Join us this Saturday to help us celebrate our big 100th!
This is a free event open to all, where you can get a free burger and a can.
There will be the chance to take part in lots of free activities as well as some at a small price.
#Fetlor100
Dedicating just 20 minutes a day to reading could offer significant benefits, including reducing your risk of a heart attack.
This simple habit not only enriches the mind but also contributes to heart health in several profound ways.
Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books tells us how:
Stress Reduction
One of the primary ways reading helps reduce the risk of heart attacks is through stress reduction. Stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. When you immerse yourself in a good book, your mind is transported away from the worries and anxieties of everyday life. According to a study by the University of Sussex, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Imagine the compounded benefits of dedicating 20 minutes daily to this relaxing activity!
Improved Sleep Quality
Poor sleep is another risk factor for heart attacks. Reading before bed can help improve sleep quality, leading to better heart health. Instead of engaging with screens, which emit blue light and disrupt sleep patterns, opting for a physical book or e-reader with a warm light setting can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Better sleep means your body can repair and rejuvenate, reducing strain on your heart.
Mental Stimulation
Reading keeps your brain active and engaged, which is beneficial for overall mental health. Mental stimulation has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety, both of which can negatively impact heart health. By regularly challenging your brain, you help maintain its functionality, potentially staving off conditions that can indirectly affect your heart, such as depression and cognitive decline.
Lower Blood Pressure
Relaxation from reading can also help lower blood pressure. When you are engrossed in a book, your body relaxes, and this relaxation can lead to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, so maintaining a lower blood pressure through regular reading can contribute to heart health.
Social Connections
Reading, especially fiction, enhances empathy and social understanding. These improved social connections and empathy can lead to stronger relationships and social support networks, which are essential for emotional well-being. Emotional well-being and strong social connections have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.
Encourages Mindfulness
Reading requires concentration and presence, which are key aspects of mindfulness. Mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment, has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Regular practice of mindfulness through reading can improve your overall emotional health, thereby reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
How to Incorporate Reading into Your Daily Routine
Set a Specific Time: Choose a consistent time each day for your reading session, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
Create a Cosy Space: Designate a comfortable spot for reading, free from distractions.
Choose Enjoyable Material: Select books or articles that genuinely interest you to make the habit enjoyable and sustainable.
Limit Screen Time: Opt for physical books or e-readers with non-glare screens to reduce eye strain and improve relaxation.
Join a Book Club: Engaging with others about what you’re reading can enhance your enjoyment and provide additional social benefits.
Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books says: “Incorporating just 20 minutes of reading into your daily routine can offer significant benefits for your heart health.
“From reducing stress and improving sleep to lowering blood pressure and fostering mindfulness, this simple habit is a powerful tool in reducing the risk of heart attacks.
“So, grab a book, find a cosy spot, and start reading your way to a healthier heart today!“
Parents and carers are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support as the summer holidays end and they prepare for their children going back to school.
Extra costs, including new shoes, stationery and lunch boxes, can soon add up.
The five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland can help pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out.
This includes the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £26.70 for eligible families with children up to 16. The payment is unique to Scotland and is supporting over 329,000 children and young people.
The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children’s early years, including during pregnancy.
There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.
Up to the end of March 2024, over £829 million has been provided to families across Scotland through the five family payments.
Speaking at Home-Start Dundee, a charity that helps families with young children, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The most important priority for our government is eradicating child poverty, and we are committed to easing the pressure on families by getting vital money into their pockets at key stages in their child’s life.
“Whether it is helping families to buy healthy foods during pregnancy and for their kids as they grow, pushchairs to help on the move, or new shoes and clothing for school, our payments are there when they need it most.
“We’re already supporting thousands of families across Scotland through our five family payments, and wider Scottish Government support is also helping to protect them as much as we can from the impacts of the cost of living crisis.
“Even if you are working you could still get these payments and I want to encourage everyone to check if they are eligible and access the money they are entitled to.”
Estelle Coulthard, Family Support Coordinator at Home-Start Dundee, said: “We are a local charity providing support for families with young children across Dundee that face daily challenges in life. We’re there to provide support as they learn to cope, help improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.
“We are responsive to the individual needs of families, and this includes helping to make parents aware of the financial support they are entitled to and work with them to complete application forms for financial assistance.
“We know parents who have struggled to purchase everyday items such as formula and healthy foods for their children but the support they have received through the five family payments meant they no longer have to worry about feeding their child.
“The first five years between birth and school are vital for a child’s development and the five family payments make a huge difference to the beginning of a little one’s life, supporting parents to have the funds to purchase the necessities they need. Without these payments, families would not survive the constant rise in the cost of living in Scotland.”
Powderhall Bronze Editions, one of Edinburgh’s top fine art galleries, is delighted to host an exclusive evening with internationally acclaimed designer Mark Stoddart. This special event will take place TONIGHT (Thursday, 8th August) at 6pm, offering an intimate setting to meet the artist and view his latest masterpieces.
This free-to-attend event presents a unique opportunity to meet Mark Stoddart and witness the unveiling of his special edition cast bronze “hippo table” for the first time. Adding to the excitement, Mark Stoddart will host an exclusive raffle at the gallery —open to all guests—with a chance to win the hippo table worth £45,000. Proceeds from the raffle will support Dyslexia Scotland and Dementia Scotland.
For over a year, Mark Stoddart has collaborated with Powderhall Bronze, Hamilton & Inches, Tyrrell Racing, and Sir Jackie Stewart’s charity, Race Against Dementia. Visitors on Thursday evening will also witness the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture of Sir Jackie Stewart’s iconic F1 Tyrrell 006 car, crafted specifically for this project.
Mark Stoddart is deeply committed to supporting neurodiverse communities worldwide. His notable contributions include funding the construction of the only carbon-neutral, dyslexic, and neurodiverse school in Indonesia through the Bali Dyslexia Foundation. Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for Dyslexia Kenya and has financed the RareGem Talent School, the first neurodiverse school in the country.
The raffle proceeds will support Mark Stoddart’s and Rotary District 1320 – Scotland South’s charitable initiatives, focusing on mental health and neurodiverse causes, including projects like the RareGem Talent School in Kenya.
Commenting on he Bronze Hippo & Silver Oxpecker Bird Coffee Table, Mark Stoddart said: “Creating this piece was a journey into the intricate balance of nature, and I’m thrilled to use my artistic talent to contribute to such significant causes through this raffle at Powderhall Bronze Editions on Thursday.”
For more information, please visit www.powderhallbronzeeditions.co.uk.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR CIVIL UNREST IN SCOTLAND
This afternoon (Wednesday) I attended a meeting with the First Minister, other party leaders and the leadership of Police Scotland, to discuss contingencies for civil unrest in Scotland in the wake of riots seen in other parts of the U.K.
There is an increasing level of intelligence suggesting events may be in the planning by extremist groups based here in Scotland. Police Scotland have been working closely with faith communities and refugees and those who work with them and have their officers on a heightened state of readiness to respond.
I was heartened by the depth of intelligence the police already have and their planning is at an advanced stage.
We have agreed a united approach to combatting online misinformation and that enhanced guidance and support for schools be provided, so that teachers can address some of the misinformation on the return of Schools next week.
I asked the First Minister that we be ready to recall Parliament next week should there be any kind of outbreak in violence.
In the meantime I will continue to work with community and faith leaders across West Edinburgh to present a united front to intolerance and hate.
Best,
ACH
More than fifty people representing community organisations from across North Edinburgh attended the ‘Garden Party’ held by R2 at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday.
The networking and information event, which was also attended by politicians Ben MacPherson MSP and new MP Tracy Gilbert, was a great success and initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
R2 Coordinator Anita Aggarwal said: “We were more than 50 people and it sounded like there was lots of good chat.
“Thanks again to everyone who contributed, particularly the team at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Jed for the tunes and Scran for tasty food. You can see the lovely picture of us all here Facebook
“I also collected a lot of information about what you want from and can offer to R2. I’ve attached what I have heard so far.
“If you weren’t at the meeting yesterday (or have thought of something else) you can still feedback your thoughts on R2 by completing this short form:
https://forms.office.com/e/V9cabAA4ye
“And one more request for information: I’m trying to build a better sense of what organisations have to offer, so please, if you haven’t already, could you also complete this little table for your organisation – you’ll see some examples in the notes attached.
| Organisation | Strengths of my organisation that I could share | Stuff that my organisation has that I could lend |
| Eg R2 | Knowledge of organisations in north EdinburghFund raising experienceUnderstanding and experience of Community Development and Participatory Action Research | Post it notes |
“Please respond by end of Monday 26 August.
“I’ll use what you tell me to inform the workplan for R2 for the next few months.”
You can contact Anita at hello@r2northed.org.uk
DAVE P. writes: I had the pleasure of hosting a session where local projects were offered a five-minute opportunity to talk about their activities and share what they are up to with others.
North Edinburgh has a wealth of amazing organisations supporting our community and it was fantastic to learn what is being achieved across the area, despite the many challenges faced by North Edinburgh’s third sector groups.
Many thanks, then, to Adele (North Edinburgh Community Festival), Sarah (NEDAC), Jed (Tinderbox), John (Community Renewal), Lynn and Rebecca (North Edinburgh Childcare), Billy (Royston Wardieburn Community Centre), Anna (Granton Goes Greener), Holly (National Galleries Scotland), Tom (Pianodrome), Debbie (Muirhouse Housing Association) and city council engagement officer Elaine Lennon for your positive contributions!
You can contact Anita at hello@r2northed.org.uk
Andrea Jardine, a MSc in Music Therapy student who graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in July, was recognised for her help in setting up a new music therapy practice while she was on placement with the NHS.
Twenty-five-year-old Andrea, who is a self-employed violin teacher in Edinburgh, was presented the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award by QMU – the only university in Scotland to offer a music therapy course.
While on placement at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Andrea helped set up a music therapy practice – the first in the region for over a decade!
Andrea, said: “In our final year on the MSc Music Therapy course, we were able to experience setting up a music therapy practice in places that haven’t had such a service before.
“It was nerve-wracking being the only music therapist in the hospital at the time, but it was a great opportunity to create more awareness of the work we do, alongside a variety of other professionals – from occupational therapists and nurses, to psychiatrists.
“I was able to work in a variety of settings with a wide range of patients of different ages and with different needs, witnessing just how much music can help improve a person’s health and well-being. I learned to work autonomously while also working as part of a wider team, and it was great to learn how to manage referrals and a caseload of my own clients.
“My final year placement was a truly special experience. I hope that by doing my placement there, it has paved the way for art therapies to be introduced to Dumfries and Galloway. It would be wonderful if music therapy could become a permanent service in the region!’’
A passionate advocate for art therapies and its potential to help with rehabilitation, Andrea is also a Trustee for the Scottish Music Therapy Trust, and one day hopes to run her own music therapy practice, working with neurodivergent children or adults with dementia.
Andrea, said: “The academic staff and lecturers at QMU have been the absolute highlight of my university experience. I initially had applied to a music therapy course in England for a change of scene – given I have lived in Scotland my whole life – but after visiting QMU for the first time, I quickly changed my mind.
“The support and guidance that I’ve experienced at QMU couldn’t have been replicated at any other university, particularly as I am neurodivergent myself. I loved the benefit of working with the art and drama therapy students at QMU, exchanging knowledge and ideas, and the smaller cohort size was a huge plus.”
On the day of Andrea’s graduation from QMU, she celebrated with her family and classmates at an impressive ceremony held in Edinburgh’s beautiful Usher Hall, attended by QMU’s Chancellor and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith CBE. Andrea was one of 1300 students who graduated in person from Queen Margaret University across three ceremonies in July.
Dr Philippa Derrington, a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the MSc in Music Therapy within the Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at QMU, said: “Introducing music therapy to a new setting is an important part of students’ preparation for practice, and the final year students do this so well, year on year, often leading to further employment opportunities.
“Well done Andrea on winning this award – I look forward to hearing where your career takes you next!”
The number of patients using Hospital at Home in Scotland rose by almost a quarter last year, it has been revealed, as funding allocations for NHS boards were announced.
A total of 13 local healthcare providers have been allocated a share of £3.6 million for Hospital at Home for older people to help ease pressure on frontline acute services.
Hospital at Home offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, with almost 15,000 older patients using the service in 2023/24 and this funding will support the continuation and development of existing programmes.
NHS Borders has been allocated £600,000, with a further 12 healthcare partners also receiving a share of the allocation.
Confirmation of the awards comes as a new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlights the impact that the Hospital at Home service for older people has had in 2023-24. The findings show:
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to see the progress that local health providers are making on delivering Hospital at Home services and the positive impact it is having, particularly on elderly patients.
“Hospital at Home allows patients to receive acute treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable and familiar with.
“There are more Hospital at Home beds for older people available and an increasing number of patients are choosing to use the service.
“Hospital at Home gives people greater independence during their recovery. Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.
“It is also one of a range of measures that we have put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.”
Belinda Robertson, Associate Director of Improvement, Healthcare Improvement Scotland said: “We know that patients benefit from receiving safe, patient-centred care in the comfort of their own home whilst continuing to benefit from the support they are used to from families, friends and carers.
“Our latest annual report for Hospital at Home across Scotland shows that more and more NHS boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are providing acute hospital care to people in their own homes.
“Four new services for people living in and around Dumfries, Galashiels, Lerwick and Oban have been established in the last year, and Hospital at Home services across the country have prevented over 14,467 people spending time in hospital.
“We would like to commend the Hospital at Home services for the fantastic work they’ve done to establish and grow their services. In the year ahead, we look forward to continuing to support NHS boards and Partnerships to further develop the services they provide, and to share learning across all Hospital at Home services.”
Dear Editor,
A poll commissioned recently by the NSPCC has revealed that more than eight out of 10 UK parents believe in-person play has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.
The YouGov survey of over 1,000 UK parents, with children aged 18 or under, also found that 62 per cent of respondents would like their children to have more time to play and almost a third (32 per cent) said playing with peers is the best way to enhance their child’s experience and promote learning and development.
Play is central to thriving childhoods.
This data highlights the benefits of all types of play, whether in-person or online, as children spend weeks away from school during the summer holidays.
The NSPCC-run service, Childline, is hearing first-hand about the challenges that some children face during this time.
Some young people tell us that they struggle to cope being out of their school routine, whilst others feel disconnected from their friends and, for some, home is not a happy environment.
Childline’s trained counsellors promote play as a helpful tool that children can use to support their wellbeing, reduce anxiety and release stress.
Ensuring your child has a variety of different types of play, will help them cope in difficult times, connect with others, build confidence and learn more about the world around them.
Whether it be playing a board game, football or visiting the Childline website and playing a game in our online toolbox, all types of play can be beneficial.
Children can get in touch with Childline 24/7 every day of the year on childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111.
Paul Johnson
Childline Team Manager
NSPCC Scotland
Police Scotland continues to engage with our communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.
Today (Wednesday 7 August, 2024) Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.
Our Chief is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for our policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.
“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.
“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.
“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.
“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.
“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”
First Minister John Swinney has held positive talks to provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.
The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with communities around the country.
He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide people.
“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in Scotland to express our solidarity together – we respect each other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.
“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom.
“The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.
“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.”
The First Minister met with representatives from the following faith and refugee groups this morning:
The First Minister also met with:
Secretary of State for Scotland @IanMurrayMP has also written to reassure Scottish faith communities and underline there is no place in Scotland for racism, bigotry, or the politics of hate:
mmmm
