North Edinburgh News – Page 1405 – The NEN

New evidence for low carbon alternative to incineration and landfill

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the findings of a report published by Zero Waste Scotland that shows that biostabilisation, a way of managing waste, has significant carbon savings over incineration and landfill.

Biostabilisation is a treatment method for managing waste where organic material is broken down in a controlled environment. This greatly reduces the carbon emissions from the waste. The report shows that each tonne of waste biostabilised emits the equivalent of 12kg of carbon dioxide, which is 20 times lower than sending that same waste to incineration.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “We know that reducing and recycling are the most important ways of limiting the climate impact of waste.

“The Zero Waste Scotland report shows biostabilisation is a lower carbon option for managing non-recyclable waste compared to incineration or landfill. It adds to the growing body of evidence that incineration must be rapidly phased out if Scotland is to reduce its impact on the climate crisis. Policy makers must now act on the findings of the report and make sure that biostabilisation is economically viable.”

Shlomo Dowen, national coordinator at the UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) added: “Zero Waste Scotland has previously shown that incineration is a high-carbon option, and this new report demonstrates that incineration is far worse for the climate than biostabilisation.

“This makes it clear that there is no justification for building any new incineration capacity in Scotland.

“Instead, what we urgently need is an incineration exit strategy that looks to phase out existing burners as we increasingly reduce, reuse and recycle.”

The landfill ban prohibits all biodegradable waste going to landfill by 31 December 2025. Earlier this year, the Scottish Government committed to an effective moratorium on new incinerators, recognising their huge environmental and health impacts. Incinerators are responsible for some of the largest sources of climate emissions in Scotland.

The 2012 the Waste (Scotland) Regulations acknowledged there are two potential disposal routes for biodegradable waste once landfill is banned: biostabilisation and incineration. However, the same regulations create an artificial economic barrier to biostabilisation by requiring that biostabilised waste must pay the higher rate of landfill tax, whilst incinerator outputs are exempt.

Biostabilisation-Report-2022 Download

Photography project inspires West African women to tell their stories at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A mentorship programme at the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) has given six West African women the opportunity to tell their unheard life stories through the medium of photography.

Charting their individual physical, mental and spiritual journeys, the photographs will be on display at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery until 8 January 2023.

Today (5 December), the mentees celebrated the publication of a brand-new book. Titled Putting Ourselves in the Picture, the book includes a compelling selection of their photographs created during the mentorship programme.

Designed to develop the skills and confidence of six women, the mentorship programme involved using photography as a means of storytelling, learning how to make photographs using cameras and experimenting with photographic techniques such as collage and photograms.

The weekly sessions were coordinated by workshop leader Sam Rutherford and photographer Wendy McMurdo along with Chief Curator Anne Lyden.

The group took part in a series of workshops held every Monday at North Edinburgh Arts in Autumn 2021. Working with guest facilitator, Morwenna Kearsley, they learned how to use their new DSLR cameras, which they continue to use in their photographic practice.

Now settled in Scotland and residents of North Edinburgh, the mentees who took part chose a subject close to their heart to capture on camera.

The diverse themes explored by the mentees include:

Lovelin’s battle with bureaucracy to obtain settled status in the UK.
Maureen’s adjustment to high-rise living and comparing her new life in Scotland to her home country, Nigeria.
Linda, from Ghana, examined the challenges she overcame in learning how to drive, which was essential for her independence in Scotland.
Grace, an Evangelist from Nigeria, captured her experience of preaching about Jesus in Edinburgh.
Nwanyi’s motivation and study toward the establishment of her law career in Scotland.
Hannah’s weight-loss journey through walking, which helped improve her mental wellbeing during the pandemic.

The photographs along with statements from each of the women are on display in the exhibition You Are Here.

NGS’ mentorship programme was part of a pioneering nationwide project, Putting Ourselves in the Picture. Led by Professor Anna Fox, director and founding member of Fast Forward: Women in Photography, the programme was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, part of the UK Research Initiative.

Putting Ourselves in the Picture is driven by women from communities around the UK. Alongside NGS, it has enabled several organisations—Impressions Gallery, Bradford; Autograph, London; Women for Refugee Women and WorkShowGrow to support marginalised women and non-binary individuals through the means of photography. The mentees were also the subjects of films and podcasts commissioned by Putting Ourselves in the Picture.

The new hardback publication Putting Ourselves in the Picture brings together photographs and creative writing produced by NGS’ mentorship group, alongside work created by sixteen other women working with our project partners across the UK. The powerful narratives and inspiring images that emerge from the pages of this book confront gender discrimination and the marginalisation of women in our societies.

Running throughout 2022 at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, You Are Here amplifies the ways in which communities can engage with art to benefit their health and wellbeing. Drawing upon collaborative projects between NGS and partner organisations across Scotland, identity and belonging are at the forefront of this exhibition.

Anna Fox said: “This is a storytelling project of immense value and importance. I am bowled over by the powerful stories on display at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which also feature in this new book.

“The wonderful book is the result of an 18 month-long project which saw five amazing partner organisations, a dozen photographers and educators, and 21 mentees, come together in collaboration.”

Anne Lyden said: “The mentees shared their experiences as African immigrants to Scotland with us, trusting us with their stories and offering insight into a vital community located in North Edinburgh.

“It is a huge privilege to celebrate the culmination of the mentorship programme today with Lovelin, Maureen, Linda, Grace, Nwanyi, and Hannah.”

PICTURES: Neil Hanna

Winter Solstice Celebration at Granton Community Garden

PCHP along with Ama-zing Harmonies, Granton Community Gardeners, and Scran Academy will be hosting a wee #wintersolstice gathering on Wednesday the 21st of December at Granton Community Garden from 12pm.

Why not come along and enjoy some caroling, warming treats and stock up on some essentials from our sharing table at 12.30pm.

Hope to see you there!

Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Granton:hub

Granton Goes Greener

Stepping Stones North Edinburgh

Local band CHIL announce charity gig fto support life-saving 24/7 Edinburgh Crisis Centre

The team at the Edinburgh Crisis Centre are delighted to have fundraising support from local band CHIL who are planning a charity gig this month.

The life saving Crisis Centre supports around 2000 people across the city each year who are experiencing emotional distress and often thoughts of self harm or suicide. The Crisis Centre is run by pioneering charity, Penumbra Mental Health.

The team operates 24/7 365 days a year and consists of volunteers who run groups and offer telephone support. Get them on Facebook.

The band members were motivated to do a charity gig for the Crisis Centre because of their own experiences, and they’re hoping the gig will raise awareness of the life-saving work of the Crisis Centre team.

The gig’s taking place on Sunday 11^th December at the Leith Dockers Club and doors open at 3pm for a start of 4pm and finish of 8pm.

Nick Bell from the Crisis Centre said: “It’s always great to have this kind of support in the local community and we couldn’t be more grateful to Jack and the rest of CHIL for what they’re doing.

“The Crisis Centre has been in the city for 15 years and each year the number of people we support and who phone in for advice increases. It’s not an overstatement to say that the support our team offers people is life-saving on many occasions and we rely on volunteers who form a big part of our team.

“We’d love to see as many folk as possible at the gig and tickets can be booked by emailing ecc.volunteersgroups@penumbra.og.uk”.

CHIL band member, Jack Hunter said: “We think support for mental health is critical, especially in current times. The band members have experience of these kind of issues within their family and friends group.

“Some of us have worked in the social sector and were aware of the great work of the Edinburgh crisis centre. We hope the gig will raise the profile for the Crisis Centre work and a bit of funding to support this.”

Active travel projects to benefit from up to £100,000 with the Open Fund

SCOTLAND’s walking charity, Paths for All has increased the maximum amount of its active travel Open Fund available to public, community and third-sector organisations who can now apply for grants up to £100,000.

Supported by Transport Scotland, the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund doubled from £2.5 million to £5 million earlier this year as it aims to help cut Scotland’s carbon emissions and improve air quality by supporting people across Scotland to travel in more active and sustainable ways.

Projects will be able to apply for between £5,000 and now up to £100,000 – which is a 50% increase from previous years.

The extension aims to create new opportunities for organisations and projects to extend their ambition to adopt active and sustainable travel in order to reduce the reliance on cars.

Initiatives will be focused on encouraging more people to change their everyday travel behaviours and help provide opportunities to drive less and to walk or cycle as part of their everyday short journeys or to use public transport for longer journeys.

Graham McQueen, SCSP Manager at Paths for All, said: “With the continued support of Transport Scotland, we are delighted to be able to increase the maximum amount of grant available through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund to community groups and charities across Scotland.

“This increase recognises the importance of encouraging people to drive less and to travel in a more sustainable manner. We are facing an immediate climate crisis and we need to act now.

“With these larger grants, applicants can extend their reach to more people and can be more effective in reducing the number of car journeys being made on our roads.”

A total of £13.5 million has been awarded to 542 projects across Scotland after the Open Fund was first launched in 2017.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Paths for All, said: “Being able to announce that Paths for All’s funding programme to help Scotland choose smarter ways to travel has increased its fund ceiling from £50k to £100k for the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund is fantastic news.

“The grant fund is available to support public, third and community sector organisations in Scotland to deliver innovative behaviour change projects that promote active and sustainable travel.

“The fund is helping cut Scotland’s carbon emissions and improve our air quality by encouraging people to use public transport or other sustainable options such as buses and community car clubs for longer journeys, walking and cycling for short journeys.

“This means the potential average award can now increase and we would like to thank Transport Scotland for their continued support for the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund which has left us over the moon.”

Applications for this round of funding are welcome until 31 March 2023 and will be awarded for a period of 12 months. To apply or to find out more, please visit https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/open-fund or take a look at our guidance.

Supported by Transport Scotland, Smarter Choices, Smarter Places is Paths for All’s funding programme that exists to encourage people to choose smarter ways to travel. The programme supports public, third and community-sector organisations across the country to deliver active and sustainable projects, as well as supporting every local authority in Scotland to encourage more journeys by foot, bike and public transport.

To read inspiring examples of how funding has been used to further active travel in Scotland, please visit:

https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/active-travel/at-success-stories

A Budget Healthy Christmas

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: A Budget Healthy Christmas

Are you feeling the pinch as we head into the festive season? If you answered yes, you are not alone. According to data from the Office of National Statistics, food and non-alcoholic drink prices are increasing at the fastest pace since 1980, and prices have risen by 14.6% over the year leading to September 2022.

With the increase in prices, it can feel more difficult to maintain a heart healthy diet. Here we share some tips for budget friendly and healthy eating this Christmas.

Make a plan

It’s easy to get caught up in the festive fever and buy more food and drink than needed. Lots of us are guilty of panic buying in the days leading up to Christmas out of fear we may not have enough to feed everyone, which leads to lots of waste.

The key here is to make a detailed plan in advance and stick to it.

You could even start buying a few non-perishable items now, to spread the cost over the coming weeks.

Skip the turkey

“But it won’t feel like Christmas without a turkey!” We hear you, but bear with us. Turkeys can be very expensive and the truth is they are fairly comparable to chicken in terms of nutrients and taste.

Why not skip the turkey this year and opt for a chicken (I bet nobody will even notice!) or try a plant-based Christmas showstopper such as a whole roasted cauliflower or nut roast, both of which will save you a few pounds.

Ask guests to bring a dish

If you are hosting Christmas dinner this year, don’t be afraid to ask those attending to chip in and bring a dish with them. Not only will it help spread the cost around, but it will also mean a less stressful day for you, only having to focus on a few dishes.

Many starters, desserts and cheeseboards are easy to transport and don’t require hearing, so get some help with these. If you aren’t hosting but are attending as a guest, reach out now and ask what dish you can bring.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Gleneagles Townhouse to partner with homelessness charity Social Bite

Gleneagles Townhouse, the 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant and member’s club on St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, is delighted to announce it’s collaboration with Social Bite, one of Scotland’s leading homelessness charities.

Gleneagles has supported the work of Social Bite since 2018 as corporate partner for its hugely successful mass participation sleep-out and Break The Cycle events, and this new partnership will see their initiatives integrated throughout the Edinburgh Townhouse’s offering; from the restaurant, to staffing, to event support and hotel stays.

Gleneagles Townhouse is also donating a percentage of its joining fee for new members to Social Bite, helping the charity’s ongoing efforts to break the cycle of homelessness in Scotland.

Additionally, the Townhouse will be attributing a donation to Social Bite with every dessert ordered in The Spence, its all-day dining restaurant, and in time working with Social Bite on its Jobs First programme.

This will see the city centre venue employ individuals who have been affected by homelessness in the past. Social Bite provides meaningful jobs to people who have experienced homelessness as an extreme barrier to employment and part of its ongoing work as an organisation is to help those in a similar situation find steady and fulfilling employment, with the aim of 1 in 4 of their own staff to have come from this background themselves.

A £1 contribution per room, per night, will also be added to guest bills for each hotel stay. All proceeds will go towards Social Bite’s work to end homelessness through providing homes, jobs, and food; including support such as providing new furniture and necessary materials to make a house a home within the Social Bite village in nearby Granton.

These initiatives mark the continuation of a mutual collaboration that will be further cemented with a Burns Supper inspired event to be held at Gleneagles in January. The evening will comprise of a live auction, music from London Essentials, and an exclusive menu created by Gleneagles’ and Townhouse’s top chefs, including Simon Attridge and Jonny Wright respectively, as well as a few special guest chefs from Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Gleneagles’ Managing Director, Conor O’Leary, said: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at Social Bite once again and hope that together, through this new partnership in Edinburgh, we can support and empower individuals across the city to transform their lives.

“We’re really keen to involve Social Bite in as many aspects of our Townhouse offering as possible and look forward to introducing our guests and members to the work they do in our local community.

“Together with some colleagues from both properties, we were delighted to have taken part in the ‘Break the Cycle’ cycling events over the past two years, with collective efforts from our team helping to raise a combined £33,000 – proceeds of which will go towards building two new Social Bite villages.

“We are so proud to play a small part in helping the vital work of Social Bite in our local community and across the UK.”

Co-founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn, said: “This is such an exciting partnership for Social Bite. We’re thrilled to be working with the team at Gleneagles Townhouse.

“It’s a partnership which will undoubtedly make a great impact across our various pioneering projects; raising vital funds to help us build two more Social Bite villages, helping us continue our free-food provision to people in Edinburgh experiencing homelessness and poverty, as well as providing meaningful employment with tailored support.”

Gleneagles Townhouse is the first ever outpost for the iconic Scottish country hotel in its almost 100-year history in Scotland. Based at 39 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, originally home to the British Linen Bank before later becoming the Bank of Scotland, this historic building has been reimagined to become Gleneagles Townhouse; a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, wellness centre and member’s club.

gleneaglestownhouse.com

A mistake to cut funding for life-enhancing stroke treatment

Health charities and NHS clinicians have united in a call for the Scottish Government to reverse a cut to the funding of a vital stroke treatment that significantly reduces long-term disability.

More than 150 stroke clinicians have backed a call from charities Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and the Stroke Association for the reinstatement of £7m to the national thrombectomy service funding.

An open letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care ahead of the Scottish Government budget next week, says the 50% funding cut and a recruitment freeze is a mistake.

The letter says the savings, which amount to less than 0.1% of Scotland’s total health budget, will create far greater costs, when Scots missing out on the “extraordinarily effective” medical treatment end up needing longer hospital stays, community rehabilitation and social care services.

Thrombectomy is a highly specialised procedure that involves physically removing the blood clot in the brain which has caused a severe stroke. The treatment is suitable for about 10% of stroke patients. People are more likely to walk and talk again, return to work and live their lives to the full.

The Scottish Government has previously committed to rolling out a national thrombectomy service, which would see around 800 stroke patients receive the procedure each year. It is expected to save the health and social care system up to £47,000 per patient in the first five years – a total saving of £37.6m to the NHS.

Ruth Hector, 36, from Stirling said: “I had a stroke at the age of 30. I lost the ability to walk and talk in an instant. I was too young to have a stroke and to feel trapped inside my own body, was scary and hard to comprehend.

“I was taken to The Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, where after investigations I was able to receive a thrombectomy. After receiving that, I was able to talk perfectly, write and walk around within hours. It felt like I had made a full recovery. I was so thankful for receiving that treatment, I dread to think what it would have been like otherwise.

“I then had another stroke and for some reason wasn’t able to receive a thrombectomy. My recovery has been good with the second stroke, but nowhere near as good as the outcome after thrombectomy.

“I believe everyone should have access to this life saving treatment. My independence is everything. I’m working now, I take part in fundraising events, so truly believe I’m contributing to society and that feels good.”

CHSS and the Stroke Association are jointly calling for the Scottish Government to commit to continuing to fund the service and recruit the staff necessary for a national rollout.

Jane-Claire Judson, CHSS Chief Executive, said: “CHSS and the Stroke Association are united in our plea to the Scottish Government to stand by its commitment to a national thrombectomy service.

“It is unthinkable that the Scottish Government will deny Scots a treatment we know will make a huge difference to their lives for the sake of a small short-term budget saving.

“Hundreds of Scots who have a stroke each year should be able to trust they will get the best possible medical attention and chance of making a full recovery.”

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “Thrombectomy saves brains, money and lives. It can change the course of recovery from stroke in an instant, and is one of the most effective medical interventions ever developed.

“We understand the financial pressure the Government is under, but to cut a service that improves patients’ lives while saving money would be a serious mistake. The current resource crisis should lead to thrombectomy being prioritised, not cut.

“That is why we, alongside CHSS and clinicians at the coal face, are calling on The Scottish Government to reinstate its funding for a national thrombectomy service.

“The financial savings of having this procedure are undeniably positive, but the potential outcome without it, could have devastating consequences for stroke patients, including severe disability or death.”

Dr Vera Cvoro, Consultant Geriatrician and Stroke Physician, Honorary Senior Lecturer at The University of Edinburgh said: “Thrombectomy is the single most effective treatment we have for stroke. Many patients that come to hospitals with a stroke could benefit from this treatment that prevents disability.

“This can mean being able to walk again, talk again and even going back to work. We have the expertise to deliver such treatment and it should be available to all people living in Scotland.”

Business confidence in Scotland is highest in the UK

Bank of Scotland Business Barometer for November 2022 shows:  

· Business confidence in Scotland rose 19 points during November to 24% – the highest reading since July 2022 and highest of all UK nations and regions

· Scottish businesses identify top growth opportunities as investing in their teams (43%), evolving their offering (40%) and introducing new technology (35%)

· Overall UK business confidence remains robust at 10% with all regions and nations reporting a positive confidence reading apart from the South East

Business confidence in Scotland rose 19 points in November to 24% – the highest reading since July 2022 and highest of all UK nations and regions, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

The survey was conducted between 1^st-15^th November, before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement on Thursday the 17^th November.

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up eight points to 30%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 30 points to 16% this gives a headline confidence reading of 24%. 

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their teams (43%), evolving their offering (40%), and introducing new technology (35%).

The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

A net balance of 8% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down eight points on last month.

Overall UK business confidence fell five points during November, but remained positive at 10%. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects was down two points to 25%, and their optimism in the wider economy dropped four points to -2%. Despite a seven-point dip, UK businesses remained positive about hiring intentions with 14% of firms aiming to create new jobs in the next 12 months.

All UK regions and nations, apart from the South East, reported a positive confidence reading in November, with seven recording a month-on-month increase in confidence. Of those recording an increase in confidence, Scotland, Wales (up 12 points to 17%) and the South West (up nine points to 5%) saw the largest monthly changes.

Chris Lawrie, area director for Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s encouraging to see confidence among firms in Scotland reach the highest in the UK, as they show their trademark resilience in the face of numerous headwinds and a challenging economy.

“As firms look to the year ahead, they’ll have a close eye on managing rising prices, and keeping a close eye on working capital will help firms as they try to mitigate the effects of inflation on their operations. We’ll be by their side to ensure they are in the best position possible in the months ahead and they look to capitalise on opportunities for growth.”

Business confidence in retail increased to 15% (up from 9%), perhaps reflecting a renewed confidence in trading prospects ahead of the festive season. However, business confidence in the manufacturing sector fell for the sixth month in a row, to 4%, down 9 points, the lowest confidence level since early 2021.

The construction sector held gains made in October, remaining unchanged at 20%, although this level still remains weaker than in the first half of the year.

Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking, said: “The fall in confidence shows just how tough it is for businesses right now.

“Pressures from rising costs continue and businesses are starting to feel the burden of higher energy bills. However, the tentative easing of wage expectations should provide some solace although we know the labour market is still tight.

“We would encourage businesses to keep a keen eye on their costs and cash flow as we head into the festive period. If any businesses are struggling, we would encourage them to reach out for support. At Lloyds Bank we remain by the side of businesses to help navigate these challenging times.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Given the recent political and economic landscape, it comes as little surprise that economic optimism and business confidence have fallen this month.

“Pay growth expectations remain high by historical standards, which could signal ongoing difficulties ahead for businesses to fill vacancies.

“Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if the clearer policy picture provided by the Autumn Statement will lead to business confidence moving in a more positive direction as we go into 2023.”

Charity calls for urgent Government action to combat abuse of older people

At the start of Safer Ageing Week, Hourglass (Safer Ageing) calls on the Government to meet with the charity as calls to helpline surge

After months of trying to secure a meeting with the Safeguarding Minister, delayed due to changes in Ministers and turmoil in the heart of Government, Hourglass is frustrated that the Home Office has now cancelled another scheduled meeting with Minister Sarah Dines for Wednesday 14 December.

The meeting has been cancelled due to the Home Office launching a commercial competition for funding as part of Violence Against Women and Girls VAWG) strategy. Hourglass (Safer Ageing) is the only specialist UK wide charity supporting older victim-survivors of abuse, with 40% of the casework being with older men.

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity focused on ending the abuse and neglect of older people, believes there needs to be a separate strategy and funding pool to address abuse of older people, as they have specific needs that a different to other demographics.

Hourglass has seen a 96% increase in calls to its 24/7 helpline this year. It is unacceptable that every request made by the charity to meet with Ministers has fallen on deaf ears when older people are suffering.

On 29 July this year, the Ready for Rishi Campaign made the following commitment to Hourglass: “If he is fortunate enough to be elected as Prime Minister, a Rishi-led government would seek to engage with organisations supporting victims, such as Hourglass, in order to ensure that no one is left behind and the needs of all those who need help are met.”

The Prime Minister now needs to honour his campaign pledge and ensure his Ministers meet with Hourglass to tackle abuse of older people.

Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, said: “With Safer Ageing Week looming, it is incredibly sad that the charity has had this vital meeting cancelled once again. This is not just disappointing; it is a dereliction of duty.

“We are seeing significant increases in calls to our helpline and casework referrals, yet the government still do not take this issue seriously.

“The Violence Against Women and Girls strategy is designed to address this important issue. The criteria for VAWG funding applications will obviously be based on addressing violence against women and girls, not abuse of older people which needs a separate strategy and funding model.

“Support to stem sexual violence in the Ukraine was this week confirmed at £3.45 million with an additional £12.5 million to tackle sexual violence in conflict globally. These, like the equally essential child abuse and domestic abuse charities deserve this support, we are simply asking why are older people last in line? The £300k committed to date seems to underline how far towards the bottom of the list of priorities the 2.7m people affected by elder abuse seem to be.”

The charity confirms it will apply for Government funding from their newly announced VAWG grant scheme.

However, with the enormous pressures of the cost of living crisis and a huge spike in calls to the Hourglass 24/7 helpline, the organisation believes it needs to be at the heart of a Safer Ageing Strategy for older people.

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to make a donation by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.