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New chair and four new trustees for LifeCare Edinburgh

LifeCare Edinburgh has appointed Beverley Francis as its new chair and welcomes four new trustees to the board as the organisation celebrates its 80^th year.

The renowned local charity offers registered care, outreach activities and help at home services for older people living across the North of the city. Established in 1941, the organisation supports over 800 elderly clients a year including those suffering with dementia, mobility issues, those experiencing isolation and loneliness, food poverty, mental health problems and support for carers.

Beverley Francis has been involved the charity since 2018 and was appointed vice-chair a year ago. Elaine Aitken will take up the position as vice-chair having been with the charity since 2017.

She brings extensive public and third sector experience to the role. Bringing 16 years in key positions within Scottish Government, including in welfare reform and most recently in health improvement, Francis also has her own consultancy supporting the third sector.

She is currently in the role as Interim Director for ProjectScotland where she has supported the merger with Volunteering Matters and has previously supported mental health charities AdvoCard and Partners in Advocacy.

Ms Francis takes over as chair from Jock Miller who held the position for six years. Miller will remain on the board as a trustee.

A further four trustees have joined the board. Susan Mallinder, Christopher Paton, Jane Hogg and Momin Rasheed all joined the charity at the start of the year. The new trustees all bring varying backgrounds, experience and skills which will help to shape and drive the organisation’s continued success.

Beverley Francis said: “On behalf of everyone on the board, past and present, we would like to sincerely thank Jock for his leadership, dedication and sheer hard-work over the past 10 years.

“Through his direction we have successfully and quickly navigated the multiple challenges of COVID-19 and continued to provide essential care to over 500 older people through the crisis who simply could not survive without it.

“I feel absolutely honoured to take up the role of chair at such a vitally important time for us all.

“Older people have been disproportionately affected by this life-shattering crisis. We do not yet know the real impact this past year will have had on the people we care for within our communities. So, we need to be ready to adapt, redesign and deliver the bespoke care they will need in a compassionate and caring way. We need to make sure our older people can safely and confidently re-enter our communities, and they will need our support to do so.

“As LifeCare enters its 80^th year as a charity, we are all thrilled to welcome four new trustees to the board who are all eager to get involved. I am excited to work more closely with the senior management team, alongside our new chief executive Damian McGowan. Once we are able, I very much look forward to getting out into the community to safely meet with the people we support, our hardworking staff and all of our dedicated volunteers.”

LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and relies on the support of its funders. Key relationships include Barclays, The TOR Foundation, Foundation Scotland, Tesco Bank and all the many local people who take part in community fundraising events.

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

Scotland’s railways in the hands of Scotland’s people

Local candidate welcomes Scottish Government taking over Scotrail

Edinburgh Western SNP candidate Sarah Masson has welcomed the announcement that the SNP Scottish Government is taking over the running of the country’s rail franchise.

ScotRail services will move into public sector control when the current franchise with Abellio expires – expected to happen in March 2022.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson announced that rail services will be run by an arm’s length company owned and controlled by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government’s decision to run our railways through what it known as the ‘Operator of Last Resort’ has been shaped by a number of factors, including faults with the current franchising system, uncertainty from a year-long delay in the UK Government’s rail review and the effects of the Covid pandemic.

Commenting on the announcement Sarah Masson, SNP candidate for Edinburgh Western, said: “This bold move by the SNP Scottish Government will bring welcome stability and certainty to those who use our railway for work and leisure, both in Edinburgh and across the country.

“And the news that current ScotRail staff will transfer to the new Scottish Government owned company, with their terms and conditions protected, will also provide much-needed security to those who rely on our railways for their livelihoods.

“The SNP have long argued that the future structure of Scottish railways should be in Scotland’s hands. It’s well beyond time that the Tory UK Government listened and devolved rail powers to Holyrood.

“However, this move is both bold and welcome and will ensure Scotland’s rail users are provided with the well-run, affordable and reliable service we rightly expect.”

£70 million fund to improve recycling across Scotland

A new £70 million Scottish Government fund to improve recycling infrastructure across Scotland has launched today – Global Recycling Day.

Local authorities across Scotland are being urged to apply to the fund, which opens next week, to help drive new innovations and improvements to recycling in their area and across the country.

The five-year £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, which was part of the Programme for Government, aims to accelerate progress towards Scotland’s ambitious waste and recycling targets and net zero commitment.

It is one of the biggest single investments by the Scottish Government in recycling infrastructure to date. This will give local authorities the opportunity to take forward projects that increase both the quality and quantity of recycling whilst delivering wider environmental benefits.

This could include promoting waste prevention or reuse, improving the consistency of collections, collecting problematic materials such as electrical items, improving sorting and treatment infrastructure, or introducing new low-carbon technologies.

Environment and Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Our aim is for Scotland to be a zero waste society with a circular economy based on good, green jobs. We will continue to lead by example as we head towards COP26 in Glasgow.

“While we have made significant long-term improvements on recycling, we need to accelerate progress if we are to meet Scotland’s ambitious recycling and climate change targets. This is vital to our green recovery and to put an end to our contribution to climate change.

“The Recycling Improvement Fund offers an opportunity for national and local government and the waste sector to continue our partnership to reinvigorate improvements in recycling across the country, and make it easier for households to make the right choices.

“The fund will help local authorities to take forward projects that tackle key challenges and increase recycling performance in their area. We’re also keen to see new ideas from local authorities that can ensure our recycling infrastructure keeps pace with the modern economy.

“For example, the growth in waste electrical equipment and the role re-use and repair can play, or broader changes in household behaviours which affect the volume and types of waste managed by local authorities.

“In addition, planned changes, such as the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, will mean our recycling infrastructure will need to innovate and modernise in the years ahead, ensuring we continue to be bold world leaders in creating a more circular economy.”

Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland said: “Zero Waste Scotland is proud to be working with the Scottish Government and local authorities to deliver one of the country’s most exciting and ambitious recycling, reuse and waste prevention programmes in our history, which will improve services and infrastructure for people across the country.

“I’m really looking forward to applications from local authorities for ideas to develop their infrastructure.

“This fund will be transformational in helping our communities embrace a circular economy, where materials and products are kept in use for as long as possible, and where new economic opportunities and social benefits flourish.”

COSLA spokesperson for Environment and Economy, Councillor Steven Heddle said: “We welcome this fund and look forward to working in partnership with our member Councils, the Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland to facilitate change and bring benefit to communities throughout Scotland.

“Councils across Scotland have set themselves ambitious climate change targets, and tackling our throw-away culture is part of this. Councils know their local communities and understand the specific opportunities and challenges in their areas. The fund offers real opportunity to start addressing some of these at the local level, offers breadth of opportunity and seeks change and innovation.”

Every year on Global Recycling Day The Global Recycling Foundation recognises the achievements of those outstanding individuals and organisations who have gone the extra mile to save the planet – now they want everyone to do more every year to make a collective contribution for the future of our environment.

Ranjit Baxi, Founding President of the Global Recycling Foundation, has issued three challenges as the world faces an unprecedented threat to our planet.

First, he wants everyone to follow the courageous Recycling Heroes we recognise every year on 18 March to go the extra mile to reduce, reuse and recycle more.

Second, he wants manufacturers to move more rapidly to reduce use of Bio and Composite Plastics which are difficult to recycle due to their heterogeneity but increase the use of easy to recycle plastic resins or plastic recyclables in their manufacturing cycles and above all let us promote a global drive to stop using single use plastic.

And third, on 18 March he is revealing an initiative to show what everyone can do in a global campaign of reforestation. Reforestation plays an important part in the Carbon cycle.

Ranjit Baxi said: “It is not enough to nominate and promote our heroes but to also ask ourselves the question: ‘What more can I do?’

“We can all do more individually and corporately to help restore and preserve the environment of our planet. The waste stream continues to grow at a frightening rate which we cannot just ignore or worse, pass on to future generations to handle.

“Let us all act responsibly and save ourselves for the Climate catastrophe!

Mr Arnaud Brunet, Director General of Bureau of International Recycling, said: “Combating Climate crisis is a joint global endeavour with all of us acting together to reduce waste and promote recycling by using the Seventh Resource helping to save millions of tons of CO2 emissions.”

Global Recycling Foundation: www.globalrecyclingfoundation.org

A Scotland for All of Us

Poverty Alliance launch Holyrood Election manifesto

Stemming the rising tide of poverty across Scotland must be the defining issue of the Holyrood election, the Poverty Alliance have said, with calls for all political parties to commit to a range of ambitious and bold action to boost incomes and reduce costs.

The calls were made as the Poverty Alliance launched A Scotland for All of Us, a package of measures that all of Scotland’s political parties are being urged to back in order to loosen the grip of poverty on the lives of people across Scotland. The measures include:

Committing to a Minimum Income Guarantee, which would ensure that nobody in Scotland had an income below an agreed minimum level;
At least doubling the new Scottish Child Payment, and increasing financial support for unpaid carers and disabled people;
Extending free bus travel to more young people and to people on low incomes;
Ending digital exclusion, by providing low cost or free broadband to low income households;
Attaching conditions to all public sector grants, funding and contracts that require payment of the real Living Wage and Fair Work;
Adjusting our income tax levels and thresholds to fund greater investment in tackling poverty and exploring the use of wealth taxes;
Giving communities a greater say over how money is spent in their local area.

The manifesto is launched at a time of growing hardship across Scotland. Even before the pandemic, over one million people – including almost one in four children – were living in poverty in Scotland.

Now with many more people being swept into poverty, Scotland’s child poverty reduction targets remain unlikely to be met without more urgent action in the coming years.

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “In Scotland we believe in protecting one another from harm, and in the principle that every child should have every chance. Yet Scotland is also a country with unacceptably high levels of poverty and inequality.

“Addressing the rising tide of poverty that is affecting so many communities should be at the heart of every party manifesto, and with the pandemic still having an impact this is not a time for timidity.

“All parties must pledge to take the bold and ambitious action to boost incomes and reduce costs that we have set out, including committing to a Minimum Income Guarantee and to taking action to create a more just economy and labour market.

“The next Scottish Parliament must be remembered as one that reshaped Scotland for the better, that prioritised the needs of those facing poverty and inequality, and that built a Scotland not just for some of us, but for all of us.”

A-Scotland-for-all-of-us-Poverty-Alliance-2021-Scottish-Parliament-election-manifesto Download

Vaccination programme reaches two million Scots – but concern over possible supply delay

Vaccines delivered to 44% of Scotland’s eligible population

Scotland’s vaccination programme has delivered first doses of the coronavirus vaccine to more than two million people – 44% of the adult population.

The landmark was reached yesterday (Wednesday 17 March). 60 year old Ian Love from Dunipace was among those vaccinated on the day the milestone was reached.

The engineering manager received his first dose at Forth Valley College’s Stirling campus, one of a number of community venues being used to deliver the vaccine locally in NHS Forth Valley.

The national vaccination programme continues to move through groups 6 and 7 on the priority list which includes those with particular underlying health conditions and unpaid carers. A self-referral online service has been launched to enable any eligible unpaid carers who have not received an invitation to register themselves.

As groups 6 and 7 progress, we have begun scheduling appointments for the next priority groups which are group 8 (age 55-59 years) and 9 (age 50-54 years) and vaccinations for these groups began at the start of this week.

Heath Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “More than two million people in Scotland have now received their first dose of the vaccine. That this has been achieved in little more than three months is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams.

“I would like to thank everyone who is working tirelessly to make this a success, and also every individual who has taken up their offer of a vaccine.

“Scotland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is now in the final stages of vaccinating the first nine priority groups. When you are offered the vaccine please take up the invitation.

“The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow. All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.”

Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland Dr Miles Mack said: “It is remarkable that a year after the first COVID-19 mortality in Scotland, effective vaccines have been developed, and are now being rapidly rolled out across the country.

“It is a testament to the hard working healthcare staff, military personnel and volunteers that we mark the milestone of 2 million first dose vaccinations, since the vaccine rollout programme began in December.

“We know that the vaccines are safe and effective. They are a vital tool in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases and in ensuring that people are protected against this deadly disease. But there is more work to be done. Much of the adult population is yet to receive their first vaccine dose, and I would encourage people to take up the offer of a vaccine when they are called.

“I’d also ask the public to please bear with us while they are waiting their turn to be vaccinated. I know that vaccinators are working through the clinical priority list as quickly as they possibly can.”

Mr Love said: “I am so pleased to have had my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is such a relief and it really is starting to feel like we can start to think about a return to normal life.

“I want to thank everyone at NHS Forth Valley – the whole procedure has been simple and the local staff were very reassuring and clearly explained the process. I look forward to getting my second dose in around twelve weeks’ time.”

NHS Forth Valley Immunisation Team Coordinator Gillian Bruce said: “We are delighted to be marking the delivery of 2 million Covid-19 vaccinations here in Stirling.

“This achievement is testament to the hard work of local immunisation teams, GP Practice staff and volunteers across the country who are working closely with colleagues in local councils, Health and Social Care Partnerships and the military to deliver this large and complex vaccination programme.”

More than 25 million people in the UK have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine – but there may be a dark cloud on the horizon.

The UK government is facing questions over coronavirus vaccine supply after he NHS warned of a ‘significant reduction’ in the supply of Covid vaccines in England next month in a letter to local health organisations.

The letter says there has been a ‘reduction in national inbound vaccines supply’ and asks health boards to ‘ensure no further appointments are uploaded’ to booking systems in April.

The BBC has reported that a delivery of millions of doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India, has been held up by four weeks.

UK Government health minister Matt Hancock tried to make light of concerns raised at a media breifing yesterday and the Department of Health insists it is still on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July.

Bus attacks: 15 year old charged

Officers across Edinburgh have been working closely with Lothian Buses to help tackle antisocial behaviour within the city.

During Monday evening (15 March), a number of buses and a taxi were damaged in the south east of the city through reckless behaviour after stones were thrown at them.

Police have confirmed that a 15-year-old boy has been charged and will be reported to the youth assessor in connection with these incidents. The investigation into the activity remains ongoing.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh said: “We will continue our efforts to keep our communities, Lothian Buses staff and all motorists safe, through a proactive and coordinated approach, alongside working closely with our partners.

“Officers continue to investigate these completely unacceptable and senseless incidents to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

“I reiterate our request for the support of parents, guardians and the wider public in tackling this behaviour. If you see this behaviour, or congregations at bus stops causing a disturbance, please contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Lothian withdrew bus services from 7.30 last night in response to the series of attacks. They will announce further plans later today.

Communites Funding Package: Supporting local neighbourhoods through the pandemic

A combined total of £1 billion has been allocated to help local communities through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to build resilience in public services in the past year.

Of this, more than £550 million has been committed through the Communities Funding Package – launched a year ago this week. This has been distributed across councils, local services and initiatives supporting those in need.

Key elements include:

more than £140 million on tackling food insecurity, with over £51 million to enable the continued provision of Free School Meals during school closures and holiday periods
help for local councils to meet people’s needs over the winter period, with £40 million of financial insecurity funding and £30 million to help people impacted by COVID restrictions and guidance. In conjunction with the Freephone national assistance helpline, councils have provided support to access and afford essentials, including food and fuel
almost £80 million awarded to third sector and community organisations through the Wellbeing Fund, Supporting Communities Fund and the Third Sector Resilience Fund
the continuing Community and Third Sector Recovery Programme, which is expected to make £44 million of awards by this summer

On top of the £550 million communities funding package, a further £479 million has been awarded to local councils to meet demand for local services, and build resilience across the sector.

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “We know that the impacts of the pandemic have been felt unevenly across Scotland, with many of the most disadvantaged or marginalised bearing the heaviest weight.

“This significant investment has helped protect people and communities during these unprecedented times.

“We have worked hand in hand with councils, third sector partners and communities themselves to direct funding where it was needed most and to ensure that support is there when people need it most.

“I want to thank everyone involved, right across Scotland, in this unprecedented response – demonstrating what a caring country Scotland is and protecting people.”

Michelle Carruthers, Chief Executive of Food Train, which received funding as part of the strategic national investment in order to continue delivering food parcels to older people, said: “There is no doubt in my mind: the support funding we have received from the Scottish Government during the pandemic has driven our ability to respond to the 70% rise in need for our grocery shopping service.

“The pandemic shone a harsh spotlight on food insecurity issues facing older people which Food Train has responded to through increasing our regional coverage of grocery deliveries, increased meals shared via our Meal Makers project and a new service, Food Train Connects, matching volunteers and older people in areas where we don’t have a branch.”

The Communities Funding mapping tool highlights investment across Scotland, including by local authority.

Castle Crusade: Sporting legends support MND fundraising run

A Scottish Ambulance Service technician has organised a charity run from Stirling Castle to Edinburgh Castle to raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) after losing his dad to the disease.

Sauchie resident Gregor Miller, based at Glenrothes Station, set up the Castle Crusade run last year and has been in training since October last year (2020).

The run was originally meant to be held on March 28 this year but was postponed because of Covid. It has been rescheduled for May 23, 2021 with safety precautions in place.

Joining the Crusade are Ryan Stevenson (Hearts FC), Colin Cameron (Hearts & Scotland), Simon Ramsden (Motherwell), Tam McManus (Hibernian), Willie Conquer (Referee) and Scott Hastings (Watsonians & Scotland Rugby Union). Gregor is hoping to confirm more sporting legends to join the event.

Gregor is raising money for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, MND Scotland and the Euan Macdonald Centre.

Gregor lost his dad, Campbell Miller, to MND two years ago. MND is a progressive degenerative disease of the motor neurones in the brain and wasting of the muscles which affects people of all ages. Campbell was a police officer, serving the Alloa and Falkirk areas during his time on the force.

Gregor, 49, said: “My inspiration for this event has come from losing my dad to this disease. My dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in May 2017 and passed away in 2019.

“He was a keen sportsman and played football for the police and in later life, until his diagnosis, played golf three times a week. Dad only realised he had a problem when he could no longer grip a golf club. As you could imagine this hit him hard.

“Within a few months he had to retire the clubs, quickly followed by his driving licence. For a man who was never at home due to social events, this was a devastating blow. Living with MND and caring for a sufferer of MND was horrific. Dad was given two years to live and died within two weeks of the two years.”

Gregor said his mum became his dad’s full time carer. He said in the last few months, his dad – who was a police officer for 32yrs in the then Central Scotland force – lost full power of his arms, legs and the ability to hold up his head.

He added: “There were some really tough days at this point as his mind was fully active along with his eyes. I would chat to him and tell him it’s all ok and that mum will be alright.

“He cried but never complained. This was hard to watch from a son’s point of view who only ever knew a dad that tried to win at everything physical.

“In the last month his pain become increasingly worse, he was unable to eat solid food and lost his speech to a difficult whisper. MND had won and with pain relief he slept and died.”

Despite this, Gregor said his dad kept his sense of humour throughout, always had a smile and never asked “why me?”

With current Covid restrictions, unfortunately the public will not be able to take part in the run. At any one time, only four people will be running the route. Two people, Gregor and Ryan Stevenson (Hearts FC) will be running the entire 40 miles while the other two slots will be the sporting legends dipping in and out every 4 miles. They will only do one 4 mile leg.

All participants will complete a lateral flow test before they run and will check temperatures, ensuring there are no signs of Covid.

Gregor has set up a page where people can donate, and people can also visit his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Visit here to find out more or to donate:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=CastleCrusadeRun&pageUrl=3

Call to apply for funding through Scotmid Community Connect award scheme

Scotmid is calling on charities and community groups in the East of Scotland to apply for Community Connect funding.

The Scottish convenience retailer is seeking applications for financial support ahead of the deadline of 25^th March 2021. Nine successful groups across Scotland will receive a share of £75,000.

The funding is made possible through sales of single-use carrier bags in Scotmid stores. Money from each bag sale contributes to the pot which is then distributed through the Community Connect award scheme, with Scotmid Members voting on how the funding is distributed.

Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, said: “Community Connect is one of the main ways we support our communities, and we are delighted to invite applications from the many charities and good cause groups that work hard to support our communities each day.

“We are encouraging community initiatives in the area to apply ahead of the deadline on the 25^th of March.”

Past recipients of the funding in the East of Scotland include Blood Bikes South Queensferry, Community One Stop Shop, Kids Love Clothes and Street Assist.

Since Scotmid’s Community Connect scheme launched in 2017, more than £385,000 has been awarded to good cause groups to enable key community projects to come to life, making a valuable difference to the lives of the many people who have benefited as a result.

For further information on how to apply, eligible groups can visit:

www.scotmid.coop or send specific queries to membership@scotmid.co.uk.

The shortlisted groups will then be announced in April

Targeted support for cities

Kick-starting economic recovery after COVID

Cities and regions can apply for additional funding to help them recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Speaking ahead of the first meeting of the City Centre Recovery taskforce tomorrow (Thursday) Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced two new funds totalling £4 million.

Each city local authority has been invited to submit proposals focused on recovery planning to the £2 million City Centres Recovery Fund.

Proposals received so far include:

plans for more city centre based apprenticeships and training in Edinburgh
property repair, improvement and conversion in Perth City Centre
repurposing of Dundee City Centre properties through collaboration with Creative Industries sector
support for businesses in Glasgow applying for outdoor trading areas as restrictions ease

Meanwhile, a £2 million Regional Recovery Fund is calling for proposals focused on maximising local job creation, as well as accelerating delivery of City Region and Growth Deal investment and developing regional recovery plans.

Ms Hyslop said: “There is no denying the severe impact this pandemic has had, and continues to have, on our cities and regions. We recognise the sacrifices everyone has made to support our collective effort to get the virus under control and for that we are incredibly grateful.

“We know the pandemic has had differing impacts across Scotland, and this targeted support allows each local authority to put forward tailored proposals that meet their unique needs and support economic recovery.

“We have already provided £1.2 billion in economic recovery initiatives over the last year and the recently passed Scottish Budget sets out even more recovery measures to support the economy in the next year.

“Our City Centre Recovery taskforce will develop a shared vision for the future of Scotland’s city centres, with a focus on innovative actions to help them prosper over the next five years, in a way that encourages inclusive and sustainable growth.”