Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Local Sports Clubs in with a chance to bag £2,500 grant funding from Aldi

Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund has returned for its seventh year and local sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians can now apply for a share of £50,000.

The fund encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity within their local communities by offering sports clubs the chance to secure essential funding. There are a range of funding tiers available, with one club in the area guaranteed to secure a £2,500 funding boost.

Since launching in 2016, nearly 500 clubs across Scotland have benefitted from a funding uplift of £290,000 through Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund, helping to improve community access to sports across the country.

From gymnastics to football and volleyball to bowling, Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation that meets the application criteria. In 2021, Aldi supported a selection of sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians, including Lismore Rugby Football Club and trampolining club, PHD FUNdamentals. The additional funding helped both clubs fund training sessions and purchase new equipment.

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Aldi Scotland, said: “Since launching in 2016, our Scottish Sport Fund has given a wide range of sports clubs the chance to benefit from essential funding to help them invest in much needed equipment and resources.  

“Sports clubs across Scotland have had a really challenging time over the last two years, and I am proud that Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund gives these clubs a helping hand to continue the fantastic work they do in their communities.

“Each year, we are blown away by the applications we receive, and I look forward to welcoming more in 2022. I’d encourage any sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians to apply and take advantage of this excellent funding opportunity.”

Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund is part of the retailer’s wider commitment to help local communities in Scotland, which it also does through its Neighbourly partnership and Supermarket Sweep.

Sports clubs located across Edinburgh and The Lothians have from Monday 22 August to Sunday 25 September to apply for funding. One applicant will be selected to receive £2,500 of funding, two applicants will each receive £1,000 of funding, while several other applicants will each receive £500 of funding towards their sports club.

Applications can be made via a form found on:

 https://www.aldi.co.uk/scottishsportfund.

The Aldi Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation in Scotland that meets the application criteria. All applications will be considered by the Aldi judging panel and entrants will be notified of the outcome of their funding application within four to six weeks from the region’s deadline. 

Please see the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund FAQs and Terms & Conditions for more information.

Charity appeals for volunteer dog trainers to change more local disabled people’s lives

Dog A.I.D. are running volunteer recruitment events in Scotland with the aim of recruiting experienced trainers

On 24th and 25th October, potential volunteers will be able to hear from experienced Dog A.I.D. trainer, Fran Murtaugh, about Assistance Dog training and from our clients about how their lives have changed since training their Assistance Dogs.  

Shirley Smith from Aberdeen joined Dog A.I.D. in 2019 after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. During puppy classes, Shirley met Fran, an experienced local dog trainer, and Fran mentioned she was applying to join Dog A.I.D.

They were soon matched and have been working together ever since. Shirley is very grateful to Fran as her trainer for supporting her to train Skye, a Cavapoo to become an Assistance Dog. Skye fills her up with confidence every day.  

Fran said: “Shirley and Skye have been an absolute joy to train, Skye is so eager to please and loves supporting Shirley. Skye has given Shirley so much confidence and it has been a pleasure to be a part of their journey”

Shirley can often struggle with her mobility so Skye can press her alarm button, pick up objects and open and close doors. She can also fetch a tissue if Shirley sneezes – one of her favourite tricks! 

The impact on Shirley’s life has been extraordinary, and over thirty other physically disabled people in Scotland who have registered an interest in joining their programme.

The charity now needs many more experienced dog trainers who are committed to reward based training to volunteer their skills and experience, so they can help people like Shirley. Dog A.I.D.’s volunteer trainers also benefit from opportunities to develop their skills and networks through regular webinars and training opportunities. 

A small amount of your time can mean the world

If you are an experienced dog trainer who is committed to reward based training, Dog A.I.D.  want to hear from you! 

The two events in Scotland are: 

Further information on www.dogaid.org.uk/information-for-trainers and places can be booked via our Eventbrite page or by contacting admin@dogaid.org.uk or 01743 588469.

Free football session for youngsters with sight loss in Lothian

Are you aged between eight to 14, have a visual impairment and would like to play football?

Then come along to a free, one-hour introductory session on Sunday, October 16th, from 9 to 10am at the Oriam Sports Centre on Heriot Watt University’s campus in Riccarton, west Edinburgh.

This taster session is aimed at partially sighted young people. No previous football experience is necessary and the session will be tailored to include all footballing abilities.

It has been organised by national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, Bathgate Thistle Community Football Club and the Scottish Football Association.

Neil Atkinson (24) from Livingston, who was diagnosed with the condition Stargardt’s macula dystrophy at the age of eight, is the coach.

“This session will be pitched towards players with some level of sight,” he says. “We have regular footballs as well as bell-balls. And it’s an indoor court with a hard surface so that the ball can be located more easily by sound.

“The hour-long session will consist of a short warm-up then some focused training, working on fundamental skills; bulwark, passing, movement, finishing and some game situations. We will try to meet the individual level of each player. The session will be focused on fun, and on developing the players’ skills and confidence.

“For the last portion of the session, we’ll have an open game, allowing players to use some of the skills they’ve learned in the previous exercises. Players are free to make it competitive, but ultimately the focus is on enjoyment.

“Family members and friends are also welcome to come along and participate and support a partially sighted individual. It’s only an hour long session but I will be there after the session for any questions and to help with advice for any participant. If there are players and parents who aren’t sure if the session would be appropriate, I’d be more than happy to talk to them to find out if it is accessible “

There will also be a small number of follow-up sessions in the weeks following for anyone who cannot make the 16th October.

For further information, contact Neil Atkinson on 07858 687 528, email neil.atkinson@rnib.org.uk, or book a place:

www.scottishfa.co.uk/participation/para-football

Police: Have you seen Averil?

Police are continuing to appeal for information to help trace missing 47-year-old Averil Shepley from Edinburgh. Averil was last seen in the Marchmont area at around 10.30pm on Friday (30 September, 2022).

She is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, of slight build, with short dark hair.

When last seen, she was wearing a black woolly hat with toggles on each side and black trousers. It is believed she may be wearing a bright pink Goretex jacket and a black and red rucksack in her possession.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Averil’s welfare and would urge anyone who may have seen her, or has any information on her whereabouts, to contact police.

“Likewise, if Averil sees or hears about this appeal, please call us or your family, so we know you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information which could assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0090 of 1 October, 2022.

Preparing the NHS for Winter

YOUSAF: ‘this winter will be one of the most challenging our NHS has ever faced’

Additional funding of £8 million for overseas nurse recruitment and increased flexibility for Health Boards to retain staff are among new measures to support the health and care system through what is anticipated to be an extremely challenging winter.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has outlined a number of actions for the coming months backed by more than £600 million of funding. The announcement comes on the back of the latest awful performance figures – August’s waiting times were the worst on record.

Measures to support services include:

  • recruitment of 1,000 additional staff over the course of this winter, including £8 million to recruit up to 750 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals from overseas as well as 250 support staff across acute, primary care and mental health;
  • flexibility for Health Boards to offer ‘pension recycling’, where unused employer contributions can be paid as additional salary, to support the retention of staff;
  • £45 million for the Scottish Ambulance Service to support on-going recruitment, service development and winter planning;
  • £124 million to assist health and social care partnerships expand care at home capacity;  
  • extension of the Social Care Staff Support Fund to 31 March 2023, to ensure staff receive full pay when in COVID isolation;
  • Writing to GPs to communicate the expectation that pre-bookable appointments are made available in every practice, alongside same day, face to face and remote appointments;

The first annual update has also been published on the NHS Recovery Plan which highlights significant progress made in the last year, including increasing NHS workforce to historically high levels, the success of the COVID vaccination programme, and a marked reduction in outpatient waits of over two years.

nhs-recovery-plan-2021-2026Download

Mr Yousaf said: “NHS Scotland’s staffing and funding is already at historically high levels, but as we approach the winter period it is crucial that we look to maximise, and enhance where we can, the capacity of the NHS.

“Given the scale of the escalating cost of living crisis, combined with the continued uncertainty posed by COVID and a possible resurgence of Flu, this winter will be one of the most challenging our NHS has ever faced.

“These measures will support winter resilience across our health and care system, ensuring people get the right care they need at the right time and in the most appropriate setting. We will also expand our workforce, particularly registered nurses to assist with the expected increase in workload.

“We have jointly agreed a number of overarching priorities with Cosla which will help guide our services this winter. We are on course to double our virtual capacity this year and so far have avoided or saved bed days equivalent to adding a large district general hospital.

“We have published the first update on our NHS Recovery Plan which highlights just how much progress we have made in the past year, I am determined to build on this and we will report on progress annually.  

“Our NHS and social care staff have shown remarkable resilience in the face of sustained pressure on services and I would like to thank them for their continued commitment and hard work. As we approach the Winter period their efforts will be vital in ensuring we deliver high quality care for the public.

“To help relieve pressure on services, people should continue to consider whether their condition is an emergency before going to A&E. Local GPs and pharmacies can be contacted during the day for non-critical care, NHS 24 is also available on 111 for non-emergencies.”

The Winter Resilience Overview 2022-23 is backed with more than £600 million of funding through the 2022/23 budget.

NHS Recovery Plan 2021-2026 – Progress Update

Scotland Emergency Department performance falls for the third consecutive month as Health Secretary announces winter plan

Responding to both the latest Emergency Department performance figures for Scotland for August 2022 and yesterday’s announcement by the Health Secretary of the Winter Resilience Overview 2022-23, Dr John-Paul Loughrey, Vice Chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said: “The latest Emergency Department performance figures for August show a fall in performance for the third consecutive month.

“We are heading into a very dark and grim winter. Staff are exhausted and are anxious about the months ahead, patients are deeply worried about facing long and dangerous waits for emergency care.

“The Health Secretary yesterday announced the Winter Resilience Overview 2022-23. We welcome the focus on and investment in social care, it is imperative that we bolster the social care workforce to ensure the timely discharge of patients and improve flow throughout our hospitals.

“However, the scale of patient harm occurring as a result of these extremely long waits for admission require more meaningful and urgent intervention and engagement by those empowered to make changes.

“Measures that focus on the avoidance of low acuity patients attending Emergency Departments will not work. The priority must be on increasing the available bed base and a medium- to long-term vision for increasing staff numbers across all grades with an NHS workforce plan for Scotland.

“We appreciate the challenges that the Scottish Government face and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss measures to mitigate patient harm and limit the impact of the looming winter crisis with them.”

Dyslexia Awareness Week: How to support your child if they have a learning difficulty

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week (4th– 10th October) and an education expert has shared five pieces of advice on how to support children if they have learning disabilities.

Interestingly, research conducted by Oxford Home Schooling revealed that while overseeing their children’s learning during lockdown, many parents spotted potential signs of a learning difficulty.

Nearly half (47%) identified symptoms of dyslexia (difficulty reading, writing and spelling), whilst more than one in four (29%) observed possible indicators of dysgraphia (impaired handwriting or spelling).

To help parents who now think their child may have a learning difficulty, Greg Smith, Head of Operations at Oxford Home Schooling, has put together a guide on how best to support your child and what your next steps should be.

1. Get your child diagnosed

If your child’s difficulties are having a significant impact on their learning, it’s a good idea to have them tested for a condition and diagnosed.

A diagnosis can open the door for your child to receive appropriate learning support in school. This includes allowing them extra time in exams and being supported by a teaching assistant, so it’s a good idea to look into this as early as possible.

If you’ve observed signs that your child may have a learning difficulty, you should speak to your GP, who can either make the diagnosis themselves, or refer the child for the appropriate tests.

2. Speak to your GP

Once a child is diagnosed with a learning difficulty, you should consult your GP. They will then be able to recommend and refer you to an appropriate specialist for support1.

Specialists can include speech and language therapists, educational and clinical psychologists and paediatricians, among others.

3. Make the school aware

Once you have an idea of the areas where your child is struggling, you will need to make their school and teachers aware of the situation.

This will allow the school to put extra support in place should your child require it. They will need time to consider how the condition might affect the child’s learning and work out how best to adapt their teaching.

4. Talk to others

Many parents find it difficult to process the diagnosis of a learning difficulty and it can be a challenge to adapt to your child’s new needs.

Don’t be afraid to seek out the support of other parents who have experienced similar situations. There are many support groups and forums out there for advice, and you and your child can even build new friendships.

5. Support your child

The important thing to remember is that you need to support your child, whether this is with their learning, or any other aspects of life that they struggle with.

Being diagnosed with a learning difficulty is by no means the end of the world and children with such conditions go on to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives.

You will need to be patient, and it may be challenging at times, but with the correct support system in place your child will be fine.

For information on the benefits of homeschooling for children with learning disabilities and special educational needs, head to this page: 

https://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/special-situations/

Whitburn shopper scoops a record-breaking £1,519 for local foodbank at Aldi Supermarket Sweep

The winner of Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep in Whitburn has raised a record-breaking £1519.28 for a local foodbank, while picking up £759.64 in Aldi favourites for himself.  

Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep recently arrived in Whitburn and lucky shopper Scott Gibson, who was chosen as the winner of a competition after entering at Aldi’s tent at the 200th Royal Highland Show in June, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for charity on 4th of September.  

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Scott successfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of his haul and donated the lump sum to his nominated charity, West Lothian Foodbank. 

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Scott Gibson, said: “I want to say thanks to Aldi for such a fun evening. When I entered the supermarket sweep competition at the Royal Highland Show, I didn’t expect such a challenge!

“The staff were so friendly, and I am delighted to have raised such a great amount for the local foodbank.” 

Kathleen Neilly, West Lothian Foodbank manager, said: “I would like to say thank you to Aldi Scotland for providing us with support during these hard times all of this donation will be used to buy food to help our local people that’s in a crisis.” 

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “We are proud that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite across the country, and we are so pleased to have brought it back this year.

“Congratulations to Scott who managed to raise an incredible £1519.28 for West Lothian Foodbank and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for himself.” 

Foundation Scotland has distributed over £150 million 

Major funder has supported over 12,000 organisations across the country 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has to date distributed over £150 million to more than 12,000 organisations making a difference the length and breadth of the country. 

From local food banks to counselling services, to youth groups to training funds, the major funder has awarded over 44,000 grants in total to charities, social enterprises and community groups across Scotland since they were established in 1996 

Foundation Scotland is an independent foundation that specialises in supporting charitable initiatives within local communities. 

The funds awarded to projects within Scotland’s communities are thanks to the generosity of donors who support the Foundation’s work. The breadth of donors includes individuals, families, companies, community bodies and other charities that work with the Foundation to set up and distribute charitable funds.

The Foundation connects donors’ funds with community organisations working on the ground, ensuring their support stays relevant to local circumstances to deliver real impact.  

Throughout the pandemic, the team at Foundation Scotland worked relentlessly to bring in new funds to meet the unprecedented demand from communities throughout the crisis. New donors such as The National Emergencies Trust helped the funder to distribute over £37 million in the two years that followed the first lockdown in 2020.   

Using the Foundation’s extensive knowledge and proven reach within communities, the funds were distributed quickly to where they were needed most.

Thousands of groups across Edinburgh and Lothians have received vital support from Foundation Scotland.  These include organisations such as Edinburgh Tool Library (above), Edinburgh Women’s Aid and North Edinburgh Dementia Care. 

The funder continues to work closely with communities across Scotland to identify and support the most critical needs emerging during cost-of-living crisis, working with new and existing donors to create funds for charitable groups. Being able to distribute additional funding is as much a priority now as it was throughout the pandemic.

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive at Foundation Scotland, said: “Reaching this significant milestone of over £150 million distributed to date is an outstanding achievement. For over 25 years, we’ve maintained our vision of supporting confident, thriving, resilient communities across Scotland, and we look forward to continuing this support to deliver continual impact.  

“We know that local groups are best placed to offer support as they have the knowledge, passion and determination to deliver exceptional results.    And for every community to thrive, it should be resourced to match its vision and powered by transformative funding.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors, corporates and individuals, we have collectively enabled and empowered thousands of vital local projects, such as Aberdeen Sailing Trust, to transform lives for the better.   

“We are currently experiencing overwhelming demand for funding, and we will continue to work hard to reach and connect with new donors keen to distribute funds effectively at a local level so that together we can continue to deliver extraordinary support.” 

From grantmaking to social investment opportunities, legacies to bursaries, Foundation Scotland is continually developing innovative and effective ways for donors to help Scotland’s communities thrive.

Anyone interested in supporting their work can contact: development@foundationscotland.org.uk or call 0131 524 0300. 

For more details, visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk

Fringe Society launch mass listening project in 75th anniversary year

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is undertaking its biggest feedback drive in years following the conclusion of the 2022 festival.  With the return of artists and audiences on a scale not seen since before the pandemic, there was heightened interest across a range of areas last August.

As the festival joins other global cultural events on the road to recovery, the Society team are seeking input from a wide range of Fringe constituents as it looks to address the key challenges and opportunities ahead.

Seeking input from artists, audiences, venues, producers, workers, community groups arts industry delegates, and those with access needs; over the next fortnight the Fringe Society will be inviting insight and detail on a range of topics. 

From the recent Fringe experience to accommodation costs, barriers to participation, and the work of the Fringe Society, the detailed surveys will provide data to support the team on convening the right partners to address these issues.

The results of this consultation process will feed into work being undertaken following the launch of the new Fringe development goals last June.  In consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, the six goals set out to develop a Fringe which has thriving artists, supports fair work, removes barriers, creates a sense of good citizenship, supports net zero ambitions and ensures a world-class digital experience. 

In taking the opportunity to learn from everyone’s experience of the 2022 Fringe, the Fringe Society will use this data to bring together the right people and partnerships to work towards solutions, and advocate for greater support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Fringe.

Shona McCarthy, CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: “This year’s Festival was the first step on the road to recovery and we know the biggest challenge is the next 3 years. 

“It’s important that we gather evidence and case studies from our Fringe participants so that we can ensure the Society is armed with the facts and best equipped to make the case for where improvements can be made in advance of Fringe 2023. 

“We encourage everyone to take time to complete the survey specific to them and to provide as much information as they can.”

Sustained progress needed on Scotland’s National Performance Framework ambitions, says Holyrood’s Finance Committee

In a report published yesterday, the committee sets out a suite of recommendations aimed at ensuring the NPF is a “much more explicit” part of policy making.

This begins, says the committee, with the Scottish Government making clear how it will use the NPF in setting national policy, and in collaborating with local government and wider Scottish society.

The report also says Scottish Government funding decisions need to be aligned with NPF outcomes, and that greater scrutiny and accountability is required.

Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said: “The NPF remains an important vision of the type of place Scotland should aspire to be, but there needs to be more sustained progress towards achieving that vision.

“While there is no single solution, of key importance is positioning the NPF as the start of a ‘golden thread’ from which all other frameworks, strategies and plans flow, through to delivery on the ground.

“We recommend that the government explicitly set out how its policies will contribute to the delivery of specific NPF outcomes, their intended impact on NPF outcomes, and approaches to monitoring and evaluation.

“Similarly, government funding decisions should also be aligned with National Outcomes. From the wide range of organisations we heard from the NPF is not currently seen to drive financial decisions, nor is it a mechanism by which organisations are held to account for spending effectively.”

The report also makes recommendations for strengthening and refocussing scrutiny – including by parliamentary committees – over how organisations have regard to the NPF.

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