North Edinburgh News – Page 19 – The NEN

Aldi Scotland awards £7,000 to sports clubs across Edinburgh and Lothians

Caledonian Thebans RFC received £2,500 funding as part of Aldi’s initiative

Aldi Scotland has invested £7,000 in eight local sports clubs across Edinburgh and the Lothians as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.

The fund supports the supermarket’s commitment to cultivating a healthier Scotland through the positive impact of community sports clubs. Applications open throughout the year in different regions across Scotland, calling on local teams to apply for funding up to £2,500.

Caledonian Thebans RFC was awarded £2,500 – the highest funding available.

Since its formation in 2002, Caledonian Thebans RFC have worked to prove that sexual orientation, gender identity, background and social prejudice have no bearing on a person’s sporting ability. Its team members are made up of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as straight allies, and operate a prejudice-free policy, allowing everyone to enjoy rugby.

The club plans to use the funding from Aldi to purchase much needed training equipment.

Elsewhere in the region, Muirfield Riding Therapy and Nuvoc Volleyball Club received £1,000. Women in Scotland Playing Squash (WISPS), No Limits Sports Club, West Lothian Netters, Haddington Community Football Club and Forth Canoe Club all received £500 each.

Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to motivate and encourage individuals of all ages and skill levels to participate in physical activities within their local communities and improve access to sport. To date, almost 600 clubs across Scotland have benefitted from the Fund, which has now amassed more than £400,000.

Sam Abdulla, Club Chair, Caledonian Thebans RFC, said: “As an inclusive LGBTQIA+ rugby club, this support is more than just financial – it represents a shared commitment to fostering diversity, equality, and belonging within our community.

“These funds will help us to expand access to the sport we love, and on behalf of the entire team, we are so pleased to receive this generous funding from Aldi Scotland.”

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director for Aldi Scotland, said: “Since 2016, Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund has given a wide range of sports clubs the chance to benefit from essential funding to help them invest in much-needed equipment and resources.

“It’s humbling to see how much of a difference extra funding can make to clubs like Caledonian Thebans RFC and in supporting people across Scotland to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”

For more information about Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund, please visit:

www.aldi.co.uk/scottishsportfund.

Poppyscotland Appeal ends on a high

Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2024 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors, including veterans themselves and hundreds of young cadets, from Glasgow to Girvan, Edinburgh to Elgin, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community.

Tomorrow the nation will fall silent in sombre reflection and pause for two minutes on Remembrance Sunday, safe in the knowledge that Poppy Saturday across Scotland has once again been a roaring success, with shoppers enthusiastically donating.

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “We cannot thank each and every volunteer and indeed donator enough for their continued support to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.

“The response we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“On behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously. Without such support, quite frankly the Scottish Poppy Appeal simply could not happen.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country.

The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.

People can find out more at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Almost 1000 people sit on waiting list for ‘life changing’ diabetes technology in NHS Lothian

New figures have revealed that almost 1000 people within the NHS Lothian region are waiting for life changing hybrid closed loop (HCL) system.

This is a devastating blow for diabetic patients who face extensive wait times to receive the technology.

Hybrid closed loop systems work to automatically adjust glucose levels depending on a patient’s blood sugar.

This is in stark contrast to the current system where the patient must manually adjust and administer the insulin themselves.

Paul Hughes, who works for Edinburgh Council and has had diabetes for 24 years, finds himself stuck on the waiting list for a HCL system.

Mr Hughes originally requested to be added to the waiting list in 2021 but found out, after inquiry, that he had not been added until 2023.

He is concerned that the ‘postcode lottery’ will mean he is not able to access an HCL system for the foreseeable future.

Mr Hughes has previously suffered a broken cheek and elbow from collapsing due to his blood sugar levels dropping too low.

He believes an HCL system is critical to improving his diabetes control and avoiding similar incidents in the future.

These figures were first revealed via FOI, by Labour MSP for Lothian, Sarah Boyack.

Ms Boyack has written an open letter (above) to Cabinet Secretary for Health, Neil Gray to ask what actions the Scottish Government is taking to urgently reduce these waiting lists.

Earlier this year, Ms Boyack hosted a roundtable of diabetic constituents who raised access to diabetes technology as a critical issue.

Commenting on these figures, Ms Boyack said: “The size of the waiting list is extremely alarming. This is life changing technology and patients across Lothian are in limbo waiting to receive it.

“I have had many constituents contact me, anxious about the lack of clarity for when they will receive an HCL system.

“The Scottish Government have announced funding to expand the HCL rollout, but it means nothing if it is not reaching people on the ground. That is why I have written to Neil Gray to ensure that type 1s across NHS Lothian are not left out in the cold when it comes to getting a HCL system”.

Paul Hughes added: “This technology would be life changing for me. I would no longer have to worry about my blood sugar dropping during the night, which currently keeps me awake.

“I am incredibly concerned about the long waiting list for those in NHS Lothian.

“I have sustained serious injury from collapsing due to low blood sugar so this technology cannot come soon enough.”

A third of Scots struggling with their energy bills are too embarrassed to seek help

FREE POP-UP DROP-IN EVENTS AT WESTER HAILES POST OFFICE

More than 30 per cent of Scots struggling with their energy bills have never asked for help, new research has revealed.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), has found 42 per cent have difficulty managing their energy bills, but 31 per cent have never sought assistance – whether that is by turning to loved ones or seeking professional advice.

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events across the UK this winter.

The pop-up events offer 1-2-1 confidential practical support from trained specialists about budget planning, energy debt advice and energy efficiency measures, as well as help with accessing energy debt write-off grants including The Trust’s Individual and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund.

The next pop-up events are taking place in Edinburgh and Glasgow on the following dates:

Wester Hails Post Office – 12^th,13^th,19^th, 20^th, 26^th and 27^th of November (between 11am – 2pm each day).
Springburn Way Post Office – 3^rd,4^th,10 and 11^th of December, and 14^th, 15^th,21^st and 22^nd January 2025 (between 11am – 2pm each day).

When it came to the reasons why Scots don’t seek support, almost half (40 per cent), thought they wouldn’t qualify, a third (34 per cent) cited stigma or embarrassment and a quarter (26 per cent) said that there’s a lack of information.

A fifth believe there isn’t enough energy advice support out there. And almost a third (31 per cent) are worried about how they are going to keep on top of things this winter.

Abi Robins, Director of Responsible Business at British Gas, said: “We know the colder months can be tough on a lot of people and there isn’t always advice readily available.

“Our British Gas advisors will be on hand to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges and access the range of support we offer – not only for our customers but also people who use other energy suppliers.

“The pop-ups are just one part of how we are supporting customers this winter. Grants, fund money and energy advice services are available through the Trust – with donations from British Gas topping £200m since 2004 – as well as providing direct support to struggling customers with matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit.”

The study also found rising costs, difficulty managing finances, and fear of disconnection were among the main concerns when it comes to paying energy bills this winter.

When speaking to someone about getting support, 21 per cent would want a face-to-face conversation. But 33 per cent admit they find it difficult to talk about the struggles they face when paying their energy bills.

Of those who have previously got help, 31 per cent used energy provider payment plans, 29 per cent turned to friends or family, 25 per cent used Government schemes, and 21 per cent sought financial advice or counselling.

Over 50 per cent of all respondents think there should be more support programmes to help people managing rising energy costs.

Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know some consumers really want face to face advice, so these pop-ups are just one way we’re helping those already struggling with rising living costs this winter.

“These pop-ups, hosted at post offices across the country, provide free, confidential advice directly to communities to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges this winter.

“We offer energy debt write-off grants through our Individuals and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund, both open now, to households facing fuel poverty, among other criteria.

“We’d encourage anyone needing support to come along and find out more at their local pop up.”

Since the partnership between British Gas Energy Trust and the Post Office was established in 2022, there have been 178 in-person pop-ups in 95 locations from Saint Leonards-on-Sea to the Scottish Isles.

Thousands of people have been provided with step-by-step money and energy advice, checking benefits entitlement, and providing energy saving tips as well as follow up appointments for more in depth conversations.

Simon Lambert, Commercial and Operations Director at Post Office, said: “Every week, more than a million energy customers visit our branches to pay bills or top up.

“These pop-ups – held in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Newport and Stockport – are a fantastic way to connect customers with the additional support they may need this winter.”

Additional support available through British Gas Energy Trust includes the Individuals and Families Fund, which is available to British Gas and non-British Gas customers, with grant payments of up to £1,700 available to households in England, Scotland and Wales. This fund is open to applications now.

Additionally, the British Gas Energy Support Fund is available to British Gas customers only who have debts of £250 to £2,000 on their energy account. This fund opened to applications on 4^th November.

Take Note campaign highlights £53M stolen or defrauded from older people

Hourglass has today launched its fifth annual Safer Ageing Week campaign. Entitled ‘Take Note’, it runs from the 11th to the 17th November and warns of the continuing tide of economic abuse against older people.

The charity, operating across the UK, uniquely supports older victims-survivors of abuse and neglect across the four nations. Its services include a 24/7 helpline, unique casework service and specialist policy unit.

At the launch of Safer Ageing Week the charity has revealed that over £53 million has been stolen or defrauded from older people in the past three years.

These are purely in cases reported to their helpline, meaning this is just the tip of the iceberg. These figures equate to an average value lost as £87,000 per victim. In 61% of these cases, the perpetrator was a family member of the victim-survivor.

The effect on this massive fraud against older people is significant, bearing in mind the ongoing cost of living crisis and a rapidly ageing older population that is set to see a further 9.6 million older people in the UK by 2050. The charity believes this abuse is only set to increase.

Awareness amongst the general public of what constitutes economic abuse is shockingly low, with a 2024 poll conducted by Hourglass finding that over 26% of people did not believe that forcing an older relative to change their will was an act of abuse.

The charity is set to release further reports throughout the week which will reveal the nature and extent of the economic abuse of older people and evaluating how well financial institutions are performing at safeguarding against this abuse.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass said: “Safer Ageing Week this year focuses on economic abuse and the theme is ‘Take Note’.

“The £53m stolen or defrauded from Hourglass victim-survivors underlines the significance of Taking Note and for the public and influencers to finally grasp the epidemic proportions of abuse against older people.

“We would urge everyone to support this fifth Safer Ageing Week and keep an eye on the raft of announcements and initiatives underway during the week. Hourglass wants everyone involved in supporting older people or dealing with domestic abuse or neglect to help bring this to the public’s attention.

Put simply – it’s time for people to take note.”

SAW2024-Supporter Pack Download

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

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

Edinburgh to host European quantum light tour

Scotland is to host a quantum light source that is travelling across 12 countries in Europe.

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh is the only Scottish stop on the tour – called the QuanTour – which aims to raise interest in quantum physics ahead of next year’s UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025.

The quantum light source is a device that produces single particles of light, called photons. By engineering on a microscopic level, scientists are harnessing the physics of these single photons to develop ultra-high performance applications, including more powerful computing and unconditionally secure communications.

At Heriot-Watt, the QuanTour will arrive today (Monday 11 November) at the lab of Brian Gerardot, an expert in quantum photonics – the science of light – who is a Professor of Physics at Heriot-Watt’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and head of the University’s Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPAQS).

IPAQS carries out a wide range of world-leading research in photonic physics, engineering photonics and quantum sciences, building on Heriot-Watt’s 40+ years legacy in global photonics research.

Professor Gerardot said: “We’re very excited to be hosting the QuanTour light source. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the research community in this area and also to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

“Heriot-Watt has been at the forefront of this field of quantum optics for more than 25 years and a lot of the technology behind the quantum light source has been developed here and in the other laboratories taking part.”

From its starting point in Germany, the QuanTour is visiting labs in Austria (Linz), Italy (Rome), Switzerland (Basel), Spain (Madrid), France (Paris), England (Cambridge), Ireland (Cork), Scotland (Edinburgh), the Netherlands (Leiden), Denmark (Copenhagen), Sweden (Stockholm) and Poland (Wrocław). The quantum light source is being carried in a silver metal case and will arrive in Scotland from Cork in Ireland, before heading to Leiden in the Netherlands.

The tour aims to show how photons are being used in quantum communication and why this is important.

“Using single photons to encrypt data makes communication completely unhackable,” explained Frederik Brooke Barnes, a Postgraduate Research Student working with Professor Gerardot and an expert in quantum cryptography – which broadly involves using quantum mechanics in cybersecurity.

“It means that someone trying to eavesdrop on the information being sent can’t do so without being detected. This means that the information is always going to be secure and is guaranteed by the laws of physics.”

The quantum light source was built at Technische Universität Berlin, a research university in Berlin, and generates photons using a ‘quantum dot.’

This is a tiny structure made of semiconductor materials commonly found in our mobile phones, but in this case shrunken to just a few nanometres in size.

A nanometre is one billionth of a metre. The quantum dot is embedded in a bull’s eye-like structure, which acts like mirrors to direct the single particles of light into a beam that can be transmitted long-distances.

“The bull’s eye is about 20 times smaller than the width of a human hair,” Frederik explained. “And the quantum dot is about 1,000 times smaller than that!”

Frederik and fellow PhD student Sheena Shaji have organised a welcoming event for the QuanTour, including a Scottish bagpiper.

During its three-week stay at Heriot-Watt, the team will measure and record the characteristics of the photons produced and share this data with the other quantum teams taking part.

Although the QuanTour’s visit to Edinburgh won’t be open to the public, Heriot-Watt University is hosting a separate Single Photon Workshop event that is open to all. This takes place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre over five days from 18 to 22 November, 2024, and will showcase cutting-edge advances in photonics and quantum technology.

Quantum 2025 Poster A2 (1)Download

The UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 is a year-long, worldwide initiative to increase public awareness about the importance of quantum science and its applications.

The year 2025 was chosen for this international year because it recognises 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.

UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation – is a United Nations agency that promotes international cooperation in education, sciences and culture.

The United Nations is an international organisation founded in 1945 after the Second World War to find shared solutions to common problems. It currently has 193 Member States.

Professor Brian Gerardot has been researching quantum photonics for around 25 years and holds a Chair in Emerging Technologies from the Royal Academy of Engineering. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science from Purdue University in Indiana, United States, and a PhD from University of California, Santa Barbara.

Frederik Brooke Barnes has a Master of Physics degree from the University of Manchester and is researching the science of quantum cryptography with quantum dots for his PhD at Heriot-Watt University.

Sheena Shaji has a Master of Physics degree from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Thiruvananthapuram, India, and for her PhD at Heriot-Watt University is researching a technique to collect light from multiple quantum dots on one chip to study their interactions.

Knitting Adventures at PCHP!

Knitting Adventures!

Hey everyone!

There’s something incredibly soothing about the rhythmic motion of the needles and watching a beautiful pattern come to life. Whether it’s a cozy scarf, a warm blanket, or a cute little hat, each project feels like a small accomplishment.

If you’re looking for a way to unwind and create something special, I highly recommend giving knitting a try. Plus, it’s a great way to make personalized gifts for friends and family!

When: Every Monday 1-3 PM

Where: Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway, EH5 2PW

Happy knitting!

#WomensWellbeing

#PiltonCommunityHealth

#Community

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#CommunityWellbeingProgramme

Prime Minister to attend French Armistice Day

Keir Starmer set to be the first UK leader to attend French Armistice Day since Second World War

The Prime Minister will attend 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 in Paris today [Monday 11th November]
First UK leader to attend the ceremony since Winston Churchill in 1944
Comes as he announces more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year

The Prime Minister will mark Armistice Day in Paris today – the first British leader to do so since the Second World War.

At the personal invitation of President Macron, the Prime Minister will join French and British veterans, and the public, to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War and veterans of subsequent conflicts.

The Prime Minister is believed to be the first UK leader to attend the commemorations since Winston Churchill, who was hosted by General de Gaulle in 1944.

It comes as the Prime Minister announces more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversaries of the Allied Victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War in the Far East.

Their legacy will be remembered at events across the UK next year with 8th May, marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, and 15th August marking the end of the Second World War in Japan.

The national commemorative events will pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War on all fronts.

The Prime Minister’s attendance at this morning’s commemorations of the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 symbolises the close and enduring friendship between the UK and France.

Alongside President Macron, the Prime Minister is expected to lay a wreath at war memorials close to the Champs-Élysées and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, a national symbol in France for all those who died in the First World War.

The ceremony, which will include the British Band of the Rifles, comes at the end of a year which marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, and the 80th anniversary of the start of the liberation of France.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.

“These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors and aviators live on for generations to come.

“That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.”

Ahead of the ceremony, the Prime Minister will host veterans, defence charities and British military embedded in the French system at the Ambassador’s Residence to thank them for their service.

He will hear firsthand how, under the Lancaster House Treaties, British and French military personnel are building close friendships and deepening interoperability both for today and in the future.

The Prime Minister is also expected to meet President Macron ahead of the commemorations for a bilateral. The leaders will reflect on the close bonds between the two countries, many forged and cemented by the sacrifice of British and French soldiers on the frontline in the first and second World Wars.

The leaders are expected to go on to discuss key foreign policy issues, including Russia’s ongoing barbaric invasion of Ukraine and the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He is also expected to meet the new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The short meeting ahead of the ceremony will be the first between the two Prime Ministers since Mr Barnier became the Prime Minister of France.

Preparations for next year’s UK commemoration events have already begun, with the government working closely with the Royal British Legion and veterans’ representatives, on a programme of activity that will be designed to bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection, strengthen community spirit and cohesion, and support growth.

Anti-Bullying Week: Insight and advice from Childline and the NSPCC Helpline

Anti-Bullying Week is an annual event in the UK that aims to raise awareness about the bullying of children and young people and highlights ways of preventing and responding to the issue. The week is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and this year’s theme is ‘Choose Respect’.

The theme will encourage children and young people to start a national conversation about how to handle disagreements and differences of opinion without resorting to bullying. It aims to encourage people to support each other to champion kindness – highlighting that being kind is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength.

Childline Data

Between April 2023 to March 2024 Childline delivered 7,931 counselling sessions where a child’s main concern was bullying
6,999 were about bullying in person
932 were about online bullying.

Quotes from children who contacted Childline about bullying

Quotes are based on real contacts to Childline but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child involved:

A girl aged 13 told Childline: “My bully had been threatening to beat me up for weeks. The girl cornered me today and shoved my head into a wall. She did it so hard that it gave me a nosebleed. I’m scared it’s only going to get worse.”

A boy aged 11 told Childline: “A while ago we were just playing a game online and when I won my friend got really angry and told me to kill myself. Since then, at school that’s all he’ll say to me or something else horrible to bully me. It’s making school really lonely for me.”

A girl aged 18 told Childline: “Someone’s making loads of accounts online to message saying to self-harm. I block and report all of them, but they keep making more accounts. I wish I wasn’t so upset by it, but I was bullied when I was younger and this has brought it all back again.”

A girl aged 12 told Childline: “My friends have set up a group chat to talk about me. One of them sent me screenshots where they’re making fun of how I look and act. I just feel silly being played and don’t get why they want to upset me.”

Shaun Friel, Childline Director said: “Bullying can take on many different forms, and it can happen anywhere including in school, at home or online.

“With almost 8,000 Childline counselling sessions on the issue over the past year, we inevitably hear from young people on a daily basis who want to talk about bullying.

“It’s important that campaigns, such as Anti-Bullying Week exist, so we can continue the conversation of the effects this type of behaviour can have on children. It can make young people feel incredibly lonely, afraid and impact their mental wellbeing.

“Childline is always here for young people to turn to, no matter what the issue. Our trained counsellors will be here 24/7 over the phone and online.”

NSPCC Helpline data

Between April 2023 to March 2024 the NSPCC Helpline handled 805 child welfare contacts where the main concern was bullying
666 concerned bullying in person
139 concerned online bullying

Quotes from adults who contacted the NSPCC Helpline about bullying

Quotes are based on real contacts to the Helpline but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child and adult involved.

A parent told the NSPCC Helpline: “Last month my son’s bullies beat him up badly. They made people film it, so there’s evidence for the school and police, but he’s been terrified to go back. He’s only 12, how can I get him back to school and feeling safe?”

A parent told the NSPCC Helpline: “We’d noticed our daughter had become withdrawn over the last few months and turns out she’s being bullied. School has done some detentions, but these children are calling her racist slurs, is there a way to get the school to address this seriously as racism?”

A parent told the NSPCC Helpline: “My daughter has told me she’s being bullied at school and having panic attacks from it all. My husband thinks we should encourage her to just push through it but I think she needs more support; what can we do?”

Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “With thousands of young people turning to Childline and the NSPCC Helpline for support on bullying which aligns so much with our own research, it’s clear we must take action.

“This Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together, lead by example and commit to always choosing respect, creating safer spaces for every child.”

Advice for children

Share how you are feeling with other young people. Childline’s monitored online message boards are a safe non-judgmental space where you can speak to other children who are in a similar situation to you about your experiences and feelings. This can help you feel less alone and will give you an online support network that you can turn to.
Talk to an adult you trust about the bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and so that adult can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk
Take a break from your device if you are being bullied online and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
Remember that bullying is not your fault.
Report and block someone if they are sending you messages online that upset you.

For Adults:

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied online:

Not wanting to go to school or take part in normal activities.
Getting anxious or angry if you go near their device.
Feeling withdrawn, upset or angry at home.
Problems sleeping or eating.
Having angry outbursts that seem out of character.
Spending more or less time online than normal.

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied in-person

Belongings are getting lost or damaged.
Physical injuries such as unexplained bruises.
Being afraid to go to school.
Not doing as well at school.
Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
Problems with eating or sleeping.
Bullying others.

What to do if you think your child is being bullied

Talk to your child and remind them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad. If your child speaks to you about an experience of bullying that they’ve had online or in person, try to remain calm and don’t overwhelm them with questions and reassure them that it will be ok, and that you’re always there for them.
Show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them.
Don’t take their device away if they’ve had a negative experience online. Although you may want to do this if they are upset, this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault. Instead, suggest they take some time away from the app they received the messages on and do another online activity they enjoy like playing a game.

Know where you can get further support.

Adults can call the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000.

There is also further advice on the NSPCC website.

Enough Is Enough: Shop workers speak out about violence, threats and abuse

USDAW HIGHLIGHTS THE LINK WITH SHOP THEFT

Retail trade union Usdaw has launched shocking statistics from its annual survey during this year’s Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from 11-17 November.

Usdaw members are raising awareness of the union’s year-round Freedom From Fear Campaign and talking to the public to promote a message of ‘respect for shop workers’.

Interim results from over 4,000 retail staff responses show that in the last twelve months:

69% have experienced verbal abuse.
45% were threatened by a customer.
17% were assaulted.
70% of these incidents were triggered by shoplifting and two-thirds of those were linked to addiction.

Scottish voices from the frontline:

These are some of the comments Scottish shop workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Central Scotland: “Punched in the shoulder and verbal abuse – being called names and sworn at.” – “Shouted at for tills not working.” – “Customer tried to grab my face.” – “Colleague got stabbed with screwdriver.” – I get deliberately misgendered.”

Glasgow: “Daily verbal abuse even when asking customers to scan their bags.” – “Held up at knife point.” – “Couple stole jars of coffee, asked for them back and they smashed a jar of coffee on my head” – “Punched on chin and chest.”

Highlands and Islands: “Threatened with a bottle after customer stole beer.” – “Aggression over being asked for ID, unwanted sexual attention.” – “Customer came behind cash desk and was in my face, telling me she’d be waiting on me.”

Lothian: “Racially abusive statements made to me and about me,” – “Grabbed by the scruff of my work jacket and shook me whilst yelling i had ruined their son’s Christmas because we were out of a specific chocolate” – “Being called a bitch.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Men following to the car” – “Customers unhappy with self-service. Shouting at me or talking in a bad way.” – “Customers being volatile when you will not sell them age restricted items due to no ID.”

North East Scotland: “Theft and threatening behaviour towards myself or my colleagues is a daily occurrence. Worst I have experienced.” – “Referred to as a bloody shelf stacker.” – “Customers shouting at you pushing trollies into you.”

South Scotland: “Kick up the bum by customer.” – “Customers grabbing my waist, pulling my hair, grabbing my shoulder/arms/legs, telling me they stalk me, telling me to meet them after work, making sexual comments toward me.” –

West Scotland: “Called an f**kng moron because I was pulling a trolley on the shop floor.” – “Drunk football fans – alcohol purchase rejection – backed against wall poked in the eye – grabbed by others in the group preventing me from alerting security.”

Tony Doonan, Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland, says: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive and these experiences from Scottish retail workers make very difficult reading.

“It is shocking that over two-thirds of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

“Seven in ten of these incidents were triggered by theft from shops, which is clearly the result of a near doubling in police recorded shoplifting across Scotland since the pandemic. It has become increasingly common for retail stores to be targeted by organised crime gangs stealing to order in the midst of a retail crime epidemic.

“Our survey demonstrates that theft from shops is not a victimless crime, with incidents regularly being a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shop workers. Having to deal with repeated and persistent theft and even looting can cause issues beyond the incident itself like anxiety, fear and in some cases physical harm to retail workers.

“Our members are reporting that they are often faced with hardened career criminals in their stores and much of the abuse they suffer is from those who are stealing to sell goods on, often to fund an addiction.

“Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and much more needs to be done to protect shop workers. We were delighted to have won the campaign for a protection of workers law in the Scottish Parliament, but that is the beginning not the end.

“We have to ensure that the legislation is central to tackle a growing wave of retail crime and Usdaw looks forward to working with Police Scotland to make that happen.

“This week, Usdaw activists will be campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect shop workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated.

“This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”