Category: North Edinburgh News

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.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton: Contingency Planning for Civil Unrest in Scotland

CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR CIVIL UNREST IN SCOTLAND

This afternoon (Wednesday) I attended a meeting with the First Minister, other party leaders and the leadership of Police Scotland, to discuss contingencies for civil unrest in Scotland in the wake of riots seen in other parts of the U.K.

There is an increasing level of intelligence suggesting events may be in the planning by extremist groups based here in Scotland. Police Scotland have been working closely with faith communities and refugees and those who work with them and have their officers on a heightened state of readiness to respond.

I was heartened by the depth of intelligence the police already have and their planning is at an advanced stage.

We have agreed a united approach to combatting online misinformation and that enhanced guidance and support for schools be provided, so that teachers can address some of the misinformation on the return of Schools next week.

I asked the First Minister that we be ready to recall Parliament next week should there be any kind of outbreak in violence.

In the meantime I will continue to work with community and faith leaders across West Edinburgh to present a united front to intolerance and hate.

Best,

ACH

Sun shines on R2 Garden Party

More than fifty people representing community organisations from across North Edinburgh attended the ‘Garden Party’ held by R2 at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday.

The networking and information event, which was also attended by politicians Ben MacPherson MSP and new MP Tracy Gilbert, was a great success and initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

R2 Coordinator Anita Aggarwal said: “We were more than 50 people and it sounded like there was lots of good chat. 

“Thanks again to everyone who contributed, particularly the team at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Jed for the tunes and Scran for tasty food.  You can see the lovely picture of us all here Facebook

“I also collected a lot of information about what you want from and can offer to R2.  I’ve attached what I have heard so far.

“If you weren’t at the meeting yesterday (or have thought of something else) you can still feedback your thoughts on R2 by completing this short form:

https://forms.office.com/e/V9cabAA4ye

“And one more request for information: I’m trying to build a better sense of what organisations have to offer, so please, if you haven’t already, could you also complete this little table for your organisation – you’ll see some examples in the notes attached.

OrganisationStrengths of my organisation that I could shareStuff that my organisation has that I could lend
Eg  R2Knowledge of organisations in north EdinburghFund raising experienceUnderstanding and experience of Community Development and Participatory Action ResearchPost it notes

“Please respond by end of Monday 26 August.

“I’ll use what you tell me to inform the workplan for R2 for the next few months.”

You can contact Anita at hello@r2northed.org.uk

DAVE P. writes: I had the pleasure of hosting a session where local projects were offered a five-minute opportunity to talk about their activities and share what they are up to with others.

North Edinburgh has a wealth of amazing organisations supporting our community and it was fantastic to learn what is being achieved across the area, despite the many challenges faced by North Edinburgh’s third sector groups.

Many thanks, then, to Adele (North Edinburgh Community Festival), Sarah (NEDAC), Jed (Tinderbox), John (Community Renewal), Lynn and Rebecca (North Edinburgh Childcare), Billy (Royston Wardieburn Community Centre), Anna (Granton Goes Greener), Holly (National Galleries Scotland), Tom (Pianodrome), Debbie (Muirhouse Housing Association) and city council engagement officer Elaine Lennon for your positive contributions!

You can contact Anita at hello@r2northed.org.uk

240806 notesDownload

Edinburgh graduate Andrea helps launch music therapy practice

Andrea Jardine, a MSc in Music Therapy student who graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in July, was recognised for her help in setting up a new music therapy practice while she was on placement with the NHS.

Twenty-five-year-old Andrea, who is a self-employed violin teacher in Edinburgh, was presented the Blowing the Music Therapy Trumpet! Award by QMU – the only university in Scotland to offer a music therapy course.

While on placement at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Andrea helped set up a music therapy practice – the first in the region for over a decade!

Andrea, said: “In our final year on the MSc Music Therapy course, we were able to experience setting up a music therapy practice in places that haven’t had such a service before.

“It was nerve-wracking being the only music therapist in the hospital at the time, but it was a great opportunity to create more awareness of the work we do, alongside a variety of other professionals – from occupational therapists and nurses, to psychiatrists.

“I was able to work in a variety of settings with a wide range of patients of different ages and with different needs, witnessing just how much music can help improve a person’s health and well-being. I learned to work autonomously while also working as part of a wider team, and it was great to learn how to manage referrals and a caseload of my own clients.

“My final year placement was a truly special experience. I hope that by doing my placement there, it has paved the way for art therapies to be introduced to Dumfries and Galloway. It would be wonderful if music therapy could become a permanent service in the region!’’

A passionate advocate for art therapies and its potential to help with rehabilitation, Andrea is also a Trustee for the Scottish Music Therapy Trust, and one day hopes to run her own music therapy practice, working with neurodivergent children or adults with dementia.

Andrea, said: “The academic staff and lecturers at QMU have been the absolute highlight of my university experience. I initially had applied to a music therapy course in England for a change of scene – given I have lived in Scotland my whole life – but after visiting QMU for the first time, I quickly changed my mind.

“The support and guidance that I’ve experienced at QMU couldn’t have been replicated at any other university, particularly as I am neurodivergent myself. I loved the benefit of working with the art and drama therapy students at QMU, exchanging knowledge and ideas, and the smaller cohort size was a huge plus.”

On the day of Andrea’s graduation from QMU, she celebrated with her family and classmates at an impressive ceremony held in Edinburgh’s beautiful Usher Hall, attended by QMU’s Chancellor and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith CBE. Andrea was one of 1300 students who graduated in person from Queen Margaret University across three ceremonies in July. 

Dr Philippa Derrington, a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the MSc in Music Therapy within the Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at QMU, said: “Introducing music therapy to a new setting is an important part of students’ preparation for practice, and the final year students do this so well, year on year, often leading to further employment opportunities.

“Well done Andrea on winning this award – I look forward to hearing where your career takes you next!” 

Hospital at Home funding

Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital

The number of patients using Hospital at Home in Scotland rose by almost a quarter last year, it has been revealed, as funding allocations for NHS boards were announced.

A total of 13 local healthcare providers have been allocated a share of £3.6 million for Hospital at Home for older people to help ease pressure on frontline acute services.

Hospital at Home offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, with almost 15,000 older patients using the service in 2023/24 and this funding will support the continuation and development of existing programmes.

NHS Borders has been allocated £600,000, with a further 12 healthcare partners also receiving a share of the allocation.

Confirmation of the awards comes as a new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlights the impact that the Hospital at Home service for older people has had in 2023-24. The findings show:

  • 14,467 patients used Hospital at Home in 2023, up from 11,686 in the previous year
  • total bed numbers increased by 58%, ahead of the Scottish Government’s 50% target
  • an estimated £14.9 million was saved in traditional hospital admission costs
  • a further estimated £36.3 million was saved in post-hospital care due to a reduction in re-admissions

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to see the progress that local health providers are making on delivering Hospital at Home services and the positive impact it is having, particularly on elderly patients.

“Hospital at Home allows patients to receive acute treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable and familiar with.

“There are more Hospital at Home beds for older people available and an increasing number of patients are choosing to use the service.

“Hospital at Home gives people greater independence during their recovery. Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.

“It is also one of a range of measures that we have put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.”

Belinda Robertson, Associate Director of Improvement, Healthcare Improvement Scotland said:  “We know that patients benefit from receiving safe, patient-centred care in the comfort of their own home whilst continuing to benefit from the support they are used to from families, friends and carers.

“Our latest annual report for Hospital at Home across Scotland shows that more and more NHS boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are providing acute hospital care to people in their own homes.

“Four new services for people living in and around Dumfries, Galashiels, Lerwick and Oban have been established in the last year, and Hospital at Home services across the country have prevented over 14,467 people spending time in hospital.  

“We would like to commend the Hospital at Home services for the fantastic work they’ve done to establish and grow their services. In the year ahead, we look forward to continuing to support NHS boards and Partnerships to further develop the services they provide, and to share learning across all Hospital at Home services.”

NSPCC: The importance of play as children grow up

Dear Editor,

A poll commissioned recently by the NSPCC has revealed that more than eight out of 10 UK parents believe in-person play has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.

The YouGov survey of over 1,000 UK parents, with children aged 18 or under, also found that 62 per cent of respondents would like their children to have more time to play and almost a third (32 per cent) said playing with peers is the best way to enhance their child’s experience and promote learning and development.

Play is central to thriving childhoods.

This data highlights the benefits of all types of play, whether in-person or online, as children spend weeks away from school during the summer holidays.

The NSPCC-run service, Childline, is hearing first-hand about the challenges that some children face during this time.

Some young people tell us that they struggle to cope being out of their school routine, whilst others feel disconnected from their friends and, for some, home is not a happy environment.

Childline’s trained counsellors promote play as a helpful tool that children can use to support their wellbeing, reduce anxiety and release stress.  

Ensuring your child has a variety of different types of play,  will help them cope in difficult times, connect with others, build confidence and learn more about the world around them.

Whether it be playing a board game, football or visiting the Childline website and playing a game in our online toolbox, all types of play can be beneficial.

Children can get in touch with Childline 24/7 every day of the year on childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111.

Paul Johnson

Childline Team Manager

NSPCC Scotland

UK disorder – Police Scotland update

EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT

Police Scotland continues to engage with our communities to offer reassurance following violent disorder in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Officers continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

Today (Wednesday 7 August, 2024) Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with the First Minister John Swinney MSP along Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie in Edinburgh.

Our Chief is also meeting with community groups in Glasgow to listen to their perspectives and offer reassurance.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Gold commander for our policing response, said: “We understand the concern and officers right across Scotland are providing reassurance to communities across the country through enhanced patrols and direct engagement.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure any potential for violence or disorder in Scotland is identified quickly and responded to immediately.

“Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.

“We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.

“I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.

“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation, and our role is to ensure public safety while balancing the rights of protesters who wish to peacefully demonstrate. We encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact us through 101.

“Violence and disorder is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by the appalling violence which has been experienced in some communities and with our brave colleagues in UK policing.

“We continue to be in close touch with other UK police services should requests for support be required.”

FIRST MINISTER MEETS FAITH LEADERS

First Minister John Swinney has held positive talks to provide further reassurance to people across Scotland in the context of ongoing disturbances and disorder in parts of the UK.

The First Minister met with representatives of faith and refugee groups at Bute House this morning to show solidarity with communities around the country.

He then met with Scottish political party leaders and Police Scotland representatives to discuss the situation in Scotland and the rest of the UK. 

Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My positive meetings today were intended to provide reassurance that this is a time for solidarity and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder to divide people.

“I have drawn together faith leaders from across communities in Scotland to express our solidarity together – we respect each other and we want everybody to be safe within our society.

“I have also brought together leaders of political parties in Scotland for a briefing with Police Scotland to enable the police to set out the work they are undertaking to keep people safe in Scotland, should we face any events of the type that we have seen in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“The displays of violence, prejudice and Islamophobia seen in other parts of the United Kingdom have no place in democratic society, and I want to reassure people in Scotland that we have plans and preparations in place to ensure everybody is kept safe.

“We are absolutely not complacent and remain vigilant. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable who has reassured me that Police Scotland has the capability and resources in place to respond should we face the same challenges.” 

The First Minister met with representatives from the following faith and refugee groups this morning:

  • Scottish Hindu Foundation
  • Scottish Association of Mosques
  • Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
  • Senior Rabbi, Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue
  • Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
  • Scottish Episcopal Church
  • Church of Scotland
  • Muslim Council of Scotland
  • Scottish Refugee Council

The First Minister also met with:

  • Jo Farrell (Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Alan Speirs (Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Gary Ritchie (Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland)
  • Douglas Ross MSP (Scottish Conservatives)
  • Anas Sarwar MSP (Scottish Labour)
  • Lorna Slater MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Greens)
  • Alex Cole Hamilton MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Secretary of State for Scotland @IanMurrayMP has also written to reassure Scottish faith communities and underline there is no place in Scotland for racism, bigotry, or the politics of hate:

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A STATEMENT BY EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION

New research reveals half of Scottish workers want more flexibility at work

Half of Scottish workers want more flexibility – and more than 1 in 3 with children would consider term-time-only working, according to new survey

  • New survey from YouGov, commissioned by Amazon, explores Scottish views on workplace flexibility
  • While 51% of workers in Scotland would like more flexible working options from their employer, almost half (44%) say they have NO option to work flexibly at all
  • More than one in three (34%) of all parents with children aged 18 and under would consider term-time working; an innovative option recently introduced by Amazon for its Operations employees in Dunfermline and across the UK
© Tim George/ UNP 0845 600 7737 Amazon PRIDE: EMA2 Dan Neilson

As parents across Scotland plan ways to keep their children active and entertained during the school holidays, new research reveals that more than one in three working Scottish parents would consider term-time only working to improve work/life balance.

A YouGov poll commissioned by Amazon, reveals half (51%) of working parents in Scotland want more flexibility in their jobs, while more than one in three (34%) parents in Scotland said they would consider switching to a term-time contract.

Furthermore, almost half (44%) of those questioned in Scotland say their current employer offers no opportunity to work flexibly at all.

The survey follows a recent expansion of Amazon’s own ground-breaking term-time working option which aims to help employees and their families. The flexibility guarantees time off during the summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays for parents, grandparents and guardians of school-age children.

Launched as a response to employee feedback, term-time working is now available to thousands of people across Amazon’s operations network following a pilot in the company’s larger fulfilment centres to understand how the option could better support families during school holidays.

The company also recently introduced Amazon Anytime; a flexible part-time contract for a minimum of 80 hours a month, which lets employees pick and mix the shifts which suit their needs – part-day or full-day, day or night, weekday or weekend.

The new survey also reveals:

  • Three quarters (74%) of working parents in Scotland say flexible working is a priority when thinking about their next job
  • A better work-life balance (63%) and less commuting (53%) are the top perceived benefits of flexibility for working parents in Scotland

John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK Country Manager, said: “These findings clearly demonstrate the huge importance of workplace flexibility, and why it matters so much to employees in Scotland and across the UK.

“At Amazon, we’re always listening to our employees and innovating for our people, and we’re delighted to offer these ground-breaking contracts to help provide employees and their families more flexible options. 

“We have a variety of different full-time and part-time contracts, and we’ve also provided a four-day working week for our fulfilment centre employees for many years. Term-time working and Amazon Anytime are examples of how we continue to use feedback to support our people, help with childcare needs, and give families more time together.”

Amazon employees can also take advantage of Amazon’s pioneering Career Choice programme, which pre-pays up to 95% of costs for nationally accredited courses in high-demand fields (up to £8,000 over four years), regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.

Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a modern, safe and engaging work environment are provided for Amazon employees. The roles pay a minimum of £12.30 per hour depending on location, as well as up to £33,500 a year for degree-level apprenticeships.

All employees can also benefit from a package that includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount – which combined are worth thousands annually – as well as a company pension plan.

Amazon has been named as a ‘Top Employer UK 2024’ by the Top Employer Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management.

This award recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and well-being of its employees. In addition to the UK accolade, Amazon has also been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for a second consecutive year.

Amazon was also recently ranked first in the top 50 employers of veterans in the UK by the GREAT British Employers of Veterans, a comprehensive benchmark of the leading companies that employ veterans.

Scotland hosts global cultural leaders for festival hub of international exchange

The Momentum Delegate Programme kicks off in Edinburgh today, Wednesday 7 August, acting as a central hub from the world-leading Festival City to connect key cultural players from across the world with the wider Scottish and international cultural sector.  

Every August during the Edinburgh Festivals the capital of Scotland becomes a global celebration of culture and creativity, with citizens of the city and the country joined by artists and audiences from all over the world. 

At Momentum, a cohort of producers, government agencies, funders, stakeholders and programmers from invited countries will join a tailored programme of networking and meetings with creative practitioners, policymakers and educators in Scotland.

The collaborations established will enable long-term relationships, platforming Scotland and its artists and art organisations on the world stage and further cementing Scotland’s international cultural reputation.  

Led by Festivals Edinburgh, in partnership with Creative Scotland and British Council Scotland, with additional support from City of Edinburgh Council and Event Scotland, the hub will open its doors from Creative Scotland’s Edinburgh headquarters at Waverley Gate. 

On behalf of Momentum partners, Julia Amour, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are distinctively Scottish yet profoundly international, and we’re delighted to welcome cultural representatives from around the globe to our Momentum programme, where we will help them build relationships with our festivals and the wider Scottish cultural sector.” 

The 36 delegates arriving are from Viet Nam, Sweden, South Korea, the MENA region (Middle East & North Africa), Türkiye, Mexico and Poland – as well as two artform delegations for Literature and Visual Arts. Information on each area, its delegates and sessions are available on the Momentum website.  

Since 2011, Momentum has brought over 700 international delegates to Edinburgh during the buzz of the city’s August festivals. These have contributed to multiple collaborations, most recently:  

Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT) connected with Ciało/Umysł, an international contemporary dance festival in Warsaw, developed from a meeting set up by the Momentum team last year. After the initial introduction, with support from the Momentum follow-up fund, SDT Artistic Director Joan Clevillé visited Poland for Ciało’s dance platform.   

SDT’s Senior Producer, Robyn Jancovich-Brown said: “The visit enabled SDT to get a sense of the scene, visit venues, make more connections in the area, and, critically, really understand the cultural and political context in which the artists and organisations are working.

“We’re now talking about next steps and exploring plans for an artistic exchange programme in autumn 2025, in which Scottish and Polish dancers will be able to work together.” 

Stanza Poetry Festival Artistic Director Ryan Van Winkle met Manuela Moser from the Cúirt International Festival of Literature from Ireland at Momentum 2023. 

Ryan said: “Initially Manuela and I had some great chats just about being new in our roles and the challenges of directing festivals. We stayed in touch, sharing ideas about poets and writers, and then agreed to partner on a grant application.

“That enabled us to have an extra event at Stanza last year, in collaboration with Cúirt International Festival of Literature, called Companion Planting. An artist and an author visited from Ireland to talk about strategies of support and examined ‘care’ within collaborative artistic working practices.

“This was a perfect fit with Stanza’s theme last year. It’s rare to see a project happen that fast; I felt lucky to encounter Manuela, and get something going so quickly.”