Today (FRIDAY) is your last chance to register for tickets to attend the Royal British Legion Falklands 40th anniversary commemorative event.
If you played a role in the conflict, whether you’re a veteran of the campaign or a member of a civilian organisation that supported the Task Force, please sign up now.
Find out more here 
The North Edinburgh Youth Work Collaborative have this amazing opportunity back up and running! This is an ideal opportunity for a school leaver.
If you would like to see the job description please click this link:
https://docs.google.com/…/1P1A38JSBbkDIL4…/edit…
If you would like to apply please click this link:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScCCy8pbc6…/viewform…
If you would like to chat to someone about the opportunity please contact shelley@grantonyouth.com or any member of staff at Granton Youth, FetLor, Spartans, Pilton Youth & Childrens Project or Muirhouse Youth Development Group.
Aldi has revealed the line-up for its 26th Scottish Beer Festival, which will showcase 25 craft beers from eleven breweries across the country, including several retail exclusives.
Kicking off in-store today, Thursday 28th April, the festival will take place across all of Aldi’s 101 Scottish stores in a deal worth over £86,000 to the breweries involved, with prices starting at just £1.49.
Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival is known for celebrating the vast range of beers, lagers and ales brewed across all corners of Scotland. This spring’s festival will give customers the chance to try everything from tropical pilsners to spicy sour ales and vanilla porters to crisp IPAs.
As part of the in-store activation, Aldi shoppers will have the chance to try a range of award-winning craft beers from Aberdeen-based Fierce Beer, which was recently crowned Scottish Brewery of the Year at the 2021 Scottish Beer Awards.
The multi-award-winning brewery took home 11 medals for its unique concoctions and will feature five of its brews in Aldi’s festival line-up. Its gold medal-winning Café Racer Coffee & Vanilla Porter, which is fuelled with locally roasted Sumatran espresso coffee and Madagascan Vanilla, is just one of the brewery’s quirky beers that customers can enjoy at everyday Aldi prices.
This spring’s line-up will also feature Edinburgh-based Stewart Brewing’s Ka Pai South Pacific Pale Ale. The light-bodied brew, which balances notes of passion fruit, mango, and lychee, will be stocked as an exclusive to Aldi Scotland. The popular beer also took home a gold award at the 2021 Scottish Beer Awards for Best Pale Ale.
Peterhead-based Brew Toon Beers will also be included in Aldi’s Spring festival. Customers have the chance to try the brewery’s J’Ale Riot Red Ale, which has a strong caramel and biscuit nose with a hoppy full-strength punch, and their Pineapple Pils Tropical Pilsner, a blend of crisp malts combined with fresh pineapples and tropical hops.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our Scottish Beer Festivals always prove popular with our customers.
“The craft beer industry continues to thrive in Scotland, and I am proud that the relationships we have built with local breweries over the years mean our customers can enjoy a variety of unique brews at everyday amazing Aldi prices. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Celebrating the 10th year of Scottish Beer Festivals, products will be available in store from 28 April. Visit aldi.co.uk/scottishbeerfestival to find out more.
You can find you nearest Aldi here.
Council candidates across the political spectrum are being asked to sign a pledge to support veterans, military personnel, and their families in their communities.
More than 80 politicians have already signed the #PoppyPromise, a commitment to ensure that current and former servicemen and women are not disadvantaged when accessing local services.
Poppyscotland is urging voters to ask the local candidates in their council area to support the five-point plan in the Scottish Local Elections next week (MAY 5th).
The charity is concerned that many members of the Armed Forces community are struggling when it comes to accessing housing, transport, education, and benefits, due to the unique nature of their military service.
Scottish veterans often face health problems, with a large number affected by long-term illness, disability, or mental health issues. Research suggests that veterans experiencing homelessness are more likely to have multiple, complex problems, while Scottish Government data shows they are more likely to have experienced rough sleeping.
Children from military families can also face challenges such as disrupted education if they move between schools.
David Dickie, who served in Iraq with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, found himself homeless more than a decade after he was discharged. He had been living with his sister in Inverness, but lost his home and his job after her sudden death.
After returning to Kilmarnock, he submitted a homeless application to East Ayrshire Council, but was concerned about staying in a hostel since he suffers from PTSD and finds it difficult being around people he does not know.
Thanks to Poppyscotland’s advocacy, Mr Dickie was offered temporary housing in a one-bedroom flat and was supported to apply for benefits. He now lives in a council house in Kilmarnock and has returned to work as rope access safety supervisor.
Mr Dickie said: “It can be hard when you come out the Army, and a lot of people find it difficult to settle into civilian life. Councils need to be more aware of some of the issues affecting veterans.”
“Local councils play a huge role in helping serving personnel, veterans, and their families, who rely on public services such as housing, education, transport, social care, and benefits. But some members of our Armed Forces community, such as Mr Dickie, can still find it difficult to access these due to a lack of understanding of their specific needs.
“We believe no one should be disadvantaged after serving their country. With just a few days left before we go to the polls, we’re encouraging voters to ask their local candidates to sign our #PoppyPromise. This demonstrates their commitment to listen to the voices of the Armed Forces community and ensure they are treated fairly when it comes to delivering local services.
“We hope that candidates seeking office will take this opportunity to recognise the service of our Armed Forces community by promising to act decisively to help them lead healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives if elected.”
Find out more and see which council candidates have signed the #PoppyPromise at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/about-us/campaigns-advocacy-policy/poppy-promise
The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, today celebrated its 10th Birthday with a huge global event that was designed to get as many children and primary schools as possible around the world moving on the same day.
In Dundee over 800 children took part in what was the largest ever mass Daily Mile, in the grounds of a transformed Baxter Park that included a stage, music and guest speakers. The children came from local primary and SEN schools across Dundee.
Guests at Baxter Park included The Daily Mile founder Elaine Wyllie MBE, Public Health Minister Maree Todd, Team Scotland and GB Hockey Player Charlotte Watson, Scotland and GB Team middle distance runner Kane Elliott, GB Paralympian Wheelchair Curler Aileen Nelson as well as other Daily Mile ambassadors.
At the same time, 335,000 children around the world took part in a virtual event – across 1,340 schools in 21 countries from Scotland to New Zealand. Marking the world’s largest Daily Mile event.
The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, is a transformative initiative where children run, jog wheel or walk for fifteen minutes every day in school, in which time, most people will average a mile or more.
The initiative has enjoyed phenomenal success since it was started by then Headteacher Elaine Wyllie just ten years ago at a single primary school in Stirling, Scotland. Today over 3 million children across 14,000 schools in 87 countries globally are now running The Daily Mile.
The initiative believes there is more to be done if we are to provide the opportunity of good health and well-being to all children, wherever they are in the world and its aim for the next ten years is to significantly increase the number of children that are able to enjoy The Daily Mile.
Elaine Wyllie MBE, Founder of The Daily Mile says: “We are so excited to celebrate 10 amazing years of The Daily Mile – what an incredible journey it has been so far, starting from just a simple idea at my school in Scotland to now an essential part of the day in thousands of schools around the world.
“Multiple scientific studies continue to show The Daily Mile improves children’s physical, mental and social health as well as their engagement at school – and today’s event has been a fantastic way to celebrate all we have achieved, thanks to the incredible children, teachers, schools and partners we have worked with other the years who champion our ideals and support our ambition to see every child enjoy the benefits of The Daily Mile.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Founder & CEO of INEOS, comments: “INEOS has supported the Daily Mile for years because it’s a free, simple and effective way to improve children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“It has been a natural fit for us to work with an initiative that is so passionate about helping more children enjoy exercise more often, and we look forward to its success as it continues to transform more lives around the world.”
Public Health Minister, Maree Todd, said: “I am passionate about the many physical, mental and social benefits the Daily Mile brings and am delighted that this initiative, born in Scotland, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Dundee.
“As school children from across the world come together to take part in the Daily Mile celebrations I look forward to seeing the impact of this simple and free initiative. I give my thanks to all the school teachers and those involved in providing their communities with the opportunity and support for children to be active each day.
“I am committed to Scotland becoming a Daily Mile Nation and myself really enjoy taking part. Over and above the health benefits it also gives me the opportunity to connect with nature, explore my local environment and meet new people along the way.
“I would encourage everyone across the world to join in and take part in the Daily Mile to experience these fantastic benefits.”
People who are due payments on Monday 2 May and Tuesday 3 May will receive these by the end of Friday 29 April.
This is due to the May Day bank holiday.
All other payment dates will stay the same.
Some changes to services will take effect over the upcoming May Day bank holiday (Monday 2 May).
Lothian will operate a Saturday service on this day, with Services 45 and 47B operating to a public holiday schedule.
EastCoastbuses will operate a normal weekday service, although school services will not operate.
Lothiancountry will operate a normal weekday service.
Lothian’s TravelHubs will also be open as normal.
If you need further assistance, please connect with Lothian on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or contact bus information by phoning 0871 200 22 33.
The NEAT Connections project has organised two in-person Stakeholder meetings tomorrow (Friday 29 April).
The first one from 1 to 2pm and the second one from 3 to 4pm.
These meetings will be held in the Old Kirk and Muirhouse Parish Church, 42 Pennywell Gardens, Edinburgh EH4 4PE.
That evening, we will also hold an online meeting from 19:30 to 20:30. You find the link to the Microsoft Teams meeting below.
The aim of these meetings is to inform community stakeholders about the NEAT Connections project and the upcoming engagement activities.
We hope that this information will support you to mobilise your members and the local community to join the engagement activities over the coming weeks to improve walking and cycling infrastructure and green spaces on and around Pennywell Road.
The agenda:
1. Background and aims of the NEAT Connections project
(Barry Clarke, Senior Project Manager – Active Travel, the City of Edinburgh Council)
2. Engagement activities and results so far
(Barbara Kerr, Project officer – Communities, Sustrans Scotkland)
3. Ideas for improvement
(Gert Rijsdijk, Senior Transport officer – 20 Minute Neighbourhoods, the City of Edinburgh Council)
4. Upcoming Engagement activities
5. Time for questions
Microsoft Teams meeting:
Click here to join the meeting
Gert Rijsdijk
Senior Transport Officer | 20 Minute Neighbourhoods
A special film which captures experiences of staff across NHS Lothian is being launched today (28 April 2022) to show the public and future generations what it was like to work during the pandemic.
Premiering online, the film reveals how NHS Lothian staff mounted an extraordinary response to the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19.
The health board was the first to receive and care for a COVID-19 patient in Scotland. It then went on to set up one of the first drive-through testing facilities and played a significant role in ground-breaking research, testing and vaccination.
The one-hour documentary is told through a series of interviews, videos and photographs of staff, providing reflections of working during the pandemic over the last two years.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian said: “While this film cannot do justice to the work of every team or service, it offers a flavour of the outstanding commitment of all our staff. We are extremely proud of how they responded to the pandemic and how hard our teams continue to work.
“We recognise the journey is far from over. COVID is still with us, pressures on staffing are severe and the effects of the pandemic will be felt for a long time to come. But we have learned a great deal and will put that to good use as we plan for the future.
“We want to thank all our staff for their continued exceptional service and our patients and the wider public of Edinburgh and the Lothians for the support they show our staff.”
The film is part of NHS Lothian’s wider commemorative plans, which are supported by its official charity partner, the Edinburgh and Lothian Health Foundation.
Also featuring in the film is a special commemorative song written and performed by Scottish singer and songwriter, Marina Rolink, especially to thank all NHS Lothian staff.
Commenting on her involvement in the film, Staff Nurse Viv Conway, who was a student nurse during the first wave of COVID in 2020, said: “It’s still raw, and it’s still relevant in how we practice on our ward. It’s impacted our ward and it’s impacted the culture that we work in, the need to focus on our colleagues and our team.
“I think the film really brings back a lot of emotions as a true representation of what it was like on the front line and the sacrifices that we made and how we came together at a very difficult time.”
The film will premiere on NHS Lothian’s YouTube channel at 6pm tonight and will remain available for people to watch in the future.
A trailer can be viewed now at: https://youtu.be/g5UOAedPv6Y
The UK’s leading meningitis charity is calling for those who have suffered from viral meningitis to be ‘Vocal about Viral’ to help dispel myths and misconceptions that this form of the disease is not dangerous and always ‘mild’.
Meningitis Now’s annual Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, between 1 and 7 May, seeks to raise awareness to inform the public, health professionals and employers about the true impact of the disease and the long-term problems it can bring.
Although rarely life-threatening viral meningitis, which is more common than bacterial meningitis, can make people very unwell and for some the after-effects can be life-changing.
Expert opinion suggests up to 6,000 people each year across the UK suffer from viral meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. The majority of cases happen during the warmer months.
Symptoms of viral meningitis can include a severe headache, a dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and confusion. The disease can affect anyone of any age.
Meningitis Now is urging anyone concerned about viral meningitis to seek medical help.
After-effects can include exhaustion, headaches, memory loss, depression, anxiety and hearing difficulties. Many sufferers need to take long periods off education or work, and struggle with the day-to-day tasks that most people take for granted.
Viral meningitis cannot be treated with antibiotics. Rehydration, painkillers and plenty of rest are the best remedy. Most people will make a full recovery. However, for some recovery can be slow and the after-effects long lasting.
These after-effects can be debilitating and just as likely to affect people’s day-to-day activities as those from bacterial meningitis, turning their emotional and economic lives upside down and affecting their ability to learn, play and work.
Bev Corbett, the charity’s Director of Information and Support, said: “It’s vital that everybody understands that viral meningitis can be serious and that those who experience it are not afraid to speak out about it and seek the support they need.
“For our Viral Meningitis Week we’re calling on everyone to Be #VocalAboutViral – and help raise awareness by talking about the disease.”
Meningitis Now has a range of free services to support individuals and their families after viral meningitis, including its Rebuilding Futures Fund, which provides financial and practical support for people of all ages affected by meningitis.
The charity also has free information and fact sheets about viral meningitis. Read more about the symptoms and after-effects and download the guides from the website www.MeningitisNow.org
If you have been affected by viral meningitis, contact the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org. Do not suffer from viral meningitis alone.
Read viral meningitis stories and share yours on the Meningitis Now website.
