Category: North Edinburgh News

Tackling dementia, depression and loneliness through the power of sport

Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure will be running a weekly club, supporting older adults to stay active, connected within their local community, and build amazing friendships through their common love of sport. 

Starting on Tuesday, 16th August 2022, the weekly, free drop-in sessions will take place every Tuesday, from 10.30am to 12.00 at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.   The sessions are the perfect forum to reminisce about local sporting heroes, share stories about past playing days and show off your knowledge over a quiz or fun game. Everyone is welcome and a cuppa will be available too.

Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager, SMFS, “We are really excited to launch our newest Sporting Memories partnership at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, a venue at the real heart of Edinburgh’s sporting heritage. 

“We believe there are lots of older adults in the area who have a passion for talking about sport and who will benefit from attending a weekly group with like-minded people.  The clubs are a great opportunity to build new friendships and become more active by taking part in some of our indoor games. We can’t wait to get started.”

Sam Scott, Health Development Officer (Dementia) at Edinburgh Leisure said: “These sessions were originally due to start in April 2020 but for obvious reasons, they had to be put on hold.  

“However, Edinburgh Leisure’s partnership with Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland makes perfect sense, as does hosting these clubs at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, a building steeped in its own sporting history.  These clubs will support the work we are already doing working with people living with dementia through our Movement for Memories programme.

“Using the rich history and heritage of sport, the Sporting Memories clubs are open to older adults who enjoy reminiscing about their experiences of watching or playing it. We just want anyone, with a love of sport, to come along and refreshments are provided.”

The clubs are run by trained by Sporting Memories volunteers who use a wide range of Sporting Memories reminiscence resources developed specifically to help prompt conversation and discussion. There is always great fun and laughter, friendships are forged, and some remarkable sporting stories often emerge.

Sporting Memories has developed an innovative and engaging approach to tackling the challenges of our ageing society.  Their work focuses on:  reducing loneliness and isolation; getting older people physically active; and helping people to live well with dementia.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team launched Movement for Memories in September 2018. This programme supports people living with dementia and their carers to become or remain physically active in Edinburgh.

This work is supported with funding from the Life Changes Trust.  The Trust is funded by the Big Lottery.

For further information, contact Donna Mackey donna@thesmf.co.uk

Scotland’s Trade Minister highlights human rights concerns over trade deal with Israel

The UK Government’s intended approach to current free trade agreement negotiations with Israel raises concerns over human rights issues, according to Trade Minister Ivan McKee.

In a letter to Penny Mordaunt, Minister of State for Trade Policy, Mr McKee said the Scottish Government has specific concerns in relation to the human rights record and ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Minister also raised that the UK Government has not included a full impact assessment on a potential new deal and how it would impact the UK nations. Mr McKee’s response also states that it is clear no potential benefits from a new agreement would mitigate the negative effects of Brexit.

The letter reads:

Dear Penny

Launch of UK-Isreal Free Trade Agreement negotiations

Thank you for your letter of 20 July announcing the launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel.

The Scottish Government welcomes opportunities for Scottish businesses and our economy to grow, in particular in trade in services, where the coverage of the existing trade agreement with Israel is limited. However, we must be sure that any new agreement is in the best interests of Scotland and consistent with the principles in Scotland’s Vision for Trade. I wrote to you recently setting out in detail Scotland’s interests in this FTA.

The scoping analysis that you have now published does not give any detail on the likely economic impact of this deal on Scotland. However, any benefits from increased trade will not make up for the loss in trade as a result of Brexit. Given that your own modelling shows the recent deals with Australia and New Zealand are likely to have a detrimental impact on the agriculture and semi-processed food sectors, it is important to see the impact of all proposed FTAs on Scotland and our economy in advance of negotiations.

I have called on the UK Government to ensure that current and future trading partners comply with their human rights and international law obligations. We have specific concerns in relation to the human rights record and ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). In particular, we are concerned about reported labour rights violations of Palestinian and migrant workers under Israeli working practices.

It is vital that you ensure that that goods and services sourced from illegal settlements in the OPTs are excluded from this agreement in a way that can be reliably enforced. It is also important that any expansion of trade in architectural and construction services within Israel does not lead to involvement in the punitive demolition and destruction of Palestinian public and private property in the OPTs, which is a violation of international law.

It is disappointing that you have not undertaken a human rights impact assessment in advance of negotiations, as we have consistently called for, but urge you to fully consider these important issues and use the trade negotiations to progress human rights objectives.

I would also welcome further information on what plans you may have to similarly develop the current trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

As you know, I have repeatedly made the case for a full role for the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament in the development of trade agreements. I welcome the engagement that has taken place so far but will continue to press for the Scottish Government to be fully involved in these negotiations to ensure they achieve the best outcome for Scotland and promote human rights.

Ivan Mckee

New report shows urgent action is needed to stop traffic fumes contributing to dementia

Environmental campaigners say bold action to limit polluting traffic is needed as a new report showing the links between air pollution and dementia is released.

The report, published yesterday (25 July 2022) by COMEAP, the UK Government’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, suggests the most likely way that pollution impacts cognitive impairment is through circulation. Air pollutants, particularly small particles, can affect the heart and blood vessels, including the brain.

Environmental campaigners say that the Scottish Government and local councils are not taking enough action to reduce pollution from transport and other sources. Earlier this year, research by Friends of the Earth Scotland showed that Scotland breached air quality limits in 2021 after a historic low in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s transport campaigner Gavin Thomson said: “Today’s report from the UK Government is further evidence that air pollution is devastating for human health, and it’s really worrying to see the links with dementia being strengthened.

“We have known for a long time that traffic fumes cause asthma and heart conditions, and evidence has been growing about the risk that tiny particles – from exhaust fumes, tyres and brakes – pose to our cognitive health. It is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

“Four cities in Scotland will soon have small clean air zones limiting polluting vehicles from the city centre. This is the first action we’ve seen to tackle air pollution but it’s nowhere near enough. To improve air quality in our communities and neighbourhoods, we need significant investment in public transport so that everyone can access it, while providing more space for walking, wheeling and cycling.”

Persistent understaffing of NHS a serious risk to patient safety, warns Westminster committee

‘We now face the greatest workforce crisis in history in the NHS and in social care’

The NHS and social care face the greatest workforce crisis in their history, compounded by the absence of a credible government strategy to tackle the situation, say MPs in a new Health and Social Care Committee report.

In the NHS, persistent understaffing poses a serious risk to staff and patient safety in routine and emergency care.

The Workforce: recruitment, training and retention report outlines the scale of the workforce crisis: new research suggests the NHS in England is short of 12,000 hospital doctors and more than 50,000 nurses and midwives; evidence on workforce projections say an extra 475,000 jobs will be needed in health and an extra 490,000 jobs in social care by the early part of the next decade; hospital waiting lists reached a record high of nearly 6.5 million in April.

The report finds the Government to have shown a marked reluctance to act decisively. The refusal to do proper workforce planning risked plans to tackle the Covid backlog – a key target for the NHS.

The number of full-time equivalent GPs fell by more than 700 over three years to March 2022, despite a pledge to deliver 6,000 more. Appearing before the inquiry, the then Secretary of State Sajid Javid admitted he was not on track to deliver them. The report describes a situation where NHS pension arrangements force senior doctors to reduce working hours as a “national scandal” and calls for swift action to remedy.

Maternity services are flagged as being under serious pressure with more than 500 midwives leaving in a single year. A year ago the Committee’s maternity safety inquiry concluded almost 2,000 more midwives were needed and almost 500 more obstetricians. The Secretary of State failed to give a deadline by when a shortfall in midwife numbers would be addressed.

Pay is a crucial factor in recruitment and retention in social care. Government analysis estimated more than 17,000 jobs in care paid below the minimum wage.

A separate report by the Committee’s panel of independent experts (Expert Panel) published today rates the government’s progress overall to meet key commitments it has made on workforce as “inadequate”.

Health and Social Care Committee Chair Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt said: “Persistent understaffing in the NHS poses a serious risk to staff and patient safety, a situation compounded by the absence of a long term plan by the government to tackle it.

“We now face the greatest workforce crisis in history in the NHS and in social care with still no idea of the number of additional doctors, nurses and other professionals we actually need. NHS professionals know there is no silver bullet to solve this problem but we should at least be giving them comfort that a plan is in place.

“This must be a top priority for the new Prime Minister.”

Fringe 2022: Dan Kelly – How I Came Third in the North Korean Marathon 

What happens when you try to run 26.2 miles in the most secretive nation on earth?

In 2018 Dan Kelly came third in the North Korean Marathon. That means he beat over 1,000 other runners to get on the winner’s podium.

To achieve that he had to negotiate a voluminous application and vetting process to gain access to the country. He also discovered what happens when you run out of malt loaf the night before the big race, and, what happens when you hit the wall in front of 50,000 North Koreans who are enthusiastically cheering you on. There may even have been some physical training involved too.

Dan created an event team with four friends, each with their own area of specialism: meet Mark (nutrition), Tarek (communication), Martin (numbers) and Hugh (speed).

This fast-paced hour of unique, intelligently comic storytelling incorporates video from the race (official North Korean government provided footage) and real-life scenes of BBQ clams and last-minute flapjack shortages.

Marvel as Dan and his team discover the answers to the burning questions of the day like:

‘How do you convert miles into kilometres…and then back into miles!?’

‘What’s North Korean for ‘is that a real gun?’’

‘Just how much voltarol gel is too much voltarol gel?’

How I Came Third in the North Korean Marathon is directed by Joseph Morpurgo, co-creator of smash-hit improvised comedy Austentatious (winner of multiple 4 and 5 star reviews) and Comedy Award nominee.

Dan said ‘As a keen runner I’ve run marathons in places like Marrakech, Snowdonia, Madeira and Valencia but entering North Korea’s was one of the more unusual experience and was my toughest challenge yet.

“For a start, are flapjacks even allowed in North Korea? This show is an attempt to tell audiences about the thrills, spills and downright absurdities of running a race in the most secretive nation on earth”.

One-time Edinburgh University student Dan is no stranger to international travel. In his day job he travels the world to investigate the cost of living in different countries, checking and recording prices of day-to-day goods.

If you want to know the price of a box of tea bags in Belarus or a pack of pasta in Peru, Dan’s your man. He has visited supermarkets in over 140 countries. Any unusual finds?

‘Last year, on the top shelf in a tiny, run down corner shop in Burundi I saw a very dusty, and most unexpected bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale…’

Listings information: 

How I Came Third in the North Korean Marathon 

Venue: Just the Tonic @ The Caves, Venue 88

Dates: 4-28 (not 15) First review date 4 Aug

Time: 16.10 (55 mins) 

Tickets: £5 advance or pay what you can on door

Venue Box Office: 0131 226 0000

www.justthetonic.com/edinburgh-festival 

Key safety advice highlighted on World Drowning Prevention Day

The importance of water safety awareness has been stressed by Community Safety Minister Ash Regan to mark today’s World Drowning Prevention Day.

At an event at the Kelpies, Falkirk, Ms Regan discussed preparedness and witnessed water safety demonstrations with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and first responders. The Minister also watched a demonstration by Newfoundland dogs specially trained for water rescue.

Support for the global prevention day – which will see St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh lit up blue with other world landmarks – follows the launch of a collaborative action plan to help prevent people from drowning in Scotland.

Ms Regan said, with Scottish schools closed for summer, it is vitally important everyone heeds crucial water safety advice.

She said: “I welcome the opportunity to support the World Health Organisation’s World Drowning Prevention Day.

“We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and surrounded by waterways that can appear tempting during hot weather. 

“But it’s vitally important people exercise extreme caution if venturing into open water and that they heed all of the safety advice. Entering any waterway has an element of risk and can have tragic consequences.

“The Scottish Government takes the issue of water safety very seriously and our sympathies remain with everyone affected by the tragedy of a water fatality.

“We work closely with Water Safety Scotland (WSS) and other partners, including local councils, Police Scotland, RoSPA, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to implement and support initiatives that can help raise awareness of the hazards around water and reduce deaths from accidental drowning.

“I have witnessed today work to prevent water tragedies from occurring but this is never a substitute for adhering to safety advice when in and around cold water.”

In 2022/23 the Scottish Government is providing RoSPA with an additional £60,000, specifically to help strengthen the focus on water safety and their support for Water Safety Scotland.

Key water safety advice

  • If you plan to get into water to cool down during hot weather, be responsible, know the risks and choose a supervised site such as a beach, lido or swimming pool.
  • Reservoirs, rivers, lochs and unsupervised beaches might be tempting for a quick cool down but there are hidden and potentially fatal dangers including strong currents and the risk of cold water shock. Visit Ready Scotland and Water Safety Scotland for more information.
  • The depth of water could be hiding unseen dangers – hidden ledges or strong currents. And if you are at the coast, think carefully about rip currents, offshore winds and the tide.
  • It is better to go near the water with a family member or friend.
  • Talk to your children to help them understand the risks and how to make safe choices around water.
  • Avoid open water where there are blue-green algae warning notices or if it looks green, blue-green or greenish-brown on the surface.
  • And if you see someone in trouble, do not enter the water. Look for a life ring and call 999.

Fringe 2022: Something About Simon and Something About George

Acclaimed shows shine a spotlight on the life and career of two legendary musicians

Two music shows which celebrate the talent of a pair of legendary musicians are set to be staged at the Assembly Festival at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. 

Something About Simon – The Paul Simon Story and Something About George – The George Harrison Story will join the line-up at the UK’s most hotly anticipated Summer event. 

The two shows from Something About Productions will run between Thursday 4 August and Thursday 18 August in The Bijou – a striking 250-seat Spiegel tent – and will join a busy programme of music, comedy, cabaret, theatre, and family shows planned for the 2022 Fringe. Tickets for both productions are now on sale. 

Something About Simon – The Paul Simon Story returns to Edinburgh after triumphing at the Fringe in 2019. It was then chosen for a residency at the Fringe Encore Series at the SoHo Playhouse in New York City, where it playedsix sell-out performances. The show, which was premiered in Liverpool in 2018, then also went on to form part of the programme at the inaugural Liverpool Theatre Festival in 2020. 

Singer songwriter Gary Edward Jones not only recites the music of one of his idols, but also tells the unique story of Paul Simon combining visuals, stage design and, of course, the music.

A natural storyteller with charisma and charm, Gary weaves together songs and stories that cross The Atlantic from New Jersey to the North West of England. He traces the sometimes poignant moments in Simon’s life and career, that occasionally mirror his own. 

The show is co-written by Jon Fellowes and features classic ballads like Sound of Silence and America to Wristband, The Boxer, and Bridge Over Troubled Water. 

Meanwhile Something About George – The George Harrison Story enjoys its Edinburgh premiere this Summer. The show pays tribute to the man dubbed the “quiet Beatle”, and was met with acclaim by both audiences and critics when it closed Liverpool Theatre Festival in September 2021. 

Now West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor is set to bring it to the Fringe at the culmination of an eight venue UK tour. 

Featuring beautiful songs like My Sweet Lord, Something, and Handle With Care, Something About George showcases Harrison’s incredible solo material and music from rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys which was made up of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. 

And any show celebrating one of the Fab Four just has to include a few classics from The Beatles. From heartbreak to hedonism and songwriting to success, Something About George celebrates a life that was anything but quiet. 

Daniel is an award-winning actor, producer, and director. He has previously played John Lennon in the award-winning Lennon Through A Glass Onion; Sammy in Blood Brothers; and appeared at the very first Liverpool Theatre Festival in his show, The Very Best Of Tommy Cooper. 

Both ‘Something About’ shows will be performed in 60-minute one-act festival version. They are also set to be staged at the Assembly Festival Gardens in Coventry ahead of Edinburgh. 

Something About George is written by Jon Fellowes, who co-produces the show alongside Gary Edward Jones and theatre producer Bill Elms. Together they make up Something About Productions. 

Co-producer Bill Elms said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to bring Something About Simon and Something About George to the Assembly Festival at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“The Bijou is a really magical and atmospheric venue in which to tell these compelling musical stories. These shows capture and celebrate the life, work, and spirit of two legendary musicians, Paul Simon and George Harrison, and both have enjoyed a fantastic reception from audiences at venues here at home and, in Something About Simon’s case, across The Atlantic too.” 

Gary Edward Jones commented: “We had an amazing time when we brought Something About Simon to Edinburgh three years ago. Audiences really responded to the heart in the show and to have the chance to perform it in New York too was very special.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve created, and I’m looking forward to returning and sharing Paul Simon’s story and music again.” 

Daniel Taylor added: “There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at the Edinburgh Fringe, and I can’t wait to get out there on stage and perform for Assembly Festival audiences. 

“After all his achievements, George is still one of the most underrated songwriters that has ever lived, and this is a perfect chance to celebrate and shine a spotlight on his musical genius.” 

Facebook:       /somethingaboutproductions 

Twitter:           @SomeAboutProds 

Instagram:      /somethingaboutproductions 

LISTING INFORMATION 

Something About Simon – The Paul Simon Story 

DATE: Thursday, 4 August – Thursday, 18 August 2022 

TIME: 1pm 

Something About George – The George Harrison Story 

DATE: Thursday, 4 August – Thursday, 18 August 2022 

TIME: 2.30pm 

Assembly Festival 

The Bijou 

54 George Street 

Edinburgh 

EH2 2LR 

0131 623 3033 

https://assemblyfestival.com/

Low Pay Commission: new report on compliance and enforcement of National Minimum Wage

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has published a report on non-compliance and enforcement of the minimum wage in Leicester’s textiles manufacturers.

Since 2020, multiple agencies have carried out large-scale joint enforcement operations in Leicester, partly in response to persistent reports of exploitation and underpayment. Low Pay Commissioners heard evidence on the forces driving non-compliance and what enforcement bodies have found.

At the heart of this evidence is a disconnect: enforcement bodies have found relatively modest non-compliance in Leicester, while Commissioners spoke to other bodies and individuals who believed non-compliance to be widespread and flagrant.

Today’s report looks at three potential explanations for this disparity.

  • Firstly, on the positive side, recent changes within the textiles industry mean some evidence of underpayment may be historic and so less reflective of current situation.
  • Secondly, the vulnerability of workers means they may be reluctant to provide information.
  • Thirdly, there remains potential for employers to conceal underpayment from investigating bodies.

Bryan Sanderson, Chair of the LPC, said: “The evidence we heard from workers in Leicester was striking. Despite some positive recent progress, job insecurity, a poisonous workplace culture and low expectations leave workers trapped in poor-quality jobs and vulnerable to exploitation.

“These same factors mean they are unlikely to report abuses, which undermines efforts to enforce workers’ rights.

“The case of Leicester is not unique. Across the UK, workers in precarious positions face the same obstacles, with the same consequences for enforcement. The problem demands comprehensive action, including to give these workers greater security over their hours and incomes.”

Low Pay Commissioners make several recommendations for Government:

  • The process for reporting abuses does not work for the most vulnerable low-paid workers; but it also fails to engage the third-party bodies whom workers may trust more, or wider industry networks. Commissioners recommend HMRC looks at ways to address these problems.
  • There is an ‘information gap’ between what industry and civil society groups think they have reported to official bodies, and what those official bodies are able to share and act on. A forthcoming official review of enforcement operations in Leicester should take into account evidence from both sides of this gap.
  • Insecure work and uncertainty over hours and incomes are central to the vulnerability of workers to exploitation. Low Pay Commissioners urge the Government to take action on the measures recommended by the Commission in 2018 to address these issues.

Read the LPC’s report

2022_LPC_enforcement_report_FINALDownload

Fringe 2022: S.O.E.

Clair Obscur

Presents 

S.O.E.

A new play about two remarkable women in the WW2 Special Operations Executive

Dates: 19-27 Aug at 11.30 am

Vera Atkins and Noor Inayat Khan were exceptional women who worked for the S.O.E (Special Operations Executive) tasked with espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance during World War Two.

As a wireless operator Noor’s life expectancy is six weeks. Under the codename ‘Madeline’ she is flown by moonlight to occupied France with a bicycle, briefcase and a pistol. But with the Gestapo on her trail, and the net closing in, her life is in great danger.

Atkins trained Madeline and sent her to her position as a wireless operator in France. But now the war is over she is haunted by what happened to the ‘Indian princess’ and intent on uncovering the truth.

Highlighting the sorely-neglected role that ethnic minorities played in the war effort S.O.E aims to right a wrong and celebrate the contribution of these incredibly brave individuals.

“Minorities such as Noor have been sponged out of history quite deliberately,” said the play’s writer, Deborah Clair. “We’ve got to reverse and challenge that and I believe it is our duty to remember them.”

As well as playing the role of Vera Atkins Deborah runs Clair Obscur – a female led-theatre company dedicated to placing inspiring women of the past centre-stage.

Their last play, “A Necessary Woman”, – based on the suffragette Emily Davison – drew sell-out crowds to venues across the country and received coverage on national TV and radio.

“Powerful theatre ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews Hub

Web: clairobscur.co.uk 

Web: assemblyfestival.com 

Twitter: @ClairTheatre 

Facebook: ClairObcurTheatre

LISTING INFORMATION

Venue:  Assembly Rooms Front Room  George Street, EH2 2LR

Time:  11:30  Running Time: eg: 60mins

Dates: 19 – 27 August

Tickets: £13 (£12)

Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square, Assembly Checkpoint and Assembly Rooms