Month: December 2022

The psychology behind making New Year’s resolutions stick

Making those all-important New Year’s resolutions is easy – but sticking to them can be a different story

Whether it’s embarking on a new career goal, changing a behaviour, or setting out to achieve an exciting new challenge, resolving to make changes at the start of the New Year is simple, but there can be lots of reasons why our good intentions don’t last beyond January.

Chartered psychologists from the British Psychological Society share four top tips to help people to achieve their goals in 2023:

Tip 1: Don’t make resolutions

“Know your goals and what you need to do to achieve them instead,” says chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang. “When there’s a ‘rule’, we often don’t stick to it, or we try to bend it. This can feel like cheating and that’s when we start giving up. It’s healthier to see what we want to achieve as an evolution or growth, rather than rejecting what’s gone before.

“We need to ask, is this behaviour leading me to my outcome, or is it reinforcing what I already do and want to change”, recommends Dr Tang. “By asking ourselves this question and then making a conscious choice about the behaviour we want to change, we create new pathways in our brain to help form new habits.”

Tip 2: Understand why the change is important to you

“Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions requires you to be really clear about why this change in behaviour is important to you,” says chartered psychologist Dr Tamara Russell. “To keep on track, we need to be really clear about our intentions and do small things every day to firm these up.”

Dr Russell recommends simple actions, like putting up signs and notes in frequently visited parts of the house or office to help remind us and support our brain as we try to do something different. As a leading expert in mindfulness, Dr Russell also recommends using mindfulness training.

“Getting more familiar with our mental movements by using mindfulness training can support the behaviour changes we want. Start with a simple short practice that focuses on the attentional training aspect of mindfulness. Doing this repeatedly helps us to strengthen the brain’s neural networks that are also involved in keeping you on track with your New Year’s resolutions.”

Tip 3: Stack your goals

Make it easier for your brain to adapt to healthy change by focusing on goals at the same time and incorporating them into your desired behaviour. “If the resolutions are to get fitter, eat healthily and have more family time, stack your goals by cooking healthy meals together, or going out on a family walk,” says Dr Audrey Tang.

“Everyone benefits, not only from the act itself, but the quality time you have together.”

Tip 4: Focus on what you want, but appreciate what you’ve got

“It’s great to know what you are aiming for, but take a moment to recognise what you have, because at one point those things were as much your goals as your new resolutions,” advises Dr Tang.

“Not only does gratitude help create healthy connections in the brain, which in turn make it easier to notice the positives in life, but by taking a moment to reflect, we may also notice we have a blueprint of how we’ve achieved things in the past.”

Brexit damage continues to mount

Two year anniversary of the end of the transition period

The people of Scotland must be given a choice about their future given the damage inflicted by Brexit, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson has said.

Marking two years since the end of the transition period to leave the European Union after 47 years of membership, Mr Robertson highlighted the negative impacts Brexit continues to have on Scotland’s economy.

Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The damages caused by Brexit just continue to mount.

“In the two years since the end of the transition period, we have seen no advantages to leaving the European Union. The cost of living crisis and recession are being felt more deeply in the UK than anywhere else, with recent research showing food bills in the UK are £210 higher in the last two years due to Brexit. Households on the lowest incomes are the hardest hit.

“The UK economy is fundamentally on the wrong path and there is no real alternative on offer within the current system.

“The Scottish Government is committed to giving the people of Scotland a choice about the future they want – a greener, wealthier and fairer economy within the European Union, or a sluggish, stagnating economy outside of the European Union. We will continue to publish the Building a New Scotland series of prospectus papers to ensure people can make that informed choice.

“According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, UK GDP is expected to be 4% lower as a consequence of Brexit – this equates to around £100 billion in output and £40 billion in public revenues lost each and every year. Businesses are suffering from lower exports to the EU, labour shortages and recruitment challenges. These issues are also affecting our NHS, with new research by the Nuffield Trust showing that lower EU migration is exacerbating staff shortages.

“Scotland is and always has been a proud European nation and we’re determined to continue to be an active and constructive participant on EU matters, which will ease the process of Scotland’s future return to the EU.

“This is in stark contrast to the approach being taken by the UK Government, intent on undermining retained EU law which will be hugely damaging to people and businesses in Scotland.”

Building a New Scotland

An expert guide to surviving December to January paydays

Cash strapped Scots are being advised on how to survive the tough gap between December and January’s payday


Penny-pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have put together ways to help ease the pressure on your finances during this stretch.

Many workers receive an early payday in the run up to Christmas and although this is helpful during the festive season, the next payday can often seem far away.

Brits are being advised to cook in bulk and check their monthly subscriptions as ways to keep an eye on their spending.

Consumer expert, John Stirzaker from NetVoucherCodes said: “A lot of people get paid early in December to help fund their Christmas which is great at the time but it can often leave us feeling like the next payday is miles away which can be difficult, especially in today’s climate.

“January tends to feel like a bit of a tough month for most people but there are a few things you can do to help ease the financial pressure like cancelling unwanted and unused subscriptions.

“Other ways to help lighten the load in January include cooking in bulk and avoiding January sales.”

How to survive the wait until January payday:

  1. Shop smarter

An obvious solution is to refrain from doing any unnecessary shopping on clothes and luxury items that you can go without.

However, it’s not always that simple and if you do find yourself having to buy something try using price comparison websites or look for discount codes.

  1. Cook in bulk

Instead of cooking a separate meal each night why not try meal prepping and cooking in bulk. This way you can freeze your food and take it out when you need it.

This is cheaper than buying ingredients for a different meal each night and not only does it save you money, but it saves you time as well in the week whilst you’re busy working.

  1. Avoid unnecessary spending

It can be very tempting to grab that coffee on the way to work or pop out and buy lunch while on your break. Try making a coffee before you leave and consider meal prepping for the week ahead. That way you won’t be tempted to buy lunch knowing you have plenty to last you for the week.

  1. Dry January

If there’s ever a time to do it, you may as well stop drinking with the rest of the nation. As well as being good for your health, you’ll also find it’s good for your bank account.You’d be surprised how much money you save in a few weeks when you aren’t spending it on alcohol.

  1. Sell unwanted items

Social plans tend to die down in January with everyone in similar financial situations so this should give you some free time to go through and clear out any unwanted items.

And perhaps you’ve been given things at Christmas that could replace other items you have. Selling these online is a great way to get a bit of extra money in January.

  1. Check monthly subscriptions

Collectively, Brits have been known to spend around £1.8 billion on unwanted subscriptions a year.

Now is a good time to go through your subscriptions and cancel any that you do not use or need or maybe even put some on hold until the next payday.

Think about gym memberships, streaming services and delivery subscriptions.

  1. Don’t be tempted by January sales

January sales can be very tempting and you may be thinking if there’s any time to grab a bargain it’s now. But the truth is if you didn’t need it in time for Black Friday or Christmas, then you probably don’t need it now.

  1. Avoid racking up unnecessary debt

A lot of retailers now offer a buy now pay later scheme and whilst these might seem like a good idea now, they’ll be an unnecessary worry come January.

Steer clear of flood water this Hogmanay and New Year

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) joins emergency responder partners in urging Scots and visitors to Scotland to steer clear of flood water this New Year as the country clears up from a significant flooding event.

Across Friday (30th December), Scotland’s environment protection agency had 10 Regional flood alerts, 29 local flood warnings and a severe flood warning in place for Dumfries. Impacts across the country were significant, with levels at the River Nith being the highest ever recorded, and higher than Storm Frank in 2015 and flooding in December 1982.

Whilst an improving situation, people living, working and travelling through Southern and Central Scotland in particular are encouraged to remain vigilant, steer clear of flood water and follow the latest information from SEPA, transport authorities and Police Scotland.

Marc Becker, Flood Duty Manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Across Friday we saw Scotland hit with yet another significant flood event, with Southern and Central Scotland heavily impacted this time in particular.

“This comes after recent flooding impacts in the East and North-East of Scotland in November. What made Friday’s event notable was not only the intense nature of the rainfall, but also the rapid and extreme rises in river levels which led, in the Nith, to the highest ever recorded river levels.

“Whilst across Hogmanay and New Year’s Day we’re seeing an improving picture, we’ll see rain, sleet and snow on higher grounds, particularly across the Bells. With residual impacts on the ground, particularly in Southern and Central Scotland, we’re encouraging people living, working and travelling to remain vigilant, steer clear of flood water and follow the latest information from SEPA, transport authorities and Police Scotland.

“Across 2022 we’ve seen Scotland on the front line of climate change – a year of firsts with significantly severe weather events. We’ve seen record river levels across Scotland during severe and significant flood events whilst, in the summer, we saw the East of Scotland record is tenth driest summer for one-hundred years, ground water levels at their lowest recorded and the agency suspending abstraction licenses to protect local water environments.

“Against this backdrop, we’re urging Scots to add one more New Year’s resolution by signing-up for SEPA’s free Floodline message service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk”

The agency also thanked the Met Office, Scottish Government, Scotland’s resilience partners and responders for their planning and response to more frequent extreme weather events across the year.

Staying informed

Be prepared and stay safe

  • Check Floodline – visit floodline.sepa.org.uk
  • Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
  • Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
  • If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and small watercourses.
  • Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.


What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?

We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.

  • Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
  • Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

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NHS Lothian explains how relatives and carers can help ease pressures

Following warnings that hospitals and GP services are being stretched beyond capacity NHS Lothian is explaining how relatives and carers can help.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said that ongoing delays in discharging patients who no longer need clinical care is continuing to intensify pressure across the whole healthcare system but there are ways that people can help.  

He said: “Our services have been experiencing unprecedented demand for some time and we are doing everything that we can to increase capacity, provide essential care for patients and relieve pressure on staff.

“As we move into the New Year, we’re asking people to play their part in easing this sustained pressure by helping to care for loved ones at home, managing illnesses properly and reducing the spread of infections, which can result in increased hospital admissions.”

To help reduce waiting times and free up beds for new patients, NHS Lothian has been appealing to relatives and carers of patients who could be discharged to provide interim care for them at home.

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director of NHS Lothian, explains: “Many of our patients no longer require hospital treatment but can’t go home until an appropriate care package is in place or a care home placement becomes available.

“We are urging families of these patients to please consider how they can help look after a loved one at home on a temporary basis. Our teams will be on hand to provide support and discuss their needs and will only allow patients to go home after a robust clinical assessment.”

“People can also help by arranging to collect friends and family who have been discharged as early as possible.”

2022 biggest year yet for Scottish social security system

 The introduction of Adult Disability Payment, further automation and the increase and extension of Scottish Child Payment has seen more people apply for and get financial support they are entitled to.

Thousands of people have also had their benefit awards transferred to Social Security Scotland from the Department of Work and Pensions.

In March, Adult Disability Payment, which replaces the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment and is the most complex benefit to be introduced so far, was launched as a pilot project before being made available to eligible disabled adults aged 16 to state pension age in Scotland at the end of August.

In November, Scottish Child Payment increased to £25 and was extended to include eligible children up to age 16 and around 385,000 children are now expected to be eligible.

At the same time, Social Security Scotland introduced further automation. Families and carers who already get Scottish Child Payment will now automatically be paid Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age payments when their child is eligible.

Automatic payments continued for around 90,000 carers eligible for the December payment of Carers Allowance Supplement, as well as around 23,000 disabled children and young people who received Child Winter Heating Assistance to help heat their homes.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “There is no doubt that 2022 has been the biggest and most complex year yet for Social Security Scotland. Creating a new social security system at pace has not been a simple task, but the progress made since 2018 has been substantial.

“Introducing Adult Disability Payment to replace the DWP’s Personal Independence Payment was a significant milestone in the growth of the Scottish social security system and marked a step change, delivering an improved experience for disabled people that is compassionate and rooted in trust.

“With many people facing financial hardship during the ongoing cost of living crisis, extending the Scottish Child Payment to under 16 year olds means that now hundreds of thousands more children will get much needed extra financial support.

“Investing in social security is a priority for the Scottish Government. Our commitment in the 2023-24 Budget to uprate benefits by 10.1% will mean more support going to people on low-incomes, disabled people, carers and young people right across Scotland at a time when many are facing tough financial challenges.

“Though there is still much work to do, we are creating a system to be proud of  and building strong foundations to serve Scotland for generations to come, treating people with dignity, fairness and respect. Social security is a human right and an investment in creating a fairer society, together.”

Dad Martin, whose daughter has learning difficulties, says receiving benefits helped his daughter flourish.

He said: “I went on the website and applied for Child Disability Payment. When I got accepted I went from having nothing at the end of the month to having £97 left. This enabled me to do so many things with my daughter and because of that she has flourished.”

Another young woman who received the Young Carer’s Grant this year, said: “It had a positive impact because I needed new clothes so I spent about £100 on clothes and then I shared the rest of the grant with my brother and sister.”

A mum who received School Age Payment for their child said: “I applied for this grant for my child when she started primary one. It was a great help to us to cover the costs of school uniforms and accessories required for school. I would urge all parents to apply for this grant.”

Eligible families and carers can find out more and apply for social security payments at scot/benefits or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222

Crisis: Gorgie Farm faces closure again

FUTURE OF POPULAR LEARNING CENTRE IN DOUBT

Love Learning released the following statement yesterday:

So sorry to release this folks 😞

Love to withdraw from Gorgie Farm

Love Learning have regrettably announced that their intention to return the lease on Gorgie Farm to the City of Edinburgh Council. Love will begin a period of formal consultation with staff on 4 January 2023.

Love CEO, Lynn Bell, said: “We have tried everything to avoid this situation, however with Covid and now cost of living crisis we do not believe we are able to support the Farm alone moving forward.”

CEC funding for the Farm was withdrawn in 2020 and over recent months Love have been seeking detailed discussions with City of Edinburgh Council over funding and the future operations of the Farm. Love have developed a plan for the Farm, based on the development of a Care Farm and utilising buildings on the Farm for respite accommodation for Looked After Children.

However, on preparation of the Love Learning 2021-22 accounts it became clear that Love was not able to take this forward without assistance.

Lynn added: “The support for Gorgie Farm from the public has been tremendous, and I would like to thank every single person who has supported the Farm over the last few years. Gorgie Farm is unique, and it has the potential to deliver so much for so many.

“We know that changes could be made to raise funds and support wider Council objectives around looked after children and tackling poverty, but we are not able to take this proposal forward unaided.

“A partnership approach has always been central to our plans, but this partnership has not materialised. While we have had many positive individual conversations ultimately there is a need for detailed discussions and agreements to allow the redesign of the Farms operations to meet wider needs.”

Edinburgh Greens have pledged to work for sustainable future for Gorgie Farm.

The much-loved local community farm in Edinburgh has announced that they plan to hand their lease back to Edinburgh City Council when it comes to an end.

Gorgie Farm has been run by ‘LOVE Learning’ since the previous long-term owners entered financial difficulties in late 2019.

Since reopening in early 2020, LOVE Gorgie Farm has become a community hub with programmes for local people to connect, and a young people to learn.

Gorgie Green Councillor Dan Heap said: “After 50 years of operation, Gorgie Farm is an integral part of the Gorgie community, and it is impossible to imagine Gorgie without the fun, life and incredible services the Farm brings the area.

“I think it is absolutely possible we can find a sustainable model for the Farm, and it is vital that all partners, including the City of Edinburgh Council, work together to achieve this.

“I will be working closely with them to ensure this happens.”

Lothian Green MSP, Lorna Slater said: “I am sorry to hear that Gorgie Farm is facing closure.

“It was a pleasure to have visited the farm in September and to hear about the exciting future plans that had been set out for this much-loved community farm.

“When the farm was threatened with closure in 2019, Green MSPs and Councillors were at the heart of the campaign to save it. I will work closely with local councillor Dan Heap and all partners involved in the farm and do everything I can to help in ensuring that it can have a sustainable future.”

New Year Honours List ‘recognises heroes from across the UK’

The Cabinet Office has published the 2023 New Year Honours List

The New Year Honours List 2023 marks the incredible public service of individuals from across the UK.

Recipients in the New Year Honours List have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all parts of the UK for their work on areas including sustained public service, youth engagement and community work.

Such recipients include 100-year-old Peter Offord Davies from Macclesfield, who has been awarded a BEM for his work as a reading volunteer at Dean Valley Community Primary School in Bollington, Macclesfield.

Pamela Goldsmith from West Sussex is also being awarded an BEM, for raising more than £1.5 million for Macmillan in 20 years of volunteering. Jade Clarke, who represented the United Kingdom at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and glassblower John Reyntiens, who is most well-known for the bespoke stained-glass window at the North End of Westminster Hall which was gifted to Her Majesty the Queen for her 2012 Diamond Jubilee, receive MBEs.

Jawahir Roble, from London, and who grew up playing football in war-torn Mogadishu, has also been awarded an MBE for services to football, after becoming the first black, female, Muslim, hijab-wearing referee in the UK.

Following her commitment to help children and families fleeing Ukraine, Cambridgeshire resident Louenna Hood has been awarded a British Empire Medal. Her voluntary work has seen more than £170,000 raised to help people fleeing the war-torn country and she has helped to organise the delivery of five container loads of essentials directly to people in need.

Asrar Ul-Haq DL was one of the first Asian police officers in Greater Manchester Police and spent his career in policing building a positive relationship between marginalised communities and law enforcement. His work bringing together people from different faiths and backgrounds for a common good has earned him an OBE.

Jim Jones, who is also a police officer in Greater Manchester, has also been recognised with a BEM for his work to improve the way police forces work with military veterans. His close work with the veterans community has seen veterans encouraged to consider jobs within the police force and his approach has been followed by many other police forces across the country.

Key members of the England Lionesses football team are also honoured after their outstanding performance in the summer. Squad captain Leah Williamson receives an OBE, while star player Lucy Bronze, golden boot Beth Mead, and England women’s top international goal scorer Ellen White are all awarded MBEs.

A CBE has been awarded to Pat Jennings, for his football and charity service in Northern Ireland. MBEs go to Scotland’s football captain Andy Robertson for his work with young people and to Chris Kamara for his charity and anti-racism work.

At DBE there is an award for Virginia McKenna, for her work in wildlife conservation and amongst the knighthoods is an award for Robin Millar, for his work in music and disabilities and Grayson Perry for services to the arts.

There is a significant breadth of service recognised across the entirety of the UK. Recipients include MBEs for Gee Walker, founder and patron of the Anthony Walker Foundation; Charles Banks, Chair of the NorthWest Users Group and Secretary, Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association; and Judith Backus, the Founder of Hidden Help, a charity helping disadvantaged people in Cornwall.

The youngest recipient in the List is 18-year-old Dara Seamus McAnulty who receives a BEM for his environmental work and for his work with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Scottish Secretary has congratulated the many people from across Scottish society who have been recognised in the New Year Honours List published last night.

Alister Jack said: “This year’s New Year Honours List underlines the outstanding contributions made by Scots to the life of the nation, from public service, through entertaining us and contributing to our cultural heritage, to assisting in Scotland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting business growth.

“It’s great to see recognition of our men’s football captain Andy Robertson [MBE], not just for his efforts on the pitch but for his work with young people. The UK’s Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss [CB] has been deservedly honoured for her work on behalf of the veterinary and farming industries, as has Dr Julie Maxton [DBE], the first female executive director of the Royal Society in its history of over 350 years.

“Many Scots have been recognised for their contributions to our cultural landscape. These include Sinclair Barbour from Dumfriesshire [BEM], who for more than four decades has inspired people to participate in and learn the skills of Scottish country dancing; James McEwan from Islay [MBE], four times Master Distiller of the Year and inductee to the Whisky Hall of Fame; and David Sutherland from Dundee [OBE], for services to illustrating the Beano.

“This is also, however, an important opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of those who selflessly serve the needs of others in our communities. Among those to have been honoured today are 28-year-old Lucy Lintott from Moray [BEM], for her tireless campaigning and fundraising in aid of tackling Motor Neurone Disease; and 79-year-old Joyce Murray from East Dunbartonshire [BEM] who has served her community for more than five decades – 50 years as a Boys’ Brigade officer and the last twenty years as a trusted school crossing patrol attendant.

“My sincerest congratulations go to all who have been recognised today.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients of The New Year’s Honours.

Among those receiving Knighthoods are Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Peter Mathieson, for services to higher education, and chairman of the Robertson Group, William Robertson CBE, for services to the construction industry and charity.

Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, Professor Heather McGregor, CBE, receives a Damehood for services to education, business and heritage.

Scotland’s former Chief Scientist, Professor David Crossman, receives a Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to public health, while Chief Executive of NHS Shetland, Michael Dickson receives an Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to healthcare during COVID-19.

OBEs have also been received by Beano illustrator David Sutherland for services to illustration, Usman Ali for services to equality and cohesion in Scotland and Remzije Sherifi for services to refugee integration in Glasgow.

Footballers Kim Little and Andy Robertson, who captains the Scottish national team, as well as artist Andrew Crummy and community activist Alana Stott are among those receiving a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Receiving a Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) include Lucy Lintott for voluntary services to Motor Neurone Disease Research, Joyce Murray, school crossing patrol attendant, for service to the Boys’ Brigade and to the community in Glasgow and Elizabeth Wilson for services to handbell ringing.

Chief Superintendents Sean Scott and Sharon Milton, and Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Watch Commander Alan Aitken and Volunteer Leader Robert Strang. Wendy Bathgate, Information Governance Officer and Trustee of the Benevolent Fund, receives The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

The First Minister said: “Those recognised in The New Year’s Honours list have made exceptional contributions to communities across Scotland and beyond. These Honours are particularly poignant as they are the first to be awarded since the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, who reigned for over 70 years.

“The service and dedication of our successes, from the arts, education and sport to business, charity, community cohesion and science has helped to promote Scotland all over the world and benefited people throughout society.

“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.” 

The Honours list.