A community focused, environmental and wellbeing initiative led by Scotmid, is giving Edinburgh locals the chance to nurture and grow their own fresh fruit for free.
Scotmid is encouraging groups in Edinburgh to apply for £200 to purchase fruit trees or bushes to plant in a publicly accessible area, as part of its already highly successful, Scotland-wide Community Orchard campaign.
The campaign, created to encourage people to work together, increase physical activity and benefit the local environment, has spread its roots far and wide since launching earlier this year, with more than 70 orchards having been planted in sites up and down the country.
The retailer is now urging those in Edinburgh to apply, in a bid to complete Scotmid’s ambition to have a community orchard close to every Scotmid store.
Lynne Ogg, Communities Manager at Scotmid, said: “It has been so encouraging watching communities come together to plant a whole host of fruit trees and bushes. Some of our groups have already spotted their first fruit and we can’t wait to hear how good they taste!
“Not only is this a fun way to get together with your local community but it’s also a really easy way to get outside and enjoy your local environment – we would love for more communities to benefit from this initiative.”
Seeding success: Scotmid’s Winchburgh Community Orchard – Case Study
Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year, as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce.
Since securing the Scotmid Community Orchard grant, the Winchburgh Community Growing Group has extended its community growing space.
The West Lothian based group started in 2018, with 50 planters across the village. By 2022, it had grown and moved to a 1.5acre site in Auldcathie Park which includes trees, planters, a community cabin and a kids zone.
The community growing space used Scotmid’s Community Orchard funding to purchase and plant eight Braeburn apple trees. Community volunteers will grow fruit to eat, cook and turn into juices.
Students from SRUC Oatridge college and local volunteers have been responsible for the planting and maintenance of the orchard, which is an open community space that hosts regular free growing and community events.
The orchard trees were planted close to Winchburgh’s Scotmid store, in a zone designed for wildlife and growing. Over 80 people in the community have benefitted from the additional trees from the Community Orchard initiative, with volunteers grafting, pruning and taking care of them for the benefit of the wider community.
John West from Winchburgh Community Growing Group, said:“The funding from Scotmid has helped us to purchase and plant eight apple trees which will provide Winchburgh locals with apples for years to come.
“As much as we are all excited to see the apples grow, it’s also been really rewarding to see members of the community work together to care for the orchard – now we can’t wait to try our first apple crumble!”
Plans to boost UK employment through widening access to high-quality health support in the workplace are being unveiled today by the Westminster Government
Ministers are urging employers to do more to keep workers healthy and reduce the numbers out of work due to long-term sickness
Consultation launching on measures to increase employer uptake and widen reach of Occupational Health
Plans include a new standard for businesses to adopt to boost health in the workplace
Better workplace support expected to grow the economy and tackle inactivity by improving productivity and preventing health-related job losses
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are today publishing a consultation on ways to increase uptake of Occupational Health provision.
Employers will be encouraged to take up Occupational Health offers to help employees access vital mental and physical health support at work, particularly for those working in small and medium-sized enterprises.
These proposals include introducing a national “health at work” standard for all employers to provide a baseline for quality Occupational Health provision, which includes guidance, an option to pursue accreditation, and additional government support services – for example outreach workers to support SMEs to meet the standards.
It also seeks views on developing longer-term workforce capacity to help meet any increased demand for Occupational Health services in the future by:
Encouraging NHS leavers or those who are considering a career change to pivot towards the Occupational Health specialism
Developing a longer-term, multi-disciplinary workforce to provide Occupational Health services
The consultation will also ask employers to share their examples of good Occupational Health provision to help inform other businesses and encourage them to provide the same.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “This Government is investing billions in getting people back to work and growing the economy. We need employers to keep playing their part too.
“Healthy businesses need healthy workers – employers will benefit from higher retention rates, more productive workers, and fewer work days lost due to sickness. Improving health in the workplace is a vital piece of the puzzle in our drive to increase employment.”
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Long-term sickness is a huge contributor to economic inactivity, and while of course some people are unable to work, better accommodation of health problems in the workplace will open up a wider workforce to employers and support employees with a range of needs.
“Many small and medium-sized business owners already invest significantly in the health and wellbeing of their workforce, but this will be a gamechanger in identifying and removing obstacles to people with health conditions starting, staying and succeeding in work.”
To also help keep people in work, the government will today also publish a separate consultation looking at options to increase investment in Occupational Health services by UK wide employers through the tax system.
This follows its announcement at the Spring Budget where it committed to consult on incentivising greater provision of Occupational Health through the tax system.
The government wants to explore the case for providing additional tax relief to businesses on their Occupational Health costs.
In particular, the consultation asks respondents for their experiences of providing Occupational Health, including what services they provide and any barriers they experience. It also asks for evidence on the effectiveness of existing tax incentives and asks respondents for their views on the merits of expanding the existing Benefit-in-Kind relief, and thoughts on any alternative tax incentives.
Tax reliefs on Benefits-in-Kind are already available for certain occupational health services. This consultation will test if expanding these reliefs or introducing new ones could be an effective lever to achieve greater Occupational Health provision, as well as thoughts on any alternative tax incentives. The consultation will determine if expanding tax incentives is an appropriate measure to boost Occupational Health provision.
This is all a key component of the measures in the 2023 Spring Budget to grow labour market participation, reduce economic inactivity and get more people into work. The Department is helping millions to return to work with inactivity falling by 360,000 since the peak of the pandemic.
Long-term sickness is currently the main reason people of working-age give for being economically inactive, but just under half of workers have access to Occupational Health services. Over 90% of large employers offer Occupational Health support, compared to under a fifth of small ones.
Occupational Health provision can help employers provide work-based support to manage their employees’ health conditions, leading to better retention and return-to-work prospects, and improving business productivity, which can be adversely impacted by sickness absence.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay said: “High quality Occupational Health support in more workplaces would not only help to reduce economic inactivity, but it can lead to a healthier, happier workforce.
“The individual health benefits are clear and by focusing on preventative measures, we can reduce the burden on the NHS and help to bring waiting lists down, which is one of the government’s top priorities.”
Angela Rowntree, Occupational Health Physician for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “At John Lewis Partnership we are moving away from reactively managing sickness to proactively supporting our Partners’ health and wellbeing at work.
“Our founder, Spedan Lewis understood this when he launched an in-house health service for all Partners in 1929 – nearly 20 years before the NHS was established – and we’re proud to be part of his legacy today, providing advice and support to help our Partners achieve their potential in the workplace.
“We welcome this new focus on ensuring other businesses and their employees are able to access better workplace health.”
The Occupational Health consultation will run until 23:59 on Thursday 12 October .
Around 14,000 children living in deprived areas will have access to more outdoor play opportunities in their local communities, thanks to over half a million in funding from the Scottish Government.
More than 30 charities providing local outdoor play initiatives for children will receive a share of £550,000 to expand their projects.
Edinburgh charities receiving a share of the fund in 2023-24 are:
Bridgend Farmhouse – £15,540.00
Canongate Youth – £9,452.10
North Edinburgh Arts – £14,504.70
Smart Play Network – £14,374.50
YMCA Edinburgh SCIO – £13,778.10
Scotland Yard Adventure Centre – £5,783.21 (below)
The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project – £15,424.50
The Outdoor Community Play Fund will support children and families through the year, including during the school holidays.
Children’s Minister Natalie Don announced the funding during a visit to Renfrew YMCA – one of the 32 charities to receive funding.
Ms Don said: “Outdoor play has an incredibly positive impact on our children’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence. It can teach them how to solve problems, assess risks, boost their physical activity and provide opportunities to meet and interact with others.
“However, options for children to play safely outdoors can be limited, especially for children in deprived areas. At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, it is even more essential that we provide this vital support to ensure there are outdoor play options available, free of charge, for families across Scotland.
“I am looking forward to seeing how this fund will help grow outdoor community play projects and I am proud that this Scottish Government investment will benefit thousands of children living in our most deprived communities.”
Inspiring Scotland Director of Funds Julia Abel said: “All children have the right to play – not only is it vital for their mental health and wellbeing, but is also supports children to learn social and emotional skills while boosting their physical activity.
“We want to make outdoor play accessible for all children in Scotland. Last year, the programme expanded to include more sessions for children and families with additional support needs.
“The beauty of outdoor community play is that it’s child-led, enabling children to use their creativity and imagination to develop their own ways to have fun, overcome barriers, while teaching life-enhancing skills that will make positive effects all the way into adulthood.”
Royal Bank of Scotland is inviting ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners to apply for a place on its Entrepreneur Accelerator Hub.
The bank is currently accepting applications to its fully funded support programme for Scottish businesses looking to scale and succeed.
Successful applicants will benefit from full use of the Hub’s modern coworking spaces in the city centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as access to a calendar of networking events and one-to-one coaching.
Since its launch, the programme has empowered over 1,000 businesses in Scotland and also includes a Digital Accelerator which offers a virtual programme of support to entrepreneurs based across the country.
Karen Robinson, founder of oat milk brand, Three Robins, has been a member of the Accelerator Hub since 2021. The busy mum of three started the business after noticing a gap in the market for a high-quality, healthy alternative to traditional dairy products when her son developed a lactose intolerance.
The product range was officially launched to the market in May 2022 and has proven an immediate hit with children and adults alike, particularly appealing to families looking for a milk-alternative that doesn’t compromise on nutritional value.
Talking of her experience on the Hub, Karen said: “Prior to starting Three Robins, my background was in international development, and I spent over 20 years working in women’s rights. This involved a lot of travelling to war impacted areas and after a while, it just wasn’t working with family life.
“The idea for Three Robins came about when my son, Christopher, developed a lactose intolerance. We’d be buying several different milk products to suit everyone’s needs and tastes and I remember thinking, it shouldn’t be this complicated to find a product that suits everyone – so I decided to make one.
“Since launching the business, we’ve grown from strength to strength and the support we’ve received from the Edinburgh Accelerator Hub has been invaluable. Having access to a group of like-minded business owners gives you a sounding board to bounce ideas off, and the one-to-one mentoring has given me insight I wouldn’t have otherwise had having not come from a business background.
“We were recently awarded funding from Scottish Edge to fuel our next chapter of the business and were also able to exhibit our products alongside the Bank at this year’s Royal Highland Show. This allowed us to introduce our range to an entirely new audience and I’m excited to keep working alongside Royal Bank of Scotland as we continue to grow.”
Mandy Bailey, Regional Eco-System Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland added: “We are champions of Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent and want to give all business owners the tools they need to scale and succeed.
“Entrepreneur Accelerator is currently accepting applications for its next cohort, and we’re excited to welcome the best and brightest businesses into our Edinburgh and Glasgow Hubs as well as our virtual community.”
The Royal Bank Accelerator programme supports and empowers entrepreneurs across Scotland to scale their businesses to the next level, offering one-to-one coaching, a calendar of thought leadership and events, access to a network of like-minded peers, and full-time use of a modern coworking space.
Based out of the bank’s state-of-the-art city centre offices in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square and Glasgow’s Queen Street, the programme is currently accepting applicants for its next intake.
Ambitious business owners are invited to apply here before applications close on 18th August.
Dogs Trust West Calder Shines a Light on the Unbreakable Bond of Pairs
Amid the continued cost of living crisis Dogs Trust West Calder is seeing a worrying trend of an increase in the number of pairs of dogs being relinquished due to the financial strain of caring for two pets.
The team at West Calder have seen a significant increase in pairs being handed over in the past two years. In 2021, the charity cared for 17 pairs, with this number rocketing to 30 in 2022.
So far this year 16 pairs have been cared for at the West Lothian rehoming centre with 13 pairs successfully rehomed to date and three doggie duos currently awaiting their second chance in life.
Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “It is a real concern to see such an increase in the number of pairs of dogs needing to come into the centre for rehoming and a sad reflection of what we are currently facing due to the cost of living crisis.
“At Dogs Trust we do our very best to keep these doggy best friends together and are appealing to anyone who has space in their home and heart to take on these doggy families. Every pair is different with our current pairs including siblings and best friends – all share a deep love for each other which is a wonderful to witness.”
Each pair comes with a unique story, but all of them share one thing in common—a desperate need for a loving home where they can continue their lives as inseparable companions.
Current loved up-duos looking for a new home together are:
Bruno and Benji are a bonded pair of brothers who have lived together their entire lives. The eight-year-old Labrador crosses are happy and playful and adore people. They both love cuddles, belly rubs and showing off tricks for tasty treats.
Bruno and Benji do everything together – playing, eating, walking and sleeping.
Roo and Rafa are 12-year-old best pals who have shared a lifetime of loyalty and companionship together. Roo is a Golden Retriever and Rafa a black Labrador.
The super sweet boys enjoy affection and their soft toys. Roo and Rafa love company and would thrive in a home with patient owners who can provide a calm and reassuring environment for them.
Chi and Alba are five-year-old Labrador Retrievers who have always lived together. Brother (Chi) and sister (Alba) are a very loving duo who make friends wherever they go.
Both are playful, Chi loves to fetch a ball or teddy and proudly show off what he has, Albi is a water baby and loves splashing about in the paddling pool. At the end of the day, they enjoy nothing more than snuggling up together.
The team at Dogs Trust West Calder provides extensive support and guidance to potential adopters, ensuring a seamless transition and a lifetime of happiness for both the dogs and their new families.
For more information on any of our dynamic duos please contact Dogs Trust West Calder on 01506 873459 or visit our website – dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming
Disabled people are more at risk of having to make the difficult decision between heating and eating
Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic disabled workers faced huge barriers getting into and staying in work (writes TUC General Secretary PAUL NOWAK).
The pandemic, and the huge changes it has caused to our everyday lives, has exacerbated the barriers disabled people face.
Not only have disabled people been disproportionately affected in terms of loss of life, with six in 10 Covid-19 related deaths being disabled people, but pre-existing workplace barriers have been accentuated by the pandemic.
And now, new data published by the TUC for our disabled workers conference shows disabled workers are much more likely to earn less than non-disabled workers.
That’s not right.
Having an impairment should never mean you get paid less or that you’re on worse terms and conditions. However, for too many disabled workers in this country, it is an all too true reality.
With spiralling inflation and eye watering bills, workers are having their income stretched in every direction. But for disabled people, the situation is even more challenging.
Let’s not forget – disabled workers face even higher living costs than non-disabled workers. So as the cost-of-living crisis continues to play havoc with everyone’s lives, we know that these workers are feeling the pinch even more.
But the challenges don’t end there.
Disabled workers also encounter more barriers in the workplace than non-disabled colleagues – with many worried that if they ask their employer for the reasonable adjustments they need to do their job, they’ll be refused outright.
New TUC analysis reveals disabled workers are much more likely to be paid less than their non-disabled colleagues – with those in the North of England and Wales even more likely to be paid less.
And we know that disabled people are more at risk of having to make the difficult decision between heating and eating.
With this cost-of-living crisis not looking like it’s going to end any time soon, things are only going to get worse. We need action now.
With the government too focused on its own political survival, ministers have done nothing to put the mind of disabled workers at ease.
Our call is clear: It’s time to end the pay disparity that penalises disabled workers and it’s time disabled workers get the support they need in the workplace.
At the TUC’s disabled workers conference, we heard from delegates about how the cost-of-living crisis is hitting disabled workers across the country. And we heard how we can build workplaces that work for everyone.
That means stamping out insecure work by banning zero-hour contracts, increasing the minimum wage and outlawing fire and rehire.
That means giving disabled workers fair access to request reasonable adjustments, and fining those employers who discriminate against workers because of any impairment.
And that means forcing employers to come with an action plan to report their disability pay and employment gaps.
This is a plan which will deliver and transform the lives of so many disabled workers across the country.
The average cost of car insurance is now £776, after increasing by £119 (18%) in the past 3 months alone
● Council tax and energy tops the list of the most expensive household bills, costing Brits £984 and £964 respectively, on average(1).
● But drivers are still seeing savings, despite big price hikes, according to further research by Confused.com. Motorists who shopped around and switched in the past 3 months saved £63, on average, with only 9% reporting a cheaper renewal price year-on-year.
● Why are prices rising? Confused.com experts suggest an increase in claims and consequently the cost of claims are rapidly rising. This would account for the unprecedented high increases in car insurance costs.
● Confused.com issues advice to drivers on how to reduce car insurance costs as 2 in 5 (40%) Brits call on insurers to do more to keep prices lower.
A staggering increase in the average cost of car insurance places it as the third most expensive household bill, new data has revealed.
Motorists are now paying £776 for their car insurance, following a £119 (18%) increase in prices over the past 3 months, on average. That’s according to the latest (Q2 2023) car insurance price index, powered by WTW.
Based on more than 6 million quotes over the quarter, it’s the most comprehensive car insurance price index for comprehensive policies. According to the data, prices are now £222, or 40%, more expensive than they were 12 months ago, on average. This makes it the biggest price increase on record. And to put into context how quickly prices have increased, the average premium is 49% more expensive than 2 years ago, in comparison.
These steep increases mean that car insurance costs are close to the expensive rates people are paying for council tax and energy, according to further research. A survey of 2,000 UK drivers(1) found that the average council tax bill is £984 per year, and £964 for energy. And that’s in addition to other expensive essentials, such as food and home entertainment.
That’s as research shows the average UK driver is spending:
● £1,022 on food shopping
● £690 on home entertainment services such as broadband and TV subscriptions.
Are all drivers seeing price increases?
Although some drivers saw some savings, most drivers are feeling the effects of these price hikes. While this may look bleak to drivers, especially during a financially turbulent time, research also shows that there are savings to be made. According to the additional research, only 9% of UK drivers had a cheaper renewal price last quarter (April – June).
This proves that myths surrounding the regulations implemented by the Financial Conduct Authority in January 2021 aren’t true. Following the changes, many drivers believed they wouldn‘t get a more expensive renewal price.
But as the research proves, this isn’t the case. In fact, almost 2 in 3 (59%) saw their price increase, by £52, on average. This is despite almost a third (31%) having no driving convictions, and a further third (32%) having at least 1 year’s no-claims bonus on their policy.
However, many people trusted that they could find a better price, with almost half (46%) going on to switch providers. Of these, almost 2 in 3 (64%) used a price comparison site and saved £63 on their original price, on average.
It’s a similar picture for those who saw a cheaper price, which averaged at just £34 less than the previous year. Two in 5 (40%) went on to buy with another provider, with 1 in 2 (50%) using a price comparison site and also saved £63, on average.
It seems buying a new car insurance policy right now may sound unaffordable. But figures prove that drivers can still save money compared to the renewal price their current insurer is offering.
Why are prices increasing?
It’s clear from the data that prices are increasing for all drivers, whether they choose to renew or buy a new policy. But why are prices rising so significantly?
One of the biggest expenses for insurers is claims. During the pandemic, fewer cars were on the road. As a result, the industry saw a reasonable drop in prices to reflect the reduction in claims being made. But now, research suggests normal driving habits have resumed. This could mean insurers are having to pay out for more claims than they were 2 years ago.
But the important fact here is that the cost of these claims has increased significantly for insurers. Like with many other businesses, this is arguably down to the shift in inflation rates reported over the past 18 months.
And this, as a result, has driven up the cost of repairs and maintenance, which in the event of a claim, is covered by the insurer. This is especially true for newer cars, and many used cars that are in high demand. In fact, the Association for British Insurers (ABI) reported a 33% uplift in the cost of vehicle repairs last quarter.
We’re also seeing that used cars are holding their value more in the current climate. This means that payouts for write-offs or total losses are costing insurers more to cover. Similarly, new cars as well as electric vehicles are much higher in value than before due to more expensive features and upgrades coming as standard. This means paying out to replace a new car is costing insurers more.
What does this mean for drivers?
While the average cost of car insurance in the UK has reached £776, there are some drivers that will be paying significantly more than this. The price paid varies quite a bit, based on a drivers’ gender, location and age.
For example, the average premium for male drivers is now £827. This has increased by £236 (40%) in the last year, and £125 (18%) in the past 3 months. In comparison, female drivers are now paying £690, following a £198 (40%) increase year-on-year, and £107 (18%) over the quarter. This brings the average gap between them to £137.
Similarly, a driver’s location has a huge bearing on their price, with some now paying over £1,000 for their car insurance. A £299 (42%) increase in prices in Outer London has put the average premium in the region at £1,003 – the first time it has reached over £1,000 since the index began. However, Inner London remains the most expensive region in the UK, with the average driver now paying out £1,257.
As expected, prices have risen across all UK regions, but some are still paying a considerable amount less than others. For example, the average insurance cost in the South West is only £509, despite a £136 (36%) increase over the year.
And in most cases, prices are at their most expensive on record for each region, with the exception of Manchester and Merseyside. The average car insurance cost in the region is now £965, making it the most expensive region outside of London. However, this is still £48 (-5%) less than the highest price paid on record (Q4 2011).
A driver’s age also determines how much they pay, with younger drivers bearing the brunt of the biggest car insurance costs. Steep increases means that drivers aged between 17 and 19 are paying out more than £2,000 for their policies, on average. In particular, 18-year-olds are paying the most, with the average premium now £2,404.
This is followed by 19-year-olds, who are paying £2,097, and 17-year-olds who are paying £2,088. At the other end of the scale, drivers around retirement age benefit from the cheapest prices. In fact, for 69-year-olds, the average premium is just £413, in comparison, with drivers aged 61 and over all paying in the £400 bracket.
Why are some drivers paying more than others?
While it may seem unjustified for some drivers to be paying out such hefty prices compared to others, this all comes down to the risk.
For example, male drivers typically have a higher risk profile than women, as they statistically drive more miles and more expensive cars. This puts them at an increased risk of a payout for insurers, as they have to account for the cost of covering a higher value car.
Claims frequency is the biggest explanation for why drivers pay more, and when it comes to location, it’s typically the more populated areas that see the biggest prices. This is because these areas have more cars on the road, higher traffic levels and therefore a higher risk of accidents and claims.
And when it comes to age, younger drivers who are typically less experienced pay more as they’re at a higher risk of making a claim. However, as they build up their driving experience and their no-claims, they should see their costs reduce over time.
How can drivers save money?
With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit Brits in the pocket, it’s clear car insurance is quickly becoming another hefty expense for drivers.
It’s no surprise, then, that 2 in 5 (40%) motorists are calling on insurers to do more to make the cost of car insurance more affordable. In fact, 1 in 4 (25%) claim they’re having to drive less due to the rising costs.
And 1 in 5 (20%) are finding the overall cost of driving too difficult to manage. With the average car insurance price now £772, the overall cost of motoring has reached almost £2,000. That’s as research shows the average UK driver is spending an additional £720 on fuel per year, and £455 on other car maintenance costs.
However, according to Confused.com’s fuel price index, the average price of petrol dropped to 143.3p in June, from 174.5p in August last year. Similarly, the price of diesel is just 145.5p compared to an eye-watering 187.1p, which drivers were paying last November. This goes to show that there are still some areas of motoring where drivers are saving money.
But just because car insurance prices are increasing, doesn’t mean that motorists have to pay more than they need to for their policies.
Experts at Confused.com have identified some key ways for drivers to take a few pounds off their insurance price, without making any significant changes to the way they drive.
● Be accurate with your mileage – Generally, the more miles you drive, the more likely you are to have an accident and make a claim. This means the higher your mileage, the more you pay for your car insurance. So, driving fewer miles can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy. But don’t assume that a low mileage always means low prices. If you barely drive at all, your insurance company could see that as a risk as well.
● Increase your voluntary excess – Increasing your voluntary excess can help you get cheaper car insurance, but you need to make sure you can afford to pay it, if you need to claim.
● Pay for your car insurance annually – If you can afford it, paying for your insurance in one go rather than monthly is one way to get cheaper car insurance. That’s because insurance companies always charge interest for spreading the cost of your cover over the year.
● Enhance your car security – The harder it is to steal your car, the less of a risk it is. This usually means cheaper car insurance. There are several ways to improve your car security including:
○ Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm or immobiliser, if it doesn’t already have one
○ Adding secondary levels of security like a steering lock.
○ Parking overnight in a secure, well-lit car park.
Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com car insurance comments:“Car insurance has quickly become one of the biggest expenses for drivers. If prices continue at this rate then there’s no doubt drivers could be priced off the road, as they battle with other rising costs too.
“But what we do know is that many drivers were able to save some money when it came to renewal. And shopping around was the key to this. Even if prices were cheaper for them, the price they saw online was still significantly cheaper.
“Although this isn’t all drivers can do to save money. We always advise drivers to take a look at the details of their policy and make sure they’re accurate before committing to a price. Updating your mileage, or considering additional security could easily bring your price down.
“In the current climate we want to help drivers do all they can to make their insurance more affordable. But we know the key to this will be shopping around and seeing what the best price out there is. It’s a competitive industry and we’re confident that switching will result in savings.
“This is why we offer a guarantee to beat your renewal, or pay you the difference, plus £20. In this scenario, you don’t pay more, and you gain more cash!”
Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, has created an interactive map to show dementia inclusive singing groups around Scotland.
Having run Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing Network for the past four years, it has seen the network grow from a handful of members to more than 70, including more than 20 singing groups. The Network now includes groups from Shetland to the Borders, and is always ready to welcome more.
Maisie Leddy, the Network co-ordinator said: “We’re really pleased to be launching our interactive Network Map, which displays the excellent singing activity offered across the country for people affected by dementia. Our Network is free and easy to join, and all members are invited to add their singing group to our Network Map, if they run one.
“When adding their details to our Map, we ask every group to complete a simple self-assessment form which helps us to ensure that every group on the map is working in a way that is inclusive for people living with dementia. We want the map to be a growing resource and a valuable tool for people living with dementia and their families and carers.”
Luminate’s work aims to ensure that older people in Scotland have the opportunity to take part in creative activities, regardless of their circumstances. The Dementia Inclusive Singing Network is a vital part of Luminate’s programme, supporting choirs and singing groups nationally, and helping people living with dementia to find creative opportunities in their communities.
In recent years, documentary programmes such as My Dementia Choir fronted by actor Vicki McClure, have demonstrated the enormous potential for connection, enjoyment and wellbeing that singing in a choir or group can bring to those living with dementia.
Dementia UKsays that listening to or participating in music – for example, by singing, dancing or playing instruments – can help people living with dementia develop and maintain relationships with others and improve their wellbeing.
It can:
· help people to express their feelings and ideas, verbally and non-verbally
· act as a prompt for reminiscing
· help people to ‘tell their story’ and share their personal history
· encourage physical exercise, dance or movement
· encourage social interaction, reduce isolation, and help to engage people in group activities
Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing Network includes community choirs and singing groups that are open to all but are designed to be dementia inclusive, as well as those that have been specifically created for people living with dementia and their carers. They all have strong local community roots.
The Dementia Inclusive Singing Network website has many free guides, along with song music and lyrics which can be downloaded for singing groups to use. Regular training and networking activities are offered for song leaders and conductors too.
