Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Hope ‘critical to recovery’ after a stroke

Hope after a stroke: Nearly a quarter of stroke survivors lost their job after their stroke with some even losing their home or partner – but having ‘hope’ is critical to recovery 

  • 23% of stroke survivors in Scotland say having a stroke cost them their job, with almost one in five saying it impacted their relationship and 5% even lost their home
  • Across the UK, over half of younger stroke survivors under the age of 50 say they have never emotionally recovered from their stoke 
  • Whilst 15% felt their first signs of hope after a month since having a stroke –a quarter did not feel any hope in over a year.
  • The Stroke Association calls for those who can to donate to give more survivors hope after a stroke

The practical, emotional and physical impact of having a stroke has been laid bare by a new survey of over 3,500 stroke survivors across the UK (220 respondents from Scotland), released today.

The research, conducted by the Stroke Association ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October), is part of a renewed call for vital funds to help the charity give more survivors hope after their stroke and help them to rebuild their lives. 

The impact on survivors in Scotland

The research reveals that 23% of those in Scotland who survived a stroke say it directly led to them losing their job whilst 5% say it led to them losing their home. 

Furthermore, almost one in five (19%) say it had a negative impact on their relationship.  It is not only relationships with partners that are affected – over one in ten (12%) say they lost friends as a result of having a stroke.  

Younger survivors more severely impacted

Looking at stroke survivors across the UK, the research reveals that the emotional impact of a stroke can impact younger survivors more severely. Amongst those under the age of 50, six in ten (60%) say that they’ve never emotionally recovered from the impact of their stroke. This compares to 44% for those over the age of 50. 

This is despite a similar number of younger stroke survivors under the age of 50 (52%) and over the age of 50 (50%) saying they have not physically recovered from their stroke. 

The importance of hope 

The research shows the importance and transformative power of feeling hope after having a stroke. Over three quarters of those surveyed in Scotland (77%) say that hope played an important or critical part in their recovery. 

But for many, it was not a quick process. Whilst 15% say they began to feel hope after a month since their stroke, a quarter (25%) say it took more than a year to experience what they felt was the first sign of hope. Meanwhile one in ten (11%) say they have never felt hopeful since they had their stroke – demonstrating how strokes can impact survivors differently. 

The Stroke Association helps people to find the hope they need to rebuild their lives through specialist services, including a Helpline, peer support service, support groups and Support Coordinators.

Louise Copland, 36 from Glasgow, had her stroke six years ago.  The effects of her stroke were dramatic.  She couldn’t walk or talk.   

She said: “At the time I was terrified, I had no idea what was going on, but I got the impression it was a big deal, which made me very anxious.

My family and the physiotherapists were marvellous.  I’ll never forget standing up for the first time.  It felt weird and I was dizzy, but it was exhilarating. I had to call my parents to give them this fantastic news and they immediately got in the car to go to the hospital and share my happiness and excitement.  This was my first moment of hope that there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

I was due to get married two months later and was determined to walk down the aisle with Dad. I focused all my attention on being able to walk again. I did it.  This was the biggest moment of hope I’ve had since my stroke and it gave me the impetus to carry on.

But Louise knows she probably won’t ever recover emotionally after her stroke.

“I wake up every morning with an arm and leg that don’t work like the way they did.  I fear the challenges in forming new relationships – my confidence has been dashed and people do judge you for having a disability which is demeaning.

Louise continues to find moments of hope and lives her life to the full.  She would have been lost without the support of friends and family.  She now attends a stroke club where she gets to meet others in a similar situation to herself.

“The people I meet at the café are so welcoming.  They understand the issues I’m dealing with, because they are dealing with them too.  It’s important to find hope in others.  It’s important to ask for help when you need it and it is out there.  There is hope after stroke.”

Big and small moments of hope

The research found that it can be both big and small moments of hope that are important. When asked what gave them their first moment of hope after a stroke, nearly one in five, (19%) said it was being able to use their affected side for the first time and 11% said it was being able to speak again. However, one in ten (10%) said it was being able to complete a small every day task such as making a cup of tea.  

Reevaluating what is important after a stroke 

The impact of a stroke leads many to reevaluate what is important in life. Over half (54%) say having a stroke made them appreciate their life more, 43% say it made them appreciate their family more and 42% say it made them appreciate the importance of looking after their health.  

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “Every five minutes, someone in the UK will have a stroke and, in a flash, their life is changed.

“There are more than 128,000 stroke survivors living in Scotland and two thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability. The physical impact of a stroke is severe, but for many, the emotional aspects of coming to terms with having a stroke are just as significant.

“As the research makes clear, finding hope is a crucial part of the recovery process. Without it, recovery can seem impossible. 

“At the Stroke Association, we support and help people to find this hope, and rebuild their lives. But with 1.3m people and rising in the UK now living with the effects of a stroke, our services have never been more stretched. We urgently require the support of the public to help us continue to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”

The Stroke Association is asking those who can to donate today so that it can reach more stroke survivors and give them the specialist support they need to find hope and move forward with their recovery. Visit stroke.org.uk/hopeafterstroke  

Leith RugbyForce Weekend winners visited by Scotland men’s Internationals

Junior players at Leith Rugby Club received an inspirational visit from Scotland Men’s International stars Grant Gilchrist and Tim Visser on Sunday as they were crowned Royal Bank RugbyForce winners for 2021. 

Alongside the visit from Grant and Tim, the club has been awarded £1000 from the annual grassroots sustainability programme which provides vital funds as the nation’s players enjoy getting back to the action on the pitch.

Beating strong competition from over 130 entries, the Edinburgh club received its prize as part of their Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend celebration.

The weekend typically see’s rugby clubs across Scotland host a range a pre-season events, such as volunteer DIY and Community Fun Days, raising awareness of the positive impact that Scotland’s grassroots clubs have within their local areas.

Royal Bank RugbyForce is a nationwide rugby programme launched by Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Scottish Rugby. Since launch, more than half a million pounds has been distributed, directly benefiting three-quarters of amateur rugby clubs in Scotland.

With the pandemic causing unprecedented financial pressures, this year’s funding will help amateur clubs across Scotland to improve facilities, attract new members and to develop sustainable futures.

New for this year, in partnership with Scottish Rugby, the programme has appointed 10 grassroots heroes aged 18-35, known as Young Ambassadors, onto club committees as part of a fresh focus on the future by broadening the diversity of rugby club boardrooms, providing them with an additional £500 grant from Royal Bank to deliver a project of their choosing. 

In a drive to get more young people into club boardrooms and to improve diversity and representation in rugby, the Young Ambassador programme see’s grassroots heroes aged 18-35 from amateur clubs across the length and breadth of Scotland put forward ideas for projects that will help their club to create stronger connections with their local communities, build a legacy and make positive societal change. 

On-street electric vehicle charging roll-out begins in Edinburgh

Work has begun to install the first of 132 on-street electric vehicle charging points in the initial phase of a project to implement charging bays across Edinburgh.

Six new rapid charging bays and 30 new slow charging bays are being built at Ingliston Park and Ride, with 20 new charging bays to follow at Hermiston Park and Ride in December.

The installation of 66 charging points hosting, in total, 132 fast, rapid and slow chargers in residential streets around the city will continue throughout winter. Work is expected to be complete and all chargers up and running by spring 2022.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’re all more aware than ever of the urgent need to address the way we travel, and how this impacts on the world around us, so it’s really encouraging that more and more people are making the switch to electric cars. We want to support that.

“I’m delighted that the installation of charging points across the city is now underway, marking the start of our ambitious, strategic programme. Soon, thousands of people across the city will be able to benefit from charging infrastructure right outside their homes on a daily basis.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “Not only do electric vehicles help to lower our carbon footprint, but they limit air pollution, which is so important to our quality of life.

“This increase in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, along with the many changes we’re making to help people travel by foot, bike, wheel or public transport, is essential if we are to become a safe, healthy, net zero city by 2030.”

During the current works at Ingliston the bus lane through the park and ride has been closed for one week from Monday (11 October), with a diversion for buses in place.

In addition, the existing charging points will be unavailable until Friday, 22 October.

Alternative charging points can be found by visiting the ChargePlace Scotland webpage, with the nearest points at Hermiston Gait Park and Ride and Scottish Midland Co-operative Society in Newbridge.

The city council is currently looking at future locations for electric vehicle chargers using data from two Energy Savings Trust studies and have developed a scoring framework.

They are also exploring the utilisation of street lighting columns as charging points, avoiding issues of cabling trailing across footways while complementing the existing street scene in Edinburgh, especially in conservation and heritage areas.

Read more in the latest Business Bulletin to Transport and Environment Committee. 

The UK Government is currently accepting applications for the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme which provides funding for 75% of the cost of installing electric vehicle chargers with the remaining 25% of the cost being provided by Energy Savings Trust Scotland.

Once future locations have been assessed a further report will be submitted to Transport and Environment Committee seeking permission to apply for the funding by February/March 2022. This will be used to roll out the next phase of electric vehicle chargers across Edinburgh.

Find out more about new electric vehicle charging points on the Council website.

Make 2nds Count: Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Vital education needed for the forgotten cancer marked on 13th October each year 

Woeful ignorance of secondary breast cancer requires more than just a single awareness day today (October 13) to educate the public about this forgotten form of the disease. 

Charity Make 2nds Count which is leading a campaign to highlight secondary breast cancer, a disease currently killing 1000 women a month in the UK, says it needs to be a year-round initiative to prevent lives being destroyed. 

Secondary breast cancer – also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer – is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.  On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of cancer. 

But a YouGov poll, commissioned by the charity to coincide with Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day, revealed just how uninformed the public is:  

  • Almost two-fifths (38%) of the British population are ignorant about secondary breast cancer , and 21% are aware of secondary breast cancer yet know nothing of the disease’s common signs/symptoms  
     
  • More than 40% of respondents don’t know the incidence of this form of the disease, whilst 11%are  under the impression that it is rare.  
  • 44% of those polled think, wrongly, that young women – those aged 15-39 – have the best chance of survival and a third have no idea who lives longer after diagnosis. 
     
  • Common symptoms can initially be attributed to other health conditions, such as arthritis, and a quarter of people surveyed believe that more than 25% of patients with a history of primary breast cancer have initially been treated for another condition before their secondary breast cancer diagnosis. 

Emma Hall, Head of Fundraising and Engagement, Make 2nds Count, says much media coverage has focused on checking for primary breast cancer but not for secondary.

She explained: “So people are not being informed about the different signs and symptoms to look for. We need more education, support and research, and understanding that with secondary breast cancer you won’t be cured, you can only be treated.” 

Make 2nds Count founder Lisa Fleming, 38, of Edinburgh, had no previous breast cancer diagnosis, warning signs or lump when she was told she had primary and secondary breast cancer. It had already spread to the majority of her bones and swiftly spread to her brain.  

She says: “We desperately need people to be aware of this forgotten form of breast cancer. We need to change the narrative, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of this disease and in turn save lives. And that needs to happen all year round, not just on an annual awareness day. 

“Primary breast cancer is well documented. Secondary breast cancer is incurable. It’s like a relative that no one really wants to speak about but without education this disease will continue to destroy the lives of so many.” 

Professor David Cameron, Professor of Oncology at Edinburgh University and a board member of Make 2nds Count says: “We have made remarkable progress in the education of signs and symptoms, treating and curing primary breast cancer. 

“However, secondary breast is complex, no diagnosis is the same, and no patients’ journeys are the same. Although it can be treated, and we have made much progress in more and better treatments, it still has no cure.

“We need to make sure that information on secondary breast cancer is readily available and there is more dedicated research and accessible trials.” 

Hybrid working is transforming the property market, says Rettie

HOUSE hunters are prioritising green areas and more space over traditional city centre dwellings in the latest market review by property experts, Rettie & Co.

According to Rettie & Co’s. Scottish Housing Market Summer Review, demand for East Lothian homes is on the rise, while homes brought to the market in the region last year fell by 28% against 2019 figures.

The property specialists believe the change in attitudes can be attributed to a greater acceptance of the hybrid working model.

With more companies offering the flexibility of working from home, potential buyers are opting for more value for money by seeking properties out with Edinburgh.

It comes after the firm’s latest 140 home development in Musselburgh, The Wireworks, in partnership with property developer Dundas Estates, has received 600 enquiries in just 3 months.

Marketing Account Manager at Rettie & Co., Ross Matheson, said: “We are seeing a greater number of potential buyers enquiring about homes out with the major cities across Scotland.

“This can be attributed to the changing attitudes to the working environment post-pandemic. With a greater acceptance of working from home, we are finding buyers are willing to live further from large cities in search of more spacious homes and greater green space.”

According to statistics from Rettie & Co. the average price of a house in Edinburgh stood at around £282,420 last year, while the average property price was close to £10,000 cheaper in East Lothian at around £272,268.

Ross, said: “Musselburgh is proving to be a very popular destination for potential buyers. We have recently had a spate of enquiries in and around the area.

“Being a commuter town just outside of Edinburgh, Musselburgh offers the best of both worlds; city convenience with an abundance of green space and amenities such as the River Esk, nearby beaches and the Musselburgh Racecourse, as well as the renowned Luca’s Ice Cream parlour.”

Head of Sales & Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “It is important that we meet the demand for housing in what is becoming an ever-popular destination in the east of Scotland.

“With that in mind, we are investing heavily in the local community over the course of construction; we are delighted to be working alongside Rettie & Co.”

Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.

The development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores. Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development. Private gardens and balconies will also be available at various apartments.

The Livingston-based firm is committing, through Section 75 payments, to contribute up to £400,000 along with the other partners which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure.

To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development, call 0131 243 3858 or email: thewireworks@rettie.co.uk

Scots enjoy free music lessons

On the weekend of 26th September, people of varying ages and abilities from Scotland got involved with this year’s Learn to Play Day event.

Organised by the charity Music for All, people across the UK travelled to music stores and community centres, to take advantage of a range of free music lessons. For the first time, those who could not attend in person were able to join in the fun by learning through tutorials on Music for All’s YouTube channel. 

These featured the likes of the band Skunk Anansie, David Tench the musical director of The Voice UK, Rob Rolfe of Enter Shikari, Vasko Vassilev and Hetty Snell of the Royal Opera House, and more.

In Scotland, Kenny’s Music store in Aberdeen and Glasgow and The National Piping Centre gave people the chance to try a variety of musical instruments.

The purpose of the annual Learn to Play Day weekend – supported by Music for All’s patron, Jools Holland OBE – was to give everyone the opportunity to pick up and play a musical instrument. While some of the attendees had never played before, others hadn’t since childhood so were rediscovering the joys of playing.

The instruments featured in the online videos include guitar, drums, violin, cello, clarinet, keyboard, ukulele, piano, trombone, bagpipes and beat boxing on a flute! 

These can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa4rkITZgSkr1kzYiDXkTqQ/videos

A venue spokesperson said: “Due to the pandemic, last year’s annual event sadly didn’t take place, so we were delighted to get involved this year and give people a chance to pick up and play an instrument.

“The music industry is such an incredible community, and we are happy to be so involved in helping it grow across Scotland.”

Tony Followell, Chair of Trustees at Music for All, said: “Being able to offer free access to music lessons for one weekend meant we could help to encourage people to try a musical instrument for what might have been their first time.

“There is so much pleasure to be had and proven health, happiness and wellbeing benefits associated with making music. We hope that those who took part continue to learn.  Those who weren’t able to join in still can by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Thanks to all venues and people that took part.”

Learn to Play ’21 is generously supported by the NAMM Foundation and partners include Music Industries Association, Musicians Union, Making Music and Music Mark.

Sunamp aims to reduce heating bills for vulnerable Edinburgh residents with new technology

Tranent-based thermal energy storage firm Sunamp has been awarded over £396,000 from SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund to deliver innovative micro-district heating networks, which will reduce heating bills for fuel-poor and vulnerable people while also decreasing carbon emissions in Edinburgh.

The funding from SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund has enabled Sunamp to provide five, micro-district heating networks that will produce low carbon heating for more than 50 Edinburgh residents.

The pioneering micro-district heating system aims to save over 75% on carbon emissions compared to gas boilers as well as providing the opportunity to recover heat from buildings with large occupancy and high passive heat gains in order to transfer it to the Edinburgh properties requiring heat.

Sunamp is being funded as part of SP Energy Networks’ £20 million Green Economy Fund, which supports the UK and Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to meet climate change targets. The fund also aims to boost local economic growth, improve air quality across the country and deliver a better future, quicker for all.

SP Energy Networks is part of the ScottishPower group, a Principal Partner for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held in Glasgow in November.

It is developing an energy model that will play a significant role towards reaching the UK’s world-leading climate change targets and is investing a total of £10 billion in the clean energy generation and networks infrastructure needed to help the UK decarbonise and reach Net Zero emissions.

Frank Mitchell, CEO at SP Energy Networks, said: “Our Green Economy Fund is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind on the road to net zero emissions and this project provides critical support to local communities that are affected by fuel poverty.

“We know that Sunamp micro-district heating systems will make a significant difference to vulnerable residents in Edinburgh by making homes more energy efficient and bringing costs down so residents can keep their homes warm ahead of the winter months.

“We’re very proud to be funding this innovative project and supporting energy projects focused on tackling the decarbonisation of heat.”

Andrew Bissell, Sunamp Chief Executive: “SP Energy Networks and Sunamp share a vision of a world powered by affordable and sustainable energy. We couldn’t be more grateful for the support we’ve received from the Green Economy Fund as the new micro-district heating networks will provide heat to some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland’s capital.

“Sunamp is passionate about making buildings more energy efficient, sustainable and self-sufficient, whilst also reducing carbon emissions and SP Energy Networks’ funding has supported us in transforming how we heat and cool our buildings going forward”.

So far, 35 projects have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks across Central and Southern Scotland.

To find out more about the Green Economy Fund and the projects it supports, please visit: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/green_economy_fund.aspx

HMRC: Don’t Get Caught Out!

HMRC urges small motor businesses and car enthusiasts to be aware of post-Brexit changes and prepare themselves ahead of January 2022

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging small businesses and enthusiasts in the automotive sector to be aware of post-Brexit rules when sending and receiving parts from Europe or travelling across Europe to attend events, to ensure they don’t get caught out.

New rules have been in place since January this year and while larger VAT-registered businesses will have familiarised themselves with the changes already, smaller businesses such as independent garages and specialist parts retailers may not be fully aware of the changes to import and export rules and how they apply.

Likewise, for motor hobbyists who may want to order a specialist part from the EU to restore a classic car, or wish to travel across Europe to a rally, many would not have had to navigate the changes until recently.

With rallies, classic car exhibitions and festivals in full swing, including the upcoming Classic Motor Show in Birmingham and then, further afield, the Auto e Moto D’Epoca in Italy, enthusiasts are being encouraged to check they understand the new requirements.

HMRC has produced guidance to help people identify the best way to navigate the changes.

There is also an Online Trader Tool  to ensure small businesses don’t get caught out by unexpected charges or unnecessary delays, as well as highlighting processes they can follow.

The guidance also provides information needed to ensure small businesses are prepared ahead of next January when full customs declarations and controls will be introduced.

If small businesses are also moving parts or equipment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, they can register with the free Trader Support Service.

https://youtu.be/OZ6or0d6Cxk

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HMRC, said: “With the lifting of travel restrictions and more events being held, we want auto enthusiasts to be able to continue to enjoy their cars, motorbikes and campervans like they always have.

“However, we know that many people would not have anticipated that the changes introduced at the beginning of the year would impact them, which is why we urge them to make sure they understand the new obligations by using the guidance available to them – on Gov.UK, from one of our YouTube videos or through our customer forums. Getting used to the new processes now will stand them in good stead ahead of January.”

Lothians to Light Up Red for 100 Years of the Poppy

This year marks 100 years of the Poppy as the national symbol of Remembrance, and to celebrate the important milestone, Poppyscotland are encouraging landmarks, tourist destinations and business properties across Edinburgh and the Lothians to ‘Light Up Red’.  

The charity is calling for mass involvement from schools, universities, council buildings, monuments, statues and other attractions during the period leading up to Remembrance Sunday from 22nd October to 14th November.

Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the flood or up-lights to help Poppyscotland commemorate the centenary of the Poppy. Previous participants include Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Airport. 

Three million Poppies, which are all handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, began their journey to cities, towns and villages across the country last month, ahead of the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal. To celebrate the 100-year milestone, around half a million special-edition centenary Poppies have also been produced.  

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest annual charity street collection in Scotland and raises more than £2 million each year. The money raised from the Poppy Appeal and year-round fundraising enables Poppyscotland to support members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.  

With last year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal being badly impacted by the pandemic, the centenary of the Appeal takes on an even greater significance.

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “The last 18 months have been a very difficult time for us as a charity, and even more so for the Armed Forces community we support.

“The pandemic halted all our major fundraising events and we had to drastically change the way in which we reached out to the public for donations. Despite this we have still provided our vital, life-changing support uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.  

“The support of local businesses and national landmarks has been fantastic over many years, and we’re eager to hear from other locations that would like to join us in paying tribute to Scotland’s Armed Forces community. To see the country light up red during the Remembrance period will be even more poignant as, 100 years on, the Poppy Appeal remains as important now as it ever has been.”  

For more information about how to Light Up Red for Poppyscotland and the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red