The 999 BSL UK emergency video relay service for deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users has been launched today, Friday 17 June.
The service gives deaf BSL users the option of calling the emergency services using BSL, via the 999 BSL website and app.
Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Calling for help quickly is vital in an emergency and no one should ever have to worry about communication when they do so. 999 BSL should remove these barriers, so we strongly welcome its launch.
“It’s now crucial that the developers do everything they can to make sure that every BSL user in the country knows it exists.
“We’d urge every deaf child and young person who uses BSL to download the app without delay. Having the option to get help so quickly, in their first language, could one day prove to be a life-saver.”
More people recognise the wellbeing benefits of walking are encouraged to spend more time outdoors due to their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic according to new findings.
The research was commissioned by natural heritage body NatureScot in the aftermath of three waves of the Coronavirus crisis to better understand outdoor visit behaviour and how people engaged with nature.
The survey looked at the behaviour of more than 3,000 people who revealed details of how they spent time outdoors as coronavirus restrictions relaxed.
The survey found that people will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, make more use of local green space, and try to walk more, have been welcomed by Scottish walking charity Paths for All who, along with other partners, supported these 3 studies.
Evidence gathered from respondents following the 2021 third wave found that 68% of people agreed they will encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, 62% will minimise non-essential travel and the same figure will make more use of local greenspace.
The survey also found almost two-thirds (64%) of people will try to walk, wheel or cycle more in favour of using a car, more than half would like to do more to look after local nature and wildlife, while more than one-third (36%) would be willing to volunteer time to help nature.
Kevin Lafferty, chief executive of Paths for All – which champions everyday walking to create happier and healthier lives – welcomed the survey and believes the impact of the pandemic has reset people’s views on how they can interact with nature and enjoy more active lifestyles.
He said: “The negative impact of the wholly necessary Covid-related restrictions on our movements and ability to get out and about cannot be underestimated and it caused great stress and anxiety for all age groups and social classes living throughout Scotland.
“But this survey is hugely encouraging and offers some very positive messages on how people are more willing to incorporate walking and getting closer to nature in their post-lockdown lives.
“NatureScot has delivered an impressively comprehensive insight into what is motivating people to embrace nature more, be that on their urban doorsteps or by taking advantage of our vast array of rural landscapes.”
Seventy three percent of those questioned said spending time outdoors after Wave 3 helped them to destress, relax and unwind, while 66% stated that it made them feel energised and revitalised – an increase on both 2020 waves.
Almost three in five (58%) agreed that since the pandemic began nature had become more important to their health and wellbeing, up from 49% in the first survey – but their enjoyment was curtailed by a number of issues.
Litter was a bugbear on visits to the outdoors for almost half of respondents (48%), while nearly one-third cited a lack of public toilet facilities as a factor, followed by pavement cyclists (26%) and cars parking on pavements (25%).
Frequency of participation in outdoor visits remained high during all three waves – between 71-80% – and the survey revealed a marked decrease in the number of adults who took no outdoor visits – down from 19% in May 2020 to only 10% in the final period last September.
More than half of those surveyed said their outdoor activity after Wave 3 consisted of walking under two miles, 43% walked between two and eight miles, a healthy 15% said they walked more than eight miles, with a further 11% taking part in hillwalking.
Kevin Lafferty added: “Everyday walking is key to improving the health and wellbeing of the Scottish people so it is heartening to see such high numbers of people shaking off the restrictions of lockdown and getting out into the fresh air to walk and enjoy the abundance of nature all around us.
“The research indicates a marked drop in the number of people who latterly were not managing to get outdoors at all – probably due to vaccination uptake and rising confidence that Covid-19 is more controlled – and we hope those people have continued to enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors.”
More than one-third (37%) of respondents reported taking more visits to the outdoors after Wave 3 than pre-pandemic. The key reasons given for the increase were a “pent up demand” following the easing of lockdown restrictions, increased levels of appreciation of the outdoors acquired during the pandemic, seeking to get fit or exercise, and having increased amounts of free time.
However, those who spent less time outdoors during this period, put it down to continued adherence to rules, general health or old age issues and/or continued nervousness about going outside due to the risks of infection or transmission.
Kevin added: “A third of us in Scotland are not active enough and walking is by far the best way for many of us to be more active.
“A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week can prevent illness, improve physical and mental health and improve our connections with our community and the environment.
“This report is important in understanding how Covid-19 impacted the daily habit of taking a walk that many of us take for granted, and hopefully one of the benefits to come out of this global health crisis is that more of us now have a stronger connection to the outdoors.”
Diageo’s hospitality skills programme, Learning for Life, is hosting a tailored ‘Pride with Purpose’ one-day workshop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street during Pride month, designed to support and upskill LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and LGBTQIA+ community hospitality workers.
The tailored course will be delivered by Learning for Life partners Springboard and will directly address the challenges that those working in LGBTQIA+ venues or LGBTQIA+ employees might encounter with sessions on positive drinking (DRINKiQ session), inclusive language, inclusive service and an introduction to cocktails masterclass.
The concept was proposed by members of the Diageo global Rainbow Network, which exists to ensure that the talents and contributions of all Diageo LGBTQIA+ employees are respected, valued, and embraced.
The network maintains both an internal and external focus, supporting one another in the workplace to foster an environment where all employees can bring their whole self to work, while also considering the connection, outreach and social impact that they can have within the broader community in which Diageo operates.
Jorgie Hunt, Keg Plant Manager, and Jack Malcolmson, Business Improvement Project Lead for Brewing, Co-Chair the Supply Chain & Procurement Rainbow Network in the UK and played an important role in developing the partnership with Diageo Learning for Life to create the Pride with Purpose workshop concept.
Jack Malcolmson said: “Diageo’s purpose is to Celebrate Life, Every Day, Everywhere, and Championing Inclusion and Diversity is at the heart of this. The Rainbow Network is one of many Employee Resource Groups in Diageo, and functions to celebrate, and advocate for, members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the business and beyond.
“We’re celebrating Pride 2022 with an incredible calendar of events. The “Pride with Purpose” workshop, developed in collaboration with Learning for Life and Springboard, is an incredible opportunity for us to engage with LGBTQIA+ hospitality venues and workers, providing them with new skills and qualifications, and showcasing the work Diageo are doing in the I&D and DrinkIQ spaces. LGBTQIA+ venues have faced particular hardship through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m incredibly proud that we’re able to support them in this way.”
Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, which began in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2008 and has since expanded across the globe, provides vital training and experience and a route into the hospitality sector.
With a focus on adult education, Learning for Life in the UK has traditionally focused on offering opportunities to young unemployed people, with skills programmes covering key areas within the hospitality industry implemented in partnership with local educational, governmental, and training organisations.
Gillian Dalziel, Learning for Life Programme Manager for Diageo in the UK, said: “It’s really important for us to bring this workshop to the LGBTQIA+ hospitality community over Pride as it demonstrates our support and allyship and really helps us live our purpose by championing inclusion and equality throughout the hospitality industry.
“We wanted to make sure that we delivered a programme that would be truly valuable to those who wanted to attend and would benefit from the resources we have available to us at Learning for Life to help create more positive relationships and experiences for employees in their day-to-today work. I encourage anybody that is interested to get involved.”
The Learning for Life Pride with Purpose workshop is open the anyone aged 18 or over and is free to attend. It will take place on 27th June.
The Circular Economy Minister has set out the action that will be taken to deliver on the recommendations of an independent review of the role of incineration.
In a Ministerial Statement to parliament, she confirmed that the Scottish Government has accepted all twelve recommendations, including Dr Church’s recommendation that no further planning permission for incineration facilities should be granted.
New national planning policy will be introduced through National Planning Framework 4, which will be presented to the Scottish Parliament for approval later this year. This policy will make clear that the Scottish Government does not support the development of further municipal waste incineration capacity in Scotland, with very limited exceptions.
In the meantime, a notification direction will remain in place, requiring local authorities to alert Scottish Ministers of new planning applications that involve incineration facilities. A similar notification direction was used previously, and successfully, to give the effect of a moratorium on Unconventional Oil and Gas.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Reducing waste and recycling what we do produce is key to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity and ensuring we all enjoy a healthy environment. That’s why we are taking action to create a circular economy, in which materials are kept in use for as long as possible and precious natural resources are not wasted.
“We also need to make sure we manage unavoidable and unrecyclable waste in the short term. By putting in place sensible measures to limit and gradually reduce Scotland’s incineration capacity, we can make sure we can manage our waste today, while ensuring our future waste infrastructure aligns with our climate targets.
“I look forward to working with local authorities and industry to take forward these recommendations.”
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to ban new incinerators as an important step forwards and urged Ministers to next tackle the impact of existing incinerators.
Kim Pratt, Friends of the Earth Scotland Circular Economy Campaigner said: “The Scottish Government’s ban on new incinerators is very welcome news and must mark the beginning of the end for these polluting projects that keep us locked into sending valuable resources up in smoke.
“It is vital the Scottish Government acts now to tackle the impact of our existing incinerators, given their huge climate pollution. Reducing the amount of plastic waste burnt is the only viable option for cutting emissions from existing plants. Carbon Capture and Storage is completely unsuitable for incineration as it is technically challenging, extremely expensive and locks us into a polluting system.
“Scotland will have more capacity than there is waste to burn by 2027 because of those plants already in the pipeline. Incinerator investors and operators now have a choice to buy into a circular economy for Scotland or to burn away that future.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland also warned that the approval last week by West Dunbartonshire Council of an application for a waste plastic-to-hydrogen plant, which could be ; “n incinerator in all but name, risks the development escaping the new ban through a loophole.
Kim Pratt concluded: “We are deeply concerned about the approval of a new waste plastic-to-hydrogen plant, which is an incinerator in all but name, by West Dunbartonshire Council.
“The decision, which has come despite the introduction of the ban on new incinerators, undermines the current approach. The Scottish Government must urgently review the boundaries of the ban to ensure it is being applied fully and effectively.”
To find out more read the Friends of the Earth Scotland response to the Incineration Review:
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is educating young people about the detrimental impacts of air pollution and what can be done to tackle it as part of Clean Air Day.
Schools, businesses, local authorities and other organisations across Scotland, and beyond, are taking part in Clean Air Day – a national air quality campaign. Now in its sixth year, Clean Air Day’s theme is ‘Air pollution impacts our health from our first breath to our last’.
Air quality sensors are being installed at a number of schools across Scotland this week (June 13 – 17) as part of SEPA’s work. These have been installed at the request of the schools and will allow pupils to access real time air quality data, identifying issues such as vehicle idling around pick-up and drop-off times or even regional pollution events depending on the weather.
The pupils will then use this information to help put into practice positive actions they are learning through SEPA and Glasgow Science Centre’s ‘Our Amazing Air’ education programme to reduce air pollution.
Over the last six weeks as part of ‘Our Amazing Air’, youngers have been taking part in bespoke lessons and experiments about air pollution, how it affects our health and the environment and what positive steps can be taken to tackle the issue. This project has been delivered in conjunction with Glasgow Science Centre, as part of its long running partnership with SEPA.
SEPA has contributed to teaching materials for ‘Our Amazing Air’, with air quality experts visiting some of the participating schools and speaking directly to pupils about these issues.
The pupils have been keen to ask the experts about the serious issues and impacts around air quality and to discuss the practical measures that can be put in place to reduce overall pollution levels. The children have also been busy producing artwork and colourful banners to be displayed outside their schools.
Dr Colin Gillespie, SEPA’s Air Modelling Unit Manager, said: “Good air quality is essential for a good quality of life, helping maintain human health and wellbeing and our climate and habitats. It is also vital in our work towards becoming a net zero nation.
“There are many ways to improve air quality but, like climate change, it is vital to involve younger generations and inform them about the issues facing our environment today.
“Everyone has a part to play in helping to improve air quality and tackle pollution – and education is a vital part of this. SEPA works with local authorities and schools across the country to promote, educate and inform about air pollution. This year’s ‘Our Amazing Air’ programme was a great way to teach children about air pollution, how it impacts our health and the environment and what positive steps we can take.
“Clean Air Day gives everyone an important opportunity to consider how we can change or adapt our behaviour to improve the quality of our air and spread the positive message about the benefits of clean air.”
John Bynorth, Policy and Communications Officer at Environmental Protection Scotland, which coordinates Clean Air Day on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: “We are delighted with SEPA’s work to promote efforts for children to learn about air quality across schools in Scotland on Clean Air Day.
“These citizen science projects help young people better understand air pollution impacts and pollution sources. This contributes to their households making informed choices about the simple steps they can take to reduce their contribution and exposure to pollution and encourage cycling and walking.
“There is an ever-increasing body of evidence that suggests air pollution affects every part of the human body, from the lungs and heart to the brain, and even during pregnancy. On Clean Air Day, we can all do something to cut air pollution to benefit our health and the planet. On June 16, let us all work together to make Scotland’s air quality the best in Europe.”
Air pollution monitoring
SEPA initially started educational work around air pollution monitoring with a national teaching package (www.learnaboutair.com), that was developed with North Lanarkshire Council. Through the years, SEPA has extended its work into the classrooms up and down the country, working with more than half of Scotland’s local authorities on air pollution monitoring and educational projects.
Where possible, SEPA has been undertaking air quality monitoring around schools (on request or in partnership with local authorities) and this information is provided to allow pupils to learn about air pollution and how they can take steps to reduce air pollution around their schools.
School pupils in Edinburgh have helped mark Clean Air Day 2022 by pledging their own clean air goals.
This year, Clean Air Day highlights the negative impact poor air quality can have on our health, encouraging people to leave the car at home and take alternative, more sustainable modes of transport like walking, cycling or public transport where possible.
Sciennes was the first primary school in Edinburgh to set up a ‘bike bus’ – where children, parents and marshals group together to cycle, walk or wheel along an agreed route to school.
It was also amongst the first nine schools to introduce ‘School Streets’, which restricts cars outside the gates at the start and end of the day to create safe and welcoming environments for travel by foot, bike or wheel.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, joined pupils yesterday to find out about their efforts to travel sustainably, as well as sharing some of the work to improve air quality and support environmentally friendly travel across Edinburgh.
This includes a Low Emission Zone, which was formally introduced on 31 May and will limit the most polluting motor vehicles in the city centre.
He said:“We all have a right to breathe clean air and today we’re reminded just how important that is to our health and wellbeing. I’m proud to see our youngest residents engaged in the conversation about better air quality – they will be the catalysts for change.
“We owe it to future generations to do everything we can to create a cleaner, greener city for everyone. Thankfully there’s already lots going on – just last month the Council introduced a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh, which will tackle air pollution in the densely populated city centre, with knock-on improvements to air quality expected across the wider city area. This will save lives.
“This is just one of a number of tools at our disposal to reduce air pollution. From investment in public transport, including bringing the tram to Newhaven, to transforming the city centre and areas around Edinburgh through our 20-minute neighbourhood programme, which encourages people to travel locally in ways that are cleaner, greener and improve our wellbeing, and progressing major walking, wheeling and cycling projects like George Street and City Centre West to East Link, I want to support people to make healthy, sustainable transport choices.”
John Bynorth, Policy and Communications Officer at Environmental Protection Scotland said: “The main thing we’re focusing on with this year’s national air quality campaign is that air pollution affects every part of your body.
“A lot of people know about the impacts relating to conditions like asthma, bronchitis and heart and lung disease but there’s emerging evidence that it affects your brain and cognitive ability and there’s research into how it affects unborn babies in pregnancy.
“It’s really fantastic what Edinburgh’s doing with Clean Air Day, particularly so soon after the launch of the Low Emission Zone, which is going to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in the Capital.”
Lucy Gallagher, Acting Head Teacher of Sciennes Primary School, said: “We are very pleased to continue our support for Clean Air Day to raise awareness of children’s right to good health and to promote active travel. Our young people know that air pollution can harm the human body.
“They also know that young people are even more at risk and so they want to speak out to make a difference! We would like all our children to have clean air every day on their safe and active route to school.
Activities have been taking place in schools around the Capital in the lead-up to Clean Air Day. Pupils from Stenhouse, Craiglockhart and St Mary’s RC Leith primary schools have each designed clean air banners for their school gates as part of a dedicated poster competition launched jointly by SEPA and the Council.
Blackhall and St Mary’s East London Street primary schools have created banners through Our Amazing Air, a learning programme run by Glasgow Science Centre and SEPA.
On Thursday, children from Preston Street Primary School shared their ‘Clean Air Heroes’ with each other before cheering on classmates leaving school by foot, wheel or bike and at Canal View Primary School an air quality sensor was installed this week so pupils can learn about air pollution.
A new, dedicated webpage, Future Edinburgh, was also established this week to highlight projects underway or in planning that aim to address climate change, population growth and poverty, as well as tackling issues like air pollution and congestion.
Amongst initiatives are the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods to create a network of healthier, greener and thriving local areas where everyone can meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home, City Centre Transformation and Trams to Newhaven.
Scotland has become the first of the home nations to pardon former miners convicted of certain offences related to strike action in the 1980s.
The historic legislation passed by MSPs ensures a collective and automatic pardon for miners involved in strike action which extends to members of a miner’s household and other close family members who may also have been convicted.
The legislation was recommended by an independent review, led by John Scott QC, into the impact of policing on Scottish communities during the industrial dispute.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown described the legislation as ‘ground-breaking’ and said the UK Government should now give consideration to a UK-wide public inquiry into the strike and compensating former miners.
He said: “The miners’ strike was one of the most bitter and divisive industrial disputes in living memory. This landmark moment will go some way to aid reconciliation – and to help heal wounds within Scotland’s mining communities.
“This ground-breaking legislation will restore dignity to those convicted, provide comfort to their families and, I hope, bring some closure to the sense of injustice members of mining communities may continue to feel.
“I very much sympathise with miners who lost out on redundancy payments and pension rights as a result of being sacked by the National Coal Board after being arrested or convicted for actions while participating in the strike.
“By securing this pardon, we have done what we can within our powers to restore dignity to individuals who meet the qualifying criteria and their families.
“It is now right that the UK Government recognises the passing of this historic legislation and gives further consideration to a UK-wide public inquiry and the payment of compensation to former miners. I have written to the Home Secretary this week urging her to reconsider her position given the strong support for this landmark Bill.”
Professor Jim Murdoch of the School of Law at Glasgow University who worked with Mr Scott QC on the independent review said: “As members of the independent review, our task was primarily to listen: to show that those affected by the miners’ strike had a voice more than a third of a century later.
“At each of the meetings we held, it was clear that the pain felt by former miners and their families was still raw.
“The response to the miners’ strike at the time left a deep scar on too many communities. Their stories showed without doubt that the criminal justice system all too often reacted in an arbitrary and disproportionate manner.
“Our task was to seek to promote a sense of reconciliation, and we are pleased that our report and its recommendation have received clear support today in the Scottish Parliament.”
Nicky Wilson, President of the National Union of Mineworkers (Scotland), said: “The NUM welcomes the passing of the Miners’ Pardon Bill. It removes the stigma of a criminal record given to miners who were striking to save their industry, jobs and communities which led to their convictions and sacking in some cases.”
Loneliness affects more than 25 million people in England, disproportionally affecting older people
Psychologist Dr Cecilia Radecka shares what it means to be socially isolated, how it affects our brains and the steps you can take to overcome its effects
For Loneliness Awareness Week (13th-17th June), a psychologist has shared her top advice on how to overcome the effects of social isolation.
Below, Dr Cecilia Radecka, psychologist at Livi, explains the difference between loneliness and social isolation and looks at how social isolation affects our brains.
How to overcome the effects of social isolation
Make social connections a priority
“Although it may seem impossible, making small steps to connect with others is important. There are many forms of friendships – but the key here is quality, not quantity,” explains Dr Radecka. “Arrange to chat to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or set up a weekly phone call.”
Engage in the community
Being part of a community gives us a strong sense of belonging. Join a class based on your interests. “Doing activities that we enjoy is good for our mental wellbeing and a way to meet new people,” says Dr Radecka. Try taking part in a book club, dog-walking group or choir or volunteering at a community garden. One study found that group singing significantly boosts psychological wellbeing.
Get moving
“If you’re struggling with social anxiety, keeping physically active can improve your mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety,” says Dr Radecka. “It boosts the feel-good chemicals in the brain and decreases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.”
Ask for help
Dr Radecka said: “If you feel that social isolation and loneliness are affecting your health, don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends or a health professional. A Livi doctor or therapist can evaluate your symptoms and talk you through treatment options available.”
The difference between social isolation and loneliness
“The main difference between social isolation and loneliness is in how people experience them,” says Dr Cecilia Radecka, a Livi psychologist.
“Social isolation is a state where you have few people to interact with regularly. Loneliness is a feeling, where you can be surrounded by people yet still feel lonely.
“Studies show that it isn’t the quantity but the quality of social interactions that matters. For example, while social media can help us stay connected, it can lead to lower quality interactions. One study found that spending too much time on social media can increase feelings of loneliness.”
It’s not just the elderly who feel lonely
Social isolation disproportionally affects older people, and in some countries, up to 1 in 3 older people are lonely.
“Older adults are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation due to living alone, the loss of friends or family and poor health,” says Dr Radecka.
However, social isolation can affect us all at some point. For some, being socially isolated comes and goes – perhaps as a consequence of life events, like a death of a loved one, a relationship break-up or moving somewhere new. For others, it’s more long term.
How social isolation affects our mental health
Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression – and mental health issues can also increase your chances of feeling lonely. There’s even evidence that social isolation can shorten life span. A study found that people who are socially isolated are more likely to die prematurely, regardless of underlying health issues.
However, while social isolation and loneliness can impair our cognitive function, there’s also evidence that re-socialising and making new connections can reverse the negative effects of isolation. In a recent study conducted during the pandemic, residents who suffered cognitive decline during lockdown quickly recovered when restrictions eased.
To improve access to mental health treatment, Livi, the UK’s largest digital healthcare company, has this week launched an Online Therapy service, offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with qualified and accredited mental health practitioners. Appointments can be booked online, and people can see a therapist by video in their own home, at a time that suits them.
George Jones, Director of Mental Health at Livi, said: “England saw a record 4.3 million referrals to mental health services last year, and every month our GPs help thousands of patients with mental health concerns.
“Livi’s new Online Therapy service will improve access to mental health treatment for patients and ease the pressure on NHS services.
“Everyone should have access to the help they need, when they need it, and outstanding digital healthcare can play a vital part in meeting increased demand by improving access and reducing waiting times.”
Livi partners with the NHS to provide video appointments with GPs and other health professionals, covering eight million patients under NHS contract.
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has announced Edinburgh’s Helping Your Community Grow project winner, seeing St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C High School receive gardening resources to brighten up their green space in a sustainable way.
This spring, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is supporting this worthy project with advice, products and support to help their green space flourish.
St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C. High School is going to create an urban garden area for pupils, where they can learn about sustainable gardening practices and how to care for and protect the planet. Dobbies’ support will help the high school improve the overall wellbeing of their pupils through this green space, encourage them to get outdoors, and hopefully pique an interest in gardening.
Maria Moreno, Support for Learning Teacher at St Thomas of Aquin’s RCHS is delighted with the win: “We’re thrilled to have won Dobbies’ Helping Your Community Grow initiative and are looking forward to bringing our project to life.
“We’re really grateful for everyone’s support in getting us to this point and excited for what’s to come.”
Dobbies’ CEO, Graeme Jenkins, said: “Helping Your Community Grow is a really popular initiative in Edinburgh and we’re thrilled to be announcing our winning project, St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C High School, who are looking to make a difference to the local area.
“It’s been great to see an enhanced importance on sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices this year, and we’re excited to see where our support takes them.”
There will be further opportunities available for community groups looking to brighten up their local areas. Community groups are invited to contact their local store for details of the community initiatives available on a case-by-case basis.
National maintenance and compliance contractor Novus Property Solutions has completed its work on the Edinburgh Tool Library – the latest recipient of its Built Back Better initiative – in partnership with Places for People.
Novus’ Build Back Better challenge supports charities, community projects and vulnerable people under the three key themes of reducing poverty, good health and wellbeing, and environmental action.
As part of the initiative, Novus is encouraging its colleagues, clients, supply chain and the wider community to nominate deserving causes across the UK to receive funding – with Edinburgh Tool Library chosen to be a challenge winner by the contractor’s review panel.
The fourth flagship project to benefit from the initiative since its launch in February 2021, the Edinburgh Tool Library operates in the same way as a normal library but distributes tools rather than books.
It allows the public to borrow a variety of tools including drills and sanders, as well as hosting a range of classes and workshops where members of the community can learn and take part in non-tool related sessions including for mental health.
Novus’ team recently completed the repainting and decorating of the library’s new, expanded premises – donating labour and materials, with the refurbishment completed in March and a launch event in April. The contractor will also continue to work with Edinburgh Tool Library in the future by hosting workshops for users.
Commenting on the project, Charlie Cooley, Head of Operations at Novus Property Solutions, said: “We are delighted to be able to carry out a refurbishment of Edinburgh Tool Library’s much-needed expanded premises, creating a fantastic space for users to not only easily access the tools they need but also to improve their wellbeing.
“The library encourages the reuse of tools for the benefit of the environment, as well as empowering members of the public to carry out their own DIY projects and providing mental health support to those who need it – closely aligning with the key themes of Build Back Better.
“As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on giving back to the communities in which we work and we’re looking forward to continuing to support the Edinburgh Tool Library in the future.”
Chris Hellawell, Director at Edinburgh Tool Library, added: “The Edinburgh Tool Library is extremely grateful to the team from Novus, who worked tirelessly to a very tight deadline to ensure the new library was looking fantastic in time for our launch.
“Our goal to make sharing a mainstream activity is only enhanced by spaces where people want to spend time and feel welcome, and our new Meadowbank Tool Library really looks the part.”
Novus is now accepting nominations for charities and community organisations that would benefit from the company’s support for the fifth Build Back Better challenge via its website.
Extreme temperatures and unprotected exposure to the sun can be dangerous to pets, the UK’s leading cat charity has warned as the country experiences scorching hot weather.
Cats Protection is keen to remind cat owners of the health risks of sun exposure, such as dehydration, exhaustion and sunburn. In the worst cases, sun-related cancer can be a problem for cats, especially on their ears and noses.
Keep pet cats indoors when the sun is at its hottest, typically between 10am and 3pm.
Speak to a vet about suitable sunscreen for pet cats.
Provide opportunities for shade outdoors, such as cat hides, large cardboard boxes, or plant plots placed close together.
There is a risk of your cat becoming dehydrated in the heat, so always provide an outdoor water source.
To stop cats feeling overheated, place a plastic bottle with frozen water inside a towel and place it in an area that the cat frequently visits.
Sarah Elliott, Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection, said: “White and pale-coloured cats don’t have a pigment called melanin in their skin, which is what protects humans from sunlight. This can leave them vulnerable to sun damage – usually around the ears.
“Over time, the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of developing skin damage and cancer. Cats with unpigmented noses or ears are also much more susceptible to sun damage and require additional sun protection.”
Dehydration is a particular risk during warm weather. Cats need to remain well hydrated to maintain a normal body temperature, remove waste products and maintain proper circulation, and it is important to ensure that fresh water is always available.
To check if your cat is at risk of dehydration, try some of these tips:
Look at their gums. If they are tacky, this may be a first sign of dehydration.
Check their eyes. Severely sunken, dry eyes could indicate significant dehydration.
Feel their paws. If the paws feel cool or cold, this could be a sign of dehydration
Test skin elasticity. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin should snap back into place immediately. If it doesn’t, it could well be dehydrated.
