Heart Research UK’s ‘anonymous heART project’ has raised an astonishing £101,779.50, auctioning pieces of A5 artwork produced by a host of internationally acclaimed artists, musicians and celebrities.
Famous artists like Julian Opie, Ralph Steadman, Zabou and the charity’s own patron Robert Smith (The Cure) were joined by hundreds of international artists to create over 540 pieces of unique artwork that were auctioned on eBay between the 3rd – 12th November 2023.
Though the list of contributors was available to all bidders, which artist created which piece was kept anonymous, and will soon be revealed now that the auction is over.
The charity’s patron, iconic rockstar Robert Smith has contributed to the auction for several years, and his pieces are always highly sought after. The four he created this year raised a staggering £18,173.98 in total.
Robert Smith said: “Thanks to all the artists and all the bidders this year’s ‘anonymous heART project’ was the best yet. It is such a great idea and such a great charity, I am very proud to be involved.”
The amount from this year’s auction is added to the £250,000 already raised since the project started in 2018 and will be used to fund pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.
Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “Thank you to all the artists who have contributed to this year’s anonymous heART project and bidders who have supported the project. This year has been the most successful yet and is one of our biggest annual fundraisers.
“It’s always wonderful to see how excited people are about the auction. It’s the perfect way for people to support lifesaving heart research whilst receiving beautiful pieces of art.
“We’d like to thank our patron Robert Smith and all of the other contributors for donating their time and for continuing to support this fantastic project.”
“But our message is clear: if you are fit, if you refuse to work, if you are taking taxpayers for a ride – we will take your benefits away.”
Changes are part of the new Back to Work Plan which will help up to 1,100,000 people with long-term health conditions, disabilities or long-term unemployed to look for and stay in work.
Additional support comes alongside tougher sanctions for people who don’t look for work, as part of the next generation of welfare reforms.
Includes exploring reforms of the fit note system, expansion of available treatment and employment support, and formal launch of the WorkWell service to help people start, stay and succeed in work.
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride will unveil their Back to Work Plan– a package of employment focused support that will help people stay healthy, get off benefits and move into work – as part of the Autumn Statement.
Building on the ambitious £7 billion employment package from Spring Budget the Chancellor is using his Autumn Statement to outline a new Back to Work Plan, which will expand the employment support and treatment available and reform the ways that people with disabilities or health conditions interact with the state.
Getting more people into work and ensuring work pays remains a key priority for the government. It is important for growing the UK economy, managing inflation, controlling spending, and improving living standards. Getting more people into good jobs is also good for those individuals and the best route out of poverty.
The government is boosting four key programmes – NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support, Restart and Universal Support – to benefit up to 1.1 million people over the next five years and help those with mental or physical health conditions stay in or find work.
The new WorkWell service as announced at Spring Budget and delivered by the Departments for Work and Pensions and Health and Social Care is also being formally launched today and will support almost 60,000 long-term sick or disabled people to start, stay and succeed in work once rolled out in approximately 15 areas across England.
The prospectus that will be launched in the coming weeks will provide information for all Integrated Care Systems across England to develop their localised work and health strategy.
Ministers are also planning to trial reforms to the fit note process to make it easier and quicker for people to get specialised work and health support, with improved triaging and signposting. Since the pandemic the number of people inactive in the UK due to long-term sickness or disability has risen by almost half a million to a record high of 2.6 million, with mental health, musculoskeletal conditions and heart disease being some of the main causes.
Stricter benefit sanctions will also be enforced by the Department for Work and Pensions for people who are able to work but refuse to engage with their Jobcentre or take on work offered to them. Benefit claimants who continue to refuse to engage with the Jobcentre will face having their claim closed. The latest published data shows that there were 300,000 people who had been unemployed for over a year in the three months to July.
The announcement today forms part of wider plans to grow the economy expected in the Autumn Statement on Wednesday 22 November. The Chancellor is set to reveal a raft of changes to get the UK economy growing including getting people back into work.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said:“We’re serious about growing our economy and that means we must address the rise in people who aren’t looking for work – especially because we know so many of them want to and with almost a million vacancies in the jobs market the opportunities are there.
“These changes mean there’s help and support for everyone – but for those who refuse it, there are consequences too. Anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers will lose their benefits.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, said:“We are rolling out the next generation of welfare reforms to help more people start, stay and succeed in work. We know the positive impact work can have, not just on our finances, but our health and wellbeing too.
“So we are expanding the voluntary support for people with health conditions and disabilities, including our flagship Universal Support programme.
“But our message is clear: if you are fit, if you refuse to work, if you are taking taxpayers for a ride – we will take your benefits away.”
The plans announced today set out how the government will tackle long-term unemployment by supporting Universal Credit claimants to find work while strengthening work search requirements for job seekers through all stages of their Universal Credit claim.
As a result of these reforms, no claimant should reach 18 months of unemployment in receipt of their full benefits if they have not taken every reasonable step to comply with Jobcentre support.
The plans to tackle long-term unemployment include:
Testing Additional Jobcentre Support in England and Scotland – testing how intensive support can help claimants into work who remain unemployed or on low earnings after 7 weeks into their Universal Credit claim.
Extending and expanding the Restart scheme in England and Wales for 2 years – expanding tailored, intensive support to people who have been on Universal Credit for more than 6 months rather than 9, helping them to tackle barriers to entering employment through coaching, CV and interview skills, and training. The scheme will be extended for two years until June 2026.
Introducing a claimant review point – Universal Credit claimants who are still unemployed after the 12-month Restart programme will take part in a claimant review point: a new process whereby a work coach will decide what further work search conditions or employment pathways would best support a claimant into work. If a claimant refuses to accept these new conditions without good reason, their Universal Credit claim will be closed.
Rolling out mandatory work placement trials – through the claimant review point, claimants who have not yet moved into work by the end of Restart will be required to accept a job or to undertake time-limited work experience or other intensive activity to improve their employability prospects. Failure to do so at this stage will lead to immediate sanction, with the full removal of the Universal Credit standard allowance.
Stricter sanctions for people who should be looking for work but aren’t – including:
targeting disengaged claimants by closing the claims of individuals on an open-ended sanction for over six months and solely eligible for the Universal Credit standard allowance, ending their access to additional benefits such as free prescriptions and legal aid;
rooting out fraud and error using the government’s Targeted Case Review to review the Universal Credit claims of disengaged claimants on an open-ended sanction for over eight weeks, ensuring they receive the right entitlement;
digital tools to track claimants’ attendance at job fairs and interviews.
Plans set out also include expanding key health and employment programmes, to benefit over half a million people over the next five years and help those with mental health conditions stay in or find work:
NHS Talking Therapies – increasing the number of people benefitting from courses of mental health treatment by an additional 384,000 people over the next five years and increasing the number of sessions available.
NHS Talking Therapies provides evidence based psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for treatment of mild and moderate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – aiming to help an additional 100,000 people with severe mental illness to find and keep jobs over the next five years. IPS is an employment support programme integrated in community mental health services. IPS employment specialists:
Work with people accessing the service to find them employment that matches their aims, interests and skills, and offer continued support once they are in post.
Integrate with the mental health team to support the individual with any issues that affect their work and recovery.
Build relationships with employers to negotiate job opportunities.
Universal Support in England and Wales – matching 100,000 people per year with existing vacancies and supporting them in their new role, an increase on the 50,000 people outlined at Spring Budget, also helping people with disabilities and from vulnerable groups.
Participants will access up to 12 months of personalised ‘place and train’ support. The individual will be supported by a dedicated keyworker who will help the participant find and keep a job, with up to £4,000 of funding available to provide each participant with training, help to manage health conditions or help for employers to make necessary accommodations to the person’s needs.
WorkWell – The service announced at Spring Budget 2023 is being formally launched to Integrated Care Systems across England and will help support people at risk of falling into long-term unemployment due to sickness or disability, through integrated work and health support. Integrated Care Systems across England will be supported to develop a localised work and health strategy, and then services will be provided in approximately 15 pilot areas.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, said:“We know that tailored work and health support initiatives can help break down the kinds of barriers that can make finding and staying in a job more difficult for those with mental health conditions.
“Backing them with further investment means they’re more widely available, enables personalised help and will get thousands back to work by overcoming any issues that may be preventing them from fulfilling their career potential.”
Kate Shoesmith, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Deputy Chief Executive, said:“Today’s announcements will help the Restart scheme keep making a real difference to people’s work and life chances.
“It contributes to efforts to overcome our labour and skills shortages and to further growing our economy. Bringing public and private employment services together is vital to get people into work and not look back.
“Our own award-winning Restart scheme, which sees recruiters work with employability services provider Maximus, has helped place 1700 long-term unemployed people into work since 2021.”
EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE
We are horrified by the situation unfolding in Gaza, and are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the blockade of Gaza to allow urgent and unconditional food, water, fuel and medical supplies to enter the area.
Under international law collective punishment is illegal, as is blockading food, medicine and fuel supplies to the civilian population, and we therefore recognise the actions of the Israeli Government to be war crimes.
We condemn the killing and hostage taking of Israeli civilians by Hamas; the ongoing blockade of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank by Israel, deemed illegal by the United Nations; and the killing of Palestinians by the current Israeli blockade, bombardment, and ground offensive into Gaza.
We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and safe passage for Palestinians and others seeking to leave Gaza and the West Bank, with a commitment that they will be able to return.
We recognise Israel’s actions towards Palestine as apartheid, in line with human rights experts such as Amnesty International and call for an end to the occupation of Palestine.
We assert that all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our city and condemn any attacks on Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim people.
We welcome the demonstrations of support for an end to violence and freedom for Palestinians which we have seen across the city, the UK and the world.
As councillors in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, we recognise the power our collective voices can have, and support calls for immediate action to secure a lasting and just peace for Palestinians and Israelis, with freedom and security for all, based on international law.
Signed:
Alys Mumford Scottish Green Party Ben Parker Scottish Green Party Susan Rae Scottish Green Party Claire Miller Scottish Green Party Alex Staniforth Scottish Green Party Jule Bandel Scottish Green Party Kayleigh O’Neill Scottish Green Party Steve Burgess Scottish Green Party Chas Booth Scottish Green Party Dan Heap Scottish Green Party Ross McKenzie Independent Katrina Faccenda Scottish Labour Margaret Graham Labour and Co-operative Party Amy McNeese-Mechan Scottish National Party Norman Work Scottish National Party Lesley Macinnes Scottish National Part
The world of plants takes centre stage at this year’s ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ opening this evening, Thursday 16 November with new installations and a reimagined route around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The illuminated after-dark trail runs for 37 nights on selected evenings during November and December, weaving through 72 acres of the Botanics. Visitors are invited to enjoy awe-inspiring plant-inspired installations of up to 2,000 White Roses, a grove of colourful Pampas and a spectacular Rainbow Hedge.
A fantastic night out for friends and family, visitors will also enjoy firm festive favourites including Christmas Cathedral, a tunnel of thousands of twinkling lights, and Santa who is on hand to greet everyone along the way.
This year, with the introduction of off-peak tickets, it is the most affordable, accessible and inclusive trail yet. Profits from ticket sales support the Botanics’ plant research and conservation efforts in Scotland and beyond.
New installations for 2023:
• Crocus Lawn: Like the familiar spring-time flowers, these one-metre-high crocuses are bursting with light and colour.
• Light A Wish: These suspended lights celebrate the moment when dandelion seeds disperse.
• Neon Flowers: Inspired by the world of natural light, giant glowing flowers sparkle against the night sky.
• Rainbow Hedge: The Botanics’ 165-metre beech hedge is awash with the colours of the rainbow.
• White Roses: 2,000 illuminated white roses will be displayed in spectacular style by the Rock Garden and East Gate.
• Inverleith House Show: A fun, animation projected onto the façade of Inverleith House is inspired by plants, from holly and ivy to mistletoe and vines, and from sage to thyme.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, says: “Christmas at the Botanics is a fantastic way of introducing our visitors to the Garden landscape after dark, a chance to experience what might be familiar from a whole new perspective, and to enjoy a spectacular and fun trail.
“I’m delighted that this year’s trail is inspired by all things botanical, acknowledging the amazing conservation work undertaken by the Garden around the world and our vision to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.”
Christmas at the Botanics is one of eleven outdoor illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
Over 90% of the lights used for Christmas at the Botanics are LED and the trail designers are skilled at working in environmentally sensitive ways in heritage and landscape settings.
Tickets for this year’s show are available to buy now. Attendees are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. For further ticket information, pricing and timings, visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas.
For more details visit https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/ and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
Those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter are urged to come forward for vaccination.
With more than one million COVID-19 vaccines administered so far this winter, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging eligible people to take up the offer of their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible.
During the colder winter months when people stay indoors for longer, and in larger groups, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 and we strongly encourage eligible people to take up the vaccination offer now, to help avoid missing out on socialising with friends and family over the peak winter season.
This year’s winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19. In particular, people with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions or liver disease, that put them at greater risk of severe illness from flu and COVID-19. Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, as these give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses.
All health and social care workers are eligible for the free flu vaccine, with frontline workers also eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine offers protection against the most likely circulating strains.
This week’s Viral respiratory diseases report shows that the winter vaccination programme for 2023 is well underway, with Health Boards across Scotland delivering flu and COVID-19 vaccines at pace to those eligible this season.
While many eligible people have booked their vaccination appointment, those that haven’t should do so as soon possible.
There is now increased availability, so anyone who previously had difficulty getting an appointment on the booking portal is encouraged to please try again. Alternatively, look at whether your local Health Board is running drop-in clinics where an appointment is not necessary.
If you think you may be eligible for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both) you can check using our self help guide at
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science, PHS said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased to see so many people coming forward to take up the offer.
“Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. The vaccinations offered this season top up your protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and flu.
“Those that have not yet received their vaccinations are encouraged to come forward and make an appointment or check local arrangements. There are a range of vaccination sites available in each Health Board, with some now offering drop-ins too.”
Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said: “Flu and COVID-19 can still be serious, and can result in hospitalisation.
“The vaccines are the best protection we have against the viruses, and it’s important that all those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is especially true for pregnant women and people with underlying conditions, who are at increased risk from the viruses.
“Anyone who is eligible and who hasn’t yet been contacted about their vaccines can book an appointment using the online booking portal or by calling the vaccination helpline. If you are unsure about your eligibility, or that of your child, you can use the self-help guide on NHS inform.
“If you’ve been given an appointment for a time, date or location that doesn’t suit, you can also use the online portal to book a more suitable appointment.
“The flu virus changes every year and protection from the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time, so it’s important you get the winter vaccines when offered.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has already come forward for vaccination and would urge all those who are eligible and have still to be vaccinated to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.”
Justine Craig, Chief Midwifery Officer for Scotland, said: “If you’re pregnant, you’re eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Midwives.
“The vaccines are the best way to help protect pregnant women and their babies against the known risks of flu and COVID-19 in pregnancy. They can be given at any stage during pregnancy and are safe if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
“If you need information about the winter vaccines, you can speak to your midwife, who will also be able to advise you on how to get vaccinated.”
92 per cent of the private rented sector in Scotland is unaffordable for people claiming benefits
New research commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland in partnership with Fife Council highlights the shortfall between Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and the actual cost of renting a home in the private rented sector (PRS).
The research, conducted by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) and based on analysis of Zoopla data on advertised rents, found that:
Across Scotland, just one in 12 advertised properties in the PRS (eight per cent) are covered by LHA
Aberdeen and Shire had the largest percentage of “affordable” properties at 19.7 per cent, still significantly below the 30th percentile West Dunbartonshire had no properties available at or below the LHA rate
The average shortfall in rent for a two-bedroom home was £108.10 per month
The smallest difference was found in Aberdeen and Shire at £6.64 per month, in Greater Glasgow the shortfall was £201.78 per month.
The report concludes that, “the PRS is now largely unaffordable to new entrants or those seeking to move within the sector who are in receipt of LHA.” It recommends:
Reinstating LHA at the 30th percentile in the short-term. This is likely to cost around £98 million per year in Scotland. This cost could be covered by the UK Government or a ‘top up’ by the Scottish Government similar to ‘bedroom tax’ mitigation in the social rented sector.
Reviewing the process for setting LHA in the longer-term, including consideration of how rental data is gathered and the geographical boundaries of BRMAs.
The Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) which limits single people under the age of 35 to a room in a shared home, rather than a one bedroom home, is unfair and impractical, and consideration should be given to scrapping it.
Gavin Smith, Chair of CIH Scotland said:“The PRS is a vital part of our housing system and can play a greater role in preventing and responding to homelessness in Scotland.
“We cannot ignore the link between affordable housing supply, the rising number of people in temporary accommodation and the emergence of Scottish councils having to declare housing emergencies.
“The PRS plays a vital role but must be affordable and as this research shows freezing LHA rates has had a devastating impact on its affordability for those that need it the most. All UK governments must urgently unfreeze LHA rates”
Andrew Watson, lead author of the research by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) added:“Due to changes in housing choices and a lack of social housing, the PRS plays a critical role in the provision of homes for households in receipt of LHA.
“A combination of rising rents and frozen LHA rates have rendered the sector unfordable for those seeking entry, whilst also limiting the ability of existing tenants to move within the sector.
“The lack of affordability has many drivers, but the actions of UK and Scottish Governments (and in particular the freeze in LHA rates and the introduction of rent caps) have played a significant role. It is therefore reasonable to expect that government action will play a key role in addressing the problem.”
You can read the research report in full here, which includes a breakdown of the findings by region and property size.
Almost 100,000 customers have paid £121 million using the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app since April 2023, taking advantage of the quickest and easiest way to pay their Self Assessment tax bill.
Latest figures from HMRC reveal that between April and September 2023, 97,365 customers used the app to settle their tax bill for the 2022 to 2023 tax year – more than three times the £34.6 million paid by 36,467 customers during the same period last year.
Customers have been able to pay their Self Assessment tax bill via the free and secure HMRC app since February 2022 and there is a YouTube video demonstrating how to make a payment.
In addition to making payments, using the app is the simplest way for Self Assessment customers to access personal details including their Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), National Insurance number and any PAYE information they may need to complete their tax return.
The app has a range of features and is available to everyone, not just those who need to use the Self Assessment system.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We all have busy lives, so it makes sense that more and more customers are choosing to access their personal tax information and pay their tax bill through the HMRC app.
“It gives them the flexibility and convenience they need – as well as peace of mind that their Self Assessment is sorted. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘HMRC app’ to find out more.”
The deadline for customers to complete their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024.
Customers can pay their bill via the app and get a refund of any tax owed. Customers are reminded to include their bank account details on their tax return so they can get any repayment due quickly and securely.
Customers can set up notifications to remind them when payments are due, so they don’t need to worry about missing deadlines or incurring penalties. To set up their reminder they should select the ‘Self Assessment’ section in the app, where the option to ‘set a reminder’ is available. This will give payment date deadline options to select reminders for.
HMRC app data also revealed that:
January 2023, was the busiest month for app payments with 56,738 customers paying £125,819,051 in tax
July 2023 was the second busiest month with 29,774 customers using the app to pay £54 million
App users will need a user ID and password to access their personal information which they can set up while using the app.
The app’s Self Assessment function is also available in Welsh. Customers can enable Welsh language options from the settings screen.
If customers cannot pay in full, HMRC wants to help them to find an affordable way to pay the tax they owe. If customers owe less than £30,000, they may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and do this online without speaking to HMRC. For a full list of ways to pay any tax owed, visit GOV.UK.
There is a new affordability assessment in the Self Serve Time to Pay online service. Customers will be asked about their income and spending to calculate their disposable income and set up an affordable payment plan for them.
Self Assessment customers are at increased risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their login details with anyone, including a tax agent. Check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.
Edinburgh Castle will be lit purple today (Thursday 16th November) for World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland supporter Lesley Irving has arranged for the city’s iconic castle to be lit up purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.
Lesley’s mum, Pauline, sadly passed away in June 2020 from pancreatic cancer. Pauline, 72, had been experiencing back pain and following a scan, she received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Covid-19 restrictions meant that Lesley had to say her last goodbye through the window of Ayrshire Hospice where her mum lived for the last nine weeks of her life.
Lesley is determined to raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and hopes that shining a purple light on Edinburgh castle will help reach more people and get them talking about the disease.
She said: “I felt lost after Mum passed away and I thought I should focus on doing something positive. I hope that through fundraising for Pancreatic Action Scotland and helping to raise awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, I can help drive earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for patients.”
For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (1st-30th November), Pancreatic Cancer Action has launched their #MISSED campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer symptoms to improve the statistics around missed diagnoses.
Pancreatic Cancer Action’s research has shown that despite how deadly pancreatic cancer is, only 54% of people in Scotland know anything about pancreatic cancer.
74% of people in Scotland cannot name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer. Research has also shown that many symptoms are missed, with patients visiting their GP an average of 4 times before being diagnosed.
Learn more about PCA’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month campaign #MISSED.
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is proud to announce the expansion of NFTS Scotland, launching an open call to join an exciting new training programme for 30 emerging Scottish filmmakers from April 2024, through the newly established Sean Connery Talent Lab.
With an unwavering commitment to fostering exceptional talent in the world of filmmaking, the NFTS has partnered with the Sean Connery Foundation to provide a platform for Scottish artists to hone and develop their craft and increase the scale and ambition of their work.
To ensure the programme is as accessible to as many people as possible, each of the 30 places will be substantially subsidised, with 70% of fees generously underwritten by the Sean Connery Foundation.
The Sean Connery Talent Lab is supported by a wide range of industry partners, trusts and foundations who have pledged their support to underpin the programme with additional funding, bursaries and scholarships. BBC Film is the production partner with several other partners joining the Talent Lab including: The Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation and Synchronicity Films.
This new and transformative 12-month talent development programme is set to become a cornerstone of the Scottish film industry. It will offer a unique opportunity to enable 30 aspiring filmmakers across five disciplines (writers/directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and production designers) to bring to life their own unique short films, made with the support of BBC Film.
Located in Leith, within an expanding creative quarter under development by FirstStage Studios in partnership with Forth Ports and others, the selected participants from across Scotland will embark on a collaborative filmmaking journey beginning in April 2024.
Six dynamic filmmaking teams will be assembled, gaining access to a first-class training curriculum, made up of seminars, hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities. Dedicated guidance from renowned NFTS Heads of Department and prominent industry executives, including BBC Film, will enrich and enhance the development and post-production process.
Each team will receive a £25,000 production budget, with free access to cutting-edge equipment and unrivalled training facilities provided by the NFTS. The tailor-made programme is designed to further amplify the expertise of each participant in their respective craft specialism, allowing them to refine their skills and push the boundaries of creativity.
The programme is designed to be part-time, enabling participants to strike a balance between other paid work and professional engagements. Aligned with the unwavering commitment of the NFTS to promoting diversity within the industry, the Sean Connery Talent Lab is dedicated to offering a supportive and inclusive experience for disabled and neuro-divergent individuals, including those with conditions such as dyslexia, a cause close to the heart of the Sean Connery Foundation.
After 12 intensive months, the Sean Connery Talent Lab will culminate in the creation of six short films that will serve as powerful industry ‘calling cards’, offering an invaluable launchpad for the 30 talented individuals to make their mark on the world of film.
The final films will be submitted for both UK and international film festivals and will premiere at a prestigious showcase event, with industry figures from across Scotland, the UK and beyond invited to attend the screenings. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded an NFTS Diploma in Filmmaking.
Jon Wardle, NFTS Director said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for emerging Scottish filmmakers to build upon their distinctive creative talents.
“As we expand our work in Scotland, the NFTS, the Sean Connery Foundation and our raft of pivotal partners are dedicated to nurturing the brightest emerging stars within Scottish filmmaking, ensuring that the legacy of Sir Sean Connery continues to inspire future generations of storytellers.”
Stephane Connery, Chair of The Sean Connery Foundationadded: “From the inception of the Sean Connery Foundation, our vision has been to expand access to the film and TV industry for talented Scots who may never have dreamt they could access the film industry, especially those who have faced challenges or deprivation.
“As a life-long learner himself, and someone driven by a commitment to hard work and excellence, Sir Sean would be gratified that we have partnered with the NFTS, a world-renowned film school, to bring this extraordinary training programme to Edinburgh, the city of his birth.
“We believe this is just the beginning of an exciting journey together.”
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Jason Connery commented: “As a director and actor, I know the difference world-class training combined with a network of support can make in terms of building confidence and opening up opportunity.
“I couldn’t be happier that through this programme, we are bringing both to Scotland. Dad always believed that education was a vital investment for anyone to achieve their full potential, and so supporting a programme that will enable emerging Scottish filmmakers to realise their own unique vision and hone their particular talent within a collaborative environment, with a view to benefitting the wider Scottish film industry, is a dream come true.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said: “The filmmaking landscape has changed significantly over the last five years, with Scotland’s creative and economic growth now well recognised.
“The generosity and vision of the Sean Connery Foundation enables the NFTS to broaden its existing programme, provided with Screen Scotland’s support.
“We warmly thank the programme partners who, through their generous support and commitment to excellence, have joined the Sean Connery Foundation in recognising the wealth of talent in Scotland’s film community.”
Applications for the Sean Connery Talent Lab are now open until midnight on Monday 29th January 2024.
For more information on how to apply and for eligibility criteria, go to:
Immersive VR experience, designed to empower bystanders to recognise and help combat sexual harassment on the railway, on show today at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Demonstrating how a small action could make a big difference is important – 85% of women would feel relieved if someone intervened when experiencing sexual harassment on public transport.
This is the latest in a series of nationwide events aimed at providing advice and tips on how bystanders can safely intervene and report a situation before police or rail staff are able to get involved.
As part of the rail industry and British Transport Police’s continued commitment to make sure every passenger feels safe when travelling by train, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is coming to Edinburgh today – Thursday 16th November.
The event is aimed at tackling all forms of sexual harassment by educating people to recognise how these situations occur for passengers and empower them to intervene safely and report perpetrators.
Sexual harassment is a real and far-reaching issue in society with seven in ten (71%) women in the UK having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, the latest survey commissioned by UN Women UK finds.
The short VR film shows how small actions, such as asking the victim if they want to swap seats or distracting the perpetrator with a question, can prevent further escalation in the moment.
Following a successful initial launch of this innovative VR film earlier this year at London Waterloo station, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) together with British Transport Police (BTP) and local train operators are inviting people in Edinburgh to try the immersive VR experience in their local station.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group said: “As an industry we are actively tackling all forms of sexual harassment and are committed to making our passengers feel safe when onboard.
“By showcasing the ground-breaking VR experience in stations across the country we’re to equipping people with tips on how to safely intervene in situations as a bystander without putting themselves in harm’s way.
“Whether you see it or experience it, we ask everyone to report anything that makes you uncomfortable to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app.
“Passengers using Britain’s railways have a right to feel safe and confident to call out these behaviours without fear.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said: “Everyone has the right to go about their day in peace without fear of harassment or abuse. ScotRail works very closely with British Transport Police and Network Rail to ensure that Scotland’s Railway is a safe environment for our customers and our staff.
“To assist us in tackling unacceptable behaviour, it’s important for anyone who witnesses it to report those responsible so that they can be brought to justice. This VR experience plays an important role in helping bystanders identify inappropriate behaviour when it takes place.”
Further events will be held in various cities in Great Britain over the coming weeks and months.
How to report
By reporting all incidents that occur, bystanders can help British Transport Police to identify perpetrators and reduce potential harm for others in the future.
To report an incident, contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always call 999.
To watch the full VR film, visit the National Rail YouTube channel here.
