03/10/2022 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Healthy Tip: Mental Wellbeing for Women

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Mental Wellbeing for Women

In the UK around one in five women have a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety. Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health.

These are a few things you can do to keep your mental wellbeing in check and reduce the risk of developing heart disease:

Reducing stress at work

Evidence suggests that young women with stressful jobs could be at higher risk of heart disease, so why not do a few stretches to get your blood circulating. Getting the heart beating by using the stairs or walking part of the way to and from work will help you stretch your legs and refresh your thoughts. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed at work especially when we have lots to do. Try taking 10 minutes at the beginning of your day to plan the tasks you will complete, and focus only on those tasks.

Cut down on alcohol

Alcohol acts as a depressant and can have a negative impact on your mental health as well increasing your risk of heart disease. Try cutting down on alcohol by swapping to drinks with a lower alcohol content or having a 0% alcohol beer or cider. By picking a healthier drink you can still get all the benefits of socialising with friends at the local pub but without the negatives of alcohol.

Get some alone time

Not spending any time alone is one of the main factors affecting women’s mental health and wellbeing. It can be so important for you to find this time so you can let down your guard, relieve any tension and problem solve without any interruptions. Setting up a routine to wake up an hour before the rest of your home is a great idea. If this isn’t possible try going on a daily walk by yourself. You will get exercise and the alone time you need to reflect.

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/.

Surgeons Quarter celebrates return of business events

Bookings surge results in venue close to matching pre-pandemic levels

ONE of Scotland’s top conference and events businesses is dispelling concerns that the industry would never return to pre-pandemic levels as it reveals a major surge in bookings.

City-centre venue Surgeons Quarter, which promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) campus, has revealed that conference and events bookings made during the six months from April to September 2022 were close to exceeding the organisation’s record-breaking year in 2019.

With still 91 confirmed events and a further 79 internal college bookings to take place in the final quarter of the year alone.

That success is being mirrored in occupancy rates at its 129-room Ten Hill Place, which is sitting at over 98% for September and over 84% for October with encouraging figures recorded for the remainder of the year and into 2023.

Scott Mitchell is Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, which puts profits back into the historic college, to support RCSEd’s aims of advancing surgical care and improving patient outcomes worldwide.

He said: “Business events are central to the local and national economy – and we want to do all we can to drive that inward investment.

“We’re delighted to get back to these numbers of visitors and it’s encouraging to see such a strong picture for the rest of the year. However, with an ever-changing landscape we are mindful of ongoing industry challenges.

“During the pandemic, it was worrying to think we may never return to in-person events at this level – which would have been a massive blow to the industry and delegates as there is only so much that can be transferred to a virtual setting. Thankfully, that hasn’t been the case and we’re back playing host to events from all across the world.

“Our venue offers bespoke set ups across sectors and specialities as required – with our teams able to accommodate and cater to hundreds of people at one time.

“The team go above and beyond for delegates and guests – it’s their dedication that sets us apart in Edinburgh and we’re exceptionally proud of their achievements during such a busy period.”

The strong performance and forecasts follow on from a successful August, with the venue hosting more than 160 Festival Fringe performances across 10 spaces – including a new venue adding a further 55 seats – resulting in thousands of fringe-goers being welcomed to the Surgeons Quarter campus throughout the month.

Surgeons Quarter has also invested in its 178-strong team with a selection of certified courses and training offered as multiskilling has been a key aspiration in response to growing demand.

Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh [RCSEd] promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd Campus with profits supporting the charitable aims of the College: education, assessment and advancement of surgical standards worldwide.

For more information on events, conferences and meeting space at Surgeons Quarter visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/conferences-meetings/

Choudhury: Justice and fairness for all

Responding to the report by the Institute of Race Relations “Citizenship: From Right to Privilege”, which finds that British Muslims have had their citizenship reduced to “second-class” status, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “I want to ensure all minority communities that I will continue my lifelong fight for freedom, justice and equality for all.

“As the report suggests, some groups are targeted more than others due to a mixture of unconscious biases and racist stereotypes and views within our institutions.

“We have seen through the Windrush scandal and the increasing use of the power to revoke citizenship from Muslims that minorities now cannot rely on British citizenship to guarantee their rights, and that the value of British citizenship is not equal for everyone.

“No one should be made to feel any less welcome in our society because of the colour of their skin, their culture or their religion, and every British citizen should be treated the same way. Unfortunately, this does not always happen and will always be a work in progress until every aspect of our society and institutions decolonise their mindsets and their practices.

“When the Home Office says they “make no apology for doing whatever is necessary to protect the UK from those who pose a threat to our security”, this is fine to the extent that it applies equally to every culture, race and religion living in the UK.

“Any security measures must also apply to, for example, the forces of the far-right, who have in recent years conspired to plot the murder of a sitting Member of Parliament and are responsible for almost two fifths of plots foiled by the security services. We do not, however, see their citizenship being in any way threatened, no matter how dangerous they may be.

“I am not asking for any special treatment for any particular ethnic or religious group, simply for justice and fairness for all.”

Deprivation-of-citizenship-Final-LR Download

Our Granton Wheat

Neighbours! Would you like to learn about the Granton Wheat and how it has been growing on street corners in Granton – and help us sow a big plot of it at Lauriston Farm?

https://eventbrite.com/e/our-granton-wheat-at-lauriston-farm-tickets-424923787487… #FoodSovereignty #FreeEvents #NorthEdinburgh #Edinburgh #SeedSaving

Poppyscotland sows new life into Edinburgh gardens thanks to £15,000 donation from Scotmid

Poppyscotland has been given the funding to bring new life to the gardens at New Haig House in Edinburgh, thanks to a £15,000 donation from Scotmid Co-operative.

Their flagship centre is undergoing a major refurbishment project, transforming the surrounding gardens and buildings to make the site a more attractive and enriching place for veterans and visitors.

Poppyscotland also plans to commission a veteran skilled in carpentry design and build a Scotmid Reflection Bench from native timber. This bench will give visitors a place to sit and reflect on the charity’s Exhibition Gallery, which features meaningful conversations around the work of the armed forces.

A Scotmid Volunteer Shelter will also be erected in the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens.

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We’re honoured to support Poppyscotland and its refurbishment project at New Haig House in Edinburgh. “We hope that the new additions will create a beautiful space for veterans and visitors, and we can’t wait to come back and see it all once the refurbishment has been completed!”

Austin Hardie, Director at Poppyscotland said: “We believe those who serve or have served our country, deserve support to live life fully and without disadvantage, after their time in the Armed Forces.

“New Haig House gardens offer a peaceful and reflective space. We’re extremely grateful for Scotmid’s generous grant for the project and look forward to its completion.”

Pictured (left to right): Gordon Michie (Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland), Austin Hardie (Director of Poppyscotland), John Brodie (Chief Executive of Scotmid), Harry Cairney (Scotmid President) & Kerry Crichton (Deputy Head of Learning and Outreach at Poppyscotland)

Tickets for Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder go on sale tomorrow

Tickets for the Scottish premier of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder at the National Museum of Scotland go on sale tomorrow, 4 October 2022.

This ground-breaking new exhibition, which runs from 9 December 2022 to 1 May 2023, will explore the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and will give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.

To celebrate tickets going on sale, the TARDIS materialised in the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland this morning. The TARDIS is just one of a host of real props from the series that will feature in the exhibition.

Visitors to Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will also come face to face with the Doctor’s most famous foes in the Monster Vault, including Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Daleks.

Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this exhibition invites fans of all ages to explore the role science has played in the world’s longest running action-adventure show. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of Doctor Who.

A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features take visitors on a journey through Cosmic Curiosities, a TARDIS Tech room and the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible.

Actor, director and author Mark Gatiss – writer of several episodes of Doctor Who – will narrate the exhibition, guiding this journey through space and time.

Mark Gatiss said: “So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is its ability to make us wonder.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit when it arrives at the National Museum of Scotland.”

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will offer a thrilling exploration of science for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike. The exhibition premiered at National Museums Liverpool’s World Museum, where it will run until 30 October.

Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for this cutting-edge scientific exhibition.

“We know visitors of all ages will be keen to be among the first in Scotland to experience Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder and are tremendously excited that the countdown is now on to opening in December.”

Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments.

“The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.”

Doctor Who has strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots have played the role of The Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi (the Seventh, Tenth and Twelfth Doctors respectively) with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced as the new Doctor.

Other Scottish cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI & I. Another Scot, Steven Moffat, was showrunner from 2008 to 2017.

The National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery in mounting the exhibition. Tickets for Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will be available to book at www.nms.ac.uk/doctorwho

National Museums Scotland Members free.

Book in advance to save, general admission: Adult £12-16.50, Over 60s £11-15.50, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot £10-14.50, Child 5–15 £8-12.50, Under 5s Free

10% off family bookings*

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more

*10% off when you buy up to three Child 5–15 ticket alongside up to any two Adult, Over 60s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets, with a maximum of five tickets in total. Cannot be used in conjunction with National Museums Scotland Member tickets or any other discount or promotional offer.

SEPA: East of Scotland records tenth driest summer in 100 years

Scotland, a country famed worldwide for its natural water environment and wet weather, is facing the reality that water is not infinite and is a precious resource we must work together to preserve.

Climate change is forcing every corner of the nation to change its relationship with water as sea levels rise and we experience more flash floods and drought.

Water scarcity has already proven to be a significant impact in eastern parts of the country this year as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reveals the extent of extreme, dry conditions experienced.

This summer in the east was the tenth driest in 100 years.
Eight out of the last 12 months saw below average rainfall in the region.
An extra month worth of average winter rainfall is needed in the east to make up the deficit from the past 12 months.
Groundwater levels in the east of Scotland reached their lowest since records began in 2009.

SEPA supports Scotland to adapt to a changing climate and helps steward our national water resource, including warning and informing businesses, communities and individuals during periods of water scarcity.

The risk of water scarcity was reported as early as April this year and what followed was an east-west split in Scotland throughout the summer, with the west experiencing mostly normal conditions while some areas in the east reached Significant water scarcity levels.

In August and September, SEPA took steps to protect the environment from the effects of prolonged dry weather by imposing suspensions on 175 water abstraction licences in four catchment areas.

This required support and compliance from businesses, predominantly within the agriculture sector, around the rivers Eden, Tyne, Tweed and Ythan. Abstractors were required to stop taking water from these areas or reduce volumes for a brief period to allow levels to recover.

Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “This was the first year SEPA had to enforce abstraction licence suspensions to protect the sustainability of local water environments. Action like this underlines the severity of the dry conditions we experienced and reinforces the need for businesses to prepare for instances like this in the future.

“Water scarcity is just one indicator of climate change here. With more extreme weather and a projected decrease in summer rainfall in the years to come, many places could face pressure on water resources even if they have not experienced this before.

“It is important that Scotland is ready to deal with water scarcity now and in the future. SEPA is here to help with information to allow businesses to make informed decisions about reducing their reliance on water and to plan for and manage water scarcity events.”

As summer turns to autumn, water levels are improving in areas which have been under the most pressure. However, some northern and eastern catchments are still facing the risk of water scarcity and any businesses still abstracting from the environment are being urged to do so more efficiently. SEPA will continue to monitor and report conditions until all areas return to normal.

SEPA works with abstractors all year round to reduce pressure on the water environment. Abstractors should be taking steps now, in accordance with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan, to plan ahead for a range of conditions they may experience next summer and in the years ahead.

This; includes monitoring their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoid leaks. Businesses are also encouraged to work together and planning and staggering their abstractions to minimise potential impacts on the local ware environments.

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit:

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Scottish charities scoop share of £1million fund

23 charities based in Scotland have received donations of £1,000 each as part of the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

For the fourth year running, the Benefact Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with another 250 awards of £1,000 available now for donation.

Euan’s Guide, A Bear Named Buttony and Doodle Trust are some of the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country. More than 18,500 kind-hearted residents have voted for charities across the country so far.

In total, more than 202,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 3,900 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 250 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 250 previous winners being selected in June.

It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards.

“Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give.

“As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year.

For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Full list of winning Scotland charities:

Euan’s Guide

Faceyouth SCIO

A Bear Named Buttony

More Than Fibro (SCIO)

The Church of Scotland

Seil Island Community Hall Charity

Doodle Trust

Wellbeing Scotland

Signpost

Held in Our Hearts

Back Onside

Scotia Amateur Swimming Club

NappiRunz

Ecologia Youth Trust

Amma Birth Companions (SCIO)

West Coast Furniture Bank SCIO

The Learning to Understand Needs and Abilities Project

The Rock Trust

Buttons & Bows Baby Bank

Tap Into IT Where You Are Ltd

The Indigo Childcare Group

Dundee West Community Trust

The School Bank West Lothian

Mushroom Alchemy in Granton

Do you like mushrooms? Would you like to grow-your-own? Come along to Rhyze Mushrooms Alchemy Workshop to learn to grow mushrooms on household waste.

Wednesday 12th October 3pm – 6pm at Granton Community Gardeners

Book your place by contacting Jules on 07517 109 319 or julesryan@pchp.org.uk

Face masks

Social distancing

Staying well