Category: North Edinburgh News

Charity claims that Covid has stalled the fight against funeral poverty

A recently released report by Royal London found that the year started positively with the number of people who struggle to meet the cost of a funeral reducing from 12% last year to 9% this year*. 

However, Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown has disrupted this trend and continues to do so as John Halliday – co-founder of charity run funeral directors Caledonia Cremation – explains: “The funeral restrictions implemented during lockdown did lead to simpler funerals. However, many still felt the financial strain upon losing a loved one. The average cost of a basic cremation in Scotland is still high – £3,569 and cremation fees continue to rise higher than inflation.  

“We must also consider the wider impact of Covid-19. Lockdown and restrictions have resulted in significant job losses which has meant more people entering the lower income bracket.

“Support services such as the Department of Social Security and the Register of Deaths department have also been stretched which has provided even more barriers to support for the bereaved. 

“Also, organisations who were campaigning to improve the industry have stalled because of Covid-19. The Competitions and Market Authority were set to recommend remedies to ongoing issues which have contributed to funeral poverty – overpricing or confusing pricing by some in the funeral industry. But Covid has meant that they have had to put this on hold. 

All these factors have created a desperate situation for bereaved people in Scotland, especially those from low-income households. 

“The recently released Royal London report* has found that around two in five bereaved people surveyed (39%) said that Covid-19 has made their financial situation worse (with 13% saying it has got much worse, and 25% saying slightly worse). 

“During the lockdown, we too have had to have extended our support by launching a free emotional support helpline in addition to offering not-for-profit cremations. Due to the delays in some Government departments, we also absorbed the administration on behalf of our clients so they could grieve without the additional stress.” 
 

Caledonia Cremation supported one Edinburgh client who felt the real impact of the Covid-19. 

As lockdown had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, Mical lost her job at an airline. Shortly afterwards, her grandmother and father passed away in quick succession.

She explained:  “I had only just lost my job when my grandmother passed away from Covid. I hadn’t had the chance to apply for benefits, so I didn’t qualify for any for any financial help. 

“Luckily, I found Caledonia Cremation who cremated my grandmother using funds I managed to collect from the whole family. Then my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Shortly after the diagnosis he caught Covid and passed away. I once again turned to Caledonia Cremation who helped me apply for the Funeral Support Payment to cover the cost of that cremation. 

“Without Caledonia Cremation,I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done. I think that the only alternative would have been to get into thousands of pounds of debt, and maybe try and arrange some sort of payment plan which could take a long time to clear, especially as I am currently unemployed.”  

As more job losses are predicted, John is urging everyone to reconsider before taking out a loan to pay for their loved one’s funeral: ““We have been fighting funeral poverty in Scotland since 2018 by providing not-for-profit cremations and practical and emotional support. 

“Since we started, we have calculated that we have saved bereaved Scots over £1million in funeral costs. We believe this has sparked a revolution in funerals with more Scottish funeral directors providing affordable options and more transparent pricing.  

“With the continuing Covid restrictions still affecting people’s financial situation, we urge any bereaved people to know they aren’t alone. If they need support during these terrible times – get in touch and we will help.” 

* The Impact of Covid-19 on Funerals – National Funeral Cost Index Report 2020 by Royal London 

Wondrous Woods: new dates added at Hopetoun House

Designed and produced by the team at 21CC Group and set in the magnificent grounds of Hopetoun House, Wondrous Woods has announced that they will be adding new dates to their festive lighting trail as a direct response to the overwhelming interest that they have received.

Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group says: “Woody the Owl and I have quite literally been blown away by the positive response that we’ve received for Wondrous Woods over the last few weeks.

“As of yesterday we were completely sold out and with so many people still enquiring about availability, we took the decision to put on a further week of tickets to allow more people to enjoy the trail.”

The Hopetoun trails offer us a spectacular environment, like no other. The spacious grounds have enabled the team to safely deliver this creative lighting journey, ensuring that everyone remains in adherence with strictest of safety guidelines.

The 21CC Wondrous Woods production has also enabled Geoff Crow to bring back his full event management and technical production workforce from furlough following the pandemic and in addition to this, over 120 people have been employed in the full delivery of the trail over the past four weeks.

The lighting trail has also been a welcome boost of income for the 57 supply chain businesses that have been involved in the delivery as well as Hopetoun House as a venue and the local visitor economy. With the trail attracting over 50% of the annual visitor figures to Hopetoun House in the space of four weeks. It is anticipated that the local economic impact of Wondrous Woods is in the region of £250,000.

The Earl of Hopetoun comments: “This is the first time we have hosted such an ambitious event at night and it’s hugely exciting, following such a difficult year for us all, to develop something so different for Hopetoun.

“With the outbreak of the global pandemic earlier on this year, visitor figures to our house were looking somewhat bleak; since its opening, however, Wondrous Woods has successfully attracted over 50% of our annual footfall in just a few weeks which is an astounding achievement.”

21CC Group have worked extensively with the Hopetoun team for many years, collaborating with them for the delivery of the highly successful Hopetoun Fireworks & Bonfire event, as well as the delivery of multiple large scale corporate events both within the House and the grounds.

21CC Group are a Scottish based events group based outside Edinburgh, established in 1999.  They produce events around the country for corporate groups, festivals, local authorities, and private clients. 

Tickets on sale now at See Tickets: 

https://wondrouswoods.seetickets.com/tour/wondrous-woods

Event website:  https://www.wondrouswoods.com/

Sam Smith to perform exclusively for Clyde 1 and Forth 1

Here’s how to watch the exclusive performance on Monday 16th November, 4pm

Clyde 1 and Forth 1 are set to broadcast an exclusive session from multi-award-winning global star, Sam Smith on Monday 16th November.

Music fans will have a chance to catch Sam perform a selection of tracks and to listen to an exclusive interview in a special show hosted by Garry Spence from 4pm on Clyde 1 and Forth 1. They can also watch the exclusive performance online via the stations’ Facebook pages.

Speaking about the event Sam Smith said: “We are all trying to find new ways to be together remotely during these strange times, and I am so excited that I’m still able to perform and share a moment with all of you.

“I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who’s supported me and my music over the years. This performance is for all of you xx”

Garry Spence said: “We might not be able to bring you to Sam Smith, so we’re bringing Sam Smith to you. Sit back and enjoy an incredible performance and interview from one of the UK’s greatest. You won’t want to miss it!”

Sam Smith’s highly anticipated new album ‘Love Goes’ is out now.

For more information you can listen to Clyde 1 and Forth 1 on FM, DAB, online, via the station App and on your smart speaker.

Sam Smith’s performances will also be broadcast on MFR, Northsound 1, Tay FM, Radio Borders and West FM.

Race Inequality in the Workforce

Race Inequality in the Workforce: Analysing the state of play in the coronavirus economy

The impact of Covid-19 on the labour market has affected specific groups of workers more than others, including those with an ethnic minority background.  In this new report, we explore evidence that shows the specific impact that the pandemic has had on Black and ethnic minority workers, demonstrating the ways in which they face a range of additional risks during the economic downturn, in terms of both loss of employment and poorer quality work.

The report makes 11 recommendations for government and employers to ensure that job quality is protected for all and that groups at particular risk are safeguarded. 

This short report complements our Good Work for Wellbeing in the Coronavirus Economy report which was launched last month.  It seeks to understand how we can ensure the best possible jobs recovery and achieve good work for all in the coronavirus economy.

You can read Race Inequality in the Workforce: Analysing the state of play in the coronavirus economy here.

You can read Good Work for Wellbeing in the Coronavirus Economy here.

Join the conversation on Twitter @CarnegieUKTrust or please feel free to get in touch via Georgina Bowyer, Policy and Development Officer (georgina@carnegieuk.org).

Sarah Davidson

Chief Executive, Carnegie UK Trust

Twitter: @CarnegieUKTrust

www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk

Latest news from Newhaven

Heart of Newhaven Community (HoNC) continues to work towards acquisition of the Victoria Primary School site and despite the impact of Covid 19, our timetable for completion remains the same: as soon as the children move to their new school, we will move in, hopefully in the autumn of next year, 2021.

To acquire the building, which we have permission from City of Edinburgh Council to purchase, we need to find £700,000. To this end, an application to the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) has already been submitted.

With the current SLF funds geared towards applications with more immediate needs, particularly those who have Covid-related issues, we have decided to pause our application until the next round of grants which will bring it more in line with our expected purchase date.

This comes on the recommendation of the SLF itself, who consider our application a very strong one but have advised us that such a pause would make our case even stronger. They are continuing to support us and helping us fund our preparation.

So fear not if you see headlines about the next community projects to have gained SLF grants later this month and no mention of HoNC. We are confident we have a strong case, made even stronger by this hiatus. Our plans for purchase and our timetable remain the same.

To help our case, we need even more members of our SCIO to show support within the community. Numbers are increasing steadily but if you haven’t already applied to be a member, please do so as soon as you can. In this case, size really does matter! Membership is free and it gives you a say in what happens.

https://heartofnewhaven.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fd16ea8a13e69c80d6ed68f43&id=51195851da&e=29f8451b48

Equally, we need volunteers and not just for the long-term. At the heart of our project is the well-being of the community we serve. Covid 29 has not only put the brakes on the construction of the new school, it has affected so many in our community, in so many ways.

If you can sign up as a Newhaven Neighbour to help the isolated and vulnerable within our community, perhaps by collecting prescriptions, doing shopping, tidying a garden, delivering Christmas boxes, making an occasional phone call to check on the isolated, then we would welcome your help. Check our website for a form to fill in.

Become a Newhaven Neighbour. Get in touch. Add your name. The community will be the stronger for it.

https://heartofnewhaven.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fd16ea8a13e69c80d6ed68f43&id=766b999cfe&e=29f8451b48

Remember that you can still read our Chair Rodney’s regular 20:20 vision in his View from the Chair which you can find on the website.

The View from the Chair

More than half of home care was reduced or stopped completely as a result of pandemic, survey reveals

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on home care has been revealed following an online survey by the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee.

Published yesterday, the survey found that 54% of recipients of home care saw their care either reduced or stopped completely. In one instance, a respondent reported having their care stopped for more than six months.  Reduction in care was a recurring theme from respondents with families feeling that they were “left to get on with it”.

The survey, which ran during August and September, sought to hear the experiences of both carers and care recipients during the pandemic. Key concerns raised include: 

  • In the event of a second wave, the most important issue for those surveyed was safety. They told us it was vital to have access to appropriate PPE as well as frequent testing, and that carers should receive adequate training in both infection control and social distancing.
  • Additional pressures and a loss of routine led to increased anxiety for unpaid carers, who stressed the need for respite. Respondents felt “mentally exhausted” and “frightened to let staff back into their homes”. 
  • It was agreed that there needs to be greater recognition of unpaid carers who were often “left to pick up the slack”. There were calls for more support and financial help as well as a ‘professionalisation’ of the system, with a move towards a professional career model.
  • A fear of services shutting down again left respondents feeling determined to “not be forgotten about” or “left to manage entirely on [their] own”.  They called for the continuity of care services and care packages to remain in place in the event of future outbreaks.

Speaking as the findings of the survey were published, Committee Convener Lewis Macdonald MSP said: “The first wave of Covid-19 had a devastating impact on the social care sector in Scotland.

“Now that we’re in the midst of a second wave, and continuing national restrictions, it is vital that we hear the voices of home care workers and those receiving care at home across the country. These findings are deeply concerning suggesting over 50% of those receiving care at home saw their care reduced or stopped completely during the pandemic.

“Other concerns raised around mental health, safety, and the prospect of care shutting down again, make it clear that things must improve. 

“The Committee recognises the hard work of carers, paid and unpaid, who have gone above and beyond during this unprecedented challenge and we also want to thank all those who took part in the survey for sharing their experiences in what are still very difficult times.”

Supporting each other during winter

Refreshed ‘Ready Scotland’ website to help communities work together

Communities are being encouraged to continue to support each other as the country moves into winter. 

The Scottish Government’s recently refreshed Ready Scotland website (ready.scot) provides a range of information for anyone looking for support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as advice on preparing for winter weather. 

It also provides guidance for those who wish to help out those around them, whether on an individual basis or through volunteering with local community groups or charities.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1326608249685151745

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “In any year, winter weather can be a challenge for many of us, and this year it will come while we are already managing the effects that COVID-19 is having on so many aspects of our lives. 

“As we have seen in previous winters, and as we saw so clearly during our lockdown in the spring and in the months since, the strength and kindness of our communities and our desire to look out for our neighbours is one of our greatest resources.

“These support networks are no less important now than they were in the spring, especially to older, disabled and at risk people, and those who are on their own or feeling lonely. While we can’t visit each other as we might have done in previous years, a phone call or a text can go a long way, and there are a wide range of services standing ready to provide support. 

“I would encourage people to continue to take time to check in with those around you and offer any help that you are able.”

Guidance on giving and finding help during the coronavirus pandemic, preparing for winter weather, and forming community groups is available on the Ready Scotland website.

For those without digital access, coronavirus support can be sought from the National Assistance Helpline by telephoning 0800 111 4000.

Clearyourhead.scot has a range of advice and resources, also offering practical assistance for anyone feeling low or needing to speak to someone for emotional support.

Ever wondered what happens to your body when you stop drinking?

Ruari Fairbairns, CEO and Founder of One Year No Beer, explains what happens to your body after you stop drinking, and draws a timeline of all the amazing benefits you can expect to enjoy from quitting alcohol

Ruari Fairbairns said: “Quitting alcohol comes with so many amazing benefits! You will start to notice improvements in your overall health from week one. As you continue on your path of being alcohol-free, you will notice your body becoming a well optimised machine.“

The inescapable fact is boozing causes a lot of health issues plus foul moods, crazy sugar cravings, poor sleep, unpleasant toilet habits and poor concentration. Booze also massively contributes to depression and anxiety.

Whilst we seek its numbing qualities to ease mood, booze is playing a cruel game. It is medically classed as a depressant, and over time it depresses your natural body chemistry and leads to that gnawing anxiety and heaviness.

Ruari says, “One of the most common questions we get asked is ‘what happens when you stop drinking?” There are so many benefits of not drinking alcohol, including sleeping more deeply and, as a result of this, increased physical and mental energy; restored hydration (leading to dewier and more youthful skin); weight loss and improved fitness; improved moods and a feeling of contentedness.”

Ruari explains in more detail with the following timeline …

What happens when you quit drinking:

Alcohol timeline

Short term benefits

The good news is our bodies LOVE being booze-free and respond really quickly. The lift in mood and depression is one to the key reasons people continue to stay booze free with the help of OYNB – because the natural high feels so good!

What happens to your body in the first few days?

1 – 12 HOURS

An hour after your last drink, your liver starts working overtime, clearing the alcohol from your bloodstream to prevent alcohol poisoning. Yep! Booze is poison and the liver has to alter its chemical structure so it doesn’t kill us – changing alcohol to acetaldehyde and then acetate.

Acetaldehyde, a highly toxic substance and a known carcinogen, so although acetaldehyde exists in the body only for a brief time before it is further broken down into acetate, it has the potential to cause significant damage. You may experience nausea and tremor as your body deals with all this. At the time your pancreas also starts producing extra insulin, which causes intense carb cravings.

12 – 24 HOURS

Your blood sugar has potentially normalised, if you haven’t created a glycemic roller-coaster by sugar and carb binging. To rebalance, eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.

48 -72 HOURS

For most, the worst is over by now. Although you may still feel groggy and tired depending on how much booze your body had to process. If, however, you had a bigger booze problem than you realised, then sweating, increased pulse, tremor, anxiety and agitation may continue or kick in at this time. A serious alcohol problem may need medical support from your GP to prevent fits or DTs.

72 HOURS ONWARDS

Any hangover side effects are now officially out of your system, you finally feel back to yourself physically and mentally. And to think this is only 72 hours into your quest to stop drinking alcohol for a month.

When you stop drinking alcohol for a week:

·       You start sleeping more deeply and your physical and mental energy to increase as a result.

·       Your skin begins to look dewier and more youthful as hydration restores.

·       Skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, and rosacea may also improve. 

Sleep & hydration

After only one week of not drinking you will be making better decisions as well as benefiting from improved learning and problem solving. You will also find yourself feeling more creative. Even if you don’t have a huge appetite you will find your eating pattern improving day by day.

One of the most obvious benefits of not drinking alcohol for a week is that your body will be hydrated. This means you will have more energy, increased physical performance and you will be experiencing less headaches.

Calories & money saved

 As well as the mental and physical benefits of not drinking alcohol, your wallet will also be feeling fuller.

·       Wine drinkers can expect to save around £22.

·       Beer drinkers would save £18 for giving up alcohol for a week.

The benefits of not drinking alcohol for 2 weeks include:

·        No more acid reflux

·       Stomach lining returns to normal

·       Continued sleep and hydration improvements

·       Noticeable weight loss

Now that you have quit drinking for two weeks, your body will be improving on the inside and you will be starting to look different on the outside too. You will have saved 2160 calories (six pints or six 175ml glasses of wine on average) by giving up alcohol for two weeks.

Drinking 12 pints of beer in two weeks is the equivalent to eating ten large slices of cake, 2160 calories.

Total money saved now from giving up alcohol for two weeks, £45 for wine and £35 for beer.

 The benefits of not drinking alcohol for 3 weeks:

·       Reduced risk of stroke and heart problems

·       Better kidney health

·       Improved vision 

Congrats! 3 weeks of giving up alcohol is no mean feat! It is well known that drinking too much alcohol can lead to increased blood pressure. Now that you have stopped drinking for three weeks your blood pressure will start to reduce. This is one of the most important benefits of not drinking alcohol. 

Calories & money Saved

 Now you will have saved yourself a very healthy:

·       £54 if you average 6 beers a week

·       £67 if you consume 6 glasses of wine a week over the last three weeks.

You could put that saved cash to good use and start a gym membership to help burn off all the extra energy you have since you have had no alcohol for three weeks.

What happens when you stop drinking for 4 weeks?

·       Reduce liver fat by up to 15%

·       Better looking skin

·       More likely to have reduced drinking for 6 months after the end of your challenge

Another health benefit from giving up alcohol for a month is improved liver function. After four weeks of no drinking your liver will start to shed excess fat. With the liver playing a part in over 500 vital processes, you also give your body a better chance of removing contaminants, converting food nutrients, storing minerals and vitamins.

Giving up alcohol for a month will have a positive impact on your skin due to your increased hydration levels. You could even reward yourself with an alcohol-free beer one night, which are also lower in calories and there are now so many to choose from.

Calories & money saved

 You will also have reduced your calorie intake by 3840 for the month, if you used to drink six glasses of 175ml wine a week, or 4320 calories over the month if you used to drink six pints of lager a week. 

For your bank balance that equates to saving:

·       Over £70 if you drink beer

·       And just under £90 by giving up wine for a month.

What happens when you give up alcohol for a month?

Your liver fat reduces by up to 20%, allowing it to flush toxins out of the body more efficiently.

Your cholesterol (a risk factor in heart disease) drops up to 5% and your glucose stabilises (decreasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes). All the inward changes begin to show through in a healthy glow of the skin and eyes.

Benefits of not drinking alcohol for 3 months or more

There is a lot to expect when you stop drinking for 3 months. Alcohol is related to 7 different cancer types.

By giving up alcohol for 3 months you reduce your chances of getting cancer.

After a year of not drinking, you and your life will be transformed.

At OYNB we’ve been on this journey with 100s who’ve gone long-term booze-free and we see it every time:

* Weight loss and improved fitness
* Improved moods and a feeling of contentedness
* Better relationships
* Increased productivity and focus at work
* More pound in the pocket (if you spent an average of £75 a week on drinking at home and going-out, that’s a saving of £3900 over a year)
* Ability to absorb vitamins and minerals increases
* Reduced risk of cancer and decreased stress levels
* Quicker immune response

Your chance to influence the future of the Construction and Engineering industries

A nationwide survey with the aim of collating the responses of the Construction and Engineering sector has been launched to find out what the future training and development needs are of these critical sectors, as well as seeking to highlight the barriers to accessible training.

Construction is a key sector that contributes significantly to the economic growth of a nation. The Construction industry tends to be an investment-led sector where governments show high interest with contracts awarded to develop infrastructure related to housing, health and transport, as well as the education sector.

Alongside the Construction industry is the Engineering sector, which helps to develop the physical infrastructure we all rely on – transport networks, roads, bridges, water and energy supplies, and waste management, among other vital services.

In these challenging and ever-changing times, it is crucial that colleges across the country provide training and qualifications which help drive the success of the two sectors by listening and providing appropriate learning opportunities.

Funded by Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESESCDR) as part of the Housing, Construction and Infrastructure (HCI) partnership. Colleges in Scotland are seeking to carry out a needs analysis of both areas through a short survey which will then be analysed, and the outcomes reported to the HCI Board. 

This will allow colleges to respond and adapt their training offering to ensure that companies can upskill their current workforce and ensure that new recruits have the knowledge and understanding required to enter the world of Construction and engineering.

The survey is open now and closes on Monday 11 December with results being published by the end of March 2021.

Edinburgh College Head of Engineering and Built Environment Scott Warden said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for business, partners and the workforce of the Engineering and Construction sectors to help colleges in the South East of Scotland support the future skills needs of our region over the coming years.

“Their support in helping us to identify any gap areas in terms of skills and training and continuous professional development (CPD) needs will be invaluable as we look to shape our curriculum to serve the industry’s requirements.”

For further information, please contact: mandy.currie@edinburghcollege.ac.uk 

As a thank you for participating in the survey all participants, who leave their contact details, will be entered into our prize draw for a £50 Amazon Voucher – Good luck!

The survey can be accessed here and will take around four minutes to complete.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BCskillsReview

Corstorphine Community Centre seeks volunteer ‘champions’ to support Digital Inclusion Project

We are seeking a few new volunteers to help with our new ‘Digital Inclusion Project’

If you think you have the skills to help others with mobile phones and tablet computers and apps for communication, information and leisure please email corstorphinehubdevelopment@gmail.com for a role description and application form.

Thank you!

#volunteer#intergenerational#digitalinclusion#Corstorphine