Day: October 2, 2024

Four Edinburgh winners at Scottish Muslim Awards

Four of the Scottish Muslim Awards were presented to people or organisations from Edinburgh on Sunday, at the Glasgow Hilton. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the former First Minister Humza Yousaf were in attendance to honour some of the incredible achievements made across several fields across Scottish society. 

The Edinburgh winners were: 

Amana Food won Hadhrat Khadija Kubra (RA) 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 Imran Sabir Bravehard Award was shared between Amjid Majeed, Imam Ibrahim Alwawi, Dr Ibrahim Khadra and Abdul Rahman & Reehan Ali (Pedal 2 Hajj).

‘Abdul Rahman and Reehan Ali showed extraordinary dedication. The two brothers embarked on an awe-inspiring journey, cycling from Edinburgh to Hajj, a gruelling 3,600-mile trek across 13 countries in just 60 days.

Their journey was not only a remarkable physical and mental challenge but also a profound act of compassion, raising over £92,000 for the people of Gaza.

Since 2015, Abdul Rahman and Reehan have been steadfast volunteers with the World Care Foundation, participating in numerous aid missions and charity challenges, including cycling from Edinburgh to Paris, completing marathons, and tackling extreme endurance events.

Their latest feat, cycling to Hajj, demonstrates their unparalleled commitment to raising awareness and funds for those in need. Their perseverance, sacrifice, and selflessness are truly inspiring and deserving of recognition.’

Amir Hussain won the Salaman al Farsi (RA) Award 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.’ 

Mick Napier won An-Najashi Award for Supporting Muslims

‘Mick Napier is a lifelong socialist and anti-racist activist known for his staunch opposition to Tory policies and his dedication to social justice.

Certified free of racism by two Scottish courts, Napier is a founding member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), where he has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.

Recently, Napier has been a prominent figure in the movement, tirelessly supporting Palestine even at great personal risk.

His activism has led to multiple arrests, but his commitment remains unwavering. Napier’s relentless efforts and courageous stance continue to make a significant impact in raising awareness and advocating for justice in Palestine.’

For more information on The Scottish Muslim Awards, please visit: 

https://scottishmuslimawards.org/

Scottish government urged to heed A&E ‘alarm bells’

The Scottish government must heed the ‘alarms bells’ as new A&E data suggests another very challenging winter ahead.    

That’s the call from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Scotland as new data for Emergency Department performance in August reveals it was the worst August since records began in 2011, for patients experiencing extremely long waits.  

The figures released yesterday (Tuesday 1 October) by Public Health Scotland, show that the number of patients waiting 12 hours or more in August was higher than in any January or February from 2012 to 2022, despite it being a month in summer when Emergency Department performance tends to improve.  

More than a third of people (34.2%) waited over four hours, more than one in 10 (11.3%) waited eight hours or longer, while 4.65% of patients waited over 12 hours in a Scottish ED.  

The data shows long waits have increased significantly since the 2010’s.  

Since August 2017, for example, the numbers waiting four hours or more has increased by six times (6,743 to 39,096), eight hours or more by 37 times (347 to 12,954), and 12 hours or more by 127 times (42 to 5,312). This is despite attendance only decreasing by 0.7% in the same period. 

Dr John-Paul Loughrey, RCEM Vice President for Scotland said: “It once was that the summer months provided some respite from the stresses experienced in Emergency Departments, but those days are long gone.   

“Yet again the figures show the reality of the pressure we have been dealing with this summer, which is on a level with what we would have experienced during the busiest winter months just a few years ago. Overcrowding in our A&Es is now at winter crisis levels all year round.  

“The alarm bells are sounding loudly as winter approaches, and the government must respond.   

“Last week’s Winter Preparedness plan however gives me little hope that they will respond in the ways we have recommended. It lacks any specific measures to address the inevitable spikes in demand for Emergency Care which comes during the colder months, or the lack of capacity in the acute care system as a whole.    

“Once again Scottish people seeking emergency care this winter are facing extreme waits and, for many, the indignity of so called ‘corridor care’. These are not just inconvenient, they are dangerous and potentially life threatening.  

“The Scottish government must bolster its winter planning to ensure that people who need to be admitted to hospital from A&Es can be, without excessive waits, and that when they are well enough to leave there is the necessary social care in place for them to do so.   

“Failure to do so puts us on course for a harmful and incredibly difficult winter which is not what we or our patients want or deserve.”

A graphical representation of the data can be found here.    

The full data set can be found on the RCEM website. 

Homelessness is a hidden issue in Scotland’s student housing crisis

THE recent Cross-Party Group on Housing report on student homelessness proved that we have a long way to go with student housing (writes RUTH ELLIOTT, Vice-President Community of Edinburgh University Students’ Association).

In Edinburgh alone, there is currently a shortfall of over 13,000 bedspaces.

Students have been known to be both resourceful and resilient, hopping between hostels and crashing on friends’ sofas, but it’s hard to believe this lack of stability won’t have an impact on their studies, as well as their mental health.

In fact, NUS Scotland’s Cost of Survival Report (2023) survey showed that 66% of students feel this has impacted their mental health, with this skyrocketing to 83% of estranged students and 78 per cent and 79 per cent of low income and students with caring responsibilities.

And things aren’t much better if you do manage to find accommodation, with 75% of student respondents falling below the UK poverty line after housing costs (Russell Group Student’s Unions (RGSU) Cost-of-Living survey).

The Advice Place at Edinburgh University Students’ Association has seen an increasing trend of affordability as a barrier to finding housing for students.

As Vice President Community, I am calling on the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government to provide more accommodation that is genuinely affordable for students, and to support alternatives such as student housing co-operatives to alleviate the pressures on the housing market.

Nowhere to live

But there’s another, unexpected problem on top of the lack of accommodation and affordability.

One of the biggest issues with student homelessness is hidden homelessness. ‘Hidden homelessness’ refers to people who would meet the legal definition of homelessness but are not represented in the local authority homeless statistics (see here).

Some examples are:

  • Staying with family and friends
  • Sofa surfing
  • Living in unsuitable housing such as squats or in ‘beds in shed’ situations

Source: The Homeless Monitor: England 2018

Many students don’t realise they could be considered homeless (possible as the problem has become increasingly normalised). As a result, the majority of students are not empowered to reach out for help when they really need it, which also means we don’t have a good idea of how widespread this problem is.

This affects how the issue of student housing is recorded by the university, and therefore how it is prioritised and addressed. Equally, the fact that students do not consider the University as a place to reach out for help is troubling.

The University of Edinburgh has a lot of work to do to rebuild the relationship with its students to be viewed as more trustworthy and supportive.

Those who experience hidden homelessness are hidden from statistics and services as they are dealing with their situation informally.” (Crisis)

It is essential to raise awareness about hidden homelessness – as well as awareness about being at risk of homelessness, whether through overcrowding, unaffordable rent or those at risk of abuse in their homes – so we can better support our students and lobby for change that is backed by data.

Because of the limited housing options available, students are more likely to take on riskier situations – whether that be higher rent than they can’t afford, living further away from campus living with strangers, or subletting illegally.

This leaves students very vulnerable. Students are not a homogenous group and can be some of the most vulnerable people in our society as young people, international students, queer people, carers and parents, and people from low-income backgrounds.

It’s positive to see Edinburgh Council putting more focus on reducing homelessness, and I would like the University to take more responsibility here.

This year, I am working on a project with the University to include more comprehensive data collection on students’ housing situations in the matriculation process. It’s really important that this addresses the issues I have outlined regarding hidden homelessness, and encourages students to reach out.

The student housing crisis is a complex issue which needs addressing. But without the right data, we’ve failed before we’ve begun.

Soundhouse announces line-up for NEW winter music festival

Full Line-up Announced for New Music Festival  

Dates: Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December 2024

www.soundhousewinterfest.com

The Soundhouse Winter Festival, is a brand new music festival which will take place from Thursday 28 November to Monday 2 December in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

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Fergus McCreadie headlines the Soundhouse Winter Festival on Sat 30 Nov

The festival showcases musicians either from, or based in Scotland, and runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend. The programme includes some of Scotland’s finest jazz, and trad musicians, a showcase of emerging new musicians, music workshops for adults and young people, a silent film accompanied by live music, and live performance poetry.

Headliners include award-winning pianist Fergus McCreadie performing solo and with fellow leading world musicians Mindaugas Stumbras (guitar), Michelangeol Scanroglio (doublebass) and Mattia Galeotti (drums); rising star Megan Black whose music has been described as 70s blues rock meets queer feminist pop, and whose latest EP ‘Full Circle (Part 1)’ has recently been nominated for ‘EP of the Year’ in Scotland; Su-a Lee and Friends (Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier) who sold out The Soundhouse’s Rose Theatre Fringe run in 2023; and Callum Easter & the Roulettes, fresh from touring the USA, who will play The Queen’s Hall with special guest Iona Zajac whose powerful voice seamlessly blends folk and indie and alternative genres with an authentic grit that has captivated audiences across Europe.

The festival is also delighted to present a brand new collaboration between outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery and acclaimed composer Kate Young. This one hour show will be based on Lavery’s work Unwritten Women with a new score by Young.

The festival’s programme also includes some unmissable early evening concerts at the Traverse with Gaelic singer songwriter Rachel Walker performing with one of the country’s foremost folksingers and accompanists Aaron Jones; Edinburgh-based poetic psychedelic supergroup Acolyte (Ruairidh Morrison on bass, Gloria Black on synth and backing vocals, Daniel Hill on percussion and led by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Iona Lee); acclaimed singer-songwriter Victoria Hume, joined by long-term collaborator Chris Letcher, playing alt-folk songs from her new album Radical Abundance, about the dying days of capitalism and what might emerge next; and singer Nicole Smit performing some cool jazzy numbers with her Quintet (Vid Gobac on drums, Cameron Bradley on piano, Dave Toule guitar, and Kassandra E’Silva on saxophone).

Other highlights over the weekend include the SWF Spotlight, a showcase of the jazz stars of tomorrow programmed by Helena Kay; and a screening of The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric accompanied by music composed by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson from Fair Isle with Shetlander Catriona Macdonald. The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric is a beautiful tender dramatisation of Shetland life, and was originally filmed in 1933 by pioneering Glasgow filmmaker Jenny Gilbertson. It will be opened by a short solo set by award-winning Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival presents a snapshot of the very best music produced in Scotland today.

“There’s no doubt that our small country produces some of the world’s finest musicians and we are honoured to give them a platform at our new festival.

“Shining a light on our home-grown stars seems an appropriate way to extend the St Andrew’s Day celebrations across this 5-day event. Despite the current gloom in the Scottish arts world, we hope the event will be inspirational and the first of many Soundhouse Winter Festivals.”



Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Soundhouse Winter Festival looks to showcase some of Scotland’s finest musical talent and brighten up dark evenings with a dazzling array of acts.

“St Andrew’s weekend is the perfect time to hold such an event and it is great to see the cross section of artists from across different genres with experimental and innovative programming and collaborations.”

Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com

Water safety charity issues warning after shocking report shows one child drowns EACH MONTH at home

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has published a Child Drowning Update for 2024 which highlights that in the last four years, on average, at least one child a month drowned at home in England.

This shocking statistic follows earlier findings from the charity, which used data from the National Child Morality Database (NCMD), underlining that child drowning deaths in England have doubled since 2019-20.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that one child a month is drowning at home.

“In a bid to reduce the number of young lives lost, our latest report seeks to help shed light on the factors contributing to child drownings, so that we can help more families be aware of the risks and stay safe.”

The report highlights that 2 out of 3 drownings that occurred at home did so in the bath, and that most of the children affected were aged under five.

Matt added: “In 86% of child drownings, the child was unsupervised by an adult at the time of the incident. In some cases of bath drownings, the parent had only left the bathroom for a moment, and this emphasises just how quickly and silently a child can drown – in a matter of minutes.”

RLSS UK is keen to change the misconception held by 55% of parents, according to a new survey from the charity*, who believe that they would hear thrashing and a lot of noise if their child was struggling in the bath – which is not the case.

RLSS UK’s survey also revealed that 59% of parents of children under five said they had left the bathroom at least once in the last month whilst their child was in the bath – and for most, this was down to them forgetting something, such as a towel.

Matt continued: “We always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you.”

In response to these findings and to dispel harmful myths around bathtime, RLSS UK is launching a brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which will run from 1-31 October 2024.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime. As leading experts in water safety education, RLSS UK will share hints and tips to help families enjoy water safely.

Matt said: “We are pleased to introduce our Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way. We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and can help promote fun and safe bathtimes for all children.

“Splash Safety at your Pad launched on Tuesday 1 October so keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for more!”

*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.

For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Simrit Mann by emailing simritmann@rlss.org.uk or calling 07890 900 508. 

Prime Minister to hold talks with EU leaders in Brussels

The Prime Minister will travel to Brussels today to continue his efforts to improve the UK’s relationship with the European Union to bolster the security, safety and prosperity of the British people.

Building on the ‘extensive and positive engagement’ which has taken place already, he will discuss his ambitions for the next few months with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

The Prime Minister has set out his determination to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people, and he remains focused on delivering a broad-based security pact, securing our borders and tackling barriers to trade.

He will say that at a time of growing instability in the world – with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the rise of vile smuggling gangs trafficking people across Europe – it is increasingly important that like-minded countries co-operate more closely on areas of shared interest.

While he wants talks to deliver ambitious and improved co-operation with EU leaders, he has been clear there will be no return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.

“We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

“Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”

Scottish housing charity helps tenants save over £1.8m

A LEADING Scottish provider of housing and care services for older people has helped its tenants save more than £1.8 million.

Through the work of its dedicated Income Advice Officers, Bield Housing and Care has achieved remarkable results, providing crucial support to vulnerable tenants navigating complex benefits systems and pension claims.

First established at the end of 2022, the Income Advice team has achieved significant results over the past 18 months, saving tenants a total of £1,847,740.

Led by experienced advisors, Rebecca Summers and Scott Alexander, the team work with tenants and support staff to offer expert guidance on various financial matters, including pension awareness and claims, Housing Benefit applications, Universal Credit support and grant applications.

Rebecca highlighted a recent significant case: “We assisted a gentleman on Universal Credit who was initially told his benefits would only cover rent.

“After extensive work with the DWP, we secured a £12,500 back payment for him, covering essential costs like service charges and communal heating costs.”

The organisation has noticed a shift towards online services by local councils, which has created challenges for many older individuals, however it has helped process 1,034 referrals since March 2023.

Rebecca continues: “Having application processes exclusively online can be challenging for elderly people particularly if they are dealing with these processes and benefits for the first time.

“We work to offer support and guide tenants through the process, ensuring they receive their maximum entitlement, as well as educating our development staff.”

By raising pension awareness and providing comprehensive financial advice, Bield continues its mission to improve the lives of older people across Scotland, one tenant at a time.

Tracey Howatt, Director of Customer Experience at Bield said: “At Bield, our mission is to help older people in Scotland live independent and fulfilled lives.

“The remarkable achievement of our Income Advice Officers, saving our tenants over £1.8 million, perfectly embodies this commitment. By providing expert guidance on complex financial matters, we’re not just helping with immediate financial needs, but also empowering our tenants to maintain their independence and quality of life.

“We’re constantly innovating and improving our services to meet the evolving needs of older people across Scotland and we’re proud of the tangible difference our dedicated team is making in the lives of our tenants.”

The Income Advice Officers offer guidance on charity applications, grant applications (including Community Care Grants and Discretionary Housing Payments) and facilitate access to food banks throughout Scotland, as well as identifying further benefits tenants may be eligible for.

These additional benefits, ranging from £5 to £182 per week, empower tenants to address their individual needs and improve their quality of life.

Founded in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to become a leading housing charity in Scotland.

Today, it provides support for over 5,000 tenants across more than 170 developments, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older people through innovative care and housing solutions.

For more about Bield visit https://www.bield.co.uk/ or follow them on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland

City Council: Firework Control Zones

Following a decision at the Special meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee on Friday 23 August 2024, elected members approved to implement Firework Control Zones (FCZ’s) in Edinburgh.

The areas are as follows: Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield and the Firework Control Zones will be for a set period between Friday 1 of November to Sunday 10 November 2024 only. 

You can download the decision report which is being published as required by Section 29 Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.

On 23 August 2024 Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Today the Culture and Communities Committee endorsed the recommended actions, which allows us to implement the Firework Control Zones in the four areas from 1 – 10 November, following the 60-day lay period.

“This is just the first year, and will provide us with tangible evidence of its effectiveness and help guide implementation in years to come, along with extensive community consultation in 2025.

“Community safety, the protection of our emergency services personnel and animal welfare are among our top priorities when it comes to this decision.

“Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together, and we hope that these zones will allow the community to celebrate safely.”

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 gives councils power to introduce Firework Control Zones (FCZ). We will use FCZs along with other measures to support the safe use of fireworks.

Currently the city council tackles issues involving fireworks by

  • raise awareness within local communities by carrying out effective early intervention and prevention with families.
  • engaging with young people in schools, through our local partnership approach with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Police Scotland.
  • engaging with young people using diversionary activities
  • working with Police Scotland who carry out enforcement activities.

Before a FCZ can be agreed or if a FCZ needs to be amended or revoked we must consult with

  • those who live or work in the proposed zone.
  • other members of the local community in or near the proposed zone.
  • other persons or bodies of interest that the local authority considers having a connection with the proposed zone.

Exemptions within a FCZ include

  • public firework displays, subject to certain requirements
  • the use of certain fireworks designated as being grade F1.

For more information, visit UK Firework Review (UKFR)

An FCZ can be considered for the following reasons:

  • misuse of fireworks/injuries
  • impact on vulnerable groups
  • environmental protection
  • animal welfare

Once an FCZ has been agreed, Police Scotland will look to enforce any offences under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. More information is available at legislation.gov.uk.

In the future we will create a process for community requests. This will give communities a way to ask us to consider whether a zone should be agreed, amended, or revoked.

A community is any group of people who feel they have something in common such as community councils, resident groups, and stakeholders within the local community. In many cases they may live in the same area. Questions can be sent to fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk. A community request cannot be made by one person.

To make an application please contact fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk and we’ll send you an application pack.

We will be accepting applications from the 6th of May until the 30th of June. This will then rigorously be assessed and evaluated by the council, fire, and police services before a FCZ will be considered.

Complaints

Call Police Scotland on 101 to make a complaint about antisocial behavioru related to fireworks. They will use this information to identify what needs to be looked into. They will also link in with our Family and Household Support Teams with regards to any antisocial behaviour.

South West Team
0131 469 5150
southwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

South East Team
0131 529 5123
southeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

North West Team
0131 529 5014
northwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

North East Team
0131 529 7168
northeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

If you have concerns about someone selling fireworks, then please contact Trading Standards at 0131 608 1100 or email trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk.