Category: North Edinburgh News

Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes and more big names join the line up for Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Tuesday 13 August, 7.20pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square

  • So far, Underbelly has raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity from these benefits alone, including nearly £20,000 at the last Fringe benefit in 2023.
  • Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill are confirmed to appear in this year’s show with more guests to be announced soon. 
  • The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, in August 2019.
  • Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is more underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Underbelly has today (9th August) announced its much-anticipated line-up for the sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit in the majestic McEwan Hall. 100% of the box office income is being donated directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

Starring in this year’s show will be:

  • Irish comedy legend Dara Ó Briain
  • King of the one-liners Milton Jones
  • Kiwi Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and tv actress Rose Matafeo
  • UK tv star and stand up comedian Angela Barnes
  • 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee and BBC Radio 4’s  Ian Smith
  • Indian comedy super star Kanan Gill
  • Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Amy Gledhill
  • And our MC will be Fringe favourite Carl Donnelly

All money raised via ticket sales and in donations on the night goes to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. Co-Founder of Underbelly, Ed Bartlam’s, son Alfie was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer in 2016 and sadly died three days after the end of the Fringe in 2019.

Research into brain tumours is significantly underfunded in the UK compared to other cancers, despite being the leading cancer killer for those under 40. Each year, over 11,400 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour – meaning 31 families face the devastation of this diagnosis every day.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’m delighted that we are announcing another superb line up for Underbelly’s sixthBig Brain Tumour Benefit show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“We have raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity since our first show in 2017, and we cannot thank both the comedians and the audiences enough for their support so far.

“My wife and I are raising £1.5M for the charity to fund a specific paediatric brain tumour research and new treatment project based in Cambridge.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is a vital part of that. Call me biased, but this show is an amazing evening of comedy for the very best of causes. So please buy a ticket!”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its sixth show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.

“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”

To book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, please visit:

https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit-2024

St Mary’s Cathedral Choir returns this Sunday

🎵 Our Cathedral Choir is back this Sunday for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe following summer break!

✨ All are welcome to experience the beauty of St Mary’s and its musicians all year, for free.

📯 Festival Services with the Choir start this Sun 11th Aug; Choral Evensong is at 3.30pm, while the Cathedral Eucharist is at 10.30am.

🔗Full Festival Service details: https://www.cathedral.net/whats-on

🎶 The Cathedral Choir also has a concert on Fri 23 Aug at 6pm: https://www.cathedral.net/…/cathedral-choir-classical…

Back to school support from Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

⭐URGENT INFORMATION⭐

Are you a parent struggling with the cost of school uniform? There are a few ways you can get help:

Take what you need from one of our free-to-access uniform rails at various locations (see the first section at https://edinburghuniform.org/signposting/ )

Apply for the School Clothing Grant from the council https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants They sometimes give the grant to families who don’t meet their standard criteria, if they’re on a low income, so it might be worth applying. There is also info about other grants on our signposting page https://edinburghuniform.org/signposting/

Ask your school if they can help when the staff go back a couple of days before the start of term. We support mini uniform banks at lots of schools and many schools also have sharing rails.

If you have a family support worker, a health visitor, a social worker, or another similar professional you can ask them to see if you’re eligible for one of our Clothing Crisis Packs – please ask them to read the info at https://edinburghuniform.org/refer/

Granton Medway Community Park: Second consultation event

Come along and join us at another drop in event at the entrance to the community park on Granton Medway anytime between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 21st August to meet the team and see the designs.

We would like to share our initial ideas for the landscape improvements and get your feedback if you like them, or have further suggestions.

Contact: Lynn Stocks, Principal Engagement Consultant

Landscape Architecture & Urban Design

AtkinsRéalis

0131 221 5770

Canning Exchange, 10 Canning Street

Edinburgh, EH3 8EG

Channel 4 to air critically-acclaimed series, Defiance: Fighting the Far Right

Against the backdrop of far-right extremism and racist violence in the UK, @Channel4 will once again air critically-acclaimed & award-winning series, #Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, at 10pm from Mon 12 — Wed 14 August.

The series is also available stream in full on Channel 4.

Across three compelling hours, Defiance: Fighting the Far Right examines how British Asians and immigrants were targeted with a campaign of violence and murder between 1976 and 1981, as National Front and extremist activity became increasingly prominent.

The series investigates seminal events ranging from the Southall protests, the death of Blair Peach, the Battle for Brick Lane and the extraordinary story of the Bradford 12. Through a cache of archive footage and compelling new testimony from key figures on the front line at the time, the ground-breaking documentary series shows what happened when the British Asian community decided to fight back.   

This particularly timely series lifts the lid on a period in recent British history, in which the violence, injustice – as well as the extraordinary courage of those who confronted it – resonates through the decades as well as holding a mirror and bringing context to the scenes of extremism and racism across the UK that dominate the news headlines today.

Defiance: Fighting the Far Right was the winner of Best Documentary at the 2024 Eastern Eye ACTAs. The series was hailed with critical acclaim when it first aired on Channel 4 earlier this year.

BBC Radio 5Live’s Nihal Arthanayake said the series is “incredible viewing whether you’re Asian or not”. The Guardian said: “This striking three-part documentary… does a compelling job of telling the personal and political stories behind Britain’s Asian community as it faced violence and murder between 1976 and 1981.” The Times gave the series four stars, describing it as “powerful”. The Telegraph praised the series as “fresh, important and detailed”, also giving four stars.

The series will air alongside a brand-new, bespoke trailer from Channel 4’s in-house creative agency, 4creative, commissioned by newly installed CMO Katie Jackson.

The 10-second promo, which begins airing tonight (Thursday 8th August), reflects Channel 4’s commitment to anti-racism, and amidst the disturbing scenes being witnessed across the country, serves as an important reminder of the power of inclusion, which sits at the heart of Channel 4’s Altogether Different brand DNA.

The trail lifts directly from a mural found on the walls of Channel 4’s London office at Horseferry Road. The full mural reads:

“Different. It’s the one thing we’ve all got in common. We’re often made to think that different is what divides us, but at Channel 4 we think different is brilliant, that it’s our weird bits and odd bobs – our shared uniqueness – that brings us all together. Altogether different.”

The trail can be viewed here.

Channel 4’s Head of Specialist Factual, Shaminder Nahal said: “As we all try to make sense of the horrific scenes of racist violence taking place on our streets, and what these events say about Britain, this timely series provides important context.

“The series reveals the deep-seated fear of immigration from some British people back in the 70s and 80s, how that informed political debate, and how devastating the violence on the streets was to become.

“Defiance: Fighting the Far Right painfully highlights the impact and toll that racism has on those who courageously fought it across decades, and gives us much to reflect on today.”

Executive Producer for Rogan Productions James Rogan said: “A comprehensive telling of the extraordinary experiences of a generation of Asian refugees and migrants who came to Britain and faced unprecedented wave of racial violence, stood their ground and turned the tide, is long overdue.

“This landmark documentary series is packed with jaw-dropping stories and thrilling tales of resistance, breaking new ground on stories long overlooked forgotten.”

Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore of Left Handed Films said: “The British Asian civil rights movement is a forgotten piece of history. The Southall Protests, the death of Blair Peach, and the story of the Bradford 12 all continue to shape Britain.

“These are stories of bravery in the face of violence, and a refusal to let prejudice go unchallenged – they could not be more timely.”

Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, was produced by Rogan Productions and Group M Motion Entertainment, in association with Left-Handed Films. 

The series was executive produced by James Rogan, Nancy Bornat and Soleta Rogan for Rogan Productions, Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore for Left Handed Films and Deep Sehgal for GroupM Motion Entertainment.

@rizwanahmed

Expert help still available for Edinburgh pupils with SQA results

A dedicated helpline remains open to support tens of thousands of pupils and students in and around the capital who received their full Higher, National and Advanced results on Tuesday.

The young people – along with their parents and carers – can get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) dedicated Results Helpline that will be offering impartial career information, advice, and guidance.

The SDS Results Helpline is once again be staffed by expert careers advisers and went live from 8am on Tuesday 6 August to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps.

The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency are at the end of the phone line to offer advice about colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.

Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on your journey.

“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. Whether you didn’t receive the results you were hoping for, or exceeded your expectations, we are here to help you navigate the next steps and the make the best decisions for your future.”

The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 32 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. There’s also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year*.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I want to pay tribute to all the young people who have worked incredibly hard and are now waiting for their exam results. Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers.

“There are options out there for you whatever your results may be. The helpline provides a valuable opportunity to speak directly with someone who can offer impartial, expert advice on your options.

“Anyone with concerns, no matter how small, should take the chance to phone the careers experts if they need advice or reassurance.”

The number for the 2024 Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and is open:

  • Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August – 8am to 8pm
  • Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August – 9am to 5pm

Parents’ organisation Connect promotes the Results Helpline every year to parents, carers and young people as a great source of information and support.

Gavin Yates, Connect’s Executive Director, said: “Each year we encourage parents, carers and young people to use the Results Helpline.

“There are opportunities for everyone, whatever their results are. With the support of the Results Helpline team, families can navigate these to explore all options.”

In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you on the Contact us page of the SDS website), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website, My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.

Missing boy: Have you seen Aiden?

Police are appealing for help to trace a 14-year-old boy who has been reported missing from the Ferniehill area of Edinburgh.

Aiden Webb was last seen around 12.45pm on Tuesday 6th August, 2024.

He is described as white, 5ft6, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black top and black tracksuit bottoms.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Aiden’s welfare and are appealing to anyone who thinks they may have information regarding his whereabouts to please get in touch.

“We would urge members of the public to keep a look out for him and report any potential sightings to us”.

“Anyone with information can call us on 101, quoting incident number 3995 of Tuesday 6th August, 2024.”

The Heart Health Boost: How twenty minutes of reading a day can reduce your risk of a heart attack

Dedicating just 20 minutes a day to reading could offer significant benefits, including reducing your risk of a heart attack.

This simple habit not only enriches the mind but also contributes to heart health in several profound ways.

Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books tells us how:

Stress Reduction

One of the primary ways reading helps reduce the risk of heart attacks is through stress reduction. Stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. When you immerse yourself in a good book, your mind is transported away from the worries and anxieties of everyday life. According to a study by the University of Sussex, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Imagine the compounded benefits of dedicating 20 minutes daily to this relaxing activity!

Improved Sleep Quality

Poor sleep is another risk factor for heart attacks. Reading before bed can help improve sleep quality, leading to better heart health. Instead of engaging with screens, which emit blue light and disrupt sleep patterns, opting for a physical book or e-reader with a warm light setting can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Better sleep means your body can repair and rejuvenate, reducing strain on your heart.

Mental Stimulation

Reading keeps your brain active and engaged, which is beneficial for overall mental health. Mental stimulation has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety, both of which can negatively impact heart health. By regularly challenging your brain, you help maintain its functionality, potentially staving off conditions that can indirectly affect your heart, such as depression and cognitive decline.

Lower Blood Pressure

Relaxation from reading can also help lower blood pressure. When you are engrossed in a book, your body relaxes, and this relaxation can lead to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, so maintaining a lower blood pressure through regular reading can contribute to heart health.

Social Connections

Reading, especially fiction, enhances empathy and social understanding. These improved social connections and empathy can lead to stronger relationships and social support networks, which are essential for emotional well-being. Emotional well-being and strong social connections have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.

Encourages Mindfulness

Reading requires concentration and presence, which are key aspects of mindfulness. Mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment, has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Regular practice of mindfulness through reading can improve your overall emotional health, thereby reducing the risk of heart-related issues.

How to Incorporate Reading into Your Daily Routine

Set a Specific Time: Choose a consistent time each day for your reading session, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.

Create a Cosy Space: Designate a comfortable spot for reading, free from distractions.

Choose Enjoyable Material: Select books or articles that genuinely interest you to make the habit enjoyable and sustainable.

Limit Screen Time: Opt for physical books or e-readers with non-glare screens to reduce eye strain and improve relaxation.

Join a Book Club: Engaging with others about what you’re reading can enhance your enjoyment and provide additional social benefits.

Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books says: “Incorporating just 20 minutes of reading into your daily routine can offer significant benefits for your heart health.

“From reducing stress and improving sleep to lowering blood pressure and fostering mindfulness, this simple habit is a powerful tool in reducing the risk of heart attacks.

“So, grab a book, find a cosy spot, and start reading your way to a healthier heart today!“

Social security support as children prepare for back to school  

Parents and carers are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support as the summer holidays end and they prepare for their children going back to school.  

Extra costs, including new shoes, stationery and lunch boxes, can soon add up.   

The five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland can help pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out.  

This includes the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £26.70 for eligible families with children up to 16. The payment is unique to Scotland and is supporting over 329,000 children and young people. 

The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children’s early years, including during pregnancy.  

There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.  

Up to the end of March 2024, over £829 million has been provided to families across Scotland through the five family payments.  

Speaking at Home-Start Dundee, a charity that helps families with young children, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The most important priority for our government is eradicating child poverty, and we are committed to easing the pressure on families by getting vital money into their pockets at key stages in their child’s life.  

“Whether it is helping families to buy healthy foods during pregnancy and for their kids as they grow, pushchairs to help on the move, or new shoes and clothing for school, our payments are there when they need it most. 

“We’re already supporting thousands of families across Scotland through our five family payments, and wider Scottish Government support is also helping to protect them as much as we can from the impacts of the cost of living crisis. 
  
“Even if you are working you could still get these payments and I want to encourage everyone to check if they are eligible and access the money they are entitled to.” 

Estelle Coulthard, Family Support Coordinator at Home-Start Dundee, said: “We are a local charity providing support for families with young children across Dundee that face daily challenges in life. We’re there to provide support as they learn to cope, help improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

“We are responsive to the individual needs of families, and this includes helping to make parents aware of the financial support they are entitled to and work with them to complete application forms for financial assistance. 

“We know parents who have struggled to purchase everyday items such as formula and healthy foods for their children but the support they have received through the five family payments meant they no longer have to worry about feeding their child.

“The first five years between birth and school are vital for a child’s development and the five family payments make a huge difference to the beginning of a little one’s life, supporting parents to have the funds to purchase the necessities they need. Without these payments, families would not survive the constant rise in the cost of living in Scotland.”