Failure to support the nation’s pubs return from lockdown risks imperilling the government’s levelling up agenda for economic and social renewal, the think-tank Localis has warned.
In a report entitled ‘The Power of Pubs – protecting social infrastructure and laying the groundwork for levelling up’ Localis argues it is vital that the lockdown roadmap is not allowed to slip back further for pubs, and that the commitment to end all trading restrictions by 21 June must be delivered to return all pubs to viable trading.
Without such assurances and medium-term support to help place the pub sector at the foundations of a strong recovery, the authors warned local economies and community resilience in left-behind parts of the country – including ‘blue wall’ former industrial heartlands, rural and coastal areas – would be particularly hit.
Among key recommendations, the report authors urged central government to further reduce the tax burden on the pub sector to aid the recovery and called for an extension to the Business and Planning Act 2020.
Local councils should be directed to help pubs by issuing licence fee refunds – paid for by the Treasury – for the six months to June 2021, through business support grants, the study advised.
Additionally, where premises have been put to new community purposes during the pandemic, councils should offer a diversification grant to pubs looking to retain or expand the services they provided during lockdown.
Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: “The case for treating Britain’s pubs with fair consideration in exiting lockdown measures is, at core, as simple as it is heartfelt. Where there’s a pub, there’s a community.
“As one of the biggest contributors to the UK economy, the sector has a vital role to play in the recovery and levelling up journey of the country as well as in maintaining community cohesion and social resilience well beyond the pandemic.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive, British Beer and Pub Association,said: “The Pandemic has fractured our communities economic environment and frayed our social ties.
“The pub is a powerful embodiment and symbol of both, woven into the fabric of our society and it is one we need to support and strengthen as we rebuild our trade as well as reconnect our communities.”
The replacement Sick Kids hospital will fully open at last this month, Health Secrtary Jeane Freeman announced today.
Answering a question from Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald, Ms. Freeman said: “NHS Lothian have now received the final validation reports for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People remedial works and they are all satisfactory.
“I am therefore pleased to confirm that NHS Lothian will proceed with the migration of outpatients in the week commencing 22 March, this migration plan has been designed in collaboration with the support of medical, nursing and support services such as Laboratories, Radiology and Theatres.
“This is the final phase of the plan and from that date, all relevant clinical services will be delivered from the new hospital.
“I want to record my thanks to all those involved in delivering a project that has resulted in a safe hospital for the patients, families and staff of NHS Lothian.”
Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said:“The opening of the Royal hospital for Sick Children has been a long time coming and I am pleased for families in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s that it has finally arrived.
“I hope that the new hospital will be a centre of excellence for treating children and young people in the region for a long time to come.
“All the best to NHS Lothian paediatric staff in their overdue new home.”
NHS Lothian confirmed that the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will fully open on Tuesday 23 March.
From this date, the remaining Children’s services presently located at Sciennes, including A&E, will move to the stunning and world-class Royal Hospital for Children and Young People located next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France.
The new facilities are already home to the majority of the Children’s Outpatient services and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN), which both migrated to the Little France site in July 2020. Earlier this year, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) inpatient facilities and some outpatient services also moved to the new hospital.
The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will deliver local, regional and national services in some of the most modern and best-designed healthcare facilities in the world.
With the new facilities connected to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, paediatric care, specialist neonatal care, neurosciences and both Emergency Departments are now all on the same site. This reduces the need for emergency transfers between hospitals, and ensures that our teams can share skills and expertise for the benefit of all our patients.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said, “I am delighted to announce that the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People will fully open on the 23 March 2021, bringing world class clinical facilities to the people of Lothian.
“Our wish for this project was for it to be designed in collaboration with patients and their families, as well as our staff, and the facilities that are available within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People are testament to the success of that approach.
“The spaces are welcoming, but also fun; intended to put children and young people at ease at a time when they might otherwise be frightened, unsure or upset. The designed space is complemented by the inclusion of the latest clinical thinking and technology, enabling our teams to provide the best treatment and care for our patients not just now, but for years to come.”
The full opening of the site, follows a commissioning stage, where the remaining facilities were extensively checked, equipment was tested and staff orientation took place.
Ms Susan Goldsmith, Director of Finance and Executive Lead for the project explained that a huge amount of work had taken place to get to this point. Ms Goldsmith said, “Many teams and individuals have helped with this incredibly important project and I would like to take a moment to express my thanks to them all for their diligence and commitment.
“I am delighted that the remaining services will soon move to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. It will be a fantastic moment to see the building fully open and for our patients to benefit from the amazing facilities that are on offer.”
The remaining Children’s Services that are presently located at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Sciennes will move to the new hospital by Tuesday 23 March.
From 8am on Tuesday 23 March, all patients and any child or young person requiring access to A&E, must go to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People at Little France.
The new hospital includes:
Children’s Emergency Department, next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Adult Emergency Department
242 Beds
10 Theatres
10 Wards (Inpatient and Day Care)
Therapy departments
Outpatients
Outdoor play areas
Physical and mental health specialities on one site
Modern Imaging equipment
An Art and Therapeutic Design programme worth over £5million, which enhances the environment and experience of the hospital. This programme has been funded by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (www.ECHCharity.org) and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation (www.elhf.co.uk)
Ronald McDonald House (accommodation for families of paediatric patients)
Two kidney transplant recipients have spoken about the reality of living with kidney disease ahead of World Kidney Day (Thursday 11 March 2021).
Fiona Davies, 39, from Airdrie, and Ross Young, 48, from East Calder, both diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), have shared their gratitude for the transplants that have given them their lives back, and the chance to see their children grow up.
Fiona and Ross have backed the campaign to raise awareness of the forthcoming organ and tissue opt out law, in the hope that it will get people thinking about their donation decision.
There are currently around 420 people in Scotland waiting on a kidney transplant, many of whom are on dialysis to keep their kidneys working.
Ross was diagnosed with PKD in 2003, and has since found that his two sons, now 13 and 16, have the same hereditary condition. His kidney function deteriorated to the point that he was listed for transplant in March 2010, and received his transplant in November 2010 after only ten weeks on dialysis.
Fiona was diagnosed with PKD as a teenager, which she successfully managed until the birth of her son James in 2012 impacted on her kidney function. She reached end stage kidney failure in October 2016, and was listed for transplant in March 2017. Her transplant went ahead just three weeks after she was put on the waiting list.
Scotland’s opt out law, which will be introduced on 26 March, means that if people aged 16 and over haven’t recorded a decision about donation, they will be considered a possible donor if they die in circumstances in which they could donate.
People have a choice – to be a donor, or to opt out of donation – and the campaign is encouraging people to record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and share it with family.
Informing family is important, as under the new law, they will still be consulted to check what their loved ones latest views on donation were. This is to ensure donation doesn’t proceed where the individual didn’t want it to.
Speaking about the impact kidney disease and her subsequent transplant had on her life, Fiona said: “Looking back, I had no idea how ill I actually was towards the end. I was getting through life, but was constantly tired and had no concentration. Motivating myself to do things became harder and harder.
“I wanted to hold off dialysis until my son started school, but could start to feel things dipping. I had restless legs and couldn’t sit for any length of time, I felt sick when I ate and was in bed for 7.30pm every night.
“I got the call just minutes after my son’s fifth birthday party and the transplant surgery all went to plan. I was home six days later and things just got better and better. It’s quite unbelievable the change it’s made to my life and I have my donor to thank for that.
“I am very pleased that Scotland is moving to an opt out system. You don’t truly understand the impact of organ donations until your life is touched by it and I hope that the move will help increase the number of viable organs available and help those waiting. Because of organ donation, my son has his mum back, and I have a future.”
Talking about the law change to an opt out system from 26 March, Ross said: “I wouldn’t say life on dialysis was easy, but I knew it was keeping me well, and then the transplant changed everything.
“I have always felt strongly about the law changing to an opt out system, and I even approached the Scottish Parliament, which is when I learnt the wheels were already in motion for the Bill.
“I am really pleased to see the law finally coming into action. It’s the simplest way to make a difference while making sure everyone knows they’ve got a choice. If you don’t want to be a donor you just have to opt out.
“Knowing that both my sons have the same condition as me, I’m grateful for developments like the law changing before either of them finds themselves in the position I did.”
For more about the law change, and to record your donation decision, visit organdonationscotland.org or call 0300 303 2094.
Kidney Care UK is hosting a webinar tomorrow (Thursday), which will involve a range of speakers and experts answering questions around living well with kidney disease, kidney health, and the forthcoming organ and tissue donation law change in Scotland.
Scottish Liberal Democrats secure over £8.4 million for the City of Edinburgh
Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, and mental health spokesperson Rebecca Bell has welcomed additional funding secured by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie in this year’s Scottish budget yesterday at Holyrood.
In negotiations with the Scottish Government, the party secured an additional £1,162,488.10 for the City of Edinburgh council to provide more in-class support to children who need it by topping up the Pupil Equity Fund.
This is money paid directly to headteachers to provide additional support to pupils from less well-off backgrounds. This represents a 16% increase on the current year.
Rebecca Bell said:“I am delighted that the Scottish Liberal Democrats have secured this extra money to help pupils across Edinburgh. Everyone deserves the best possible start in life and with this money we will provide more in-class support to children who need it.
“This funding is so vital just now, as we’ve sadly seen existing inequalities widen during the pandemic, and this financial boost will go directly towards addressing this problem.
“I am also really proud of our party pushing for an extra £120 million for mental health, this money will be spent on services in the community and I know how much these are needed. We had a mental health crisis before Covid-19 struck, and now the demand for treatment has grown rapidly, so we need to support our handworking NHS teams with proper funding.
“We have also managed to push the Government to move on the eye hospital, I am so happy to see this. I don’t want to see services moved out to Livingston, we need to go ahead with the rebuild of the Princess Alexandra as planned, it’s best for patients and best for staff.
“At the forthcoming election Scottish Liberal Democrats will put the recovery first by focusing on the issues that affect people day in, day out. If you elect me as your MSP I promise to stand up for education, jobs and mental health.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said:“People expect parties to work together in the middle of a pandemic. Our focus has been to put recovery first.
“We have highlighted the need for business support, an education bounce back plan, and better mental health services, given the pressure we know that the virus crisis has put on people.
“These proposals show the impact that Liberal Democrat MSPs can make, balancing important national matters with targeted local support for our constituents and putting the recovery first.
“That’s what you get with Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs.”
The Scottish Green Party had earlier pledged their support for the SNP’s budget, thus ensuring it would be passed.
What is the true value of water in Scotland and what does it mean to you? On Monday 22nd March, the Hydro Nation International Centre, supported by the Scottish Government and the James Hutton Institute are hosting a free online celebration of World Water Day, bringing together Scotland’s water community to hear their perspectives on the theme of ‘Valuing Water’.
In our water-rich Scotland, water is often taken for granted, but the annual UN World Water Day is a brilliant opportunity to reflect on what it means for a nation to truly value its water. Value means different things to different people, sometimes just purely economic, but many see water through a wider cultural, environmental, and societal lens.
On the 22nd of March participants will be able to join in the conversation, in what is also Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, and hear from representatives from the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association, the Scottish Government, the Energy Saving Trust, Citizens Advice Scotland and Visit Scotland.
This year’s online format has presented exciting opportunities and, in addition to a series of fascinating talks and panel discussions, World Water Day 2021 will host a series of immersive, three-dimensional virtual exhibition spaces, giving participants a chance to:
Explore the latest thinking on range of issues, including community empowerment and engagement, how Scotland is leading water innovation, making our cities “climate-proof” and contributing to the global fight against climate change;
Gain fascinating insight into the leading-edge research of the Hydro Nation Scholars and wider academic community;
Network virtually with key players in the Scottish water sector, as well as others with interest and insight into Scotland’s water resources;
Lose yourself in an exploration of the role of water in contemporary Scottish art and design,
And more!
Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), said: “The Hydro Nation International Centre at the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, is honoured to coordinate our annual national celebration of World Water Day, bringing together water professionals, researchers, policy, regulators and the public to share experiences and perspectives on the world’s most precious resource.”
Barry Greig, of the Water Industry Team at Scottish Government, commented: “Scotland’s unique Hydro Nation agenda comprises a broad range of activities supporting the Scottish Government’s vision to be a world leader in the sustainable use and responsible management of water.
“We strive to manage our water environment to the best advantage, ensuring we recognise the importance and value of water within our national and international identity. World Water Day provides an ideal opportunity to showcase Scotland’s water leadership.”
The event will be held on the 22nd March, with registration commencing at 9:30am.
Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite at the following link:
“Unimaginable” cost of Test & Trace failed to deliver central promise of averting another lockdown
In May last year NHS Test and Trace (NHST&T) was set up with a budget of £22 billion. Since then it has been allocated £15 billion more: totalling £37 BILLION over two years.
The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) justified the scale of investment, in part, on the basis that an effective test and trace system would help avoid a second national lockdown – but since its creation we have had two more lockdowns.
In its report Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee says that while NHST&T clearly had to be set up and staffed at incredible speed, it must now “wean itself off its persistent reliance on consultants”; there is still no clear evidence of NHST&T’s overall effectiveness; and it’s not clear whether its contribution to reducing infection levels – as opposed to the other measures introduced to tackle the pandemic – can justify its “unimaginable” costs.
The scale of NHST&T’s activities is striking, particularly given its short life. Between May 2020 and January 2021, daily UK testing capacity for COVID-19 increased from around 100,000 to over 800,000 tests. NHST&T had also contacted over 2.5 million people testing positive for COVID-19 in England and advised more than 4.5 million of their associated contacts to self-isolate.
But the percentage of total laboratory testing capacity used in November and December 2020 remained under 65%, and even with the spare capacity, NHST&T has never met the target to turn around all tests in face-to-face settings in 24 hours. Low utilisation rates – well below the target of 50% – persisted into October last year.
A major focus for NHST&T in early 2021 was the mass roll-out of rapid testing in different community settings, but there have been particular setbacks for the roll-out to schools, after NHST&T had significantly underestimated the increase in demand for testing when schools and universities returned last September.
Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “The £23 billion test and trace has cost us so far is about the annual budget of the Department for Transport.Test & Trace still continues to pay for consultants at £1000 a day.
“Yet despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project Test and Trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic, and the promise on which this huge expense was justified – avoiding another lockdown – has been broken, TWICE.
“DHSC and NHST&T must rapidly turn around these fortunes and begin to demonstrate the worth and value of this staggering investment of taxpayers’ money. Not only is it essential it delivers an effective system as pupils return to school and more people return to their workplace, but for the £billions spent we need to see a top class legacy system.
“British taxpayers cannot be treated by Government like an ATM machine. We need to see a clear plan and costs better controlled.”
Test and Trace chief Baroness Dido Harding has defended the £37 billion service and said the committee report is ‘old news’.
Survey Results 2020: Campaign to end violence and abuse against retail workers
Retail trade union Usdaw is urging customers to respect shopworkers as they today release new statistics showing that 79% of shopworkers say abuse was worse last year.
Scottish shopworkers are speaking out about their own experiences ahead of a new protection of shopworkers law coming into force in August.
The final results of Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:
These are some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
Central Scotland: “I challenged the customer under ‘Think 25’ – he threw his shopping at me and tried to grab me.” – “Punched in back when filling shelf by a customer, just to ask me if I am busy!” – “Told that I’m a f***ing cow.”
Glasgow: “Customer swore at me and hit with sandwich.” – “Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.” – “Finger pointing in face and being poked with finger.” – “Customer trying to punch me on the body.”
Highlands and Islands: “Asking politely to keep a 2 metre distance. Was told to f*** off & get on with my work.” – “Throwing money at me.” – “Verbal abuse, mainly from people influenced by drugs and alcohol.”
Lothian: “People get stroppy about wearing face coverings.” – “Customers have called me an ‘idiot’ for asking for ID.” – “Had a customer grab my bottom when leaning over me to get at products.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Customers take their frustrations out on the staff, being verbally abusive for no reason and treating us like dirt.” – “Threats, coughing in my face, rants at having to wait in a queue.”
North East Scotland: “Shoplifters angry at being challenged.” – “An attempted armed robbery, verbal abuse from shoplifters, verbal abuse from intoxicated customers and verbal abuse from people who’ve been asked for ID.”
South Scotland: “Covid related abuse about social distancing and queues at checkouts.” – “Get verbal abuse asking for ID.” – “customers being nasty, shouting in front of the rest of the queue, and shouting abuse when carrying out Challenge 25.”
West Scotland: “Drunk people unable to accept service refusal, usually verbal also been spat at and threats.” – “When politely explaining our refund policy some people get very abusive when they find out they cannot exchange without a receipt.”
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.
“Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers. It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and one in ten assaulted.
“We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused.
“So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament in January. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.
“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is that the public understands that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we are working with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”
Total includes more than £86,000 for two Scottish charities – Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Alzheimer Scotland – and £38,665.51 for the national charity partner Macmillan
Aegon will support Blood Bikes Scotland and Marie Curie Edinburgh as local charity partners and Prince’s Trust as national charity partner in 2021
The pandemic didn’t stall fundraising in 2020, as Aegon UK employees working with their Atos colleagues raised a total of £142,368.06 for nine employee selected charity partners UK wide.(Who donated the 6p? – Ed.)
The company charity committees and employees coordinated everything from raffles, quizzes and dress up days, to running challenges, virtual coffee mornings and pet competitions to raise funds throughout the year. Aegon UK then matched these funds pound for pound, bringing the grand charitable total to £142,368.06 for the nine charity partners.
25% of all funds raised went to the national charity, Macmillan and 75% of money raised in each location went to the local charity or charities. The local charities selected by the employees in Edinburgh were Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Alzheimer Scotland .
Due to the lockdown, cheque presentations took place virtually this year for most of the charities, with just a couple of the cheques being delivered in person by Aegon employees.
A breakdown of the funds raised for each of the nine charities can be found below.
Mike Holliday-Williams, CEO, Aegon UK commented:“The pandemic presented our charity committees and employees with a fresh fundraising challenge this year. The usual bake sales and dress down days were no longer possible when the offices closed. But Aegon employees rose to this challenge and came up with a steady stream of wonderful ideas to ensure our charities were well taken care of, lifting everyone’s spirits in the process.
“Pet competitions, ready steady cook at home challenges, the 555 running challenge quizzes, dress up days, virtual coffee mornings, raffles and so much more – I was in awe at the persistence and creativity from everyone involved.
“Employees have gone above and beyond in 2020 to support the company’s commitment to giving back to our local communities – from nominating the charities close to their hearts, through to the passion and dedication shown in raising these funds for fantastic causes. I’m extremely impressed with the dedication and efforts of those involved, especially during a global pandemic.
“I would also like to thank the charity committees across all the locations for their hard work in keeping up the momentum and delivering for our charity partners. Helping people is at the core of what Aegon does as a business, and the fundraising work we do as a company is a key part of that.”
Michelle Campbell, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan said:“This is an acutely challenging time for people living with cancer, the NHS and for cancer care. We are doing whatever it takes to make sure our vital support continues to be available.
“Funding is needed more than ever, so for Aegon to exceed their original target and donate £38,665.51 is more than we could have imagined. This type of donation pays for a Macmillan support worker for over a year, helping people living with cancer receive the help they need.
“We would like to thank Aegon for their continued support throughout the year and for the outstanding amount raised.”
Rami Okasha, CEO at CHAS said:“Staff at Aegon have done amazing work to help children with life-shortening conditions across Scotland. We at CHAS just can’t thank the team enough.
“The money raised will fund the cost of specialist hospice care for children with short lives, and emotional and practical support for their parents, brothers and sisters. No-one should face the death of their child alone and this partnership takes us one step closer to making that a reality.”
Caroline Miller, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Alzheimer Scotland said:“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for people living with dementia and their carers. There is an estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland – approximately 60,000 of whom live in the community.
“Each of these people, to different degrees, rely on their daily routines, social interactions, community-based groups and activities, and formal health and social care services, as a way to maintain their wellbeing and live as independently as possible in their own communities.
“All these supports have been disrupted as a direct consequence of this pandemic and the public health restrictions. We’ve seen from the dramatic increase in calls to our helpline, the toll this has taken.
“The generosity of Aegon and their staff during our partnership has been humbling. Despite the restrictions in place, they have continued their fundraising at pace and also responded with a generous gift to our crisis appeal.
“The total of just over £43,000 raised is an incredible achievement in any year but we are so grateful that in this most difficult of years they have made such a contribution. This money will have a real impact on people living with dementia in Scotland as we continue to transform the ways in which we support people living with dementia, their families and carers as we move forward.”
The charities were chosen as the result of a company-wide vote on a shortlist of charities nominated by Aegon UK employees.
In 2021 Aegon UK employees and Atos colleagues will be supporting:
National charity – Prince’s Trust
Edinburgh local charities – Blood Bikes Scotland and Marie Curie Edinburgh
London local charity – London’s Air Ambulance
Manchester local charities – Forever Manchester and Dianne Oxberry Trust
Peterborough local charity – East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH)
Witham local charities – Kids Inspire and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
Lytham local charity – Trinity Hospice & Brian’s House
Breakdown of funds raised for all Aegon UK charity partners in 2020.
Social Bite announce plans to build two new Villages, with target sites in Glasgow and London
Olympic hero backing “Break the Cycle” campaign to raise £1m to help fund two new villages, Sir Chris will cycle 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with 1,000 fellow riders to raise money for the cause
Edinburgh Village project has helped 39 people since July 2018 with 79% saying the village has helped improve their wellbeing
Social Bite, with the support of Sir Chris Hoy, has today announced its latest fundraising campaign Break the Cycle – a 60 mile charity bike ride which aims to raise £1m to help build Social Bite Villages in two new UK cities, with target locations in Glasgow and London.
The Break the Cycle event will take place on Sunday 5th September, with Sir Chris joining 1,000 fellow cyclists as they set off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow and pedal the 60 miles through to the finish line in Edinburgh, near the flagship Social Bite village in Granton.
Each participant will be asked to raise £1,000 in order to take part and ride alongside the six-time Olympic Champion, contributing to the overall fundraising target. All entrants will also have access to some incredible prizes, from naming a house at one of the villages to winning a signed medal from Sir Chris Hoy himself.
As well as the physical event in September, the fundraising campaign is open to all levels of fitness and ability, with people across the UK invited to take part in their own virtual challenges from March to September to raise money and help Social Bite break the cycle of homelessness.
Friends, families, workplace teams and schools are all encouraged to pick a challenge and get sponsored for doing it. Whether it’s a 60-mile challenge or 60 minutes of exercise, the virtual challenge can be designed to fit what suits people best.
Money raised both on event day and in the lead up through virtual challenges will go towards creating the two highly supported communities with the pro bono help of engineering firm Arup.
The communities will offer a supportive community environment and opportunities to help people affected by homelessness build an independent life.
The goal of the Social Bite Villages is to provide a different blueprint for how we, as a society, respond to homelessness and temporary accommodation – one which puts support and the individual at the centre of the approach.
The village concept is supported by Dame Louise Casey, the former Westminster homelessness tsar who led the work with helping 33,000 people into emergency housing during the pandemic.
Since launching in May 2018, the Social Bite Village in partnership with Cyrenians has provided accommodation and support to 39 residents, helping them find their feet and permanent homes. 82% of people who have lived at the Village are either still happily housed there or have moved onto a positive destination.
10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities, and housing projects.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said:“It’s an honour for us to have one of the country’s biggest sporting heroes support us in our effort to build two new villages for people in a situation of homelessness.
“Sir Chris has been an advocate of the work we do for some time and when we came up with the Break the Cycle concept, we knew there was only one person we wanted to partner with.
“We’re incredibly passionate about our plans for the Social Bite villages. Since opening the first one in Edinburgh, 39 people have been helped with a home and support through the project. Now that we have seen that the model is working, our ambition is to build more in cities across the country and I’m thrilled to announce that this is our intention in London and Glasgow.
“The money we manage to raise from our Break the Cycle fundraising campaign will allow these plans to become a reality and enable us to develop communities that will have a transformative impact on people’s lives. We’re very grateful to all our supporters, including M&G plc who have already signed up as a major partner.”
Sir Chris Hoy said:“I have supported Social Bite by sleeping under the stars each year at their mass participation sleepout events for the last four years. I have seen the impact of the funds raised and I am passionate about supporting the bold approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness.
“I know times have been incredibly tough of late but I’d encourage everyone to get involved and help raise the funds needed for this extraordinary project and take on their own challenges over the coming weeks and months. I look forward to see those taking part at the starting line …”
Steven McKechnie, Director at Arup, said: “Our society can be a challenging place for those who don’t fit neatly into its expectations and norms. Social Bite’s ‘villages’ provide a route into society for some of those people.
“They provide support and shelter and enable the growth of self-worth. They help people to learn how to start growing their roots. They are more than just a room for the night. They are beautiful and homely. They have a sense of place and delight that feeds the soul.
“We, in Arup, are tremendously proud to have been asked to help with this magnificent project. We will be contributing ideas and design thinking and will be connecting with our contacts in local authorities, development firms and public bodies to help to select suitable sites. We hope our contribution will be helpful.”
Jim McBride, Head of Homelessness at Glasgow Council, said: “Glasgow HSCP would welcome early discussions with Social Bite to determine how this innovative approach could contribute to the work the city is undertaking to address homelessness and supporting people who present with complex needs.”
Edinburgh College’s Class of 2020 celebrated the enormous achievement of graduating from their courses with a virtual ceremony held last week, Friday 5 March.
Over 600 graduates from across the College’s Creative Industries, Engineering and Built Environment, Health Wellbeing and Social Science and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties joined virtual ceremonies hosted on YouTube.
The Class of 2020 were due to cross the stage at the city’s McEwan Hall last September, however the event had to be moved online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonetheless, graduates celebrated in style and watched their ceremonies from their homes – taking in speeches from Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford, Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross, as well as seeing and hearing lots of excited and emotional well wishes from their lecturers.
Graduates and staff shared photos of their individual celebrations across social media, showing off their gowns, mortarboards and certificates while enjoying their moment with their loved ones.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Firstly, a huge congratulations to our Class of 2020. This day may have felt like a long time coming but each graduate has made it and, for that, they should be extremely proud of themselves.
“To graduate from any course in any year is no mean feat, but in the times in which we have been living, the achievements of our Class of 2020 are nothing short of extraordinary – my hat goes off to them.
“I would like to thank every graduate for their commitment to their studies and their determination to keep going, and for working hard with our dedicated lecturing and support teams to successfully achieve their awards.
“We’re very proud of all our graduates and wish them every success in their future – whether they go on to further study or straight into the world of work, we look forward to hearing about their achievements yet to come.”
