Category: North Edinburgh News

Carers in Edinburgh urged to seek support

Still Game star highlights valued work of carers in new campaign

Carers across Edinburgh are being urged to seek emotional and practical support through a new national campaign, delivered in partnership with Still Game’s Jane McCarry.

Jane, who plays Isa Drennan in the BBC Scotland sitcom, is a ‘sandwich’ carer – that means she cares for her mother while juggling childcare and work responsibilities. Jane marked the launch of the campaign by addressing carers from across Scotland at this year’s virtual Carers Parliament event.

With more caution about going out, as well as services being under pressure because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, even more people have taken on a caring role. 

Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 690,000 carers in Scotland, however recent polling by YouGov suggests this figure could have increased by an additional 390,000[1] during COVID-19 and lockdown, taking the potential total number of carers in Scotland to around 1.1 million.

The campaign aims to make sure that all who are new to caring, as well as those who were before, are aware there is support out there for them and can come forward to access it.

Although most support is being provided remotely, services are still open and ready to welcome carers. There’s a range of support measures available nationally and locally to help improve carers’ quality of life, with local carer centres across Scotland offering sessions such as virtual support groups, information, advice and online relaxation sessions.

Local carer centres in Edinburgh can help all carers prepare their own personalised support plans.

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick attended the virtual Carers Parliament event. He said: “Carers are juggling a lot between work, family, friends and their caring duties – it’s crucial for their own wellbeing that they get the support they deserve.

“They may not be aware of what’s available to them, or they may not even recognise themselves as carers, but there is support available nationally and locally to help improve their quality of life.

“Crucially, we want carers to recognise that they’re not alone. There is a community of carers on every doorstep and every street. Together, it’s important to connect them with emotional and practical support that works for them.”

Jane said: “I know first-hand how challenging it is to be a carer for a close friend, neighbour or family member. The working day doesn’t end yet you never view your responsibility as a burden because you’re ‘just’ looking after someone you love.

“The reality, however, is hard – both mentally and physically – and sometimes we all need some support, be it counselling, peer support sessions or even just sitting down for a virtual cuppa with someone who knows what you’re going through.

“I’d encourage anyone in a caring role to seek out the support that’s on offer to them.”

Jill Franklin, 51, from Edinburgh, is a carer for her two autistic sons and has experienced the benefits of taking advantage of the support on offer.

She said: “It’s crucial that carers take advantage of the support available to them and take some time back for themselves. In my own personal situation, I was referred to the carers’ allowance which helped me financially.

“I’ve also received help from VOCAL, an organisation supporting unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

“Their support helped me to pay a childminder which allowed me to take some time to study for a masters in playwriting. It’s so important to take time too for yourself which helps ensure you can continue to provide care to your loved ones when they need it most.”

The annual Carers Parliament is organised by Carers Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government and in partnership with national carer organisations, with this year’s virtual event including seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities for those in a caring role.

For more information on the support available to carers, please visit nhsinform.scot/caring or call 0800 011 3200.

No bailout for BiFab

After exploring all options, both the UK and Scottish Governments have concluded that there is currently no legal route to provide further financial support to BiFab in its current form.

A joint working group will be formed to consider ways to strengthen the renewables supply chain in Scotland and to secure future opportunities.  

In a joint statement, the governments have committed to exploring options for the future of the yards and to strengthen measures to support the renewables supply chain.

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government has been working for more than three years to support BiFab.

“We have left no stone unturned in our search for a solution to the challenges faced by the business. As a minority shareholder, we have been exhaustive in our consideration of the options available to us to financially support BiFab from public funds.

“The Scottish Government has been clear that State Aid regulations are a barrier to us providing guarantees on the contract from Saipem to build foundation jackets for the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) project. The UK Government has similarly concluded that there is no legal route for them to provide support.

“The situation at BiFab is a culmination of a number of issues, the main one being the unwillingness of the parent company and majority shareholder JV Driver to provide working capital, investment or guarantees for the company.

“We are determined to secure a new future for the yards in Fife and the Western Isles. We will explore options for the future of these sites and, through this new working group, work with the UK Government to strengthen the renewables and clean energy supply chain.”

Joint statement on BiFab from the Scottish and UK Governments:

Following discussion between the UK and Scottish Governments, ministers in both governments have concluded that, in the absence of a shareholder guarantee provided by BiFab’s majority shareholder, JV Driver, there is no legal route for either the Scottish or UK Governments to provide BiFab with the guarantees it would need to secure its contract with Saipem.

The UK and Scottish Governments are committed to investment in renewables and clean energy. The development of a domestic renewables supply chain is a key priority for both governments.

The UK and Scottish Governments are therefore convening a Joint Working Group to explore how existing policy measures can be used to strengthen the renewables and clean energy supply chain in Scotland, and look at options for the future of the sites where BiFab currently operates and other opportunities around Scotland, in a manner consistent with respective devolved and reserved competencies.

Responding to last night’s Scottish and UK Government joint statement concerning the refusal of financial support for the stricken BiFab yards in Fife and Lewis, Joint Union Secretaries Gary Smith and Pat Rafferty said: “Until the Scottish Government publishes the legal advice over its decision to walk away from BiFab, all the difficult questions remain unanswered.

“This evening’s statement is also disappointing given that our members learned of this through the media – it makes a mockery of the so called fair work agenda.

“The demise of Scotland’s best shot at building a manufacturing supply chain for offshore wind is down to a decade of failure from successive SNP and Tory Governments.”

Thousands of Scots get support to cover funeral costs

Almost 6,000 people received a Funeral Support Payment in its first full year, according to statistics published today.

Since it started making payments last September, Social Security Scotland has paid out £8.7 million to people who have lost a loved one. 

Eligible applicants currently receive an average of £1,761 to help with the costs of a burial or cremation and expenses such as travel and flowers.

Funeral Support Payment replaced the UK Government’s Funeral Expense Payment in Scotland.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Coping with the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult events any of us can face – it’s even harder when there’s extra stress trying to find the money to pay for a funeral.

“It’s important that we support people at key times like this. We want to do what we can to stop those who are dealing with grief having to get into debt too.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 means many more people are receiving Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits than previously, which means they could also be eligible for the Funeral Support Payment.

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify for this important financial support to find out more and apply. People can apply for the payment up to 6 months after a funeral has taken place, although if you could not apply within this timescale because of COVID-19, we’ll accept your application as on time.

“Making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is a basic step in putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland.”

  • The payment includes a flat rate for any other expenses – £1,000 for the majority of applications and £122.05 if the person who died had made provision for their funeral through a funeral plan. It can also cover some travel, document, and medical costs
  • Clients can find pre-application advice which includes eligibility and award amounts and apply at mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment
  • Clients can choose to apply online, via a paper application form or by calling our specially trained Funeral Support Payment team on 0800 182 2222.

Latest suicide figures are ‘the tip of the iceberg’, says charity

Data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) released yesterday shows that there were 833 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2019, an increase from 784 in 2018.

Six hundred and twenty men and 213 women took their own lives in 2019, with people aged 45-54 most at risk. People in our poorest areas were also more likely to take their own lives.

This link between deprivation and suicide is well known. Between 2015 and 2019, people living in the most deprived areas were three times more likely to die by suicide compared to those living in the least deprived areas.

Claire Sweeney, Director of Place and Wellbeing at Public Health Scotland said: “Each of these deaths are a tragedy arising from profound distress, and are all preventable. They will have left immeasurable grief across families and communities.

“The unprecedented challenges we have all faced in 2020 perhaps make it easier to understand that anyone can experience mental illness. That’s one of the reasons why Public Health Scotland is prioritising improving mental wellbeing as part of our strategic plan (A Scotland where everybody thrives).

“We will work with our partners to help grow the understanding of levels of suicide in the communities they work with, and more broadly to support better mental wellbeing across Scotland.”

Following the release of these figures the Scottish Public Health Observatory has published supporting information available.

View the report on the ScotPHO website 

If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide please call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116123.

Responding to Public Health Scotland figures revealing that 833 people died by probable suicide in 2019, a spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “The statistics highlighting that there were 833 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2019 is devastating for so many families and only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to highlighting the mental health crisis we are currently in.

“We have for some time called for radical transformation in our mental health services and expressed our concerns over the lack of investment in these for our children and young people. Currently around 50p in every £100 of NHS spending goes to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and yet we know that one in ten children has a diagnosable mental health problem and that figure is increasing. These problems of course if not addressed carry on into adult life.

“With increased numbers of those experiencing mental health problems, as well as those whose existent conditions are being worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with further cuts in services, this points to a mental health crisis ‘perfect storm’.

“While referrals have dropped during lockdown and children are not accessing support, we are storing up immense problems for the future as mental health services face being overwhelmed due to greatly increased demand.

“In addition to the NHS, local authorities, the third sector and other independent organisations play a key role in providing mental health support. Yet these services have seen their resources cut over the years, putting an even greater burden on specialist and costly mental health services. It is vital that they receive increased funding or we face witnessing a ‘lost generation’ of vulnerable children and young people

“Mental health services must be given funding and resources equal to that of physical health provision and this pandemic has ushered in an urgency to deliver on this which cannot be ignored.”

Portobello High Street road death: police re-issue witness appeal

Police are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward following a road crash on Portobello High Street in which a local 36-year-old woman died.

At around 2.45pm on Monday, 2 November, Heather Stronach (36), died after she and her bike were involved in a collision with a lorry on Portobello High Street at its junction with Sir Harry Lauder Road.

Sergeant Mark Banner, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said:”We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw the collision take place to come forward if they have not already done so.

“I am particularly keen to speak to two car drivers who may be able to assist. The first was in a car stationary at the junction of Sir Harry Lauder Road, and the other was in a small black car on Portobello High Street. They may have information that could prove very helpful to our enquiry.

“Also, we’d still appeal to any pedestrians who were there or to anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage from the street around 2.45pm to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1829 of 2 November.”

PIC: The Record

A Cautious Christmas: Joint agreement on festive period

Have a Happy Christmas – but hang back at Hogmanay

The Scottish Government has agreed a cautious and limited relaxation of the rules on household meetings to support people over the Christmas period.

A maximum of three households are to be able to meet in a “bubble” during a short window of time across the festive period.

Households will be able to travel between local authorities and between the four nations during December 23 and 27 to form a bubble, and must only join one bubble.

The five-day period provides time for travel, and for those who may have to work over Christmas. Households are not required to use all five days and should keep visits to no more than one or two days if possible.

Confirming the plans, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it is clear that there is a risk inherent in any relaxation of the restrictions and asked everyone to consider very carefully whether the opportunity to mix for a few days is necessary given the risk of spreading the virus.

She said: “We know that for some, contact with friends and family is crucial during this time as isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over the Christmas period. The “bubble” approach aims to reduce this impact.

“But we must be clear, there cannot be any further relaxation of measures for Hogmanay.  Even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread. Our priority is to suppress transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the risk to the vulnerable and those who have spent so long shielding – and that involves abiding by the rules.

“Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to. If you choose to stick with the rules as they are, then you will be continuing the hard work to beat this virus and prevent its spread.”

The approach states:

  • a “bubble” should be formed household to household only (i.e. different people in a household should not pick their own bubble)
  • between 23 and 27 December, people can meet in an exclusive “bubble” composed of three households
  • you should stay with your “bubble” where they are hosting you and you should follow the travel advice for the level you are in (e.g. people being hosted in a level 3 area cannot go on an outing to a level 2 area)
  • within your “bubble”, you can gather in a home, an outdoor place or a place of worship
  • in all other settings – eg. hospitality, entertainment venues – those who have formed a bubble must only socialise with members of their own household
  • households deciding to form a bubble will be advised to limit social contact before and after the period of relaxation

Further detailed guidance will be published shortly.

The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations agreed on joint arrangements for an easing of social restrictions that will allow friends and loved ones to reunite over the Christmas period.

All four parts of the UK have signed off an aligned approach allowing up to three households to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ from December 23 to 27.

Individuals will also be able to travel between tiers and across the whole of the UK without restriction within the five-day period, for the purposes of meeting with their bubble. Those travelling to and from Northern Ireland will be permitted to travel an additional day either side.

The approach was agreed by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, and the First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland during a COBR meeting he chaired yesterday afternoon.

Speaking following the meeting, Mr Gove said: “The UK-wide agreement reached today will offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year.

“We know that the Christmas period this year will not be normal, but following constructive discussions between the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, families and friends will now have the option to meet up in a limited and cautious way across the UK should they wish.

“In coming to this agreement, we have listened to scientific and clinical advice on how best to minimise the risk and reach a balanced and workable set of rules that we hope will allow people to spend time together at this important time of year.”

Each administration will clarify their own rules on support bubbles and extended households in due course.

In England, support bubbles will continue to be counted as one household.

Christmas bubbles will be able to gather in private homes, attend places of worship together and meet in outdoor public places. Beyond this, people should continue to follow all other local restrictions in the area. Guidance is being published on Gov.uk.

As part of the agreement, each administration will be reminding households that they should remain alert to the risks still posed by the virus and consider how, where possible, they can celebrate and support more isolated friends and loved ones through alternative approaches such as video calls and meeting outdoors.

When following these new rules, people are reminded to continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable. Forming a bubble for those who are vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable carries additional risks.

The four parts of the UK will work together to communicate these new measures across the country and ensure that communities are aware of any variations in approaches.

Details of the new measures can be found in the joint statement, agreed yesterday.

Morrisons slashes A THIRD off champagne and has cheapest 1L Bailey’s in supermarkets ALL WEEK

This Black Friday week, Morrisons has slashed the price of a 1L bottle of Baileys in-stores to just £9.99, the cheapest price in a UK supermarket.

The spirit will set you back £20 at Sainsbury’s, but Morrisons customers can now pick up a bottle in-store for less than half that price. They will have to act quickly though; the deal is only available in Morrisons stores until the end of the week.

This week, Morrisons is also offering A THIRD OFF all bottles of champagne in stores and online including bottles of Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne and Bollinger Rose Champagne which usually retail for £50 each, saving customers £17. 

Included in the third off deal is the Adrien Chopin Brut Champagne, which is exclusively stocked in Morrisons and has been crowned ‘Best Champagne for Christmas’ by independent consumer group Which?. The award-winning fizz will cost just £12 a bottle until Sunday. 

Morrisons customers will also be able to save big on brands such as Bollinger, Moët, Taittinger and Lanson.

Morrisons is also offering half-price Rump Steaks from the Market Street Butcher counter. Normally £15 per kilo, the premium cut will be available for just £7.50 per kilo – that’s £1.71 for an 8oz steak.

2.3kg crates of sweet clementine’s will also be on offer for just £2.50. Normally retailing at £2.06 per kilo that’s a saving of over 47 percent.

To help customers avoid crowds, the offers are available now in-store until Sunday 29th November. Morrisons third off champagne offer will also be available online. 

Give something back this Christmas with a gift from Invisible Cities

Profits from purchases will directly support people who have previously experienced homelessness

2020 will, for many, have been one of the toughest years of our lives, and for those who are currently experiencing homeless or those who have found themselves without a roof over their heads in the past, this Christmas could perhaps be one of their most challenging times.

Social enterprise Invisible Cities are inviting you to support them by purchasing from a carefully curated selection of unique gifts, available for sale via their website.

All profits from purchases will go directly towards supporting some of those most in need of support this winter:

 

Scotland Map (Unframed, £7 or Framed black, £12) –

This unique design of Scotland has been created exclusively for Invisible Cities, by their very own artist in residence – Nicola Boon! Full of intricate illustrations, this makes a great gift, on its own or framed.

City of Edinburgh Hand Drawn Illustrated Map Print (£15) –

Crammed with tiny details, this map displays many of the famous landmarks and is the perfect way to celebrate your local pride, as a souvenir of your time in Edinburgh or as a gift for a loved one. The map was also created for Invisible (Edinburgh), by Nicola Boon, a local artist based in the capital (Print comes unframed and signed by the artist). 

Invisible Cities Kids Bundle (£12) –

This is THE perfect gift for the little people around you. Each kit includes: Invisible Cities Sticker Set with a map of the UK where you can stick them all, stickers of each of the guides, a set of 5 colouring sheets, each representing the Invisible Cities, a set of mini colouring pencils and a Scotland Memory Game for the whole family to enjoy!

Invisible Cities World Tour Subscription Box – Yearly Subscription (£105) –

Want your children to discover the world from the comfort of your home? This box is for you: with a different activity book each time, it has games, gifts and unique items to collect. Each box is themed on a different country and for each box purchased, Invisible Cities distribute free books, activities and games to children in temporary accommodation.

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Founder & CEO of Invisible Cities CIC comments, “This has been such a tough year for so many people and we are doing everything that we can to support some people who may have been hit harder than others as a result of this pandemic.

“Through purchasing out gifts online, people can show they care for a loved one whilst also paying it forward and supporting those who really need it.”  

Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that doesn’t believe in labels or stereotypes. They want to show that everyone has great potential.

They train people affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city and offer these alternative tours to tourists and locals.

Training focuses on confidence building, public speaking and customer service.

They partner with professional tour guides to build bespoke tours and practice their routes.

For more information visit https://invisible-cities.org/

OYNB to offer 25% discount on all products for Cyber Week 2020

Substantial discounts will support people towards regaining control of their relationship with alcohol amidst UK’s crisis

Discount deals will run from 24th November 00:01 GMT until 30th November 00:00

Recent data shows that millions are turning to alcohol to cope with the pandemic – leading to a decline in both physical health and mental health for many across the nation.

In a bid to support those in need and encourage them to kick start their ’New Year Now’, the online toolkit for surviving modern alcohol-free society, OYNB will be offering a blanket discount of 25% across all of their products for this year’s Cyber Week.

Ruari Fairbairns, Co-Founder and CEO of OYNB comments: “It’s absolutely devastating to read these recent reports confirming the number of people drinking at ‘high risk’ levels has doubled to almost 8.5million since February.

“By offering a huge discount on our products at the end of this month, we really hope that it will encourage people to invest in themselves and turn things around now so that they can move into the new year feeling happier and stronger both physically and mentally.”

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People interested in addressing their relationship with alcohol will be able to bag themselves discounts on all of the OYNB Challenges which are designed to cover 28, 90 and 365 days.

They will also be able to purchase discounted Alcohol Free Me bundles as well as Accelerator calls and the OYNB Mastermind aimed specifically at anyone who has been alcohol free for 90 days or more.

Fairbairns continues: “Many people are already aware of the fact that they drink too much, but it’s more important than ever for them to address this and work towards going into the new year in a positive mindset.

“Through offering these discounts as part of this year’s Cyber Week we really hope that people will start to take action now! And for those who want to delay this a little, for whatever reason, we are also offering people the opportunity to delay the start date of their challenges to the 1st January.”

OYNB has recently launched their New Year Now campaign which aims to support people towards making positive lifestyle choices now, rather than waiting for key milestone dates like Dry January or the start of 2021 to kickstart their path to recovery.

The sole mission behind the campaign is to encourage people to acknowledge the impact that C19 has had on their drinking behaviour and support them in committing to a longer alcohol-free streak than just one month. That commitment will empower them to start 2021 off with a really solid foundation for physical and mental health and wellbeing.

For more information, and to purchase any of their challenges, visit https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/

Residential outdoor education centres fund is now open

A fund to help residential outdoor education centres mitigate the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has openeds for applications.

Centres which are facing financial challenges can apply for funds to help with running costs and to enable staff to deliver outdoor learning in and around schools.

Science Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Residential outdoor education centres are facing severe challenges. As well as providing much-needed support, this fund will mean pupils can continue to benefit from outdoor learning, which is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum and can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment.

“I hope this funding, along with third sector and youth work funding streams which are already available, alleviates some of the pressures and allows centres to offer meaningful experiences to young people.

“Funding on its own will not address all of the challenges facing the sector. We will continue to engage with local authorities to support the important role that outdoor education centres and their staff can play during the period when overnight residential stays are not permitted for public health reasons.”

To coincide with the opening of the support fund, Mr Lochhead has written to local authority directors of education, inviting them to share new advice and support materials for schools as they work with centres in the coming months.

Martin Davidson, of the Outward Bound Trust and #SaveYourOutdoorCentres Campaign, said: “Outdoor education centres welcome the COVID-19 Residential Outdoor Education Centre Support Fund, which will provide vital support during these financially extremely challenging times.

“Supporting fixed facility costs, the fund will ensure that many centres that would have closed permanently are still available for the benefit of future generations of young people. 

“In addition, in the short term, the fund will also support outdoor centre instructors to work with young people in schools and local communities, meeting their significant emotional and social needs at this time of unprecedented uncertainty in their lives.”

The fund will be administered by the charity YouthLink Scotland. Applications for essential running costs are invited between 23 November, and 11 December 2020. Applications for funding to support outdoor learning in and around schools are invited between 11 Jan 2021 and 5 Feb 2021.

YouthLink Scotland CEO Tim Frew said: “We welcome the launch of this fund. It will be crucial to the future of our outdoor residential centres, which are a key part of the fabric of Scotland’s wider education system, including youth work. Access to these opportunities is an important part of education recovery as we move through and past the pandemic.

“Outdoor learning contributes to young people’s health and wellbeing and builds essential life and work skills, while connecting them in a special way to their immediate environment and to the wider world and its issues. The value of outdoor learning cannot be underestimated – so it is critical that we ensure the survival of our outdoor centres.”

Details about the fund and how to apply can be found here