OUR EASTER PROGRAMME IS HERE!
PY Lunches are back for the two week break (Except Monday 1st)
Have a look at what we’ve got on offer for the next couple of weeks!
Remember – It’s really important, if you’ve not been before to collect a consent form, or get one emailed to you!
Households across all continents wasted over 1 billion meals a day in 2022, while 783 million people were affected by hunger and a third of humanity faced food insecurity.
Food waste continues to hurt the global economy and fuel climate change, nature loss, and pollution. These are the key findings of a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report published today, ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste.
The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, co-authored with WRAP, provides the most accurate global estimate on food waste at retail and consumer levels. It provides guidance for countries on improving data collection and suggests best practices in moving from measuring to reducing food waste.
In 2022 there were 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste generated (including inedible parts), amounting to 132 kilograms per capita and almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers. Out of the total food wasted in 2022, 60 per cent happened at the household level, with food services responsible for 28 per cent and retail 12 per cent.
“Food waste is a global tragedy. Millions will go hungry today as food is wasted across the world,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Not only is this a major development issue, but the impacts of such unnecessary waste are causing substantial costs to the climate and nature.
“The good news is we know if countries prioritise this issue, they can significantly reverse food loss and waste, reduce climate impacts and economic losses, and accelerate progress on global goals.”
Since 2021, there’s been a strengthening of the data infrastructure with more studies tracking food waste. Globally, the number of data points at the household level almost doubled. Nevertheless, many low- and middle-income countries continue to lack adequate systems for tracking progress to meet Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of halving food waste by 2030, particularly in retail and food services.
Only four G20 countries (Australia, Japan, UK, the USA) and the European Union have food waste estimates suitable for tracking progress to 2030. Canada and Saudi Arabia have suitable household estimates, with Brazil’s estimate expected late 2024. In this context, the report serves as a practical guide for countries to consistently measure and report food waste.
The data confirms that food waste is not just a ‘rich country’ problem, with levels of household food waste differing in observed average levels for high-income, upper-middle, and lower-middle-income countries by just 7 kg per capita.
At the same time, hotter countries appear to generate more food waste per capita in households, potentially due to higher consumption of fresh foods with substantial inedible parts and a lack of robust cold chains.
According to recent data, food loss and waste generates 8-10 per cent of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – almost 5 times that of the aviation sector – and significant biodiversity loss by taking up the equivalent of almost a third of the world’s agricultural land. The toll of both food loss and waste on the global economy is estimated at roughly USD 1 trillion.
Urban areas are expected to particularly benefit from efforts to strengthen food waste reduction and circularity. Rural areas generally waste less food, with greater diversion of food scraps to pets, livestock, and home composting as likely explanations.
As of 2022, only 21 countries have included food loss and/or waste reduction in their national climate plans (NDCs). The 2025 NDCs revision process provides a key opportunity to raise climate ambition by integrating food loss and waste. The Food Waste Index Report underscores the urgency of addressing food waste at both individual and systemic levels.
Robust baselines and regular measurement are needed for countries to show changes over time. Thanks to implementation of policies and partnerships, countries such as Japan and the UK show that change at scale is possible, with reductions of 31 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.
“With the huge cost to the environment, society, and global economies caused by food waste, we need greater coordinated action across continents and supply chains. We support UNEP in calling for more G20 countries to measure food waste and work towards SDG12.3,” said Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP.
“This is critical to ensuring food feeds people, not landfills. Public-Private Partnerships are one key tool delivering results today, but they require support: whether philanthropic, business, or governmental, actors must rally behind programmes addressing the enormous impact wasting food has on food security, our climate, and our wallets.”
UNEP maintains tracking country-level progress to halve food waste by 2030, with a growing focus on solutions beyond measurement towards reduction.
One such solution is systemic action through public-private partnerships (PPPs): Bringing the public sector, private sector and non-government to work together, identify bottlenecks, co-develop solutions, and drive progress.
Appropriate financing can enable PPPs to deliver farm-to-fork reductions in food waste, drive down GHGs emissions and water stress, while sharing best practices and encouraging innovation for long-term, holistic change.
PPPs on food loss and waste are growing worldwide, including in Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and in the UK where they have helped cut over a quarter of household food waste per capita from 2007-18.
Scotland’s culture and creative sector will be helped to flourish on the world stage with the launch of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy 2024-30, according to Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.
The strategy sets out the value of international activity to Scotland’s culture and creative sector. It recognises the importance of international engagement to learning, innovation and to the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Mr Robertson said: “Scotland’s culture and creative sector and our historic environment are internationally renowned. Our festivals, vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage bring people from across the world to Scotland.
“The strategy sets out our vision for international engagement to be central to the long-term development of the sector. We are starting from a strong position, but we know that recent challenges have made international cultural engagement increasingly difficult.
“Developing international cultural connections will create new opportunities, make our culture and creative sector more vibrant and diverse, and help it to reach new audiences and markets across the world.”
Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh’s Festivals are a place for Scotland and the wider world to exchange creative ideas, and this new International Culture Strategy recognises the importance of such an international outlook for artists, creatives and citizens across Scotland.
“We look forward to working with colleagues and Scottish Government on these ambitions to help strengthen our nation’s cultural fabric.”
Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy
NHS 24’s ‘Healthy Know How’ tips to keep you fit and well this spring!
Do:
check you have remedies to treat common illnesses at home.
remember many GP practices and pharmacies will be closed over the Easter weekend, and some may be closed for local bank holidays in May.
make sure you have enough prescribed medication to last through any spring holidays.
order any medicines you need in plenty of time.
Find more spring health tips at:
A charity shop which was left devastated after a fire broke out in the building above is calling for locals to ‘come and see them’ after struggling to regain local support since reopening at the end of last year.
A fire broke out in the building above the South Bridge PDSA charity shop last June, causing the shop to close for five months.
The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, officially re-opened again at the end of last November, but has since struggled to regain the local support it had before the fire.
PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge, after re-opening we’re not as busy as we once were. We miss seeing all of the old familiar faces and would love to see them in store again!
“The shop is also in need of donations and would be very grateful if any locals had a ‘spring clean’ and sent some unwanted goods our way, in particular womenswear.
“Our charity shops play a huge role in helping to fund the veterinary care in our Pet Hospitals, and the local community is truly at the centre of it! We’re so grateful to everyone who dedicates their time to helping out in our shops, as well as everyone who donates goods, or shops with us.
“The store in South Bridge provides the lovely locals the chance to purchase high-quality, cut-price products while supporting a vital charity service. We’re hopeful the shop will once again become a staple spot for locals to enjoy.
“We are extremely grateful to all of the people who support PDSA because they believe in what we do. It’s the generous support from donating unwanted items, making a purchase, or volunteering in our charity shops, that goes back into helping keep people and pets together in their times of need through our Pet Hospitals.”
For anyone who wishes to browse, shop or donate, visit the store at: PDSA South Bridge shop, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN.
Award-winning Edinburgh charity Hearts & Minds has today received an award of £15,360 from the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All Scotland to enable the charity to develop their Elderflower Programme for people living with dementia in Alloa.
Sean Donnelly, CEO, Hearts & Minds commented: “We are delighted that our Elderflower programme has been awarded funding from the National Lottery.
“This crucial support will enable Hearts & Minds to create personalised interactions specifically designed for individuals living with dementia in Clackmannan.
“We understand the importance of fostering positive human connections for those affected by dementia, and our aim is to provide them with meaningful, engaging, and often uplifting experiences that significantly contribute to their well-being and overall quality of life.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Lottery for this award, which will allow us to extend our reach and impact to even more individuals this year.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still said: “Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland for the better.
“This project delivered by Hearts & Minds Limited, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”
Hearts & Minds would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund, for this award made possible by National Lottery players.
The Elderflowers are professional performers selected for their empathy, compassion, respect, and playfulness and are trained in clowning techniques including improvisation, music, slapstick, celebrating mistakes and rhythm.
They are also trained how to use their clowning skills in healthcare environments for older people living with dementia and other associated cognitive difficulties, who might be feeling anxious, isolated, confused, or frustrated, have sensory decline, and a loss of confidence and self-esteem.
The Elderflowers currently visit Findlay House, Edinburgh and Borders General Hospital and with this funding will return to Clackmannan.
Scotland’s newest police officers have taken the oath of office at a ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, today, Wednesday 27 March 2024.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell thanked nearly 200 probationary constables for their commitment to public service.
The recruits made the Police Constable’s declaration to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, and promised to uphold fundamental human rights under the authority of Justice of the Peace David Donaldson.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “By joining Police Scotland, these constables are demonstrating a strong and shared commitment to improve the safety and wellbeing of the people, places and communities we serve.
“I ask our new officers, as their status changes from civilian to constable, to be mindful of the privilege, powers and responsibility they now bear. We expect high standards, as do the public. I ask our probationers to be professional and courteous and uphold our values at all times.
“Policing is truly a job like no other, it’s a way of life, and I know they will be challenged. At the same time, making a positive difference for communities and keeping people safe is an incredibly rewarding vocation.”
The intake of 195 recruits comprises 69 per cent male (135 officers) and 31 per cent female (60 officers) whose ages range from 18 to 54.
Of the intake, seven per cent identified as being from a minority ethnic group, totalling 13 officers, and languages spoken by recruits include Greek, Punjabi, Gaelic, Polish, Norwegian, Spanish, Afrikaans, Turkish, Urdu and Portuguese.
Two recruits were previously serving Special Constables with Police Scotland and 18 have previous military service.
The officers will undertake a 12-week initial training module before joining colleagues serving communities across Scotland during their two-year probationary period.
Visit our recruitment pages for more information about a career in policing.
Superchef Gary Maclean has urged people to check whether they may be newly-qualified for a benefit which helps with the cost of buying healthy food, milk and first infant formula.
Best Start Foods is up to £39.60 via a pre-paid chip and pin card every four weeks to spend on food from pregnancy until a child turns three.
The Scottish Government benefit was extended In February to include 20,000 more people by removing income limits. Now anyone who gets a qualifying benefit, is pregnant or has a child under 3, is eligible regardless of their other income.
Some of those who are eligible might not yet have applied and Gary, who won series nine of the BBC’s Masterchef in 2016, urged them not to miss out.
Gary, who became Scotland’s first national chef in 2017, emphasised the importance of expectant parents getting all the support available to buy nutritious foods.
The 52-year-old, said extra available cash could be vital in making ingredients go further when cooking for babies and toddlers.
Gary said: “Best Start Foods is really vital extra help at an important time in people’s lives and I would encourage all those who think they may qualify to make the most of it.
“We are all aware of the rising costs of food in recent years so any help in buying nutritious ingredients can make a difference.
“Pregnancy is definitely a time when good wholesome food is especially important. This payment is available from as soon as you know you are pregnant and I want people to be aware of that.
“There are people who may not have been eligible before but are now following some changes to the rules – people can check online and apply if they think they qualify.”
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Gary has been a champion of using locally sourced healthy ingredients and using budgets sensibly to make great nutritious meals.
“Best Start Foods is now available to more people than ever before thanks to our commitment to tackling poverty – with investment of £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security.
“As Gary has said we want to make sure as many people as possible get this support. If you think you are eligible please check online and apply.”
The call has been echoed by charity One Parent Families Scotland. Chief Executive Satwat Rehman said: “The Best Start Foods grant is a vital source of support for parents, and we very much welcome the fact that the income threshold to qualify has been increased.
“This means that a large number of parents we support will now be eligible, having previously lost out because their income was only just above the threshold.”
On an Easter activity day during the holidays, families can take part in arts and crafts activities as well as exploring the gardens of Edinburgh’s Royal Palace with a special family trail.
After taking inspiration from the story of the beautifully decorated Fabergé eggs in the Royal Collection, budding young artists can use paint, glitter and sequins to decorate their own Fabergé-style eggs to take home. A trip to the Palace would not be complete without a crown and children can decorate their own Easter crown to wear as they explore the State Apartments.
The family trail takes children on a journey through the gardens as they begin to spring into bloom and will help them explore the royal history, nature and wildlife of these beautiful grounds. Children can learn about the sun and moon dial which was made for Charles I, as well as exploring the medieval ruins of Holyrood Abbey, one of the most important buildings in Scottish history.
Families can also visit the recently reopened The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Following a successful run in London, the exhibition Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians explores life in Georgian Britain through the fashions of the day. Items on display include rare surviving items of clothing such as a court dress and items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection.
Also on display is a sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and a full-length portrait commissioned to mark the occasion.
As part of the organisation’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Palaces and the Royal Collection, Royal Collection Trust has launched a new scheme of £1 tickets, available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.
The £1 ticket offer is available for up to six people per household when visiting The King’s Gallery in 2024, making this an affordable way for families to visit the Gallery during the Easter holidays.
The Extravagant Eggs craft activity will run in the Family Room on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the weeks Monday, 1 – Saturday, 13 April, 11:00–15:00.
The Easter activity day will be on Saturday, 30 March, 10:00–15:00.
COFFEE WITH A COPPER!
Colleagues and residents at the Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall warmly welcomed PC Colin Cursiter and PC Holly Matheson to speak to our residents and guests.
PC Colin Cursiter and PC Holly Matheson spoke to the audience about their time on the force, challenges they face and the rewards from helping the local community, before taking questions from the residents, relatives and guests.
Fran Fisher, the General Manager of Strachan House extended the invitation throughout the local area, “to say thank you to PC Colin Cursiter and PC Holly Matheson for their visit and to all of the great work our emergency services do for us, we here at Strachan House are inviting all members of the police, ambulance and fire services to pop in and take their duty break on us for free.
“We are pleased to offer all of our Strachan House Care Home who stop in tea, coffee, juice, chilled water, delicious homemade cake and biscuits and a healthy selection of fruit, available free of charge; do stop in and say hi, we would be delighted to see you!”
Strachan House 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.
