Category: North Edinburgh News

Look out for your blue envelope – although the first ones are white!

Appointments scheduled for next groups on the priority list

Blue envelopes containing an invitation to a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine appointment for people aged 70 -79 will start to land on doormats in several health board areas from tomorrow (Monday 25 January) – but, confusingly, the first batch will be WHITE!

A new booking system is being used by health boards in Lothian, Fife, Forth Valley, Ayrshire & Arran, Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Lanarkshire to schedule appointments for patients in order of priority. More boards are expected to make use of the technology as the vaccination programme expands.

The distinctive coloured envelopes will be delivered to households as the programme progresses though the different groups on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list. The letters will include information on how to reschedule an appointment if it is not suitable.

We are on track for all those aged over 80 to have received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of the first week in February.

No-one aged 80 or over should expect a blue envelope because they will be contacted directly by phone or letter.  

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We all know how easy it is to ignore some of the mail which comes through our letterboxes but these blue envelopes will be very distinctive and they will contain details of your vaccine appointment so please open them.

“The letters are being posted First Class and we have been advised by the Royal Mail that the colour will allow them to prioritise delivery.

“The blue envelopes will contain information about the time and place of your appointment and details on how to reschedule it if you are unable to attend.

“I would urge everyone to take up their appointment when they are offered one.

“The vaccination programme is one of three key ways we are working to beat this virus, along with our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and the important lockdown restrictions everyone in Scotland must follow. All these measures work to greatest effect when they work together.”

UPDATE: Sunday 24 January

The first tranche of letters will use NHS branded WHITE envelopes but distinctive coloured blue envelopes are planned to be used as soon as possible as the programme progresses though the different groups on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list.

The letters will include information on how to reschedule an appointment if it is not suitable.

Further funding to support the wellbeing of Scotland’s health and social care staff

Additional funding of £500,000 is being allocated to provide practical measures of support for health and social care staff working to tackle the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Following direct feedback from staff, this funding will support local provision of hot drinks and snacks and other measures to aid rest and recuperation during their shifts, which will support their wellbeing and ease some pressures they face at work.

Enhanced wellbeing support services, backed by £5 million, are already in place to support health and social care staff. This includes the National 24 hour helpline, staffed by trained psychological  practitioners, and the National Wellbeing Hub, which is helping staff cope with stress, anxiety and resilience.  

 Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “I have set very clear expectations that all Health Boards should promote both the physical and psychological wellbeing of staff, whether they operate in a hospital or a community setting.

“As we approached this peak of the pandemic, I asked officials to seek feedback from Wellbeing Champions across Scotland on what additional support may benefit staff during this most challenging period.

“I have listened closely to their feedback which has emphasised that little things like access to hot drinks and snacks can mean a lot and go a long way to support staff wellbeing.

“I hope this additional funding will further support Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships to put in place the extra practical support that can make shifts a little easier for staff.”

Staff can access the 24 hour National Helpline by calling 0800 111 4191.

SEPA: Cyber Attack update

  • SEPA issues further update on cyber-attack, data theft, service delivery and recovery.
  • Ransomware attack remains ongoing as SEPA reiterates it will not engage with criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds.
  • Data likely to be stolen by international serious and organised cyber-crime groups has been illegally published online.
  • SEPA working to recover and analyse data then contact and support affected organisations and individuals over coming days and weeks as quickly as identifications confirmed.
  • Dedicated data loss support website, Police Scotland guidance, enquiry form and support line available for regulated business and supply chain partners.
  • Priority regulatory, monitoring, flood forecasting and warning services continuing to adapt and operate.
  • Broader update on service delivery and recovery to be confirmed early next week.
  • SEPA continuing to work with Scottish Government, Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and cyber-security specialists to respond to what remains complex and sophisticated criminality. Subject of a live criminal investigation.
  • The latest information on the cyber-attack, limited data loss and how to contact the agency is available at sepa.org.uk/cyberattack

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has provided a further update on the ongoing ransomware cyber-attack which has significantly impacted the organisation since Christmas Eve. 

The organisation reiterated that it will not engage with criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds.

As part of a broad update on data theft, service delivery and recovery, the environmental regulator confirmed that data stolen by what was likely to be international serious and organised cyber-crime groups has now been illegally published online.

In a previous update on 14 January (one of a series since the attack on Christmas Eve), SEPA confirmed the theft of circa 1.2 GB of data across four broad categories.  To provide some context, by comparison the theft was the equivalent to a fraction of the contents of an average laptop hard drive.  Nevertheless, it still means that at least 4,000 files may have been stolen by criminals. 

“Supported by Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the National Cyber Security Centre, we continue to respond to what remains a significant and sophisticated cyber-attack and a serious crime against SEPA” said SEPA Chief Executive, Terry A’Hearn. 

“We’ve been clear that we won’t use public finance to pay serious and organised criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds”, he added.

“We have made our legal obligations and duty of care on the sensitive handling of data a high priority and, following Police Scotland advice, are confirming that data stolen has been illegally published online.  We’re working quickly with multi-agency partners to recover and analyse data then, as identifications are confirmed, contact and support affected organisations and individuals.”

The agency reiterated that whilst stolen data had now been illegally published and work was underway to analyse the data set, it does not yet know, and may never know the full detail of the 1.2 GB of information stolen. 

Some of the information stolen will have been publicly available, whilst some will not have been.  It confirmed that staff had been contacted based on the information available, were being supported and that a dedicated data loss support website, Police Scotland guidance, enquiry form and support line was available for regulated business and supply chain partners.

The agency also confirmed that priority regulatory, monitoring, flood forecasting and warning services were continuing to adapt and operate and that a broader update on service delivery and recovery would be confirmed next week.

Mr. A’Hearn added: “Sadly we’re not the first and won’t be the last national organisation targeted by likely international crime groups.  We’ve said that whilst for the time being we’ve lost access to most of our systems, including things as basic as our email system, what we haven’t lost is our 1,200 expert staff. 

“Through their knowledge, skills and experience we’ve adapted and since day one continued to provide priority regulatory, monitoring, flood forecasting and warning services.  Whilst some systems and services may be badly affected for some time, step-by-step we’re working to assess and consider how we recover. 

“We’ll issue a broader update on service delivery and recovery early next week, with weekly updates to be clear on what those we work with can expect and how we’ll prioritise progress.”

The agency stressed firm Police Scotland advice that organisations and individuals should not seek to search for the stolen information, as accessing the host site may place organisations, individuals and their computer infrastructure at risk.

Detective Inspector Michael McCullagh of Police Scotland’s Cybercrime Investigations Unit said: “This remains an ongoing investigation. Police Scotland are working closely with SEPA and our partners at Scottish Government and the wider UK law enforcement community to investigate and provide support in response to this incident.

“Enquiries remain at an early stage and continue to progress including deployment of specialist cybercrime resources to support this response.

“It would be inappropriate to provide more specific detail of investigations at this time.”

Jude McCorry, Chief Executive of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, added: “There are many ways including ransomware a business can experience a cyber security incident, with varying levels of complexity and disruption. Cyber incidents can occur through deliberate targeting like we have seen with SEPA, or even human error, the end result is the same, a disruptive effect on business operations.

“At SBRC we are working in partnership with Police Scotland and Scottish government running the UK’s first collaborative cyber incident response helpline for organisations in Scotland.

“If you feel that you are a victim of a cyber attack your first call should be to Police Scotland on 101 to report the crime (whilst respecting your IT systems as a crime scene) and our incident response helpline on 01786 437472, we will assist you with immediate support and expert guidance,  and ensure you are speaking to the correct agencies and organisations to help you feel supported and get you back in operation securely.”

SEPA will provide further updates as quickly as possible at www.sepa.org.uk/cyberattack as more information becomes available.

Whilst the agency continues to work hard to understand and resolve the issues, members of the public, regulated businesses and suppliers can find additional information and contact options via:

Bonnie Bairn Pregnancy & Family Fair goes digital

  • Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March 
  • Headline sponsors include Safe Sleep Scotland, Nurture the Play, Baby Sensory, The Daisy Foundation and Diana Baker Photography 

Bonnie Bairn, Scotland’s Premier Pregnancy & Family Fair, is set to take place online for the first time ever, encouraging a nation of parents to #ShopLocal from the comfort of their own home.

Following the huge success of previous years, which saw it hailed the largest pregnancy and family fair in Scotland, the event will continue supporting local businesses, whilst offering them to a much wider audience. 

Hosted on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March, over 100 exhibitors will be showcased in an easily accessible digital setting, targeting families, carers and parents-to-be across Scotland.

Those attending the event will find all the best parts of the fair still available, including key speaker sessions on the ‘main stage’ and exhibitor stands that allow you to see the products, learn about the services and chat with the people behind them.

With a schedule over two days that is packed full of informative talks, virtual taster sessions and product demos, covering topics across all areas of pregnancy and early years parenting, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Deby Rainnie, event founder, said: “We host Scotland’s largest pregnancy and family fair, sharing everything wonderful about having a family in Scotland and covering everything from pregnancy through to starting school.

“Our focus is to provide businesses with an affordable, interactive method of connecting with expectant and new parents and established families in every part of Scotland. 

While we appreciate that a virtual event cannot replace the social and interactive aspects of our fairs, or the opportunity of seeing products in real life, it will be invaluable for expectant and new parents to discover and connect with businesses that can support them through this new stage of their life.” 

Attendees will be able to choose products and services that are local to them, offering a truly tailored experience. Each ‘stall’ will offer a wealth of knowledge and information accessible at the visitor’s fingertips, as well as the option to click through and speak with the stallholder, should they need more. With fair-exclusive discounts and limited-deals as well, this is one event not to be missed.  

Setting it apart from other fairs, Bonnie Bairn focuses on keeping the event affordable, so the businesses can pass the discounts onto the customer.

Deby Rainnie continued: “We work hard to make sure that Bonnie Bairn not only benefits the local community, but also offers a welcoming atmosphere to those attending.

“Taking it online this year means that although we cannot always visit them in person, we are still able to support the incredible local talent that Scotland has to offer. Because at the end of the day, pandemic or no, there will always be babies!” 

Bonnie Bairn is all about bringing together the best local experts, activity providers and businesses supporting families from pregnancy to preschool. Its mission is to educate and inform parents and parents-to-be about all of the great local and online that are available to them.  

The 2021 virtual show will include brands such as Positive Birth Scotland and Graceful Changes, as well as nationally beloved retailer, John Lewis. Attendees and parents certainly won’t leave empty-handed, being able to shop everything from high-street brands, to bespoke keepsakes.  

For more information visit https://www.bonnie-bairn.co.uk/ 

Follow Bonnie Bairn on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 

NEW Digital Services Delivery Summary Paper published

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the landscape that services operate within. Traditionally face-to-face delivery organisations have been forced to move online, many for the first time, as lockdowns and continued social distancing has meant it impossible or impractical to deliver their work in person.

To support organisations as they continue to navigate this process, we partnered with Your Own Place to produce ‘Our Digital Lockdown Journey’, a blog and vlog series during 2020, exploring how organisations have managed to continue providing vital services by shifting online.

Today we have published a short summary paper: ‘Going Digital or Going Bust’which brings together the key insights, learnings and questions raised through this series.

Through this reflective case-study series we wanted to support organisations to reflect on their capability and confidence to test out new digital techniques, to ultimately ensure that individuals receive the services they need to support their wellbeing throughout and beyond this pandemic.

The series explores topics including tensions in delivering outcomes when delivery models change, safeguarding, the role of values, impacts on the team and cost.

We hope you find this report, blog and vlog series of interest and if you would like to find out more about this work, or any of our Digital Futures portfolio, please do get in contact.

Yours sincerely

Anna Grant

Senior Policy and Development Officer
Carnegie UK Trust

Staff embrace tech to stage virtual Burns Night at Cramond Residence

PENSIONERS at a local care home are set to celebrate Scotland’s most famous poet virtually with food and song thanks to dedicated care staff and the latest technology.

Staff at Cramond Residence have pulled out all the stops to create a virtual Burns Night to ensure residents did not miss out on celebrating the occasion with fellow friends at the home.

Lockdown restrictions and the current strain of Covid-19 led to Cramond Residence utilising its self-contained, small-group living units, which were built into the architectural designs, to help with infection control.

It means that while the residents at the 74-room care home remain separated by the 9 houses, they’ll be able to celebrate as one through video conferencing set up in each house. Every house has a comfy lounge with a private television for use by the small group of residents in it.

James McDiarmid, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-room care home in Edinburgh will pre-record an address to the haggis which will be shared and watched via a virtual link, before residents get a chance to raise a dram to the bard and catch up with their friends shielding at other parts of the home.

James said: “We are looking to make the best out of this situation and our home is really lucky to be able to continue facilitating the Burns Night celebration, as every resident has access to a tablet or television.

“The virtual Burns Night will offer something different for our residents and it is a wonderful safe way to bring everyone together.

“Staff at the home have had to think outside the box to make sure resident continue to have rich, stimulating group experiences and everyone has worked really hard to adapt the activities to a virtual setting.

“The staff are looking forward to the celebration just as much as the residents, I’m sure it will be a good laugh – especially since I’m kicking off the night with the address.”

Residents will celebrate the day with a poetry group discussion and a presentation of the history of Burns Night.

Every year Scots across the world celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, with Haggis, Irn Bru and Whisky normally consumed.

Cramond Residence’s catering team will serve the classic Burns Night menu with residents tucking into a starter of cook a leekie soup, followed by a main of haggis, neeps and tatties and for dessert it is cranachan or even a “wee dram”.

James added: “Events like these give the residents the chance to do something outside of their normal routine and everyone usually enjoys celebrating the patriotic event, albeit this year might be a bit different.

“We can’t wait to welcome family and friends back into the home to enjoy these events with our residents when it is safe to do so”.

Throughout lockdown the care home staff have been working with residents to help them become more comfortable with technology. Residents were encouraged to chat with loved ones over Skype and other video platforms, this has branched into individuals learning how to use an app called Pl@ntNet to identify what flowers are in the garden.

Cramond Residence is a purpose-built care combining luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards – with places available from £1850 per week.

The home offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Letters: Emergency Mental Health Sessions for blind people

Dear Editor,

2020 was a difficult year for everyone. Though hope is on the horizon, starting 2021 in lockdown is not how most of us wanted for January. It’s understandable that many people are feeling down and in need of a little extra emotional support.

The situation is especially challenging for those living with sight loss. Many have faced anxiety, sadness and even fear about the unique challenges they have experienced – problems such as social distancing, difficulty shopping without guidance and isolation from losing tactile contact with friends and family during lockdown.

That’s why RNIB has launched Emergency Mental Health Sessions for blind and partially sighted people.

The sessions are completely free and offer people with sight loss the opportunity to speak to a counsellor for an hour over the phone, about however they are feeling and any problems that are on their mind. It doesn’t have to be about their sight at all.

We know that the next few months might still be tough for many, so we want to remind you that RNIB is here to help. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to someone, please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999. We can set up a chat within 36 hours and the service can be used as many times as needed.

No one with sight loss has to suffer on their own. Blind and partially sighted people deserve the same expectation of mental wellbeing as everyone else. That’s why RNIB in Scotland will always be here.

Thank you

James Adams

Director, Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland

12-14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh

Energy campaign helps households in Scotland reduce their fuel bills this winter

As a three-month campaign to help households in Scotland reduce their energy consumption and fuels bills draws to a close, industry experts have shared their top tips for keeping warm whilst cutting costs over winter.

Big Energy Saving Winter, organised by Citizens Advice, runs up until the end of January and provides information and practical guidance on saving energy, money, and the environment through greater efficiency.

Whilst the latest figures indicate a 1.8% decrease in emissions caused by residential energy use in 2019, compared to the previous year, it is expected to rise again with more people working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

OFTEC, which represents the liquid fuel heating industry, including those on oil heating, is supporting the ‘Big Energy Saving Winter’ campaign with guidance on how households in Scotland can reduce their energy consumption and save on unnecessary heating costs during the winter lockdown. The advice includes:

1.    Adjust your heating timers and thermostats

Remember to regularly adjust your timers to ensure the house only warms up when you need it to and that you only heat the rooms you regularly use. Nudging down the thermostat by a few degrees can save you money in the long term, but don’t lower it too much as living in a cold home can be bad for your health.

2.    Upgrade your heating controls

Many homes have a simple thermostat which sets one temperature for the whole house. Installing a more advanced system can enable you to set different temperatures for each room throughout the day and even learn your habits for automated heat settings. You can also control your heating remotely, saving money by turning off the heating when you are not at home.

3. Bleed your radiators

  • It’s recommended you regularly bleed your radiators, particularly if you notice they are not warming up as quickly as they usually do. This will ensure they are working at maximum efficiency and keeping your house warmer.

4. Don’t ignore your boiler

  • It’s easy to forget about your boiler but regular maintenance is important to ensure it is working efficiently. We recommend having it serviced at least once a year by a GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) registered technician, who are still working during the lockdown.  They are fully qualified and will complete the work safely and to the highest standard. We recommend you discuss the service visit with the heating technician first to ensure it is carried out in a Covid-safe way.

5. Consider an upgrade

  • Modern, condensing boilers are typically smaller, quieter and more efficient. So, installing a new boiler can help reduce your fuel consumption, emissions and energy bills. For the 135000 oil heated households in Scotland the good news is that oil remains by far the cheapest off-grid fuel. And, with a ‘drop-in’ renewable liquid fuel currently being developed, you can have peace of mind that your new boiler will help the planet in the future.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, commented: “With the recent national lockdown restrictions and cold weather spell, reducing our energy usage and helping to combat climate change might not be the first thing on everyone’s minds. However, it is incredibly important for our planet and can also help reduce fuel bills which could be a relief for many households.

“We must also remember that the cost of energy is a real concern for many struggling households, particularly in rural parts of Scotland with high levels of fuel poverty, which means they can often not afford the upfront cost of installing a new heating system.

“The good news for the 135000 homes in Scotland on heating oil is that a renewable liquid fuel alternative should become available over the coming years which will help to dramatically reduce emissions without the expense of having to replace the whole heating system.”

For more information and advice, visit www.oftec.org.

Port of Leith supplies food and digital devices to ease pressure of pandemic over winter

Port of Leith Housing Association is among 17 north Edinburgh charities and groups collaborating as Leith Gives to support local communities this winter. The initiative has helped to alleviate hardship over December and January with organisations delivering thousands of gifts and hampers to households in Leith and the north of the city. 

Over the festive period, the collaboration distributed around 1,000 food hampers which provided ingredients to make 16,000 meals at home. More than 25 Port of Leith Housing Association households each received three hampers in December and January. These were delivered by staff from T.B. Mackay Energy Services, a subsidiary of Port of Leith Housing Association. The most recent food hamper included additional items to celebrate Burns Night. 

Four households also received carefully selected gifts to wrap as a surprise for their children over Christmas. A further 27 adults at risk of isolation were given gifts which were safely distributed by Port of Leith Housing Association staff. 

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive at Port of Leith Housing Association said: “The importance of collaboration in Leith has never been felt as strongly as during lockdown this winter.

“The work of specialist teams including Tenant Advice, Sheltered Housing, Community Works and T.B. Mackay, has allowed us to connect with and identify tenants and members of the community whose wellbeing was most at risk over December and January.

“It has been a joy to collaborate with other Leith Gives partners, and I am pleased that the hampers and gifts brought nourishment and comfort to so many people this winter.” 

Amid another strict lockdown, being connected online is also essential to the wellbeing of our communities. In addition to providing food for households, Leith Gives has distributed over 200 digital devices to help people stay connected during the pandemic.

Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jane Whiting has been co-ordinating the distribution of devices and Wi-Fi provision to households identified by the housing association’s Tenant Advice Team. This makes it possible for individuals living alone, and lacking digital confidence, to connect with family and friends during lockdown.

 Despite this effort by a wide range of partners we know that many of our tenants and customers continue to find it difficult to make ends meet. Port of Leith Housing Association is exploring what role it can play to collaboratively make Leith a better place to live and work for all its residents.

Anita Aggarwal, Community Support Co-ordinator at Port of Leith Housing Association said: “Leith Gives has been an amazing collaborative effort from local organisations and groups and made Christmas a wee bit better for a wide range of Leithers.”