North Edinburgh News – Page 2097 – The NEN

Walking proves a tonic to beat lockdown blues

A WALKING charity has encouraged Scots to ease anxieties and boost mental and physical wellbeing by connecting with nature.

Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All, has launched a six-week Walking with Nature campaign to help people enjoy and appreciate the natural environment on their daily walks.

A UK-wide ONS survey¹ has found that measures of happiness and life satisfaction are at their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic in March and anxiety scores are at their highest since April 2020, indicating that there are real struggles with mental health right now.

The aim to get more people walking with nature comes after a report published by NatureScot² found an increased proportion of the population reported health and wellbeing benefits from time spent outdoors connecting with nature during lockdown.

70% indicated their outdoor visits and engagement with nature between August -September helped them to de-stress, relax and unwind which is up from 63% in March to May.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “All too often when people go out walking they are still attached to their phone and forget to take in the surroundings that we are graced with in Scotland.

“We hope this campaign will help people unwind and begin to enjoy the small and simple things in life, like spotting a wild animal, hearing a new noise or just generally feeling relaxed when out in the fresh air.”

The online campaign hub will help people understand how to connect and enjoy nature whilst providing a variety of ideas, activities and information designed to motivate everyone to get outdoors.

The charity is also asking people to be kind, by undertaking small acts to protect nature and keep favourite local walks special for everyone. Actions such as moving a branch blocking a path, or saying a friendly ‘hello’ as you pass or step aside for someone, are small things that can make a big difference just now.

Ian added: “60% of people in the NatureScot report found outdoor walks made them feel energised and revitalised which is up from 58% in March to May, and 56% agreed that it improved their physical health -up from 47% in March to May.

“Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time and we would encourage everyone to keep it up.

“We believe by encouraging people to walk everyday they will experience many positive physical, social and mental health benefits and in turn we will move forward from this pandemic as a healthier, greener, safer and happier nation”.

It was also highlighted that 54% of respondents agree nature is important to their physical mental wellbeing whilst, 48% became more familiar with local greenspaces since lockdown began.

Caroline Fyfe, NatureScot’s Strategic Paths & Funding Officer, said “Our research has found that more people are visiting the outdoors and engaging with nature so it’s great to see the Walking with Nature campaign encouraging people to build on that connection.

“The simple and fun activities are things we can all do, wherever we live. Tuning into nature while out walking and giving a few minutes of time to improve the local walking environment can make a huge difference, not only to personal mental and physical health but also to local communities.

“At NatureScot we want to support people to take the next step on their journey to caring for nature and experiencing all the benefits that can bring. For those inspired by Walking with Nature, we’ve lots more tips to help people Make Space for Nature in their lives.”

Paths for All believe regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

The charity’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk

BREAKING: Rent freeze for Edinburgh tenants

Edinburgh’s council tenants will be spared a rent rise following a vote at today’s Budget meeting.

Conservative, Green and Lib Dem opposition councillors submitted an emergency motion this morning and have comfortably defeated the city’s Capital Coalition SNP – Labour administration in a key vote on the council’s Housing Revenue Account Budget Strategy.

Hailing the vote as a victory for Edinburgh’s poorest citizens during the pandemic, the Greens said the decision was ‘environmental justice’.

Housing Convener Cllr Kate Campbell responded: “Edinburgh faces huge housing challenges and this £2 million is money we can ill-afford to lose. This decision will have a detrimental impact on low-income familes.

“We are listening to our tenants and that is why we put forward this HRA report. We are doing what they asked us to do.”

More to follow …

Citizens Panel: Scottish Government must set out its Covid-19 strategy

A panel of the public convened by the Scottish Parliament’s Covid-19 Committee has reported its findings to MSPs.

The 19-member panel, which broadly reflects the demographic make-up of Scotland, met over four Saturdays to consider the question ‘What priorities should shape the Scottish Government’s approach to COVID-19 restrictions and strategy in 2021’, hearing from experts to help inform its findings.

Key conclusions in its report include:

* The panel believes the Scottish Government should focus on stopping the spread of virus, ideally by pursuing an ‘elimination’ strategy.

* The panel believes elimination would provide the fastest way back to ‘normal’, but also recognised that this needs maximum cooperation across UK, as well as accepting travel restrictions;

* If this is not possible, the panel recommends a ‘maximum suppression’ strategy should be adopted, with a reinvigorated Test and Protect to keep case numbers low once they have dropped. The panel concluded that by tackling the direct harm of the virus head on, other harms (economic, societal, other health problems) will also reduce;

* Priority should also be given to supporting a green recovery, young people’s economic opportunities, town centres, and continuing support for businesses;

* The Scottish Government must therefore define what it is aiming to achieve and tell us what its strategy is moving forward. Key to understanding this is what it deems to be an acceptable level of infection in the population, so that it is clear what restrictions will be effective in 2021.

The panel also considered wider issues associated with the pandemic within its deliberations. It agreed:

* Previous lockdowns happened too slowly – resulting in longer lockdowns and more deaths;

* Communication and explaining strategies is key to public acceptance and understanding. This is most effective when scientists and clinicians can take centre stage;

* Globally, no one is safe until everyone is safe.

Members of the panel will give evidence to MSPs on the Covid-19 Committee about their report today (Thursday 18 February).

In the coming weeks, the report will also inform MSPs’ consideration of the possible extension of the emergency Coronavirus legislation, which is currently due to expire at the end of March.

Covid-19 Committee Convener, Donald Cameron MSP, said: “The Committee is very grateful to the members of the public and experts who gave their time to participate in deliberations.

“The steps taken to counter this virus are so drastic they would have been unimaginable a year ago. It is therefore vital we gauge the public mood as we enter into the next phase of managing the pandemic.

“The considered priorities of this broadly representative group, who have looked at the issue with fresh eyes, will help inform us as we begin to look at the likely extension of the emergency powers, and work to ensure the efforts of Government are focused in the right place.

“We are looking forward to hearing more from panel members, and testing their conclusions, at our next meeting.”

The panel was announced and first met on 16 January.

The full report and further information on the panel will be online here.

Helping Hermie: Hibernian Community Foundation donate lap desks to support Primary pupils

Pupils at Hermitage Park Primary in Leith are sitting comfortably while learning from home, thanks to Hibernian Community Foundation’s donations of multi-purpose lap desks.

Depute Head Teacher Lisa Black explained: “Hermitage Park Primary is a Hibernian Community Foundation partner school. The foundation is keen to help us remove any barriers to learning our pupils may face.

“When I approached them to share my concern that many of our pupils did not have a desk space for home learning, they were keen to help”.

Lisa was troubled by survey findings from ‘The second wave of the Understanding Society COVID-19 survey’: “I read that over 30% of children lived in homes that did not have enough desk space for them to undertake home learning. This percentage increases to almost 40% for children living in low income households.

“Many of our pupils were working from their bed. Whilst this is not ideal, the lap desks give them a hard surface on which to work. This has benefits for their learning as well as their physical health promoting better posture,” Lisa continued.

“It also tackles the issue of overcrowded homes as pupils can carry their desk to any convenient spot and work at a place which suits them”.

They are already proving a hit with pupils who say their home learning has improved since getting a lap desk:

“My handwriting is better because I have something to lean on” says P6 pupil Brandyn.

“I like the pockets as I can organise myself and that makes me feel less stressed” says Jenna P7.

P7 Abdul’s mum is a fan because he says, “I don’t leave all my work scattered on the floor!”

Lisa concluded: “We appreciate the challenges families face when undertaking home learning.

“This helps us to improve the physical environment for our pupils and we are grateful to Hibernian community foundation for their continued support.”

Ghosts of Budgets past (passed?)

UNISON: ‘Local government is at the point of collapse’

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch, has raised fears about the further budget cuts being presented to the city’s full council meeting today and condemns both the Scottish and UK governments for the continuing underfunding of Local Government.

Over the past 10 years the council has seen hundreds of millions of pounds slashed from its budget resulting in hundreds of job losses, cuts to services, and the closing of third sector organisations.

“Local government is at the point of collapse and the Scottish and UK Governments have done very little to prevent its demise while at the same time due to COVID-19 has asked it to do more,” said the union’s branch secretary Tom Connolly.

“Providing services from the cradle to the grave, local government and the services it provides impact on all citizens. The continuing underfunding can have a serious impact on the effectiveness of the services being provided.”

UNISON, the biggest union representing workers in Edinburgh council, says that those employed in local government are fire fighting to keep services running, they feel undervalued and the increasing high levels of stress amongst staff is an example of the negative impact on the health and wellbeing of those staff.

UNISON’s Plug the Gap campaign https://www.unison-scotland.org/protect-our-council-services/ has called on the government to bridge the £1 billion funding gap in local Government. COSLA has also called for the action to be taken to bridge the Funding Gap.

“Everyone suffers if Local Government is not provided the funding that it needs to provide meaningful services across our communities,” added Tom Connolly.

“Staff in local government need to be rewarded and paid well for the jobs that they do, there are many low paid workers in local government providing face to face support to or most vulnerable children and adults, in school, care homes etc.

“Other council staff keep our public buildings clean, keep our roads clear, clean our streets and empty our bins, administrative and clerical workers dealing with benefits and other essential administrative tasks, all examples of low paid and undervalued workers who have continued to keep the city running.

“These workers now need to be given the value that they have always deserved and rewarded with decent pay and conditions. Clapping does not pay the bills.”

As the city council’s budget meeting gets underway, some images from budgets past:

Planning Your Plot

ONLINE WORKSHOPS for COMMUNITY GROUPS

Join an upcoming Online Workshop: “Planning your Plot” with the Edible Gardening Project at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

19 February 2-3pm
24 February 10-11am
25 February 3-4pm

In Winter we have time to reflect on our successes and failures from last year’s growing season. Come and join the Botanic Garden’s Edible Gardening project for a session on ‘how to plan your plot’ to maximize your production while looking after your soil’s health.

Please select 1 session only as each is repeated 3 times.

Email eleslie@rbge.org.uk for more info.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91852338629…
Meeting ID: 918 5233 8629
Passcode: 310773

Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) is to start a regular growing group at the botanic garden.

If interested in joining, please email cfc@elrec.org.uk

Close contacts to be offered testing from today

Further testing expansion to find asymptomatic cases

From Thursday 18 February, anyone who is identified as a close contact of somebody who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) will be asked to get tested.

The measure is designed to find asymptomatic cases that would otherwise go undetected, as close contacts are at higher risk than the wider population, given their exposure to somebody with COVID-19.

Previously, outbreak Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have had the ability to order testing of close contacts on a case-by-case basis, in line with local assessment of clinical risk.

Now everyone who has been identified as a close contact via the Protect Scotland app, or through manual contact tracing, will be provided with instructions on how to book a PCR test.

The approach does not replace self-isolation in any way, and close contacts who test negative will still have to complete 10 days of self-isolation, as the virus’ incubation period means the risk of developing COVID-19 is only significantly reduced 10 days after exposure.

This means anyone leaving self-isolation early could still inadvertently infect others if they become positive at a later date.

Close contacts who test positive will be asked to self-isolate for a further 10 days from the time of their test result, to ensure they are no longer infectious when they leave self-isolation.

Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “Testing close contacts is a significant step in enhancing our public health response, as it will enable us to find asymptomatic cases that would otherwise go undetected, helping us to stop the spread of this virus through our communities.

“This is especially important given new COVID strains are more infectious, and not everyone who has coronavirus will have symptoms, so people could be spreading the disease to those around them without knowing it.

“This expansion is possible because of increases in our testing capacity, delivered through our new regional hub laboratories, which will help us suppress COVID to the lowest level in Scotland.

“However, it’s important to remember the incubation period of COVID means that a person could still test positive at a later stage in their isolation period – so a negative test does not mean you should stop self-isolating, and everyone should continue to follow the restrictions that are currently in place.”

How to self-isolate effectively – Information and support for people who are asked to self-isolate because of COVID-19.

A close contact is defined as a person who, in the infectious period from 48 hours prior to and 10 days after the confirmed case’s symptom onset, or date a positive test was taken if asymptomatic, had at least one of the following types of exposure.

household contact: those who share the household or have spent a significant amount of time in the house without social distancing or PPE. This also includes cleaners, even if the index case is not present due to the invasive nature of this job.
direct contact: close contact outside the house without PPE, of within one metre of index case
proximity contact: close contact without PPE for more than 15 minutes between 1 and 2 metres of index case

Anyone considered a close contact will be contacted by phone or text message, or will receive a notification through the Protect Scotland app.

NHS Scotland contact tracers will:

in some cases, send a text to let you know that you need to isolate and expect a call from NHS Scotland (if mobile is available)
call from a single, national telephone number – 0800 030 8012
always introduce themselves, tell you why they are contacting you and address you by your name
give you the option to call back the above number to provide reassurance that the service is legitimate

They will never ask you:

for information other than your movements and the people you have been physically close to
to phone a premium rate number
to make a purchase, payment or donation
for your medical history unrelated to coronavirus
for your bank details
for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
for your passwords or PIN numbers, or to set up any
for control of your computer, smartphone or tablet, or to download anything
to visit a website that does not belong to NHS Scotland or the Scottish Government

For more information, go to: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Contact tracing in Scotland | NHS inform

BURNOUT BRITAIN: The top industries at risk of burnout revealed in new study

Construction named top industry for burnout potential
The tech industry crowned the best industry for avoiding burnout
London named the hardest working region
East Anglia has the best work-life balance
Agricultural workers most affected by COVID with an 8.1% increase in working hours
The hospitality industry sees a -25.8% reduction in working hours during COVID
The Burnout Britain study can be found here: https://delamere.com/blog/burnout-britain-the-effects-of-the-glorification-of-grind-culture

In an age where grind culture is the norm, every industry is working the hardest they ever have, increasing chances of burnout. Delamere reveals the industries and regions most at risk of burnout.

Burnout is when an individual physically cannot do their job anymore, this could be due to heavy work pressures, long hours or workloads. When you have long exposure to these stressful factors, burnout can be the result. Stress is also a major cause of anxiety and depression.

The Burnout Britain study takes 15 booming industries and regions and scored them on a range of criteria to reveal who is working the hardest.

Table: Top 15 Industries for Burnout Potential

Industry	Index Ranking /4
Construction	1.21
Manufacturing	1.27
Wholesale, retail & auto repair	1.37
Administration & support services	1.62
Transport & storage	1.67
Mining, energy & water supply	2.04
Education	2.09
Scientific & Technical Activities	2.27
Agriculture, fishing & forestry	2.30
Arts, entertainment & recreation	2.36
Public admin & defence	2.48
Health & social care	2.59
Financial, Insurance & real estate	2.60
Information & communication	2.87

Source delamere.com

Construction took the top spot for the industry analysis with 1.21 out of 4, this is due to its long working hours and high mortality rate. The tech industry is the least likely to experience burnout due to its shorter working hours, low mortality rates and good work-life balance.

Who is responsible for preventing Burnout, Employers or Employees?

Professor Sir Cary Cooper, Advisory Board Member at Delamere Health says: “Stress generally is down to the individual recognising that they are working too hard or long, but it’s a two-way street.

“The individual needs to manage their priorities and manage their health and wellbeing. It’s also down to the employer to set manageable workloads, the boss should be contacting you as an individual if they notice overworking”.

How Can You Spot and Prevent Burnout

The key component to preventing burnout is spotting the symptoms that lead to burnout. Having someone that will help you recognise and these symptoms are very beneficial.

Spotting that you have a problem is the first step to resolving it, once you recognise that you are being negatively affected you can start to find the root of the problem and devise a plan to stop it.

Speaking to someone is incredibly important, whether it is your partner, a friend or a professional, talking about the problem will help significantly.

48% of Edinburgh teens fall for fake news on social media

New research exploring teenagers’ in Edinburgh perceptions of fake news
Research reveals 48%of teens in Edinburgh say they have fallen for fake news before.
23% of Edinburgh teens think fake news refers to things Donald Trump claims to be untrue
Vodafone’s Digital Parenting magazine has released advice for families on how to tackle fake news: www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/digital-parenting/rollup-fakenews.

Vodafone UK has published new research exploring teenagers’ perceptions of ‘fake news’, misinformation and the reliability of the information they find online.

Almost a half (48%) of teenagers in Edinburgh have fallen for fake news and 47% of teenagers surveyed said they were more aware of fake news in 2020 compared to previous years. Vodafone has released tips for parents and children on how to deal with fake news on its Digital Parenting hub.

The research shows that young people in Edinburgh are regularly exposed to fake news, with teenagers reporting to see fake stories an average of 12 times per month, and 23% believing they think they see fake news every day.

Perceptions around fake news

Three in four (73%) of teenagers in Edinburgh correctly identified fake news as ‘misleading information which is presented as news and spread online’.

However, wider perceptions around fake news indicate a lack of comprehensive understanding on the subject – with 23% thinking fake news refers to ‘things Donald Trump claims to be untrue’.

Topics of fake news

With the spread of misinformation reaching new highs last year,the research highlights key topics of fake news in 2020 for Edinburgh teens: Covid-19 and the vaccine (50%), Celebrities (40%), Donald Trump (37%), the end of the world (27%) and the UK lockdowns (20%)

Identifying fake news

Just half (57%) of teenagers in Edinburgh think they can distinguish fake news from the truth. However, the research indicates that tech-savvy teens are using their digital skills to spot the real from the fake, and almost a half (47%) of teenagers in Edinburgh think they are better equipped to spot fake news than their parents.

Main sources of fake news

Predictably, four in five (80%) in Edinburgh reported seeing the most fake news on social media platforms – far higher than on news websites (13%).

Combating fake news

Encouragingly, 17% of teenagers in Edinburgh say someone has taught them how to spot and report fake news and combat misinformation, with this person most likely to be a parent (80%), or a teacher (40%). And, 20% have learnt how to spot fake news using an online resource.

Helen Lamprell, General Counsel and External Affairs Director, Vodafone UK, said: “It’s clear from our research that fake news amongst Edinburgh teens is a widespread issue – and is not going away with Donald Trump.

“It’s so important to educate everyone on the importance of safety online and how to identify fake news. Our Vodafone Digital Parenting Hub has useful resources and advice for what to watch out for and how best to tackle it.”

Emma Robertson from Digital Awareness UK, said: “Since the start of the pandemic we’ve seen a dramatic and worrying spike in the number of young people and their families being exposed to fake news and scams.

“Many of us are being inundated with false information about vaccinations, miraculous COVID-19 cures, politics and so on. It’s critical that young people have the digital skills they need to spot fake news and really think about whether the information we are seeing online could be misinformation or disinformation.

“Fake news reportedly spreads six times faster than real news, so it’s up to all of us to help others identify it and think twice before sharing.”

Vodafone’s Digital Parenting Tips – Five ways to spot fake news

To avoid being tricked by fake news, ask your child to consider these questions:

Is it being reported elsewhere – have you seen this story in other places e.g. on TV or radio?
Is the site name normal – do you trust the website where you saw this story? Check the URL: it should have .org or .com or .co.uk at the end, not an unusual jumble of letters.
Do the photos and videos look accurate or could they be photoshopped?
Headlines matter – but so does content: read the entire piece before you share a story to be sure it’s an article you are happy to endorse.
If you’re unsure – ask a trusted adult for a view.

For more advice on navigating fake news, visit:

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/digital-parenting/rollup-fakenews

Non-domestic rates relief extended

Extra money for mental health, education and tackling poverty

Retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses will pay no rates during 2021-22 under proposals outlined yesterday.

It is one of a series of measures proposed by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes following confirmation of a further £1.1 billion of consequential funding arising from UK Government coronavirus (COVID-19) spending.

The move builds on the three month rates relief extension announced in the Scottish Budget and will be taken forward provided the Scottish Government receives the funding already assumed from the UK Budget on 3 March, and that requisite funds are available to maintain existing support into 2021-22.

Newspapers will also continue to benefit from 100% relief for a further 12 months, while charitable rates relief will not be removed from mainstream independent schools until 1 April 2022 due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

Other extra spending in 2021-22 arising from the latest consequentials includes:

£120 million for mental health
£120 million for affordable housing
£100 million to support people on low incomes
£60 million for schools to help pupils catch-up on missed education
£60 million for NHS recovery
£45 million for heat decarbonisation, energy efficiency and fuel poverty
£21.5 million for Scottish Enterprise

Separately, local authorities will receive an extra £275 million in the current financial year to address COVID-19 pressures, while a further £40 million is being made available to support the safe reopening of schools.

Ms Forbes said: “When I presented our budget last month I guaranteed to extend non-domestic rates relief further if I was given the necessary resources. I can now deliver on that promise, providing the UK Budget in March delivers the funding we require.

“The other measures I am proposing today, including further support for hospitals, schools and local government and measures to tackle climate change, build on our priorities to ensure a robust recovery for our economy and public services.

“This welcome additional consequential funding was confirmed to us yesterday and I wanted give early notice to parliament and provide clarity to businesses.

“We are still in the throes of a national emergency and it is important Parliament works together to respond. I will continue to work with all parties to help deliver a budget for the nation fit for these times.”

Responding to the Scottish Government’s announcement, CAMRA’s Scotland Director Joe Crawford said: “Extending the business rates holiday for another 12 months is some welcome news for our struggling pubs and gives licensees much needed certainty that they won’t have to find money to pay rates bills this summer.

“But our pubs and clubs will continue to need additional, dedicated financial support in the weeks and months ahead to see them through to the other side of this crisis.

“That’s why CAMRA is urging the Chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to help pubs thrive – by continuing the VAT reduction and extending it to alcohol so traditional locals that don’t serve food can benefit too and keeping furlough as long as trading restrictions are in place – even if that is for longer than it is in England.

“CAMRA also wants to see a lower rate of duty on beer served on tap in pubs and clubs to help encourage people back to their local when they reopen, and level the playing field with supermarkets.”

A copy of the Finance Secretary’s Budget Update statement to the Scottish Parliament is available online.