Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has raised £46,000 for Cash for Kids thanks to its Charity Wills Campaign.
Taking place across its offices in Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Perth, Angus, and Glasgow, Thorntons’ Charity Wills Month supports local people and organisations within the communities in which it operates.
During the month-long campaign, the firm didn’t charge a fee for any Wills written, and instead asked clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.
Morna Coutts – Wills, Trusts and Succession Planning Partner at Thorntons – said: “Our Charity Wills Campaign is now in its 25th year and it is great to see it continue to get support from the public as time goes on. It is fantastic to see the generosity of our clients. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign.”
Donations from the Charity Wills Campaign all go to Cash for Kids in the Tay, Forth or Clyde area, whichever is closest to where the client lives, which means that children in their local area will benefit directly from the funding.
Richmond’s Hope, based in Niddrie, is a great local charity which has received help thanks to the funding from Cash for Kids. Here, they support kids aged between four and eight who have suffered bereavement and are struggling with this loss.
Thanks to Cash for Kids continued support, Richmond’s Hope are able to now fund memory boxes for children. This allows them to express their emotions in a creative way by decorating their boxes and putting items in them that will remind them of the loved ones they have lost.
Victoria Hendry, Radio Forth Cash for Kids Charity Manager said: “Yet again, we are blown away by the generosity of Thorntons and their clients. Each year their Wills Months campaign continues to support thousands of local children across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.
“2021 was a particularly difficult year for a lot of families, whether they were disadvantaged through poverty because of the pandemic, or children were facing barriers because of additional support needs.
“The funds raised from Thorntons’ Charity Wills Campaign has supported these families in more ways than you can ever imagine and for that I can’t say thank you enough.
“The ongoing support from Thorntons is so important to us here at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and we always look forward to working with the team. Here is to 2022 and having a further positive impact in our local community.”
Fort Kinnaird has announced Craigmillar-based Thistle as the latest charity partner to be supported by its on-site ‘Giving Box’.
Shoppers can visit the Giving Box, which is located outside Boots and Toni Macaroni, to use contactless payment to easily donate £3, £5 or £10 to the charity while at Fort Kinnaird.
Thistle provides support to local people who live with long-term health conditions, including long covid, or challenging life situations. Through one-to-one wellbeing coaching, group-based wellbeing courses and peer-led activities, Thistle supports people to live well and take back control of their lives.
The charity, which received over 450 new requests for support in 2021, also offers accessible physical activity support and wellbeing activities such as Tai Chi, inclusive cycling and walking groups.
Throughout 2021 Fort Kinnaird’s Giving Box raised funds for two other local charities, Niddrie-based Venchie Children & Young People’s Project, and Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids Christmas Mission.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our relationship with the local community is extremely important to us, and teaming up with Thistle will mean we’re helping to improve the lives of some of those living closest to us.
“Our visitors are always very generous, and we’d like to say a huge thank you for their continued support. Their donations will be vital in ensuring the team at Thistle can continue with their brilliant work, helping those who need it most.”
Gail Begg, community and corporate partnerships lead at Thistle, said: “We’re so pleased to be Fort Kinnaird’s latest charity partner. Many of the people we support live and shop in the local area and it’s wonderful to be working together with a local business.
“As well as supporting people in-person at Thistle’s Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar, we’ve been providing remote support throughout the pandemic so that people who aren’t able to travel to us can still access support. The pandemic has been particularly challenging for people living with long term health conditions and disabilities, so our support has been – and continues to be – needed now more than ever.
“We rely heavily on funding and the money raised at Fort Kinnaird will help ensure we can continue to provide essential support and stop someone’s health crisis from becoming a life crisis.”
For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Councillors will be asked to approve a proposal to designate the City of Edinburgh Council area as a short term let (STL) control area at the Planning Committee next week (February 23).
The proposal follows a consultation with the public as well as industry bodies and if Committee agree it means the local authority will submit a request to the Scottish Government requesting that the new powers are implemented in the whole of the Edinburgh area.
If Government agrees with this approach, and the new legislation is implemented in the city, it would require residential property owners wholly letting a property which is not their principle home as an STL in the local authority area, to apply for a ‘change of use’ to a STL from Planning.
The majority of all respondents in the consultation were in favour of this approach (88%) supporting the principle of the designation of a STL control area and for the entire area to be included (85%).
Around a third of STLs in Scotland are in Edinburgh. At the moment, in addition to planning applications made for STLs, to establish whether or not planning permission is required for properties where this is disputed, the Council’s enforcement team looks at each case individually, which is a very lengthy and time consuming process.
The introduction of powers to make a control area follows the Council calling for new legislation to tighten up the control of STLs to help manage high concentrations of secondary letting where it affects the availability of residential housing or the character of a neighbourhood.
Also, it will help to restrict or prevent STLs in places or types of buildings where they are not appropriate as well as making sure homes are used to best effect in their areas.
Generally renting out a room/s in your house or letting your property whilst on holiday would also still be allowed if Edinburgh became a STL control area.
The Scottish Parliament has approved legislation which will introduce a new licensing scheme, which the Council also called for, which will come into effect later this year. It will address the issues of safety, anti-social behaviour and noise. These issues have all had a detrimental effect on communities as the number of STLs has greatly increased across the city in recent years.
Councillor Neil Gardiner Planning Convener said:“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation. We worked hard calling for new legislation to help us have greater controls over STLs as we know they are an issue for many of our residents across the city. So it was great to see so many people from all different neighbourhoods taking part.
“This report highlights the growing pressures of the STL commercial market, which requires a cross-city approach to regulations. With high concentrations in central areas, there are commercial STLs in every council ward in this city.
“In some areas STLs have hollowed out communities, put more pressure on the housing market causing prices to rise, and created other issues such as anti-social behaviour and noise.”
Councillor Maureen Child Planning Vice-Convener said: “I’m delighted we’ve now got to a stage of this legislation potentially being implemented.
“If approved by committee and government, these new powers for Edinburgh will greatly complement the new licensing legislation just announced, which we also called for, as you’ll need evidence you have the right planning consent in place for your property as part of the criteria when obtaining a licence.”
More than 150,000 books donated by the UK (including 29,000 collected in Scotland) are now on the shelves of the newly rebuilt Samir Mansour Bookshop in Gaza City, with doors set to reopen today (17 February).
29,000 books were collected from the donation hub in Glasgow which, with the help of 100+ volunteers, co-ordinated donations from across Scotland.
The epic operation of co-ordinating UK collections, processing the books and then transporting them to Gaza City was fully managed by circular economy bookseller, AwesomeBooks, who also donated 25,000 books to the appeal.
Shumyla Haseeb who managed the Scottish effort for the Books For Gaza Project said:“In Scotland we had an overwhelming, rocketing response and an amazing team of people who knuckled down through the laborious task of organising the countrywide book haul.
“It has been an exciting and memorable journey, everyone’s generosity was immeasurable and we hope to show the people of Gaza that we are always with them.”
The Samir Mansour Bookshop was destroyed during the Gaza Conflict in May 2021
The new bookshop – which is three times larger – opens its doors today
Circular economy bookseller, AwesomeBooks donated 25,000 books to the appeal
More than 150,000 UK book donations are on the shelves in an epic effort coordinated by Oxfordshire-based, AwesomeBooks
Including 29,000 collected from the book donation hub in Glasgow which, with the help of 100+ volunteers, co-ordinated donations from across Scotland
More than 150,000 books donated by the UK are now on the shelves of the newly rebuilt Samir Mansour Bookshop, with doors set to reopen on Thursday 17 February.
The epic operation of co-ordinating collections, processing the books and then transporting them to Gaza City was fully managed by circular economy bookseller, AwesomeBooks.
Samir Mansour, Bookshop Founder, said: “I would like to thank all the people who stood by me and helped me get back on my feet. Today I am opening a better bookstore than before, thanks to their efforts.
“It was a huge shock to me when the library was destroyed, but today I feel so happy that the world stood by me and I am in a position to reopen the bookstore. It’s shown me that there’s something worth living this life for.
“I was initially afraid that the books would not arrive in time, but when the first batch arrived without any problems it gave me hope that everything would be fine.
“It was a very nice feeling when I saw the books in front of me. Today I thank everyone for their moral and material support. I salute the United Kingdom and all people around the world.“
After airstrikes destroyed the cultural hub during an 11-day conflict in May 2021, there was an outpouring of support with many offering to help the bookseller replace lost stock.
With UK businesses, charities and publishers pledging vast quantities of books, AwesomeBooks supported this unprecedented effort with an offer to organise the mammoth logistical task of the donation process.
AwesomeBooks, one of the UK’s biggest online new and used book retailers, has a unique circular business model of sustainable bookselling centred around reuse, which means that no book is ever thrown away.
The company collects books destined for landfill and repurposes high quality copies by reselling them or donating them, to improve access to books and promote literacy.
Any badly damaged books re-enter the circular economy as paper products which can be used to manufacture new books or packaging. By working more sustainably and supporting charities around the world, AwesomeBooks is committed to making an impact with every book.
Working with Mahvish Rukhsana, a human rights lawyer and one of the organisers of the appeal, over the past nine months AwesomeBooks has coordinated donation hubs set up across the UK – collecting books and bringing them back to their Wallingford warehouse to be sorted, catalogued and stored, before being shipped to Gaza City.
The final shipping containers have just arrived, and now more than 150,000 books – including 25,000 donated by AwesomeBooks – are safely on the shelves of the new bookshop in Gaza City, which is three times larger than the destroyed store and just 100m from the site of the bombed site, ready for its triumphant reopening on Thursday 17 February.
Sannah Maan, Head of Impact at AwesomeBookssaid: “The destruction of Samir Mansour’s bookshop touched everyone around the world and in the UK we rallied together to show our support.
“Here at AwesomeBooks, improving literacy and access to books is central to how we operate as a business, in fact, it is the reason many of us work here. Upon hearing the news we knew we had to help.
“When I contacted the fundraising team in May 2021, it became apparent that their biggest challenge was coordinating the collection of donations, storing, organising, cataloguing and preparing the stock for shipment and delivery into Gaza.
“We are thrilled to have supported the journey of over 150,000 books from the UK. Each and every individual who took part in this effort across the UK can be proud of their actions, they have made an impact with every book sent to Gaza.”
Mahvish Rukhsana, working at 3DC in London and organiser of the Samir Mansour Bookshop appeal, said: “The success of this project is a testament to the good in humanity. In the face of incredible adversity, thousands of people — the world over — came together in support and solidarity with the people of Gaza.
“Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the reopening of this beautiful new facility. Triple the size, rebuilt with so much love.”
Shumyla Haseeb who managed the Scottish effort for the Books For Gaza Project said:“In Scotland we had an overwhelming, rocketing response and an amazing team of people who knuckled down through the laborious task of organising the countrywide book haul.
“It has been an exciting and memorable journey, everyone’s generosity was immeasurable and we hope to show the people of Gaza that we are always with them.”
CEO and co-founder of AwesomeBooks, Taskeen Ahmedsaid: “At Awesome Books, we are driven by our mission to make an impact with every single book. Our circular model is centred around reuse to reduce waste, lessen the environmental impact of book production and to promote literacy.
“Since our launch in 2003 we have made book donations to charities across the world and upon hearing about the loss of the Samir Mansour Bookshop, we felt compelled to help.
“With a dedicated warehouse and book collection capabilities already in place, AwesomeBooks was perfectly positioned to manage the thousands of book donations from people and businesses from all over the UK, and I’m delighted to see the bookshop is now in a position to reopen.”
AwesomeBooks is committed to making a positive impact with every book sold and has donated over 1 million books to literacy projects around the world.
Continued caution advised as second storm approaches
With severe weather set to continue into the weekend, the Scottish Government is urging people to continue to exercise caution and follow the latest travel advice.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney is due to chair a further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) on Thursday evening as the co-ordination of the response to Storms Dudley and Eunice continues.
All warnings for Storm Dudley have now been lifted but a yellow warning remains from the early hours of Friday when Storm Eunice may bring heavy snow and strong winds to much of the country.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “With two storms back to back, we expect severe weather to continue into the weekend across large parts of the country.
“We would strongly urge everyone to continue to pay close attention to the latest travel advice and to exercise caution on the roads.
“Storm Eunice may bring heavy snow and strong winds to much of Scotland from the early hours of Friday, posing further risks to transport and other essential services.
“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation. We remain in close contact with local authorities and emergency and essential services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has decided that all operational officers in Police Scotland will be trained and equipped with a life-saving nasal spray which can be given safely to people who have suffered a drug overdose.
A national roll-out of Naloxone follows a successful test of change in Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow, Stirling and Caithness during which officers used the spray, which counters the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin, to provide first aid on 62 occasions.
Chief Constable Livingstone said: “I know the terrible toll of drugs deaths in Scotland and policing is committed to playing our part in reducing the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.
“We have a vital role in preventing drugs from reaching our streets and bringing those engaged in serious and organised crime to justice and that will always be a key duty and priority for Police Scotland.
“Preservation of life, keeping people safe, lies right at the heart of policing. We have a purpose and remit which goes beyond law enforcement. We have a positive legal duty to improve the lives of our communities. Equipping and training officers with Naloxone will contribute to that mission.
“Policing is so often the service of first and last resort; the service first on the scene; the service which responds to crisis and criticality. Where a person is suffering an overdose, Naloxone nasal-spray can be given safely by officers with no adverse effects.
“It is absolutely essential that where Naloxone is used by an officer to help people in crisis, professional medical attention continues to be provided from ambulance service colleagues and others. In addition, it is crucial that timely and sustainable support is available to provide treatment for those suffering addiction.”
The Chief Constable added: “I’m grateful to all the officers who stepped forward during the trial to carry Naloxone and help their fellow citizens when they needed it.”
During the test of change, 808 officers were trained to use Naloxone, and 656 (81 per cent) volunteered to carry the nasal spray kits.
An independent academic review conducted between March and October 2021, during which Naloxone was used 51 times, recommended a national roll-out.
The review was co-ordinated by the Scottish Institute for Police Research (SIPR). More information about SIPR’s study can be found here.
Work is under way to secure stock of Naloxone and a national programme of training and equipping over 12,000 officers, will be undertaken in the coming months.
All officers within response, community, and other roles including dog handlers, armed police, public order and road policing up to and including the rank of Inspector will be trained and equipped. Any other officer or member of staff is free to undertake the training.
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has risen constantly in recent years, to a total of 1,339 in 2020.
The announcement comes on the back of the following …
Naloxone programme should be rolled out Scotland-wide, report recommends
Researchers call for compulsory training for all Police Scotland officers
Police officers across Scotland should carry naloxone, an emergency treatment for drug overdoses, a new report has recommended.
An Edinburgh Napier University-led study backed the use of the nasal spray, which counters the effects of overdose from opioids such as heroin, following an independent evaluation of a pilot carried out between March and October last year.
The researchers also called for naloxone training to be made compulsory for all Police Scotland officers and staff.
Supporters believe naloxone is an important tool in tackling Scotland’s drug-related deaths crisis, by providing immediate first aid while waiting for the ambulance service to arrive and take over emergency medical treatment.
In response to the increasing drugs death toll, and the recommendation of the country’s Drug Deaths Taskforce, Police Scotland began a pilot project to test the carriage and administration of the treatment by officers.
Last year’s trial was initially launched in Falkirk, Dundee and Glasgow East before being extended to include Caithness and Glasgow custody and Stirling community police officers.
Naloxone packs were used 51 times in the course of the pilot, and by the end 808 officers had been trained in their use, representing 87 per cent of the workforce in the pilot areas.
A team led by Dr Peter Hillen and advised by Dr Andrew McAuley of Glasgow Caledonian University assessed the attitudes and experiences of police officers, the effectiveness of their naloxone training and responses from people who use drugs and support services.
A total of 346 police officers completed questionnaires, with 41 taking part in interviews or focus groups, and further interviews were carried out with people who use drugs, family members, support workers and key stakeholders.
A majority of officers who participated in an interview or focus group were supportive of the pilot and its roll out across Scotland. Thirteen interviewees had personally administered naloxone, some on several occasions, and officers reported very positive experiences of naloxone being used effectively to save people’s lives.
While some officers considered carrying naloxone would lead to greater reliance on police by ambulance services, police overwhelmingly said that preserving life was the top priority.
Community stakeholders who were interviewed were supportive of the pilot as part of a range of initiatives to tackle the drug deaths crisis.
The study recommended that police carrying naloxone should be rolled out Scotland-wide, and that it should also be placed within police cars and custody suites to widen access.
As well as compulsory naloxone training for all police staff, the report urged consideration be given to measures to further address stigmatising attitudes towards people who use drugs.
It also recommended that officers be given ‘unambiguous information’ about their legal position if they administer the emergency treatment.
Professor Nadine Dougall, one of the team’s co-investigators, said: “Our evaluation has shown that there is significant potential benefit in training and equipping police officers with naloxone nasal spray as part of emergency first aid until ambulance support arrives.
“Many police officers told us they are often the first to attend people who have overdosed, and they greatly valued the potential to save lives in this way. People with personal experience of overdose also agreed naloxone should be carried by police officers but were keen to stress that naloxone was only a part of a solution to address drug-related deaths.”
The rising cost of livinghas been making the headlines again and againand many low-income families are facing the serious threat of food poverty.
Whilst political action and long-term solutions are required to tackle the issue, one method of support which aims to mitigate these rising living costs is local pantries. These provide local shops where residents and families can sign up to buy food and necessities for a small weekly membership fee.
The local Pennywell Pantry covering Muirhouse and West Pilton managed to avoid losing its permanent premises late last year thanks to the efforts of local charities and volunteers.
The Pantry, which is operated under the Your Local Pantry franchise, was delivered by local charity North Edinburgh Arts, in Muirhouse shopping centre. It became very popular with full subscription from many residents and families in the area and was particularly valued as a new service delivered through lockdowns.
However, redevelopment of the Muirhouse area meant the pantry was to lose its regular premises, so North Edinburgh Arts reached out to a neighbouring charity to ensure the Pantry would be able to continue serving local residents.
Julie Crawford from NEA’s Link-up Muirhouseteam explained: “We knew first-hand how important the pantry had become and the devastating effect its closure would have on the local community.
“We were committed to finding a new partner to work with to ensure it would continue running without a gap in service for the community. We explored several options and found Community Renewal: Pennywell, who are as passionate as us about keeping the pantry going.
“Alongside the team of dedicated volunteers, they are now running the pantry from their premises and we have been supporting them every step of the way as they learn the ropes.”
Sheila Thomson. Community Renewal’sRegional Director for the East adds: “We have been building up a community hub on Pennywell Road where we provide a wide range of support to residents in the area, along with several other organisations in the building.
“We were aware of how popular the pantry was, thanks to the hard work of all the volunteers and team at NEA and we were honoured to work with them to settle the Pantry into its new home.
“Thanks to a group of committed volunteers and staff from the Community Renewal team, the pantry is now up and running.”
Local resident and Pantry member Kevinis delighted that the pantry has kept going: “As most people know, basic household bills are really high now. The cost of essential things like energy and food is going up and up, but income has hardly changed.
“Not everyone feels comfortable going to a food bank and the Pantry gives members the ability to pay an affordable price for items they want instead of putting more pressure on Foodbanks and other services that are needed elsewhere.
“The volunteers have worked overtime to make sure the Pantry is a place where members feel welcomed and want to visit!”
Local councillor, Kevin Langjoined the team at today’s official launch and was full of praise for the efforts of everyone involved: “With a growing cost-of-living crisis and life hard for so many, we need to do all we can to help those struggling.
“I am proud and so very grateful to all these charities and volunteers for coming together to support families and residents in Muirhouse and West Pilton in this way. They have my full support.”
Your Local Pantry’s Scottish Development Worker, Rachel Brownadded: “Pennywell Pantry has been an incredible success story since it opened and has been an inspiration to many other communities across Edinburgh and beyond.
“The Pantry helps to strengthen the neighbourhood, nurtures new friendships and opportunities, and enables hundreds of local people to save on their groceries, freeing up money for other essentials.
“We’re delighted that its future is now secured and wish everyone at the Pantry well in the new home.”
With support from the Community Renewal staff, a team of local volunteers has created a welcoming and safe space for local residents to come shop, have a chat, and inquire about other services and supports when needed.
The pantry is currently fully subscribed though anyone is welcome to sign up to the waiting list for the next opening and Community Renewal: Pennywell are issuing a call-out for volunteers.
Sheila explained: “The pantry runs every week Wednesday to Saturday. It is extremely busy, and we are always on the lookout for people to help us run it.
“It is a great way to meet other people, learn new skills and do something positive for the community.”
The Fire Brigades Union has welcomed the call from the MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee for groups and individuals to submit views on the proposed Scottish Government Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill.
The published bill includes plans for :-
Limiting the dates to when fireworks can be sold in shops to a total of 37 days a year based around holidays and cultural events.
Ensuring anyone using the types of fireworks to be regulated would need special training, and a fireworks license.
The provision of control zones to be established by councils, where most types of fireworks could not be used.
The police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.
FBU Scottish Secretary Ian Sim said: “We welcome this call for evidence by the Criminal Justice committee. Every year the irresponsible use of fireworks causes fires, injuries and spreads fear in the community; it is our members who are put into dangerous situations trying to deal with the consequences.
“This is a real opportunity to protect the public, their properties and the people who keep us safe. We urge all those who have been impacted by fireworks to submit their views to the consultation.”
Carers Champion Cllr Joan Griffiths has welcomed VOCAL’s announcement of a Carer Recovery Fund – a monumental funding package in partnership with 12 Edinburgh charities – to improve carers’ wellbeing.
The local carer charity, working with partner agencies will allocate the funding pot of over £500,000 from the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government to support carers in greatest need.
The fund will help through the delivery of grants of up to £500 per carer household. Carers can apply for support with fuel payments, food vouchers, or general costs associated with improving their financial situation.
General grants cover wellbeing activities to reduce stress, access breaks from caring, the purchase of basic furniture (including white goods), support to seek employment and costs associated with caring such as training, transport or equipment.
The Action Group, Edinburgh Community Food, Lothian Autistic Society, Space, Milan and several young carer organisations are just some of the partners who joined forces to provide additional support and will assist carers with the application process.
VOCAL’s recent survey of nearly 1,300 carers found that many are experiencing financial pressures and increased negative impacts on finances and employment as a direct result of their caring role.
Edinburgh’s Carers Champion, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said: “Being a carer is extremely rewarding but it can also be stressful and for many add pressure to finances. It can be a massive juggle simply to meet the everyday demands of work, study or home and make time for yourself when also caring for someone close to you.
“This fund is fantastic news and I hope will provide crucial help to those who need it most. It is so important that carers are cared for too and are able to seek the help and support that they need.”
Over half of survey respondents felt that being a carer has negatively impacted their finances. 33% have stopped working because of their caring role. 17% of respondents have had to borrow money because of their caring role and 8% have used a food bank.
One carer said: “I am now in my late 50s and I really never expected to be in this awful financial situation. It is embarrassing to have to regularly use food banks so we can eat.”
Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive at VOCAL said: “Often as a result of the pandemic, some carers have had to reduce their hours at work, or even stop working altogether.
“With the recent cut to Universal Credit, increased inflation and rising fuel prices, carers are being sucked further to the edge of poverty with their financial and emotional resilience pushed to the limit.”
“If you’re supporting a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age, who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem, or addiction, you are a carer and could be eligible to access a grant.
“We would urge carers who are facing financial difficulties to get in touch with us and apply. We are also asking Edinburgh citizens to spread the word with friends and family members. We want to see as many carers as possible benefiting from this.”
Carers can apply directly through VOCAL’s website, or by calling 0808 196 6666.
Experts come together to support the one in five Scots with persistent pain
Stacey Wilson has never been one to shy away from a challenge – competing for Scotland in throwing sports and athletics up until the age of 23 – but the PE teacher from Edinburgh didn’t expect to face her hardest one at age 27, when debilitating back pain changed her life forever.
Immediately after giving birth to her daughter Sadie, now seven, Stacey began experiencing excruciating pain in her back. The ‘flare-ups’, as she refers to them, last between four and six weeks and have blighted Stacey’s life ever since, resulting in hospitalisation, expensive healthcare treatments, time off work and her even having to learn to walk again.
Most traumatising for the mother of two is the impact her pain has had on her children.
Stacey recalls: “My back pain started straight after having my daughter, despite having a really healthy pregnancy. It meant I couldn’t fully enjoy being a new mother as I was in constant pain, very fatigued and had continual brain fog.
“After having my little boy, Clark, four years ago, I also remember being blue-lighted to the hospital in agony. He was just a few months old, and I was waiting for 10 hours to be seen, expressing breast milk in the hospital cubicle and then being told to ‘go home and make an appointment with my doctor for the morning.’
“I couldn’t move and had to be lifted and laid down in the back of my dad’s cab to be taken home – it was an horrific experience that has stayed with me to this day.”
Despite being proactive about her health and paying out thousands of pounds on private healthcare treatments, including cupping and acupuncture, Stacey was frustrated she wasn’t being listened to. “I felt like I was hitting my head off a brick wall,” she explains. “I asked to join a pain management programme three times to try and regain some control, but I kept being rejected for a place – with no feedback about why.”
After eventually getting onto a pain management programme, the 34-year-old from Gilmerton hasn’t had a severe flare-up in four years.
Stacey now manages her pain with tried and tested techniques and coping strategies including Pilates and regular physiotherapy sessions.
She is sharing her story in a bid to help others like her, who live with chronic pain. Chronic or persistent pain affects 20% of Scots and is defined as pain that lasts for longer than 12 weeks, despite medication or treatment.
Running in February and March, people from across Scotland will have the opportunity to get advice, guidance and hear real-life stories about living with chronic pain from world-leading pain experts, panels of people who live with it and specialist health professionals, through a series of free-to-attend events.
The events – designed specifically for those affected by persistent pain – will be delivered as live webinars which can be watched back by those who are unable to attend on the day.
Led by the Flippin’ Pain™ public health movement in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, the series is one of 13 Scottish Government-funded projects made available via the Chronic Pain Winter Support Fund. They aim to improve access to care and deliver better health outcomes for people with chronic pain in Scotland.
Internationally acclaimed pain scientist and the world’s leading pain educator, Professor Lorimer Moseley, will lead the first event: ‘Rethinking Pain: new understanding and new possibilities.’
Professor Moseley spearheads the ‘Pain Revolution’ movement throughout Australia, has 300 published research articles, is author of six books and presented a series of Ted X Talks, putting him at the forefront of thinking in contemporary pain science.
Chronic pain can affect many aspects of day-to-day life and can be associated with depression, anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues. People with chronic pain are also more likely to report lower life satisfaction and poorer quality of life compared to those without the condition.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd explains: “Living with chronic pain is extremely challenging, which is why the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring patients can access the support they need, when they need it.
“We are running a public consultation on a new Framework for Pain Management Services with the aim of improving the care and quality of life for people with chronic pain.
“I am pleased to see projects like this one, funded through our Chronic Pain Winter Support Fund, to boost the support available for people with chronic pain to help them maintain their health and wellbeing over the months ahead.”
Richard Pell, campaign director for Flippin’ Pain™ concludes: “Understanding pain is so important. Our understanding of pain – why it’s there, why it behaves the way it does and why it sometimes doesn’t go away – influence what we do about it and even how it feels.
“Many long-held beliefs about pain are hugely out of step with modern scientific understanding. People deserve better. People are suffering more than they should, losing control and seeing their quality of life deteriorate.
“I urge people living with pain, their friends and family too, to engage with the events and to do so with an open mind. Flipping your understanding of pain won’t take pain away overnight – but with time it can be transformative and has been the first step on the road to recovery for many.”
