We are back for stories and crafting!
Share a tale and listen while you stitch or knit.
Fortnightly dates from 6th October from 19:30 – 21:00.
For information and to bok your space, email wildflowers@grantonhub.org.
SCHOOLS CAN BE IN WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN A VISIT FROM BBC GLADIATOR STAR, STEEL
BBC Children in Need has announced this year’s schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves and fundraise for the charity, whilst launching a competition to win a school visit from Gladiator star, Steel plus another surprise Gladiator guest.
To be in with a chance of winning Primary schools across the nation simply have to order a free fundraising pack to be automatically entered into the competition.
Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order before 18th October being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.
Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.
Last year schools across the UK, raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives. This year, schools across the UK are being asked to throw their support behind the appeal, and encourage parents, pupils and families to challenge themselves to help make life lighter for children and young people.
Across Scotland, BBC Children in Need currently fund 152 projects to the amount of £8.4m, to provide a positive environment for where children and young people can build self-esteem and support their overall mental and physical wellbeing.
BBC Gladiator star, Steel, said: “School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges.
“This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most.”
Commenting on the schools fundraising launch, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said: “It’s wonderful to see children supporting children with schools across the nation coming together, and getting behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal.
“These are tough times for the children and young people we support with many facing many challenges including poverty and menta health.
“At BBC Children in Need we want children to thrive and be the best they can be, to learn new skills and have access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience but, currently, we are only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask us for funding.
“The much needed support from pupils, schools and teachers is crucial in providing projects and local charities with the funding they need to benefit children in local communities. I want to say a massive thank you to schools, pupils and teachers who continue to fundraise to help change young lives.”
There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds:
BBC Children in Need funding brings the right people and places into children’s lives when they need help or support. And right now, across the UK, children are facing greater challenges than ever, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression rising, high levels of poverty leading to inequality & lack of opportunity and many simply carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone.
Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines.
This year, BBC Children in Need is asking the public to make life lighter for children all across the UK. Head to bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to find out more and donate.
Challenge Yourself to make life lighter for children and to sign up for a free supporter kit, full of fun-filled fundraising ideas, inspiration, tools, advice and educational resources, please visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/schools.
FREE HEART SCREENING SERVICE AT ASDA CHESSER ON THURSDAY
In Scotland it is estimated that 73,000 people have heart valve disease, but studies suggest that 1 in 3 patients (~26,000) are unaware of it and are undiagnosed.
Disease that affects the valves in the heart, such as aortic stenosis, place individuals at high risk of heart failure and if left untreated could lead to sudden, unexpected death. While HVD can cause symptoms like fatigue, reduced energy levels, and chest pains, it can be symptomless.
This is why the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Glasgow Jubilee Hospital will be offering the people of Scotland free heart checks this week (Thursday 19th September) at the ‘Your Heart Matters’ Truck which will be in Asda Chesser Supercentre, Edinburgh. The truck hopes to check the hearts of over 200 members of the public completely free of charge.
“We would welcome any members of the public aged over 50 to come down and have a free heart check whether they are experiencing symptoms or not,” urges Louise Axten, TAVI and Structural Heart Nurse, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
“We can estimate that in Scotland alone there are almost 30,000 people living with heart valve disease who don’t know it. Undiagnosed and untreated heart conditions like aortic stenosis can be fatal.”
Despite the serious risks associated with heart valve disease, treatment rates remain worryingly low. Scotland has two of the best cardiac units in the world, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow, which perform pioneering heart treatments such as TAVI and TEER and keyhole surgeries like SAVR.
Recent data suggests that less than 2,000 people in Scotland are having the most effective treatments (heart valve procedures and surgery) in the country’s specialist cardiology centres. This is just a fraction of the total number of HVD patients who could benefit.
Dr Stuart Watkins, Consultant Cardiologist at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital, said: “We believe a significant number of individuals with this potentially life-threatening condition may be undiagnosed.
“Considering the estimated prevalence of heart valve disease and the fact that fewer than 2,000 people in Scotland are receiving the most effective treatments, there appears to be a critical gap in diagnosis, awareness, or access to healthcare—putting many lives at serious risk.”
Dr Jonathan Byrne, UK Lead of the UK’s Valve for Life programme and a Consultant Cardiologist at King’s College Hospital, explained: “There is capacity in Scotland to undertake thousands more procedures and keyhole surgeries annually for people with moderate and severe heart valve disease, but underdiagnosed patients represent a huge challenge for us as they will remain undertreated“,
According to the Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme (SCAP), complication and mortality rates associated with TAVI remain very low. In 2022/23, there were 575 TAVI procedures performed in Scotland, marking a 17.8% increase from the previous year.
Despite the rise in procedures, the safety and effectiveness of TAVI continue to be affirmed by these low complication and mortality rates.
Experts Reveal You’re Sharing Your Home with Over 100 Spiders
If it feels like your home is crawling with more spiders than usual this season, you’re not imagining things. Peter Murray, a Home & Garden expert from Murray Steel Buildings, warns that the average UK home could be playing host to over 100 spiders – and they’re not where you’d expect.
As autumn settles in and temperatures drop, spiders are seeking out warm, sheltered spots in your home. “They’re drawn to dark, quiet spaces where they won’t be disturbed,” says Murray. “You’re most likely to find them in attics, under furniture, behind curtains, and surprisingly, even in your bed covers.”
This year has seen a particular rise in household spider numbers, with species such as the common house spider and false widow becoming regular visitors indoors. The top places spiders are likely hiding include:
In the corners of ceilings – High-up and undisturbed, these areas are prime real estate for webs.
Under furniture – Sofas, beds, and armchairs provide perfect dark, cosy spots.
In garages and sheds – Wide, untouched spaces are favourites for building webs.
Behind curtains and in bed covers – Anywhere warm and undisturbed is attractive to spiders, including the folds of your bedding.
Around sinks and drains – Bathrooms and kitchens attract spiders due to moisture.
Murray advises, “Though they may seem creepy, spiders help control pests like flies and other insects. However, if you want to keep their numbers down, regular cleaning, reducing clutter, and sealing up cracks around windows and doors will help.”
Peter Murray Murray Steel Buildings
ONLINE SESSION on YOUTH VAPING
The first Youth Conversations Hub event takes place tomorrow!
ASH Scotland are hosting an online session on Youth vaping in Scotland at 1pm
You can sign up for a place at the event here – https://bit.ly/3W5CULx
Businesses will be able to bid for a share of up to £7 million of Scottish Government funding to help kick start green hydrogen projects across Scotland.
The funding will help cover the development stage costs of green hydrogen production projects with production capacity of between 5 – 400 megawatts – the equivalent to the production of enough hydrogen to heat at least 200 to over 16,000 homes.
Support will also be available for work supporting the hydrogen supply chain and storage solutions, and will play an important role in helping the industry scale up as it responds to market demand.
Organisations have until the end of the month to apply for a maximum of £2 million of match-funding from the scheme which has been co-developed with Scottish Enterprise, who will facilitate and manage the fund.
It complements a total of almost £7 million from the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, which has supported 31 projects across the country since 2023.
Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Our energy sector, and the development of green hydrogen in particular, will play a crucial role in growing Scotland’s economy and delivering on our net zero targets.
“This is due to our capability to generate so much renewable energy which is crucial to the process of making green hydrogen.
“This funding – which will help support the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen hubs across the country, will, in time, help unlock opportunities in hydrogen for use and export and to power the clean energy intensive industries of the future.
“It demonstrates that Scotland is well positioned to lead the way in developing renewable energy in a way that delivers economic benefits and it also shows our commitment to help grow the hydrogen sector, one of the five priority areas set out in our new Green Industrial Strategy.”
Scottish Enterprise Director of Energy Transition, Suzanne Sosna, said: “This new fund will help new green hydrogen projects get off the ground, something that is critical if we are to build the hydrogen economy as we aim to in Scotland.
“Renewable energy, including green hydrogen, has the potential to transform Scotland’s economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to helping hydrogen production, storage and offtake businesses as part of that.”
Organisations have until 27th September to submit expressions of interest in the fund.
The Binks Hub and the Ripple Project are delighted to invite you to an exhibition of co-created art that challenges the status quo and offers an alternative view of what communities need to flourish.
Exhibiting in partnership with Dovecot Studios, the world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh, “Alternative Futures – Who Decides” is the result of a collaboration between The Binks Hub, University of Edinburgh and The Ripple Project, a grassroots, community led charity using creativity and the arts to co-create community-driven research that makes a difference to people’s lives.
The exhibition will be open:
Thursday 3rd October
Friday 4th October
Saturday 5th October
And is free to attend, to check out times and secure your place please register through the Eventbrite link.
You can also drop in on any day where there will be workshops and opportunities to chat to those involved in the project.
We hope you can join us to begin conversations about how we change the way we view our communities and what we can do together to make a lasting difference.
You may also reply to this email: tristan.green@theripple.org.uk and further details will then be sent to you.
Enjoy a cup of coffee, have a chat, meet new people, and take in the beauty of a rose garden – all for a great cause!
Join Macmillan’s coffee morning from 11am to 2pm on Friday, 20 September at Saughton Parks’ Rose Garden to help raise money for charity.
Edinburgh is well represented at this year’s Scottish Muslim Awards. Among the capital’s shortlisted nominees are:
Mick Napier from Edinburgh
He is nominated for non-Muslim supporting Muslims
Mick Napier In 2000, at the start of the Palestinian Intifada, Mick co-founded the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), driven by outrage over the Israeli army’s admission of firing one million bullets at unarmed Palestinian demonstrators during the uprising.
Since then, SPSC has been tirelessly campaigning to support the Palestinian call for boycotts and isolation of the Israeli regime and its international supporters. Currently, Mick and SPSC are focused on pressuring the Scottish Government to recognize the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Palestine.
They organize across Scotland and work with international partners to oppose the regime’s genocidal plans to erase Palestinian presence, including the destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque.
Over the past two decades, during every major Israeli offensive, Mick has faced and successfully defeated criminal charges ranging from racism and terrorism to violent assault. Despite a conviction for organizing protests without paperwork, Mick remains undeterred. Mick has three children and two granddaughters, who are both keen to make Mick a great-grandparent.
Amir Hussain, Napier University, Edinburgh
Nominated for innovation
Amir Hussain is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive experience in the fields of AI and robotics. He earned his B.Eng. (Highest 1st Class Honours with Distinction) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Strathclyde in 1992 and 1997, respectively. Following postdoctoral and academic roles at various institutions, including the University of West of Scotland, University of Dundee, and University of Stirling, he joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2018 as a Chair Professor in the School of Computing.
Hussain is the founding Director of the Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIR) and leads the Trustworthy Data Science and Cyber Analytics Research Group. He holds several Visiting Professorships, including at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. He also serves as Turing Academic Lead for the University Network of the Alan Turing Institute and advises on AI strategy internationally, including for Kuwait’s National AI Strategy.
Amana Food, Edinburgh
Nominated for the business award.
Amana Food Products Company, founded in Scotland in 2019, is a pioneering example of Palestinian entrepreneurship abroad.
The company aims to support the Palestinian economy by purchasing directly from small farmers, ensuring fair income and sustainability. By importing high-quality products like dates, olive oil, and thyme, Amana has introduced Palestinian goods to British markets, making them strong competitors globally.
More than a business, Amana’s strategy focuses on uplifting Palestinian families and farmers, providing access to international markets that would otherwise be unreachable. This commitment to social responsibility, combined with business success, showcases how companies can blend profit with purpose.
Amana serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that values-driven entrepreneurship can foster sustainable development and positively impact Palestinian society, while promoting Palestinian products on the global stage.
The Scottish Muslim Awards winners will be announced at an event in the Glasgow Hilton on 29 September.
