PROGRAMME RESUMES NEXT WEEK
The new Women Supporting Women Programme will start when we return on 9th January.
All women living in the area are very welcome to join our groups and activities.
If you’re interested, just complete this online form:
The most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – the longest running annual survey of pet wellbeing in the UK – revealed 30% of owners worry how they’ll pay for vet bills if their furry family member fell ill or became injured.
With the report also detailing that 61% of cats and 39% of dogs are currently uninsured, thousands of owners could find themselves with an unexpected vet bill should the worst happen.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting all of us in one way or another, meaning we’re looking for ways to save money wherever we can – and this is no different for costs associated with our pets.
“Veterinary treatments can become costly, so one of the best ways to safeguard your furry friend and avoid unplanned vet bills is by keeping on top of their preventive healthcare. The following tactics could help you save in the long-term:
Stay up to date with vaccinations
“While cutting back on annual booster vaccinations or regular flea and worming treatments may seem like saving money in the short-term, it can cause issues down the line. Avoiding these measures can put your pet’s overall health at risk, meaning they may need intensive veterinary care, which can soon add up.
“Keeping vaccinations up to date provides your furry family member with antibodies to fight off serious but preventable conditions. Using regular flea treatment prevents your pet from developing uncomfortable skin problems, while buying products to treat all types of worms including lungworm, can be lifesaving.
The benefits of neutering
“Neutering your pet will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it also reduces the likelihood of developing certain health issues too, including some types of cancer or life-threatening infection of the uterus which can affect unneutered females.
“Castrating male dogs helps reduce their risk of prostate disease and stops them from developing testicular cancer. Male cats and dogs are less likely to roam looking for females and male cats are less likely to get into fights if neutered, too. Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits will also develop uterine cancer by the time they’re five or older, so the procedure is highly beneficial for pets, big and small.
Watch weight gain
“It’s important to monitor your pet’s weight and take action if you believe they are gaining a few too many pounds – this will help avoid weight related health problems which may require costly lifelong medication.
“The best way to help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight is by incorporating daily exercise into their routine and ensuring they eat a complete, well-balanced, nutritious diet.
Don’t ignore insurance
“Having the correct insurance plan in place will be vital to avoid expensive bills, should the worst happen.
“There are several types of cover and the monthly cost will depend on a range of factors, including your pet’s breed and age. Cheaper policies are often ‘accident only’ and won’t cover anything illness related.
Lifetime cover policies are usually more expensive, however, they do provide cover for any accidents or illnesses (they don’t cover vaccinations or other preventive treatments) as long as the policy is continued, without a break.
“It is a good idea to insure your pet as soon as you bring them home – don’t wait for them to get ill – as pre-existing conditions are not typically covered. If you insure them while they are young and healthy, many providers will continue to cover them as they get older. However, you may find changes to excesses for older pets, so – it’s important to read the policy, so you know what to budget for.
Explore additional resources
“There are lots of free resources available on PDSA’s website, which provide helpful advice and low-cost ways to care for furry family members.
“Personal circumstances can change at any time and if you do find yourself struggling to afford your pet’s veterinary care, see if you are eligible for free or low-cost support by using the eligibility checker on the PDSA website.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver vital treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.
To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.
To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost-of-living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis
Funded places to ensure inclusivity and support for a society where all forms of neurodiversity are embraced, and no mind is left behind
The organisers of It Takes All Kinds Of Minds – ITAKOM, the global conference advancing insights into neurodiversity, have announced a special bursary scheme aimed at making the event accessible to all those who wish to attend, regardless of financial constraints
Salvesen Mindroom Centre, the Edinburgh charity behind the conference, is offering up to 65 places, either fully or partially funded, for the international event set to take place in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre at the heart of the Scottish capital (13-14 March 2023).
Alan Thornburrow, Chief Executive Officer of Salvesen Mindroom Centre said: “Inclusion is hard-wired into how we think, act and convene. And in these difficult times, we’re acutely aware of the impact of the cost of living crisis and we’re determined to do everything that we can to make sure that this spirit of inclusion, which we hold so dear, applies to our global conference.
“We’re delighted to launch a bursary fund to make attendance affordable to potential delegates who would otherwise not be able to attend ITAKOM – and we’d encourage anyone interested to apply.”
The two-day event will bring together different perspectives, enabling us to better understand neurodiversity and work together towards our vision of a society where all forms of neurodiversity are embraced, and no mind is left behind.
The conference will draw together HR workplace professionals, practitioners, academics, the care sector—and of course, parents, siblings and families and will present the latest knowledge and visions for the future of embracing neurodiversity.
More than 50 speakers from around the world, including experts on neurodiversity in the workplace, neuroscientists, clinicians, educators and comedians, among them Edinburgh’s satirical impressionist Rory Bremner, a neurodiversity advocate after being diagnosed with ADHD – will address delegates.
The It Takes All Kinds Of Minds conference will be held both in-person and virtually and assistance is available as a bursary for complimentary registration or as discounted registration at a reduced rate. Awards will be made on an individual’s circumstances and availability within the fund.
To apply email ITAKOM@integrity-events.com stating the reasons for the application. Group discounts are also available with one free delegate place offered for every five conference passes purchased. To apply for a group discount email ITAKOM@integrity-events.com.
For more information on ITAKOM visit www.itakom.org
Lloyds Bank has appointed Jamie Kemp to the role of Invoice Finance Area Director for Scotland and the North East, as it strengthens its support for businesses across the region.
Jamie has over 11 years of experience in the finance sector, with experiencing spanning across retail, private and commercial banking. Over the last 4 years, Jamie has specialised in Invoice Finance and has been recognised by UK Finance as their Top Foundation and Certificate student.
In his latest role, Jamie held the title of Business Planning Manager for the Invoice & Asset Finance Sales division where he was responsible for overseeing and supporting national delivery and performance.
Jamie Kemp commented: “I am delighted to lead a team of highly experienced Invoice Finance professionals to deliver bespoke solutions for small to medium sized enterprises. The current climate is making the cost of operating more and more challenging for businesses.
“I’m looking forward to supporting those businesses based in the North East and Scotland through these challenging times as much as possible in my new role alongside my team.”
Ben Stephenson, the Head of Specialist Client Solutions at Lloyds Bank, added: “We are pleased to welcome Jamie into the role of Invoice Finance Area Director. He brings with him a wealth of banking and finance experience, which will stand him in good stead to excel in this role and provide exceptional service for our clients.”
While starting his new role, Jamie is also hiring for an Invoice Finance Field Sales position (Associate Director level) based in and around Glasgow. The role has been designed to attract enthusiastic and talented individuals which may be new to the Invoice Finance industry.
It offers a substantial period of training, supported by a comprehensive learning plan, which includes undertaking the Invoice Finance Foundation Course, UK Finance’s entry-level qualification. This should ensure that the successful candidate has the best possible start to a career in Invoice Finance.
Households are being offered 23 money-saving hacks to use in 2023 as experts reveal the best ways to save little and often throughout the year
Consumer experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have identified useful ways to save cash by completing monthly saving challenges as well as advice on how to knock hundreds off holiday expenses.
The cost-of-living crisis spiralled over the last year and the rising costs of food and expenses have left families worried about how they can manage their finances in the new year.
Brits can save little and often by taking early preventive steps to save their cash, from sticking to a digital budget planner to track how much they’re spending, to investing in a smart meter so they can monitor how much gas and electricity is being used in the home.
Lucinda Fox, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “December is one of the most expensive months of the year, which is why many families are left tight for cash when it comes to January.
“We’ve faced one of the toughest years when it comes to saving money, as every household expense has been rising from petrol to food and of course our energy bills.
“As we head into 2023, we’re offering households simple tips on how to stick to measurable budgets so they don’t have to worry about overspending or be left strapped for cash towards the end of the year.
“We’ve found various ways to save over the next year such as following budget planners and booking holidays a year in advance.”
Here are 23 money-saving hacks from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk to use in 2023:
Start the year off by investing in a digital budget planner so you can visually track how much you’re spending and in which areas. This way you can monitor which outgoings can be cut down to help save hundreds off your monthly budget.
Having the physical amount in front of you can let you see clearly how much is being spent on gas and electricity. It means you can knock £20 off the electric bill if devices that aren’t being used are still turned on.
A savvy way to earn extra cash in the new year is to earn more and spend less by starting a side hustle. This can simply be done from home whether it’s selling clothing on apps or completing free online surveys to earn rewards.
Social media giveaways are also an easy way to grab a freebie. While it’s all down to chance, it’s worth doing as the only effort you’ll likely be putting in is following the company’s social page and tagging a friend in the comments.
While it’s great to save as much as possible, don’t just throw everything into savings only to realise there’s not enough money left to pay for the bills. Be reasonable with how much you can save and by putting aside a steady amount to start with.
January sales are one of the prime sales events over the year, where many retailers knock down their prices after the Christmas rush. If you have family or friends with birthdays coming up, make the most out of the sales to save on the costs.
When it comes to travel prices, the earlier you book, the better. Many companies offer zero deposit schemes where you pay the holiday off on a cheaper monthly basis rather than all in one go. Have a look at travel voucher codes to save up to 30% on future trips.
Have a look at different outlets offering the same type of products, both online and in-person. This also applies to supermarkets during seasonal events where better promotions can be found by shopping around.
Signing up for online community groups means you have access to wider information about free local activities going on in the area. This will help even further when it comes to half term to prevent overspending on days out.
Each time you decide to shop at a retailer, have a look if they have an app available or go straight to their website and join their reward schemes. This can result in freebies or discounts on your next visit.
Booking free cancellation trips can provide extra insurance to get money back on a cancelled trip. This can be extremely helpful if there are ongoing strikes over the course of 2023 that could impact you getting to your destination.
Even if they end up in your junk mail, it’s worth signing up for email subscriptions every time you purchase an item online, as you can be offered exclusive free items or early discounts before they go live to other consumers.
Freezing food and meal prepping is always a handy way to save on food costs. With prices set to rise again in the new year, it’s also worth saving the leftovers from a Sunday roast and batch-cooking them into lunches for the rest of the week to save a few quid.
A popular TikTok trend from 2022 is one to follow through in the new year. When the monthly wage comes through, allocate 50% of it on bills and essentials, 30% on leisure and 20% on savings.
When buying a large purchase item, pay for it on finance or directly by credit card to build up your credit score. But only do so if you can realistically manage to fit the payment into the monthly budget.
Dedicate one weekend a month where you’re going to have a spend-free weekend, where you can go for long walks in the park, get crafty in the kitchen with existing cupboard ingredients, or even just settle down and binge-watch a new TV show.
A fakeaway is always a delicious budget treat to have on a Saturday night. Fried chicken and homemade pizzas might take a little longer to make but the rewards are just as tasty.
Write down different amounts you’d like to put into your savings on separate pieces of paper and put them into a bowl. Every Sunday, draw out a different amount to determine how much money you will be putting into your savings that week. This is a great way to save little and often, just remember to keep it realistic!
Often many find themselves accidentally paying too much tax, which can be reclaimed on the Government website. Even if it’s £30 – it’s still worth a look.
Brands offer freebies by signing up for subscription deals, whether it’s entertainment packages or beauty products. These can often be cancelled shortly after, so make sure to do so to prevent being charged.
These can cost nearly 50% less compared to other products even if there’s a lack of difference in price and quality. Veggies and meats often taste the same so it’s worth investing in the non-branded versions to cut down on weekly meals.
Virtual banks often allow for savings pots to be locked and only accessible on certain dates. Having the visual lock on display can help prevent the temptation of taking cash out on a frequent basis.
Don’t just stick to the budget for January and forget about it for the rest of the year, make it a personal goal that you’ll stick to the saving targets so that the rewards will be greater by the end of next year.
For more ways to save in 2023, please head over to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk.
Scotland’s ambition to become Europe’s leading space nation by 2030 is being given a boost under the guidance of a group of global experts from the space industry.
The Scotland International Space Advisory Committee (SISAC) consists of members of the Scottish Government’s GlobalScot programme – a network of Scots in business around the world – who have come together voluntarily to provide advice and identify opportunities to achieve a £4 billion share of the global space market and 20,000 jobs in the sector over the next seven years.
Scotland is making huge advances in the space sector, with the first orbital launch from Scottish soil due in 2023.
Both SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland and Space Hub Sutherland – working alongside Scottish-based launch manufacturers – are months away from lift off. Space Hub Sutherland will host launches by owners Orbex from next year.
SaxaVord Spaceport will offer a multi-pad, multi-user, launch facility with multiple launch partners, including Scottish-based Skyrora which has developed its own eco-friendly fuel, Ecosene, made of waste plastics.
As well as its launch capabilities, Scotland is also world leading in small satellite manufacturing, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other place in Europe. Expertise in data gathering and analysis makes Scotland the data driven capital of Europe, hosting the largest centre for informatics and having more than 170 data sciences companies.
And our world class research institutions have been demonstrated, as Scottish skills and innovation played an important role in the development of the instruments on board the James Webb Space Telescope.
Business Minister Ivan McKee said: “Space brings great opportunity for Scotland in terms of the economic development it delivers, its relevance for the climate change agenda and the power it has to inspire the next generation. That is why the Scottish Government has identified it as a priority in our National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“The space sector is a key opportunity for the future, and we will continue to build on our strengths. The expertise and insight offered by the members of SISAC will be hugely beneficial to our progress.
“I am grateful to the members of this new committee for volunteering to come together to help Scotland live up to its full potential in growing the space sector.”
Chair of SISAC Joanna Peters said: “It is the intent of the SISAC to help fuel and ignite a national passion toward a space-based economy by capitalising on its strong heritage of exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“Working with the GlobalScot organisation and our network of national and international leaders, we aim to develop strategic recommendations, building upon precise and transparent advocacy, influence, consultation, and development.”
Do you have a passion for working in healthcare? Looking to start your exciting career as a Clinical Support Worker or in Administration?
NHS Lothian’s Modern Apprenticeships may just be what you are looking for!
Applications will open 6th January! More details to follow.
As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break, UKHSA is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels.
Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.
Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.
“Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.
“Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent.
“Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and in some cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late.”
Eligible children include:
You can get more information getting your child vaccinated against flu on NHS.UK.
