition.
“That’s why the UK will step up with an urgent £38 million of humanitarian funding, reaching those most vulnerable and saving lives across the region.
“The number of people facing starvation are at their worst for a decade. Whilst this UK funding is a necessity, it has to be part of a bigger international effort. We’re calling on international partners to enhance our collective support and scale-up intervention to halt this humanitarian catastrophe.”
£19.9 million will support The Sahel Humanitarian Assistance and Protection Programme (SHAPP), a programme which has been responding to the most acute needs, including those of displaced and malnourished women and children, and enables safer access for humanitarian aid workers to reach them.
The funding ensures delivery partners including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the INGO-run Sahel Regional Fund can continue their heroic, life-saving work in the region. The funding also supports the work of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) and the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO).
Their work between 2019-2022 under the Sahel Humanitarian Emergency Response Programme (SHERP) supported 2.7 million people with food assistance, provided treatment to nearly 900,000 severely malnourished children and ensured over 1.5 million mothers could detect malnutrition among their children, enabling early intervention.
In addition, £15 million of emergency humanitarian funding has been made available for North-East Nigeria over the next few months, when food is most scarce and humanitarian needs are highest.
Violence, displacement, poverty and climate shocks are just some of the many reasons why 8.4 million people need life-saving humanitarian assistance there. This emergency funding supports the UK’s work alongside the Nigerian government to build security in the face of growing instability in the north of the country.
In North-East Nigeria, the UK is proud to be supporting the work of our delivery partners – the World Food Programme and UNICEF – whose aid workers put themselves at great risk in order to reach those suffering most.
This food assistance funding is part of the UK’s wider commitment to prioritise life-saving humanitarian aid to communities around the world who are most vulnerable due to the ongoing combination of crises.
Edinburgh Community Food are offering a free Eat Well for Oral Health cooking, nutrition and oral health 8 week programme starting at Dr Bell’s Family Centre on Thursday 25th August for families living in the Leith area with a child under 5.
They will also be offering this programme at Pilton Community Health Project from 20th September.
To book your place or to find out more, contact Jo at:
While young people are considering their future beyond their GCSE or Scottish National Certificate results, HMRC is asking parents and carers to make sure they update their Child Benefit records by 31August, or risk seeing their payments end.
HMRC has written to 1.3 million parents and carers of children, who are in the last year of school or education, to remind them to update their Child Benefit records. More than 600,000 families have already notified HMRC, but many have yet to do so.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said: “Child Benefit provides vital financial support for families and we want to make sure no-one misses out because they haven’t updated their details on time.
“The quickest way to notify HMRC is via your Personal Tax Account online, or search ‘child benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK for more information or further options for contacting us.”
Child Benefit is paid to eligible parents or carers who are responsible for a child under 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.
This includes A-levels/ Scottish Highers, NVQs up to Level 3, or certain traineeships – a list of approved courses and training schemes is available on GOV.UK.
For the first time ever tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are on sale during the August run of the 2022 Show
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 2023 Show, Stories, are officially on sale today, with the first 50,000 tickets available at 2022 prices.
With just eight performances left in the 2022 run of Voices – the first Show from new Creative Director Michael Braithwaite under the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light – the team is getting set to lead audiences into the next phase with Stories. The 2023 Show will transport audiences with tales of music, dance, and culture with performers and musicians from around the globe.
Stories will run from 4-26 August 2023, featuring the military at the heart of the showcase with the Royal Air Force confirmed as the lead service.
Audiences can expect the magnificent sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums filling up the Esplanade alongside performances from the incredibly talented Tattoo Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers.
International acts will also join the 2023 line up bringing new cultures and vibrancy to this sought after spectacle. Further details about Stories will be announced in the coming months.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“The highly anticipated return of the Tattoo this year has been an absolute triumph. Seeing the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade come alive once again with the sounds and colour of the talented Tattoo cast performing on the Esplanade each night is truly unforgettable. It’s so good to be back!
“We can’t wait to do it all again next year so for the first time ever we have tickets on sale for 2023 during our August run. It’s a unique opportunity to make sure you don’t miss out by purchasing tickets now.
“Also, you can take advantage of getting your 2023 ticket at 2022 prices for the first 50,000 tickets. Stories is set to be another awe-inspiring and immersive production that is not to be missed.”
Voices will run until 27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now for both the 2022 and 2023 performances and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
We’re entering the final stretch of Fringe 2022, and there’s still lots to do. Here are six top tips for enjoying week three:
Remember to keep tagging artists on social media (along with #edfringe) and leaving reviews on their edfringe.com listings if you enjoyed their shows – word of mouth is essential at the Fringe, and your recommendation can make all the difference.
The Half Price Hut is open daily at the Fringe Box Office, offering great deals on shows starting the same day or the morning after – check out the listings online before heading into town to buy your tickets.
The Fringe street events continue this week, with BSL interpretation at West Parliament Square on Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 August – check out the daily street events schedule.
Our access tickets service is available to help anyone with an access requirement make the most of the Fringe – please feel free to pass on this information if it could be of use to someone you know.
Our Fringe Shop has gifts and goodies of all shapes and sizes – and, between our t-shirts and rain jackets, we’ve got you covered whatever the weather! Sales of Fringe merchandise help us continue supporting Fringe artists, so browse the Fringe Shop now.
We sent out an email last week outlining some of the great ticket offers available direct from Fringe venues – sign up for further venue offer info if you’d like to receive another batch this week.
Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund has returned for its seventh year and local sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians can now apply for a share of £50,000.
The fund encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity within their local communities by offering sports clubs the chance to secure essential funding. There are a range of funding tiers available, with one club in the area guaranteed to secure a £2,500 funding boost.
Since launching in 2016, nearly 500 clubs across Scotland have benefitted from a funding uplift of £290,000 through Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund, helping to improve community access to sports across the country.
From gymnastics to football and volleyball to bowling, Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation that meets the application criteria.
In 2021, Aldi supported a selection of sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians, including Lismore Rugby Football Club and trampolining club, PHD FUNdamentals. The additional funding helped both clubs fund training sessions and purchase new equipment.
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Aldi Scotland, said:“Since launching in 2016, our Scottish Sport Fund has given a wide range of sports clubs the chance to benefit from essential funding to help them invest in much needed equipment and resources.
“Sports clubs across Scotland have had a really challenging time over the last two years, and I am proud that Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund gives these clubs a helping hand to continue the fantastic work they do in their communities.
“Each year, we are blown away by the applications we receive, and I look forward to welcoming more in 2022. I’d encourage any sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians to apply and take advantage of this excellent funding opportunity.”
Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund is part of the retailer’s wider commitment to help local communities in Scotland, which it also does through its Neighbourly partnership and Supermarket Sweep.
Sports clubs located across Edinburgh and The Lothians have from Monday 22 August to Sunday 25 September to apply for funding.
One applicant will be selected to receive £2,500 of funding, two applicants will each receive £1,000 of funding, while several other applicants will each receive £500 of funding towards their sports club.
The Aldi Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation in Scotland that meets the application criteria. All applications will be considered by the Aldi judging panel and entrants will be notified of the outcome of their funding application within four to six weeks from the region’s deadline. Please see the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund FAQs and Terms & Conditions for more information.
This September, the UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish marks 30 years of supporting children and young people by launching a dance fundraiser #30daysofdisco.
To mark this milestone occasion, the charity are inviting you to join in with 30 days of disco. An opportunity to listen to your favourite music and move your body to remember a loved one or just to have some fun all whilst raising money for charity.
Get involved independently or unite with your friends, colleagues or school class and become the hottest new dance group in town. Whether it’s to recreate those shapes you’ll be seeing on Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing this September, keep those holiday party vibes going or warm up for the office Christmas party, it’s a fundraiser you’ll want to be part of.
Dance at home for 30 minutes a day, wear your best party gear for an office ‘Disco Day’ or host your very own disco dance lesson, this danceathon is all about encouraging ‘free-style’, however you wish to take part.
Those signing up will receive a free Disco Fundraising Pack with everything they need to get the party started including glowsticks and stickers for the big kids at heart. Plus take part in a leadership board filled with enthusiastic dancers just like yourself! Share your dance journey with #30daysofdisco.
By dancing for Winston’s Wish this September you can play your part in providing vital support for grieving children and young people across the UK.
To find out more about how your support can make a difference or for more ways to get involved visit winstonswish.org/disco
Fort Kinnaird is bringing a new pop-up market to the centre to help support independent businesses and creators from across Edinburgh.
In partnership with Edinburgh-based, Support the Makers, the centre will host the market from 10am – 3pm over the next two weekends (27th – 28th August and 3rd – 4th September).
Visitors will find a range of unique products, including plants from Seb’s Urban Jungle and a range of homeware, such as prints, candles and ceramics from a number of different local makers.
Support the Makers was founded by Carmen Chalmers in 2019 as part of her mission to give small and independent businesses a platform to sell and showcase their original products.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re committed to continuing to support our local community, whether that be through charity partnerships, making the centre a welcoming place for everyone, or helping local businesses as we are with these pop-ups.
“Support the Makers is a great initiative that not only helps talented Edinburgh-based independents, but brings an amazing collection of products to Fort Kinnaird, so we’re pleased to be able to offer them the space to run the markets.”
Carmen, founder of Support the Makers, said: “It’s brilliant to be partnering with Fort Kinnaird as the latest location for our market. It’s brilliant to be partnering with Fort Kinnaird as the latest location for our market.
“Working alongside Seb from Seb’s Urban Jungle, we are so passionate about championing local makers and ensuring they have the opportunity to share their beautiful handmade products with as many people as possible – and this partnership allows just that.”
● Fringe star Paul Black once again becomes fake money mule recruiter to raise awareness of online fraud
● Those caught face up to a fourteen-year jail sentence and lifetime bank a/c ban
● Young people most at risk with half (48%) of victims aged 18-26
Scottish comedian Paul Black is partnering with NatWest for a second time to raise awareness of money muling – an activity where targets are recruited to channel illicit funds through their personal bank accounts.
Following a successful run of sell-out shows at this year’s Fringe, Paul will be out and about on the streets of Edinburgh on Wednesday 24th August.
Once again donning the persona of the “money mule man”, the award-winning comic will be approaching festival goers to look after money. If they simply say no, they will be rewarded with a £100 cash prize, while those who say yes will go home empty handed.
Earlier in the year Paul toured Scotland’s cities to raise awareness of money muling and support people in being vigilant about the ways criminals might try and exploit them by making use of their bank account.
Instances of money muling increased dramatically during the pandemic and over 17,000 suspected cases involving 21- to 30-year-olds were recorded in 2020 according to Cifas, the UK’s leading fraud prevention body. Rising social media usage during lockdown is thought to be linked to the spike, with criminals using apps such as Snapchat and Instagram to recruit targets.
Money muling often involves criminals recruiting young people to use their bank accounts to move cash which has been illegally stolen or transferred from another account.
Despite the upsurge in money muling, many young people are unaware of the consequences of allowing criminals access to their accounts – with those caught facing up to a fourteen-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding a bank account.
Cifas research has found that the number of 14–18-year-olds charged with money muling offenses to have risen by 73% since 2020.
Commenting on the campaign, Paul Black said: “I hadn’t heard of money muling until I got involved in the campaign earlier in the year, but that’s the problem – people are letting criminals channel money through their bank accounts with no idea that what they’re doing is actually against the law. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Edinburgh has such a great atmosphere during the Fringe, and I’ll be out and about to see if tourists and residents alike are clued up on money muling and find out who’s smart enough to win 100 quid!”
A NatWest spokesperson, said: “The message is simple: if approached to be a money mule, always say no.
“The consequences of becoming involved in this type of crime are severe, your bank account will be closed down and you could end up in prison.”
recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.police.uk
