Project helps families find solace during dementia journey
An Edinburgh Napier degree show project is helping families find solace during a dementia diagnosis – by bringing laughter to the fore.
Tears of Laughter, by fourth year graphic design student Claire Todd, encourages families to journal the lighter, funnier moments they experience with someone affected by dementia as an alternative coping method for the condition.
Alongside the journal, Claire has also designed a series of stickers and shapes that can be used to illustrate the book with memories. Storytelling dice also act as a prompt for those wishing to use the resource.
The eye-catching journal – which is currently on display as part of Edinburgh Napier’s 2023 Degree Show at its Merchiston campus – is bright, tactile, and full of fun and has been developed with the support of several families who currently have a loved one affected by dementia.
Claire was inspired by her own experiences with dementia after her gran, Gladys’ own journey with the condition sadly came to an end in 2021.
Although she didn’t journal at the time, the 21-year-old and her family from Fauldhouse, West Lothian would regularly reminisce about some of the funnier things her Gran had said during their many visits to see her.
And it was from here, and a desire to document many of these memories, that the idea for Tears of Laughter was born.
Claire said: “The idea for Tears of Laughter really stemmed from my own experience of watching my gran suffer from dementia. It was a really tough time for the family, but the funny things she’d say and do would make us laugh and lighten the situation by a fraction for a moment.
“It was those moments that helped us cope and provided us with lighter memories during a tough time. The funny things she said made care home visits bearable and it strengthened the bond with my gran at a time when it was difficult to bond.
“Tears of Laughter is a resource that allows adults and grandchildren affected by dementia to document the funny and lighter memories during their loved one’s dementia journey. Ultimately it creates a personal journal of nicer memories to look back on during a tough time. The journal is somewhere to escape the darkness of dementia for a moment and is a space to reflect on those nicer memories.
“As a family, I feel we had to use humour to cope. It was the only way of finding some light during that time. Dementia is a really upsetting disease to watch someone you love suffer from, so using humour would sometimes reduce its full impact.
“I really hope the idea behind this journal can help families find just a little bit of happiness during this tough time. I love how my knowledge in graphic design through my studies has given me the toolkit to design material to potentially help those who are struggling.”
Claire’s project, along with many others, is currently on display at Edinburgh Napier’s 2023 Degree Show as its Merchiston campus. The show, which is an annual celebration of talent from its School of Arts and Creative Industries, until 8pm on 1 June.
· More than 300 Scottish SME leaders complete Help to Grow: Management Course
· Recently published data1 from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) reveals nine in 10 (91%) would recommend Help to Grow: Management to other business leaders
· Scottish SMEs looking for support are encouraged to sign-up to next cohort
· Edinburgh-based narrowboat operator doubles turnover after completing course
More than 300 business leaders across Scotland have now completed the Help to Grow: Management Course in a bid to strengthen resilience and innovation, according to new figures from the Department for Business and Trade.
The 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course was founded in April 2021 to help business leaders and senior managers to increase resilience, innovation, and growth within their organisations.
In Scotland, 320 SME leaders had finished the course by February 2023 across six Scottish business schools at University of Strathclyde, University of the West Scotland, Heriot-Watt University, Robert Gordon University and University of Stirling*. Throughout the UK, 3,340 people had completed the course across 52 UK business schools.
Research2, published in May and undertaken by Ipsos, highlights the impact Help to Grow: Management has had on UK businesses. Seven in 10 (69%) report greater confidence in leading and managing their business while two thirds (66%) felt their leadership and management skills had improved.
SME leaders across a variety of sectors have benefitted from taking part in the training including those in manufacturing, construction, professional services, scientific, and technical industries, and information and communication. Help to Grow: Management compromises four waves of three modules, 1-2-1 business mentoring, peer-learning and access to the Alumni Network.
Encouragingly, six in 10 (61%) UK business leaders now have a better understanding of how to innovate their business model and are more aware of factors that drive business productivity and growth. Over nine in 10 (92%) say they have shared what they learned or gained with others in their business within six weeks of completing the programme.
The advice given to help business leaders embrace working in a post-Covid era also resulted in almost four in five (78%) reporting improved employee engagement.
Help to Grow: Management has supported leaders from often under-represented demographics. More than a fifth (17%) of participants identified as being from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to 6% of all UK SME owners, whilst a third (34%) were women, compared to 24% of UK SME owners. A broad range of ages were also welcomed to the course with one in five aged between 50-65 and a quarter aged between 25-34.
Report findings3 also showed that 91% of participants would recommend Help to Grow: Management to other business leaders.
Clare Halliday, Managing Director of Refreshing Scotland Ltd, in Roslin, participated in the course at Strathclyde University Business School. She said: “I signed up for the Help to Grow: Management Course because I wanted to find out how to take my business forward.
“One of my biggest takeaways was that it taught me how to say no and offload customers that weren’t the right fit for us, and that’s a really difficult thing to do when you haven’t got a very big business.
“It definitely made me brave and it’s paid off, in the full financial year since I did the course we have doubled Refreshing Scotland’s turnover.”
Michael Hayman MBE, Chair, Small Business Charter, said:“The success of the UK’s SME sector is critical to the growth of the wider economy. The Help to Grow: Management Course is designed to directly benefit our vibrant SME sector, equipping today’s leaders and future leaders with the tools, knowledge and confidence to identify and lead change, innovation and growth.
“It’s also brilliant to see the course attracting a wider diversity of business leaders, something we want to continue embracing as the programme progresses.
“We look forward to continuing to support business leaders across Scotland and the rest of the UK as they take the steps needed to introduce change that will help them for years to come.”
Delivered by Small Business Charter-accredited business schools, the course is available in more than 50 locations across the UK with 90% of the fee participants pay covered by the government.
The value of the programme continues long after participants have finished the course with the majority (86%) continuing to interact with other SME leaders outside of their firm through networking and informal discussions.
Almost one in four (23%) also continue to be mentored by their Help to Grow: Management mentor while many are exploring further courses (67%), attending alumni events (59%) and gaining new accreditations (43%).
*Scottish business schools that now offer the Help to Grow: Management Course include:
· Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University;
· School of Business at University of Dundee;
· School of Business, Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University;
· School of Business & Creative Industries at University of the West of Scotland;
· Strathclyde Business School at University of Strathclyde;
· Stirling Management School at University of Stirling.
As Glasgow introduces Scotland’s first LEZ today, Edinburgh is counting down to the introduction of our own Low Emission Zone, which will restrict the most polluting vehicles from driving in the city centre, benefiting everyone’s health.
The City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian have joined together to highlight the positive impact clean air can have on health and wellbeing.
Restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to 50% within the LEZ. Further air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, improving public health around the city.
Reducing air pollution is especially important for those most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, including children, older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As Glasgow begins to enforce its LEZ, and with one year to go until our own LEZ comes into force, it’s a chance to reflect on the reasons for introducing an LEZ in Edinburgh.
“Research has shown that air pollution negatively affects everyone’s health and we have a responsibility to address this. In two weeks, we’ll mark Clean Air Day, which this year focuses on the fact that poor air quality not only affects our physical health, but our mental health too.
“By restricting the most polluting vehicles in the city centre the LEZ will create a healthier, more welcoming place to be – and we’re expecting benefits to spread across the wider city. I’m encouraged by the fact that compliance with our emissions standards continues to increase, and I’d like to thank people making the switch to cleaner modes of transport.
“However, there’s still work to be done, and over the next year we’ll be supporting even more people to consider greener, more sustainable ways to travel. I want to use the extra year Edinburgh has to get ready for this change, and ensure residents and businesses are fully prepared.”
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “The links between transport and health are clear and the LEZ will help to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for the people of Edinburgh.
“Tackling air quality, alongside commitments in the City Mobility Plan and associated draft Action Plans, will have multiple benefits. Health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of reduced levels of air and noise pollution; improved road safety; more inclusive opportunities for people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport; and the increased vibrancy of local communities and economies.”
Earlier this year, data analysed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) revealed that overall compliance with Edinburgh’s LEZ emissions standards had increased from 48% to 78% over the last six years. Compliance is particularly high amongst buses (97% – Lothian Buses is 100% compliant), petrol cars (95%) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (86%).
However, more than half of diesel cars and a third of light goods vehicles (including vans) travelling on the main routes into Edinburgh don’t comply with the requirements of the LEZ.
LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
A consultation is currently underway on suite of action plans designed to support the delivery of the City Mobility Plan to 2030, addressing everything from air quality to road safety, public transport to active travel.
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the start of Glasgow’s low emission zone.
Gracie Bradley, director at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The beginning of Glasgow’s low emission zone is a moment to celebrate real progress in the city. Glasgow has persistent air pollution problems caused by transport, and people who live and work here have been breathing toxic air for many years. Finally, after years of promises, the council is taking action.
“We know that low emission zones work because they’ve been successful in hundreds of places across Europe. Glasgow’s zone has already had a positive impact since it began restricting the most polluting buses, but there is no safe level of air pollution.
“Changing the way we get around the city needs to remain a priority – we want to see better public transport, the end of developments that require cars, and safer cycling routes to tackle toxic air, reduce our impact on the planet and make Glasgow a better place to live.”
Improving the lives of people with dementia is at the heart of a new 10 year strategyannounced by the Scottish Government yesterday.
The strategy, Everyone’s Story, outlines a vision for dementia policy over the next decade and identifies a number of priorities which would improve the lives of people living with dementia, their families and carers.
These include support pre and post diagnosis, actions to enable more people to live well in their communities, involving those affected in the design and delivery of their own support and access to care from a skilled and trauma-informed workforce when appropriate
The strategy commits to tackling stigma as a priority and aims to do this by making sure two-year delivery plans will be agreed to ensure progress is made. The first plan is to be published at the end of this year.
The strategy, launched during Dementia Awareness Week, is a joint publication by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “Dementia is a brain health condition which impacts at least 90,000 people across Scotland, as well as their families and their communities. This strategy sets out what we want to achieve and the difference we want to make to people’s lives.
“Diagnosis can bring significant mental health and wellbeing challenges that need to be acknowledged and addressed to ensure a person’s rights are upheld. That’s why the strategy was developed in collaboration with the National Dementia Lived Experience Panel. We want everyone affected to be involved in its delivery.”
COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly said: “We welcome this strategy as it rightly challenges us to do more and go even further, to continue to improve the care and support for people living with dementia and their care partners.
“Delivering it will require us all to continue to work collaboratively in a positive and proactive manner, while respecting each other’s different experiences of dementia.”
Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for May 2023 shows:
Business confidence in Scotland fell nine points during May to 22%
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down two points at 30%
Overall UK business confidence remains strong at 28%, down five points on last month
Business confidence in Scotland fell nine points during May to 22%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down two points at 30%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 20 points to 14%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 22%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (45%), investing in their team (35%) and entering new markets (29%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down three points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence dropped five points to 28% in May. Despite the dip, every UK nation and region report a positive confidence reading.
As the country celebrated the Coronation, London reported the highest levels of business confidence at 43% (down four points on last month), followed by the North East at 35% (down six points month-on-month). The West Midlands, South East and South West, also reported high readings in May, all at 30%.
Firms remain optimistic about their own trading prospects, with a net balance of 34% expecting business activity to increase over the next 12 months, down just five points on last month.
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a slight drop, business confidence figures remain positive and it’s great to see so many firms planning to invest in their teams.
“On the ground we’re hearing that more and more companies are setting their sights on new goals in the coming twelve months. Whether going after new markets, or making new hires to help during busier periods, it’s important that businesses ensure their working capital is in rude health.
“Having a keen eye on forecasting and finances can help firms to move swiftly when new opportunities arise. We’ll remain by the side of Scottish businesses to support them and help them to capitalise on growth opportunities this summer.”
Confidence among manufacturers increased to a one-year high of 40% (up from 29%), while retail registered a more modest two point rise to 26%, and construction remained robust at 34% despite its monthly nine point decline.
Services confidence, however, fell back to 26% from 36%, almost erasing last month’s rise. Overall, confidence across the broad sectors remains above levels at the start of the year.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking, said: “Although we’ve seen a slight slowdown in hiring activity this month, there is still an overall upward trend in hiring intentions this year, with improvements in labour availability as well.
“While businesses may be feeling less optimistic, it’s still encouraging to see confidence is still in line with the Barometer’s long-term average, consistent with positive growth.
“Wage pressures continue to be at higher levels than before the pandemic, which management teams will be closely monitoring. And with inflationary pressures persisting, businesses need to remain agile to the changing economic environment, while keeping a tight watch on costs and the structure of their finances.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “As the economic environment remains challenging, compounded by stubborn inflation and higher wage pressures, business confidence has dipped slightly this month as firms feel cautious about the wider economy and their own trading prospects.
“However, while firms’ trading prospects and economic optimism both eased back, they still remain in positive territory as the UK has avoided an outright contraction in GDP – indicating a certain amount of underlying resilience in the economy.”
The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced today that Greta Thunberg, the world’s most influential young climate activist, will speak at a special event as part of the Book Festival programme this August, presented in association with the Edinburgh International Festival.
The event, titled It’s Not Too late to Change the World, will take place at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Sunday 13th August and is chaired by writer and broadcaster Gemma Cairney.
The event will begin with a speech from Greta Thunberg, followed by an in-depth conversation about her activism and The Climate Book, the 2022 publication that saw her call on the wisdom of more than one hundred experts, from Indigenous leaders and renowned scientists to activists and people from around the world who are most affected by climate change.
Greta Thunberg’s aim is to tell the truth about how and why our world is changing and to equip us all with the knowledge we need to combat climate disaster.
As Greta says, hope must be earned through action. If one schoolchild’s strike can ignite a global protest, imagine what can we do collectively when we really try?
This will be Greta’s Thunberg’s first public appearance in Scotland since her visit to Glasgow for COP26, the UN’s climate conference in November 2021.
As part of the event, 300 tickets will be made available to local community groups and young people and a special concessionary ticket price of 50% off will be made available to those under 26 to encourage them to become a part of the climate conversation.
Nick Barley, Director of Edinburgh international Book Festival, said: “Nobody speaks truth to power quite like Greta Thunberg: her words and actions have given hope to countless young activists.
“This is a rare opportunity to spend time in the presence of a young woman whose conviction and defiant energy is a source of inspiration to millions across the globe. We are honoured to welcome Greta to Edinburgh International Book Festival.”
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director of Edinburgh International Festival said: “We are deeply grateful to Greta Thunberg for joining us as she is one of the most prominent environmental activists of our time and is uniquely positioned to address the underlying question of this year’s International Festival programme, ‘where do we go from here?’.
“Greta has helped to galvanise a global movement for climate action, and we are proud to feature her as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.”
It’s Not Too Late to Change the World will be part of a climate-focussed strand of events at this year’s Edinburgh international Book Festival, with full details to be announced alongside the full programme on 14 June.
Copies of The Climate Book will be on sale online and on the day courtesy of a pop-up Book Festival Bookshop brought to audiences by Waterstones.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from Saturday 12 – 28 August 2023, and takes place at the Edinburgh College of Art on Lauriston Place.
The Book Festival extends thanks to The Open University whose support makes this and other festival events possible.
For more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival visit:
Two Edinburgh based charities – along with a third good cause group in Fife – have been shortlisted to receive a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid’s Community Connect award scheme.
The awards will be announced this October, following a vote by Scotmid Members.
Edinburgh Young Carers is a voluntary organisation that provides respite and support to young people between the ages of five and 25 who care for somebody at home. It aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness of the challenges they face and by offering emotional and practical support.
The Junction works with young people aged 12-21 across Leith and the North East of Edinburgh, offering access to a wide range of health-related services, education and information by providing a safe and welcoming environment. The charity encourages social and economic inclusion and promotes long term health and wellbeing.
Margaret Murphy, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Young Carers, said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for a Scotmid Community Connect Award.
“Young carers in Edinburgh face several challenges looking after loved ones and this funding will offer new opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. We are pleased to provide young carers in Edinburgh with a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities as well as a chance to build their confidence and learn new skills.”
The other good cause shortlisted in the East of Scotland is Fairway Fife.
Keen to support local good causes? Pop into your local Scotmid and pay £1 to become a member.
Findings from the biggest listening exercise ever undertaken on Scottish education have been published.
The National Discussion asked the public for their views and reached 38,000 people, including 26,000 pupils and students. Key findings from the report All Learners in Scotland Matter: Our National Discussion include:
the views and needs of children and young people, parents, carers, families and communities should be listened to, heard, respected, represented, engaged, and valued
a regular curriculum review process should be established
the future education system should capitalise upon and harness the abilities, skills, and talents of all children and young people in Scotland
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: ““The National Discussion has prompted around 38,000 people across Scotland to make their voices heard about the future of education. The engagement was wide-ranging and encompassed views that can too often be overlooked.
“The central message of the report, that all learners in Scotland matter, will now be the guiding vision that underpins our programme of education reform.
“I am grateful to everyone who took part, including the schools, community groups, local authorities and third sector organisations that hosted events. This vision is the starting point as we look to the future. The challenge for all of us in Scottish education now is to work together to make this vision a reality.”
The independent report was commissioned by the Scottish Government and COSLA and facilitated by Professor Carol Campbell and Professor Alma Harris, who are both members of the International Council of Education Advisers.
Professor Campbell: “It has been a great privilege to facilitate the National Discussion.
“I am delighted that the vision for All Learners in Scotland Matter will be central to ensuring an ambitious, supportive, and inclusive Scottish education system.”
Professor Harris said: “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the National Discussion.
“Every single contribution has been hugely valuable and has enabled us to develop the vision, values, and Call to Action that will shape the future landscape of education in Scotland.”
Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson said: “I am delighted so many got involved in the discussion and would like to thank Professor Harris, Professor Campbell and all the children, young people, parents/carers and school staff who took part.
“COSLA’s Children and Young People Board are set to consider the findings of this discussion when they meet this week, and we are looking forward to working with our partners across the education system as we respond.”
“No animal exists for our entertainment, to suffer for the sake of a souvenir photograph, to live a life blighted by cruelty for the instant click of a camera. So, join us. Be a voice for the voiceless. Pledge not to take a ‘Selfish Selfie’ and be part of a movement toward a fairer, kinder world, for all living creatures.” – Dame Virginia McKenna, Born Free’s Co-Founder & Trustee
Thousands of wild animals are being held captive, abused and exploited for financial gain in the souvenir photo prop industry.
Holidaymakers & tourists are unknowingly risking their own health & safety due to potential spread of disease and attack from deeply distressed animals.
Born Free is calling on the public to act urgently to end this suffering and to pledge not to take ‘Selfish Selfies’.
Born Free’s powerful report, ‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’, is released today.
Today, 1st June 2023: As thousands of Britons prepare to head abroad on their holidays in the coming months, international wildlife charity Born Free is calling on holidaymakers to back its campaign to end the cruel, exploitative, and dangerous practice of using wild animals for souvenir photos, by pledging not to take ‘Selfish Selfies’ this summer.
Around the world, countless captive creatures are being abused and exploited for financial gain at tourist hotspots, attractions, and zoos. This exploitation is capitalising on the public’s ‘love’ of animals, their desire to get close to, and even touch, wild, exotic species, and to have that moment captured on camera.
However, many holidaymakers are unaware of the poor conditions and barbaric treatment these animals often experience. Distressingly, the rise of social media and the aspiration for the perfect selfie, or timeline shot, is now perpetuating this brutal, money-making industry.
The true extent of the cruelty behind the camera clicks in the captive animal photo industry is revealed in Born Free’s powerful report, ‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’, released today.
The study highlights the serious animal welfare issues, threats to species in the wild, and the public health and safety risks associated with the use of captive wild animals as living props.
While the cruelty may not be immediately evident, animals exploited as photo props may have been subject to any number of cruel practices, including:
Capture from the wild: Photo prop animals are often forcibly removed from their mothers and family groups as babies.
Mutilation: Many have their teeth and claws removed to stop them biting or scratching, and birds may have their wings clipped or pinioned to prevent them flying away.
Manipulation: Photo prop animals may be dressed up, chained, tethered or even sedated using drugs, often concealed in feeding bottles.
Distress: Constant handling and exposure to sun, noise, camera flashes and crowds can be extremely stressful.
Poor housing and care: Photo prop animals may be forced to live in cramped conditions, often suffer malnutrition, and lack medical treatment.
Many animals used for photo opportunities are the innocent victims of the illegal wildlife trade and are taken from the wild, often using cruel trapping methods, or torn from their family groups.
Their mothers and other group members may be killed or injured while trying to defend their babies. These terrified, defenceless animals are stuffed into sacks or cages and taken away to be sold. This horrific trade directly impacts the worrying decrease in populations of endangered, threatened and vulnerable species.
‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’ lays bare the danger and distress caused to the animals involved. But the report also highlights another, less apparent, danger: the potential harm to human health.
The high risk posed to people from contact with captive wild animals cannot be underestimated. Wild animals are naturally unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when they are stressed and kept in appalling conditions.
As a result, there have been incidents where direct contact with captive wild animals, including posing with animals for photos and selfies, has resulted in human injury and even death.
The report also underlines concerns about the spread of disease. Many animals are carriers of zoonotic pathogens, organisms that can spread from animals to people. These pathogens are most likely to spread in situations where the animals are distressed and in close contact with people, such as during photo prop sessions.
There are hundreds of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans, including rabies, hepatitis, botulism and salmonellosis, and close contact with an animal may cause infection or the disease to spread.
Born Free is determined to end this dangerous and exploitative industry and is asking the public to take a stand and not have a photo taken with, or pose for selfies with, captive wild animals.
To take action, the first, vital step is to go to www.bornfree.org.uk/selfish-selfies and pledge not to take or be involved in a ‘Selfish Selfie’ this summer. Then share that important message on social media.
There are other important actions the public can take, as tourists and consumers:
Don’t visit or book excursions to facilities that include close contact or photo opportunities with captive wild animals.
Don’t like or share social media posts showing your friends or celebrities posing with captive wild animals.
If you witness animals being used as photo props during an organised tour or excursion, express your disapproval directly to your tour guide or rep. If a hotel, restaurant or other business is involved, complain to the management.
Make a note of the location where photo prop animals were seen. If possible, and it is safe to do so, take a photo or video of the scene. Submit a report via Born Free’s ‘Raise the Red Flag’ online form at bornfree.org.uk/red-flag-report.
Born Free strongly believes the responsibility doesn’t lie only with the public. National governments need to develop, pass and enforce legislation to address animal welfare concerns and protect precious wildlife.
There needs to be better regulation of the global travel industry to prohibit the advertising and sale of activities that negatively impact animal welfare. Travel companies and tour operators need to ensure that they don’t promote or sell excursions that feature animal photo props and close contact activities with captive wild animals.
And social media corporations need to make the publishing of a ‘Selfish Selfie’ a reportable animal cruelty issue.
For decades Born Free has fought for the welfare and freedom from abuse for all captive wild creatures. The troubling prominence of the wild animal photo prop industry in the social media age is the modern face of this battle, one that that the organisation will continue to campaign to end at every level.
‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’ clearly shows that by working together, the public, holidaymakers, the tourism industry and social media companies can achieve transformative change and end this exploitative industry. Born Free believes the power is literally in all of our hands. Pledge not to take that picture and stop the suffering caused by ‘Selfish Selfies’ – for animals, for humans and for a kinder, fairer world.
Will Travers OBE, Born Free’s Co-Founder and Executive President said, “Selfish Selfies, the taking of selfie photos with captive live animals, has been one of the least understood forms of animal abuse, until now.
“It seems such an innocent activity and yet, as our report shows, the negative impacts on the health and welfare of the animals involved, and on the people taking part, who risk injury or the possibility of contracting a disease, and who, without realising it, are perpetuating a brutal and cruel activity that causes immense trauma and suffering, can no longer be ignored.
“I would urge everyone to read the report and to pledge never to have their photo taken with a captive wild animal, however tempting it may be. I also call on all social media platforms to make the publishing of a Selfish Selfie, a reportable animal cruelty issue.”
Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s Head of Policy added, “The chance to get as close as possible to wild animals, perhaps even touch and hold them, is often a strong temptation.
“This temptation is exploited by those wanting to profit at the expense of the animals involved and it has sadly become increasingly common for captive wild animals to be used as living props for souvenir photos and selfie opportunities at popular tourist destinations and attractions around the world.
“People might question what real harm that one quick ‘must have’ photo could cause, but it should be remembered that there are many other people handling or posing with the same animal, every single day, with serious health and welfare implications for the animals, health and safety risks for any people involved, and threats to species in the wild.”
Sarah Jefferson, Born Free’s Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator, concluded, “Born Free strongly advises people not to support the animal photo prop industry or pose for selfies with captive wild animals.
“We receive hundreds of tourist reports via our Raise the Red Flag platform concerning the use of animals for souvenir photos and we encourage people to speak out when they witness such exploitation and to voice their concerns further with their tour operator or travel agent, to any zoo or facility involved, and to the relevant tourism authorities in the country they are visiting. We need people to take action to bring this cruel exploitation to an end.”
LifeCare Edinburgh launches new dementia-friendly hairdressing service helping local older people “feel like themselves again”
COVID restrictions taught us all how much we value a visit to our local hairdresser to help us feel like ourselves, boost our self-esteem and to simply enjoy a chat and a catch-up with a friendly face.
Sadly, for people living with dementia this lockdown experience can be a permanent feature in life as visiting an everyday salon can be inaccessible, overwhelming, and without the right training, difficult for a hairdresser to deliver well.
However, things are changing in the capital as local charity LifeCare has launched the city’s first dedicated dementia-friendly hairdressing service providing essential haircare services for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers.
LifeCare’s new ‘Forget-Me-Not’ hair service involves an experienced, caring and dementia-trained mobile hairdresser visiting people in their homes so that they can continue to experience the joy of a haircut.
The benefits of a hairdressing experience for a person living with dementia can be significant. Haircare helps people to maintain their appearance but also impacts how they feel, their personal identity, and their overall self-esteem.
For a person living with dementia, hairdressing can be a unique multi-sensory experience providing a valuable opportunity for touch and physical contact which is often missing outside of practical interactions.
Regular visits and time for conversation can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Feelings of self-worth and positive self-image are boosted and this increased confidence can mean people are more likely to be motivated to attend other activities and stay engaged with their community.
Evidence shows haircare services support reminiscence activities as scents and experiences involved can be incredibly evocative and personal appearance can relate to people’s life stories and relationships.
James Wells, Chief Executive of LifeCare said“It’s sad and unfair that people living with dementia struggle to access ordinary haircare services that many of us take for granted.
“The typical busy, hot and noisy hair salon environment can just be too overwhelming for some and a lack of understanding amongst hairdressers can make the experience really difficult for everyone. Mobility issues and transport concerns also create problems.
“At Lifecare, we have a proud 80-year history of providing essential care services for local older people, ensuring no-one is left alone or isolated and that everyone can continue to enjoy the joy in their lives. So, we’re absolutely delighted that we are now able to launch this dedicated service which will make an immediate positive and life-changing difference to our older clients and their carers.
“We are already hearing from clients how they “feel like themselves again” and “can’t wait for their next appointment”. I’m looking forward to hearing more of these stories as the service continues to grow.”
Audrey McDonald, LifeCare’s dementia-friendly hairdresser said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be helping to deliver this fantastic service. From my own personal experience, I understand how frustrating it can be for a person to be shut-out of these important pleasurable activities.
“Even a small trim can cheer a person up for the day. In just a few short weeks, I have already seen how much joy the service is bringing for local people.
“Together we are enjoying a giggle, a chat about old times and everyone is left feeling a million dollars.”
The charity relies on support from its funders to deliver all of its essential services. The Forget-Me-Not Salon has been made possible thanks to financial support from Age Scotland’s About Dementia project in partnership with the Scottish Government.
Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, Dr Kainde Manji said “We are excited to support LifeCare in their delivery of a dedicated haircare service for people with lived experience of dementia, and we recognise the importance of this type of community-based support in enabling ordinary activities that make a big difference to individual wellbeing.
“We know that increasing wellbeing and tackling social isolation can empower people with lived experience of dementia to take a more active role in their communities.”
The “Forget-Me-Not” hair service has been initially set up as pilot project offering the service to clients for free to ensure that it is accessible to all.
