Day: April 28, 2024

What is Power of Attorney?

A few places still available at LifeCare’s free info event to help local people simplify the future

Thinking about what would happen in the future if our, or our loved ones, faculties deteriorated can be stressful and worrying. How would someone manage our affairs, access our accounts to set up the right care for us, or pay the bills? Without the right processes in place, an already very emotional situation can be made worse with often very serious consequences.  

Local charity, LifeCare Edinburgh understands how daunting and complex these situations can be and will next month host a free information giving event to help debunk the complexities and help people put the right practical support in place to ensure someone trusted can quickly make decisions on behalf of a loved one if they’re not able, or no longer able, to make them themselves.  

Power of Attorney is a legal document where someone – while they still have mental capacity – nominates a trusted friend or relative to look after their affairs if they later lost capacity in the event of an emergency, illness or accident.

It is not limited to people who are older or unwell, everyone needs to consider setting up a Power of Attorney at any stage of life to avoid any future complications. For example, due to having a stroke, serious accident or dementia.  

Delivered in partnership with experts from Lindsay’s Legal Services team, LifeCare will host its first information giving event designed to encourage people to stop and think about what they need to put in place to help simplify the future.  

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “Unfortunately at LifeCare we are well aware of how stressful life can be when people don’t have the right documents in place.  No one can predict when they may face an unforeseen illness, accident or other debilitating event that may render them incapacitated.  

“As one of Edinburgh’s leading charities providing practical care support we know how emotional these situations can be at the best of times but we also know how much worse they can be when family members and loved ones are locked out of helping access the support for the people they care for. 

“Relatives can’t just walk into a bank and access your money, even if it is to pay for your care. Unless you’ve a Power of Attorney, loved ones would need to apply through court, which can be long and costly. 

“We understand that thinking about the future can be upsetting and frightening. Our free and informal information giving event delivered in partnership with Lindsays is designed to simplify matters; there will be no jargon and there will be plenty of time for questions and discussions and an opportunity to discuss any concerns with legal experts for free.”

LifeCare’s ‘What is Power of Attorney’ event, delivered in partnership with Lindsay’s, will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 1st May in the charity’s fully accessible community café, CafeLife at 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB. 

Free tea and coffee will be available along with the opportunity to find out more about LifeCare’s vital services for older people and the community overall.  

The charity is encouraging people to register via Eventbrite in advance of the meeting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lifecares-power-of-attorney-information-event-tickets-856970821797?aff=oddtdtcreator

or visit the LifeCare website https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

or call 0131 343 0940 to register interest.

Boost for Ocean Terminal as Tesco Express store confirmed for Leith redevelopment project

The owners of Ocean Terminal have confirmed they have signed a deal which will bring a Tesco Express to the Leith waterfront development as part of multi-million pound plans to regenerate the site. 

The addition of the supermarket to the retail section of the redevelopment is expected to create up to 20 jobs as part of a major investment in Leith’s waterfront. The 4,700 sq ft ground floor unit will look out over a new public realm and future residential development.

The announcement is the latest in a chain of positive developments on the site, including the relocation and upgrade of the 24/7 PureGym to a brand new unit earlier this month.

Last year Ocean Terminal revealed it had agreed a long-term lease with Level X, the gaming and immersive entertainment provider, which will see a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art leisure venue open at the centre adjacent to a brand new Club 3000 Bingo venue which promises to be one of the best clubs ever developed in the UK, enhancing the leisure offering at the new look centre. 

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said: “We are delighted to confirm a fifteen-year lease with Tesco which will bring significant benefits to the Leith waterfront development, cementing our commitment to ensure this project delivers for the local and wider community.  

“The addition of a new major retailer is a huge boost to the project and our longer term vision to to regenerate this waterfront area into a thriving, sustainable development creating an outward-looking, mixed-use town centre here in Leith. 

“We’re thrilled to have Tesco fully on board, which further enhances the multi-use, dynamic offering within the leisure space at the Ocean Terminal site.”

Head of Campaigns for Tesco, Tony McElroy added: “We are excited to be opening a new Tesco Express in Ocean Terminal, as part of our ongoing investment and job creation plans across Edinburgh. 

“We look forward to serving our customers and supporting local community groups through our Stronger Starts and Community Food Connection initiatives.”

Singer Callum Beattie visits Control Centre to learn CPR and thank Scottish Ambulance Centre staff

Edinburgh singer songwriter Callum Beattie visited the Scottish Ambulance Service’s East Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) on Thursday (April 25) to learn vital CPR skills and give thanks to SAS staff.

Callum, in the middle of a busy touring schedule which includes a number of dates across the United Kingdom, spoke to ACC staff at South Queensferry, giving thanks to the entire Service, and also learning CPR from Bryan Finlay, SAS’s Community Resilience Team Leader.

Callum, along with manager Dave Rogers, said he had an enormous amount of respect for SAS and urged people to learn CPR.

He said: “I was delighted to visit the East Ambulance Control Centre today to speak to staff and learn CPR. I was really impressed with the entire team and how they handle calls from across the country.

“It really shows how important they are to ensuring people get the best possible care. I’ve always admired the entire service, so great to see how things work up close.

“I’d also like to thank Bryan for showing me CPR. It’s something I had never tried, but can see how valuable it is, so I’d encourage anyone to get out there and learn the basic skills. You never know when it could save someone’s life.

“Thanks to everyone at the ACC and the rest of the service – you do an amazing job for the people of Scotland and I was thrilled to see it first hand and learn about the different roles within the control centre.”

To find out more about how to learn CPR, visit Home – Save a Life for Scotland

Scottish Building Society crowns Scotland’s first inclusive rugby champion

Scottish Building Society hosted Scotland’s first inclusive rugby festival, with Edinburgh Rugby Inclusive Team (ERIT) being crowned the tournament’s first ever champion.

The event which saw nearly 100 participants from across Scotland compete from the four teams- Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, Strathmore Clan, Fife Clan and Ayrshire Clan.

The round-robin tournament was played ahead of Edinburgh Rugby’s match with Scarlets in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

All players from the tournament took part in a lap of honour at half-time before the winning side was presented with a trophy by Scottish Building Society, Chief Executive Officer, Paul Denton.

Inclusive Rugby involves both able-bodied players and those with a physical or learning disability, playing in one unified outfit.

It is hoped the Scottish Building Society Festival will encourage others to get involved in rugby, showing regardless of ability, there is room for everyone in this sport.

Mr Denton said: “Our partnership with Edinburgh Rugby is about far more than the professional players on the pitch. Rugby is a sport for everyone and using our platform we wanted to create opportunities to make the game more accessible and inspire others to get involved.

“It was an honour to meet the teams and seeing the players come together with such a great display of community and teamwork is truly inspiring. I hope this tournament encourages people to look at rugby differently, inspires people to get involved in this great sport.”

Edinburgh Rugby, managing director, Douglas Struth added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have hosted the Scottish Building Society Inclusive Festival ahead of our game against Scarlets.

“It kicked off our ‘Family Fest’ match night in style and it was a special moment to see the players all join in for the lap of honour at half time.

“With four teams and nearly 100 players involved the festival of rugby and togetherness, that celebrates everything good about the game we love.”

Two Scots receive Rotary Young Citizens Awards

‘OUTSTANDING COMMITMENTS TO THEIR COMMUNITIES’

TWO young people from Scotland have been awarded Rotary Young Citizens Awards for 2024 for their outstanding commitments to their communities:

  • Ian Duncan (13, Edinburgh), a prominent ‘frame runner’ with Cerebral Palsy, was awarded for climbing the equivalent height of Ben Nevis in steps to raise money for the local Riding for Disabled centre in Muirfield.
  • Rhys McCole (23, Inverclyde), currently the world’s only para-disabled competitive boxer, was awarded for his commitment to charity endeavours and volunteer work whilst facing numerous health challenges. These include setting up his own boxing programme with local schools, and supporting organisations Inch by Inch, Fighting for Autism and Enable Scotland.

A 13-year-old boy from Edinburgh has been designated a ‘Sporting Hero’ after winning a prestigious Rotary Young Citizen Award.

Ian Duncan was named a ‘Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero’ after climbing the equivalent height of Ben Nevis in steps to raise money for the local Riding for Disabled (RDA) centre in Muirfield. 

Ian lives with Cerebral Palsy, which impacts his mobility, coordination and balance. Since the age of three, Ian has benefited from Hippotherapy at RDA Muirfield, a physical, occupational and speech therapy which utilises the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor and sensory input. 

Ian is a prominent ‘Frame Runner’, which is a form of adaptive running which uses a ‘trike’ to support the athlete’s body, giving them the sensation of free movement. Ian proved a natural at frame running, and has proven committed to training in all weathers – even making the 30-mile round trip to his training site near Edinburgh, twice a week. 

The training sessions have given Ian confidence, freedom and friendship, and he has played a pivotal role in growing the club to a team of six. In addition to helping support the club’s growth, Ian also took part in a medical study based at Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh (the university collaborated with the East Lothian club to develop the squad). 

The study, funded by Action Medical Research, looked at the impact of frame running on the health and wellbeing of individuals with walking difficulties.

Ian’s natural talent for dressage has seen him take part in a number of UK-wide events, resulting in him finishing third in the virtual National Championships, riding the mechanical horse Oreo – a first for the competition.

To support his local RDA centre, Ian challenged himself to climb the 8,810 steps that represent Scotland’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis. In doing so, Ian raised a fantastic £1,755, ensuring more young people can benefit from Hippotherapy.

Ian received his award on Saturday 20th April from two former winners, Bella Field and Katriona Goodsell, at the Rotary Young Citizen Awards ceremony in Alcester, Warwickshire, home of Rotary GB&I.

Ian was nominated for his Rotary Young Citizen Award by the Rotary Club of Braids.

Rotarian Pauline Skinner said: “It is fantastic to hear that Ian has won the Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero award. Through his work with his athletics club he has raised the profile of frame running in Edinburgh.

“His fundraising for RDA has enabled others to share the benefits of horse riding. He has shown that anything is possible.”

Ian was chosen as a 2024 winner alongside eight other young people. Now in its 17th Anniversary year, the Rotary Young Citizen Awards was launched in 2007 to celebrate the amazing achievements of young people across Great Britain and Ireland, many of whom have assumed important responsibilities at a very young age. Nominations are put forward by Rotary Clubs.

Rhys McCole, a 23-year old from Gourock, Inverclyde, has been awarded a Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award 2024 for his dedication to community service and leadership.

The award recognises Rhys’s commitment to charitable endeavours and volunteer work, despite facing numerous health challenges, including holes in his heart, Mears Irlen syndrome, Auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, Autism and Asthma.

Currently the only “para-disabled” boxer in the world that competes in mainstream boxing, Rhys has also launched his own boxing programme for young people. Through this, he has worked in conjunction with local schools to encourage health, fitness, and social inclusion, and promote important messages such as anti-bullying and anti-substance abuse. 

The impact of Rhys’s work is recognised in the local community, with schools reporting the physical and mental health benefits of his boxing programme, as well as reduced violence and improved attendance among students.

Rhys has represented Inverclyde as an ambassador for the Year of Young People 2018, as well as a presenter for Inch by Inch, a campaign aimed at reducing obesity amongst the population of Scotland. He has also dedicated himself to supporting organisations such as Fighting for Autism and Enable Scotland. 

Rhys, who received his award on Saturday 20th April, was nominated for the award by the Rotary Club of Gourock.

Rotarian Norman Pettigrew, commented: “Rhys’s dedication to supporting young people in his community is truly inspiring.

“Despite the challenges he faces, he serves as a role model for both resilience and compassion, and his work exemplifies his passion for making a difference in the lives of others.”

Find out more about the inspirational Rotary Young Citizen Award Winners 2024 at  www.rotarygbi.org.

Social care workers demand return of ‘missing millions’

Scotland’s largest health and social care unions protested outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday to demand the return of the ‘missing millions’ cut from the Scottish Government’s Budget for social care workers.

Information from the Scottish Trades Union Congress’ ‘Missing Millions’ campaign has shown that £38 million of ringfenced funding for maternity, paternity and sick pay for social care workers in Scotland was secretly cut from the latest Scottish Government budget.

Workers from Scotland’s three biggest social care unions, UNISON, GMB and UNITE will protest outside the Scottish Parliament to demand the return of the cash with workers accusing the Scottish Government of “betraying” social care workers.

The ‘Missing Millions’ campaign was launched last week during STUC Congress. A Freedom of Information request has shown that the £38 million cut was pulled directly from the Scottish Government’s Fair Work in Social Care terms and conditions workstream in September 2023.


Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Cutting the budget to improve the terms, pay and conditions of Scotland’s social care workers is, quite frankly, unforgiveable.

“This was a sleekit move from the Scottish Government with no transparency, no accountability and worse, no promise of restoring the funding.

“These were the front-line workers that cared for those most in need during the pandemic. Some even paid with their lives protecting the vulnerable and our communities from the virus.


“For the Scottish Government to cut the dedicated funding that would, in part, seek to implement Fair Work within the sector, with improved sick pay and conditions, is nothing short of betraying the workforce.

“We call on all those who stand alongside our social care workers to join us outside Parliament.

“We’re sending a clear message to all politicians, especially the Scottish Government, that social care workers are demanding a return of the missing millions and a quick U-turn to this ill-judged budget cut.”

Worry for Scotland as danger plant Giant Hogweed goes on the march 

An invasive species expert has warned that Scotland is facing a huge year for the proliferation of highly caustic Giant Hogweed after identifying the emergence of the plant much earlier in the year than might be expected.

Keith Gallacher, director of Complete Weed Control, one of Scotland’s leading weed control, ground maintenance and tree management specialists, spotted young shoots of the rapidly-spreading and dangerous plant emerging from winter dormancy in March.

He warned that this is unusually early for the enormous Heracleum Mantegazzianum, which can grow up to six metres high and whose sap can cause severe burns with lasting effects such as scarring and chronic dermatitis.

He said that the early showing of Giant Hogweed could have been precipitated by mild and wet spring weather – March had 27% more rainfall than normal in the UK – and that it could lead to greater infestations of the plant, which can spread tens of thousands of seeds after it flowers in June and July.

Mr Gallacher said: “Our teams saw the much-earlier-than-expected appearance of the young Giant Hogweed during routine inspections in East Lothian, near Musselburgh. With such an early start, and with the rate of growth of which the plants are capable, it is likely that 2024 will be a bumper year for this rapacious invader.

“Like many invasive species, such as Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, it was brought to the UK as an architectural oddity, but now it has escaped and, without any natural enemies, it grows into dense colonies, especially along watercourses.

“It is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, parsnip, cumin, coriander and parsley, but its dense foliage prevents light reaching the soil underneath, killing off native plants and leading to rapid soil erosion.”

Complete Weed Control, which now covers the greater part of Scotland from its recently-acquired base in Larkhall, will treat the plants but has warned that eliminating Giant Hogweed requires a concerted and sustained effort by all landowners in an affected area.

He said: “If you leave it too late, the plants get larger and become more difficult to spray, and require more herbicide. But if you do it too early and you get the torrential rains like we’ve had these last few weeks, the herbicide won’t have much effect.”

Complete Weed Control has continued to gain prestigious contracts from clients across Scotland and has posted a record £2.75 million in sales last year, up from £2 million the previous year.

Growth has been boosted by new client acquisition as well as its tree services division, which now contributes equally with the longer-established weed suppressant and grass cutting services it supplies to mostly public sector organisations.

Britain’s ‘new approach’ to Welfare

UK Government Work Scheme delivers almost 100,000 placements

Almost 100,000 workplace training places have been delivered in the past year for jobseekers, smashing the Government’s 80,000 annual target, new data has revealed.

  • Record number of workplace training places have been delivered this year helping boost jobseeker skills and the economy 
  • Significant milestone hit as Prime Minister sets out welfare reforms to jumpstart UK labour market
  • DWP working directly with businesses to hire work-ready Brits and reduce dependence on foreign labour  
  • Comes in week that NICs cuts worth £900 hit pay packets ensuring work pays

Part of the Westminster Government’s plan to help people back to work and grow the economy, Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) help benefit claimants move off welfare and into work by providing tailored training and work experience before a guaranteed job interview.

Businesses who are actively hiring help craft these six-weeks on-the-job programmes, so that participants gain the right experience and skills for their roles.

The latest figures published this week show that in the last year 98,710 places were delivered – the highest annual figure yet. It brings the total number of SWAP starts to 283,930 – in sectors ranging from coding to hospitality, construction, health and social care. 

It comes in the week that the Government’s NICs cuts worth £900 to the average worker hits pay packets as part of the plan to cut taxes, grow the economy and build a brighter future for hard-working families.

Backed by industry giants such as UKHospitality, the British Chamber of Commerce and Business in the Community, alongside household brands like Amazon, JD Sports and Lidl, jobseekers leave SWAPs work ready as they apply for live job roles. 

The milestone follows the UK Government’s ‘bold new vision’ for welfare, with the Prime Minister outlining reforms to tackle inactivity as we give more Brits the skills and support to get back into work as we bring down migration levels. 

Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Mel Stride MP said: “Our Jobcentres are a proven route to changing lives through work and the learning and upskilling opportunities they provide are second to none.

“As part of our plan to build our new welfare settlement for Britain and grow the economy, this major milestone helps people get on with the skills they need to secure a great job, a higher wage, and a brighter future for their family.

After the Prime Minister announced the accelerated rollout of Universal Credit last week, together with increases to the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET), even more claimants will benefit from the dedicated employment support offered through our Jobcentres.

This includes all the programmes under the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) £2.5bn Back to Work Plan, which is set to help over a million people, including those with long-term health conditions to break down barriers to work.

Keith, 47, from St Austell was looking to change careers after he finished a previous role. He said: “I was very interested in getting into Mental Health Care, but I had no qualifications or experience in the area. My Work Coach Tom was really supportive and told me how I could get experience in the sector through a SWAP with the NHS.

“The SWAP opened my eyes to the type of roles available within the NHS and gave me the confidence I needed to kickstart my new career. I’m now working as a Developmental Mental Health Assistant and cannot believe I’ve reached my dream of working in Mental Health so quickly with the help of SWAPs.”

Whether it’s someone’s first job or a career change, jobseekers of any age and experience can access invaluable work experience through SWAPs for a role actively being recruited for. 

Andrew Bush, CPO of Greene King, said: “We were really pleased to be part of the sector-based work academy in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and other hospitality employers.

“Through collaboration, we were able to create a programme that gave candidates a greater insight into our exciting industry, providing opportunities for many to achieve a fulfilling career in hospitality.”

The UK Government is taking the long-term decisions to ensure the resilience of the UK’s labour market, building a strong economy where hard work is rewarded and where everyone has a brighter future.

Alexandra Hall-Chen, Principal Advisor for Employment and Skills with the Institute of Directors said: “At a time when many businesses are struggling to recruit the skills they need, SWAPs provide a valuable means by which employers can tap into a wider pool of candidates.

“By providing jobseekers with support and training targeted at key sectors, SWAPs are a key tool in tackling both skills shortages and barriers to employment.”

Edinburgh 900 community fund opens for applications

Community groups in the Capital can now apply for up to £5,000 worth of funding as part of the Edinburgh 900 programme.

Edinburgh 900 is a celebration of the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city since the founding of the royal burgh by King David I around 1124. 

As part of the wider programme, £100,000 has been allocated to the Edinburgh 900 Community Fund to allow our residents to celebrate their city’s rich heritage and inspiring present. Community fund applications need to be led by an Edinburgh-based community group and focussed on activities or events held within their local area. Each application can be to a maximum of £5,000.

There is also a separate civic fund of £100,000 focussed on city-wide events with applications led by an Edinburgh-based cultural or heritage organisation. Each application can be to a maximum of £15,000.

For both the civic and community fund applications must demonstrate a commitment to the Edinburgh 900 programme aims and themes. The full criteria and guidance for applications are available on our website.

The deadline for applications to the civic fund is 20 May 2024. For the community fund the deadline is 27 May 2024.

The Edinburgh 900 Implementation Programme Board will review all applications and determine funding allocations for both funds. We will let you know the outcome of your application within four weeks of the application deadline.

If you are already planning events for 2024 or 2025 and would like to be part of our Edinburgh 900 programme, you can apply through our separate application process to use the Edinburgh 900 logo and be advertised on the programme website and marketing activity.

For any general queries about the Edinburgh 900 programme please contact edinburgh900@edinburgh.gov.uk

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted that both the Edinburgh 900 community and civic funds are now open for applications.

“I’m clear that our communities should play an integral part in these celebrations and I’m really excited to see the proposals as they come through in the next few weeks. I have no doubt that our residents will rise to the occasion and show the very best aspects of our city.

“On the civic side this is an opportunity for our cultural and heritage organisations to exhibit Edinburgh and it’s illustrious past like never before.

“Edinburgh 900 represents almost a millennium of our shared history. The full programme will examine how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries, from commerce to conflict and from faith to finance, there are an incredibly rich and varied set of themes.

“The programme will also celebrate Edinburgh in the present day and look ahead to our future ambitions and aspirations. These two funds represent a great opportunity to showcase these stories to our city and the wider world.”