Day: November 18, 2022

Edinburgh charity celebrates after receiving grant funding

ACE IT Scotland receives £42,700 from Queensberry House Trust

ACE IT Scotland, an Edinburgh-based charity that helps older people to access the digital world, is celebrating after being awarded £42,700 in funding from Queensberry House Trust, which supports charities working with older people in the Lothians.

More older people than ever before will benefit from financial assistance from Queensberry House Trust which is celebrating 25 years of giving with an anniversary grants fund of £500,000.

This new funding will enable ACE IT to expand their services across Edinburgh and into Midlothian, engage meaningfully with more older people through focus groups, and target minority groups and non-English speakers. The funding starts this week and aims to support increased staff hours, a new Outreach Worker and to attract and retain more volunteers.

The Anniversary Awards attracted close to 70 applications. Focusing on making a lasting impact, Queensberry House Trust distributed £489,599 in charitable grants, to 16 charities and charitable partnerships working with aligned client groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Iain Couper, manager at ACE IT Scotland said: “This funding gives us the stability and resource to grow our services. Having experienced a surge in demand for our digital skills coaching services, we have clear evidence that older people need the skills to get online and to do so safely, more than ever.

“We welcome this opportunity to build upon our 20 years of experience in this area and expand our services across the community to reach more people than ever before, empowering them to live with more independence using digital devices and online services.”

Rev Neil Gardner, Chairman and Trustee at Queensberry House Trust said: “As we look to a future with rising living and care costs, there is a critical need to support older people in our communities.

“The Queensberry House Trust 25th Anniversary Awards are an accessible opportunity for new funding to assist older people in the Lothians.

“We are delighted to be able to work with charities supporting those most in need at this challenging time.”

Arlene Raeburn, ACE IT learner, said about the help she received: “I would say to anyone, no matter what their skill level, that using ACE IT to become more IT proficient is an excellent way forward.

“I am grateful for the help and friendly advice I received from my volunteer tutor.”

To find out more visit www.queensberryhousetrust.org

To learn more about ACE IT and get involved, visit www.aceit.org.uk

Residential-led proposals for Ocean Point 2 in Leith revealed by Harrison

Property developer S Harrison Developments have revealed ‘exciting proposals’ for a residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, whose occupiers include VisitScotland,  the brownfield site will aim to comprise a mix of residential homes for rent alongside other potential uses, which are currently being ascertained. These will occupy two buildings on the site.

Located in Leith, voted in October 2021 by Time Out as one of the “world’s coolest neighbourhoods”, the proposed development is conveniently situated just two miles from Edinburgh city centre and is likely to be attractive to those seeking to live and work in the area, taking advantage of local shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

The tram line extension between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal will also provide connectivity between the development and the city centre within 20 minutes.

Two public exhibitions on the proposals will take place on Tuesday 13th December and Thursday 9th February between 2pm and 7pm at Ocean Terminal.

Further information will also be posted on the website at:

www.oceanpoint2.com

Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.

A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “We are extremely excited to reveal our proposals for this brownfield site. There are serious demands on housing supply in the city and this is a superb location in what has been voted one of the world’s ‘coolest neighbourhoods’.

“The proposals will significantly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city and we look forward to engaging with the local community, providing it with the opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.”

SNIPEF honours the rising stars in Best Apprentice Plumber awards

Apprentices in the plumbing and heating sector, whose importance has seldom been more keenly recognised, have once again been recognised with the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) Best Apprentice Plumber awards.

The talent and enthusiasm they bring to their journey towards the status of a qualified plumber is the pride of the sector and their achievement confirms to them that the career choice they made has been comprehensively vindicated.

To celebrate the hard work and determination they have displayed, the campaigning trade association has honoured 17 apprentices from the colleges in Scotland in which they study their craft. Each one received a £100 voucher.

SNIPEF’s accolade for the future stars of the profession comes at a time when plumbing and heating is increasingly being seen as making a valuable social contribution during the transition to net zero carbon as well as being a pathway to a rewarding and satisfying working life.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “This is the 32nd year that SNIPEF has been seeking out and rewarding the best talent among our stars. It is an accolade that they most certainly deserve.

“It is also a great tribute to employers, for the faith they have demonstrated in our people, but also to the apprentices themselves, the colleges which nurture their ambitions and the organisations such as SNIPEF which wholeheartedly support them.

“We were hard hit over the last few years, when uncertainty stalked the land, so it is very heartening not only that apprentice numbers are back up to where they were before the pandemic, but that the quality of people we are bringing in is so satisfying.”

Dale Thomson, Apprentice Training Manager for SNIPEF, said: “The industry has always been very aware that its future lies in the skill and dedication of the people who are embarking on their careers at this time.

“Unlike a university further education, for which people may have to take out student loans, a plumbing apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification and for apprentices to earn while they learn.

“The industry and employers within the sector are always on the lookout for people with the right qualities – initiative, enthusiasm and willingness to learn – and if someone is attracted by the prospect, they could start here.”

Those picked out and honoured by their respective colleges this year include:

  • Ayrshire College. Winner: Aiden McIlroy, Derek Campbell Plumbing, Heating and Gas Services.
  • Borders College: Winner: Stephen Cairns, Mike Cairns Heating and Gas Services
  • Dundee College. Winner: Gregor McNee, Tayside Boiler Services.
  • Edinburgh College. Winner: Jack Forbes, A Alexander & Son (Electrical) Ltd (pictured top)
  • Fife College East. Winner: Owen Robertson, Alistair Thorpe, Cupar, Ltd
  • Forth Valley College. Winner: Hubert Parysek, Comfort Systems Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
  • Glasgow Clyde College. Winner: Kyle Shanahan, Emtec Group.
  • Glasgow Kelvin College. Winner: Matthew Strachan, Axwell Technical Services.
  • Inverness College. Winner: Kirsty Maclean, Alex Matheson Plumbing and Heating
  • Moray College. Winner: Sean Esslemont, McDonald & Munro Ltd.
  • North East Scotland College. Winner: Grant Hunter, Willie Gauld Plumbing, Heating and Renewables.
  • Perth College. Winner: Daniel Van Wyk, DM Plumbing.
  • South Lanarkshire College. Winner: Tom Gillies, BS Plumbing and Heating Services.
  • Tullos Training Ltd. Winner: Adam Myron, Heatcare Oil and Gas Ltd.
  • West College Scotland Clydebank. Winner: Ben Anderson, The Boiler Repair Man.
  • West College Scotland Greenock. Winner: Ritchie McArthur, James Paterson and Sons Plumbing and Heating.
  • West College Scotland Paisley. Winner: Paul Marshall, James Frew Ltd.

SNIPEF has been at the forefront of innovation in training and skills to ensure a vibrant and dynamic industry staffed by professionals versed in the complexity of the technologies which are underpinning renewables and meeting the demand for clean energy in an age of climate change.

Letters: Childline on Bullying

Dear Editor, 

This week marks Anti-Bullying Week, an annual event in Scotland and across the UK that aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people. This year’s theme is ‘Listen Up! (Respect our Rights)’ and we would like to highlight the ways in which bullying can be prevented and how to respond to it. 

From April 2021 to March 2022, Childline delivered 374 counselling sessions to children and young people in Scotland about bullying. 331 of these counselling sessions were about bullying in-person, an 39% increase compared to the year before when there was the national covid lockdown. 

The top three concerns where a child spoke to Childline about in-person bullying included, insults, taunts, name-calling; bullying about difference and violence. For online bullying, the top three concerns included nasty comments, threats, and intimidation. 

If you’re a parent or carer, it can be tough to know what to do if you think your child is being bullied. Talking to them and reminding them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad is important. You can also show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them. 

It’s best not to take their device away from them if they’ve had a negative experience online, as this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault. Instead, suggest they take some time away to do something else they enjoy. 

And as always, parents can call the NSPCC Helpline for advice and support on 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk to speak to one of our counsellors.

There are several resources for coping with bullying on the Childline web site that parents can support their children to have a look at. We also have a message board where young people can seek support and advice from other young people for managing bullying.

Adeniyi Alade

Head of Childline Scotland 

Local band CHIL announce charity gig for Edinburgh Crisis Centre

The team at the Edinburgh Crisis Centre are delighted to have fundraising support from local band CHIL who are planning a charity gig in December.

The life saving Crisis Centre supports around 2000 people across the city each year who are experiencing emotional distress and often thoughts of self harm or  suicide.

The Crisis Centre team is 24/7 365 days a year and consists of volunteers who run groups and offer telephone support. Get them on Facebook.

The band members were motivated to do a charity gig for the Crisis Centre because of their own experiences, and they’re hoping the gig will raise awareness of the work of the Crisis Centre team.

The gig’s taking place on Sunday 11th December at the Leith Dockers Club and doors open at 3pm for a start of 4pm and finish of 8pm.

Nick Bell from the Crisis Centre said: “It’s always great to have this kind of support in the local community and we couldn’t be more grateful to Jack and the rest of CHIL for what they’re doing.

“The Crisis Centre has been in the city for 15 years and each year the number of people we support and who phone in for advice increases.

“It’s not an overstatement to say that the support our team offers people is life saving on many occasions and we rely on volunteers who form a big part of our team.

“We’d love to see as many folk as possible at the gig and tickets can be booked by emailing ecc.volunteersgroups@penumbra.og.uk”.

CHIL band member, Jack Hunter said: “We think support for mental health is critical, especially in current times.

“The band members have experience of these kind of issues within their family and friends group. Some of us have worked in the social sector and were aware of the great work of the Edinburgh crisis centre.

“We hope the gig will raise the profile for the Crisis Centre work and a bit of funding to support this.”

Have your say on new 20mph streets 

The city council is looking for views on proposals to expand the city’s network of 20mph streets, as well as lowering speed limits on roads that have limits of 40mph or more, which are mainly rural.

Edinburgh became Scotland’s first 20mph city in 2018, when 20mph speed limits were extended to cover 85% of the Capital’s streets. Since then, monitoring has shown a continued drop in speeds, as well as a 30% reduction in road casualties.

Previous evaluation of the speed limits, which aim to create safer, more welcoming streets and help facilitate active travel, also showed an increase in support for the scheme, while we have received additional requests for individual streets to be added to the 20mph network.

Officers have now carried out a review of all roads that retain a 30mph speed limit and have proposed lowering the speed limit to 20mph on streets across the city, based on a set of criteria approved by the Transport and Environment Committee in April 2021. If all of these streets were added to the 20mph network, it would cover around 90% of the city’s urban roads.

Amongst the criteria used for assessing a street’s suitability for a 20mph limit are whether it has higher density housing such as flats or terraced properties, if there are groups of shops and whether there are likely to be higher numbers of people walking or cycling (for example near a hospital or university campus).

Alongside the 20mph review we have investigated the potential to reduce speed limits on rural roads to provide a safer environment for those choosing to walk, cycle and ride horses.

All rural roads in Edinburgh have been considered, including those near Currie, Balerno, Ratho, Queensferry and Kirkliston. Other roads outside the city bypass, near the airport and in the industrial area of Newbridge with a speed limit of 40mph or more have additionally been reviewed.

The proposed changes in rural speed limits would reduce the normal speed limit on two-lane rural roads to 40mph. Most minor country lanes would have a 30mph limit, with a 20mph limit through rural hamlets and also on a small number of minor lanes that are the most used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Edinburgh led the way in 2015 by agreeing to become Scotland’s first 20mph city and since then its positive impacts have been made clear.

“Not only are speeds continuing to fall across the network, but casualties have also reduced, which is extremely encouraging. Independent research has shown that the number of collisions has fallen by 30%, and the number of injuries has dropped by a similar amount.

“We know appetite for extending 20mph limits has grown over the years and we want to bring these benefits to even more people, creating safer, more relaxing streets to live in, visit and spend time in.

“This is along with proposed speed limit reductions on many of our rural roads, most of which have the national 60mph speed limit. I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation to make sure changes work for everyone.”

In the consultation the Council asks for comments on its recommendations for speed limit reductions across our Capital, but I hope and expect residents will consider urging it to go further by demanding more streets are included.

The consultation opened on Weednesday (16 November). Views on the scale of the proposed extension to the 20mph network and on individual streets where lower limits are proposed will inform final recommendations to Transport and Environment Committee.

Lower speed limits support the aims of the City Mobility Plan by improving the way residents and visitors can move about and enjoy the city. By creating a safer environment for walking, wheeling and cycling as an alternative to private car use changes are intended to help tackle climate change, reduce congestion and improve air quality, as well as contributing to the Council’s Vision Zero approach to road safety.

Take part in the consultation, Speed Limits Review: 20mph and Rural Roads, on the Council website.

Leukaemia charities announce financial support service to help patients during the cost of living crisis

Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia UK have launched a new support fund to aid leukaemia patients with the cost of living crisis this winter.

The Cost of Living with Leukaemia Fund has been created in response to the financial crisis in the UK, and will help make a difference in the lives of leukaemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) or Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) patients who might struggle this winter with increased pressure on household bills. 

Over the past year, Leukaemia Care has provided over £70,000 of financial support to people affected by leukaemia, MDS or MPN. These grants seek to provide help for those who are struggling with increased bills, hospital travel costs or paying for food. 

Leukaemia UK previously committed an additional £20,000 grant towards the cost of continuing Leukaemia Care’s Financial Hardship Fund. 

As a result Leukaemia Care has been able to offer 464 grants to families affected by leukaemia, MDS and MDN.

With that funding now exhausted due to high demand, new funding was needed at a time when demand for financial grants has been amplified during the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

Leukaemia Care has seen a 400 per cent increase in the number of applications to its existing fund as the country enters a difficult winter where people who were already struggling financially due to their leukaemia diagnosis are now facing additional cost of living pressures. 

Around 43 per cent of patients reported a financial impact, either due to an increase in costs or a reduction in income, or indeed both. This increases to 55 per cent for acute leukaemia patients. 

To help address this need, Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia UK have now come together to launch this new fund. 

Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, CEO of Leukaemia Care said: “We know how devastating the financial impact of leukaemia is to people affected, and the recent cost of living crisis has only increased this pressure further.

“Because of this, Leukaemia Care are pleased to be working with Leukaemia UK to launch the Cost of Living with Leukaemia Fund to provide additional financial support to people affected by leukaemia and other blood cancers.”

Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK, said: “Whilst many in the UK are struggling financially, we know that a leukaemia diagnosis adds extra financial pressures, on top of the emotional and physical challenges.

“Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care want to do everything we can to improve the lives of those with leukaemia and so are extremely pleased to be able to launch the Cost of Living with Leukaemia Fund together.”

If you are in need of support, you can apply for the hardship fund here:

 https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/support-for-you/cost-of-living-hub/cost-of-living-with-leukaemia-fund/  

Leukaemia Care also has a range of services which can support patients, from counselling to buddy services, which help leukaemia patients at various stages of their journey.

Find out more here:

https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/ 

contact advocacy@leukaemiacare.org.uk 

or call 08088 010 444. 

Further action to reduce alcohol-related harm

Alcohol companies could face tighter restrictions on advertising in order to protect society’s most vulnerable, under new proposals set out yesterday.

The public’s views are being sought on plans to restrict adverts for alcohol at sporting events, on buses, and online and elsewhere – to reduce the appeal of alcohol and improve the nation’s health.

Proposals have been informed by the Children’s Parliament and the Young Scot Health Panel, delivering on the Government’s commitment to ensure that children and young people’s views are heard.

This is the latest step in efforts to reduce harmful drinking and alcohol-related harms in Scotland and follows the successful introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing, which has already reduced purchases of cheaper, more potent alcoholic drinks.

The public consultation is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended approach to comprehensively restrict exposure to alcohol marketing.

Public Health Minister, Maree Todd, said: “There is clear evidence that adverts which glamorise drinking can encourage young people to drink alcohol and have a detrimental impact on those in recovery from problem alcohol use.

“This consultation is an important step in doing that, and I am extremely grateful for the young voices who have helped us get this far.”  

“We are making progress already – with our minimum unit pricing reducing alcohol sales in the off-trade – but with 1,245 alcohol related deaths last year we know that more needs to be done if we are to tackle Scotland’s problematic relationship with alcohol.”

The public can view the proposals and give their views on the Scottish Government consultation website. 

Beyond the Little Black Dress

Saturday 1 July to Sunday 29 October 2023 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 

nms.ac.uk/littleblackdress 

#BeyondLBD 

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will deconstruct the little black dress, examining the radical power of the colour black in fashion. From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, Beyond the Little Black Dress (1 July to 29 October 2023) will bring together more than 60 striking looks from collections and designers around the world.  

The colour black can be interpreted in many subtle and often contradictory ways. The exhibition will explore how its complexities have made the little black dress simultaneously expressive of piety and perversion, respect and rebellion; from the well-mannered cocktail attire of the early 20th century to the leather and latex worn by members of punk and fetish subcultures. 

 Beyond the Little Black Dress will open with a simple, short black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1926. Considered radically modern, it disregarded convention entirely in both the stark design and sombre shade, that had traditionally been associated with mourning.

At the time it was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear”. The ‘little black dress’ became a wardrobe staple, a symbol of femininity and a byword for chic, with each new silhouette capturing the spirit of its time.  

The little black dress remains a blank canvas for broader political and cultural shifts. It can challenge social norms around race, gender and sexuality to reflect evolving ideals of beauty and identity, proving its infinite capacity for reinvention.   

Visitors to Beyond the Little Black Dress, which is sponsored by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers, will discover a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Jean Muir will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White.  

Areas of the exhibition will be dedicated to highlighting Black British designers whose work explores both Blackness in terms of identity, and the role the colour black plays in crafting a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. Elsewhere, the exhibition considers how perceptions of the colour black differ in a global context, as well as how the intervention of smart technologies are establishing a blueprint for a more sustainable future.  

Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “Few garments are as iconic as the little black dress, which has often been held up by the fashion industry as the one piece every woman should have in her wardrobe.

“It has evolved dramatically in the century since its creation. From a simple shift dress which helped democratise women’s fashion to a bold political statement, it has moved through various iterations which reflect changing ideals of beauty and body image.

“Displaying classic couture, avant-garde pieces and garments that make a political statement, this exhibition will explore its enduring success, and ask why, in the fickle and fast-paced fashion world, the little black dress has achieved that rare status of being truly above the fray.” 

Sam Pattman, Philanthropy Manager at Baillie Gifford Investment Managers said: “We are delighted that our successful relationship with National Museums Scotland continues with our support for Beyond the Little Black Dress.

“This exciting exhibition takes a fresh look at a timeless classic, examining how it has remained in style for nearly a century and displaying a dazzling selection of garments from those worn by royalty to truly avant-garde creations at the cutting edge of the fashion industry.” 

National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant fashion and textiles collection comprises around 50,000 objects and is one of the largest in the UK.

The collection includes textiles dating back to the 14th century and clothing and accessories dating from the 16th century to the present day. Beyond the Little Black Dress follows the acclaimed exhibition Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk. 

The exhibition is curated by Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland, Dr Sequoia Barnes, Guest Curator and Carys Wilkins, Assistant Curator Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland.

It will be accompanied by a publication and programme of events.  

Families across Scotland receive free books during Book Week Scotland


Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, yesterday (Thursday 17 November) joined P2 and P3 pupils at Liberton Primary School in Edinburgh with their families as they received their Read, Write, Count bags.

Every P2 and P3 pupil in Scotland is gifted a Read, Write, Count bag containing books and activities that are theirs to keep. P1 pupils are also part of the annual gifting, receiving their Bookbug P1 Family Bag.

Scottish Book Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Government and Education Scotland to devise and deliver the Read, Write, Count bags. Over quarter of a million books will be gifted through 129,600 Read, Write, Count bags this year, including 1600 Gaelic-language bags. The bags are gifted to pupils during Book Week Scotland each year.

For many children across Scotland, the books they receive through the Bookbug and Read, Write, Count gifting programme are the only books they have at home. Access to books can have a life-changing impact on children, with research showing it can boost attainment across the curriculum, as well as improving wellbeing, empathy and future opportunities. By the time children in Scotland reach their eighth birthday, they will have received six bags of books from Scottish Book Trust.

Book Week Scotland, this year running 14–20 November, is run by Scottish Book Trust – the national charity changing lives through reading and writing. Book Week Scotland was initiated by the Scottish Government and is supported by funding from Creative Scotland and SLIC, and is this year also supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Gifting books to children through the Bookbug and Read, Write, Count programmes is one of the highlights of Book Week Scotland each year.

“For many children in Scotland, the only books they have at home are the ones they are given by Scottish Book Trust. Our Bookbug and Read, Write, Count bags reach children from birth up to Primary 3, and we know they can make a big impact to children’s lives.’

‘We’re grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills for joining us at Liberton Primary School as the pupils and their families were gifted the bags.’

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: ‘Read, Write, Count is a vital programme for children across Scotland. We know the benefit of providing children with an opportunity to discover a passion for reading and to bond with their families over books and other book items provided within these bags.

‘I would like to thank Scottish Book Trust for their continued work on the Read, Write, Count programme and to Liberton Primary School for inviting me to enjoy this wonderful day with everyone.’