Voices of people with dementia, their families and carers to shape new strategy
People with dementia and their carers will be at the forefront of improving the help and support they receive as a ‘National Conversation’ is launched on the condition.
This will be the first step towards a new dementia strategy. People living with dementia, their families and carers will be given the opportunity to spell out what is important to them, what needs to change, and how to build on the first dementia strategy in 2010.
This National Conversation will include a series of online and in-person discussions to make it as easy as possible to contribute. The responses will feed into a new strategy – driven by the National Dementia Lived Experience Panel – which will provide tangible ways to improve the lives of those living with the condition.
This builds on existing work on dementia. Last year the Scottish Government provided an additional £3.5 million over two years to strengthen the support given people with dementia and their families after a diagnosis. This funding is on top of an estimated £2.2 billion spent on dementia by local delivery partners annually.
Minister for Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “Scotland has a track record in supporting people living with dementia, as shown by our world leading commitment to provide immediate support in the first year after people receive a dementia diagnosis.
“If we are to improve that record further, we need to put people and carers at the vanguard of our policy work – helping us develop a new story together that improves the understanding of dementia and allows more people to live well with it.”
Responses will be open until Monday 5 December. The Scottish Government will work with the Lived Experience Panel to develop responses into a fully-formed, outcomes-focused Strategy. This will be published by April 2023.
A UK-based consortium has been awarded £2.2 million funding to prepare a space debris mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The UK Space Agency has provided the multi-million pound backing to a mission led by innovative start-up, ClearSpace, to retrieve two derelict satellites at an altitude of 700km.
Known as Clearing the LEO Environment with Active Removal (CLEAR), the mission will be a crucial landmark in positioning the UK as an emerging world leader in space sustainability.
The consortium also includes the backing of strategic space communications specialists, AstroAgency, to provide messaging and awareness-raising for the flagship mission for the UK’s burgeoning space sector as the project enters the next phase in technical adequacy.
The Edinburgh-headquartered firm has worked with over forty global space clients to date, including some of the biggest names in commercial space and a host of government agencies, with the CLEAR mission the latest in a list of sustainability focused initiatives for space.
Earlier this month, the firm unveiled the world’s first Sustainable Space Roadmap, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise, setting out work packages for space stakeholders across industry and academia to collaborate around, with a common aim of developing a more environmentally conscious space sector both on the ground and in orbit.
Rory Holmes, ClearSpace UK Managing Director said: “Space is getting more and more congested with defunct satellites, rocket bodies and other fragments – we have to act now to ensure this precious environment remains usable for future generations.
“With the UK Space Agency’s leadership, the UK is now at the forefront of developing the missions and technologies needed to address the challenge of space debris.
“We are excited to start working with Astroagency to raise awareness of the issue of space debris and to highlight the world-leading activities that are being performed in the UK to address it.”
The two disused UK-owned satellites that will be removed from orbit, inactive for more than a decade, have the potential to remain in the most congested part of space – low Earth orbit – for up to 100 years before atmospheric drag would eventually cause the objects to naturally re-enter the atmosphere and burn up.
The danger is that with thousands of satellites to be launched and astronauts inside the International Space Station, leaving old satellites and broken fragments of debris orbiting the planet could have disastrous consequences due to the potential for a collision.
The CLEAR mission aims to provide a crucial step towards protecting the space-based infrastructure such as transport, financial, weather and climate change monitoring systems from rogue debris in one of the most sought-after regions of the Earth’s orbit due to its ideal proximity to our planet.
The UK Space Agency commissioned a study by the ClearSpace-led consortium last October into how a retrieval mission could be carried out, evaluating a number of scenarios and identifying the requirements and resources needed to achieve success.
The preliminary phase was completed in March 2022, and the newly awarded funding will power a detailed design phase which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “As our reliance on space technologies increases rapidly and the UK becomes a global hub of satellite design, manufacturing and launch, we are committed to leading efforts to make space more sustainable.
“With 1,700 satellites launched last year alone, the need to safeguard the space environment for the benefit of everyone on Earth has never been more pressing.
“By catalysing investment, backing innovative new technologies and supporting a national mission to remove space debris, we can keep space open for future generations and protect the important satellite services that modern life depends on.”
Daniel Smith, Founder of AstroAgency, said: “As a UK headquartered company with a passion and track record for promoting the importance of a more environmentally conscious approach to commercial space activity, we couldn’t be more proud to be part of the CLEAR mission consortium.
“Like so many of our public and private sector clients, AstroAgency is committed to a more sustainable space sector both on Earth and in orbit, and CLEAR’s contribution to clearing space debris and safeguarding operational satellites – that provide so many services we use every day often without realising it – is a vital step towards this goal.”
The CLEAR mission will act as a cornerstone for UK companies aspiring to be at the forefront of the emerging in-orbit services market which is forecasted to reach $14.3 billion in cumulative revenue by 2031. It comes after the UK announced last month its Plan for Space Sustainability to mark out the UK as a front-runner in the emerging sector.
The projects will directly support the creation of 20 new jobs, with further opportunities to increase growth in the wider UK space sector, which already supports 47,000 jobs and generates an income of £16.5 billion each year.
AstroAgency provides space sector organisations and those considering entering the lucrative and fast-growing commercial space market with a unique combination of strategic marketing support, business development, brand building techniques, media coverage, detailed technical knowledge and all-important sector intelligence.
The firm’s impressive client list includes the likes of the UK Space Agency, Australian Government, Scottish Government and local council authorities in Ayrshire, Cornwall, Caithness, Norfolk and Suffolk, along with a growing number of private space companies across the globe working in satellite manufacture, launch and Earth observation data analysis.
The company is comprised of international space specialists who work across the space value chain from satellite manufacture and launch to downstream data analysis. Its international team are all remote based and boast a presence in Edinburgh, London, Cardiff, Milan, Amsterdam and Toulouse.
Free Meals on Wheels provided by LifeCare Edinburgh are available for people aged 50 and over, with health and/or support needs, living in North Edinburgh/Leith who are eligible for Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
Pupils around the globe will celebrate International Walk to School Month this October.
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking is urging UK families to join in and enjoy the benefits of safer streets and being active.
Data released by the Department for Transport this week revealed that car usage and road casualties in Great Britain started to increase again in 2021, the year that lockdown ended.
Members of the public are being asked to share their #WalkToSchoolStories to celebrate the benefits that come from walking to school.
Living Streets, the UK charity behind the biggest walk to school campaign is encouraging families to leave the car at home for International Walk to School Month this October.
Pupils around the globe will walk to school to celebrate International Walk to School Month and Living Streets is urging UK families to join them.
The results of the Reported road casualties Great Britain data released by the Department for Transport (29 September 2022) show that we drove more in 2021, the year that lockdown ended, than in 2020. At the same time, road casualties started to increase.
Casualty numbers remained lower than the pre-pandemic levels but are higher compared to 2020 when restrictions were tighter and motor traffic usage lower.
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “We all saw the benefits to our health and air quality when we walked more and drove less. Quieter streets are safer, cleaner and healthier streets. Where possible we should avoid a return to the car and instead walk, wheel or cycle our short journeys.
“Making small changes can also help alleviate some of the rising living costs we are all facing, while we reap the health, social and environmental benefits of moving more.”
Living Streets is being supported this year by Dr Ronx, who has joined the charity as the celebrity ambassador for WOW – their walk to school challenge. The children’s television presenter and emergency doctor is joining the charity in encouraging more families to walk to school.
A generation ago, 70 per cent of children in Great Britain walked to school but now it’s dropped to around half.
Dr Ronx said: “October is International Walk to School Month – the perfect opportunity to give walking to school a go. Walking to school is simple, fun and free. More children walking to school means fewer cars around the school gates, better air quality, less congestion and less road danger.
“With notable increases in air pollution, rising childhood inactivity and post-lockdown poor mental health, encouraging children to be more active and ditching school run drives for more sustainable modes of transport is imperative.”
Living Streets is running a prize draw throughout October and encouraging people to share their #WalkToSchoolStories, whether they are walking to school now with children or grandchildren or sharing a childhood memory.
To enter the prize draw and for free walking resources, visit:
Measures to establish consistent standards across the country
A new licensing scheme for short-term let hosts opens today [1 October], aiming to ensure consistent safety standards while reinforcing the positive reputation of Scottish tourism and hospitality.
The licensing scheme was developed in response to concerns raised by residents about the impact of short-term let properties on their local communities. It gives councils flexibility to develop licensing schemes that meet local needs, and sits alongside powers for councils to establish short-term let control areas.
To comply with the licence, hosts will be required to meet a set of mandatory conditions which apply across Scotland, plus any additional conditions set by their council.
Anyone operating as a host before 1 October has until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence and can operate until their application has been determined. New hosts must obtain a licence before accepting bookings and welcoming guests to stay.
A targeted digital marketing campaign to promote the licensing scheme also launches today.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Our new licensing scheme will support responsible operators and give guests the confidence that their short-term let – be it a flat in Edinburgh, a property for a business trip to the Borders, or a cottage in the Highlands – meets the same set of safety standards.
“These new conditions include measures such as displaying an energy performance rating on listings, or securing valid buildings and public liability insurance. We know the vast majority of short-term lets businesses are already following these safety standards as a matter of best practice, and some are already required by existing legislation.
“We know short-term lets make a positive contribution to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies, and these measures will allow them to continue doing just that while ensuring this is balanced with the needs of local residents and communities.
“The deadline for applications from existing hosts is 1 April, and I would urge all hosts and operators to contact your local authority as early as possible to learn how to apply.”
Malcolm Roughead, CEO at VisitScotland, said: “The small accommodation sector is a key contributor to the economy and our high-quality and varied offering is one of the things that makes Scotland such a special destination.
“Through an Industry Advisory Group, we’ve been working closely with representatives from across the sector ahead of introduction of the licensing schemes.
“We’ll continue to give both new and established businesses the right advice to help them through the process of applying for a short-term let licence.”
On Friday 7 October the legendary Museum Lates return with an Anatomy theme inspired by the popular exhibition, Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, at the National Museum of Scotland.
Museum Late: Anatomica
Friday 7 October, 7:30pm–10.30pm National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
#nmslates
On Friday 7 October the crowd-pleasing Museum Lates series return with an Anatomy themed evening event inspired by the critically acclaimed exhibition, Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, at the National Museum of Scotland.
Anatomica will be hosted by comedian, writer and presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s history series, Time Travels, Susan Morrison.
Late-goers will have the rare opportunity to explore the National Museum of Scotland at night and explore the Anatomy exhibition, while the Grand Gallery will showcase dance and acrobatic performances illustrating the amazing ability of the human body.
House of Jack will be performing hip hop and breakdance performances and teaching guests a few moves after. Delighters Circus will engage guests with hula hooping before they bring contortion, a Cyr wheel and a fantastical hula hoop finale.
Host Susan Morrison said: ““I am thrilled to be hosting Museum Lates in October. ‘Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life’ is yet another brilliant exhibition at NMS, and this astounding night celebrating the wonder of the human body will be fantastic.”
Guests will be able to enjoy bite-sized talks with experts in the Auditorium.
The medical historian, anaesthetist and half of writing collaboration, Ambrose Parry; Dr. Marisa Haetzman shares some fascinating facts that inspired their popular historical crime series.
Surgeon’s Hall Human Remains Conservator and former mortician, Cat Irving, will discuss tales from her unusual career and her recent work preserving the skeleton of William Burke. Leading anatomist Dr Jennifer Z Paxton, offers a glimpse into the future of the science.
Favourite features will see the return of a silent disco alongside hands-on anatomical activities as well as life drawing, body painting and temporary tattoos. There will also be pop-up bars and a street food stall.
Tickets for the Museum Late are priced £20 (£18 concessions, £16 National Museums Scotland members and £14 student and Young Scot), and include admission to the exhibition, Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life. Group bookings of 6 are discounted to £16.50 each.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life is sponsored by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney and his counterparts from other devolved governments are seeking an urgent meeting with Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng to discuss immediate actions needed to reverse the damaging effects of the UK Government’s tax proposals.
Mr Swinney and the Finance Ministers from Wales and Northern Ireland are highlighting the profound impact of “the largest set of unfunded tax cuts for the rich in over 50 years” warning that it is “a huge gamble on public finances and the health of our economy”.
In a joint letter to Mr Kwarteng, they warn against being condemned to another decade of austerity and express deep concern over reports that UK Government departments will be asked to make spending cuts to balance the budget, which may have profound consequences for devolved budget settlements already eroded by inflation.
The Ministers also renew calls for the UK Government to provide targeted support for households and businesses, funded through a windfall tax on the energy sector. In addition, they call for Social Security benefits to be increased, and request additional resources for the devolved governments to protect public services and to fund public sector pay settlements.
Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which opened its first refuge in 1973, has unveiled plans for a series of year-long events in 2023 to mark 50 years of providing support for tens of thousands of women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse.
Plans include a competition to design a commemorative artwork to be unveiled at an exhibition in January.
Events planned throughout the year will highlight and pay tribute to those who have provided support for women and their families over the past five decades, with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment.
The aim of the commemorative artwork is to showcase how the charity has evolved over the years, the ongoing support available to help keep victims of domestic abuse safe and forthcoming plans.
In addition to being launched at the 50th anniversary exhibition, the artwork will also feature on the cover of the charity’s printed and digital Impact Report and various other marketing materials, including pull-up banners, leaflets, website and social media. The winning artist will also receive a prize of £500.
Entries can be created in any medium and should be submitted with the entry form available on EWA’s website, www.edinwomensaid.co.uk, by the 1st of November 2022.
Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “2023 is such an important milestone for us, it gives us pause to remember the amazing women who came before us – who fought against the odds to get our first refuge in 1973, who provided support and sanctuary to countless women over the many years and those survivors who went on to their full potential after escaping abuse.
“We’ll also be taking the time to think about ‘what next’ so that we continue to provide innovative and necessary services to women and children in Edinburgh.”
Women and children’s rights campaigner Lydia Okrojhas worked with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Scottish Women’s Aid for over 40 years and recently received an honorary doctorate from Stirling University in recognition of her outstanding work.
Lydia said: “EWA, which has been at forefront of shaping support services, policy responses and legislation in the city, which has been informed by the women they have supported, have so much to be proud of as they reach their 50th anniversary.
“Although awareness of domestic abuse has come a long way since 1973, when EWA began to provide refuge and support to ‘battered wives’, the need for the charity to continue supporting women, children and young people remains the same today as it did then, which is why it is important to highlight this milestone.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many committed women over the past four decades and to have played a part in supporting survivors of domestic abuse and also to be involved in so many significant changes in legislation over the years, which will be showcased in some of the events planned throughout 2023.”
Measures to establish consistent standards across the country
A new licensing scheme for short-term let hosts opened yesterday, aiming to ensure consistent safety standards while reinforcing the positive reputation of Scottish tourism and hospitality.
The licensing scheme was developed in response to concerns raised by residents about the impact of short-term let properties on their local communities. It gives councils flexibility to develop licensing schemes that meet local needs, and sits alongside powers for councils to establish short-term let control areas.
To comply with the licence, hosts will be required to meet a set of mandatory conditions which apply across Scotland, plus any additional conditions set by their council.
Anyone operating as a host before 1 October has until 1 April 2023 to apply for a licence and can operate until their application has been determined. New hosts must obtain a licence before accepting bookings and welcoming guests to stay.
A targeted digital marketing campaign to promote the licensing scheme also launches today.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Our new licensing scheme will support responsible operators and give guests the confidence that their short-term let – be it a flat in Edinburgh, a property for a business trip to the Borders, or a cottage in the Highlands – meets the same set of safety standards.
“These new conditions include measures such as displaying an energy performance rating on listings, or securing valid buildings and public liability insurance. We know the vast majority of short-term lets businesses are already following these safety standards as a matter of best practice, and some are already required by existing legislation.
“We know short-term lets make a positive contribution to Scotland’s tourism industry and local economies, and these measures will allow them to continue doing just that while ensuring this is balanced with the needs of local residents and communities.
“The deadline for applications from existing hosts is 1 April, and I would urge all hosts and operators to contact your local authority as early as possible to learn how to apply.”
Malcolm Roughead, CEO at VisitScotland, said: “The small accommodation sector is a key contributor to the economy and our high-quality and varied offering is one of the things that makes Scotland such a special destination.
“Through an Industry Advisory Group, we’ve been working closely with representatives from across the sector ahead of introduction of the licensing schemes.
“We’ll continue to give both new and established businesses the right advice to help them through the process of applying for a short-term let licence.”
The charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police to highlight how criminal ‘County Lines’ gangs target young people and exploit them to carry cash, drugs and weapons.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of County Lines, which is when criminals expand their drug networks to Scottish cities and towns, bringing serious criminal behaviour such as violence, exploitation and abuse.
The term County Lines refers to the use of a single telephone number to order illegal drugs, operated from outside the local area.
This is having a massive impact on Scotland’s towns and cities and also on vulnerable young people and adults who are being exploited. Young people often transport cash and drugs all over the country, so that the criminals behind them can remain detached and are less likely to be caught.
Many travel by public transport, which is why Network Rail has pledged their support by raising awareness of the problem and are encouraging staff and passengers to become familiar with the signs of exploitation.
The gangs often set up a base in a rural area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person by ‘cuckooing’ and use adults and children to act as drug runners.
Law enforcement across the UK, including here in Scotland, has made significant arrests of people involved in this type of activity. Many vulnerable adults and children who have been coerced into these activities have been safeguarded.
The campaign, supported by Network Rail, will use a series of `spot the signs’ posters, postcards and social media tools to help raise awareness of the issue across Scotland.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager for the independent charity Crimestoppers, said: “County Lines isn’t necessarily a term people are familiar with, but as a charity it’s important we raise awareness of this issue and help tackle it.
“Gangs coming into our communities here in Scotland, are not welcome. We want to ensure that if they do decide to set-up their operation here, that your information can help get them removed and keep our communities safe.
“When you contact us, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.
“If you have any information about people who have recently moved into Scottish communities to sell drugs, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Minister for Community Safety Ash Regan said:“I welcome today’s launch of this important campaign. Raising awareness of the threats posed by County Lines gangs is a key element in tackling organised crime and reducing the harm it causes to our communities.
“The Scottish Government, along with partners on Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, is committed to continuing to bring to justice those who supply illegal drugs and cause untold harm to some of our most vulnerable individuals and communities.
“I would like to thank Crimestoppers and our other partner agencies for their determined efforts to take illegal substances off Scotland’s streets and to dismantle the groups responsible.”
Allan Brooking, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Network Rail said:‘Network Rail is delighted to be supporting Crimestoppers’ County Lines campaign. Our Company plays a vital role in connecting people across Scotland, so it’s hugely important to us to help safeguard young people at risk of, or being exploited by, criminals.
“Our partners at BTP and staff across the organisation have been equipped with information on what to look out for and we will be sharing the campaign at stations and with passengers.’
Detective Superintendent Garry Mitchell of Police Scotland: ““Police Scotland officers work hard to keep our communities safe and make the country a hostile environment for organised criminals to operate.
“Exploiting the most vulnerable people, including children, is the approach of those who operate County Lines. They intimidate, coerce, threaten and use violence to groom young people and force them to transport, store and sell drugs for their own nefarious benefit.
“We will continue to work in partnership with Crimestoppers, Network Rail and British Transport Police to safeguard individuals who are recognised as being at risk and are grateful for their support.
“If you have information about anyone involved in County Lines, and importantly anyone who may be at risk, please get in touch with police or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce lead, said:“County lines gangs target young and vulnerable members of society and exploit them to run harmful drugs between locations, which can be hundreds of miles apart.
“As a force we are dedicated to identifying and safeguarding those exploited in this crime type to pull them out of harm’s way and away from a life of crime. Our specialist teams are working across the railway network in Scotland, and the entirety of the UK, every day to make it a hostile environment for drug suppliers to operate.
“Successfully combatting this offending requires a collaborative approach, not only with our policing colleagues but with the rail industry and the third sector. Crimestoppers’ anonymous reporting service is integral in this work as it provides us with crucial information we use to target and apprehend county lines gangs.”
