Month: August 2022

NHS Lothian encourages parents to get children vaccinated against flu 

NHS Lothian is encouraging parents and carers to help keep children healthy over the school terms this winter by getting them vaccinated against flu. All primary and secondary school pupils are eligible for the vaccine, which is given in schools as a painless nasal spray.

Getting children vaccinated against flu reduces the chances of them missing class time and other activities due to illness and helps prevent them passing the illness to vulnerable family members.

Consent packs containing a letter, leaflet and consent form will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school in August. Secondary pupils can self-consent, though they are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first.

Letters with appointment details for children aged two to five years who are not yet at school will begin to arrive at homes from September.

Parents and carers should call the number on their child’s letter if their child has missed their appointment or needs to reschedule.

The nasal spray is a quick and painless way of delivering the flu vaccine to children and should start to provide protection within 10-14 days.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for NHS Lothian who is overseeing this year’s programme, said: “Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child and those around them. The flu virus changes over time so your child needs to get the vaccine each year to help stay protected.

“Please look out for your child’s consent pack, which they will receive through school from August, and ensure that their completed consent form is returned on time if you wish them to receive the vaccine.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Schools are back but we want to keep flu out, which is why all primary and secondary school children are being offered the free flu vaccine.

“Flu can be serious, even for healthy children, so the vaccine offers the best possible protection for your child and those around them who may be more vulnerable to flu. Getting your child vaccinated can help prevent them getting sick, from spreading flu, and requiring time off school and away from other activities.”

School children will receive the flu vaccine in school between September and December. Parents of two to five-year-olds who are not yet at school will be given information about where their child will be vaccinated in their appointment letter. In a small number of cases, the nasal spray may not be suitable, and the vaccine can be given as an injection in the arm instead.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit NHS Inform or call 0800 030 8013.

Winter Vaccines

Scotland’s Winter Vaccine Programme will see eligible groups invited forward for vaccination against flu and/or COVID-19.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the following groups will be offered both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year:

• aged 50 or over
• residents and staff working in a care home for older adults
• younger adults in long stay nursing and residential care settings
• frontline health and social care workers
• Those aged 5 to 49 years with an eligible health condition, including those with poorly controlled asthma
• Those aged 5 to 49 years who are:
– a household contact of someone with a weakened immune system
– an unpaid carer or a young carer (16 years or over)
– pregnant

The flu vaccine is also recommended for:

• people aged 16 to 49 years with an eligible health condition, including well controlled asthma
• children aged 6 months to 2 years with an eligible health condition
• all children aged 2 to 5 years (not yet at school)
• all primary and secondary school pupils
• nursery, primary and secondary school teachers and pupil-facing support workers in local authority and independent settings
• prison population and prison officers and support workers who deliver direct front-facing detention services.

Appointments for priority groups will be made available as the programme progresses – people in those groups should wait until they are contacted or called forward. Read the latest update from the Scottish Government here.

Fringe 2022: The Azure Sky in Oz, Yellow and Special

New York City’s Amanda Ladd stars in the European premiere of The Azure Sky In Oz, Yellow & Special, 2 alternating true-life theatre solo-shows written by Eugene O’Neill award winning playwright William Leavengood.

This show as developed at New Circle Theatre Company in NYC.

The Azure Sky in Oz, Yellow is about Michelle Feulner-Castro, a visual artist & mother to a profoundly autistic son.

The Azure Sky in Oz, Special is about Mary Tilford, a Special-Ed teacher who does The Wizard of Oz with her intellectually disabled students.

Both shows shine a light on & give hope in an often invisible population. Not just the neurodivergent, but the people who love, mother, care, & teach them.

This two pieces are meant to be seen together but they stand on their own as independent pieces of theatre. See one, or better see both! I have a morning performance & an evening performance so audiences can see both shows in one day.

You can see THE AZURE SKY IN OZ in 3 venues. Here are the dates & times:

The Azure Sky in Oz, Yellow
17,19, 21, 26, 28 Aug 6:30pm at The Street bar (venue 239)
23 Aug 8pm at The OmniCentre Stage 4 (venue 608)
18, 22, 25, 27 Aug 11:35am at The OmniCentre Stage 5 (venue 608)

The Azure Sky in Oz, Special
18, 22, 25, 27 Aug 6:30pm at The Street bar (venue 239)
19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28 Aug 11:35am at The OmniCentre Stage 5 (venue 608)

Here is our listing on the Fringe site:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22The%20Azure%20Sky%20in%20Oz%2C%20Yellow%20and%20Special%20%E2%80%93%20Free%22

SPECIAL had a lovely review from The Scotsman: “There’s a level of professionalism to Ladd’s performance here that’s rare on the Free Fringe. Her voice has the clarity of a bell and her folksy mannerisms and expressions feel authentic.”

View the full review here: here: https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/edinburgh-festival-fringe-dance-and-theatre-reviews-le-pain-with-the-devils-assistance-the-azure-in-oz-special-second-summer-of-love-helter-skelter-3809846

Watch this teaser of SPECIAL that I put together from the first week of the run here at the Fringe: https://youtu.be/4yT63BQ8xYc

Fringe 2022: An Idiom’s Guide to the Galaxy

Son and father-in-law, Dave and Pretty Good Nick, invite you to jump on their absurdist bandwagon to explore the world of idioms in An Idiom’s Guide to the Galaxy. A fast-paced, fact-filled show that’s as funny as a barrel of monkeys. 

An Idiom’s Guide to the Galaxy is one of Captain Breadbeard Productions new shows. It will be attempting to cut the mustard for the first time this year, as it is the world premiere of this show.

This competitive comedy sketch show is full of facts that will race through your mind and the theatre. Unlike their other production at Fringe, this gluten free offering from Captain Breadbeard is aimed at an older audience of fourteen and over. 

This fast-paced, absurd sketch comedy show is full of music, audience participation, game shows, such as An Idiom Abroad and Has it Got a Sock in it?! An Idiom’s Guide to the Galaxy also provides an education look at many everyday sayings and phrases. QI meets Shooting Stars meets Mighty Boosh. 

There are over 25,000 idioms in the English language alone. Join Dave and Nick as they explore what water off a duck’s back really tastes like and find out who is freezing the balls off a brass monkey. Suitable for village idioms, American idioms and idioms abroad. 

Dave Watt is the founder of Captain Breadbeard Productions. The co-directors and performers, Dave Watt and Nick Surridge, are a son and father-in-law duo whose story is just as tantalising as their show.

The original idea for Captain Breadbeard Productions and the subsequent shows blossomed at a networking event in Croatia. Dave was approached by a woman who explained she had been trying to locate him, but did not know what he looked like. Someone told the woman he was ‘the man with bread on his face,’ although he had a standard hairy beard at the time with not a crumb in sight.

The conversation inspired Dave so much that he collaborated with his father-in-law to create the production company and baked his way into a legacy. 

The company also perform Captain Breadbeard’s Bready Brilliant Comedy Cookbook at C aquila during the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. 

Previous reviews for Captain Breadbeard Productions: 

‘Brave, childishly satisfying… silly comedy at its best’ Audience Review, Brighton Fringe 

‘A wonderfully funny and playful hour of entertainment that will make you laugh your socks off’ �������� Page on Stage 

www.CaptainBreadbeard.com 

Listings Information 

C ARTS | C venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe | C aquila, Roman Eagle Lodge, 2 Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW, venue 21, 3-28 Aug at 21:00 (1hr00) Tickets £8-£10 Comedy (New writing, Sketch show, Drama, Absurdist, Theatre) (recommended for ages 14+) 

C ARTS box office +44 (0)131 581 5555 / res.CtheArts.com/event/34:3709 

Fringe box office +44 (0)131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com 

Healthy Heart Tip: Sandwich Month

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Sandwich Month

August is officially sandwich month! The first sandwich became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and has been a staple part of our diets ever since.

Whether you’re grabbing an egg sandwich for breakfast or a turkey BLT at lunch, sandwiches are convenient, quick, and easy. Here we share some ideas to make your sandwiches healthier.

Choose nutritious wholegrains

Your basic sandwich is generally made with bread, on a roll or in a wrap. If you’re going to choose one of these items, boost the nutrition of your sandwich by choosing whole grains. Whole grains are a more nutrient-dense, less processed, and healthier option compared to refined grains (like white bread).

Healthy filling

Add a healthy sandwich meat or other lean protein. Freshly-cooked lean meats such as roasted turkey or chicken breast, canned salmon or tuna, or for vegetarian options; eggs, nut butter, tofu, smashed cooked beans and reduced-fat cheese are good healthy options. Additionally try using low-fat butter or a vegetable spread if you normally use full-fat butter.

Add in some colour

An easy way to make any sandwich or wrap a bit healthier is by adding vegetables as they can add a whole host of benefits to your meal. Veggies add nutrients, freshness, and flavour. Any mix of roasted veggies, fresh tomatoes, fresh greens (the darker, the better), sliced red onion, sliced cucumbers, and sliced peppers are all good choices.

Give these healthy sandwich tips a try and get creative!

Serve with a piece of fruit and a high-protein snack as a side, and you’ll score a lot of nutrition and satisfaction all at once.

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/.

Fringe 2022: How To Be A Better Human at Summerhall

‘Some Hedgehogs are Absolute Dickheads’

What does a 70-year-old man pulling dead rats out of gutters have to do with becoming a better human? Chris Singleton has the answer in his spoken word comedy show ‘How to be a Better Human’ at Summerhall this month.

“I lost my dad to bowel cancer in 2019,” says Chris. “And a few months later my wife left me.  So I did what anyone would do, and wrote a comedy about it.”

‘How to Be a Better Human’ is a spoken word comedy about grief, loss and self-acceptance. Set up as a Ted Talk, it features powerpoint comedy, animation and original music.

“I wanted to explore the lightness and humour in death and divorce,” continues Chris. “How we can lose everything and still find the strength to rebuild. How it helped me become better at empathising, connecting and understanding.”

His debut show has received glowing reviews on tour across the North, with many comments about how the show shifts between laughter and sadness.

“Death is something we’re all going to experience – that’s one thing we can be absolutely sure of. So why don’t we talk about it more? I’m hoping this show will spark conversation and understanding around the subjects of death and grief.”

To find out how growing a beard can be the best decision of your life, and why some hedgehogs are absolute dickheads, catch How to be a Better Human this month.

How to be a Better Human is on every day at 6pm until Saturday 28th August (excluding Monday 15th & Monday 22nd)

Summerhall, Red Lecture Theatre

Self-driving revolution ‘to boost economy and improve road safety’

New plan for self-driving vehicles plus a consultation on a safety ambition

  • government unveils plan to rollout self-driving vehicles on UK roads, sparking a transport revolution to improve road safety and better connect communities
  • estimated 38,000 new jobs could be created in the UK from predicted £42 billion industry
  • backed by £100 million to support industry investment and fund research on safety developments

UK roads could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025 thanks to new government plans – backed by £100 million – which prioritise safety through new laws and create thousands of new jobs in the industry.

Some vehicles, including cars, coaches and lorries, with self-driving features could be operating on motorways in the next year, and today’s (19 August 2022) plans set out new legislation which will allow for the safe wider rollout of self-driving vehicles by 2025. This enables the UK to take full advantage of the emerging market of self-driving vehicles – which could create up to 38,000 jobs and could be worth an estimated £42 billion.

The government’s vision for self-driving vehicles is backed by a total of £100 million, with £34 million confirmed today for research to support safety developments and inform more detailed legislation. This could include researching the performance of self-driving cars in poor weather conditions and how they interact with pedestrians, other vehicles, and cyclists.

The government is also today confirming £20 million, as part of the overall £100 million, to help kick-start commercial self-driving services and enable businesses to grow and create jobs in the UK, following an existing £40 million investment.

Successful projects could help see, for example, groceries delivered to customers by self-driving vehicles, or shuttle pods assisting passengers when moving through airports. £6 million will also be used for further market research and to support commercialisation of the technology.

Self-driving vehicles could revolutionise public transport and passenger travel, especially for those who don’t drive, better connect rural communities and reduce road collisions caused by human error. Further in the future, they could, for example, provide tailored on-demand links from rural towns and villages to existing public transport options nearby. They could also provide more direct and timely services that enable people to better access vital services such as schools and medical appointments.

Vehicles that can drive themselves on motorways could be available to purchase within the next year, which users would need a valid driving licence for, so they can drive on other roads. Other self-driving vehicles, for example used for public transport or delivery, expected on the roads by 2025, would not need anyone onboard with a driving licence because they would be able to drive themselves for the whole journey.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The benefits of self-driving vehicles have the potential to be huge. Not only can they improve people’s access to education and other vital services, but the industry itself can create tens of thousands of job opportunities throughout the country.

“Most importantly, they’re expected to make our roads safer by reducing the dangers of driver error in road collisions.

“We want the UK to be at the forefront of developing and using this fantastic technology, and that is why we are investing millions in vital research into safety and setting the legislation to ensure we gain the full benefits that this technology promises.”

The government is today consulting on a ‘safety ambition’ for self-driving vehicles to be as safe as a competent and careful human driver. This ambition would inform standards that vehicles need to meet to be allowed to ‘self-drive’ on the roads, and organisations, such as manufacturers, could face sanctions if standards are not met.

The new laws for the safe rollout of self-driving vehicles by 2025 will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows.

The legislation will build on existing laws, and state that manufacturers are responsible for the vehicle’s actions when self-driving, meaning a human driver would not be liable for incidents related to driving while the vehicle is in control of driving.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Self-driving vehicles have the potential to revolutionise people’s lives, particularly by helping those who have mobility issues or rely on public transport to access the jobs, local shops and vital services we all depend on.

“This funding will help unlock the incredible potential of this industry, attracting investment, developing the UK’s growing self-driving vehicle supply chain, and supporting high-skill jobs as these new means of transport are rolled out.”

AA president, Edmund King, said: “The automotive world is changing rapidly and so the government is right to embrace the positive changes offered by this new technology and back it by funding research and putting forward legislation. Assisted driving systems, for example, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, are already helping millions of drivers stay safe on the roads.

“It is still quite a big leap from assisted driving, where the driver is still in control, to self-driving, where the car takes control. It is important that the government does study how these vehicles would interact with other road users on different roads and changing weather conditions. However the ultimate prize, in terms of saving thousands of lives and improving the mobility of the elderly and the less mobile, is well worth pursuing.”

Today also sees the publication of the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s (CDEI) Responsible Innovation in Self-Driving Vehicles report, which sets out proposals for a trustworthy approach to the regulation and governance of self-driving vehicles.

Hot summer weather results in 50 drowning fatalities in UK

The UK has so far seen a summer filled with heatwaves and extremely warm days. This has resulted in many people heading to the various waterways in an attempt to cool off, however, what may seem like a fun-filled day by the water has often turned to tragedy for many families.

Latest figures from The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), show that from June 2022 up until 16th August 2022, there have been 50 fatalities recorded where accidental drowning is suspected in the UK. 

RLSS UK and RoSPA also announced that tragically the figure is likely to be much higher, but these incidents cannot be confirmed as suspected accidental drownings at this time due to ongoing investigations. 

The UK saw 13 fatalities in June, 27 in July, and 10 in August (up until 16th August) and sadly there are reports of even more drownings every day, both here in the UK and with families holidaying abroad. With more warm weather predicted again this weekend RLSS UK says it is crucial that families understand that there are risks associated with the water. 

Statistics from RLSS UK show that around two thirds of children who drown are cited as swimmers, with the charity stating that it is extremely important for people to recognise that their swimming abilities in a swimming pool are unlikely to transfer to the cold open water.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “It is extremely sad and concerning that we are currently seeing such a high number of drownings occurring in the UK.

“We understand that people may want to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the various waterways that we are lucky to have here, but we would urge everyone to ensure they have the right knowledge around water safety and follow some simple safety tips if they are heading to the water. 

“Many people underestimate the dangers surrounding open water from cold water shock, to potential obstacles under the surface, as well as strong currents.

If you and your family are planning on heading to the water, we would encourage you to follow some simple tips:

  • You first educate yourself and the risk of open water, understand how to self-rescue and to avoid danger
  • Find a lifeguarded swimming site
  • It’s colder than it looks so go in slowly rather than jumping straight in
  • Don’t go too far, always stay close to the edge or the shore
  • If you find yourself in a rip current resist the urge to fight against it as you will tire easily, swim with the current and call for help
  • Always bring a friend so if anything does go wrong, you have someone to help you.

Lee added: “We know that accidental drowning is avoidable; we do not want to see any more families experience a loss of a loved one in these awful circumstances, and following RLSS UK’s water safety advice will help to reduce the number of drownings and ensure everyone can enjoy water safely.”

If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, the advice from RLSS UK is Float to Live, lie on your back, spread your arms and legs and call for help.

If you see someone else in the water the charity advises you not to enter the water to rescue, call 999 and encourage the person in the water to float on their back.

Visit www.rlss.org.uk for free summer water safety tips and advice.

Relaxing planning rules for electric vehicle charging points could spell disaster for walkers

Proposals to permit more electric vehicle charging points could pave way for problems for pedestrians, according to Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking.

Proposals to permit more electric vehicle charging points could pave way for problems for pedestrians, according to Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking.

The charity is concerned about a consultation from the Scottish Government designed to accelerate the roll out of electric vehicle (EV) chargers by removing some existing planning safeguards.

Currently, electric chargers usually don’t have Permitted Development Rights[1], therefore planning permission is usually required. But new permitted development rights could be made available to councils and private charging companies as part of the biggest change to Scotland’s streets in a generation.

Living Streets believe that planning permission is an important safeguard ensuring footways space isn’t lost in housing developments, especially avoiding the creation of pinch points below a 1.5 metre clearance. This is the acknowledged minimum for comfortable passage of a wheelchair or person being assisted by a guide dog.

The charity believes more extensive work with disabled people is required to determine the true impacts of the changes. Living Streets Scotland, together with RNIB Scotland, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, Guide Dogs Scotland, and Disability Equality Scotland, argues that all charging equipment must be on the road and not cluttering pavements.

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: “Footways cluttered with EV charging points and trailing cables present serious problems for people with wheelchairs, buggies or guide dogs, preventing them from getting around easily and safely. Attention to detail is critical, and in almost all cases pavements aren’t suitable for electric chargers.”

“The impact the proposed changes will have on disabled people is greatly underplayed in the consultation. Further engagement is needed, which must be accessible, including the use of non-technical language appropriate to the public.”

“Cluttered pavements also impact on everyone’s desire to walk their short journeys instead of driving them. If we want to encourage cleaner, sustainable ways to travel then we need streets that are walkable.”

Craig Spalding, CEO of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We’re fully behind initiatives to bring about positive environmental impacts, but it’s important these are balanced with access to community spaces.

“We’re concerned that the rapid rollout of e-chargers without sufficient planning procedures could see charging points appear in places that cause accessibility issues and obstacles for people with sight loss.”

Niall Foley, External Affairs Manager, Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “While we welcome measures to reduce our carbon footprint, EV charging points can prove a hazardous obstruction for people with sight loss if they are not installed with care. It’s important to have consistent guidance and standards to ensure that EV charging points are not barriers to pavement users.”

“Research released by Living Streets in July 2022, found that over one in four Scottish people (28%) would walk more if their streets were clutter free. The option of reducing planning controls therefore flies in the face of government policy which is trying to create better infrastructure to get people walking.”

The full response from Living Streets Scotland to the Transport Scotland consultation can be viewed here.  

Local Government strikes: COSLA tables improved offer

Local government umbrella organisation Cosla has tabled an improved offer in a bid to end planned industrial action bu council workers.

COSLA Resources spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said yesterday: “Following Leader’s Special meeting today they have mandated me to move forward with our trade union partners on the basis ofan offer that raises the overall value to 5% and in addition raises the Scottish Local Government Living Wage to £10.50.

“In doing so, Leaders have reaffirmed the need for a discussion with Scottish Government on how they can support Councils by providing flexibilities and long term funding support.

“This will limit the risk to public services and the impact on communities”.

Local Government trade unions will now take the improved offer to their members, but with inflation currently running at 10.1% it’s far from certain that the offer will be enough to end the ongoing strike here in Edinburgh and industrial action set to take place across Scotland next week.

The Bank of England has warned that inflation will exceed 11% this year and could go even higher.

Strike action began in Edinburgh on Thursday when GMB Scotland and Unite the union members employed by The City of Edinburgh Council took the first of 11 days of strike action.

A GMB spokesperson said: “Waste will pile up during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We make no apologies for this. Political leaders are to blame, and if they want to stop these strikes then our members need a pay offer that confronts this cost-of-living crisis.

“Our members won’t accept working poverty as an inevitability. They’re standing together and fighting for the pay rise they deserve.”