Month: November 2024

’tis the season for a Conifox Christmas

Conifox Adventure Park Unveils Its Ultimate Family Christmas Experience

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Conifox Adventure Park announces the highly anticipated return of its magical Family Christmas Experience for 2024. Back for the sixth year running, this year’s lineup promises more magic than ever before, with exciting activities that will spread Christmas cheer for all ages – Yule not want to miss it!

Ticket holders can step into Santa’s Living Room to meet Father Christmas himself and pose for a family photo that will hang on mantle pieces for years to come. All children who visit the Living Room will receive a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or a teddy in the Toy Workshop or the Make-a-Teddy Factory.

Returning by popular demand is the Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop with Mrs. Claus, where little bakers can get creative with festive treats.

The magic doesn’t stop there – families can check their Naughty or Nice status before journeying through the enchanting Magic Forest with beloved characters like Frosty the Snowman and The Nutcracker.

New for 2024, children can attend Elf School to learn the tricks of the trade. For those who haven’t done so yet – or who want to make their list and check it twice – can write letters to Santa with the help of Buddy the Elf in the North Pole Post Room or even take a flight at Reindeer Flying School – but watch out for the mischievous Mr Grinch who will be roaming around Conifox for the duration of the Christmas Experience! And when the adventures are done, visitors can indulge in festive food and drinks while enjoying the fun at Taylor’s of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.

With ticket prices starting at £5 for babies (0-12 months) and £22.70 for children (1-17 years), the Ultimate Family Christmas Experience will run on selected dates throughout December. Tickets are available now via the Conifox Adventure Park website.

Conifox Managing Director James Gammell said: “We’re so excited to bring back our Family Christmas Experience for the sixth year, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

“Each season we aim to create a truly magical experience that brings families together and fills hearts with festive joy. From meeting Santa in his cozy living room to embarking on new adventures like Elf School, we’ve packed this year’s event with even more excitement to make Christmas 2024 unforgettable for every visitor.

“We’re proud to offer something for everyone, young and old, and we can’t wait to welcome families to unwrap the magic with us at Conifox.”

Spread the joy this year. For a full list of prices and to purchase your tickets, visit:

https://www.conifox.co.uk/events

Edinburgh’s Youth Groups urged to join ASH Scotland’s new Youth Conversation Hub

ASH Scotland is encouraging youth groups in Edinburgh to join its new Youth Conversations Hub where learning and resources on smoking and vaping are being shared to enable young people to make confident, informed decisions to protect their long-term health.

The charity will be hosting a series of in-person and online events via the hub in upcoming months to give people working or volunteering for youth organisations opportunities to connect and further their understanding of how health harming tobacco and related products such as e-cigarettes affect young people.

The hub is also providing a space for young people to share their views and experiences of smoking and vaping through its youth survey which is running until Friday 29 November.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “We are delighted to launch our new Youth Conversations Hub which can equip youth group organisers and volunteers in Edinburghand across Scotland to share and obtain ideas about starting conversations with young people, to increase their knowledge about smoking and vaping so that they can make informed choices to protect their physical and mental health.

“We hope that, by signing up to the hub, youth organisations can support local young people to become more aware of the tobacco and e-cigarette industries’ marketing tactics targeting children, and will inspire youngsters to exercise their rights to live healthy lives by rejecting smoking or vaping.

“ASH Scotland believes that is vitally important that young people’s views are heard, so we are running a survey through youth organisations which join the hub so that youngsters themselves can directly drive the action that is needed to ensure Scotland becomes a tobacco-free generation by the target of 2034.”  

To join ASH Scotland’s Youth Conversations Hub, visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/hub

Keep Scotland Beautiful to host litter workshops across Scotland

In support of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, Keep Scotland Beautiful are hosting free in-person and online litter workshops across Scotland.

Join us to learn more about the litter emergency:

https://eventbrite.co.uk/o/keep-scotland-beautiful-17909396314

Something Wicked this way comes 

Vue venues in Edinburgh to celebrate all things Oz as popular adaptation hits the big screen

To celebrate the arrival of Wicked this month (22 November) Vue has announced a selection of spectacular treats for Ozians – including a special screening, a precious keepsake and the return of a classic. 

Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.   

Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans can expect favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity in all their splendour from the comfort of Vue’s luxury seating.  

To add to the spectacle, Vue is inviting fans to an extra colourful screening of Wicked across sites on Saturday 23 November, where audiences are encouraged to wear an outfit or accessories that pay homage to the two iconic colours of the stage show, pink and green.

Those attending this special pink & green screening will be able to get their hands on a limited and unique LEGO piece which features a green potion bottle and pink rose, representing Elphaba and Glinda. This precious memento will only be available at Vue for this specific screening. 

Vue will also be providing some wickedly fantastic merch to mark the release of the film, not to mention two exclusive Tango Ice Blasts – Defying Raspberry and Cherry Goodness only available at Vue.  

Finally, ahead of the release of Wicked, Vue will be returning to Oz with a Back On The Big Screen release of the 1939 cinematic classic The Wizard Of Oz from the 15 November, offering Ozians an opportunity to adventure down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion once more.  

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked was an absolute sensation when it launched on the stage and we’re confident that the magic will translate onto the big screen. 

“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this spell-binding release on the big screen, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.”    

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com 

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays welcome first Airbus A321neo aircraft to be based at Edinburgh Airport 

Arrival comes after Jet2 wins five awards at the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association Travel Awards including Edinburgh Airport Sustainability Award

Celebrations were in the air on Friday (1st November), as Jet2.com and Jet2holidays welcomed their first new Airbus A321neo aircraft at Edinburgh Airport and marked the occasion with a special customer event.

Customers on Friday’s Edinburgh to Tenerife flight, which is the first flight to be operated on the new Airbus A321neo aircraft from the airport, were surprised by the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest tour operator with a VIP customer experience at the departure gate. As well as receiving a red-carpet welcome, customers were also greeted with cupcakes and discount vouchers offering them money off their next flight or holiday.

The arrival of the first Airbus A321neo aircraft to be based at Edinburgh Airport comes just after Jet2.com were honoured for their sustainability efforts and awarded the Edinburgh Airport Sustainability Award at the 2024 Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association Travel Awards (SPAA) last night (Thursday 31st October). 

In addition to receiving this award, Jet2.com won European Airline of the Year and Jet2holidays was named Short-Haul Operator of the Year in recognition of the companies’commitment to delivering a VIP customer service. To cap off a spectacular evening of success, Jet2CityBreaks scooped European City Break Operator of the Year and Aileen Rutherford (Business Development Manager at Jet2holidays) won Leisure Representative of the Year.

To support its ongoing growth and refresh their existing fleet, Jet2plc has a firm delivery stream of 146 new Airbus A321neo aircraft through to the 2035, and today’s celebration at Edinburgh Airport marks the first such aircraft to come into operation fromthe airport.

Including this aircraft, the companies now have ten of the new aircraft in service across three UK airports (Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham). For Summer 26, the companies will also operate the new Airbus A321neo aircraft from London Stansted and Glasgow for the first time.

With a capacity of 232 passengers, the new Airbus A321neo aircraft is over 20 per cent more fuel efficient than older aircraft and has a lower noise footprint of 50 per cent. This enables Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to grow more sustainably in line with the demand for award-winning flights and holidays.

The introduction of more fuel-efficient aircraft at their airports is just part of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ journey to net zero by 2050, in line with Government targets.

In May, the company published an updated sustainability strategy describing the progress Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have already achieved In The Air, On The Ground and In Resort on their journey to net zero since the publication of their first sustainability strategy in September 2021.

The updated strategy can be viewed here: www.jet2.com/en/Sustainability

As well as further reducing emissions per passenger, the fleet of new aircraft will support the ongoing growth of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

Steve Heapy, CEO at Jet2.com & Jet2holidays, said: “Today is a special day for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, as we welcome our first brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft to come into operation at Edinburgh Airport and celebrate five award wins at the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association Travel Awards (SPAA). 

“We are extremely proud and grateful for Edinburgh Airport to award us its Sustainability Award and recognise our commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by the arrival of this new aircraft today.

He added: “The addition of this new aircraft at Edinburgh Airport plays a huge role in supporting our continued growth, whilst providing customers with more choice, comfort and quality than ever before.

“As well as enabling us to continue delivering our VIP customer service, the introduction of the Airbus A321neo not only helps us to reduce fuel emissions per passenger but also our noise footprint.

“We are delighted to now have our new Airbus A321neo aircraft based at three airports and have further plans to welcome them at even more of our airports in the future. We look forward to welcoming customers in Scotland on the new aircraft and taking them on their well-deserved holidays.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “The whole industry is aware of the need to play its part in the move to Net Zero and an important part of this will be investing in a modern and efficient fleet, something we are seeing today as Jet2.com introduces the first of its A321neo aircraft to operations at Edinburgh Airport.

“This is one of the most advanced aircrafts available on the market and we are thrilled to see it operating out of the capital. It demonstrates the ability to add sustainable growth while maintaining a wide variety of destinations for passengers who are looking forward to a well-earned holiday.” 

For further information and to book visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com  

Delivering on pledges to children with additional support needs

Report highlights progress made since 2020

A new report sets out the progress made to improve the educational experiences of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) in schools across Scotland, with more than 40 actions completed thus far.  

Measures adopted since publication of the independent Morgan Review in 2020 include directly involving children, young people and their families in decisions around additional support for learning (ASL), increasing professional learning opportunities for teaching and support staff and setting up parent groups to provide extra support to those who have children with ASN.

The progress report is supported by an updated action plan that includes work now underway such as the development of a National Measurement Framework to capture the range of success and achievements of children and young people with ASN and a refresh of the Code of Practice – the legal guidance used by education authorities and others supporting children’s learning.

The report comes as spending on additional support for learning reached a record high of £926 million in 2022-23 despite on-going difficult financial funding challenges.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “We are determined to improve the educational experiences of children and young people with additional support needs and make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

“The Morgan Review set out a clear direction to build on progress in this area and we are working closely with COSLA to ensure the remaining actions are completed for children with support needs in schools across Scotland.

“The number of pupils identified with additional support needs has increased markedly since 2010, with year on year increases. This progress report and updated action plan shows what has been accomplished thus far, what further work is on-going, and what plans are in place for the next 18 months.

“While we have made good progress, there is a lot more to do and we will continue working with COSLA, schools, parents and carers to ensure that we are delivering fully on our pledges to children with additional support needs and that they each get the educational experience they deserve.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People Tony Buchanan said: ““This is the third Progress Report on the joint Action plan from COSLA and Scottish Government.

“The Report provides an update on activity from November 2022 through to June this year. It highlights a number of actions which have been developed to improve communication between schools and parents and carers, and also highlights resources and training which have been developed to support teachers and support staff in schools.

 “Angela Morgan’s 2020 Report called for the profile of additional support for learning to be raised.  The publication of the Progress Report is one of the ways we are doing this, and COSLA will share the Report and updated Action Plan with our members and networks to continue to raise awareness of steps being taken to better support schools, families and most importantly children and young people.”

Additional Support for Learning Action Plan 3rd Progress Report 

additional-support-learning-action-plan-3rd-progress-reportDownload

FetLor: Young Volunteer Journey Programme

We have some exciting news!

Starting this Friday we are launching our Young Volunteer Journey Programme (Young Vols).

This is a great stepping stone for young people to get into Youth Work & begin a new journey!

Come along this Friday to register or find out more!

#Fetlor100

Community support from Fresh Start

SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER and ENGLISH CLASSES

FRESH START are running our Saturday Night Supper cook at home programme again for anyone who wishes to learn cooking skills and may have already attended our classes.

These sessions build on the skills learned in class, feel free to share and to sign up by contacting cooking@freshstartweb.org.uk

We also have spaces in our English classes – Beginners and Intermediate, please contact me to sign up: abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Please share with your networks!

Art therapy and hands on training leads to brighter futures thanks to Young Start

Organisations supporting children, teenagers and young adults across Scotland are today (6th November) sharing in £1,371,545 from Young Start. 

Young Start delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund awards money from dormant bank accounts to projects that help young people across Scotland reach their full potential.   

Full list of funded projects: Young Start Table of Awards November 2024

One of 15 groups who will benefit from a share of -the funding is Musselburgh based charity, Teapot Trust.

Through the gentle process of art therapy, Teapot Trust supports children and young people living with chronic illness who are struggling with their mental health. Thanks to funding of £50,700 they will be able to continue providing this service for another two years. 

Sammy* age 9, who comes along to Young Voices said: “I like this group because it makes me feel calm. You can be who you are because there are other people with arthritis.” 

Ally Lloyd, Participation Officer, Young Voices, said: “It’s incredible to have this support from Young Start. 

“Over the last year we have been working with children and young people with chronic illness who have taken part in art therapy with us, to understand what help they need.  They have told us that they need more support around transitions, chronic illness and grief and get more chances to meet peers. 

“They’ve already got some brilliant ideas about what can be done next, involving others and making a difference.  It’s brilliant to think that now, thanks to this funding, we can make this happen.” 

Edinburgh-based national organisation YouthLink Scotland receives just under £100,000. The group will use the funding to deliver four national initiatives which will empower young leaders  to influence change at a local and national level.

This will include continued support for the  development of the iWill Ambassadors, as well as the implementation of a national YouthBank where  young grant makers will participate in the distribution of a variety of funds.

Helm Training Ltd has been supporting young people across Dundee to gain education and employment for over 40 years.  An award of £90,000 means that they can run a vehicle maintenance and work experience at their training garage, Helm Autocare. 

This project means that young people will work alongside an experienced mechanic to gain hands on training and SQA qualifications that will help them secure an apprenticeship, job or progress onto further education.  

Ally Calder, CEO, Helm Training Ltd, said: “We can continue to support young people into college and apprenticeships through our training garage, Helm Auto care.  

“The garage provides the opportunity to gain qualifications in a real work environment, meeting customers, dealing with suppliers and working on many different makes of vehicles. We are delighted that we can continue this project and support more young people into work.”  

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “We are always delighted to support such a broad range of projects that are driven by what young people want and need from their communities.

“Organisations like Helm Training and Teapot Trust support young people to gain new skills and look after their own wellbeing and we’re delighted that Young Start funding will help them grow and develop this vital work. “ 

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk     

* not real name 

Bonfire Night: Police report a fall in number of serious incidents

FEWER INJURIES TO EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL THIS YEAR

Incidents of serious disorder during Bonfire Night have fallen this year.

In 2023, specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam were deployed on 26 separate occasions during the evening of 5 November. This year, 18 deployments were required during the same period.

The overall number of fireworks-related calls has remained consistent to previous years, however, the number of officers injured has reduced significantly, compared to last year.

During the Operation Moonbeam deployment for October and November 2023, a total of 62 officers sustained injuries after being targeted with fireworks and other projectiles.

To date, one officer was injured on Halloween evening after a brick was thrown through the window of her police vehicle in Edinburgh. No further injuries to officers have so far been reported. One person has been arrested and charged in relation to this assault.

During the evening of Tuesday, 5 November, officers in Edinburgh responded to various incidents of youth disorder in Niddrie, Sighthill and Moredun.

Large groups gathered in these areas before throwing fireworks, bottles and bricks at police vehicles and other cars. Two fire service appliances were also attacked during this time.

No injuries to emergency service workers or members of the public were reported.

Various parts of Glasgow also experienced pockets of disorder, with youths witnessed throwing fireworks at members of the public, vehicles and police officers. There were also four incidents of fire appliances being subjected to attacks when responding to calls. Again, however, no injuries were reported.

In Peterhead a pyrotechnic device was ignited within a skate park in Aalesund Road at around 9.20pm. Those responsible then made off in a van before striking a 33-year-old male pedestrian and fleeing the scene.

The male was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical attention. Inquiries to identify the suspects are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “I firstly want to recognise the outstanding courage and professionalism of all of those emergency service workers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe.

“Their actions ensured that some of the challenging scenes we witnessed this year did not escalate into mass disorder, on the scale of what we experienced last year.

“Nevertheless, the levels of violence and aggression police officers, fire service and ambulance service personnel faced in some areas was wholly unacceptable and a significant investigative response is now underway to identify each and every one of those involved and bring them to justice.

“In advance of Bonfire Night 2024, local policing teams across Scotland have worked diligently with local authority and third sector partners to make positive in-roads with communities and identify some of the root causes that lead to disorder.

“In addition, this engagement has resulted in an increase in the intelligence we have received from the public, allowing us to take preventative enforcement action before crimes could occur.

“Throughout Operation Moonbeam, we have utilised all legislation and policing powers at our disposal and we will continue our discussions with local authorities and Scottish Government to explore further opportunities for reducing fireworks offences for next year and moving forward.”