Month: October 2024

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust celebrates 20th birthday 

This month marks the twenty year anniversary of Edinburgh becoming the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature

On 13 October 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, a permanent title celebrating Edinburgh’s status as a literary capital and pioneer in the UNESCO Creative Cities network, which now has 350 member cities.

The concept of a City of Literature was devised in Edinburgh by the Trust’s founding members Jenny Brown OBE, Catherine Lockerbie, James Boyle and Lorraine Fannin, trailblazing the way –  there are now 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world. 

To mark the occasion, over 60 representatives from Cities of Literature destinations across the global network will come to Edinburgh in October (21-25 Oct 2024) for a four-day conference to mark the achievements of the past two decades and to make plans for the future – ensuring that Edinburgh continues to stay firmly on the literary map. 

Gerald Richards Interim Chair for Edinburgh City of Literature Trust, said: ‘The Edinburgh City of Literature Trust believes that literature in its broadest sense transforms lives, and that it is a true way to understand and celebrate ourselves, Edinburgh city and our nation. 

“We will use the opportunity of hosting the UNESCO City of Literature conference to build new international programmes for Scottish writers, share best practice, develop new collaborative projects in the capital and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate Edinburgh’s vast cultural and literary output.’

As part of the four day international conference, newly appointed Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen curated a public event with help from Dublin City of Literature and the Goethe Institut which has already sold out. 

Edinburgh Makar, poet and author, Michael Pederson, said: “Edinburgh is a literary behemoth, bubbling up with lustre & lore – now, then and every epoch in-between. What a thrill to be made Makar at such a salient moment in its formidable history. 

“I’ll be using my Makarship to ensure poetry remains within the heartbeat of this extraordinary, complicated, quirky, shapeshifter of a capital city, always punching above its weight. Here’s to its gothic splendour, here’s to this glorious work.’’

The Trust’s Words on the Street campaign (2016)  saw a major public-private partnership which secured £25,000 for a community engagement project which included collaboration with international screenwriter, filmmaker and artist Terry Gilliam. 

Over the last twenty years, The Trust has worked with more than 250 partners to deliver approximately 300 stand-alone and multi-session events and projects, reaching an audience of at least 325,000 and millions more through their on-street installations and online programmes.

The Trust’s Words on the Street in campaign saw a major public-private partnership which secured £25,000 for a community engagement project which included collaboration with international screenwriter, filmmaker and artist Terry Gilliam. A 10-metre long illuminated light installation featuring a quote selected by Gilliam and inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ book Don Quixote was installed on Jeffrey Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for 28 days. 

In 2014, to mark the 10th anniversary of our UNESCO City of Literature designation, The Trust launched Great Scott!  – Covering the floors, walls and windows of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station – the only railway station named after a novel. The public response to the installation was so positive that the station owners have preserved the installation, presenting that work daily to an annual footfall of 23 million people at the train station.

Great Scott! (2014)

Readers and writers across Scotland benefited from previous projects such as the formation of Robert Louis Stevenson Day, citywide reading initiatives and the Trust has also transformed public urban spaces with inscriptions of literary works as well as projections of poetry onto Edinburgh Castle rock. 

Douglas Dunn quote projected onto Edinburgh Castle Rock, (2016)

The Trust collaborated with partners to publish the first Scots and Gaelic graphic novels and through reading campaigns, have given away over 93,000 free books through schools and community programmes. 

The City of Literature Trust also worked with Visit Scotland to create the world’s first UNESCO trail, bringing together some of Scotland’s most iconic, diverse and culturally significant sites.This digital trail connects the 13 UNESCO sites, and is hosted on Visit Scotland’s website. It has won three awards, with over 75,000 active users of the microsite.

In 2022, Edinburgh City of Literature Trust partnered with the Scottish Storytelling Centre to run a series of cross-artform literary events. Figures of Speech brought together writers and artists that explored Scottish literature via six universal themes and also saw newly commissioned work by contemporary artists and writers. 

Figures of Speech, (2022)

Other projects have ranged from international exchanges to local residencies; from one-off conferences to monthly literary salons; and from literary heritage promotions to community funds. The Trust also uses some of UNESCO’s key international days to raise the profile of aspects of Scotland’s literary activity to a global level.

Current projects include professional development programmes, creative commissions, international writer residencies and The Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship offers mid-career and established writers time to develop creative work during a year-long residency. 

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said: “It is exciting that it’s been two decades since Edinburgh was first given the title, City of Literature.

“It’s even more exciting to think where it will be two decades from now, as the network continues to grow. We are, as always, extremely proud of being the founding city of this international cohort of UNESCO Cities of Literature and look forward to continue working in partnership with Edinburgh City of Literature.”

Many organisations have marked the occasion with public shout-outs, book lists and collaborative projects such as the Scottish Book Trust’s Twenty Brilliant Edinburgh Novels which offers top twenty reads of Edinburgh novels across the years.

One Square, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s award-winning bar and brasserie is running a unique Afternoon Literary Tea to mark Edinburgh City of Literature Trust’s milestone and the Scottish Storytelling Centre will also host their four-day conference as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival programme.

Edinburgh City of Literature Trust birthday also contributes to the on-going Edinburgh 900 celebrations; marking the 900 year anniversary of Edinburgh – a city-wide celebration of Edinburgh’s history, culture and future.

Booker Prize 2024 shortlist films announced

  • Well-known faces from Harry Potter, Sex Education, Game of Thrones, The Bear, His Dark Materials and more star in new films showcasing Booker Prize 2024 shortlist.  
  • Produced by globally renowned Merman Television, the films are directed by one of UK television’s fastest-rising stars – writer, director, and producer Sebastian Thiel. 
  • Previous films showcasing the Booker Prizes’ shortlisted novels have been viewed over 50 million times and high-profile performers include Dua Lipa, David Harewood, Caitriona Balfe and Alfred Enoch. 
  • Novels written by authors from five countries feature on this year’s shortlist and five of the six are written by women, a first in the prize’s 55-year history.  

@TheBookerPrizes | #BookerPrize2024 | thebookerprizes.com

For the fifth time in three years, the Booker Prizes have partnered with Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford’s production company Merman Television on a series of short films featuring well-known performers reading extracts from the shortlisted books.

Their release has become one of the most highly anticipated moments in the Booker Prizes’ calendar, with some of the UK’s leading acting and filmmaking talent keen to take part. The previous set of films, published in April, were viewed over 32 million times across the Booker Prizes’ social media channels. 

The new films, which showcase the 2024 shortlist for the Booker Prize, the world’s most influential award for a single work of fiction, are directed by writer, director and producer Sebastian Thiel, one of UK television’s fastest-rising stars. His directing credits include the International Emmy-nominated BBC Three comedy Dreaming Whilst Black, and the recent Netflix series Supacell.  

The performers featured are: Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder, Some Girls), Nonso Anozie (Sweet Tooth, Game of Thrones), Chipo Chung (Silo, His Dark Materials), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The Death of Stalin), Will Poulter (Dopesick, Midsommar) and Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education, The Decameron). 

The films will premiere at a Booker Prize shortlist event at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival at 10.30am on Saturday, 12 October, and will be published on the Booker Prizes website (thebookerprizes.com) and social channels (@thebookerprizes) the same day. They will also be shown at the Booker Prize 2024 ceremony, which will be held at Old Billingsgate, London, on Tuesday, 12 November. 

The trailer for the films can be watched here. 

Gaby Wood, Chief Executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, says: ‘Over the past three years the films we make with Merman have become not only one of the highlights of the Booker year, but works of art in their own right: a project that world-class actors and filmmakers want to be a part of.

‘We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone involved for the impact they have in inspiring more people to read some of the century’s greatest books. 

‘Watching extraordinary actors bring fragments of the Booker shortlisted books to life is a huge thrill, and seeing the love the films get from the public once they’re out in the world proves how vivid these stories can be for everyone. We receive countless comments from people saying they want to buy and read the whole book as a result. 

‘This time round the six films have been conjured by the artistry of Sebastian Thiel and his talented crew, including Director of Photography Evelin van Rei. Along with the brilliant producers and casting director at Merman, a true dream team! 

‘We hope you enjoy these films as much as we have.’ 

Sebastian Thiel, Director of the film, adds: ‘It was a privilege to direct Booker’s latest videos and be part of a project that celebrates such great literature.

“Working with these remarkable texts and talented actors in an intimate setting inspired me creatively, allowing me to focus on simple yet meaningful visuals. It’s been a truly rewarding experience, bringing these powerful stories to life.”

More about the shortlist

The £50,000 Booker Prize is awarded annually to the best sustained work of fiction written in English by authors from anywhere in the world and published in the UK and/or Ireland.  

The 2024 shortlist features five women for the first time, and authors representing five countries, including the first Dutch writer to be shortlisted and the first Australian in a decade. It features stories which transport readers around the world and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere: from the battlefields of the First World War to a spiritual retreat in rural Australia; from America’s Deep South in the 19th century to a remote Dutch house in the 1960s; from the International Space Station to a cave network beneath the French countryside.  

The six books – and the performers reading extracts from them in the films – are as follows:  

James by Percival Everett – read by Nonso Anozie 

Orbitalby Samantha Harvey – read by Will Poulter  

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner – read by Adelayo Adedayo  

Heldby Anne Michaels – read by Jason Isaacs 

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden – read by Tanya Reynolds  

Stone Yard Devotionalby Charlotte Wood – read by Chipo Chung  

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. The announcement will be broadcast live in a special edition of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row at 9.30pm, and livestreamed on the Booker Prizes’ social channels. 

More about the Booker Prizes’ films

The Booker Prizes have worked with Merman on its shortlist films since 2022. The previous sets of films were directed by Charlotte Hamblin, Hannah Berry George and Kevin Thomas, and featured performances from Dua Lipa, Eleanor Tomlinson, David Jonsson, Tobias Menzies, Anya Chalotra, Antonia Thomas, Anna Friel, Jarvis Cocker, David Harewood, Nikki Amuka Bird, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Sharon Horgan, Adjoa Andoh, Aisling Bea, Jessica Brown Findlay, Toby Stephens, Michelle de Swarte, Osy Ikhile, Caitríona Balfe, Alfred Enoch, Bel Powley, Paterson Joseph, Susan Lynch and Nina Wadia.  

The most recent set of films, produced for the International Booker Prize 2024 and directed by Charlotte Hamblin, was viewed over 32 million times across the Booker Prizes’ Instagram and TikTok accounts. The films produced for the Booker Prize 2022, directed by Kevin Thomas, won in the Culture category of The Drum Awards for Marketing EMEA 2023.  

The director of photography for the new films is Evelin van Rei, a Dutch autistic artist working in photography and cinematography. Evelin is a full member of BAFTA and the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers, and received the Angénieux Special Encouragement Award at Cannes Film Festival in 2022. The executive producer is Joshua Buckingham. 

Scottish Secretary pledges to take action on poverty

Ian Murray welcomes recommendations by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and vows to work with Scottish Government to tackle associated issues and break down barriers

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray spoke at the launch of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) annual report into poverty in Scotland this week [7 October].

The report, summarised here, found that one million people in Scotland are living in poverty and that one in four of them are children. Recommendations were made to overhaul the social security system to tackle the problem and, in particular, for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to make the process smoother in terms of reserved and devolved policy areas.

Ian Murray said: “I want to outline some of the steps that the new UK Government is taking to reduce poverty in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.

“We are committed to working together with the Scottish Government, and to reset the relationship between our two governments. Because, as this latest report highlights, it is vital that we can deliver on behalf of the people of Scotland.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with organisations such as Poverty Alliance to understand fully the complexities of what’s happening. 

“Having one million people in poverty – a quarter of those children – is really sobering. But I think the most sobering thing is that none of us are surprised, and that really should be the thing that we need to tackle in terms of policy.

“We are only 95 days into this new government and we’ve already done a lot of engagement to make sure we can develop these policies, whether it be in social security or regarding the underlying parts of poverty. 

“With the Budget coming up on 30 October, the Chancellor has been clear on two things. One is the economic inheritance that we’ve got to try and deal with and that those with the broadest shoulders will carry the majority of what needs to be done to grow the economy for all parts of our country.

“Reducing poverty across all sections of society, particularly child poverty, is in our DNA. We did it before. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to do it again.

“We will be publishing our Employment Rights Bill this week to fundamentally transform work and pay. It will ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, outlaw fire and rehire and will make sure that the National Minimum Wage becomes a genuine living wage.

“It’s still sobering that two-thirds of children in poverty are in households where one or both adults are working full time, and that means that there’s a big problem with pay. We hope that our New Deal for Working People will start to resolve some of those issues.

“I think it’s also important to highlight our Universal Credit review, which will look at everything from the two-child cap to housing allowances.

“We’ve also launched our Child Poverty Task Force, chaired jointly by the Secretaries of State for Education and the Department of Work and Pensions. It looks at all the other big issues that are around in terms of poverty.

“Yes, it’s about the social security system, Universal Credit, but it’s also about housing, educational attainment, health inequalities, pay in the workplace, progression and skills. It’s about those underlying causes of poverty that are inherent in our society that we need to find a way to resolve once and for all.

“Having grown up on a council estate, I know that having that security of tenure of a house was the bedrock in which the family was built, and without that it’s difficult to see how you can get yourself out of poverty.

“Housing is devolved, but both governments are working very closely together to make sure that we can resolve the housing emergency that’s been declared across a lot of our local authorities. 

“We’ve made a good start over the last 95 days. There will be bumps in the road, because these are fundamental challenges, but the whole culture of the new government is to try and resolve these issues. 

“We want to make sure the system can work better, and joint working is really important in this area. There’s no reason why Social Security Scotland and the DWP can’t work jointly in terms of the delivery of social security, to make sure that we get the best out of both systems for the benefit of everyone who needs to access that system. 

“Regarding the low update of benefits by ethnic minorities, I think that’s a huge challenge for us. Not just finding those individuals and families, but actually being able to engage with them and get them what they deserve to be claiming. That’s a huge battle for us all to try to work together and resolve.

“We’ve got four big priorities as a new government and as a Scotland Office. Growth is the number one priority, but that also feeds into our green agenda, which is our second priority. Our third one is Brand Scotland to try and increase our exports, to improve our businesses and create more jobs. And the fourth one, which attached the first three, is the eradication of poverty.

“That’s something that myself and Ministerial colleague Kirsty McNeill are fundamentally committed to doing. We can only do that by all of us – devolved governments, the UK Government and organisations like JRF working together. We must find ways we can not only make the system better, but make sure that those who require access to the system, get access to that system and get the funds and support they deserve.

“There’s a huge amount of work to be done and this report gives us that very sobering starting point.”

JRF-poverty-in-scotland-2024-reportDownload

Social Security Scotland: £57 million paid to families to help with food shop

People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card 

Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card.

Best Start Foods, a payment of up to £42.40 every four weeks, helps eligible pregnant women, parents, families and carers with children under the age of three to buy healthy foods from a range of supermarkets, small shops and online stores.

Since its launch in 2019, over £57 million has been paid to over 86,000 parents and carers.

The majority of people say it is clear how to use the card, it has helped them to buy milk or healthy food and have been able to use it without any difficulty, according to a recent survey.

People that have not yet activated their card or don’t use it regularly could be missing out on money that can help pay for healthy foods. Social Security Scotland continue to contact those getting Best Start Foods via text message to alert them to balances available to spend on their cards.

People can apply for the payment as soon as they know they are pregnant, during pregnancy and up to when their child turns three.

The removal of income limits earlier this year also means even more people can now get the payment and are being urged to check if they are eligible.

Speaking at a visit Edinburgh Community Food during Challenge Poverty Week, Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:   “We are determined to eradicate child poverty and reduce health inequalities in Scotland and Best Start Foods, part of the five family payments, is part of a package to support this.

“We want to make sure people know about, and get, all the financial help they are entitled to. This is particularly relevant during the continuing cost of living crisis.

“I’m urging anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to look it out, make sure it’s activated and check the balance for money to help pay for their food shop.

“If cards are lost, or people are unsure of how to use them, support is available to help them use their card. The card works the same as any chip and pin card and can be used in many supermarkets, small shops and online.

“The Scottish Government removed income limits earlier this year, so I would also urge anyone who has not yet applied for Best Start Foods to check if they are eligible.”

Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Community Food, added:
“Working together with Social Security Scotland and community partners we help mothers and (guardians) check their eligibility and to access their money through the handy Best Start Foods Pre-Paid Card providing a dignified way to spend their payment on healthier foods to enjoy with their growing family.

“Edinburgh Community Food plays a key role in supporting & nourishing futures for expecting mothers and their children.

“We are determined to use every creative way possible to support their access to nourishing food during the first 2001 days, which are crucial for every child’s growth and development.”

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods statistics: Social Security Scotland – Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods: high level statistics to 30 June 2024

Aldi announces 2024 Christmas recruitment drive in Edinburgh and the Lothians

With a wide range of permanent store positions available, Aldi is seeking team members to help replenish stock, assist customers, and maintain its high standards of service during the festive period and beyond.  

Roles on offer in Edinburgh and the Lothians include Assistant Store Manager, Stock Assisant, Store Assistant and Store Cleaner. 

Starting pay for Store Assistants at Aldi remains the best in the industry at £12.40 per hour nationally, and £13.65 per hour inside the M25. Aldi continues to be the only UK supermarket to offer paid breaks, which is worth more than £900 a year for the average store colleague.  

These opportunities form part of Aldi’s continued growth plans to open a further 17 stores before the end of the year. This is in line with Aldi’s long-term commitment to expand its footprint to 1,500 stores in the UK to meet increased customer demand. 

 Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our mission is to make affordable, high-quality food accessible to everyone, and that is even more important at this time of year.  

“Our colleagues are essential to ensuring Aldi shoppers have a great experience in store, and we’re once again closing our stores on Boxing Day to give them a well-deserved break as a thank you for their dedication.” 

Those interested in applying for a role with Aldi this Christmas can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk for more information. 

Scottish Indian Arts Forum celebrates 30th anniversary with Dusherra

On Saturday 19th October, the Scottish Indian Arts Forum (SIAF) is planning an unforgettable celebration for its 30th anniversary as it holds its flagship event on top of Calton Hill – Dusherra.

Founded by SIAF in 1994, Dusherra is a family-friendly event and is free to attend. This year’s celebration will take place from 3pm on Saturday 19th October.

One of India’s largest and most celebrated festivals, Dusherra commemorates the epic 10-day battle between gods and demons, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. This iconic festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, celebrated with electrifying music, dance and mouthwatering cuisine, and where ancient legends come alive with the dramatic burning of effigies symbolising the destruction of evil.

Twisted Tails perform at Dusherra 2019, photo by DB@Tasveeraen

This year, the family-friendly celebration reaches new heights as SIAF weaves together the best of Scottish and Indian music and dance, bringing two rich cultures together in a spectacular fusion of sights and sounds. Over 200 hundred performers will take to the stage for over three hours of non-stop entertainment as part of the celebrations. Highlights include performances from Edinburgh dance school Dance Beatz, tracks from Edinburgh Banghra Crew, and tribal belly dance from Twisted Tails. Plus even more entertainment from local group Unison Dollies, Glasgow’s Desi Bravehearts, Scotland’s premier Bollywood dance troupe BollyFeat.

Alongside the performance programme there will be a mouthwatering menu of Indian cuisine to enjoy; while children and adults alike will be able to try their own hand at Indian culture with a series of arts and craft activities and workshops.

The evening will culminate with the symbolic burning of effigies and a breathtaking fireworks display that will light up the Edinburgh skyline, creating an awe-inspiring finale.

The Scottish Indian Arts Forum, which celebrates 30 years of promoting Indian culture and heritage this year, invites everyone to join them in making 2024 the grandest Dusherra yet.

Mr. Nirav Mehta, Vice President of SIAF, said: “2024 marks the 30-year anniversary of Scottish Indian Arts Forum celebrating Indian culture in Edinburgh, of which Dusherra is our flagship event. It’s a massive milestone for us and the Indian diaspora in this beautiful city.

“Dusherra celebrates the universal message of victory of virtue over vice, and courage trumping oppression. For the Scottish Indian Arts Forum, which aims to provide a platform to celebrate the rich Indian Heritage via performing arts and music, Dusherra helps us to encourage community cohesion and active citizenship.

“We hope everyone will join us for our 30th anniversary celebration which will take place on 19th October from 3pm onwards, on the iconic Calton Hill in Edinburgh. The walk-in festival is free for all so that we can all witness the spectacle.”

Dusherra 2024 will take place from 3pm on Saturday 19th October on Calton Hill, Edinburgh. The fireworks display and symbolic burning of effigies will take place from 7.30pm.

The Scottish Indian Arts Forum hosts Dusherra with thanks to support from City of Edinburgh Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The festival receives further support from Baillie Gifford, Brighter Mortgages, and Towards AGI.

For further information about SIAF and Dusherra, visit siafscotland.co.uk or follow Scottish Indian Arts Forum on Facebook, facebook.com/ScottishIndianArtsForum.  

Latest Pension Credit take-up figures for Scotland ‘disappointing’ says Independent Age

Statistics published today by the DWP, reveal that just 65% of older people who are entitled to Pension Credit were receiving the payment between April 2022 and March 2023.

Independent Age estimate that in Scotland this means that up to 70,000 older households could be missing out on the Pension Credit they are entitled to, with a combined value of £140 million.

We know there has been an increase in applications since the UK Government announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment would be means tested, but it is unclear how many of these will result in successful claims.

Both Governments must work together to address the issue of low take-up of Pension Credit and the unacceptably high levels of poverty in later life. Independent Age is urging the UK Government to review and ensure overall adequacy of the social security system for older people, to prevent pensioner poverty.

Alongside calling on the Scottish Government to introduce a pensioner poverty strategy for Scotland – setting out the actions that can be taken  alongside with local authorities, to tackle poverty in Scotland.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “What is clear from the figures released today is that too many older people living on a low income are still missing out on Pension Credit in Scotland, and across the UK.

“There has been a disappointing lack of progress on Pension Credit take-up. We estimate that up to 70,000 older households could be missing out on Pension Credit between April 2022 and March 2023 worth a combined £140 million.

“Independent Age is urging the UK Government to maintain the Winter Fuel Payment in its current form until significant action can be taken to substantially increase Pension Credit take-up.

Previous strategies have not moved the dial, we can’t have more of the same. We need an innovative, evidence-based, long-term take-up strategy that maps out how older people living in, or on the edge of, poverty can access the financial support they are entitled to.

“It is too early to say what the impact of the recent increase in claims for Pension Credit will have on overall take-up rates. However, there is no room for complacency when an estimated 70,000 older households in Scotland are missing out on this much needed money and 150,000 live in poverty. In a socially just and compassionate society, we can and should do more.”

World Mental Health Day: Eight things you can do to boost your mental health … that won’t cost a penny

With one in six people in the UK experiencing conditions like anxiety and depression each week, a wellbeing expert has provided ideas to help people boost their mental health – which cost a penny.

Counsellor and author Lynn Crilly said: “With the days getting shorter and darker, winter can be a hard time for some people particularly as we’re less likely to get outside and socialise. This can lead to us feeling cooped up or lonely

“With little sign of an Indian Summer this year, September being four times wetter than usual and October looking bleak, there is a risk that we could see an increase in lower moods, anxiety and depression. 

“Coupled with the constant barrage of negative news and worries about everyday living costs, not to mention the increase in energy prices, it’s important to have a ‘mental health survival kit’ of ideas or activities to see you through the difficult days.”

With worries over money often a leading cause of poor mental health Lynn, who is an ambassador for the mental health charity SANE, and her followers have come up with suggestions if you struggle over the winter months:

  1. Start a monthly book club with friends, where you not only explore new books together but know you have a regular meet up every month to look forward to.
  2. Walking in and around nature. Whether alone or out with someone, this can be really energising and release those feel-good hormones. 
  3. Get Crafty! Whether it’s drawing, colouring or perhaps getting arty with some old clothes, whatever your level crafts can be fun and therapeutic.
  4. Teach yourself a new hobby using YouTube. Whether its knitting, crochet or  even the person who taught themselves tap dancing, the internet can be a great way to learn a new skill or hobby. And if it’s exercise, that will help boost your mood naturally.
  5. Cook healthy hearty meals from scratch that will fuel the body and mind in a positive way rather than eating lots of ready meals and junk food. It’s vital to eat well, and winter is a chance to learn, or improve your cooking skills and potentially save money through batch cooking and healthy ingredients.
  6. Whether in a class environment or in your own space at home, practising yoga and mindfulness can really make a difference to how you are feeling and clear your mind. There are loads of good resources on YouTube, including popular channels by @CatMeffan and @yogawithadriene 
  7. I love reading a good old fashioned book. A good book allows you to lose yourself within its pages. Charity shops have an array of books but the local library is often an under used resource. It’s also a good chance to get out and talk to other people and perhaps find a new local group. Community libraries are no longer the places of silent study.
  8. It’s good to know what’s going on in the world, but right now it feels like we’re constantly being bombarded by negative news. It can be hard sometimes to look past that, so maybe switch it of for a few days have a social media break and go back to life before technology which will hopefully allow you to recharge

If you’re still feeling down, Lynn recommends her top tip for all year round. “On the days I find myself struggling, I think about all the things that I do have, rather than what I don’t have.

“We can become consumed in what other people are doing, particularly in the unrealistic world of social media influencers, that we look past our own lives and the joy we can find there.

“As a counsellor, I don’t believe in suffering in silence. If you are worried, or perhaps worried for a friend, talk to someone who can offer professional help.”

Five Kingdoms takes glory in bottled beer competition

Five Kingdoms’ Dark Storm Stout (6.9%) has been awarded CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.

The annual competition recognises the best bottle-conditioned beers in the country, and this year the winner was announced at an event at The Bohemia in North Finchley, London. 

Five Kingdoms, a small brewing team based out of the Isle of Whithorn, Scotland, started in 2015 as a hobby and passion project between Alastair Scoular, owner of the local pub and restaurant The Steam Packet Inn, and head chef Brendon Dennett. 

Alastair said: “The brewery team were thrilled to have won this award for the whole of the UK. We are a tiny brewery from a remote corner of Scotland, so to win an award at this level is incredible, great recognition for years of hard work. 

“It is also fantastic publicity for our local CAMRA branch who have been incredibly supportive since we started brewing.”

Champion Bottled Beer of Britain judge Alex Lines said: “Judges commented on the enticing chocolate aroma, the notes of coffee, liquorice and chocolate on the palate and dry finish. The panel was also impressed by its drinkability despite its strength.” 

The well-deserved runners up were Lacons’ Audit, an 8% Barley Wine which scooped the Silver award, and Bronze award winner Milk Stout by Incredible Brewing Co in Bristol. 

CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winner of the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.

“It’s great to see some of the big names alongside some of the up-and-coming brewers, I hope beer drinkers will go and search out these brews to give them a try for themselves.” 

Full list of Champion Bottled Beer of Britain finalists: 

Gold: Five Kingdoms, Dark Storm Stout

Silver: Lacons, Audit

Bronze: Incredible Brewing Co, Milk Stout

Finalists: 

Lynn Brewery, Lynn Ferry Bitter (4%)

Merlin Brewery, Sir Galahad (4.3%)

Monty’s Brewery, Dark Secret (5.6%) 

World Mental Health Day: How bringing nature indoors can make a difference

The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Plants

They’re are purifying

You might not think of pollution as a problem in your home, but nearly 4 million people worldwide die prematurely each year due to indoor air pollution, this is caused by factors like home heating and chemicals in household products. 

Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of the houseplant guide ‘The Unkillables’, said: “Common household toxins include formaldehyde, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Fortunately, some houseplants can remove these toxins, increase oxygen levels, and reduce airborne dust for healthier air”.

Some of these plants include ‘Kentia Palm’ and ‘Peace Lily’.

They boost your mood

The presence of plants can enhance the visual appeal of a space, making it more inviting and comforting. This can create a more positive environment, contributing to feelings of happiness and relaxation.

Research has shown that interacting with plants can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of anxiety, and increase feelings of calmness and satisfaction. The simple act of being around greenery can have a soothing effect.



They’re calming

Benefits of plants include lower blood pressure, heart rate and a reduction of that dreaded stress hormone, cortisol. Caring for plants is a calming process too which requires attention and patience, which can foster mindfulness. The act of watering, pruning, and nurturing plants can be meditative, helping to slow down the mind and reduce anxiety.

They make you more productive

Beat procrastination with a plant – yes, really! Adding colour and greenery to your desk space can increase your productivity and creativity by serving you with a source of inspiration. This is because plants are proven to enhance focus – impressively studies have shown that attentiveness is increased by 70% when they are present in a room.

They boost your immune system

Plants benefit your immune system in various ways: they improve air quality, reducing respiratory issues; release antimicrobial compounds that enhance immunity; lower stress levels, which strengthens immune function; and provide nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables that support immune health.

They promote healing

They encourage healing. Studies have shown that plants can aid in the recovery of sick individuals. Research from Kansas State University suggests that plants serve as a “non-invasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.”

The findings revealed that when patients recovering from surgery have plants in view, they experience less anxiety and fatigue compared to those in rooms without plants.

Information: https://www.beardsanddaisies.co.uk/