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SGN & Kidney Care UK partnership to provide support to thousands of people with kidney disease

SGN is leading a new £2.5 million partnership with Kidney Care UK which will see them work with the UK’s gas distribution networks (GDNs)¹ to offer specialist support to help nearly 18,000 people living with kidney failure across the UK – 1,250 of those in Scotland.

Currently in Scotland there are 1,250 people with advanced kidney disease who rely on dialysis to stay alive. The majority of these patients have a routine which consists of three to four sessions of dialysis a week, each taking up to 6 hours or more in hospital.

On top of this they have to manage the associated stress and time pressures of travel to and from treatment. Due to the time constraints and health impacts associated with treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), only 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment². The consequent low income means many people with kidney failure live in relative poverty, compounded by the misery of increasing costs of living.

The unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors, will support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD, with vital support to help tackle fuel poverty.

The initial two-year project will provide a holistic suite of services, including face-to-face support, where customers will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare support and specialist money and energy advice.

The service will maximise outcomes, in terms of financial support, whilst also promoting energy and carbon monoxide awareness.

The expansion of Kidney Care UK’s patient support services will mean that people on dialysis will have access to a dedicated, personal, face-to-face support service.

This will serve the 1,250 kidney patients on dialysis treatment in the 26 units across Scotland, as well as supporting people in the North East, North West, the South West and South East of England. Delivered by trained and trusted Patient Support & Advocacy Officers, the service will enable patients to access all the benefits and welfare support they are entitled to.

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “We are pleased to be working with SGN as part of a transformational partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks across the UK to support nearly 18,000 vulnerable kidney patients in need of immediate support; 1,250 of these in Scotland.

“Philanthropic investment from our partners is enabling Kidney Care UK to increase its direct, on the ground support to thousands of dialysis patients, delivering tangible welfare and wellbeing benefits at a time when it is more important than ever”.

Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs.

“By working in a joined-up way with Kidney Care UK, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”

For more information about Kidney Care UK’s patient support services go to https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/

Get Fit This Festival Season with Edinburgh Leisure’s Summer Pass

As Edinburgh gears up for its famous festivals, festival goers and workers can stay energized and enjoy the healthiest summer yet with Edinburgh Leisure’s new ‘Summer Pass’.

Available from TODAY – Monday, 1 July 2024 – the ‘Summer Pass’ provides unlimited access to 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools (including five historic Victorian pools), over 750 fitness classes per week, and a world-class climbing centre.

The pass also includes access to saunas, steam rooms, and Turkish Baths—all for just £69. The pass is valid for six weeks from the date of purchase, with the last available purchase date being August 31, 2024.

Young adults aged 18-24 can enjoy a reduced-price pass for £49, making it an affordable option for students returning home or young festival workers staying in the city. Additionally, a School Fitness Pass is available for six weeks at Queensferry, Wester Hailes, Balerno, and Trinity venues, costing £49 for adults and £29 for those under 25.

These venues are also included in the general Summer Pass, offering an alternative option for customers.

Everyone who purchases a Summer Pass will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a one-year free Full Fitness membership.

Matthew Smith, Sales Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Edinburgh in summer is always buzzing with energy, thanks to the various festivals. We invite festival goers, workers, and visitors to keep their energy levels high by staying fit and active.

“Our range of classes and facilities ensures there’s something for everyone, from fun Zumba sessions to high-intensity X-press gym classes. And if you need to relax, our pools and Turkish Baths are perfect for unwinding.”

The pass is available to buy online or in venue.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join

Israel to ‘legalise’ five outposts in West Bank

The UK government has released a statement in response to Israel announcing that five outposts are to be ‘legalised’ in the West Bank.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “The UK strongly opposes the announcement that five outposts are to be legalised in the West Bank as well as further punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority.

“Israel must halt its illegal settlement expansion and hold to account those responsible for extremist settler violence.

“We are clear that actions by Israel to weaken the Palestinian Authority must stop. We call for longer-term measures to be put in place to ensure continued correspondent banking relations and assurance that Israel will release frozen funds without delay.

“The UK’s priority is to bring the Gaza conflict to a sustainable end as quickly as possible and ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East, through an irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.”

Official condemnation, then – but all the while the UK continues to supply weapons to Israel.

More than 16,000 Palestinian children have been slaughtered during the current conflict. Tens of thousands of innocent families have seen their lives shattered.

I wonder if Sir Keir Starmer’s incoming Labour government will do anything different to address the plight of the Palestinian people, or will it be more of the same – business as usual for the arms dealers, words not deeds and more hand-wringing from our political leaders as the slaughter continues? – Ed.

Drowning prevention charity urges families to stay safe as temperatures set to climb

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is warning families across the UK to stay safe ahead of the high temperatures expected to hit parts of the country over the coming weeks.

This warning from the water safety charity comes as the UK is set to expect temperatures rise over the next few weeks and see people take more opportunities to enjoy water across open water sites in the UK and Ireland, as well as at home in the garden.

Following its Drowning Prevention Week campaign, RLSS UK is urging everyone to learn the Water Safety Code though its video animation to enjoy water safely this summer. RLSS UK is reminding those spending time near water in the UK to stay vigilant and follow the Water Safety Code:

Stop and think
Stay together
If in danger, call 999 or 111
FLOAT

As we see drownings increase as the weather gets warmer, the charity, which shares its expertise in water safety, lifesaving and lifeguarding to help educate everyone to enjoy water safely, wants to encourage everyone to take care whilst in or near the water this summer.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “Tragically, as the weather gets warmer, we see an increase in the number of people that lose their lives to drowning. We want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the vital knowledge to allow them to safely enjoy being in or around the water this summer.

“As we’re officially now in summer and with temperatures climbing, each year we see a spike in accidental drownings occur in June, July and August. In 2022, 46% of the 226 accidental drownings took place within those three summer months^[i].

“We are urging parents to stay vigilant in, on and around water, both at home and when spending time outdoors and to have the water safety conversation with their children. We want to avoid any tragedies and any more families going through the heartache of losing a loved one. With the right education, accidental drownings are avoidable. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.”

RLSS UK has a number of free resources available on its website – www.rlss.org.uk – to provide water safety advice for families.

For more information around staying safe this summer, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk

Visit our Facebook or Instagram pages – facebook.com/RLSSUK

Find your local RLSS UK affiliated club here: Find A Lifesaving Club | Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)

New café opens at Dalkeith Trampoline Park

A NEW café has opened at Ryze Trampoline Park in Dalkeith, following a £20,000 investment, just in time to meet the demand from the expected surge in visitors across the summer months.

The launch of the Bounce House Café at the popular Midlothian family visitor attraction ensures guests can make a day of their visit with the five-figure investment including a new fit out, serving area and state-of-the art coffee machine for visitors to enjoy.

The café, which accommodates 15 booths will be open from 10am until 7pm and will offer a full menu of hot food offerings, from pizzas and chicken goujons, as well as a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

For those looking for something lighter, snacks and cakes are also on offer alongside tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as a selection of soft drinks and fruit juices for children.

The new café also offers catering for birthday parties and functions taking place at Ryze Trampoline Park, with a full party menu on offer.

As a result of the launch of the Bounce House Café, it will be recruiting for temporary positions in the coming weeks, as the trampoline park braces itself for an increase in footfall over the summer holidays.

Rory Fairgrieve, Sales Director of Ryze, said: “It’s great to have our brand new Bounce House Café open to serve tasty meals and quality snacks that everyone, including families, can enjoy.

“This investment into our new quality onsite catering offer is another fantastic leap for us in offering the best day out for families across Scotland.

“The team has worked hard to create an excellent food offering for patrons and we are sure that whether you are looking to enjoy a meal or grab a quick snack after bouncing the afternoon away, there is something for everyone at Ryze Trampoline Park.”

Consultation on crofting reform

Public to help shape plans

People across Scotland are being invited to have a say on how crofting is reformed. A programme of meetings will take place from 3 July to 15 August, stretching from Oban to Shetland.

The consultation, which runs until 2 September 2024, seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform. These will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population.

The crofting system must support effective and sustainable land use.

The consultation seeks the public’s views on proposals on:

entry to crofting
crofting communities
use of common grazings
strengthening residency and land use
enhanced Crofting Commission powers
simplifying crofting

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “Crofting has a special place in the cultural heritage of Scotland, and we want it to play its part in our future too.

“We want to ensure that legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, crofters and crofting communities, while allowing for modernisation, innovation, diversification and adaptation to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s climate and environmental challenges.

“Crofting’s place in agriculture and food production will remain at the heart of the system, but alongside these we now see crofting playing an increasing role in tourism, renewable energy generation, forestry, peatland restoration, beekeeping and small-scale horticulture production.

“The consultation proposals range from relatively small technical changes to significant innovations and I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation or come to one of the meetings if they are able.”

View the consultation online and view event information: Crofting consultation 2024 – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

Booking is not required. All events 19:00-21:00, except Tiree (17:00-19:00).

3 July – Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness IV2 3LP
4 July – The Park Hotel, Thurso KW14 8RE
9 July – Macphail Centre, Ullapool IV26 2UN
11 July – Kinlochbervie Village Hall IV27 4RG
17 July – Portree Community Centre, Skye IV51 9BW
18 July – Lairg Community Centre IV27 4DD
22 July – Mid-Yell Hall, Yell ZE2 9BN
23 July – Mareel, Lerwick ZE1 0WQ
29 July – Spean Bridge Community Centre (Village Hall) PH34 4EZ
30 July – Muthu Hotel, Oban PA34 5PZ
31 July – An Talla, Tiree PA77 6UP
12 August – Caladh Inn, Stornoway HS1 2QN
13 August – Talla Na Mara, Harris HS3 3AE
14 August – An Caladh, Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LA
15 August – Barra Learning Centre, Castlebay HS9 5XD

Unlocking adventures for all

Discover 200+ Accessible Family Days Out with the New Rough Guide to Accessible Britain

The Motability Scheme’s “Rough Guide to Accessible Britain” returns for its 10^th edition offering over 200 ideas for accessible days out across the UK. The free Guide, ideal for disabled people and their friends, families or carers, provides inspiration for unforgettable summer adventures.

For over a decade, this series has been an invaluable resource for planning accessible outings, particularly for those with disabled children or family members with additional needs.

Taking the guesswork out of travel, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is designed to help users to easily find destinations based on their interests, location, and accessibility needs.

Every review has been written by an expert who has lived experience of disabilities and travelling with additional access needs. Readers will not only find detailed information on the physical accessible facilities such as parking but also services such as dedicated tours for neurodivergent individuals, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, relevant discounts for visitors and carers, sensory rooms, and much more.

From exploring historic castles, family-friendly museums, breathtaking natural landscapes, or adventurous activities, this Guide contains accessible activities for a range of interests:

Family attractions: Enjoy animal and nature reserves, museums, railway adventures, costume tours, interactive craft workshops, and sensory spaces designed to engage visitors of all abilities.
Free attractions: Discover 50 free experiences from the great outdoors to the best of Britain’s arts and culture spots.
Scenic drives: Enjoy up to nine exhilarating driving routes across the UK, complete with recommended stop-off points.
Arts and culture: Visit world-famous prehistoric sites, grand medieval architecture, and more, with hands-on introductions, audio-visual guides, and tours for a range of accessible needs.
Outdoors and adventure: Try white-water rafting on an Olympic course, coasteering or indoor skydiving! Those in search of peaceful escapes can explore nature trails or beaches with off-road mobility vehicles to hire.
New additions: This year welcomes a range of new entries including the Falkirk Wheel, Bamburgh Castle and Lakeland Motor Museum.

Motability Scheme Ambassador, Mark Ormrod MBE, highlights how the Guide has helped his family plan their days out: “Planning a day out with my family can sometimes be a challenge, but the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is a game-changer. It empowers everyone, regardless of access needs, to experience what the UK has to offer.

“A particular highlight for me was our visit to the Tarka Trail and Tunnels Beach last summer and we can’t wait to explore more in 2024 using the new Guide.”

Created in partnership with Motability Operations, the company that delivers the Motability Scheme to over 760,000 customers, the newly refreshed Guide, celebrates over a decade of making British travel and tourism more accessible.

A free copy of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain can be accessed at motability.co.uk/accessibleguide to unlock a world of accessible adventures this summer and beyond.

Scotland-Rough-Guide-to-Accessible-Britain Download

Calls to protect Edinburgh volunteers as community engagement grows

As new research from The National Lottery Community Fund [1] reveals a growing enthusiasm for volunteering among UK adults, Ansvar Insurance is calling on charities and organisations across Edinburgh to prioritise the safety and management of their volunteer programmes.

The research indicates that half of UK adults (a slight increase on last year) plan to volunteer in 2024, with 14% intending to volunteer for the first time, citing food banks, animal welfare, and charity shops as the most popular initiatives to get involved with.

In Edinburgh specifically (according to the latest data from the Scottish Household Survey [2]), 19% of residents volunteered in 2022.

The benefits of volunteering, such as providing young people with new life skills and reducing loneliness among the elderly, have become increasingly recognised, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

While a growing number of volunteers is a positive development for charities, it also presents challenges in managing safety and risk.

Proper risk management is crucial not only for attracting volunteers but also for retaining them and maintaining the organisation’s reputation.

Kelly Barter, Head of Customer Service at Ansvar, an expert provider of insurance for the charity, not-for-profit, care and faith sectors, commented: “Volunteers are the backbone of charitable and community organisations and play a pivotal role in sustaining vital services across Edinburgh.

“However, ensuring their safety and protection is essential. When planning events, the focus is often on activities and fundraising, but the administrative aspects, such as providing adequate supervision, organising appropriate training, completing comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring specialist insurance coverage is in place, and providing a safe environment for volunteers, can sometimes get overlooked.

“Effective risk management protects volunteers and enhances their satisfaction and retention. Volunteers are more likely to stay engaged when they feel safe and valued, leading to a positive and long-lasting experience.”

Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, the charity-owned specialist financial services organisation. The Benefact Group stands as the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, reinforcing Ansvar’s commitment to supporting the broader charitable community.

[1] https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/insights/2023-24-community-research-index

[2] https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-household-survey-2022-key-findings/pages/10/

Celebrating 50 years of nursing – and Val shows no signs of slowing down!

Anyone who has had surgery under anaesthetic vaguely – and in many cases vividly – remembers the friendly face that was there for them when they woke.

Most likely, that person would have been a recovery nurse, the first person who gave the reassurance that they were safe as they opened their eyes.

Recovery nurses work in the post anaesthesia care units (PACUs) and are an essential part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals.

They assess vitals, manage pain, ensure patient comfort, and provide support during critical recovery periods.

They have a crucial role to play for all patients, but for children, their warmth and care is extra important.

One recovery nurse who embodies this is Valerie Welch who works at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. This month, Valerie celebrated her 70^th birthday and remarkably 50 years of working in nursing.

Valerie qualified as a nurse down south in 1974 and moved to Scotland in 1986. In 1992, she trained in paediatrics and started her post in the RHC PACU seven years ago. She loves everything about it.

“Children are my favourite to work with. I enjoy everything about working with them,” said Valerie.

Last week, Valerie enjoyed a small celebration with her colleagues on the ward and shared some words on why she continues to do her job.

“I love the one-on-one care that is required with this job. The children are so vulnerable when they come around from surgery. We really need to be there for them, tell them they’re safe, and get their parents or carers in to be with them as soon as possible.

“There is no such thing as an average day in theatre recovery. It can be busy, but I’m never bored.

“I’m part of a fantastic team that I enjoy working with. As long as I can, I will be working here,” she said.

The Post Anaesthesia Care Unit Recovery Team shared a special comment for Valerie. They said: “Valerie has a remarkable, bubbly personality that everyone warms to, especially the children.

“You don’t achieve 50 years in nursing without having an excellent connection with patients and Valerie certainly has that with every kid that comes through our doors.

“We love that she is part of our team, and we wish her the happiest of birthdays and anniversaries.

“All the best, Val!”

Scotland’s top family festival returns this summer at Conifox Adventure Park

Edinburgh’s Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of its hotly-anticipated annual summer festival, FoxFest, for 2024. Tickets are now on sale for the endless summer fun which is set to return on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August.

With ticket prices starting from £11.75, the festival has been expertly designed to bring kids and adults together for limitless fun throughout the weekend. Families can soak up the atmosphere in the Conifox Festival Field with a bumper weekend of amazing entertainment including music, circus performers, magicians, comedy and so much more.

That’s not all, ticket holders can expect an array of musical performances across the weekend with an enviable lineup of tribute acts including Ed Sheeran, Simply Ariana, Lewis Capaldi, Steptastic and Spice World the Tribute.

And for all your Swifties out there, Conifox is delighted to announce the addition of Britain’s number 1 Taylor Swift Tribute performer to this year’s roster of entertainers.

The award-winning Adventure Park is pleased to welcome Britain’s Got Talent’s Steve Hewlett and his hilarious ventriloquist act to this year’s FoxFest, alongside Conifox’s favourite local magicians – Magic Gareth and Tricky Ricky, The Giant Balloon Show and back by popular demand, Paris Bubbles – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

In between the fun, families can enjoy the popular Adventure Park included in the ticket price, or tuck into delicious food, drinks and ice creams onsite.

For those looking for something extra, Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides and face painting will be popping up at FoxFest for an additional cost.

Conifox Managing Director James Gammell said: “We’re all about family-friendly fun and FoxFest is one of the only festivals in Scotland that caters to the whole family, with a roster of entertainment for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.

“With Taylor Swift mania still rippling throughout Edinburgh, we’re delighted to bring Britain’s number 1 Taylor tribute to FoxFest alongside a dedicated lineup of some of the UK’s best tribute performers to entertain and make FoxFest an even better experience for our visitors.”

FoxFest tickets are available from £14.95 for adults, £19.95 for children ages 2 – 16 and £11.75 for ages 12 – 24 months. Babies under 12 months old go free.

For more information, lineups and tickets, visit www.conifox.co.uk.