Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Cholesterol – Don’t Let it Scare you
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood. There are two main types, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad cholesterol’, and HDL, sometimes termed ‘good cholesterol’.
We need some of both types to be healthy, but an incorrect balance can be harmful. Being told we have high cholesterol can be scary and leave us worried.
This Halloween we encourage you to become informed and take positive action to restore a healthy cholesterol balance, and to reduce the fear that goes hand in hand with a diagnosis:
Increase fibre intake
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that comes from plants, and research tells us that those people who have more fibre in their diet have lower cholesterol.
Aim to eat fibre from a variety of different sources such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts, seeds and pulses (lentils and beans).
Pumpkins are a great source of fibre, when you are carving your pumpkins this week why not use the flesh to make a fibre-rich pumpkin soup.
Exercise more
We should be aiming for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Aerobic exercise such as running or cycling can help increase the levels of ‘good cholesterol’ in our blood.
Aiming for 30 minutes moderate physical activity, five times per week will help restore a healthy cholesterol balance, among many other health benefits.
Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol can raise the levels of cholesterol in our blood. Cutting back on how much we consume can improve the health of our liver, meaning we can better remove bad cholesterol from our blood.
The good news is there are many alcohol-free alternatives available in the supermarkets and in pubs nowadays.
It is recommended that we limit our alcohol consumption to 14 units per week (about six pints of average strength beer or about five 250ml glasses of wine).
A SENIOR figure in Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is sharing how the industry can provide a long-term career path, citing how she wants to shake up how jobs in the sector are viewed in Scotland.
Jackie Hudson plays a key role in driving the strategic direction at city-centre venue Surgeons Quarter which comprises the city’s largest independent hotel, Ten Hill Place, along with a thriving conference and events business that maximises the commercial use of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) buildings and venues.
After 17 years of working in the industry is citing her experience to encourage others not to view it as a short-term job solution, of which she was once guilty of, having started in an events manager role after completing college while initially thinking of undertaking a career teaching maths.
As the industry recovers from the pandemic and manoeuvres continual economic fallout including a prolonged hiring crisis, Jackie believes now is the opportune time to make the move into hospitality.
These challenges have introduced positive changes across working hours, pay, training and development with more organisations increasing incentives – which previously were deemed key deterrents when viewing the industry as a long-term career plan.
Jackie (41), who serves as Revenue Manager and is part of Surgeons Quarter’s senior management team, said: “Working in the hospitality industry has presented opportunities I could only have dreamed of. It can be turbulent, busy and challenging but isn’t every industry like that these days?
“As an industry we’ve perhaps been too shy to shout about what a career can mean. I’d say lots of organisations have really had to focus on their development opportunities, conditions and base pay. I’m confident that we are at the very forefront of this nationally and striving to stay there.
“If you love interacting with people, want to create your own niche and are ready to learn from real life experience, the hospitality industry is the perfect career choice for you.
I’m also extremely proud to play a part in marketing Edinburgh on a national and international level. When I first started out, I never would’ve thought I’d be forecasting the revenue across such a diverse portfolio business.”
Highlighting the breadth of experiences Jackie has been able to undertake at Surgeons Quarter, earlier this month she was invited by Surgeons Quarter’s Managing Director, Scott Mitchell, to accompany him to the RCSEd’s International Conference in Chennai, India.
Scott said: “Jackie is a real lynchpin within our business. She isn’t front and centre at events or with our clients, so perhaps doesn’t always get the spotlight she deserves.
“She is the embodiment of somebody that has carved a very strong career in hospitality and it’s been a privilege to see her develop and thrive as part of our team.”
As part of Jackie’s role, she plays an active part in recruitment and has a keen interest in building a diverse workforce to incorporate a variety of skills and abilities.
With over 22 different nationalities making up the 178-strong team, the multicultural business has placed focus on professional development and bringing the benefits of a career in the industry to forefront for those just starting out.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus, which includes Ten Hill Place Hotel.
Since 2021 it has secured the Living Wage Accreditation while also increasing its team’s pension contributions to 7.5%.
Christina Barrow and Clare Daniels are the first to complete the world-leading Masters degree for referees and umpires
Edinburgh Napier University is celebrating the achievements of two trailblazing sports officiating graduates.
Christina Barrow and Clare Daniels are the first to be shown the red scroll after completing the world’s first taught Masters degree of its kind – designed specifically for referees and umpires.
Christina took on the three-year programme with ENU alongside her work as International Officiating Manager at World Netball, a role she has achieved after only getting involved in the sport at the age of 30.
Clare undertook her studies while working as a Performance Reviewer and coach for match officials in rugby union’s Professional Group of Match Officials Team, following a successful refereeing career on the pitch.
Both carried out pioneering research as well as completing the bespoke modules on skills including decision making and communication. They have been presented with their degrees during a graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh today [Wednesday 26 October].
As part of her research into the challenges faced by female match officials, Somerset-born Clare compared the world of sport with sectors like the fire service and STEM industries.
She said: “Many of the challenges female referees deal with are very similar to those women face in industry and the corporate world. I found there are a lot of things we can learn and share from other sectors.
“Before I looked at academia and thought it was nothing to do with me, but when you dip your toe in the water you see there’s a wealth of knowledge that can help make us better. I think it’s hugely underused.
“When I left college I went straight into work, but I felt that at this stage in my life I have a much more curious attitude and a desire to learn. My mindset was right.
“I’ve become more curious in how we could do things differently, asking more questions and not just accepting the way things are done. It brings a fresh perspective.”
Christina, from Chorley in Lancashire, whose research looked at wellbeing support for officials, said: “The course seemed like a perfect fit. It’s allowed me to find out things that will help other officials in netball.
“It’s been challenging – you have to dedicate yourself – but what you gain is definitely worth it. Personally, you achieve great things.
“To be an umpire, or a referee, you have to be resilient. Netball officials are managing themselves well, but the support they get could be improved. My research found that help was often unstructured.
“It’s given me a platform to understand the problem so I can solve it and represent our officials better. I think it’s also a springboard to maybe expand into other sports and see what we can learn from each other.
“I see research as a jigsaw puzzle – you’re just looking to add more pieces. Sometimes you don’t find the pieces you want, or you need to shuffle them around, but it all helps add to the picture.”
Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, Associate Professor and Programme Leader for MSc Performance Enhancement in Sports Officiating at Edinburgh Napier University said: “It’s so exciting, I’m so pleased for them. They’ve put in the hard yards. It’s a big statement for the university that we’re able to upskill these high-profile experts in their fields.
“These two students are pioneering the programme in very different contexts – Christina as an administrator and leader in netball and Clare as a former referee and now a referee coach for rugby.
“They’re trailblazers and great role models for others coming through.
“All the modules in the programme are tailored to the students’ needs. It means we’re dealing with areas of sport which have never really been tested.
“Officiating research is relatively young. It effectively began in the eighties but only really started growing in the late nineties. There’s so much that’s still unexplored and it’s an exciting area to be involved in.”
Overall project starts decline 9% on previous quarter
Major project contract awards and planning approvals up on 2021 figures by 59% and 158% respectively
Civils project starts modestly increase due to a spurt of utilities-related activity
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the October 2022 edition of its Construction Review.
This Review focuses on the three months to the end of September 2022, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted.
It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data.
The central finding of the October Review reflects recent, previous iterations, with high materials and energy costs, economic and political chaos and ratcheting building regulations keeping the market depressed for the foreseeable future.
However, whilst project starts dipped once more (-9% against the preceding three months), a modest rise in main contract awards (+3%) and detailed planning approvals (+3%) hint that recovery, although not immediate, is on the horizon.
Glimmers of Hope
The slight growth in the project pipeline can largely be attributed to a jump in major project contract awards, which were up 27% against the preceding three months, 59% higher than a year ago. Equally, major project planning approvals were up an impressive 58% by the end of Q.3, to stand a staggering 158% up on 2021 figures.
However, underlying performance was comparatively week, tempering results, dipping 8% compared the previous three months in contract award terms, 6% down on last year. Despite planning approvals increasing 8% over the past quarter, they remained 10% lower than a year ago.
Once again, major projects saw a respectable rise in work starting on site, climbing by a third in comparison to the preceding three months, however this figure remained 14% lower than the same period in 2021.
Underlying project-start performance was dismal, posting a 27% decline against the preceding three months, 23% down on last year.
Commenting on the results, Glenigan Economics Director, Allan Wilen, says, “The sector has faced considerable amounts of turbulence over the past twelve months. A new Prime Minister, changing of the ministerial guard and wildly fluctuating markets have done nothing to inspire consumer and investor confidence.
“At the time of this Review’s release, we find ourselves in a state of flux, with yet another new premier, however, the pound rallying once again and the promise of economic stability from the autumn financial statement should go some way to calming the choppy waters.
“With activity trickling back into the pipeline, everyone in the sector hopes the flow of awards and approvals picks up once again, even if project starts currently remain stagnant.”
The sector-specific and regional index, which specifically measures underlying project performance, was characterised by overall decline. However, a few bright spots could be seen within an otherwise gloomy picture.
Sector Analysis – Residential
Overall, residential work starting on site fell by a third during Q.3, to sit 24% lower than a year ago.
Private housing performed particularly poorly, plummeting 37%, 20% lower than in 2021. Social housing also fell by 13% and 36% against the same set of criteria.
Sector Analysis – Non-Residential
Sharp decline was the consistent theme across most verticals during Q.3, education and health weakened 37% and 39% respectively against the preceding three months. Both were also down on 2021.
Office project starts fell dramatically, 30% against the preceding quarter and 37% compared to the previous year.
Industrial (-13%) and retail (-14%) experienced relatively small declines against the preceding quarter, but dropped 16% and 27% respectively against last year’s performance scores. Hotel and leisure was 13% up on the preceding three months but down 28% on 2021 levels.
Civils provided a welcome lift in an otherwise disappointing period, increasing 1% on the preceding quarter and over 10% on last year. Particularly, growth can be attributed to a spurt in utilities work starting on site, as well as a relatively steady stream of infrastructure project-starts.
Regional Performance
Once again, Northern Ireland performed well with project-starts increasing 31% against the preceding quarter, standing 51% up on a year ago. Wales also delivered positive results, remaining unchanged on the previous three months, rising 7% on 2021.
Unfortunately, the outlook was decidedly bleaker across the rest of the UK. The North East (-38%), East of England (-36%) and London (-30%) and Scotland (-26%), all slide back on the preceding quarter. London, which has seen a steady decline in activity over 2022, also posted the largest decline against last year, diving 45%.
Wilen concludes, “Sector verticals and the UK regions are feeling the economic pinch and, whilst a few major projects are bolstering results, the underlying figures indicate there’s a massive mountain to climb to stabilise the sector.
“The new Government needs to get a grip of the situation from day one and offer a clear strategy to support UK construction, which currently lacks the rigorous policy from key departments to recover and progress.”
Halloween can be a scary time of year not just for those participating in trick or treating, but for dogs, who may find unexpected knocks at the door and people dressed in costumes unsettling.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is sharing its top tips for dog owners to help their pets have a safe and happy Halloween.
Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said:“Halloween can be fun for all the human members of the family, but for dogs it can be a frightening time of the year.
“Your dog may be exposed to many unfamiliar sights and sounds, and they could easily become overwhelmed by the number of knocks at the door from people they don’t recognise, combined with being unnerved by the sound of any fireworks.”
There are lots of simple steps you can take to help keep your dog safe and happy this Halloween with Dogs Trust’s top tips:
· Adapt your routine in order to miss the costumes and fireworks
It’s a good idea to head out before any festivities may begin and take extra tasty treats with you. If you spot any trick or treaters whilst you’re out, head away from them and reward your dog with a treat whilst you turn around to avoid any ghoulish encounters that might scare your dog.
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, gradually change your dog’s routine by walking them earlier in the day to allow them time to exercise and toilet before dark. With more people out at night than normal, it’s best to keep your dog at home and in sight for safe keeping, whilst ensuring microchip details are kept up to date with the database in case they vanish out of the door during a trick or treat visit. Your dog also needs to wear an ID tag on their collar.
· Ensure your dog is comfortable
Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried. This should be a quiet and cosy familiar place in the house that will give them the chance to relax undisturbed.
Some dogs may cope better by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out and try to stay with them in the room they are most comfortable, so they know they aren’t alone.
For other dogs who may not appear worried, it’s good to keep them occupied with their favourite items or activities. Experiment before the firework and spooky evenings begin, and slowly introduce them, to find out what your dog will enjoy the most.
· Keep human treats and sweets safely out of your dog’s reach
Many human treats, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs. It’s safest to keep these treats well out of your dog’s reach, and in case they accidently sneak a human treat, you can teach your dog to leave it before the trick or treaters start knocking.
· Be careful when opening doors so your dog doesn’t accidentally escape
Before Halloween arrives, think about your dog’s access to the door. Popping your dog on a lead before you open the door or ensuring they don’t have access to the door when trick or treaters pop by will help to keep them safe. If you can’t close off access to your door, you can teach your dog to wait at doorways, decreasing the chance of your dog running out the door or jumping up at trick or treaters.
· Keep the costumes and dressing up for humans only
Adding a new and unfamiliar item for your dog to wear can cause them to be uncomfortable. You should also be aware of anything that could cause abrasions or irritations, resulting in your dog overheating, or stopping them from expressing normal behaviour.
· Feed your dog their main meals before the trick or treating begins so they can eat at a relaxed time
You could save a small portion of their food to prepare some food-based enrichment activities for later in the evening, to help keep them calm and relaxed.
· Think twice about taking your dog out trick or treating
Even dogs who aren’t fazed by people dressed up and all the excitement involved with Halloween may not enjoy it for as long as you do. They might prefer to be at home in their safe and comfy space with their favourite enrichment activity and toys.
Halloween is the start of a disruptive and noisy week for dogs with fireworks also happening in the lead up to Bonfire Night.
Susan adds:“Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them.
“Following the recent news that firework displays that are run by local councils have been cancelled in some parts of the UK, there may be a rise in people hosting private firework displays at home.
“We urge dog owners to be extra prepared for a rise in neighbourhood displays, and to look at our full guidance on how to help their dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. Private firework displays may not be limited to one night, so it is very important for all dog owners to seek out advice early, in order to have a comfortable fireworks season with their dog.”
For guidance on how to help your dog cope during fireworks, visit the Dogs Trust website
If you are planning to host a firework display at home:
· Let your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs.
· Limit your display to 30 minutes or less.
· Opt for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.
For some fun, dog friendly ideas for a ‘cosy night in’, try our pumpkin treats.
For further information on keeping your dog safe and happy at Halloween, please head to our website: Halloween advice | Dogs Trust
This year’s Book Week Scotland programme has been announced today (26 October), with a line-up themed around ‘Scotland’s Stories’, as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has worked closely with writers and partners to put together an exciting week packed full of online and in-person events and activities, taking place 14–20 November.
Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of books and reading and this 1year the public are invited to vote on their favourite animal from fiction – voting is now open, and a national winner will be revealed during the week!
Events throughout the week include an evening with Sally Magnusson sharing stories from four vibrant Scottish communities, and Book Shriek Scotland – a celebration of Scotland’s folklore presented by Kirsty Logan and Heather Parry, featuring storytellers and writers including Garth Marenghi.
Scottish Book Trust will also be asking people to share what they’re reading during the week on a Reading Map of Scotland.
A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields.
70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it will also be available to read online and as an audiobook.
From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland’s Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.
Book Week Scotland programme highlights:
Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland with Sally Magnusson – Monday 14 November, 7pm at Glasgow Film Theatre. Join Sally Magnusson to celebrate the real-life stories told by people from four vibrant communities across Scotland. The wonderful pieces in this event have been generously shared by people from the Garnock Valley, Port Glasgow and Greenock, Lochgelly and the South Islands of the Western Isles. Each story was shared by a member of the public as part of Community Campfires, supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. Reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.
Book Shriek Scotland is a celebration of Scotland’s spooky folklore –and some from further afield. This is an online event premiering on Monday 14 November, in which award-winning authors Heather Parry and Kirsty Logan present an anthology of folk tales told by storytellers and writers, including Garth Marenghi, Amanda Thomson, Ailsa Dixon, John Lees and Anna Cheung. We’ll be inviting people to send us folk tales from their hometowns on social media after the event.
Tales Fae Fife: a writing workshop with James Oswald – Tuesday 15 November, 6.30–8.30pm at 58 Bonnygate in Cupar. Join Fife author James Oswald, author of the Inspector McLean, The Ballad of Sir Benfro and the Constance Fairchild series, for an exciting event that will include a mini writing workshop. Find out more and reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading.
“The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories. We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.”
Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and writer, said:“I am delighted to be hosting ‘Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland’ during Book Week Scotland because this special event celebrates the stories that remind us who we are, that connect us to our families and our communities and that enable us to share the challenges and the joys of life with one another.
“Showcasing the extraordinary stories from ordinary people at the Glasgow Film Theatre is a great way to round off Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.”
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said:‘Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise.
‘This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors.
‘In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.’
Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said:“Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories. Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.
‘Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.’
Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: “Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.
“There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.”
Edinburgh’s most stylish event is back as St James Quarter announces season two of its highly sought after ‘Edinburgh Style’ event, in partnership with Grazia magazine, that is set to inspire people across the city.
From Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th November, Edinburgh’s fashionistas and beauty buffs can expect an explosion of unmissable events, insightful masterclasses and in-store offers and experiences.
Across the long weekend, guests can attend style sessions and workshops with the Grazia team and brands including John Lewis, Kiehl’s, Neom, designers Ro & Zo and Dyson, and immerse themselves in H beauty’s exclusive Carnival – the ultimate beauty party of masterclasses, influencer meet and greets and live performers.
And it doesn’t stop there, St James Quarter will host a series of dramatic fashion shows live from the level 5 rooftop on Saturday 5th November showcasing seasonal trends styled by Grazia and featuring some of the most exciting and stylish brands in The Quarter.
Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased online here.
To celebrate the upcoming event, St James Quarter is placing four giant mirrored frames at some of Edinburgh’s most Instagrammable locations for you to show us your STYLE to be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend at Edinburgh Style.
The giant mirrored frames will be located at St Andrews Square, Portobello Promenade and Potterrow Plaza from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October, while the final one will be at Calton Hill from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October.
Style icons are encouraged to share a selfie on Instagram or Facebook and tag and follow @StJamesQuarter to be in with a chance of winning the prize. The competition will run from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October with the winner being announced on Monday 31st October.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh Style will bring an amazing line-up of fashion talks, in-store experiences and of course a spectacular fashion first catwalk show on Level 5 of St James Quarter. The event further cements the Quarter’s reputation for creating unexpected, exciting and vibrant events and experiences.
“Edinburgh is a city filled with style and we want everyone to show us their fashion creds and have some fun with our giant mirrored frames and flaunt their own individual looks ahead of the event.
“We are also thrilled to be collaborating with Grazia, inviting their team to Edinburgh and the Quarter to experience the amazing fashion and style on offer in the city. If you’re in Edinburgh from the 3rd – 6th November, make sure to come down and check out everything we have going on – it’s not to be missed!”
For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 3rd November to Sunday 6th November and to buy tickets, visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/Edinburgh-style
T&Cs for the competition can be found on the St James Quarter social channels.
CELEBRATION EVENT AT PORTOBELLO WORKSHOP TOMORROWEVENING
The Edinburgh Tool Library is exactly what it sounds like: a library, but for tools. Instead of books, members can borrow a huge range of hand and power tools – from circular saws to sewing machines – all free of charge.
Inspiration for Edinburgh’s Tool Library came after Chris Hellawell, Founder and Director of Edinburgh Tool Library, visited the Toronto Tool Library during a family holiday. Chris not only saw the need for freely available tools in his own community, Leith, he had the vision of the wider environmental, financial and social value a tool library could bring.
Unlike his Canadian counterparts, Chris did not have a stock of tools, or premises to store and loan tools from, but his drive to help others inspired his next move:
“Giving people access to equipment means handing them the potential to better their living environment and potentially their lives” says Chris. “That could be as simple as putting up a shelf or hanging some pictures, or as life-changing as giving someone the tools and the chance of holding down a job. I just knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Chris used his resourcefulness to collect donated tools and stored them in his living room. And instead of renting premises he created an online tool inventory and hired a police box on Leith Walk once a week from where tools could be collected!
Since then, Chris hasn’t looked back and has built Edinburgh Tool Library from the ground up into the thriving charity it is today. With a loan depot in Meadowbank, and workshops in Portobello and Leith, the library has grown to include more than 2,000 tools which are borrowed regularly by 1,400 members from all walks of life, saving members a collective £1.5m compared to the cost of buying those tools!
An overall reduction of around 180T CO2, the equivalent of driving a car around the world 180 times. And with the cost-of-living crisis becoming an escalating challenge, Edinburgh Tool Library is fast becoming a lifeline for many.
Not only has Chris’s environmental and economic vision become a reality, its social impact is undeniable.
Much like a book library, Edinburgh Tool Library is a hub around which the community gathers. The year-round community and outreach programme offers workshops designed to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, champion diversity and most importantly provide opportunities for communities to come together to learn new life and employability skills.
Projects such as “Nailing It!” work with women’s support groups around the city teaching DIY skills, building confidence and encouraging women to participate in woodwork, often for the first time. Or ‘Tools for Life’ – a programme matching a young unemployed person with barriers to work, with an older, retired person, who has skills to pass on to the trainee, helping them to build confidence and learn new skills.
Run in large by its 50+ volunteers, the love and commitment of these volunteers was never more evident than during the pandemic. The Edinburgh Tool Library put it’s resources towards hot meal, and art pack delivery, as well as providing logistical support to the Edinburgh Mask Makers volunteer group, helping over 17,000 masks reach key workers across the central belt.
This kindness is also evident in the membership framework. The charity charges members £30 per year to borrow tools and to gain free access to their workshop programme, along with invites to community social events.
Members can also buy a ‘£40 pay it forward’ membership which includes a reduced £10 membership fee for those facing financial hardship. All membership income is ploughed back into supporting the charity’s environmental and social objectives.
For those interested in becoming a member or supporting their charitable work through their fun ‘Adopt a Tool’ scheme, visit edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk or email them on hello@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk.
Or pop along to their celebration event at their Portobello Workshop (19 Windsor Place, EH15 2AJ) tomorrow – Thursday 27th October (5 – 8pm) – where they will welcome you in, show you their fantastic workshop facilities and introduce you to their friendly team!
SNP MP Deidre Brock has called on the Royal Mail to stop the threats of job cuts to postal workers and engage meaningfully with the Communications Worker Union to find an acceptable solution to prevent further postal strikes.
In a joint letter from SNP MPs to the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Mail, the Royal Mail Chief was told that it is “unacceptable to see the language employed by Royal Mail in threatening its workforce with job losses because they dare to ask for a fair work package.”
Postal workers across the UK are on strike again today, with several more strike days planned for early next month, from the 2nd of November to the 4th of November.
Last week, the Royal Mail’s announced its intention to slash 10,000 jobs, citing the strike action and low parcel delivery sales as the reason. Deidre Brock MP has described this move as a “tactic” and has accused Royal Mail of “acting in bad faith”.
Ms Brock added: “Postal workers across Edinburgh North and Leith are struggling to make ends meet in the face of soaring energy and food costs while Royal Mail shareholders benefit from bumper profits in the millions.
“Royal Mail staff and their families need financial security. The decision to strike will not have been easy for any of them, but this is about more than pay; it is also about protecting the postal service we all rely on and value.
“Rather than making threats to workers, Royal Mail need to get back to the negotiating table – in a meaningful way – and put our communities at the heart of discussions.”
