Month: November 2024

Sparkling Streets and Festive Treats as Edinburgh’s Christmas Begins

  • Family favourites in East Princes Street Gardens including the Traditional Christmas Markets, LNER Big Wheel, Around the World Starflyer, and the Festive Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens open today!
  • George Street’s popular covered Ice Rink opens Friday 22 November
  • Santa’s Stories and Christmas Tree Maze transform St. Andrew Square from Saturday 23 November
  • The brand-new Polar Ice Bar opens on George Street Monday 25 November and promises to be the coolest venue in town
  • Assembly Hall brings an exciting programme of shows from Thursday 5 December

The wait is over… Edinburgh’s Christmas opens today, featuring a jam-packed programme of festive family fun!

Get ready for bright lights, Christmas tunes and mulled wine as the festive season kicks off!  Located in Edinburgh’s historic city centre, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers a winter wonderland experience like no other.

Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the city into a festive haven for all the family, with Traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more.

Opening today (Saturday 16 November), Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens brings the capital’s famous Christmas festivities to the heart of the city. Running until Saturday 4 January 2025, the market is filled to the brim with the finest local and international producers to find that perfect Christmas gift. East Princes Street Gardens also boasts the famous 80m Star Flyer, LNER Big Wheel and more daring fairground rides.

Just along the street, West Princes Street Gardens’  Festive Funfair is also opening today (12noon), complete with thrilling rides, fairground games, food & beverage, light installations and ticketed illumination events every evening. Families are welcome to join the fun until Saturday 4 January 2025.

Time to lace up your skates! Edinburgh’s premier outdoor Ice Rink opens on George Street from Friday 22 November 2024 and runs through until Saturday 4 January 2025. With a covered rink, it’s the perfect festive activity, rain or shine.

Santa Claus and his elves are ready to welcome families at St. Andrew Square where they can find Santa’s Stories, a letter writing station and a post box with a direct line to Santa’s workshop. Santa’s Stories begins Saturday 23 November in the Piccolo Spiegeltent, with each visit ensuring kids get the opportunity to meet Santa himself before the big day, and take home their own present.

Also in St. Andrew Square, the all-new Christmas Tree Maze opens on Saturday 23 November, until 24 December. This immersive holiday experience, with tickets from £5, offers one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree walks.

Brand new this year, the Polar Ice Bar on George Street is crafted from crystal clear ice made from recycled rainwater, opens on Monday 25 November. The Polar Ice bar promises to be the coolest spot in town to enjoy a festive drink! Warm-up afterwards in George Street’s Coorie Inn, a brand-new Edinburgh’s Christmas attraction hosting a programme of live music, events, and festive workshops.

Our favourite ogre is back with a holiday edition of the Fringe smash-hit show, ‘Swamplesque’ – a burlesque and drag parody show. The festive ‘fantasy meets fabulous’ performance takes over Assembly Hall from Thursday 5 December until Saturday 4 January (ages 16+).

One of the foremost bubble artists in the world is coming to Assembly Hall on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December with The Bubble Show! Whether you’re a wide-eyed child or a child at heart, prepare to be captivated by the spellbinding wonder of bubbles!

There’s no show like a Jason Byrne NO SHOW! NO SHOW is a show with no comedy safety net. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off stage, to create NO SHOW. Limited shows on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December, you don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime show or NO SHOW (ages 14+).

Book lovers can join Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon for a special festive in-conversation event on Sunday 15 December at Assembly Hall, for In the Company of Books. The two will be joined by special guests to explore the joys of reading, and a few glasses of mulled wine (ages 12+).

Celebrating its 20th anniversary the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk on Sunday 8 December, invites Santa’s elves to run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit, while raising funds for When You Wish Upon A Star.

Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is finally here, and with a seven-week programme packed full of family favourites, this year promises to be one of the biggest and best ever.

“Whether sipping on cool cocktails in our brand new Ice Bar, enjoying a festive treat at the Coorie Inn or showing off your skating skills on the Ice Rink, there’s something for everyone at Edinburgh’s Christmas.”

Edinburgh College Class of 2024 students celebrate graduations

More than 700 students celebrated in style as they graduated as part of Edinburgh College’s class of 2024 at the McEwan Hall last week (8 November).

Students were joined by over 1,600 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.

Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.

Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence.

Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey.

In addition, James Thomson OBE was presented with an Honorary Edinburgh College Ambassador Award in recognition of James Thomson’s significant contribution to Edinburgh College over many years, through his support of our hospitality students, sponsorship of international exchanges, and the creation of the James Thomson Award for Customer Excellence.

Around 14 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is a special occasion—one that celebrates the dedication, resilience, and growth that each student has shown throughout their college journey.

“The Class of 2024 has demonstrated incredible focus and perseverance, setting themselves up for success in whatever path they choose to pursue next. With the skills and knowledge they’ve gained during their time at Edinburgh College, there’s no doubt that they are poised to achieve great things.

“On behalf of the College’s leadership, faculty, and support teams, I offer my deepest congratulations to each and every one of you. I wish you nothing but success as you continue your studies, start new careers, and chase your dreams.

“Here’s to the Class of 2024—you’ve earned this!”

National Care Home Awards 2024 to celebrate independent care home sector in Scotland 

TONIGHT – Friday 15 November 2024, the prestigious National Care Home Awards will take place at the Hilton in Glasgow, offering an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding achievements in the independent care home sector across Scotland.

This event is a vital opportunity to recognise the unwavering dedication of the care home workforce who tirelessly support residents day in and day out. 

Scottish Care, the representative body for independent social care services across Scotland, are the organisers of the event.

This year, the event will be hosted by Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, who will announce the winners across thirteen unique award categories: 
 

  • Ancillary & Support Staff Award 
  • Nutrition & Eating Well Award 
  • Meaningful Activity Award 
  • Training, Learning & Staff Development Award 
  • Emerging Talent Award 
  • Outstanding Achievement Award 
  • Leadership Award 
  • Palliative & End of Life Care Practice Award 
  • Nurse of the Year Award 
  • Care Worker of the Year Award 
  • Specialist Service/Unit of the Year Award 
  • Care Home Service of the Year Award 
  • Care Innovation Award 
     

Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and the co-host of the Awards Ceremony said:   “Care home services and the dedicated individuals who lead them are essential in creating safe, nurturing environments that foster connection, independence, and community for residents.

“They serve as a source of strength and support for thousands across Scotland, making it possible for residents to flourish in the later stages of their lives. It’s crucial that we take the time to recognise the profound contributions of these professionals, who make such an essential impact on people’s lives every single day.

“This awards ceremony is our way of honouring their dedication and celebrating the remarkable work they do.” 

Each year, the awards receive a growing number of nominations from care home staff, service users, relatives, and employers, highlighting the strong support for recognising excellence in the sector. 

The awards ceremony follows a full-day Care Home Conference titled ‘Care Home Revolution – Building Possibility’, which will bring together sector professionals to discuss key topics such as the future of care homes, urban housing, and effective voice. Attendees will participate in various sessions exploring themes like ethical commissioning, inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities, employment law, education and training, digital innovation, Anne’s Law, and international recruitment. 

The National Care Home Awards and Conference represent the largest gathering of the care home sector in Scotland, showcasing best practices and innovations shaping the future of care homes across the country.

Police launch Operation Winter City

POLICE in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe throughout the festive period.

Operation Winter City 2024 will run between 15 November, 2024 and 5 January, 2025 and will see officers provide high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance to the public who are visiting, or work within the city centre area.

Throughout the operation, local policing teams in the Capital will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions and a range of specialist resources can also be called upon to provide additional assistance if required.

https://x.com/i/status/1857387569119399964

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “The festive period is always an exciting time in Edinburgh and the city centre is buzzing with locals and visitors Christmas shopping, socialising, and enjoying the events that are taking place over the coming weeks.

“We will have increased high-visibility patrols throughout the city centre and officers will be on hand to provide the public with any assistance they require.

“There are simple steps we can all take to stay safe during the festive period. Looking after your personal belongings when you’re in town, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, drinking responsibly and ensuring your home and any outbuildings are appropriately secured, will help prevent you from falling victim to crime, or coming into contact with the emergency services for any reason.

“Crime prevention and personal safety advice is available on our website and will be provided on our social media channels throughout Operation Winter City.

“On behalf of everyone at Edinburgh Division, have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.”

Lib Dems win Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election

The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court.

Louise Watson Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrat Party, has been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as a member for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward.

The declaration was made earlier today (Friday, 15 November) by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.

Paul Lawrence, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election to elect a new councillor to represent their views on matters affecting the ward and the wider city. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Louise as a new councillor and I look forward to working with her.

“I also want to thank our elections team and council staff who have worked very hard over recent months to make sure this by-election ran so smoothly.”

The turnout for the by-election was only 37.4%.

CandidatePartyFirst Preference Votes
Bonnie Prince BOB–22
Mev BROWNIndependent50
Mairianna CLYDEScottish National Party (SNP)800
Neil CUTHBERTScottish Conservative and Unionist1,454
Sheila GILMOREScottish Labour Party1,441
David Ian HENRYIndependent 57
Tam LAIRDScottish Libertarian Party9
Grant LIDSTERReform UK268
Richard Crewe LUCASScottish Family Party51
Daniel Aleksanteri MILLIGANScottish Greens393
Louise Watson SPENCEScottish Liberal Democrats2,683
Marc WILKINSON–173

Following the loss of a Labour councillor (the by election was brought about by Labour councillor Scott Arthur’s election as an MP), the composition of the City of Edinburgh Council is now:

SNP 18

Lib Dems 14

Labour 11

Greens 10

Conservatives 9

Independent 1.

Despite being the third biggest group, Labour leads the council.

For further details of the results and the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election, please see the Elections section of the Council website.

Braille At 200: The Code That Changed Everyday Life 

 Frenchman Louis Braille was in his teens in the mid-1820s when he began developing the six-dot tactile code that enables millions of blind and partially sighted people around the world to access the power of literacy. Two centuries on from its invention, braille is as vital as ever to those in the blind and partially sighted community.  

Braille is a code based on ‘cells’ of six dots, which are arranged in two columns of three. Variations of the six dots represent the letters of the alphabet, words, numbers, and even music notation. Braille characters are designed to be read by touch rather than visually.  

Sue Marshall (80) from Edinburgh, taught braille as a volunteer with national charity RNIB Scotland for many years. Sue has keratoconus, a condition which affects the corneas of the eye.

“I was partially sighted until the age of 17 then I became totally blind,” she says. Her husband, Alan Dudley, who was born blind, learned braille from the age of six. They both advocate for the practical uses of braille in everyday life.  

“When I learned braille in 1962, there wasn’t an alternative.” Sue says. “Nowadays there’s technology, which is compatible with braille, but I find it easier and quicker to use as is.”

Alan adds, “I’m more likely to read with the braille display on my phone or computer- it just pairs up and it means you can read emails, read a digital screen, and write in braille too. Of course there’s often audio for reading things aloud, but braille’s advantage is being able to write things down quickly.” 

Sue first learned braille by writing backwards: “You had to write on the back of the paper – you were writing mirrored, so that when you flipped it over, it was raised up and you could feel and read it the correct way.”

Alan adds, “It wasn’t until the mechanical braillers, like the Perkins Brailler came in that you could write braille in the way you read it- that really changed things.” 

RNIB estimates that seven per cent of people who are registered blind or partially sighted use braille. While some will read braille books and magazines, many more will use braille in small daily doses- to identify medication, food labels, bank statements, and much more.  

“I could get my phone out and use it to read the label on this bottle of oil,” Sue says. “But I’ve just put braille onto a sticky label and when I’m cooking, I can read it straight away.

“It’s really easy. Or when I need to find a stamp, I’ve organised them in this photo album where each pocket has a braille label to tell me if the stamps in it are first or second class.” 

“I’ve got braille labels on my clothes,” adds Alan. “I can tell what they are by touch, but I’ve added braille on the labels to tell me what colour the item is.” 

Sue and Alan also use braille in their celebrations. “M&S started doing their Christmas food catalogue in braille.” they say.

“We always send out birthday cards and Christmas cards in braille, even to our sighted friends, because it’s that extra personal touch, and we love receiving them when they’re in braille too.”  

For the couple, braille brings privacy and independence.

“When they brought out braille on medications, it made a massive difference,” says Alan. “Even something as simple as paracetamol, when you can read the instructions yourself, the strength and the dose, it means you’re not relying on anyone else.

“Bank statements in braille too, that was another one that offered a lot of privacy when they started doing those.” 

For those wanting to learn braille, Sue advises, “Use it or lose it. You’ve got to have that willingness to learn, and just keep using it in everyday life. You don’t have to be reading volumes of books, but just use it. It’s like learning a language, if you don’t keep it up, you’ll forget it.” 

Since it published its first braille book in 1871, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) now has more than 11,000 braille titles for adults and children, which it sends out to anyone with sight loss free of charge.

The charity also has products available for using braille in everyday life from labels to tactile maps and Scrabble tiles.  

And what would the French teenager who developed the code think now? “I would hope he would be very pleased!” laughs Sue. Alan adds, “You’d think he would be amazed at how it was produced- mechanical machines and how quickly you can get a braille book printed.  

“You’d hope Braille would be proud of how much it’s contributed to so many people’s lives. He may not have realised the scale of what he’d done and how it would affect us 200 years later.” 

Steph Thomson (37) lives in Eskbank, near Edinburgh, started learning braille with Sue when she began to struggle with her sight and reading books. Steph volunteers at a nursery and was having issues reading with the children.  

“Sue is fabulous, she has mentored me and has personally sacrificed so much in supporting me to study braille,” says Steph. “I am so lucky to have her support, and so grateful to her for giving me her time. I now get to incorporate braille into reading with the kids at work. 

“Learning braille is not easy, it takes lots of practice and I sometimes get confused with the contractions. But reading braille is a skill and life is a learning journey so why not with braille? If technology fails you, it can provide another option and it’s fun!  Having a skill that others don’t have is a nice place to be. 

“Braille has a future, even with the advances in technology. Home videos didn’t spell the end of cinema, and eBooks didn’t spell the end for paperbacks, so my hope is braille continues to have its place for people who see the value in it.” 

Four sought following bank incident

Police Scotland has released images of four people officers believe may be able to assist in connection with their investigation into threatening behaviour and damage to a bank.

The incident happened on Princes Street around 1.30am on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and officers believe the three men and one woman pictured may be able to help with their investigation.

The first man is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build with black hair worn in a top knot. He may have a moustache and/or goatee beard. He was wearing a headtorch, a two-tone blue waterproof jacket, a yellow t-shirt, grey trousers, navy trainers and carrying a plain black rucksack. He had a black mountain bike with white forks and a solid black chainring guard.

The second man is described as white, also around 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a surgical face mask, black baseball cap, black hooded top, brown trousers and navy shoes. He had a dark coloured mountain bike with a distinctive green section at the bottom of the front forks.

The third man is described as white, of heavy build, around 6ft, with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a large symbol on the front, red jacket with black panels on the inside arms and flanks, bottle green jogging bottoms and dark shoes. He had a black electric pedal bike.

The woman is described as white, around 5ft 5ins, of slight build with short dark hair. She was wearing a navy jumper and beige trousers. She had a distinctive white women’s bike with white front and rear mud guards.

Police Constable Callum Johnston said: “I would urge these people or anyone who knows who they are to get in contact with us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0211 of Thursday 12 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

£100m secured for Falkirk and Grangemouth as Growth Deal is signed

The multi-million-pound Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal has been signed by UK and Scottish Governments as well as Falkirk Council as part of a package that will strengthen the local economy and create more than a thousand jobs over the next 10 years.

Up to 1660 jobs and £628m worth of economic benefits are expected to flow into the area as a result of the delivery of the Deal which was signed yesterday (Thursday 14 November).

The Growth Deal was signed at the newly restored Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk. Although not a recipient of Growth Deal funding, Rosebank exemplifies the type of regeneration and economic stimulus that the Deal aims to achieve.

The restoration of Rosebank is a model of high-quality, sensitive development that aligns with the Growth Deal’s vision for sustainable growth. As an internationally recognised brand, Rosebank is putting Falkirk on the global map, drawing attention and visitors from around the world.

The agreement means 11 projects can be taken forward that include the development of a Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre and a Bioeconomy Accelerator Pilot Plant in Grangemouth; a new Canal Centre and workshop at Loch 16 in Camelon; a Skills Transition Centre at Forth Valley College, Falkirk; and the transformation of unused land at three sites in Grangemouth to create development-ready investment opportunities.

The £80 million Growth Deal is jointly funded from the UK and Scottish Governments and is complemented by a further £10 million from the UK Government (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) for future energy related projects in Grangemouth and £10 million allocated to the Greener Grangemouth programme from the Scottish Government. With Falkirk Council investing £45m and Scottish Canals investing £3.7m, the overall Growth Deal investment is £148.7m.

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP Secretary of State for Scotland and Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, and Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council signing of the Deal.

The Growth Deal was signed at the new Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk by the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP Secretary of State for Scotland and Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, and Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council.

Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic said: “The Falkirk and Grangemouth region has a rich history with a strong industrial heritage, a proud community and significant tourist attractions.

“The Scottish Government’s £50 million investment will deliver projects to ensure the area continues to thrive, bringing jobs, active travel links, future skills training and new arts and cultural spaces.

“The Growth Deal will support the region to grasp the opportunities of the transition to net zero and remain at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing in Scotland, complemented by a community-led programme of projects in Grangemouth.”

Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “The signing of this deal shows our commitment to the Falkirk and Grangemouth area as it delivers £50 million in UK Government funding. It is part of the £1.4 billion the UK Government is investing in Scottish growth projects over the next decade.

“Growth is a key mission for the UK Government and a top priority of the Scotland Office. Our funding, coupled with investment from the other partners, will drive renewal and generate more than 1,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds of economic benefits for these communities.

“The area’s economic potential is huge and I look forward to seeing this and many other examples of partnership working deliver growth for Scotland.”

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “The Growth Deal is a turning point for our community, bringing jobs, investment, and sustainable development. We are proud to partner in this project, which will elevate Falkirk and Grangemouth as vibrant, connected, and forward-looking areas for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

“It is one of a suite of programmes and major investment opportunities set for delivery in 2025. The Growth Deal Skills Transition Centre, Canal Centre and Falkirk Arts Centre will progress at pace in 2025, the Falkirk Tax Incremental Finance programme is already delivering results with projects such as the A9/Grandsable Road junction completed earlier this year, and the Forth Green Freeport now open for business and actively promoting investment opportunities in the area. It is an exciting time for the Falkirk Council area”

Growth Deal projects

The 11 projects that will be delivered as part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, and complementary investments, are split under two themes – Creating Great Places and Innovative Industry.

Creating Great Places

  • The Falkirk Arts Centre – £6 million (£3m UKG/£3m SG) will be allocated to the construction of a new Arts Centre in Falkirk Town Centre.
  • Scotland’s Canal Centre – Led by Scottish Canals, the £7.7m project (£4m from the Deal) will revitalise a neglected area of the canal network, restoring three derelict warehouses and building a new operational hub.
  • Scotland’s Art Park – Working in partnership, Scottish Canals and Falkirk Council will use £3 million to create an Art Park trail along the Forth and Clyde Canal.
  • Falkirk Central Sustainable Transport Network – £21m will be invested in two interconnected projects – Rail Station and Interchange Hub and the Green Cycling and Pedestrian Network – to improve Falkirk’s public and active travel infrastructure.

Innovative Industry

  • Skills Transition Centre – Led by Forth Valley College, the £4m project will establish the STC, bringing together partners to develop the skills needed to support the transition to Net Zero.
  • Strategic Sites – Addressing a shortage of development-ready strategic investment sites, the project will use £10 million from the UK government to improve and prepare currently unused land at potentially three key sites.
  • Grangemouth Sustainable Manufacturing Campus (GSMC) includes two linked projects:
    • Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Centre – £10m (£9m UKG/£1m SG) will be invested to establish the CDU Centre that will capture CO2 to manufacture more sustainable products and aid the transition to net zero.
    • Bioeconomy Accelerator Pilot Plant – £10m (£9m UKG/£1m SG) will be invested to develop new sustainable processes using feedstocks such as food processing and whisky by-products.
  • Transport, Renewables and Career Exploration Hub – Investing £10m (£9m UKG/£1m SG) to create the Hub that will serve as a focal point for industry and education, enhancing local skills and advancing green growth ambitions.
  • Future Energy Related Projects – £10m will be invested to support the Grangemouth economy as it transitions.

Furthermore, the 10-year Greener Grangemouth Programme sits alongside the Deals’ main themes and aims to put community wellbeing at the heart of Grangemouth’s Just transition.

To find out more about the projects visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/growthdeal.

Accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in children under ten

  • In 2022/23, over 50,000 children under 10 were admitted to hospital following a non-transport accident in England 
  • Most common accidental injury in young children is caused by a fall – either down the stairs or from a highchair or bed – followed by crushing or striking injury, such as from unsupervised use of objects around the home 
  • Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, which reveals new data into rising accidents numbers and calls on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety 

Preventable accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in young children aged between one and nine after cancer, birth defects, and diseases of the brain and nerves, according to a new report*, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, launched today by RoSPA and action must be taken.  

The rate of all accidental deaths has increased by 42% over the last decade and RoSPA is calling on Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety**. 

RoSPA’s new report reveals that children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society and in 2022/23, over 50,000 children under 10 were admitted to hospital and over 60 tragically died following a non-transport accident in England. Although accidents do happen, the frequency and severity of them can be prevented. 

The most common injury was from falls, such as down the stairs or from a highchair or bed, which accounted for 22,000 hospital admissions. This was followed by 13,000 admissions for crushing or striking, such as accidents caused by broken glass or unsupervised use of objects around the home.

More than 2,600 hospital admissions were because of injuries caused by other people, such as children colliding with each other, or animals – including 1,100 dog bites.  

A further 2,380 hospital admissions in under 10s were for accidental poisonings, such as children digesting household products, medicines and cosmetics. There were over 670 young hildren hospitalised for accidental choking, strangulation or suffocation, such as swallowing a small toy or playing with nappy sacks, and 100 young children were hospitalised after a drowning incident. 

RoSPA is calling on government to ensure that there is mandatory classroom-based education on water safety and swimming lessons in schools, as both go hand-in-hand to support water safety among young people. 

Deprivation is closely associated with an increased risk of childhood accidents. In turn accidental injuries can make inequalities worse by causing children to take time off school, leaving them with long-term health problems and creating economic impacts for their households. 

Most accidents take place at home 

Instead of being a sanctuary of safety, being at home is one of the most dangerous places for young children and people of all ages to be, as over half (55%) of all accidental deaths are due to an accident at home. Out of all of those admitted to hospital after an accident (excluding road accident), over two thirds (62%) took place at home.  

Falls are by far the most common cause of both accidental death (46%) and accident-related hospital admission (61%) in the UK across all ages. Out of all those who were admitted to hospital after an accidental fall, over half (53%) fell in their own home. 

Poisonings are the second biggest cause of accidental death, and in 2019 76% of these took place at home. While most poisonings come from alcohol and drug use in the home, threats also come in other forms. In England and Wales 42 people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, with a further 224 people hospitalised and 4,000 attending A&E. Children are particularly vulnerable to accidental poisonings, with 1,956 hospital admissions in England alone among under 5s in 2022/23. 

RoSPA is calling for Government to create a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety. Read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’. 

Dr James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA, said: “Our new report shows that young children at home are particularly at risk from accidents which can cause serious injuries or worse.

“It is a heart-breaking tragedy that accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in children aged between one and ten, and action must be taken as accidents are preventable. 

“We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments so problems can be tackled at their core, which will better protect children from the risk of accidents at home, in school, while they’re travelling or in other public areas such as swimming pools.” 

RoSPA’s home accident prevention safety advice for parents and carers: 

Stairs and windows Fit a safety gate BS EN 1930:2011 at the top and bottom of stairs Never leave trip hazards on stairs Stairs should be carefully maintained with strong balustrades Stairs should be well lit Fit child resistant window restrictors but ensure you can get out easily in an emergency Do not put anything under the window that can be climbed on Furniture at risk from being pulled over should be secured to the wall 
Fires Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children Always use fireguard BS 8423:2010 and secure it to the wall Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly Have an escape route planned and practice it Fit a smoke alarm which complies with BS EN 14604 2005 and check it regularly 
Scalds and burns Never hot a hot drink and a child at the same time Never leave young children alone in the bathroom Put hot drinks out of children’s reach and away from edges of tables Try to use a cordless kettle Keep small children out of the kitchen whenever possible Run domestic hot water system at 46OC or fit a thermostatic mixing value to taps Always run the cold water in a bath first and test the temperature before letting a child get in  Always use rear hotplates and turn panhandles away from the front of a cooker Keep hot irons, curling tongs and hair straighteners out of reach, even when cooling down 
Glass-related accidents Use safety glass to BS 6206 in all replacement windows and doors, especially at low level Make existing glass safer by applying shatter resistant film When buying furniture which incorporates glass, look for approval to BS EN 12521:2009 and BS 14749-2005, BS EN 14072:2003, BS EN 12150-1:2000 and BS EN 12600-2002 Always clear up broken glass quickly and dispose of it safely Buy a greenhouse with special safety glazing or isolate with fencing 
Poisoning Keep medicines and chemicals out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard Wherever possible, buy products in child resistant containers Always store chemicals in their original containers Dispose of unwanted medicines and chemicals safely Avoid buying plants with poisonous leavers or berries or those that can irritate the skin 
Suffocating and choking Choose toys appropriate to the age of the child Keep small objects, such as marbles, out of reach of children under three Encourage older children to keep their toys away from younger playmates Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and kept out of reach Keep animals, especially cats, out of the bedroom and use a net on a pram Keep nappy sacks out of reach of babies and young children Never store nappy sacks in or around the cot or pram Small food, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, blackberries and other soft fruit should be cut into quarters to prevent choking Babies should sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of their pram and blankets tucked across their chest and under their arms. Keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys. Ensure children are the right age for the cot, bed or other sleep product. Kids 2-in-1 portable airbeds/sleeping bags are not suitable for babies. Always check the labels and follow the safety instructions. 

More information on child safety advice can be found here: https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/advice/accidents-to-children  

National Accident Prevention Strategy Report v1Download