Day: April 3, 2023

Amazon Development Centre support for four Scottish charities

Four charities that support communities across Scotland, and beyond, have received donations totalling £16,000 from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland. 

The donations were made to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), SAY Women, Broomhouse Community Hall, and Change Mental Health following nominations of support from employees at Amazon’s office in Edinburgh’s Waterloo Place.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People, which has a support centre in Edinburgh, is the UK’s leading sight loss charity. Staff and volunteers provide practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. The charity’s staff and volunteers raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaign for change to make society more accessible for everyone. 

SAY Women positively impacts communities across Glasgow by supporting young women aged 16 – 25 who are survivors of sexual violence, homeless or at risk of homelessness as a result. The charity offers accommodation for young women, support through emotional and mental health difficulties and education to help the people it supports prepare for an independent, fulfilled and happy life. 

Broomhouse Community Hall is a voluntary organisation run by residents in Broomhouse with the aim of ensuring local views are considered when decisions are taken that impact the community. The organisation, based on Baillieston Road, runs events for people in Glasgow who are lonely, isolated or struggling to buy food. The charity’s volunteers also manage the area’s annual Christmas tree light switch on.  

Change Mental Health is a charity that creates talks and training programmes to help people with mental health struggles. Its services, many of which are bespoke to each person it supports, help build confidence and social skills, allowing people to feel more integrated in their community. 

Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “The services offered by these charities have an incredible impact on communities across Scotland and we wanted to lend a helping hand to the staff and volunteers with these donations.

“The work being done by the RNIB, SAY Women, Broomhouse Community Hall and Support in Mind Scotland positively impacts the lives of many people across Scotland, and beyond, and we’re pleased to offer them our support.” 

Jim Hume, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Change Mental Health, added: “From the staff and volunteers at Change Mental Health, I would like to say thank you to the team at Amazon for acknowledging our hard work and offering us their support.

“It is great to receive this donation from Amazon Development Centre Scotland.”

Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, whose constituency covers SAY Women, said: “I am delighted that SAY Women, located in my Glasgow Kelvin constituency, have been given this funding by Amazon for the very valuable work they do supporting young women survivors of sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness.

“This funding will undoubtedly be put to good use providing services for this vulnerable group. I hope it will make a real difference to young women dealing with very challenging circumstances, including the damaging impact on mental health.”

John Mason, MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, whose constituency covers Broomhouse Community Hall, said: ‘’I am pleased to see part of this £16,000 go to Broomhouse Community Hall.

It cannot be overstated the importance of places where the community can engage on issues which affects local people. It is my belief, these are the grassroots and foundations of our democracy.

“It also provides a place where vulnerable people can seek help and support from their neighbours and local community. I wholly congratulate Broomhouse Community Hall for this richly deserved donation.’’

Community donations are one of several ways in which Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than six million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.

Arts & Business Scotland becomes Culture & Business Scotland with new identity and strategic vision 

The former Arts & Business Scotland has today announced its rebranding to Culture & Business Scotland, as well as launching its strategy for the next five years.  

Since the charity’s demerger from Arts & Business UK over a decade ago, it has significantly extended its reach across both the Scottish business and culture sectors, now encompassing heritage as well as the arts and further developing its offer to businesses.  

Uniquely positioned as the only agency in Scotland to act as a conduit between the two sectors, the organisation has now repositioned itself as Culture & Business Scotland, part of its aim to ensure that potential beneficiaries across both the culture and business sectors better recognise the value of its work. 

Along with its rebranding, the newly renamed Culture & Business Scotland is setting out its strategic plan. In alignment with its commitment to helping both sectors to thrive, the strategic plan accounts for the challenging economic backdrop the organisation is operating in and focusses on ways to mitigate the effects of this.  

The legacy of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crises continue to present challenges to the cultural sector, compounded by pressures on public funding. Culture & Business Scotland’s strategic plan addresses this by supporting the cultural sector to access new opportunities and models of working, while ensuring that businesses gain an edge over competitors by mobilising the innovation and creativity offered by cultural organisations.  

 The organisation’s Strategic Plan outlines three key strategic goals: 

·         A commitment to championing the benefits of cultural experiences, both for individuals and collectively, and advocating for investment in culture based on the value it brings to social, civic and economic life;   

·         Further cultivating relationships between the cultural and business industries, including expanding membership to the organisation itself, facilitating funding opportunities between the two sectors and delivering and promoting the Culture & Business Marketplace Scotland initiative; 

·         and offering sector-specific training and development possibilities, as well as collaborating with industry partners to offer insights into compelling industry issues and provide professional expertise on relevant topics such as governance, fundraising and sponsorship.  

Collaboration remains key to Culture & Business Scotland’s ethos, and the strategic plan will continue to uphold the organisation’s dedication to forming and building strong connections with other agencies, local authorities, higher education institutes and third-sector interfaces.  

David Watt, CEO of Culture & Business Scotland, said: “As an organisation, we have grown and evolved immeasurably over the past decade, and the new naming and repositioning of our identity reflects this.

“Our rebranding to Culture & Business Scotland demonstrates our fundamental commitment to both sectors while ensuring that all potential beneficiaries can recognise the scope of our work and the value it can offer them”.  

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chair of Culture & Business Scotland added: “Scotland’s cultural industry faces a challenging set of circumstances, but it also has immense potential.

“By helping to forge connections between the cultural and business sectors, providing genuinely meaningful training and development opportunities for creative and industry professionals and advocating for the value of cultural experiences, we’re supporting the cultural sector to fully harness this potential and strengthening its ability to weather the challenges ahead.  

“Our new strategic plan is a manifestation of our values, vision, and mission, and reinforces our resolve to enable mutually beneficial connections and relationships between the cultural and business sectors – a unique commitment amongst Scottish organisations”.  

For more information on Culture & Business Scotland please visit:

www.cultureandbusiness.scot

Tattoo showcases Scottish heritage on BBC’s Future Food Stars with Gordon Ramsay

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo had a starring role in the return of Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars series by showcasing its Scottish heritage.

Bringing Gordon back to his Scottish roots, the first episode was filmed with the beautiful backdrop of Glenapp Castle, Ayr which saw 12 food and drink entrepreneurs create outdoor banquets using local ingredients judged by Gordon alongside the Tattoo’s Drummers, Pipers, and Highland Dancers.

The first episode, which aired on Thursday 30 March at 21:00, is available on BBC iPlayer and more information can be found on the website: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015yj3.

Featuring the military at the heart of the Tattoo this summer, Stories will run from 4 – 26 August 2023, providing audiences with an array of magnificent sounds and sights of the Massed Pipes and Drums and Tattoo Dancers alongside dramatic and stunning performances from a number of International Acts. Further details about Stories will be announced in the coming months.

To purchase tickets for the summer’s Show, visit edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or call 0131 225 1188.

Bone Appetit! Morrisons launches pet Easter eggs!

– Morrisons launches £3 Easter egg range for cats and dogs –

– Made from pet friendly dairy alternatives, including carob and yoghurt –

– Available in-store and online now –

Morrisons has added Easter eggs for cats and dogs to its range – for just £3.

With more and more customers celebrating special moments with their animals, Morrisons has come to the rescue to ensure pets can also enjoy this Easter with their very own eggs made from Carob, a pet-friendly alternative to chocolate.

The Webbox Easter egg for dogs and Easter egg for cats are a paw-sitively wonderful treat for furry friends this Easter and are crafted using delicious dairy alternatives – sure to set tails wagging.

Stephanie Milner, Morrisons pet food Buying Manager commented: “This is a first for Morrisons and we’re thrilled to be putting these on our shelves so even pets can enjoy a classic Easter treat.

“We know what a big part pets play in our customers’ lives so we’re excited to be able to include them in our Easter celebrations.”

The Webbox Easter egg for dogs and Webbox Easter egg for cats are both available now for £3 each in-stores and online.

Resident Proves She Is On Pointe At Swan Lake 

Resident, Sandy Alexander a 95 year old lady at Strachan House had always wanted to return to watch the ballet so staff at the home made her wish a reality.

Sandy was an accomplished ballet dancer in her younger years and fondly talks of her younger dancing days mainly in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Sandy Alexander has lived at Strachan House for a number of years and is beloved by staff and residents alike. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making her dream come true, as they knew how much it meant to her, and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on Sandy’s face as she was surprised with a trip to watch Swan Lake performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh.

Staff first found out about Sandys dream as she had always spoke about her time as a ballet dancer. She takes part in many exercise classes at the home and it was clear how much she loved being a dancer with her moves and chat about how she was On Pointe.

Ever since learning about Sandy’s passion they have been dedicated to helping her achieve it her dream of returning to the ballet. Sandywas also accompanied by staff, who were there in support of this momentous occasion.

In response to this wonderful surprise, Sandy said: “It was amazing and I never thought I’d ever see the ballet again. The powerful music and dancers just filled me with memories that came flooding back of my time preforming. It truly was an amazing surprise and one I won’t forget”

Gordon Philp, General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House. It was so nice to see how happy Sandy was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

A Climate of Change: Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Ambassador Patricia Espinosa

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP joins Edinburgh Science Festival on 6 April, appearing in conversation with Ambassador Patricia Espinosa.

Former chair of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC 2016-22), and Ambassador to Mexico & Germany, Patricia Espinosa, who was instrumental in efforts to make the Paris Agreement a reality and led crucial climate conversations at COP26 in Glasgow, joins Scotland’s former First Minister, for a fascinating conversation exploring Scottish, and global, efforts to face up to our climate emergency.

With discussion of climate justice, the role of legislation, UN Sustainable Development Goals and how we mitigate the unfolding effects of a changing climate and more, this event will give fascinating insights into global politics and what the next steps on this critical journey need to be.

Commenting Former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said: “I am delighted to be appearing at the Edinburgh Science Festival event: A Climate of Change alongside Patricia Espinosa.

“Climate Change undoubtedly presents one of the greatest challenges of our time – but the emergency we are facing presents an opportunity for collaboration and the chance to roll up our sleeves and build solutions for our future. Of course, the solutions we need are on a global scale but they begin with open conversations such as these, here in Scotland.”

On 5 April Patricia Espinosa also features as a special guest in a Climate Co-Lab event, which forms part of Edinburgh Science charity’s year-round programming. Previously known as Climate Opportunity Ideas Factory, these round table meetings encourage, support and facilitate Scottish industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities that the climate revolution will bring.

2023 marks an important year for Scotland’s journey to net zero, with the publication of Scotland’s second – and most critical – climate change action plan due to be published in November this year. The plan will need to detail the key areas of action that will transform our economy into the world’s first Net Zero economy.

Chaired by Francesca Osowska from Nature Scot, this event focusses upon the three pillars of Scotland’s approach to accelerate towards a just transition to net zero: mobilizing finance, showcasing ambition, and addressing climate justice.

Patricia Espinosa said: “If we are to reach the ambitious – and necessary – targets that we have set in the fight against Climate Change and fulfill our commitment to humanity under the Paris Agreement, then we need to act and act on a global scale.

“I am delighted to be joining Edinburgh Science to lead these vital conversations both at their Climate Co-Lab Round Table meeting and a public discussion event with Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP. Now is the time for us to work together to build a fairer, just, resilient and better future for everyone.”

Hannah Schlesigner, Director of Development and Marketing, Edinburgh Science, said: We are thrilled to be hosting this vital discussion event with former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and international diplomat Patricia Espinosa.

“The Edinburgh Science Festival has been proudly programming events such as these that highlight and inspire people of all ages and all backgrounds to action on our climate emergency for many years.

“We also recognize that individual action is not enough – we need governments, business leaders and decision-makers to act. That is why we launched our Climate Co-Labs, an opportunity for Senior leaders to gather, make connections and build the solutions that we need to transition to a brighter future.

“It is wonderful that Patricia Espinosa is getting involved in these and we look forward to the outcomes that we will see from this powerful discussion.”

Edinburgh Science 

Edinburgh Science, founded in 1989, is an educational charity that aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the world around them. The organisation is best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival: the world’s first festival of science and technology and still one of Europe’s largest.  

The two-week Festival provides wide and diverse audiences with amazing science-themed experiences through a diverse programme of innovative events for adults and families.

Alongside the annual Festival in Edinburgh, the organisation has a strong focus on education, running a touring programme, Generation Science, that brings science to life for primary schools around Scotland throughout the year, and running an annual Careers Hive event which promotes STEM careers to young people.  

After programming on the themes of climate change and the environment for many years, in 2019 Edinburgh Science awarded the Edinburgh Medal to Christiana Figueres, the inspirational Costa Rican diplomat instrumental in the Paris Climate agreement. Inspired by this visit, Edinburgh Science established the Climate Co-Lab, a forum for all sectors to come together and generate collaborative actionable ideas that accelerate our transition to net zero. 

One outcome from the Climate Co-Lab series if The NetZeroToolkit, a free, online resource that SMEs can use to build carbon management strategies. 

Edinburgh Science also shares its content and expertise internationally through Edinburgh Science Worldwide and operates a large-scale international programme of work. It regularly presents events overseas and is currently the Major Programming Partner of the annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival, helping to curate, produce and deliver the event.

For international partners, the team at Edinburgh Science provide engaging content, curatorial advice on programming and business planning support, along with expert staff and training for local science communicators. 

www.sciencefestival.co.uk  

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2023 programme in a PDF form here
www.sciencefestival.co.ukFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
A Climate of Change: Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Ambassador Patricia Espinosa
www.sciencefestival.co.ukFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
A Climate of Change: Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Ambassador Patricia Espinosa
www.sciencefestival.co.ukFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Sunak to crack down on grooming gangs

Evil grooming gangs who target children and young women will be stamped out under new plans unveiled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today

Evil grooming gangs who target children and young women will be stamped out under new plans unveiled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today (Monday 3rd April).

A new Grooming Gangs Taskforce will see specialist officers parachuted in to assist police forces with live child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations to bring more of these despicable criminals to justice.

Led by the police and supported by the National Crime Agency, the taskforce will be made up of officers with extensive experience of undertaking grooming gang investigations. They will provide crucial support to forces across the country to root out grooming gangs and put more perpetrators behind bars.

Data analysts will work alongside the taskforce using cutting edge data and intelligence to identify the types of criminals who carry out these offences, helping police forces across the country catch offenders who might otherwise be missed. This will also include police recorded ethnicity data to make sure suspects cannot evade justice because of cultural sensitivities.

This will include better data on the make-up of grooming gangs, including ethnicity, to make sure suspects cannot hide behind cultural sensitivities as a way to evade justice.

The Prime Minister will launch the taskforce later today. To mark this, he will be in Leeds and Greater Manchester to meet survivors, local police partners and members of the new taskforce.

Speaking ahead of this, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The safety of women and girls is paramount. For too long, political correctness has stopped us from weeding out vile criminals who prey on children and young women. We will stop at nothing to stamp out these dangerous gangs.”

Alongside the new taskforce, the Prime Minister has pledged to make sure grooming gang members and their ring leaders receive the toughest possible sentences.

Legislation will be introduced to make being the leader of or involved in a grooming gang a statutory aggravating factor during sentencing. This reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to make sure these offenders face the toughest sentences for their crimes and the longest time behind bars.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, said: “Grooming gangs are a scourge on our society and I want to send a clear message to anyone who exploits vulnerable children that they will face the full weight of the law.

“This builds on the extensive action this Government has already taken to introduce tougher sentencing, and the reforms introduced last week in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars, while making sure victims get the support they need at all times.”

Today’s announcement follows on from the Home Secretary’s commitment to bring in mandatory reporting for adults working with children if they suspect or identify that child is being abused. By ensuring people speak out if they have concerns, authorities can stop the abuse, put perpetrators behind bars and get victims the support they need much sooner.

Mandatory Reporting was one the key recommendations in the important Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which gave a voice to thousands of courageous survivors. Today’s announcement shows how seriously the Government is taking the Inquiry’s recommendations.

Speaking in response to the Government’s announcement on mandatory reporting, Professor Alexis Jay OBE, Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and Author, Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham, said: “The Prime Minister’s statement today places a renewed focus on tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by organised networks.

“I welcome these announcements, some of which reflect the recommendations of the Inquiry’s own report on child sexual exploitation in 2022. The commitment to Mandatory Reporting is very encouraging, and I look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the full package of the Inquiry’s recommendations in its Final Report is taken forward to better protect children from sexual abuse in the future.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society, it devastates victims, families and whole communities.

“The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.

“And the despicable abusers must be brought to justice. They should not be able to hide. And they must face the full force of the law for their crimes.

“That’s why I’m introducing a mandatory reporting duty and launching a call for evidence. We must address the failures identified by the Inquiry and take on board the views of the thousands of victims and survivors who contributed to its findings.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with the process once it starts – it is important to have a national conversation about this to shine a light on this terrible – but too often hidden – crime.”

Alongside the mandatory reporting duty, we are bolstering support for the NSPCC’s whistleblowing helpline, as well as their public helpline, giving professionals and members of the public a voice to raise concerns about children, or about child grooming in their community.

Sea Cadets set up Sea Hives to boost marine life at Port Edgar Marina


Sea cadets have installed a sea hive to benefit local marine life and biodiversity at the Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station in South Queensferry.

Over the weekend, on a cold and overcast Saturday, eight junior cadets – all aged between 10 and 12 from nearby Methil and Queensferry Sea Cadets units – gathered at the Firth of the Forth against the backdrop of the iconic three bridges, first to assemble and then to install the sea hive, under the guidance of Mr David Francis of SeaHives Ltd.

“I measured the bolts used to fit the sea hive together,” one of the cadets, Jae (10) proudly announced. “I put the shackles on, which were used to attach the sea hive to the pontoon,” said Addie (11).

The sea cadets themselves have taken ownership of the exciting initiative, and not only with their hands-on approach in building and setting up the hive. The young people will be monitoring the variety and quantity of marine life that settles into their newly-installed hive over the coming months.

“We will be taking photos with an underwater camera once a week to see which marine life has moved in,” explains sea cadet Edward (10).

“I am excited because it will bring in new marine life,” said Ella (11), with Jude (10) adding that he is hoping that plenty of fish and barnacles (sticky little crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters and shrimp) will decide to make the sea hive their home.

Sea hives are artificial reefs designed to resemble the marine environment, providing surfaces for marine to settle on. Among the marine life that could decide to ‘move in’ are octopus, prawns, rock-dwelling fish and tube worms.

“We are really excited to be working with SeaHives Ltd on this venture, which started six months ago for us,” said Adam Ranklin, Boat Station Manager at the Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station.

“It was great to see how fully engaged the cadets were in the set up and installation of the sea hives. They were very hands-on throughout, using drills and tools as well as taking charge in making decisions about the sea hives. It was a new and very positive experience for our junior sea cadets.”

David Francis of SeaHives Ltd said: ‘What a great bunch of Sea Cadets there were at Port Edgar! They really know how to work as a team to get the job done.

“Their boat station is an ideal location for a sea hive as it provides access to the plankton and nutrient rich waters of the North Sea, in an environment protected from extreme tidal and wave action.

“The sea hive will also provide shelter from predators for small fish and invertebrates like crabs and octopus to grow and breed.

“Sea hives are manufactured partly from processed and recycled fishing nets, an excellent example of how plastic can be re-used with a positive purpose.”

The sea hives project follows local and national forums among the cadets, called Cadet Voice, where the young people decide on the issues closest to their hearts to action. Being more environmentally responsible emerged as one of the young people’s top priorities.

Installation of sea hives will also take place next week at the Sea Cadets Thrapston Boat Station in Northamptonshire, with an eye to installing more sea hives at other Sea Cadets boat stations across the country.

As sea cadet Remy (11) says, “Sea cadets spend many hours on the water – so it’s only right that we should look after our marine environment.”

For more information on Sea Cadets, visit www.sea-cadets.org

To find out more about sea hives, see www.seahives.com

Scotland’s youngsters on the road to safer motorcycle riding with RoSPA

  • 16-24 year old motorcyclists twice as likely to die than 40–49-year-old per capita, according to new data analysis by RoSPA
  • Scotland’s parents can help keep their youngsters skill up and keep safe thanks to RoSPA’s new Novice Rider Hub
  • RoSPA’s launch coincides with The National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Motorcycle Safety week, running from 3-9 April.

Parents in Scotland can help keep their young motorcycle riders safe on the road, thanks to a new Novice Rider Hub and series of videos launched by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Data shows[1] that 339 16-24 year olds were killed or injured on the Scotland’s roads while on their motorcycle between 2018– 2021, with 91 per cent of those male[2]. Nationally, 16-24 year old motorcyclists are twice as likely to be killed or injured than their 40–49-year-old counterparts per capita, with 4,657 motorcyclists aged 16-24 injured or killed on Britain’s roads in 2021, compared to 1,931 40-49 year olds. The number of motorcycle riders is also rising, with CBT completions 22 per cent higher than they were in 2019[3].

Across the country, between 34 per cent and 42 per cent of young motorcyclists harmed between 2014 and 2018 were involved in collisions at T-junctions, with eight to 10 per cent being at crossroads. Around 80 per cent of youngsters harmed were involved with collisions where there were two vehicles, the majority of those with a car[4].

RoSPA’s Novice Rider Hub features a wealth of information to help young people skill up and become a safer motorcycle rider, including:

  • The latest safety and style advice on motorcycle clothing and protective gear like helmets
  • A breakdown of all the different types of motorcycles, including engine sizes and the appropriate licenses
  • Essential riding tips and tricks on how to be safe on the road
  • Advice on how to keep your bike in good condition and roadworthy
  • Engaging driver-safety videos and infographics
  • The motorcycle safety advice everyone needs to know.

The launch of RoSPA’s Novice Rider Hub coincides with The National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Safety Motorcycle Week, running from 3-9 April.

David Walker, Head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “When you’re a young adult and keen to get out and about, having your own transport is exciting and liberating – but we know that youngsters are at the most risk of injury or death on the road, with 16-24 year olds twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured when riding their motorcycle.

“Our Novice Rider Hub is a one-stop-shop for everything a young rider needs to know if they own a motorcycle and equips them with the tools ready to ride safely and confidently.

“We would encourage all parents of young adults who ride a motorcycle, to check it out and encourage their child to do the same – knowledge saves lives.”

Dan Quin, Road Safety Lead for NFCC, said: “The launch of the Novice Riders Hub during NFCC’s National Motorcycle Safety Week is fantastic news.

“This one-stop-shop is a valuable tool in supporting our work and that of fire and rescue services.  It will help us to engage with and share trusted advice to those motorcyclists most at risk and their families.”

UK Government extends mortgage support for benefit claimants

An additional 200,000 Universal Credit claimants will be able to access quicker support with their mortgage from today

  • Support for Mortgage Interest loan scheme extended to 200,000 additional Universal Credit claimants in efforts to support more households with the cost of living
  • They will be able to access help towards mortgage interest on their home or certain home improvements worth up to £200,000 after three months on Universal Credit
  • Support will be automatically offered to qualifying claimants after three months on Universal Credit

Previously, claimants would need to have been unemployed for nine months before they could access a Support for Mortgage Interest loan, which helps them cover interest payments for a mortgage, or a home repairs and improvements loan, whilst they seek work.

Today’s reforms, which were announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, mean claimants will be able to receive the support after just three months of being on Universal Credit, and in another change they now do not have to be unemployed to do so. They will also be able to re-claim the support if they leave Universal Credit but return within six months.

Mims Davies, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said: “The fear of losing your home when you have fallen on difficult times is incredibly stressful and makes getting back on your feet all the more difficult.

“This increased support is an important lifeline to help provide stability for those who are seeking to find work and move back towards long-term prosperity.”

Support for Mortgage Interest loans will now be automatically offered to claimants by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they qualify after three months on Universal Credit – they do not need to do anything to receive this offer.

The loans are designed to help claimants with the interest on mortgages or loans for certain home improvements, such as repairs or improvements to keep their home habitable or to adapt them for people with disabilities, whilst they are on Universal Credit. Even if claimants reject the offer of a loan initially, as long as they are still eligible, they can start claiming it at any point.

The loan needs to be repaid when claimants sell their home, though no one will be asked to sell their home in order to repay it. If needed, claimants can contact the DWP about transferring the loan to a new home.

More widely, the Government is projected to have spent £28.5 billion supporting renters in 2022/23, whilst the Affordable Homes Programme, worth £11.5 billion, will deliver more affordable homes across the country, including tens of thousands for social rent.

The Government has also provided over £1.5 billion for Discretionary Housing Payments since 2012, whilst Local Housing Allowance rates were increased above inflation during the pandemic and have been maintained since to provide housing support to Universal Credit claimants.

Additional Information:

  • Support for Mortgage Interest loans are available for people on the following qualifying benefits:
  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • For more information on Support for Mortgage Interest, please visit www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest or speak to your work coach.