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.”
Everything from classical strings and world music, to cabaret, jazz and indie-pop
Part of the UK / Australia Season, a major cultural exchange, House of Oz celebrates the Season theme “Who Are we Now?” in its richly diverse programming.
The schedule is family-skewed in daytime (Circa’s Carnival of the Animals, The Listies’ Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark), serious in the afternoon (EGG, FEMME) and heaps of fun by night (BROAD by Geraldine Quinn, Gabbi Bolt, Haus Party, OZmosis).
MUSICAL LINE-UP FROM MONDAY 22 AUGUST – further info below
☆ MUSICAL THEATRE: special event
MICHAELA BURGER: One of Australia’s leading voices and star of hit Fringe show Rouge at Assembly Hall shares tales of Greek heritage and beautiful original song, hosting a 5-course tasting menu for the Taste Australia dinner on Monday 22 August. Cabaret sensation Reuben Kaye hosted a triumphant Taste Australia on 15 August, watch here
MITCH TAMBO: The Gamilaraay world music sensation and Australia’s Got Talent 2019 finalist who took the nation by storm with his version of You’re The Voice.
BIRDEE: Australian indie-pop’s brightest newcomer with fabulously produced original songs and great styling, influenced by her Chinese / Greek / Russian heritage. Watch BIRDEE on YouTube.
☆ STRINGS VIRTUOSI
THE GRIGORIYAN BROTHERS: Kazakh-born classical guitar and strings virtuosi who have created a musical masterpiece celebrating objects from the National Museum of Australia. Watch The Grigoryan Brothers on YouTube.
JOSEPH TAWADROS: Egyptian-Australian oud virtuoso returns to House of Oz for a late-night jazz-inspired performance with the Grigoryan Brothers. Watch Joseph Tawadros Live at the Sydney Opera House on YouTube.
☆ MUSICAL COMEDY
GERALDINE QUINN: Returning after a 12-year hiatus, the vocal and comedic genius and Melbourne International Comedy Awards nominee brings her new show BROAD to the Fringe. Watch Geraldine at House of Oz here.
GABBI BOLT: After sold-out seasons in Australia, rising star Gabbi Bolt (Best Newcomer at this year’s Sydney Comedy Festival) brings her unique style of musical comedy to the stage in her first solo UK show. Watch Gabbi Bolt on YouTube.
Images and videos of all the artists in this release can be found here.
MICHAELA BURGER
Festival Fringe-goers this year will be familiar with Michaela as the star performer in Rouge, showing at the Assembly Hall throughout August. For one night only, this musical powerhouse will appear at House of Oz to host their final Taste Australia dinner with chef-in-residence, David Lee. This is an outstanding opportunity for music and food lovers to combine their passions as Michaela celebrates her Greek heritage with stories of immigration and upheaval sprinkled with moving and thoughtful songs that guests can both hear and taste. Guests will be served a unique modern Australian menu interpreting native Australian ingredients with a striking Greek accent.
Watch Michaela Burger perform A Migrant’s Son on YouTube.
Australian world music star Mitch Tambo stages a dramatic, family-friendly show, incorporating dance and didgeridoo as well as showcasing his wonderful voice and stories.
A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production, and is a new voice for a generation producing music that cuts across culture.
The multi-talented recording artist first stunned the nation when he performed a spine-tingling First Nations version of the iconic John Farnham anthem You’re The Voice on the 2019 Finale of Australia’s Got Talent.
Mitch’s performance was powerful and won the hearts of Australia as well as a host of other countries. The time was right for Mitch and he was globally embraced. His album Guurama-Li soared up the iTunes World Music charts in Australia, the UK, US and Europe reaching #1 in Australia, #1in Denmark, #1 Malta, #2 in the UK and #34 in the US.
In Tambo’s music you will find great sentiment and stories relating to his own personal journey and story such a Dreamtime Princess which is a celebration of womanhood and challenges men to reconsider how they act, engage and converse with women.
He aims to use his voice and platform to raise awareness against bias and celebrate the achievements of women as one of his key causes
To mark the National Museum of Australia’s 20th anniversary, the nation’s most respected classical guitarists, the Grigoryan Brothers, composed 18 musical works inspired by items from the museum’s vast collection: each accompanied by a high-definition 3D video projection of the item. From ancient Arnhem Land ochre to Don Bradman’s first cricket bat; from a convict love token to a lifebuoy from the Tampa, This Is Us is an evocative and unforgettable audio-visual journey through Australia’s complex history and heritage.
In addition to the three shows above, siblings Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are also performing one late-night show with oud-master Joseph Tawadros. Their collaboration celebrates lifelong friendships, a shared common sense of humour, and musical sensibilities that defy explanation. With their collective Egyptian and Russian heritages, rigorous training in Eastern and Western classics, fluency in jazz and traditional improvisational styles, their music is a beautiful portrait of contemporary Australia.
Based in Sydney, Australia, indie-pop’s brightest newcomer BIRDEE channels and blends her own lineage of Chinese, Greek and Russian origins to craft her own sound and stories. BIRDEE has taken the time in the studio to refine her sound as an artist – writing and recording at Glebe Studios – host to an impressive list of artists including the likes of international stars David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, INXS, as well as cult Australian acts such as The Whitlams and Choirboys.
Outside the booth, BIRDEE has been reviving local live music with her high-upbeat, high-energy persona. Pulling Strings is BIRDEE’S second contribution to the bedroom pop world followed by her latest song Monday Throwaway which have both been collaboration works with Sydney Artist, Toby Anagnostis (Butter Bath) who has teamed up, working with Nick Littlemore (PNAU, Empire of the Sun).
She has worked with many artists such as Heimanu and Taiyo and has been supporting acts for musicians like Abby Bella May, Dutch the Rapper and D minor. She has also been showcased on the Morning Sunrise Show and has been interviewed and played on radio stations such as Triple J unearthed and Triple J.
Recognised as one of Australia’s most promising emerging artists, she intends to continue collaborating and expanding her music style.
Nominated for Most Outstanding Show and the Golden Gibbo Award at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Awards, Geraldine Quinn brings her powerful vocals back to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in 12 years.
Her one-woman show BROAD channels the brassy broads she admired in her youth, taking the audience on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through the challenges of womanhood.
After sold-out seasons in Australia, rising star Gabbi (Ratatouille, The TikTok Musical) brings her unique style of musical comedy to the stage in her first solo UK show. Armed with a keyboard, mic and a fear of disappointing people, this songstress puts the sing in chasing validation.
No topic is off limits: climate change, feminism, why small towns have too many pubs. “Gabbi is legitimately a good composer and lyricist” (Wayne Brady, Whose Line Is It Anyway). Winner: Best Newcomer, 2022 Sydney Comedy Festival.
House of Oz welcomes artists and audiences alike, promoting entertainment, dialogue, learning and of course an intense desire to visit Australia.
This all-Australian showcase for the creative arts in all forms is part of the important UK/Australia Season 2021-22, the largest ever cultural exchange between the UK and Australia.
UK/AUSTRALIA SEASON
The UK/Australia Season is landmark cultural exchange, a joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Season highlights the breadth of partnership between Australia and the UK and aims to deepen and extend cultural connections. The Season started in September 2021 and concluded in March 2022 in Australia and will conclude in December 2022 in the UK. The theme ‘Who Are We Now?’ reflects on our history, explores our current relationship, and imagines our future together. The Season features programming for all ages, celebrating the diversity of cultures and languages in both countries. It emphasises Australia’s First Nations voices, enables cultural exchange with Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, and the diverse societies that have emerged in both Australia and the UK through migration. www.ukaustraliaseason.com
It’s not over yet: hidden gems galore, more new musicals, and juicy comedies are hitting theSpaceUK stages for one last rip-roaring week of shows
Week 3 is here: bringing you one last knockout selection of shows. Dramatic dance double bills, surreal murder-themed comedy shows, and getting stuck in elevators: it’s all go as we plunge into a fantastic final week at the Fringe.
Here’s a just a sample of the new shows gracing theSpaceUK from 22nd – 27th:
Cheaper than a night at Balmoral! Hotel Elsinore (theSpace on the Mile, 22-27)
Denmark. 2am. A hotel room. Three weary travellers, an unexpected will, and a production of Hamlet to rehearse before morning. Tragedy and humour blend in this new play by award-winning performer Susanna Hamnett, with Joshua and Lily MacGregor.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? The New Rock’n’Roll (theSpace @ Niddry St, 22-27)
A washed-up stand-up comedian tries to reclaim his mojo but fails miserably at the hands of his younger, more popular support act who he sets out to sabotage.
Sweet, sweet music The Aca-prentice: Sales Pitch (theSpaceTriplex, 22-27) Lord Alan Sugar tests the nerves and voices of the hungriest hopefuls in the a cappella world as they compete to be his aca-prentice. Watch our candidates tackle tasks to test their ability through chart-topping songs!
Talent that’ll hit you hard SMACK & Spektakel (theSpaceTriplex, 21-24)
SMACK & Spektakel offers an adventurous double bill of dance, refreshing the commentary on the empowered female body, while questioning the relationship between performance and identity.
Breaking a murderer… The Rodney Buzzard Tapes: Evidence of an Honourable Man (theSpace on the Mile, 23-27) A surreal sketch show that tells the story of Britain’s least-successful serial killer, Rodney Buzzard. A satire of murder documentaries that will probe the hidden depths of the criminal underworld.
Theatre this good is a crime In Her Defence (theSpace on North Bridge, 22-27) 1947. A man is dead. His wife has killed him. As a court hears the evidence leading up to the murder, you’ll witness the disintegration of the couple’s marriage revealing the real, surprising truth.
Get stuck right in to new drama Going Down (theSpace on North Bridge, 22-27) Four students stuck in an elevator, with nothing to do except talk to each other. An exploration of how easily we allow our mental heath to stagnate.
It’s wild how good our musicals are Boom Town (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 22-27)
Set in wild-west Arizona, Beau has come of age and must prove herself to her father. Can she save her town by taking on the outlaw? A new musical that puts a bluegrass twist on contemporary musical theatre.
Something to really celebrate birthday girl (theSpace on the Mile, 22-27)
This is a play about birthdays. It’s also about growing up, the future and the inevitability of ageing – a prospect that the birthday girl is finding increasingly unnerving.
War again. It’s 1066, William fights Harry! How do mothers, queens, wives and daughters cope? Gather their skirts and soldier on. Telling stories in plays and songs; working, travelling, gazing at Halley’s Comet in awe.
You don’t know them yet, but you will soon… Women You Know (theSpace @ Symposium Hall, 22-27) The morning after a drunken rendezvous with an old boyfriend, a woman and her friend discuss autonomy, identity and bad sex. A frank new comedy about the hypocrisies of modern womanhood.
In her most intimate musical performance, cellist Jablonska explores how identities are made, unmade and remade on a personal and musical journey from Poland to Scotland, as part of MadeInScotlandShowcase.com.
A show you could see over and over… Water Fruit Loops (theSpace @ Niddry St., 22-27) Richard, a student, finds himself stuck in a time loop after hooking up with his ex. Rather than utilise the period for self-reflection, Richard jumps at the opportunity to keep hooking up with his ex.
About theSpaceUK
Established in 1995, theSpaceUK hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the fringe. Companies, both professional & amateur, are given an affordable, supportive and professional platform to showcase their work.
About the venue
theSpaceUK operates 19 venues across 7 sites including: theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, theSpace @ SymposiumHall, theSpace on North Bridge, theSpace on the Mile, theSpaceTriplex, the Space @ Venue45.
Police in Liverpool have launched an investigation following the tragic fatal shooting of a child in Knotty Ash last night, Monday 22nd August.
Officers attended at a house on Kingsheath Avenue at 10pm after reports that an unknown male had fired a gun inside the property.
A nine-year-old girl suffered a gunshot injury to the chest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since sadly died.
Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
A man also suffered gunshot wounds to his body and a woman suffered a gunshot injury to her hand during the incident inside the house.
They have both been taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.
An investigation is underway and house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries are in the process of being carried out. A cordon is also in place.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “This is a truly shocking incident in which tragically a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends at this very difficult time. No parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child in these dreadful circumstances.
“This crime is abhorrent and our communities must come forward and tell us who is responsible.
“This cowardly individual does not deserve to be walking the streets and I would urge those who know anything to speak to us and tell us what they know so that we can put the person responsible behind bars where they belong.
“We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry as a matter of urgency and would ask for dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from anyone who lives, works or was visiting the area of Kingsheath Avenue last night.”
The shooting comes on the 15th anniversary of the death of eleven year old Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones, who was shot while making his way home from football training.
£150 disability Cost of Living payments to be made from 20 September 2022
6 million people who are paid certain disability benefits will benefit
Automatic support part of wider package of help with the rising Cost of Living, including other cost of living payments totalling £650
Those being paid a qualifying disability benefit will be paid automatically from 20 September, with the vast majority of those eligible expected to receive their one-off payment within a couple of weeks by the beginning of October.
The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.
For those disabled people on low-incomes, this payment comes on top of other Cost of Living payments totalling £650, £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England.
Over eight million eligible households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said: “We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.
“This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.
“We know it’s a worrying time for some people and I’d urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.”
The Cost of Living payments from the government are part of a £37 billion package of support, which will see millions of households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs.
The government has also expanded support for the Household Support Fund in England – which helps people with food and energy bills – with an extra £421 million – for October 2022 to March 2023, and topped up funding by £79 million for devolved nations; the total value of this support now stands at £1.5 billion.
This is all in addition to changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and work allowances worth £1,000 a year on average for 1.7 million working claimants, a rise in the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour, and a tax cut for around 30 million workers through a rise in National Insurance contribution thresholds.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said: “We know that rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a significant worry for many people here in the UK, especially those most vulnerable to additional costs.
“Today’s announcement that disabled people will begin to receive an additional £150 payment from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households through the challenging times ahead.
“This payment is in addition to further help households can expect over the coming months – including a second cost of living payment of £324 for households on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioners this winter and £400 discount on energy bills for every household. This is all part of our significant £37 billion support package.”
Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May are expected to be paid shortly after the payment window opens. For those awaiting confirmation of their disability benefits on 25 May, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the process may take longer but payments will still be automatic.
You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.
“Spreads a feel-good buzz!” – The Star (Malaysia), ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Best Director, Best Lead Performer @ Malaysian National Arts Awards
Soho Theatre Young Company
Malaysian-British theatre company brings their award-winning cabaret to Edinburgh
Award winning Malaysian theatre company Liver & Lung are bringing their critically acclaimed cabaret, Clinic, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Underbelly Cowgate this summer.
Imagine if Prince and Mae West were best friends. Now throw in some glitter, filth, a dash of camp and you’re nearly there … After traveling the globe seeking the reaffirmation their lovers never gave them, Ganesh and Cydney have landed in Edinburgh, on a mission to rid the city of lovesickness.
Clinic is a new cabaret experience, that’s cliché and unconventional in equal measure. With the help of a little audience participation, some outrageously intimate anecdotes and original songs, patients are taken on a euphoric and enlightening journey towards sexual discovery and self-love.
Clinic is directed, produced and composed by Malaysian-born performer Shafeeq Shajahan (@shafeeqshajahan). He is a recent recipient of the National Malaysian Arts Award for Best Director in Musical Theatre. While he plays the role of ‘Ganesh The Great’, Natalie Durkin makes her Fringe debut as ‘Cydney Debonaire’ (@nataliedurkincomedy).
About Liver & Lung: Liver&Lung is a critically acclaimed and award-winning international theatre company. Stylistic and spectacular, its plays, musicals and events in London, Edinburgh, and Malaysia have reached a wide audience.
Liver & Lung has won four Malaysian BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, including Best Direction for Sepet The Musical and Innovation in Musical Theatre for Mahsuri (& Other Peculiar Tales).
The company launched Asia’s first integrated digital arts festival, in conjunction with KLDiversity, in 2021.
Do you ever experience the feeling of missing out? Maybe the Fringe makes you confused – where to go, what to choose with so many options? You could only do the last week of Fringe but you maybe missed better things before?
Or you need to leave and you are worried you will be missing out on the final weekend fun? Worry not!
Dr King of More is here to help!
Come to our #FOMO Clinic* – a fun, immersive, theatre solo show and quasi-workshop where you will learn about the magical concept of #JOLIF through knowledge sharing, dance, audience participation and individual tips. With #FOMO Clinic you will realise you are always in the right place and your party is where you’re at.
*What does Dolly Parton have to do with FOMO? Come and find out.
#FOMO Clinic is a piece that explores the concept of fear of missing out through a fun and feel good combination of immersive theatre, workshop, quasi-lecture and audience participation, while learning how to deal with the fear of missing out (using a running theme of Dolly Parton). The main performer is a Dr King of More who launches into an academic presentation of the aspects of fear of missing out, its reasons as well as audience confessions/diagnostics.
But the presentation quickly proves to be more than what it seems as the performer introduces the alternative concept of the ‘joy of letting it flourish’ #JOLIF through music and dance. The audience gets to ask questions or take part in individual on stage clinics.
The piece is rooted both in actual research on the phenomenon of FOMO and humour, where the boundaries between academic input, comedy and audience interaction are blurred. The piece for performed in the Tramshed Found Arts Festival, London in 2022 and in the Palace Residency, Poland in 2021, as well as several time as an online event.
Audience feedback:
‘I feel like I am a happier person after this show’
‘That was so precious. Thank you Doctor!’
#FOMO Clinic is performed by King of More and it is his Edinburg Fringe solo show debut.
King of More is a queer immersive performer, actor, dancer and all around jester, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, based in London.
His focus is people’s growth, love and connection through humour and energy filled immersive performances. King of More’s philosophy is that life is short and each moment could be appreciated and lived at least 5% more.
He discovered the talent and gift of making people smile and live/dance their fuller self so he is on a quest of spreading love through his art and expert improvisation work.
King of More performs in immersive theatre shows, festivals, movement art pieces, parties, hosts and comperes cabaret nights and adds an explosion of life to your cobwebbed Zoom event.
Some highlights of King of More’s work include being selected as one of representatives for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro 2016 for the British House arts programme, performing on the FatboySllim 2019 UK tour and being the lead performer for Elrow in UK.
He performed within Morning Gloryville, Gypsy Disco, Boomtown, Secret Garden Party, Pete the Monkey Festival, the Provibers, Pinky Promise, Tramshed, Goblin King’s Ball, Third Mind Productions, Edinburgh Fringe, Prangsta and more.
trials in 11 areas across England to help people’s mental and physical health
GPs will issue social prescriptions such as walking, wheeling and cycling, backed by £12.7 million
schemes will include cycling and walking groups, cycle training and free bike loans
Social prescriptions, including walking, wheeling and cycling, will be offered by GPs as part of a new trial to improve mental and physical health and reduce disparities across England, the government has announced today (22 August 2022).
The government has awarded £12.7 million in multi-year funding to 11 local authority areas in England. The funding will go towards several pilot projects in each location, including:
adult cycle training
free bike loans
walking groups
Other schemes include all-ability cycling taster days where people who may not have cycled before can try to in a friendly environment, or walking and cycling mental health groups where people can connect with their communities as they get active.
The pilots must be delivered alongside improved infrastructure so people feel safe to cycle and walk.
The 11 local authority areas that will trial social prescriptions are:
Bath and North East Somerset
Bradford
Cornwall
Cumbria
Doncaster
Gateshead
Leeds
Nottingham
Plymouth
Suffolk
Staffordshire
The pilots, a commitment in the government’s Gear Change plan published in 2020, aim to evaluate the impact of cycling and walking on an individual’s health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication due to more physical activity. For the first time, transport, active travel and health officials will work together towards a whole systems approach to health improvement and tackling health disparities.
Walking and Cycling Minister, Trudy Harrison, said: ”Walking and cycling has so many benefits – from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets.
“It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS.”
National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: “As a nation we need healthier, cheaper and more pleasant ways to get around for everyday trips. Active Travel England’s mission is to ensure millions of people nationwide can do just that – so it’s easier to leave the car at home and to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
“Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings. This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England.”
The pilots will be delivered between 2022 and 2025 with on-going monitoring and evaluation to support continued learning.
The project is bringing together a range of government departments and agencies including:
