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Charity reveals 1 in 7 parents/carers won’t be buying presents for their children this Christmas

Research from national charity Family Action reveals the stark reality many families face this Christmas

Families across the UK are facing increasing financial hardship and new research from Family Action reveals that 1 in 7 parents/carers surveyed, said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children this Christmas due to financial constraints.

In addition, a quarter of parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children’s grandparents, and almost a quarter of parents / carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their partner this Christmas, due to financial constraints.

1 in 7 (14%) parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children this Christmas due to financial constraints.
A quarter (25%) of parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their parents (their child/children’s grandparents), and almost a quarter (24%) of parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their partner this Christmas due to financial constraints.
1 in 5 (20%) parents/carers surveyed said they will go without heating their house this Christmas.
Over half (54%) of parents/carers surveyed agree* that Christmas is going to negatively affect their mental health this year because of worry about finances, with just over a third (34%) of parents/carers surveyed agree* that they will need to seek external support with finances.
Almost half of parents/carers (47%) surveyed agree* they expect to be in debt after Christmas 2023, while almost 3 in 10 (29%) parents/carers surveyed agree* they are still paying off debt from spending on Christmas 2022.

Family Action is launching its annual ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign to support families facing hard times this Christmas.

The charity provides emotional and practical support to over 60,000 families across the country and this Christmas it is looking once again to distribute thousands of toys to families through the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal.

Mum, Hayley, said: “I’ve been handling Christmas a bit differently this year. I’ve even bought some presents in the January sales. I’ve got no idea how Christmas is going to look at the moment.

“I’ve cut back, but I don’t know where we’ll find the money and I don’t think we’re seeing family at Christmas. It’s still a special day, it’s a home day for us.”

David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action, said: “Every family deserves comfort and joy at Christmas, but with the high costs of food and utilities, many will find their holiday season stressful and difficult.

“We work with thousands of families across the country, and from the research findings and feedback from our frontline staff, we know only too well the challenges families are facing.

“It is a stark reality that one in seven parents won’t be able to afford gifts for their children this Christmas, and that for over half of parents/carers, they expect that their mental health and wellbeing will be negatively affected, due to the worry of financial constraints.”

Mum, Cathryne, said: “At the moment I can’t work so I could never afford the gifts my children were given by people donating to the Toy Appeal.

“It takes away the guilt I feel as no parent wants to be in that position.”

David Holmes CBE adds: “It does seem, this year, that Christmas magic is in short supply, but this is where Family Action comes in. This Christmas we’re offering a sleigh load of practical and emotional support to families through our FOOD clubs, financial grants, FamilyLine, and our Christmas Toy Appeal.

“By supporting our ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign, people can help with a special gift that could bring Christmas cheer to a child and their family. Together, we can keep the magic of Christmas alive. Thank you.”  

Visit Family Action Make Theirs Magic and keep the magic of Christmas alive by donating to Family Action.

Police appeal following fatal crash on Gorgie Road

POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal crash on Gorgie Road yesterday (Tuesday 14 November 2023).

The incident took place around 1.05pm, involving an HGV and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 62-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick, from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the man who died.

“We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident and would appeal to anyone who was in the Gorgie Road or Calder Road area around the time of the crash to please come forward.

“If you have any information, or potential dashcam footage, which could assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 1457 of 14 November.”

Keep a child cosy and dry this winter

EDINBURGH SCHOOL UNIFORM BANK WINTER APPEAL

Please keep a child cosy & dry this winter!

Could you buy a new coat, socks, leggings or joggers for a local youngster?

Here’s how:

Pop items into a drop-off point (locations are listed at https://bit.ly/3opKjov) We also welcome pre-loved coats in good-as-new condition at our drop-off points.

Shop our Amazon wishlist to have something sent directly to us (https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1YJ1ICHV5STC…).

Donate funds at https://edinburghuniform.org/donate/

Warm things are needed for all ages from 6 upwards.

Please share!

Today: Leith Library celebrates Book Week Scotland

Join us in celebrating #BookWeekScotland this week:

– A warm welcome for all at our ‘Book chat’ café today – 11:00 – 12:00pm

– Drop in and pick up your free copy of ‘Adventure’.

Or access the ebook or audiobook here: http://scottishbooktrust.com/…/scotlands-stories-adventure

– We are also delighted to welcome class visits from Leith Primary School and Trinity Primary School; and we will be visiting Stanwell Nursery School as well!

Hell Hath No Fury: Braverman pulls no punches in resignation letter

‘Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently’ – Braverman letter to PM Rishi Sunak

IN FULL: Suella Braverman’s scathing letter to PM following her sacking:

NHS 24: Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies need to be assessed and treated quickly to avoid the risk of permanent damage they include:

abscess and swellings in and around the mouth

bleeding

trauma such as a knocked out a tooth

If you’re registered with a dentist and think you have a dental emergency during the in hours period, phone your dental practice.

If you’re not registered with a dentist follow the advice on NHS inform – https://nhs24.info/dental-emergencies

If you think you’ve a dental emergency during the out of hours period phone the 111 service.

Chalmers Dental Centre*
3 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9EW  Tel: 0131 536 4800.

Dental triage and advice service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Dental treatment service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

*Please note, Chalmers is not a walk-in service. If you require an urgent appointment, you must call the number.

Letters: World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2023

Dear Editor,

Each year in the UK around 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, devastating news that also affects many thousands more of their family members and friends. In this distressing time people are often unsure where to turn for support and are left feeling isolated.

Ahead of World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Thursday 16 November I want to reassure people that you are not alone. Pancreatic cancer UK’s Support Line specialist nurses, like myself and my colleagues, provide expert information and support for you. We are here to provide you and your family with practical steps and emotional support when you need it most.

I also need to ask people living with pancreatic cancer and their loved ones to help us as we research how our support services can reach even more people. We particularly want to hear from those who have never been in contact with the charity before to understand where we can make a difference.

There are two ways to contribute: either by taking a short survey or through a 1-1 interview.

Your views will be invaluable and help us continue to be there for thousands of families for years to come. To take part, please email:

servicesreach@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Anyone affected by pancreatic cancer can call our Specialist Nurses for support and information on our confidential, free Support Line on (Freecall: 0808 801 0707).

Thank you,

Dianne Dobson

Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK

4^th Floor Westminster Tower

3 Albert Embankment

London SE1 7SP

Direct line: 07929 750 651

Pancreatic Cancer UK Support Line: Freephone 0808 801 0707

pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Scottish Care Home Awards 2023

Scottish Care, the representative body for independent social care sector in Scotland, will be hosting the prestigious Care Home Awards 2023 at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, on Friday 19 November.

The event, now in its 19th year, recognises the excellence within the independent care home sector, acknowledging outstanding contributions of care homes across the country.

In Scotland, 85% of all care home support is provided by the independent sector, caring for over 30,500 older individuals and employing nearly 44,500 dedicated individuals.

This year’s awards received a substantial record number of entries, a testament to all the excellent work going on in our care homes in Scotland. Care homes, often unsung heroes in the community, will get their moment in the spotlight, showcasing the passion and commitment of those who work to ensure that residents live their fullest lives. The awards also advocate for the recognition of the care home sector, shining a light on the often undervalued but essential role these homes and their workforce play in society.

Awards will be presented across fourteen categories, recognising excellence in various aspects of care home services, from leadership to innovation:

Ancillary & Support Staff Award
Meaningful Activity Award
Nutrition & Eating Well Award
Training, Learning & Staff Development Award
Emerging Talent Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
Leadership Award
Palliative & End of Life Care Practise 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
Strategic Contribution Award

Michelle McManus, the renowned Scottish singer, TV, and radio presenter, will host the awards ceremony and announce the winners.

Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and the co-host of the Awards Ceremony said: “The care home workforce is full of individuals who behave with dignity, compassion, professionalism, and skill.

“We are hosting the awards to express our gratitude and to recognise the particular skills of a few. It is also a night to acknowledge all the individuals, teams, and companies delivering care at an incredibly high standard in a challenging period and within an increasingly demanding work environment.”

Capital’s pavement parking controls to be introduced in New Year

Preparations are underway to begin enforcement against pavement parking in Edinburgh, following the introduction of new powers by the Scottish Government.

A report to Transport and Environment Committee sets out a proposed approach and timescales for enforcing against pavement parking as part of new parking prohibitions being introduced. National regulations are expected to come into force on 11 December and it is proposed that Edinburgh’s enforcement begins in January 2024.

Parking on pavements, at dropped kerbs and double parking can inconvenience all road users, significantly impacting people with mobility issues, parents with pushchairs and older people.

The Council has always supported a ban on pavement parking and has collaborated closely with Living Streets and Guide Dogs Scotland to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland. This will help ensure Edinburgh’s roads and footways are accessible for all, which is central to our vision of an equal, accessible and sustainable city as part of the City Mobility Plan.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Implementing these new parking restrictions is part of our commitment to ensure Edinburgh’s roads and pavements are accessible for all.

“Making sure our footways are kept clear will deliver real benefits for pedestrians and road users, particularly those who are disproportionately affected such as parents with pushchairs, older people and wheelchair users.

“We would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions when the final regulations come into force to guarantee our streets are safer and more user-friendly.”

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: “Edinburgh is taking the right approach to the enforcement of pavement parking, recognising that footways are for people, not parking spaces for cars.

“Exemptions should only be applied in exceptional cases based on evidence, which can only be collected via careful monitoring and consultation. This is the best way to ensure those most affected by blocked pavements, including disabled people, have safe access to our streets.”

Niall Foley, Lead External Affairs Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “Parking on pavements is a nuisance for everyone, but potentially dangerous if you are a wheelchair user forced onto the road, pushing a buggy, or have sight loss and can’t see traffic coming towards you.

“When cars block the way, it undermines the confidence of people with a vision impairment to get out and about independently.

“We welcome the parking measures being introduced and look forward to working with Edinburgh Council to ensure the pavement parking prohibitions are a success.”

Preparations include the assessment of 5,217 roads by officers as part of the footway parking assessment project. This has helped to identify a small number of streets where significant pavement parking may require mitigation measures to minimise potential negative impacts on the wider road network.

Despite the prohibitions featuring in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, the necessary regulations required to support the enforcement and appeals procedures have only recently been finalised by Transport Scotland and are expected to come into effect on 11 December.

Work to complete the necessary changes in Edinburgh will commence as soon as it is confirmed that the new regulations have come into force.

An awareness campaign, currently being designed by Transport Scotland, is hoped to drive a change in behaviour over the festive period in advance of enforcement beginning. A further Council-run campaign aligned with the national approach is intended once the new prohibitions take effect.

Read the full report, Implementing of new parking prohibitions.

Watch Transport and Environment Committee from 10am on Thursday, 16 November via webcast.