Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian, Miles Briggs, has “warmly welcomed” the latest cost-of-living payments being paid by the UK Government to thousands of his constituents in Lothian.
The UK Government has confirmed that the latest £300 payments will be paid automatically into the bank accounts of those eligible in Lothian between 31 October and 19 November.
It comes as part of a package worth £900 in total to support those on means-tested benefits in Lothian with the effects of the global cost-of-living crisis.
Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 later in the year, on top of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Those eligible in Lothian do not need to apply for the payment, as it will be paid directly into their bank account.
Statistics from the UK Government show that in Lothian, 90,800 households will receive the cost-of-living payment.
Mr. Briggs says the UK Government are continuing to “step up” to support the most vulnerable in his constituency during these tough economic times.
Scottish Conservative MP/MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is warmly welcomed that the UK Government are providing a further £300 in cost-of-living payments to the most vulnerable in Lothian and across the country.
“As the economic situation continues to constrain people in Lothian, this help from the UK Government comes at a perfect time, and the package – worth £900 in total – is going to help those who need it most.
“As we approach winter, this help will prove even more invaluable.
“With payments being made automatically, people who are eligible in Lothian don’t need to do anything to receive these payments into their bank accounts.
“Of course, if there are any issues, then myself and my team will always be on hand to ensure those who need these payments get them from the UK Government.”
One Scot will find a voucher for a year’s worth of books in one of this year’s free Book Week Scotland books, which feature four stories from Edinburgh writers
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing, has launched the line-up for Book Week Scotland 2023, which will be themed around ‘adventure’. Book Week Scotland, this year taking place on 13–19 November, is Scotland’s national annual celebration of books and reading, with events taking place in libraries and community venues across the country.
People picking up a copy of this year’s free Book Week Scotland book, Adventure, may be lucky enough to find one of seven special silver tickets, celebrating Scottish Book Trust’s 25th anniversary, tucked inside the pages.
The silver tickets are redeemable for book tokens, with six worth £100 and one valid for a year’s worth of books (to a value of £500). The tickets will be sent across Scotland, so readers far and wide are in with a chance of discovering one.
The book has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland, including four from local Edinburgh writers Hazel Knox, Joanne Deegan Kerr, Jo Higgs and Nicole Carter.
Adventure also features exclusive contributions from Len Pennie, Sumayya Usmani, current Scots Scriever Shane Strachan, Mae Diansangu, and Gaelic writers Alistair Paul and Seonaidh Charity.
70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it is also available to order online alongside audio and ebook formats.
The Book Week Scotland festivities will kick off with an exclusive midnight launch of Jenny Colgan’s new book, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop, at John Kay’s Shop in Edinburgh. Tickets are available to win at bookweekscotland.com.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is one of the highlights of Scotland’s literary calendars, with events for all ages and interests taking place across the nation.
“Despite the fact that Book Week Scotland is now operating on a shoestring budget due to repeated funding cuts, working with and through our fantastic partners across the country we have been able, even so, to offer an exciting and accessible programme of events at a local and national level.
“We could not do this without the support of the Scottish Library and Information Council, library services and the many other community partners we collaborate with. And this is vital, because developing a love of reading is a lifelong adventure which brings much pleasure and many benefits to the individual and the communities they live in.’
Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council said: ‘Book Week Scotland is an important opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate the power of reading which is why SLIC is proud to be a partner.
“With a brilliant programme of events lined up in libraries across the country, there’s something for everyone. We hope people will take this opportunity to rediscover all that local libraries have to offer.’
Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, Alan Bett, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a highlight in Scotland’s literary and cultural calendar which continues to provide joy by connecting the reading public with Scotland’s authors and their books.
“Featuring some of the biggest names in our literary scene, this year’s programme showcases homegrown talent and provides the space to empower writers and readers alike, across the country and within their own communities.’
Highlights from Book Week Scotland 2023 in Edinburgh will include:
· Sara Sheridan: The Fair Botanists at Juniper Green Bowling Club – Tuesday 14 November, 6.30–7.30pm (free ticketed event)
· The Pleasures of Reading with Val McDermid at Portobello Bookshop – Thursday 16 November, 7–8pm (free ticketed event)
· Football Journeys with a Bearded Genius: Nooruddean Choudry in conversation with Daniel Gray from Nutmeg Magazine at St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Saturday 18 November, 7–8.30pm (free ticketed event)
New bill will make system more efficient and effective
Improving the way the Scottish system of social security delivers for people in need of support is at the heart of new legislation.
The Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill enhances the rights of Social Security Scotland clients in a number of ways:
A right to late re-determinations and appeals in exceptional circumstances
The right to withdraw a request for redetermination
The right to challenge a decision that someone is liable in a situation where an overpayment has been made
The Bill will also continue to enhance the design of the system, maximising choice for those who use it while delivering good value for money.
It will also enable the Scottish Government to recover the cost of devolved social security benefits from compensation awards in situations where someone has had to claim payments as a result of a third party’s fault.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The changes proposed by this legislation are part of our commitment to continuously improve the Scottish social security system in ways which put the needs of those who require assistance first.
“They will help make the social security system more efficient and effective, contributing to our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.
“The measures it contains advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the system is efficient and delivers value for money.”
Edinburgh Leisure’s state-of-the-art and newest venue, Meadowbank Sports Centre is hosting an Open Day on Sunday, 19 November to entice the people of Edinburgh to try before they buy.
Opened in July 2022, it will be an opportunity for people to try out the range of facilities at this £47m venue, and encourage customers, old and new to try something different, including the racquet and track facilities.
The programme on offer will include the gym, gym-based and fitness classes. Customer can also try racquet sports including badminton, table tennis, squash, and the newest ‘kid’ on the block, Pickleball, which is fast growing a big following. And if running is your thing, there will be a chance to try the indoor and outdoor running tracks. The Café Refresh will be open from 8.30 am – 5 pm for a range of drinks and snacks.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
07887554193
info@chriswatt.com
www.chriswatt.com
Josh Anderson, Operations Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years. But we’re conscious that a lot of people still haven’t paid us a visit to our incredible £47m refurbishment.
“Hence why we are opening our doors and hosting an Open Day, which will be a great opportunity for existing adult members to perhaps try something new, such as the track and racquet facilities and for potential new members to come and try for free before they buy and see just how great our facilities are.
“And as an added incentive for new members, there will be an opportunity to sign up for an adult Meadowbank Gym or Fitness Class membership on the day at the Meadowbank reception with a £0 joining fee.”
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
07887554193
info@chriswatt.com
www.chriswatt.com
The new Meadowbank has much to offer the local community and communities throughout Edinburgh and includes the following facilities:
An outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand and outdoor throwing and jumps area.
A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space.
Two multi-sport halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating
A hall for dance and other events, including hosting bouncy castle birthday parties.
Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights.
A fitness class timetable with 77 classes
A Cycle Studio (capacity – 30) with Life Fitness IC7 bikes and ICG myride and Les Mills RPM classes
A gym with Life Fitness equipment, dumbbells up to 50kg, Watt bikes, SkiErg, row and Cybex SPARC machines (capacity – 90)
Combined bumped plates weighs in the gym – 2927.5kg
Combined dumbbell weight in the gym – 1,918kg
40+ pieces of resistance and free weights equipment
Two squash courts
A purpose-built dojo for martial arts
A boxing gym
Two 3G (synthetic) pitches, including one with a 499-seat stand.
A hospitality Suite and event-hosting facilities
Cafe and meeting rooms
To get involved in Meadowbank Sports Centre Open Day, gym sessions do not need to be booked but fitness and gym-based classes, and racquet sports, and use of the track need to be booked.
The activities are now available to book online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.
Campaign offers advice as new research gives insight to safety behaviours
The Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging people in Edinburgh to plan ahead and stay safe this Bonfire Night (5th November).
While new research highlights that 86 per cent of respondents1 in Edinburgh are concerned about the impact of fireworks on others, it also shows that 43 per cent2 stated they would give sparklers to children under five. Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil and are the most common type of firework to injure children3.
David McGill, Lead Clinician for the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) network and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland’s Burn Hub said: “Children are frequently burned with sparklers.
“There’s a misunderstanding of how hot they can get, causing severe burns to fingers and hands, or catching clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.
“Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children, with 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night last year.
“The majority of these occurred at private properties, ranging from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe, including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision.”
As part of the new drive, people are also being encouraged to consider attending an organised public display, something almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent4) plan to do.
This remains the safest way to enjoy fireworks and helps minimise their impact on other members of the community, with 42 per cent of respondents5 in Edinburgh stating they have a family member or pet who is negatively affected.
For those still planning on using their own fireworks, the Scottish Government and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to consider others, ensure they know how to keep themselves and loved ones safe, and to follow regulations.
It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks, and to buy or give fireworks to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks6.
It is also illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm, extending to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Iain Macleod is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Every year people are injured by bonfires and fireworks and admitted to hospital, with children particularly affected.
“We encourage the public to follow the safety guidance in the lead up to Bonfire Night and we always recommend attending an organised event if possible.
“People should also be aware of the laws around the use of fireworks, consider the risks and always follow the Firework Code to keep everyone safe.
“Please respect our staff who are working hard to ensure the wider community is safe on one of the busiest nights of the year for our service.”
Fireworks can be particularly distressing for those who experience sensory impairment, and can also cause stress in animals.
Scottish SPCA Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: ‘‘Every year thousands of animals suffer stress and anxiety caused by the use of fireworks.
“Animals can panic and flee at the sound of a bang and this can lead them towards danger such as being the cause of a road traffic accident, also putting human lives at risk.
“Our advice for those with animals includes not walking your dog at night when fireworks are being set off, bringing all pets indoors and stabling horses. Make sure doors, windows and cat flaps are kept closed so your pet doesn’t become distressed and try to escape. If you’re setting a bonfire, always check for cats or wildlife before setting it alight.
“We’d always encourage the public to attend organised displays. If you are going to hold a private display, let your neighbours know so they can safeguard against any distress pets and farm animals may face.”
The Firework Code, details of legislation in Scotland and a list of organised events can be found on firescotland.gov.uk.
To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Keeping Stress in check
We’re coming up to a busy time of year, and if you find the lead-up to Christmas a little overwhelming, you are not alone. Stress is very personal and experienced differently by everyone.
The key is to recognise when you are feeling stressed and put things in place to reduce it before it gets too much.
There are many things you can do to manage stress and build resilience, so you cope better next time you find yourself feeling overburdened or in a stressful situation. Stress is linked to heart health because when we are feeling stressed, we can adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits which contribute to the development of heart diseases.
Here are three things to consider building into your routine to help keep stress at bay:
Prioritise your physical health
Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring we are physically active can help us deal with stress better and increase our resilience.
Research has shown that when we are sleep deprived, we report higher levels of stress, so ensuring you get seven to nine hours of sleep a night is essential.
These things can seem out of reach in the midst of stress, however, they can make a big impact so start small, making little, sustainable changes.
Spend time in nature
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that spending time in nature can reduce our perceived stress levels and increase our overall wellbeing.
Similarly, bringing nature indoors can help you feel less stressed, so think about getting some houseplants to take care of.
You can tick two things off your stress-buster list by taking part in some movement in a green space, such as going for a jog or brisk walk in your local park.
Get creative
Spending time doing activities you enjoy can give you a much-needed break from daily life, and doing something creative that requires your concentration can give your mind some quiet time.
Think about starting a new hobby such as pottery, knitting or even block printing. We have recently partnered with the Indian Block Printing Co. to create a block printing tea towel kit which would be a great first crafty project to start with.
Abuse survivors, young people and bereaved families – including Scottish mum Ruth Moss, join NSPCC Chief Executive and head of Ofcom to mark momentous achievement
NSPCC says children and young people must be central to implementation and call for bold and ambitious regulation
Pictures available of installation outside Parliament thanking 147,000 campaigners who backed the legislation
Young people, abuse survivors and bereaved families celebrated the Online Safety Act becoming law at an NSPCC reception in Parliament yesterday.
After years of campaigning, legislation that will put a legal duty on tech companies to protect children from sexual abuse and harmful material on social media sites, gaming apps and messaging services was given Royal Assent on Thursday.
Ruth Moss, a member of the Bereaved Families for Online Safety – who were integral in achieving stronger protection for children in the legislation, joined fellow campaigners who have worked tirelessly for new laws that will protect children online, politicians, civil society and regulators to welcome the legislation.
Ruth’s daughter Sophie Parkinson tragically took her own life in March 2014 when she was only 13 years old after she was exposed to harmful content online.
Sophie was self-harming and viewing self-harm and suicide content from the age of 12. She had also had online relationships with older men and looked at violent pornography.
Ruth, a nurse from Dalkeith near Edinburgh, said: “For at least two years, we struggled to keep Sophie safe online.
“In spite of removing devices, restricting internet use, implementing parental controls and having conversations about internet safety, these were not enough to prevent her from being exposed to content that promoted self-harm, suicide and dark, graphic, harmful material. She managed to view violent pornography and have online conversations with adult male strangers.
“Complaining to internet and social media companies was either impossible or futile. As parents, it felt like one step forward and two steps back, especially when balancing her need to use the internet for school and controlling her use. We quickly realised that parents alone can’t control what their child sees on the internet.
“The impact of Sophie viewing this harmful material was a deterioration in her existing mental health struggles, with devastating consequences. We will never truly recover from her death, and it is rightly every parent’s worst nightmare.
“This legislation is a good first step. It sends a message to tech companies that safety should not be compromised for the sake of profit and that tech companies can’t deny responsibility for keeping their service users safe on their websites.
“In my opinion, the enforcement of the bill is key. This will be challenging. It will require Ofcom going up against some of the most powerful and influential organisations in the world. Ofcom will have a difficult job.”
Young people who campaigned with the NSPCC and a mum whose daughter was sexually abused on social media, spoke at the event. They joined the NSPCC Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless and Ofcom Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes who will be responsible for the Act’s implementation.
The event was chaired by Sajid Javid MP who was Home Secretary when regulation to help protect children online was first promised by the Government in 2018, following the launch of the NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign.
At the reception there was a clear focus on ensuring young people’s voices and experiences are central to the implementation of the Online Safety Act, so it results in meaningful change for children as soon as possible.
The event came as Ofcom prepares to set out the rules which tech companies will have to follow to tackle child sexual abuse and protect children from harmful material.
The codes of practice will be consulted on before being implemented, but those at the event were united in their expectation that tech companies should not wait to begin putting concrete measures in place to make their sites safe by design for children.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “It was an honour to bring together so many people from different walks of life whose campaigning and dedication has helped make the Online Safety Act possible.
“I want to particularly thank everyone who has been impacted by online abuse and unimaginable harm who have campaigned selflessly to help protect others.
“While we rightly celebrated today, it was also a catalyst towards working together to ensure the legislation results in the protections online children desperately need.
“We look forward to seeing the landmark Act implemented with bold ambition to ensure there is a rigorous focus on children as regulation comes into force.”
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re grateful for all the hard work that went into getting these new laws onto the statute books. It means we now have regulation that will make a real difference in creating a safer life online for people – particularly children – in the UK. This is a big job, and we’re ready, but we won’t be doing it alone.
“Young people’s voices have shaped the foundations, and now we want to hear from them again to make sure we get the technical detail right. Next week, we’ll be consulting on the specific measures that tech firms can take to protect their users from illegal harms online, including child sexual abuse and grooming, and pro-suicide content.”
Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “I am immensely proud of the work that has gone into the Online Safety Act from its very inception to it becoming law.
“At the heart of this Act is the protection of children. I would like to thank the campaigners, parliamentarians, survivors of abuse and charities including the NSPCC, that have worked tirelessly, not only to get this Act over the finishing line, but to ensure that it will make the UK the safest place to be online in the world.”
Many volunteers with lived experience of abuse who have campaigned with the NSPCC for robust legislation also joined the reception.
The ‘fa-boo-lous’ team at one of Scotland’s largest shopping malls, The Centre, Livingston lifted shoppers ‘spirits’ on Halloween, leaving them ‘under their spell’ with ‘pumpkin’ to talk about!
Donned in different scary outfits they embarked on a walkabout during their lunch hour handing out sweets to shoppers en route.
They also popped into to their retailers, with many of them joining in the dressing up fun.
The team re-fueled halfway around the mall at the recently opened Dnisi café for a well-earned witches brew.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We had such great fun with our shoppers on our Halloween tour of the mall.
“It really brought a smile to people of all generations and our retailers too!
Measures to support women experiencing difficult menopause or menstrual health symptoms in the workplace are being introduced by NHS Scotland across their workforce.
As one of the medium term actions in the Women’s Health Plan, the policy reflects recommendations from a study of NHS employees by Professor Kathleen Riach, supported by the Scottish Government.
The new policy aims to create an environment where women feel confident in raising health issues so solutions can be put in place.
Minister for Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “It’s important to foster a culture of awareness and compassionate management in the workplace so women feel confident and comfortable in raising issues around their menopause or menstrual health.
“NHS Scotland’s policy will recommend a number of measures that will make work life easier such as flexible breaks and working arrangements.
“This is a positive example of an employer taking proactive steps to reduce barriers to women’s health in the workplace and we hope it promotes equivalent efforts across the public, private and third sectors.”
Professor Kathleen Riach said: “NHS Scotland’s new Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy marks a vital step in ensuring all employees are valued, supported, and recognised as an integral part of the country’s workforce, no matter their age or stage of their reproductive lives.
“Healthier women mean a healthier economy. By identifying and scaling some of the best practice currently existing across the NHS Scotland workforce, as well as introducing new evidence-based practises, this policy will ensure the menstrual status of women is no barrier to jobs and careers in healthcare.”
Our first Free Tree Giveaway event will be taking place this week!
You can find us at Gyle Shopping Centre on Friday 3rd November and Saturday 4th November! Just drop-in at anytime between 10am – 2pm to pick your free garden tree.
