North Edinburgh News – Page 1788 – The NEN

Scots families face disaster if enhanced benefits withdrawn

New report shows 60,000 Scots face poverty as result of UK cuts

More than 60,000 people in Scotland, including 20,000 children, will be plunged into poverty if the UK Government continues with plans to withdraw benefits brought in to provide support through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a new report has shown.

Scottish Government analysis shows that if the UK Government takes away the £20-a-week increase in Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits, and reinstates the Minimum Income Floor for the self-employed, as planned in April 2021, Scottish households will lose up to £476 million.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We are very concerned about the economic impact of the pandemic on people, particularly those on low incomes. This report highlights that if these cuts go ahead, hundreds of thousands of households in Scotland will see their incomes drop by more than £1,000 per year. This could push even more people into poverty.

“Last year the Scottish Government invested nearly £2 billion to support low income households and to tackle poverty. We have also introduced the new Scottish Child Payment to tackle child poverty head on.

“The UK Government must match our ambition and support people in need. They can start by using next week’s spending review to confirm that they will keep the £20 uplift to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits and give people the certainty they need, not wait until April 2021 when people will face a cliff edge.”

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Increasing Universal Credit payments was the right thing to do when the pandemic first struck. It has been a vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands, and it’s right that this support remains in place.

“More people will be swept into even deeper poverty if the £20 uplift is cut. Lone parents will be particularly hard hit, but the impact will be felt by all groups which need this vital support.

“We would urge the UK Government to act on this important evidence, to keep households afloat by retaining this lifeline.”

Scheduling the withdrawal of the £20 uplift and the reinstatement of the Minimum Income Floor to April 2021 will coincide with the Job Support Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme coming to an end.

The Job Retention Scheme has played an important role in curbing unemployment since it was introduced in March, with nearly a quarter of a million workers furloughed in Scotland as of 31 August. If the scheme finishes as scheduled in April 2021, it is likely the number of people claiming benefits will rise further.

The Scottish Government report, Impact of withdrawing emergency benefit measures, can be read in full here.

The Minimum Income Floor (MIF) is a base amount used to calculate how much Universal Credit should be awarded to self-employed people. Anyone earning below the MIF is treated as though they earn that amount, while those earning more have their actual earnings taken into account.

When the UK Government removed the MIF, everyone who was self-employed received benefits based on their actual earnings.

Scotland’s Social Security Secretary recently joined Ministers from Wales and Northern Ireland in writing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey, asking that they work together to ensure those who are entitled to financial support are receiving it – and to call for the £20 uplift on Universal Credit to be made permanent and extended to other benefits which will eventually be replaced by UC.

That letter can be read in full here.

Puzzled? Find a needle in a haystack!

Whether you’ve been away from work or you’ve become bored in your newfound home office, this time spent away from our pre-lockdown lives may have taken its toll on the old grey matter.

Why not put your brain to the test and see if you’re still as sharp as the needle you must find in this haystack brain teaser?

Most people manage to find the white needle in under 5 minutes, but the record is just 30 seconds! Do you think you have what it takes to be the new record holder? Give it a go!

If you’re finding this a little difficult here’s a clue. Look in the bottom left-hand corner of the image.

Still can’t spot it? Scroll down to see the answer …

You may think a 9am coffee is a sure-fire way to strengthen your memory, increase your problem-solving skills and boost your personal productivity but actually, solving puzzles are a fantastic way to get your brain in gear for the day ahead.

The brain is a muscle which, just like any other muscle in the body, is essential to exercise to keep it healthy. Studies have shown that all parts of your brain need to be stimulated to prevent it from weakening over time.

Don’t panic, it’s not as difficult as it sounds. A good way to exercise your brain is by doing puzzles. Puzzle solving is a cognitive activity which stimulates the brain and keeps it in tip top shape.

Research states that older generations who keep their brain active, through activities like jigsaws and puzzles, can be up to 2.6 times less likely to develop ailments that are associated with becoming older like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Other studies have gone as far as to suggest that when it comes to skills such as reasoning and processing, staying mentally active can keep a more mature persons brain functioning up to 10-years younger!

Brother UK not only provide printers and scanners and ink cartridges but also specialise in a range of business solutions including business transformation, aimed at improving productivity, reliability, business cost efficiency and sustainability.

Spotlight on obstacles facing BAME women in the workplace

Better support is needed to help BAME women in the transition from school to the workplace, according to a report issued today by a group taking part in a Scottish Parliament project aimed at increasing women’s involvement in politics.

The Young Women Lead leadership programme has this year explored employment opportunities for women from ethnic minorities considering recruitment, retention and development policies and practices

The report examines routes into employment for BAME women and the role employers play in this process. The report also looks at addressing racism and discrimination, including unconscious bias, in the workplace through diversity networks, raising cultural awareness, flexible working and harassment policies.

It recommends that local authorities promote BAME identifying individuals to senior positions in primary and secondary schools, with representation at the top of organisations key to improving the systems in place.

It is also recommended that the Scottish Government ensure employers collect and use workforce data to benchmark current levels of BAME women within their workplace in order to identify underrepresented populations.

Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani MSP, who convened the group, said: “With the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrating that the fight for racial equality continues, it is so important that we look to Scotland’s young people to help us find solutions and push for change.

“I have seen first-hand the commitment and determination of these young women, in the face of a global pandemic, to make a difference in the lives of women across Scotland. They are nothing short of inspirational. I believe the recommendations in this timely report are a step towards creating real change for future generations.

“It has been a highlight of my time as Deputy Presiding Officer to convene the Young Women Lead Committee and I wish all of this year’s participants the utmost success in their future endeavours.”

Speaking as the report was launched, Dr Patrycja Kupiec, CEO of YWCA Scotland – The Young Women’s Movement, said: “This year’s Young Women Lead is the first parliamentary committee in the history of the Scottish Parliament that comprises solely of young women from ethnic minority backgrounds.

“Investing in diverse leadership is key to building a fairer Scotland for all, and despite challenges brought on by lockdown restrictions, this group of 23 young women have demonstrated that they are a force for change. They have investigated barriers young BAME women experience during transition from education to employment and barriers in the workplace.

“The results of this timely and much needed research are highly relevant for any organisation in the public or private sector looking to implement innovative young women-led solutions to create an equal, diverse and inclusive culture in which young BAME women can thrive and progress.”

Revati Campbell, Young Women Lead Committee member, said: “This year’s YWL Report is about a really important issue that’s directly affected the lives of every one of the participants in this year’s cohort.

“This is such a distinct issue, often overlooked. I’m so proud of all the work we’ve done to create this report and excited to see it released.”

Madeleine Planche, Young Women Lead Committee member, said: “I am so grateful that despite the challenges this year – with the support of our wonderful Parliament team – that our report will be published.

“Everyone is so passionate about this topic and hopefully it will help to create meaningful change.”

Lauryn Mwale, Young Women Lead Committee member, said: “Young Woman Lead was a once in a lifetime experience. The people I met and what they taught me will stay with me forever. I used to call myself apolitical, but this experience has really opened my eyes to the scope and power of government.

“As a young black woman in a country which isn’t my own, it was a great privilege to contribute to the report. Today, Scotland is my home and I am very fortunate to live in a place that appreciates my voice, not in spite of my background but because they see value in my lived experience”.

STUC survey uncovers Covid concerns at work

A STUC survey had exposed widespread Covid-19 related concerns in Scottish workplaces, including a looming mental health crisis.

The research by Scotland’s national union body found the pandemic “has exacerbated a pre-existing lack of trust in employers when it comes to disclosing mental health conditions”.

STUC says workers’ mental health has been significantly affected throughout the current public health crisis, with most workers saying they do not trust their employers to supporting their mental health.

Most indicated they do not feel supported by their employer when disclosing that there are battling with poor mental health, and almost half (47 per cent) do not feel comfortable disclosing their concerns to their employer.

Two-thirds (67 per cent) of people who have disclosed they have a mental health issue or illness have been offered no form of reasonable adjustment for their mental health.

The survey also found approaching half (43 per cent) of workers had not been offered any form of risk assessment for working at home.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “Despite the fact that poor mental health has become more honestly and openly discussed as a public issue, it appears that many workplaces have a long way to go in enabling people to be confident in disclosing mental health conditions or for supporting those who do.”

She added: “Employers should take heed of this. A crisis of trust between workers and managers could result in long term damaging impacts to a workplace and its workers. Employers need to understand that workers’ mental health is as important as their physical health, and must be treated as such.”

UK-wide study shows antibodies persist for at least two months in children who have had COVID-19

One thousand children from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, known as ‘COVID Warriors’ have had their levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies measured during the first wave of the pandemic and repeated again two months after initial recruitment.

The findings have now been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The study is led by Dr Tom Waterfield from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast, in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Northern Ireland.

The aim of the study, which began in May and is ongoing, is to assess the number of children who have had COVID-19, the symptomatology of infection and the kinetics of the antibody response in children.

The researchers have found that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 persisted beyond two months in all children. Unlike other studies, this is one of the first to report on follow up blood results in children and provides an early insight into how the antibody response evolves over time.

Dr Tom Waterfield, lead on the study, said: “These results show that the antibody response to COVID-19 infection in children seems to be holding firm at two months and that antibodies are likely to persist for some time. This provides renewed hope that children may develop a lasting immunity to infection.”

Health and Social Care Research & Development Division (HSC R&D Division) of the Public Health Agency plays an ongoing role in supporting the conduct of high-quality health and social care research and has provided funding to support the delivery of this important study.

Dr Janice Bailie, Assistant Director of HSC Research and Development said: “Research studies continue to play an ongoing, vital role in the pandemic response; as the COVID Warriors study tests children at multiple timepoints, we now know more about the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response and its behaviour over time.

“Such findings will be of great value to help inform our decision-making, and planning of appropriate measures to protect our population.”

The study is supported by funding from HSC R&D Division, Public Health Agency, The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and is also subsidised by a donation from the Queen’s Foundation thanks to a past graduate of the University through a charitable gift in their will.

It is being delivered in partnership with The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, the Ulster Independent Clinic, NHS Glasgow and Greater Clyde, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Scottish carer shares their first glimmer of hope after Mum’s stroke

Glimmer of Hope after Stroke this Christmas

Stacey Miller from Paisley is supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘Hope After Stroke’ Christmas appeal, after her Mum, Andrea, had a stroke at the age of 45.

Thanks to the Stroke Association in Scotland, both Andrea and Stacey have been attending a Stroke Café that has been a life saver for both. It’s given them the opportunity to meet others who have been through a similar experience. The social interaction and peer support has given both them a belief that lives can be rebuilt again– that there is a glimmer of hope after stroke.

Andrea spent hours, days, and months undergoing intensive rehabilitation in hospital uncertain as to what the future may hold. But when Andrea left hospital six months later, Stacey was amazed with how far she’d come.

Although Andrea still relies on care, she is in her own home and that means the world to her. Having her two daughters and sister come in and look after her care needs is so much easier than being in hospital. And although Andrea’s communication difficulties have been challenging, she and her family have found new ways to communicate.

And now Christmas is upon us, Stacey is making preparations with her Mum.

Stacey says: “Mum loved Christmas, it was always a big thing for her. The stroke took away her freedom to make plans for Christmas and go out and about purchasing all the things that gave her and everyone else joy.

“We knew after the stroke Christmas would be a very different affair, but as Mum’s confidence has grown, she is now more involved. She participates in decisions over plans, presents etc., even if she can’t physically carry them out. Christmas is always more magical with kids around and Mum is loving the idea of being involved with my two year-old putting up the Christmas tree and looking at all the baubles and decorations together.

“It brings a tear to my eye, watching her with Noah John. It’s as if nothing has changed and her love of life is still there.

“But I’m aware of her ongoing needs. The Stroke Association in Scotland has been invaluable in offering a sense of purpose both to Mum and me, that life can be normal again.”

Stacey is asking people to make a donation to the Stroke Association’s work supporting people affected by stroke, as they rebuild their lives this Christmas.

Andrea Cail, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “When someone’s life has been shattered by stroke, they may feel all hope is gone. But we also know that people cling onto even the smallest glimmer of hope. This is what powers them on to achieve what many thought would be impossible.”

The charity estimates that there are over 120,000 people living with the effects of stroke in Scotland, while around 15,000 people have a stroke every year.

“This pandemic has had a serious impact on our ability to raise funds through our usual community events and activities. Many people have praised the support they received from the Stroke Association, to help with that first glimmer of hope to rebuild their lives again.

“That support may be found in a call to our Helpline; through the friendship and support of our online community; or the ongoing support of a phone call from one of our lived experience volunteers. It takes time and money and people to provide this help. And that’s why we’re asking everyone across Scotland to donate to the Stroke Association and help give someone the gift of hope this Christmas.”

To donate or for more information about stroke and the vital role that hope plays in stroke recovery and rebuilding lives, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/hope

Edinburgh Leisure: “We’re here to help and support you to be active”

Despite the current Scottish Government restrictions affecting the sport & leisure industry, Edinburgh Leisure is continuing to reopen their venues and services and encouraging as many people of various ages and stages to get active.

June Peebles, CEO at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Over the past few weeks and months, there’s been a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes to bring Edinburgh Leisure’s 14 venues that are currently open and services back to life.

“This includes their six golf courses, gyms, tennis courts, sports halls and pitches, Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho, five Victorian pools and of course, the very popular Royal Commonwealth Pool.

“And despite all the changes we have had to deal with and continue to deal with –whether that be the changes to facility guidance or changes to what activities we can and cannot open (our group fitness classes and adult group activities are not able to take place under the current Level 3 restrictions), we have continued to progress with our re-opening plans.

“Feedback has been so positive with Edinburgh Leisure being one of the businesses singled out for making customers feel safest since reopening with all the measures we have put in place, and an ‘overall crowd-pleaser’.”

Since June, customers have been dusting off their clubs and heading to Edinburgh Leisure’s golf courses. Customer visits are up 43% on last year and continue to perform exceptionally well, despite the autumn weather and ever reducing day light and playing hours.

The sale of Edinburgh Leisure’s Winter Golf membership, which costs from £22.50 per month with unlimited play at six of their golf courses across the city until 31 March 2021, is contributing to the impressive sales, up four times compared to that in 2019.

Other services that have reopened include the sporting facilities in seven of the Council’s high schools, which Edinburgh Leisure manage on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, and Clip ‘n Climb family sessions at the EICA, albeit on a reduced basis.

Their popular coaching programme for children’s swim and dive lessons, tennis, gymnastics and climbing, restarted on 16 November. The swim coaching programme at Queensferry High School restarts on Monday, 30^th November.

Seven thousand children and young people have returned to coaching, which although is a reduction on what was available pre-lockdown, complies with Scottish Government and sportscotland guidelines to keep people safe.

Their popular NRG Zone – a coached gym session for children from S1 to 15 years – is now being offered. These sessions introduce the safe and effective use of the gym space and equipment and allows the young person to get accredited and then able to use the gym on the own, at time out with NRG Zone classes, where there are gym instructors present. NRG is running across nine of their venues from Friday to Sundays – with limited places offered at specified gym times.

Gym instructor bookings are available once more and need to be booked in advance. Initially, it will be ‘Introduction for New Users and ‘Gym Update Reviews, which are offered with both sessions starting with a 15 minute – one to one -consultation, where goals will be discussed, exercise advice given and a demonstration of the safe use of equipment. The remainder of the gym session will allow the customer to train in the gym with staff checking on progress.

Edinburgh Leisure has also introduced Family Swim Sessions into their pool timetables, where families of up to five people can swim in a pre-booked pool ‘pod’, with prices starting from £9.60 per family group.

Due to the Covid restrictions, groups must adhere to the existing adult:child ratio as well as the COVID-19 restrictions, and need to arrive swim ready. In some of the venues, deep-end pods are also available for families with confident swimmers.

A number of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities projects have also restarted. Active Communities helps improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, poverty, inequalities, and disabilities.

Programmes which have restarted include: one to one gym sessions for participants on their Healthy Active Minds project; their #YouCan project, which supports care-experienced young people to get active, is running virtual one to ones, outdoor and group outreach programmes; Active Mums, which supports low income families, has restarted as an outdoor group with the mums enjoying socially distanced workouts in Pilrig Park, with their children being cared for in the creche at Dr Bells Family Centre; and Get Moving Adults Weight Management Education Classes.

In addition, Ageing Well, which encourages older people to get active and stay active, has restarted three of their popular walks.

Ryan Dignan, Health Development Officer, remarked: “The walkers have said how relieved they were that the group was back again as they had missed it so much.”

June Peebles concluded: “Edinburgh Leisure remains as committed as ever to supporting Edinburgh citizens to be active and healthy. We’ve had to introduce a number of changes to comply with all the COVID-19 safety guidance that’s out there.

“Things are somewhat different, with smaller numbers taking part in activities at any one time, the mandatory wearing of face coverings when moving around our venues, enhanced cleaning and physical distancing measures but it’s all in place to ensure our customers are safe when visiting our venues.

“The feedback has been really positive. Never has the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health been so important – please remember we’re here to help and support you to be active.”

Police seek witnesses after women assaulted in Old Town

Police working on the investigation into the assaults of two women in Edinburgh are appealing for information to identify potential witnesses.

The incidents happened on Sunday, 25 October, 2020 in Cranston Street and West College Street. A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with both incidents.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 6am and 9am and who may have any information that will assist their ongoing enquiries to come forward.

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 quoting reference number 0905 of 25 October. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Shop Here This Year!

Edinburgh residents are urged to celebrate what’s on our doorsteps in a festive season campaign that encourages shoppers to support local businesses when looking for the perfect present.

Launched today and extending through 2021, the ‘Shop Here This Year’ campaign shines a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the city. It celebrates the quality independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences which bring our local high streets to life.

Highlighting unique aspects of each area, the campaign, aligned to the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Shop Local activities, will roll out across the Council’s digital platforms under the hashtag #shopherethisyear.

Businesses and shoppers are urged to get behind the campaign, sharing on their own social channels and supporting the local businesses which have such a vital impact on the city economy, local supply chains and local jobs.

The 11 areas that will be the focus of the campaign include: Leith & Leith Walk, Gorgie & Dalry, Bruntsfield & Morningside, Nicolson & Clerk Street, Tollcross, Royal Mile, Greater Grassmarket, Queensferry, Corstorphine, Stockbridge and Portobello.

For each location, the campaign will use real customer reviews to champion the range of unique experiences and products available across Edinburgh.

To mark the campaign’s launch an ultimate Christmas hamper of Edinburgh goodies, worth around £400, from businesses across the neighbourhoods is up for grabs.

Prizes include a tour and delicious samples from local gin distillers, Harris Tweed face coverings, luxury shortbread, selected fine wine, local jams, chutneys, cheeses, baked goods, festive treats and more.

To explore these fantastic vendors by bike, Just Eat Cycles include an annual pass in this giveaway and Edinburgh Zoo are giving away a VIP pass for the whole family to their Christmas Zoo experience.

For a chance to win, Edinburgh residents are asked to take to social media and share what makes their favourite independent shops special, using the hashtag #shopherethisyear and tagging @Edinburgh or @ThisIsEdinburgh on Instagram. Terms & Conditions apply, please go to Edinburgh.org for more details.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “There are so many amazing independent retail businesses across our city offering a unique and personal experience while contributing much to our local communities, local economies and providing jobs.

“It goes without saying that all sectors have suffered because of the Covid-19 pandemic this year. That’s why, more now than ever, it’s so important that we all support our local businesses.”

Vice Convener Councillor Mandy Watt said: “It’s so important that businesses get behind this campaign so we can all share the collective message that people across Edinburgh should #shopherethisyear – we’re all in this together and its inspiring to see the hard work put in by retailers to keep customers safe while they shop local.“

Small Business Champion Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Edinburgh businesses have invested in, innovated and adapted their operating arrangements to comply with continuing Tier 3 restrictions to keep patrons, customers and staff safe.

“They deserve our thanks and, more importantly, our support – as a Council, and as a city. With the festive season and #SmallBusinessSaturday2020 (on 5 December) fast approaching, I hope Edinburgh residents and businesses will embrace the #shopherethisyear initiative: by shopping local, by creating, liking and sharing posts on social media and by encouraging families and friends to do so too.”

Beth Edberg, who runs Scottish food emporium Cranachan and Crowdie on the Royal Mile, said: “Businesses across Edinburgh have never needed residents to shop local more than they do now in the run-up to Christmas. That’s why this new Shop Here This Year campaign is so very welcome”.

The campaign, aligned with the #ForeverEdinburgh city-wide partnership initiative, has been funded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership as part of the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign which is designed to encourage shoppers across the country to think local first.

Six tips for a successful shop this Black Friday

Black Friday shoppers have been encouraged to pay on credit card, do their research before the day and be wary when it comes to some deals this year.

Penny pinching pros from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed six helpful tips to make a successful Black Friday haul.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is one of the best weekends of the year to spend money due to the bargain prices many shops offer.

It’s important, however, to stay as safe as you can whilst shopping and to make sure that the deals are actually deals.

A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Black Friday weekend is one of the best times to buy presents for Christmas, but it can get busy quickly.

“Many shoppers are expected to ditch the shops and buy online this year due to the current coronavirus restrictions, so it’s important to do your research before the weekend.

“By following our tips hopefully you’ll make Santa jealous with your haul of presents, all whilst keeping your bank account happy too!”

These are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk tips to stay safe and have an enjoyable weekend shopping:

1. Make a list

It can be very easy to go blind when you’re confronted with lots of offers. Before Black Friday, make a list of who you need to buy for, or what you want to buy. This will make it more difficult to over buy. You could even have a browse and write down pre-Black Friday prices. Browse around and compare prices, then make a note of the best two websites that stock the products. If it sells out before you have chance to buy it you’ll have a back-up store ready.

2. Social Media

Many brands will be advertising their deals on social media in the lead up to Black Friday. Some may even offer exclusive deals to their followers. If you have the option to follow local stores, this may mean you can enjoy deals exclusive only to individual shops.

3. Start early

Some shops have been known to start their Black Friday deals up to a week before the big day. Sometimes it can pay to buy a few smaller items on these days, so on Black Friday you’ll have more time to trawl through the offers.

4. Be wary

If there’s a deal which looks too good to be true, it probably is. Just because there’s a deal on doesn’t mean you have to buy. It’s easy to think that because an item is reduced on one site then it’s a great deal. It may only be reduced by a small amount or may be even cheaper elsewhere. If you have the time to shop about, do it. Using a price tracking website will let you look at a product’s price history so you can see if it is a great deal or not.

5. Voucher sites

Although some of the offers may seem great already, your bank account isn’t going to say no if you can save even more money! Spend some time going through voucher sites which could help you get even more of a discount on your Black Friday shopping. Write down any codes next to relevant items on your list. This will help speed up the checkout process when it comes to the big day.

6.Card

If you’re planning on making your purchases online, it’s important to consider which card you will be using. If you pay with a credit card or via PayPal you’ll have more protection if anything goes wrong.