Day: October 20, 2022

Healthy Tip: Stop Smoking

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Stop Smoking

In the UK around 5.5 million adults smoke. Although rates of smoking have decreased in recent years, the number of people who smoke remains high. Smoking harms almost all organs in the body and it is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England. It can damage your blood vessels and heart, which increases your risk of having a heart attack.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but it is an important step for reducing your risk of heart disease. Here we provide some tips for stopping smoking.

List your reasons for stopping

  • An effective and simple thing you can do to stay on track is to write a list of the reasons why you wish to quit smoking. Think about what it would mean for you to stop smoking, how would your life change and who would be proudest of you. Keep the list with you at all times, or write it on your phone, whenever you feel the urge to smoke, you can read this list and it should inspire you to keep going.

Make a plan

  • As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease will reduce so the sooner you decide to quit the better. Try to choose a date within the next two weeks and start making preparations. Identify the triggers that make you feel like smoking and work out how to deal with them in advance. For example, if you hang around with other people who smoke, you could plan to spend more time with non-smokers or do smoke-free activities with friends who are smokers. If you usually smoke during your break at work, plan to go for a walk instead.

Get support

  • Both from professionals and family. Dealing with cigarette withdrawal can be tough and it can lead to you feeling emotional and upset. Before quitting, speak to close friends and relatives and let them know your plan; ask them to try their best to support and encourage you along the way and be extra patient with you if you’re snappy or more moody than usual. There is a lot of professional support available for people who want to stop smoking, you could contact your local Stop Smoking Services or chat to your GP. If you know someone who is also trying to quit smoking, you could offer to support each other and hold each other accountable.

If you are a smoker, quitting is most likely the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Make this October the month you finally do it and your future self will thank you.

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/.

Boyack calls for urgent support for Scotland’s arts and culture sector

Following the news about the closure of the Modern Two art gallery in Edinburgh until next year due to rising energy bills, Sarah Boyack MSP, Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Culture and MSP for Lothian, highlighted the wider issues the sector is facing and called on the Scottish Government to deliver urgent action.

The Scottish Labour MSP commented: “Our arts and culture organisations are on the brink of collapse – many are fighting for survival, they are struggling to cope with the perfect storm of reduced incomes, skyrocketing energy bills and inflation.

“Earlier this month, we found out that Falkirk Town Hall, the Filmhouse in Edinburgh, the Belmont in Aberdeen and the Edinburgh International Film Festival have all gone under.

“The Scottish Government reassured us that Scotland’s National Collections will remain open to the public free of charge. However, the reality on the ground tells us a very different story.

“Instead of rhetoric and empty promises, we need the Government to deliver the urgent action the arts and culture sector needs at this moment of crisis.”

In his written response to Sarah Boyack MSP, on 30th September, Culture Secretary Neil Gray said: “the National Collections are an important part of Scotland’s culture.

!”As part of setting and reviewing annual budgets for grant in aid, the Scottish Government maintains close contact with National Museums Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland about their cost and revenue, in order to continue to ensure that their permanent collections remain open to the public free of charge.”

Expert security warning for home owners in Edinburgh

ADT shares guidance on protecting homes amid rise in property crime  

ONS has recently released its property crime data, which shows that 23% of the UK have been victims of household theft from April 2021 to March 2022 – up 2% from last year.

As the nights get darker earlier, and clocks change, the security experts at ADT have provided top tips to ensure your property is fully protected this winter.

Glenn Amato, Managing Director, Subscriber UK&I at ADT UK said: “The latest data from ONS shows a rise in household theft over the last year, with 23% of the UK being victims of it – though this isn’t wholly surprising, given that there are less people working from home full time now.

“That said, when paired with the deepening cost of living crisis, the potential of a looming recession and moving into the winter season and darker nights, it’s understandable how some people might be starting to feel concerned about the safety of their homes.   

“In the 2008 recession, we saw rates of personal theft increase by 25% and burglaries rise 4%, so if the country heads into another recession, property crime could sadly increase again.

“Historically, when the cost of living has increased, there has also been increases in ‘snatch and steal’ type crimes.  “

The good news is that there are many precautions homeowners can take to protect their properties and feel safer: 

1.       Double lock and double check – one lock on the door often isn’t enough to protect the home, burglars can use their foot to check whether there is a deadlock on the door. Invest in a second lock and always double check both front and back doors are locked when leaving the house. 

2.       Social Media awareness – If a burglar has access to your name through old post or personal information, they can easily find your social media accounts too. Sharing posts whilst you’re away visiting relatives during the Christmas season, or posting so-called holiday countdowns are an open invitation for burglars to head into your home with the knowledge that they won’t be disturbed. 

3.       Think twice about lights – While leaving your lights on may signal an occupied house to potential intruders, it can increase the cost of bills, as well as making valuable belongings more visible to thieves. Consider using smart plugs to turn lights on, only when necessary and you’re away from your home to give the impression of occupancy. Make sure curtains or blinds are closed at night so that potential burglars don’t have a direct line of sight into your valuables and the layout of your home, and only leave on dim or energy saving bulbs. 

4.       Invest in your security – Having an up-to-date digital alarm system is the best way to prevent burglaries. It’s worth investing in home security that is professional installed and monitored by trusted professionals, which signals directly to an alarm receiving centre when it detects an intruder. Smart home security systems are also a great option for people looking for protection. Systems like ADT’s Smart Home system integrate entry sensors and sirens to a range of devices like lights, smart plugs, doorbells, cameras and remote mobile apps, by connecting through WiFi and GPRS. 

5.       Forget hiding a key – Most people have managed to lock themselves out at least once but hiding a key in the vicinity of a home – whether under a flowerpot or above the doorframe – simply isn’t worth the risk. If a spare must be kept outside, at least keep it in a locked key safe, which requires a code.  

Recycle Week: Capital residents can recycle rubbish councils don’t collect

●        To celebrate Recycle Week (17th – 23rd October) Edinburgh residents and the surrounding areas can recycle items the council doesn’t collect and raise money for charity in the process

●        The recycling programmes are free to join for individuals, schools and businesses

●        For each item recycled, points are awarded that are redeemable as donations to a chosen charity, community project or school

●        Less than half of all household waste produced in Edinburgh is currently recycled

Edinburgh residents and the surrounding areas can celebrate Recycle Week by signing up to recycle “unrecyclable” items – including cheese packaging, cleaning product packaging, hair care empties and beauty products  – whilst raising money for their chosen good cause in the process.

These everyday items have traditionally not been recycled by councils, usually because they are made up of a mix of materials that makes them more complex and costly to recycle. As a result they are often destined for landfill, incineration or the natural environment.

The recycling programmes are run by TerraCycle and are free to sign up to. By signing up, residents can either collect and send in their waste to be recycled, or they can set up a public drop-off location and become recycling champions for their communities.

Less than half of all household waste produced in Edinburgh is recycled.

By signing up to one or more of the following free recycling programmes – among others which can be found on TerraCycle’s website – everyone can play their part in combatting the waste crisis:

The Cheese Packaging Free Recycling Programme

The Kinder Free Recycling Programme

The Ueshima Coffee Company Free Recycling Programme

The Hair Care Packaging Free Recycling Programme

The RB® Hygiene Home Free Recycling Programme

The Personal Care and Beauty Free Recycling Programme 

Once signed up to a programme, a free shipping label is sent which can be attached to a box containing the items. Once full this is sent free of charge to TerraCycle to be recycled.

For each item sent in to be recycled, points are awarded which are redeemable as monetary donations to the recyclers’ chosen good cause. To date people across the UK have diverted more than 250 million items from landfill, raising more than £2m for schools, charities, community causes and non-profits.

For more information visit: www.terracycle.co.uk

First-ever Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre, Livingston for children’s charity, CHAS

The Centre, Livingston is appealing for little ones to join them in its first-ever Elf Toddle Walk on Sunday, 6th November at 9am to take part in a one-mile walk around the mall and raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Little ones and their adults are being encouraged to dress up in their favourite festive attire and join a team of Santa’s elves on a one-mile lap of the shopping centre, which has easy access for buggies.

Go Radio Breakfast Show Presenter Crofty will be there on the day alongside Go Radio Dance’s Zoe Kelly playing all the big Christmas tunes and taking part in the countdown warm-up to help get the little ones off to a great start.

Along the way children will encounter some special Christmas surprises and treats and on completion will be awarded with a commemorative medal for taking part at the ‘Selfie Elfie’ zone.

Entry is £5 per child with admission fees at https://bit.ly/TheCentreEventbriteLink.  

Once registered, a personal walk number and elf hat can be collected from the Customer Service Desk at The Centre, Livingston between the 31st October and 5th November, with proof of ticket, to enable participants to take part on the day.

Parents can either pick up sponsor forms in advance at the Customer Service Desk, download them from the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com or bring their own. All sponsored donations will go to charity. Full details are on the website

 www.thecentrelivingston.com.

Hayley Smith, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to The Centre, Livingston for choosing to support CHAS through their Elf Toddle Walk.

“The funds raised will not only help us to provide care for children but also to help families make wonderful memories together.”

Ashley Bisland, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with the charity CHAS to host our first-ever Elf Toddle Walk around the mall to help raise money for such a great cause.

“It’s a brilliant way to show kids that you can have fun getting a little bit of exercise in whilst helping other people at the same time.”

TRUSS RESIGNS

PRIME Minister Liz Truss has resigned after just six weeks in post.

Truss, who yesterday declared she was ‘a fighter, not a quitter’, has, well, quit after just 45 days in the job.

Her resignation statement was equally short:

I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability.

Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills.

Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent.

And our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth.

I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this.

We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance.

And we set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy – that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit.

I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.

I have therefore spoken to His Majesty The King to notify him that I am resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party.

This morning I met the Chair of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady.

We have agreed there will be a leadership election to be completed in the next week.

This will ensure we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security.

I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen.

Thank you.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted:”There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It’s beyond hyperbole – & parody. Reality tho(ugh) is that ordinary people are paying the price.

“The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now. A General Election is now a democratic imperative.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “After 12 years of Tory failure, the British people deserve so much better than this revolving door of chaos. We need a general election, now.”

His full statement:

Truss will remain as PM until her successor is elected – not by the people of Great Britain, but by Tory MPs.

NOW, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

Edinburgh’s most deprived families bear bunt of legal aid crisis

  • New data reveals hundreds of legal aid ‘not-spots’ in Edinburgh – deprived communities with no civil legal aid firms
  • The 100 most deprived communities in Edinburgh have access to just local one legal aid firm
  • Some are even forced to represent themselves in court

Thousands of Edinburgh’smost deprived families could face the prospect of defending themselves in court because of a chronic shortage of civil legal aid firms.

New analysis by the Law Society of Scotland shows that the 100 most deprived communities in Edinburgh, resident to around 83,808 people, share local access to just one single civil legal aid firm*.

Legal aid is a critical service affecting a range of life-altering situations and is the only way Scotland’s poorest families can secure legal support. Often, it is during some of life’s tougher moments that people will find themselves in need of legal aid support.

Legal aid for civil court actions is only offered to people with a disposable income of less than £293 per month – above that amount, there is a cost to be paid, which can be up to full repayment of the legal aid cost.

The most common civil court cases include dealing with divorce and child contact or custody; adoption; immigration and asylum cases; and deportation. They also routinely involve securing compensation for medical negligence, securing social welfare payments and other financial situations.

This new analysis highlights the extent to which this crisis could impact Edinburgh’s most deprived, with just one civil legal aid firm in Edinburgh’s 50 most deprived areas. This firms is local to just 1,431 people, leaving a staggering 82,377 people in those areas without local support.

Even in the areas with local access, the sheer demand so heavily outstrips supply that those with local access to firms still may not successfully secure legal aid. This creates a significant delay to court proceedings and to families seeking resolutions in very difficult moments.

Now, high profile social commentator, activist and award-winning author Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey has thrown his weight behind a new campaign to ensure the most vulnerable in society get the legal help they need.

Darren McGarvey said: “Just imagine standing in a courtroom on your own to argue your case, up against an experienced solicitor. Now imagine that the custody of your child is at stake. Or a life-changing pay-out after an industrial accident.

“The absurdity of that proposition, combined with inequalities within the justice, healthcare, and education systems, is exactly why I am supporting the Law Society of Scotland to highlight the real issues that real people in Edinburgh face. Something has to change.

“In a nation that prides itself on progressive social values, these figures should act as a stark warning. Those who are already most disadvantaged are having their last line of defence pulled away from them. The Scottish Government has let inflation quietly chip away at legal aid fees over the last two decades – now we need to catch up.”

The Law Society of Scotland is calling on the Scottish public to contact their local MSP if they share Darren McGarvey’s concerns and want action. It says the crisis is exacerbated by the fact that legal aid fees agreed in 1999 had only increased by 10%, compared to an inflation increase of 55%. The Scottish Government recently offered legal aid solicitors a 10.3% increase in their fees.

Murray Etherington, President of the Law Society of Scotland added: “Legal aid is a fundamental part of Scottish society. The lack of representation available to those who need it most continues to be an unresolved issue. We have to stop looking at it as just a problem for solicitors – it is a problem for everyone.

“The recently proposed Scottish Government increase in funding may provide a short-term sticking plaster, but it won’t address the deep wounds to the legal aid system caused by a generation of underfunding. Without further serious action, the huge decline we have seen in the number of registered civil legal aid firms will continue.

“If we are to continue to help the most deprived families in our society, we have to secure longer term, lasting investment in legal aid services. We hope these new figures bring home the struggles faced by so many people and urge the Scottish Government to take action.”

First-ever early years practitioner graduation at the Assembly Rooms

The nation’s leading nursery group, Busy Bees, started the month with a buzz as Scotland’s first graduation ceremony for early years practitioners was held at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms.

On Saturday 1October the qualification provider, Busy Bees Education and Training, invited 37 practitioners from across Scotland to don their gowns in celebration of achieving their Social Services Children and Young People SVQ 3 and SVQ 4 qualifications.

The ceremony comprised presentations of the graduates in front of their families and loved ones, as well as addresses from Yvonne Smillie, Busy Bees Scotland Managing Director; Cheryl Creaser, Group COO and Marg Randles, Busy Bees Co-Founder.

For some, the occasion was extra special, signifying the first member of their family to have achieved a higher qualification. Among those celebrating was a mother and daughter team from Dunfermline Castle View, Andrina June and Andrina Becky Francis, 58 and 21 respectively, who supported each other throughout their journeys to achieve their SVQ3.

Caroline Black, Childcare Assessor and Trainer at Busy Bees Education and Training Academy, said: “Andrina June was an amazing practitioner and her rapport with the children, staff and parents shone through. During the training programme she gained more confidence in her abilities and technology skills.

“Her daughter, Andrina Becky, was a committed learner from day one, she always used her initiative and was a super role model for other colleagues”, Caroline added.

Many graduates also conquered personal battles while studying for their qualification, with others continuing to provide the highest early years education and care for the children of key workers during the pandemic.

One graduate, 19-year-old Ailey from Edinburgh’s Newhaven centre, felt she didn’t have the confidence to undertake her SVQ3, saying “I didn’t do well at school; I was rubbish at everything!”

Ailey thought there was no chance she could complete a qualification, however, Caroline Black, saw great potential in her. She said: “Ailey was doing so well practically in the nursery, and had super knowledge of the specific needs of the children in her care.

“You wouldn’t believe her transformation! Going from a young girl who needed a boost in confidence to believing she is really good at what she does. She has gained much more experience in a variety of different areas, is now Room Manager of the Baby Room and has now started her SVQ4.”

In July 2022, Busy Bees was named one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the UK and since 2001 has offered additional support for those who want to earn early years qualifications. The apprenticeships help their teams across the country reach new heights and give children the best start in life.

Speaking at the event, Marg Randles, who co-founded Busy Bees nurseries nearly 40 years ago, said: “It is fantastic to recognise the achievements of all our graduates, especially in such challenging circumstances over the last two years. For many, this is their first formal qualification, and it means a lot to be able to support them on their learning journey.

“There is something special about seeing early years education as a profession with the opportunity to progress and develop. Many of us within the Busy Bees’ leadership team have followed that journey, and I’d urge anyone with a genuine passion for children to consider it as a profession.”

The graduation event celebrated 37 learners from Busy Bees’ 20 centres across Scotland, including 21 colleagues who achieved SVQ3 qualifications in Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7.

A further 16 completed a Leadership qualification at SVQ4 (SCQF Level 9), many of whom have progressed through various roles within the nurseries to take on leadership positions, including becoming Centre Directors.

Busy Bees is currently recruiting for 30 positions for qualified educators and has openings for school and college leavers through its apprenticeship scheme who want to join and learn on the job.

To find out more about opportunities at Busy Bees in Scotland, please visit:

www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/working-at-busy-bees.

Teenagers attacked in unprovoked assault in Leith

POLICE are appealing for information after an unprovoked assault on two teenagers in Leith.

The incident happened in the Albert Place and Leith Walk area shortly after 1am yesterday (Wednesday, 19 October).

A group of males on electric motorbikes approached the two male teenagers, aged 19 and 18.

The 19-year-old suffered a stab wound to his leg during the incident and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The 18-year-old was treated at the scene for an injury to his leg sustained while attempting to get away from the group.

The group of males, all described as white, wearing balaclavas, gloves, rucksacks and dark clothing, then left the scene on their motorbikes in the direction of Albert Street.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was a completely unprovoked incident and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the group of three males on motorbikes involved.

“Our enquiries so far suggest they have been riding their motorbikes a short time earlier in the city centre so I would urge anyone who believes they may have seen them to get in touch.

“Anyone else with any information can get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting reference 174 of 19 October, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Opportunity for feedback to help Scotland improve land reform journey

Land Commission launches research in a bid to continuously improve engagement

People in Scotland are being encouraged to participate in a nationwide survey to help inform a major public body on how engagement in decisions about land in Scotland can be improved.

The Scottish Land Commission’s easy-to-use online surveys have officially launched giving people in Scotland an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to land reform.

The Commission is conducting two surveys – one for landowners and one for communities – to find out more about how private and public sector landowners engage with their local communities.

The land reform body is hoping to collect information on the progress that has been made so far while the results will go on to help shape future guidance and regulation changes to encourage more effective engagement with communities when it comes to land.

Hamish Trench, Chief Executive at the Scottish Land Commission, said: “Land is our most valuable asset. It is important to a variety of Scotland’s ambitions such as net zero, nature restoration and community empowerment.

“By listening to the views of landowners and communities, it will paint a better picture of how community engagement has progressed and how it can continue to improve in the coming years.

“Land can and should work to everyone’s benefit and by engaging closely with those across the country, regulations and recommendations can be shaped to ensure everybody is included in that benefit.”

The survey was first run in 2019 to establish a baseline of knowledge for the Scottish Land Commission; the latest survey has launched to look at how the situation has changed.

The survey is now open and will run until the 30 November. The research will then be analysed by the Scottish Land Commission and results may be shared with the Scottish Government and other relevant organisations to inform future work programmes and priorities.

It is the latest initiative from the Scottish Land Commission which recently launched its ‘Land @ Lunch’ bitesize webinars to inform those across the country with practical information about land use and ownership.

The Scottish Land Commission works with landowners, land managers and communities to help them to create a Scotland where everybody benefits from the ownership, management and use of the nation’s land.

The survey for landowners and managers can be found here: 

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SLC-CtyEngage-LOM22/

The survey for community organisations and individuals can be found here:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SLC-CtyEngage-ComOrgs22/

To find out more about the Scottish Land Commission, visit: 

landcommission.gov.scot.