Month: November 2024

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.”

Trump on the cusp of historic victory

DONALD Trump is within touching distance of becoming President of the United States for the second time.

At 7.15am BST the controversial figure has amassed 266 electoral college votes, just four votes short of a remarkable victory.

Wee Janey Godley will be birlin’ in her grave …

Assault in Lothian Road: Do you know this man?

POLICE have released images of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing inquiry into an assault in Edinburgh that took place around 12.25am in Lothian Road on Sunday, 13 October, 2024.

Officers believe the man in the images could have vital information which could assist their investigation.

He is described as being in his twenties, around 5ft 9ins tall, and of slim build. He had a Scottish accent and short, dark hair. At the time, he was wearing a grey tracksuit and black Canada Goose jacket with a fur collar.

If anyone recognises the man in the photos or has any information which could assist police, please call 101, quoting incident number 0087 of 13 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.”

Celebrate Edinburgh’s 900th Birthday at MagicFest

Tickets are on sale now! – https://magicfest.co.uk/whats-on/

Join us as MagicFest celebrates Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary by delving into the city’s enchanting past! This year, we’re uncovering Edinburgh’s magical heritage with a spellbinding array of shows, talks, and mysterious events.

From recreations of historic illusions and tales of conjurers past to captivating modern performances that bring the magic of bygone centuries to life, this year’s programme offers something for all ages.

Step back in time with us, discover Edinburgh’s magical history, and experience moments that will thrill, inspire, and leave you wondering about the secrets hidden in our city’s storied streets! And Let magic blow you away! 

Acceptance of cash to be investigated by Treasury Committee

Westminster’s Treasury Committee is asking for evidence as it examines whether rules are needed to govern the acceptance of physical cash in the UK, ahead of public sessions which could begin in December. 

Though the use of cash has declined over recent years, it remains a vital resource to many, with around 3.1 million people in the UK relying almost entirely on cash as a form of payment. Research indicates that the use of cash can provide a vital lifeline to groups such as those with long term poor health or people at risk of economic abuse. 

The Bank of England has noted that the decline in cash usage is increasing the infrastructure costs of retaining physical cash as a viable payment method, which could lead to disruption for businesses and consumers. 

Others have highlighted the dangers of an overreliance on digital payments, suggesting cash acceptance should be viewed as a form of civil preparedness. There are currently no regulations which require businesses to accept cash.  

Submissions can be made via the Treasury Committee website evidence portal. 

Call for evidence

Evidence submitted to the Committee should seek to answer one or more of the following questions: 

What is the current state of, and recent trends in, physical cash acceptance in the UK? Any forecasts on physical cash acceptance would be welcome.  

  1. Are there groups in society which disproportionately rely on businesses and public services accepting physical cash?
    • What challenges do they face? 
  2. Should the Government require parts of the economy to always accept physical cash?
    • Are there individual sectors of the economy where physical cash acceptance is particularly important, and should be protected?
  3. What are the practical challenges that businesses might face from having to always accept physical cash?
    • How do these challenges differ between large and small businesses?
  4. What would the costs to private firms and the public sector be from any imposed requirements to always accept physical cash?
  5. How might any requirement for certain firms and public services to always accept physical cash affect financial services firms, especially those related to the provision of physical cash?
  6. Are there any other areas or particular sectors where a decline in cash acceptance would cause problems? 

Police act following intelligence of planned firework-related disorder

Following intelligence relating to planned disorder and firework related crime in Moredun, Niddrie and Gracemount tonight, Police will be utilising Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

Please report any concerns about firework related criminality to the police.

Unacceptable levels of shop theft ‘causing serious harm to society’

Westminster’s Justice and Home Affairs Committee today publishes a letter to the Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson MP, after conducting an inquiry into shop theft.

The Justice and Home Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into shop theft. The Committee finds that shop theft is an underreported crime that is not being effectively tackled, leading to a devastating impact on the retail sector and the wider economy.

The Committee heard that there are almost 17 million incidents of shop theft annually, with few leading to an arrest and costing the retail sector almost £2 billion last year.

The nature of the offence has evolved from individualised offending to relentless, large-scale, organised operations accompanied by unprecedented levels of violence. Shop theft is now seen as a lucrative profit-making opportunity which is being exploited by organised criminal networks.

There is a widespread perception that shop theft is not treated seriously by the police. The Committee recognises the need for quicker reporting systems, better data collection and intelligence sharing between police forces across the UK.

The Committee welcomes the work of Pegasus, the new national scheme to tackle organised crime in the retail sector and recommends that existing schemes such as Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (linking police and local businesses) should all be part of a National Standards Accreditation Scheme.

The Committee concludes:

  • The outdated term “shoplifting” serves to trivialise the severity of the offence and should be phased out.
  • The Committee supports the plan to repeal the offence of “low-value shoplifting” under section 176 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, which in practice is decriminalising shop theft where the value of the goods does not exceed £200.
  • The Committee supports the creation of a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker.
  • Improved reporting systems are required to enable retailers to report crime to the police quickly and easily.
  • The Committee recommends improving mechanisms for police and criminal justice systems to recognise and record when a crime has taken place in a retail setting.
  • Increased funding to community-based reoffending and rehabilitation initiatives are crucial to help divert prolific drug and alcohol addicted offenders away from further offending.
  • Public awareness campaigns are needed to target the stolen goods market.
  • The Committee supports the introduction of regulations and best practice guidance for the use of facial recognition technology by private companies.

Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee said: “In March 2024, 443,9953 incidents of shop theft were recorded by police – a 30% increase on the previous year and the highest-ever level since comparable records began over twenty years ago.

“But the figures are “a drop in the ocean” when compared with likely real figures estimated at 17 million with devastating consequences for businesses and families.

“The scale of the shop theft problem within England and Wales is totally unacceptable and action, like that underway in the Pegasus scheme, is vital and urgent.

“There’s no silver bullet. But, if adopted, the recommendations in our report should help tackle the problem and help keep the public and our economy safer.”

New contemporary dance degree launches in Scotland

A LEADING Scottish performing arts institution has launched one of the country’s first artist-led Contemporary Dance degree courses.

The Scottish Institute (The SI), is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2025, making it the only higher education provider in Scotland to offer a course that is led by professional dance artists specifically tailored to contemporary dance.

Spearheading this pioneering degree is Scotland’s preeminent contemporary dance artists, Errol White and Davina Givan, who will serve as artists-in-residence and course leaders.

With over 25 years of experience collaborating as performance artists, White & Givan have built an acclaimed body of work that engages audiences on a physical and emotional level.

The pair said: “Embedding White & Givan as artists in residence within the Institute is a rare opportunity within the educational world for practicing artists and students to evolve together.

“Passion in sharing knowledge lies at the heart of White & Givan, and we are extremely proud to play an integral role in developing a new generation of dance artists.”

White & Givan will host a series of Elite Intensive workshops across the UK to give aspiring dancers an opportunity to learn from and meet the professional dancers. The intimate sessions will give participants valuable insight into the unique contemporary dance training that awaits the programme’s first cohort in 2025.

The first workshop will take place on Sunday 10th November at The SI campus in Livingston, with seven additional dates to be announced across the country.

The duos appointment as artists-in-residence at The SI creates a unique bridge between professional practice and education, offering a unique opportunity to share their expertise and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.

Students will benefit from The SI’s state-of-the-art technologies and professional-grade studios, as well as access to the renowned Howden Park Theatre.

“The inclusion of sport science and the role it plays in the training of young dance artists at the Scottish Institute is vital, preparing them for a long and fulfilling future career as successful dance practitioners.” White and Givan added.

The degree will couple sport science and dance training and is poised to produce well-rounded, successful dance practitioners prepared for long and fulfilling careers.

Mark Langley, Principal of The SI, said: “Having White & Givan as artists in residence creates an extraordinary environment where practicing artists and students evolve together.

“Our students won’t just learn about the profession – they’ll be immersed in it, working alongside industry specialists, performing in professional venues, and developing their craft through a carefully structured progression from core techniques to professional practice.

“The Scottish Institute was created by professionals to educate the next generation of professionals, and this new BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance program exemplifies that mission.”

The Scottish Institute is Scotland’s only fully CDMT accredited performing arts institution, also holding accreditations from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD).

To book a slot at the Elite Intensive day or have additional questions on the course, contact: admissions@thesi.co.uk

Trinity Wreath Making workshop

FRIDAY 6th DECEMBER from 6.45 – 9pm at BANGHOLM SPORTS CENTRE

The Wreath Making Fundraiser is back on Friday 6th December.

Spaces are limited, so book today to create your beautiful Christmas wreath.

All proceeds go to the school.

https://forms.office.com/r/A40jgaJ7yT