Fort Kinnaird is calling on customers to help spread festive cheer in the community this Christmas.
The centre has teamed up with Cyrenians, an Edinburgh-based charity that tackles the causes and consequences of homelessness, to launch a ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, as part of the charity’s winter appeal to combat social isolation.
The local community are being asked to write their warm wishes in a Christmas card or letter and post without an envelope in its ‘Letters of Hope’ mailbox free of charge. The initiative will then see these heartfelt Christmas cards distributed to those at risk of homelessness in and around Edinburgh.
There will also be a contactless donation point where shoppers can tap to donate £3, £5 or £10 as well as a QR code displayed on the side of the post box where visitors will be able to tap to make donations and support the charity’s vital work in the city.
The initiative is part of Cyrenians’ Winter Appeal which launched earlier this week to support the charity’s services to stop homelessness in its tracks. The city is facing significant housing challenges, and the funds raised will help Cyrienians reach more people this winter, while providing a little light through initiatives like the Letters of Hope mailbox.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “While Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, we know that the winter months, and especially the festive season, can be challenging for those experiencing homelessness.
“It’s our visitors who make Christmas so special for us here at Fort Kinnaird, so we know we can count on them to spread some cheer to those who need it most.
“We hope our ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, and the fundraising support for Cyrenians, will help to bring a few more smiles over the seasonal period.”
Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians, said: “Winter is dark enough, so we are delighted to be partnering with Fort Kinnaird this season to bring a little light to those who need it most.
“Cyrenians works across the community to break the cycle of homelessness. With services across addiction recovery, family mediation, supported housing, food distribution and more, we will provide vital support to many people who are struggling this Christmas. Thanks to Fort Kinnaird and their customers, we can work to tackle homelessness together.”
Letters and cards can be posted into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema – from now until 20th December when they will be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.
Local Edinburgh legend is honoured in a festive food window display on North Bridge
Shikha Ahuja a member of Milan Senior Welfare Organisation has been nominated by the charity for her dedication to supporting and sharing joy with Edinburgh’s elderly South Asian community
Supported by Pret, Shikha is being commemorated in a window display – inclusive of her story coupled with a QR code where people can donate to The Pret Foundation to make a difference to those affected by hunger, poverty, and homelessness
Additional windows in Liverpool, London, Birmingham and Manchester showcase the nation’s most joyous moments of 2024 – Pret is encouraging the public to visit their nearest shop and #ShareTheJoy
In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit and festive joy, Edinburgh’s very own local legend, Shikha Ahuja, is being honoured in a vibrant Christmas window display at Pret A Manger on North Bridge.
Shikha Ahuja, 54, a dedicated member of the Milan Senior Welfare Organisation, has been nominated by the charity for her enthusiastic and unwavering commitment over five years. Shikha brings joy, connection, and a dash of Bollywood magic to the elderly amongst Edinburgh’s South Asian community.
She is always looking for ways to enhance the lives of others, from organising cooking clubs and yoga sessions, through to leading a digital literacy programme for senior citizens, to help them become better connected and combat loneliness.
As a tribute, Shikha is being commemorated in a window display that perfectly captures the festive season – complete with a garland featuring food from Pret’s Christmas menu.
Shikha says: “I’m truly humbled to be featured in this beautiful display. For me, it’s about more than just providing a service.
“It’s about spreading warmth and helping older people feel more loved and less alone, whether by reconnecting them with family on Zoom or creating spaces to socialise through community arts and crafts.
“I feel blessed by everyone I help and grow a little each day.
“To be celebrated in this festive display, surrounded by the spirit of generosity and community, is so uplifting. A huge thank you to the team at Milan Senior Welfare Organisation, The Pret Foundation and everyone who works towards making Edinburgh a more connected community.”
The Edinburgh display is part of a national celebration of joy, with additional windows in Liverpool, London, Birmingham and Manchester showcasing the most joyous moments of 2024, Top 10 list below. Pret is encouraging everyone to visit their local shop, admire the displays and share in the festive spirit by using the hashtag #ShareTheJoy on social media.
Katherine Bagshaw, UK Food and Coffee Director, said:“At Pret, we believe that Christmas is about bringing people together, celebrating, and sharing the joy. We’re thrilled to be able to tell inspiring stories of remarkable individuals who make a real difference in their community.
“Shikha’s nomination is testament to her dedication in helping others – thanks to The Pret Foundation, we’re able to provide food, resources, and support to those affected by hunger and homelessness, not just at Christmas but year-round.”
TOP 10 – 2024 MOMENTS OF JOY
England men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024 (Really? – Ed.)
David Attenborough celebrates 70 years of service as a conservationist and broadcaster
Jude Bellingham’s overhead goal for England against Slovakia at Euro 2024
The announcement of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special
Keely Hodgkinson’s 800 meters gold at the Olympics for Team GB
16-year-old Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship
Andy Murray’s emotional retirement match at Wimbledon
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service combined forces with the Leith Community Policing Team at Lorne Primary yesterday to deliver the ‘The Junior Cop & Good Citizen’ programme.
Constable Gloc leads the current initiative which is presented to Primary 6 pupils with the aim of encouraging the children to act responsibly and safely at home, in the community and within their school environment.
It involves a weekly programme of inputs covering the following topics:
The Role of the Police
Fire Safety
Travel Safe
Online Safety
Alcohol, Drugs, and age specific goods
Respect in the Community, including ASB and Hate Crime.
The image is of Community Fire Fighters Young & Sinclair, PC Clark and in centre stage a potential firefighter of the future.
As of 4 November, Carer Support Payment is available in every local authority area in Scotland. We introduced the payment in phases from November 2023 and are delighted it is now available across Scotland.
Carer Support Payment is money to help unpaid carers providing 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who gets disability benefits. The payment is £81.90 per week.
Carers in Scotland who already get Carer’s Allowance will have their benefits automatically transferred to Carer Support Payment with no gap in entitlement. Social Security Scotland will write to people in advance to let them know that their award will be moving.
We are planning an awareness-raising campaign in early 2025 to support take-up of the benefit .
Free stakeholder resources are available on our website to share with your networks and help us promote the payment to people who may be eligible. Please download them and share across your networks and channels.
The next Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment of £288.60 will be paid on Friday 6 December to eligible carers who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 7 October 2024.
We will write to eligible carers in advance, so they know when to expect the payment. If carers have not received the payment or heard from us by 16 December 2024, they should call us free on 0800 182 2222.
The City of Edinburgh Council is once again supporting the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.
This is an international movement aimed at raising awareness, driving advocacy, and sharing knowledge to combat gender-based violence.
Running from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, through to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the campaign calls for action on a global scale.
As part of its commitment the City Chambers was lit up orange in support of the campaign.
The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council are pleased to announce that the Council is participating in the Equally Safe at Work accreditation programme, further reinforcing its broader strategy to create safer communities for women and girls.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day and Chief Executive Paul Lawrence said: “We are pleased to announce that the City of Edinburgh Council is participating in the Equally Safe at Work accreditation programme as part of a wider programme of work in the City to promote gender equality and to prevent and eradicate discrimination and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This falls within Edinburgh’s wider commitment to implementing Equally Safe.
“Gender inequality in society is a cause and consequence of VAWG, and women’s market labour inequality is one of the ways this is expressed in society. To prevent VAWG, we must tackle gender inequality in society. The Council as an employer is committed to addressing and eradicating the ways in which social gender inequality plays out in the workplace.
“As one of the largest employers in Edinburgh we are committed to progressing gender equality in the workplace, and the Equally Safe at Work Programme provides us with the tools to make meaningful change for all employees in the organisation, particularly women.
“We will be undertaking a number of activities to progress gender equality for our colleagues and better support victim-survivors of violence against women (VAW) at work. This includes reviewing our equality policy, introducing a specific gender-based violence policy, looking at recruitment and progression practices and pathways, and providing relevant learning and development opportunities.
“We’ll do more to raise awareness of gender equality and violence against women and work to address occupational gender segregation – undertaking pilot projects to change the workforce profile where roles are seen as traditionally male- or female-dominated.
“It’s important that all employees in the workplace feel safe and supported. While women and girls are at greatest risk of gender-based violence, we know that boys, men, transgender and non-binary people are also affected – the work we do will benefit everyone.
“It’s also important that we take an approach that recognises that women have different experiences of employment, and this is shaped by multiple, intersecting inequalities and discriminations that overlap to create different levels of inequality. We recognise that individuals face unique challenges and discrimination based on the intersection of their gender, race, ethnicity, disability, economic disadvantage, religion, sexual orientation and other social identities.
“We’ll continue to work to address disadvantage including pay gap intersectionality through our commitments in our new Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2028.
“Equally Safe at Work will enable the City of Edinburgh Council to develop initiatives and practices that better reflect the needs of all employees in the organisation and align with our Behaviours and our commitment to implementing the Equally Safe strategy across the City.
“We will ensure that the changes we make are sustainable, creating and maintaining a more inclusive culture where women feel safe at work and empowered to lead in their own careers and raise any concerns or complaints they may have.
“We will be working to embed this work throughout the organisation and consistently review the changes to ensure they still reflect the needs of the organisation and our colleagues.
“Making sure that women, who are the vast majority of City of Edinburgh Council employees are safe, supported and included in the workplace is not just a commitment- it’s common sense.
“We want all colleagues to have the tools, resources and support they need to perform their best and to feel fulfilled from their work within the Council.”
I am writing to you to provide an update on Edinburgh TSI* activity since the EIJB Board meeting on November 1 and to invite your collaboration on the next steps.
Though it was welcome that the IJB agreed not to proceed with an in-year cut to the Third Sector Grants Programme, the process leading to that decision, and risks flowing from the meeting on November 1 remain very challenging.
Resolving the funding position for the Third Sector Grant recipients, and all third sector funding from the IJB for 2025/6 alongside co-designing the conditions of success for any future model of working in partnership is a key priority for the Sector, and as a consequence, for the Edinburgh TSI.
We believe the IJB proposals need to be part of a wider strategic conversation in the city about how we invest in the Third Sector, ensuring we have the right investment in the right places with the right capacity to deliver the most impact.
Edinburgh TSI letter following November 1
In the lead-up to the November 1 IJB meeting, we worked collaboratively with the Edinburgh Community Health Forum, and others across our sector to draw out information for briefings from affected TSOs through phone calls, questionnaires and meetings. This concluded with a detailed rebuttal of arguments in Paper 7.2, as presented to the IJB as well as a TSI deputation. The deputation sought to build on the arguments put forward by organisations for time to plan better and work differently.
Following that meeting, I wrote on behalf of the TSI to the Chair of the EIJB, the leader of the Council, the CEC Chief Executive and the NHS Lothian Chief Executive. I emphasised the need for:
Resetting investment: there is a need for a whole city conversation on a sustainable financial settlement for the Third Sector
Reforming ways of working: there needs to be a better approach to commissioning, valuing and supporting The Third Sector through change
Repairing relationships: recognising and valuing the value of the Third Sector contribution to communities is an important part of relationship development
Edinburgh IJB engagement on Third Sector Grants and contracts
Agreeing on a funding settlement for 2025/6 is a key objective for the Third Sector, both for the Third Sector Grants Programme and for the larger contracted services with Third Sector Organisations.
There are different possible scenarios. A best-case scenario might be a one-year continuation of the grants programme while time is dedicated to coherently and collaboratively designing a sustainable “replacement” which enables the IJB to purchase what they need and want from the Third Sector while providing foundational funding for the wider sector.
This will require a series of conversations, some sense of prioritisation and scoping of how to manage change. The big challenge is time. Initial discussions are progressing between Edinburgh TSI and the IJB on immediate priorities, and a meeting has been invited with CEC.
To inform the discussions on funding, the Edinburgh TSI met with a group of Third Sector partners to scope priorities. This includes articulating the real consequences of making any cuts on the Sector and its ability to deliver outcomes with communities; seeking confirmation on the priority focus for the IJB in 2025/6, and inviting discussion on options around the best use of our joint resources through a process of co-design. These conversations will need to be ongoing. We welcome your views as to how best to shape them.
Edinburgh IJB engagement on Public Social Partnership
Any change to a way of working to a Public Social Partnership or some other commissioning model by the IJB demands an investment of time up front.
This time is needed to confirm commitment to co-design to ensure that any partnership is a partnership, and any working relationship is founded on clear conditions for success.
This needs an investment in learning from other PSP’s in the city, what worked, and what didn’t, and it needs clarity on roles and responsibilities. In the meantime, a clear transition arrangement needs to be set out, describing how current commitments and contracts are to be managed.
Following the November 1 meeting, the IJB have been reviewing budget and partnership proposals. They have invited a group of Third Sector representatives to discuss how to progress partnership working together on shared issues and challenges.
The purpose of the meeting is to start a conversation about how best to work together, who to engage and what success looks like. The next steps will need wider conversations within the sector and between the sector and the IJB, and we invite your views as to how best to shape this.
Reference Group Proposal
The Third Sector has important Board roles on the EIJB and other city institutions. However, at the EIJB meeting, Cllr Pogson asked if there was enough Third Sector representation on the Board.
A reformed Board may be a future possibility, but meanwhile, it is critical to be able to support the people who occupy these Board seats so the voices of the sector feed into them, support and challenge them.
This is particularly the case in the next year or so where there will be very challenging issues and decisions to consider, with significant impact for the Sector.
To try and make sense of where to best put attention around these issues, we have convened a small, embryonic group of sector people. We aim to build this into a Reference Group with representation from across the Sector to distil and amplify the voices of the sector around priority issues. This will evolve over the next few months, and we invite your collaboration.
Our initial sense is that the areas of focus are about:
Asserting value: articulating the impact of the sector with fair methods of measurement
Supporting resilience: co-designing ways of working for sector sustainability
Shaping investment: making the case for ongoing investment around sector need
Informing governance: supporting Third Sector Board seats on city partnerships
We have developed Draft Terms of Reference for this Group, which builds on the current issues around the IJB but also focuses on the Third Sector as a whole.
Next steps
In sharing this context and background, it is my intention to work collaboratively to find a solution to the real risks we are facing as a sector.
In this context, I invite you to get in touch with initial feedback on the role of the TSI in shaping the Reference Group. In the meantime, Edinburgh TSI colleagues will continue to convene the sector through forums, networks and meetings, alongside the Edinburgh Community Health Forum.
Together, we can also continue to highlight the risks and impact of this loss of investment in the third sector, both individually and collectively.
Please get in touch and get involved. We recognise that our strength is in working together and supporting each other across our rich, diverse and talented Third Sector. I look forward to working with you.
A LEADING consumer expert has shared her top tips for avoiding being scammed or having your bank account emptied by cyber criminals when shopping for Christmas on Black Friday this week.
Jane Hawkes warned that consumers have to be on high alert for online scammers who try to cash in on one of the busiest days in the year for retailers.
She said cyber-crooks are bombarding consumers with emails that are designed to trick them into revealing sensitive information like banking and credit card details.
In the past few days, banks, building societies and online retailers have issued warnings as the nation gets ready to spend.
Data released by Action Fraud revealed that there were more than 16,000 reports of online shopping fraud during last year’s festive season.
Many fraudsters rely on text and email messages that appear to be from legitimate businesses but contain links to fake websites that are designed to harvest bank logins and credit card details.
The process is known as phishing and the mobile phone firm Three said it received over 3,500 complaints about fraudsters over the last holiday period.
The cyber security firm Bitdefender estimates that 77% of Black Friday-themed spam emails are scams, while Barclays says the average loss on a shopping scam is £700.
And consumer expert Jane said attackers are becoming more creative: “They are now tailoring their tactics and messaging for greater appeal to different groups of shoppers in specific demographics and regions.
“These are organised cyber criminals sending billions of messages using tactics that include phishing emails, sophisticated malware attacks, and the impersonation of popular brands.
“Beware, for example, of ‘dear customer’ emails and messages warning that a package has been delayed and asking you to click on a link to confirm your details.
“There are even kits that can be bought on the Dark Web that allow criminals to set up very convincing but fake online banking portals, so the stakes can be very high.”
Her advice to shoppers is:
Do your research with due diligence- the devil is in the detail, make sure you check it. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Trust your gut feeling.
Check reviews before purchase – watch out for any which are overly complimentary and with similar wording. This could be a sign of a scam outfit as opposed to a genuine endorsement.
Be wary of any red flags – super cheap pricing, urgency to make time pressured decisions, unknown companies, lack of contact details on websites and websites which don’t function correctly, misspelling of website urls or item descriptions.
Pay for purchases via credit card for maximum consumer protection.
Set up alerts with banks and providers so you are alerted if there is any activity on your account or your card is being used.
Have different passwords for your online accounts. Once a scammer works out a password they can easily try it on all of your accounts.
55% of Accidental Deaths Happen at Home: Black Friday Warning to Avoid Unsafe Products
With 55% of accidental deaths occurring in the home, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging shoppers to prioritise safety this Black Friday. Unsafe products, counterfeit goods, and poor-quality items can turn your home into a danger zone.
Adding to the concern, threats to breathing—such as choking and suffocation—have increased by 17% in the last decade, highlighting the critical importance of buying safe, reliable products, especially for children and vulnerable family members.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:“Your home should be a safe place, not a hazard. Unsafe products bought during sales can lead to serious risks like choking, fire, or poisoning.
“This Black Friday, prioritise safety over savings to ensure you protect your loved ones and create a safer environment at home.”
RoSPA’s Top Tips for Staying Safe While Shopping Online
To help shoppers avoid dangerous deals and make informed choices, RoSPA provides the following guidance:
Prioritise Safety Over Savings While discounts may tempt you, ensure products meet UK safety standards. Research thoroughly, particularly when buying toys, electronics, and household items.
Be Wary of Counterfeit Goods and Check for Safety Markings Counterfeit products often fail to meet safety regulations. Always purchase from trusted retailers and ensure that toys, electronics, and other high-risk items display the CE or UKCA mark.
Stay Informed About Product Recalls Check the UK Government’s product recall website before buying to ensure the product hasn’t been flagged as unsafe.
Be Extra Vigilant with Children’s Products For items aimed at babies or children, buy from reputable retailers and check authenticity and safety labels. Make sure that the product contains instructions.
Report Unsafe Products If you receive a product that appears unsafe, report it to the retailer and Trading Standards (contactable through Citizens Advice). Reporting helps prevent others from being harmed.
The Dangers of Unsafe Products at Home
With more than half of accidental deaths happening in the home, shoppers must make safety a top priority. Poorly made products can lead to preventable accidents, including:
Choking hazards from toys with small parts.
Fire risks from uncertified electrical devices.
Poisoning incidents from unlabelled or improperly sealed household items.
Strengthening tenants’ rights and preventing homelessness
Legislation to strengthen tenants’ rights and prevent homelessness has passed stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to tackle poverty across Scotland by improving the renting experience for tenants, through a range of new rights and a system of rent controls, in a way that maintains investment.
The Bill will also place a stronger emphasis on homelessness prevention based on better coordination across services and providing support earlier.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The Housing (Scotland) Bill will play an important role in helping to tackle poverty by keeping rents affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes.
“Ensuring everyone has the right to a safe and stable home is essential to the Scottish Government’s priority of ending child poverty and the Bill will play a role in reaching that goal.
“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for homeless people. The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to create a rental system that improves the rights of tenants while maintaining investment and provides greater support for people threatened with homelessness.
“I am pleased Parliament has supported the general principles of the legislation, especially on our proposals for a system of rent controls that keep costs lower for tenants.”
Living Rent campaigners said: “Make no mistake this would not have happened without the work of Scotland’s tenants union.
“Right now we need to celebrate the vote bringing rent controls one step closer. But landlords are fighting hard and it’s clear there is a lot of work to be done.”
Universal payments to be reinstated from next year
The Scottish Government will provide universal support through the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments next year ensuring a payment for every pensioner household in winter 2025-26.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed that on the roll-out of the new benefit next winter, pensioners in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit will be receiving Pension Age Winter Heating Payments of £300 or £200, depending on their age. Meanwhile all other pensioner households will receive £100 from next winter, providing them with support not available anywhere else in the UK.
Ms Somerville also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter. These measures include an additional £20 million which will be provided for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to enable councils to provide more vital support to people in crisis this winter.
An additional £20 million will be invested into the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, the national fuel poverty scheme which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems, saving on average around £300 per year in household energy bills.
Meanwhile grant-funding of £1 million will be made available to registered social landlords and third sector partners to fund work to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. This is in response to calls from a coalition of housing and anti-poverty organisations for a shift in spending from crisis intervention to prevention.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1862188516400120274
Ms Somerville said: “The measures I have announced today will go some way to allay the fears of pensioners in Scotland ahead of next winter, but the Scottish Government recognises that more must be done.
“Ahead of next winter I will bring forward regulations to introduce universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payments in winter 2025-26 for Scottish pensioners.
“This universal benefit – providing much needed support not available anywhere else in the UK – will deliver support for all pensioner households as we had always intended to do before the UK Government decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments cut the funding available to support our new benefit in Scotland this winter by £147 million.
“We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter. We will do our best to make sure no-one has to make a decision between heating and eating, and we will continue to protect pensioners”.
Reacting to yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The reintroduction of winter heating support for all pensioners in Scotland from next winter is welcome and will offer some comfort to the 900,000 pensioners who were set to completely lose the previous Winter Fuel Payment.
“Since the decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only older people on Pension Credit, we’ve seen a surge in the number of older people getting in touch with Independent Age who are worried about heating their homes, and making ends meet, through the winter. Many have told us they are heating only one room, staying in bed all day with a blanket, and cutting back on food to avoid the energy costs associated with cooking.
“With energy prices set to rise again in January, and a staggering 330,000 older households living in fuel poverty in Scotland, it is clear that changing the eligibility of the payment in this way was the wrong decision. It is positive that this has been recognised in Scotland, with the Scottish Government making a payment available to all older people next year, and we hope the UK Government will also reconsider their decision.
“In a compassionate and socially just society, no one should face fuel poverty. We are pleased the Scottish Government has listened to older people, and taken this action today. However, we remain concerned about older people who face this winter without this much needed financial support.
“Going forward, the Scottish Government should continue to monitor the situation and be open to taking further action in future.”
A spokesperson for AGE SCOTLAND said: “Bringing back an energy support payment for all pensioners is very good news and will be a huge relief. It shows the power of this campaign and the relentless efforts from all quarters.
“The decision to remove the universal winter fuel payment by the UK Government, and its impact on pensioners this winter is nothing short of disastrous.
“Over the last few months we have been urging the Scottish Government to bring this back and we are delighted that they have listened to the strong arguments and have taken action.
“It also demonstrates the power of devolution and what Scotland can do when we put our minds to it.”
