Category: North Edinburgh News

Healthy Heart Tip: Make Your Summer Picnics Healthier 

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Picnics are one of the best parts of summer and a great chance to spend some well-deserved time outside enjoying the sunshine.

The average person has around three picnics a year, so that’s 94 million picnics that happen annually. Dining al fresco doesn’t need to be boring or unhealthy, use this as an opportunity to continue your healthy habits and eat a range of nutritious and heart-healthy foods.  

Here we share some tips on how to enjoy a healthier picnic: 

Be Prepared 

There is nothing worse than tasty food that has been spoilt in the heat. Use this as the perfect time to invest in a cool bag or box that’ll keep your food cold and fresh for optimal enjoyment.

You might find it useful to get a picnic blanket too. This will not only give you somewhere more comfortable to sit, but it will also help protect you and your food or drinks from insects and damp ground. 

Make Nutritious Foods 

Preparing your own food at home will save you money and provide an array of heart-healthy, tasty options. If you want to eat a classic sandwich, choose a healthier wholemeal bread and fill it with a healthy protein and plenty of salad or vegetables.

Fruit skewers, roasted chickpeas, and homemade hummus with wholemeal pitta breads are great picnic options that are easy to prep in advance. 

Heart Research UK’s Greek salad or cheese and courgette savoury muffins also make tasty, heart-healthy choices. 

Enjoy Time with Friends and Family 

Picnics are great for socialising with friends and family to unwind from the stresses of life. Stress can increase both your heart rate and blood pressure, putting an increased strain on your heart.

Taking time out from your busy schedule to relax and socialise in nature over a picnic can be great for your health. 

Add in Some Physical Activity 

Why not use this designated time outside to increase your physical activity levels too? You could do this by making the picnic halfway through a nice walk or bike ride in the countryside.

Alternatively, you could take a frisbee or ball with you and play a group game of catch. By increasing your physical activity levels and eating healthier picnic food, you’re keeping your heart healthy. 

Hard Rock Cafe kicks off John Lennon legacy treasure hunt

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh’s own artefact, a questionnaire complete by John Lennon in 1973, forms a part of an exciting new global treasure hunt, launched in honour of the release of John Lennon’s ‘Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection’.

Hard Rock International is proud to kick off the John Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Hunt alongside the John Lennon Estate and UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group, for fans around the world.

This questionnaire displayed within the Edinburgh venue, filled out in pen by Lennon himself, features 23 categories that offer a candid glimpse into his personal thoughts and feelings at the time.

Signed and dated by Lennon, many of his answers vividly express his deep affection for Yoko Ono, highlighting the profound bond they shared. Each response provides insight into Lennon’s personality, preferences, and priorities during a pivotal period in his life and career.

The document serves as a testament to Lennon’s openness and his willingness to share his innermost sentiments, particularly his love and admiration for Yoko Ono.

The questionnaire is not only a piece of personal memorabilia but also a valuable historical artefact, reflecting the intimate and emotional aspects of one of the most influential figures in music history.

Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at its locations around the globe. Memorabilia highlights to discover through the John Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Hunt include clothing, instruments, sketches, lyrics and more at various Hard Rock locations.

The treasure hunt launch aligns with John & Yoko’s new social website citizenofnutopia.com, a map of the world where fans can sign up, leave peaceful messages, enjoy “Meditation Affirmations” and express their gratitude and admiration for John & Yoko and their core principles of Peace, Love and Truth.

Nutopia is an imaginary country created by John Lennon & Yoko Ono in 1973, promoting the ideas of Peace and Love made famous by John’s songs ‘Imagine’ and ‘Mind Games’.

Citizens of Nutopia can earn points and rewards in the Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program when they visit participating Hard Rock Cafes, Casinos and Hotels to discover precious John Lennon memorabilia tagged with QR codes that when scanned, provide more stories about the artefacts and points on the website.

Items include:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester: Oriental teapot and matching goblets from John Lennon’s Kenwood home
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly: John Lennon’s Gold Tone Algha Spectacles (Mid-1960s)
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane (Vault, Requires Special Tour): Baldwin Harpsichord (1967)
  • Hard Rock Cafe Brussels: “You Are Here” Pen and Ink on Paper (1971)
  • Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest: Black Suit Worn by John Lennon During The Beatles’ US Tour (1965)
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence: Black Leather Jacket Worn by John Lennon in “How I Won the War” (1967)
  • Hard Rock Cafe Key West: John Lennon’s Blue Denim Work Shirt Worn While Recording “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” (1974)
  • Hard Rock Cafe New York: Handwritten “Help!” Lyrics (1965)
  • Hard Rock Cafe Orlando: Original John Lennon “PEACE AND LOVE” and Portrait Sketch (1969)

Additionally, Hard Rock is offering incredible discounts and offers for John Lennon fans when they participate:

  • Citizens of Nutopia will receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating locations.
  • Citizens of Nutopia will receive 20% off Rock Shop® merchandise at participating locations.

The John Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Hunt serves to celebrate the release of ‘Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection’ sets.

The definitive Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the centre of the studio and explores the album’s 1973 recording sessions at the Record Plant in New York City, from inception to the final master, through scores of unreleased outtakes, unadulterated versions, instrumentals, stripped down mixes, studio chatter and more, revealing how fan-favorite songs evolved and came to life.

Sean Ono Lennon says: “We’ve been working on the box sets of Mind Games for years now. Initially I thought, ‘Mind Games’.. game… What if we ‘gamified’ Mind Games? So that’s all I’ll say for now, but there are many levels to this release, including the box sets and far beyond – that will slowly unravel – and I hope will potentially entertain and engage everyone for many years to come.

“I hope you enjoy these Mind Games with Hard Rock and as my Mom says in the intro to the book, let’s see how we can make a positive future with it – to play a positive mind game with one another.

Giovanni Taliaferro, Vice President of Memorabilia and Design at Hard Rock International, said: “Preserving music history is what enriches the Hard Rock travel, dining and gaming experience.

“We are honored to display priceless pieces from John Lennon’s musical and inspirational legacy. We have the utmost gratitude to the John Lennon Estate and Universal Music Group for inviting us to participate in this amazing venture.

“We hope that by learning from Hard Rock’s memorabilia collection, John’s biggest fans can imagine how his artistry and ideals still endure today.”

Visit unity.hardrock.com/johnlennon/terms-and-conditions for more info on the discounts, offers, participating locations and promotions.

Book your table at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh today at:

 https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

‘Don’t leave older people on a low income out in the cold’

  • 22 organisations sign letter to Rachel Reeves calling on the UK Government to halt Winter Fuel Payment change
  • Independent Age says that “sudden change puts lives at risk”
  • Call is backed by campaigners who have emailed their local MP for support

22 charities have sent an open letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, calling on her to urgently review the change to the Winter Fuel Payment for older people.

The change announced by Ms Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on Monday mean that people aged 66 and over who don’t receive Pension Credit or a small number of other means-tested benefits, will no longer receive automatic annual payments of between £100 and £300 to help with energy costs through the winter.

Right now, Pension Credit has a low take-up of just 63%, meaning up to 1.2 million older people who are eligible will now miss out on this additional support. Many more are just above the level of eligibility for Pension Credit but still can’t afford to pay their bills.

Independent Age, one of the charities leading the call, has launched an open letter today calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to not make these changes now while Pension Credit is not received by everyone it should be.

The charity also says the UK Government needs to make sure that everyone receives an adequate income in later life so that those who aren’t eligible for Pension Credit but still face financial hardship have enough to live on.

In the letter, the organisations say: ‘Linking the qualification of the Winter Fuel Payment to whether an older person receives Pension Credit could mean up to 1.2 million older people on low incomes miss out on even more vital financial support. 

“As a result, many of them will inevitably be pushed further into poverty.

“Restricting the Winter Fuel Payment this autumn does not give the UK Government time to significantly boost Pension Credit take-up to a level that would reduce some of the side-effects of this measure. It will leave many older people on low incomes facing a cold and dangerous winter.”

Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age added: “It is not an overstatement to warn that, in its current form, this sudden change puts lives as risk. Too many people on a low income now face an uncertain winter where their budgets are even more stretched and will be forced to make dangerous and stressful decisions.

“While we understand that the UK Government must make difficult decisions, this is too much, too soon. We urge the Chancellor to not make this change now, and instead ensure every older person has an adequate income to avoid financial hardship before removing the Winter Fuel Payment. Any less risks serious consequences for older people in poverty.”

Members of the public are being invited by Independent Age to email their MP to ask for a halt to the changes. They can do this by visiting this webpage.

Pension Credit is a form of financial support which ‘tops-up’ the income of people over State Pension age who fall below an income threshold of £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a couple.

Many of those eligible could also unlock additional benefits worth thousands a year such as the Warm Home Discount, a free TV licence, Council Tax Reduction and free NHS dental treatment.

To apply, visit the gov.uk website on Pension Credit, or you can visit the Independent Age website at https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/money/benefits/pension-credit or call the free Independent Age helpline on 0800 319 6789 during working hours for help with understanding whether you could be eligible.

Open letter with list of signatories here: 

https://www.independentage.org/winter-fuel-payment-open-letter

Community Grants Fund open for applications

Do you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community? Apply now for a grant of up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality!

The Community Grants Fund was set up in 2007 to kickstart projects that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.

There are 13 local funds, each covering a different area of the city. If you are part of a community group with a project in mind, see if you can apply to your local Community Grant Fund .

The next application deadline is Monday 26 August, excluding Western as the deadline is Monday 12 August.

If you are in Leith, applications for the Leith fund should be submitted to £eith Chooses between 16 August and 10 October this year.

The Community Grants Fund has supported some fantastic projects in the past, such as The Friends of Victoria Park pumphouse mural, ‘Place to Pause’ at The Eric Liddell Centre and the Broomhouse Street Party – and yours could be next!

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “Our communities are the lifeblood of our city and we’re committed to ensuring that they have the resources to bring their ideas to life.   

“As this is the final round of funding for 2024, the amount available in each neighbourhood varies. Our City Centre, Liberton/Gilmerton, and Portobello/Craigmillar neighbourhoods have already allocated their available funding for 2024, applications will be open again in the spring of 2025.

“I always enjoy seeing the projects in our communities come to life, and I’m really excited to see the projects that apply for funding during this round of applications.”

Chair of Friends of Victoria Park Lucy Metcalfe said: “Thanks to community grant funding from the Council, the park has been greatly enhanced by the vibrant artwork that replaces the unsightly dirty and graffitied walls of the old pumphouse.

“The students from the local high school were able to spend a week working with a renowned artist, developing, painting and teamwork skills.

“The mural is a testament to the commitment of the school and its students to the park and the local community. The Friends are very proud of this achievement.”

For the best chance of securing a grant, apply by the relevant August deadline. 

Applications will be reviewed in October and successful applicants will be advised.

Nursing graduate recognised with palliative care award from St Columba’s Hospice

A new nursing graduate from Queen Margaret University (QMU) has gained recognition for her sensitive and compassionate care of people near end of life with an award from St Columba’s Hospice Care.  

Ailsa Timoney, who graduated with Master of Nursing from QMU in July this year, was presented with the St Columba’s Hospice Care Palliative Care Nursing Award. 

Twenty-six-year-old Ailsa from Edinburgh undertook a 10-week placement at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, as part of her QMU degree course.

She was surprised how much she enjoyed the placement at the hospice, as she anticipated that it would be a really sad experience. However, she found the work really rewarding, so much so that she would consider moving into a palliative care position at some point during her career.  

Ailsa said: “Working at St Columba’s wasn’t what I had expected. It was really fulfilling to be able to provide a good level of person centred care to each individual patient, and I know this really helped the individual, as well as their families, in the journey towards end of life.” 

Discussing her university experience, she said: “I really enjoyed being a student at QMU – everyone is so supportive and friendly, and it’s such a welcoming community. The four-year undergraduate master’s course was both challenging and very worthwhile, and the academics and the degree prepared me well for entering the nursing workforce. I received great support from staff. There was always someone available to help and guide me through the course.   

“I’m thrilled to have received the award from St Columba’s Hospice Care – it’s such a special place and I learned so much on my placement with the team there. I’m now excited to be coming into the nursing profession and starting my role as a community nurse.” 

Georgios Tsigkas, Programme Leader for the Master of Nursing course at Queen Margaret University, said: “This award recognises the dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism that Ailsa demonstrated throughout the full four years on the course.

“She is a great ambassador for our nursing programme, and through her work and attitude she epitomises the values of QMU in wanting to make a difference to the lives of others.” 

Ruth Magowan, Head of The Division of Nursing at QMU, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with St Columba’s Hospice Care, which is the first University Hospice in the east of Scotland.

“Our partnership aims to enhance the delivery of person-centred palliative care through integrated research, teaching and clinical practice, and we are delighted that Ailsa has been able to benefit from her time with Hospice, and proud that her attitude and hard work have been recognised by the team there.  

“Ailsa has proved to be an exceptional student and we know that she will go out into the nursing workforce and make a very positive contribution to person-centred care. The Hospice award is the icing on the cake for Ailsa, and gets her career off to a flying start!” 

Helping children understand and cope with disasters

Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist

Paediatric First Aid Course

In recent times, our communities have faced challenges that can be difficult for anyone to process, particularly children (writes SARAH JEFFERIES, Paediatric Health Specialist).

As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to help our young ones navigate these unsettling events with care, understanding, and reassurance. Children often turn to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to respond to and understand the world around them, especially during times of crisis.

Here are some key ways to talk to children about disasters while providing them with the support they need:

Create a Safe Environment

First and foremost, ensure that children feel safe. This means being present, both physically and emotionally, and reassuring them that their immediate environment is secure. Children need to know that they are protected and that their caregivers are there to support them.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate

When discussing difficult events, it is important to be honest but mindful of the child’s age and developmental stage. Use simple, clear language and avoid overloading them with information. For younger children, brief explanations are often sufficient, while older children might seek more detailed information.

Encourage Questions

Children are naturally curious, and they may have many questions about what they hear or see. Encourage them to ask questions and listen attentively to their concerns. This will help them process their feelings and understand the situation better.

Validate Their Feelings

Children may express a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to confusion and anger. It is important to validate their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel upset. Share your own feelings in a way that is appropriate and demonstrates empathy, showing them that they are not alone.

Focus on the Helpers

In times of crisis, it is beneficial to focus on the positive actions being taken by individuals and communities. Highlight the efforts of emergency responders, healthcare workers, and community volunteers. This can provide a sense of hope and demonstrate the power of people coming together to help one another.

Limit Media Exposure

Continuous exposure to news and media reports can be overwhelming and distressing for children. Monitor their media consumption and be available to discuss any content they may have seen. Encourage activities that offer a positive distraction, such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors.

Promote a Routine

Maintaining a regular routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability for children. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities can help them feel more secure and less anxious about the uncertainty around them.

Encourage Expression Through Play and Art

Children often express their feelings through play, drawing, and storytelling. Encourage these activities as a way for them to process their emotions and experiences. Offer them tools such as crayons, paper, or toys to facilitate this form of expression.

Be Patient and Available

Children may need time to process their emotions and may revisit their questions and concerns repeatedly. Be patient and make yourself available for ongoing discussions. Let them know that they can come to you anytime they need to talk.

Seek Professional Support if Needed

If you notice that a child is struggling to cope, exhibiting changes in behaviour, or showing signs of distress that do not improve over time, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. Early intervention can be beneficial in supporting a child’s emotional well-being.

Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist from Paediatric First Aid Course, says: “By approaching these conversations with sensitivity and care, we can help children build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

“As adults, it is our responsibility to guide our young ones through challenging times, empowering them with the strength to face the future with confidence.

“Together, we can create an environment of support and understanding that helps children thrive despite the difficulties they may encounter.

“Let’s commit to being the reassuring presence they need as they navigate the complexities of the world around them.”

Animated TV sensation Bluey to have bumper episode compilation screening at cinemas across the UK

UK’s number 1 kid’s show Bluey arrives at Vue this month – with tickets on sale now  

Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection is an hour-long treat for fans of Bluey to enjoy, made up of eight episodes from the TV show’s three series, all based around the theme of Family Trip.

The compilation will revisit several milestones for Bluey, including a Road Trip away, Camping and a visit to The Beach – as well as Bluey’s first trip to the cinema in Movies. 

Arriving on 9 August, the title is part of Vue’s newly launched Big Shorts screenings, which will be bringing children’s favourite small screen characters to the big screen, with tickets starting from just £3.99. 

The loveable Blue Heeler dog first arrived on-screen in Australia back in 2018 and has since become a household name, proving popular with children and parents alike across the globe. 

Jointly commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios Kids & Family, Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio in association with Screen Queensland and Screen Australia.

BBC Studios also holds global distribution and merchandise rights. 

In the UK, Bluey airs on Disney+, and on free-to-air broadcast platforms CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. 

The arrival of Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection marks the beginning of a series of summer offerings for families at Vue. 

Toby Bradon, General Manager of Vue UK & Ireland, said: ‘We pride ourselves on our family offerings and cannot wait to share the joy of everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler on the big screen this month.

“As our selection of special screenings show, we value our family audiences and want to bring the magic of the big screen alive for as many as possible throughout the summer and beyond.’  

For more information and to book tickets, visit myvue.com.  

Scottish Government: Supporting parents with children in care

£900,000 for organisations working with birth parents

Parents who have had a child taken into care will receive support from community services through £900,000 of Scottish Government funding this year.

The annual investment, delivered through the Corra Foundation, will be shared in 2024-25 by 11 organisations who work closely with birth parents who see their mental health decline following the loss of their child.

Many of these parents have dealt with multiple traumatic life events, such as childhood trauma, substance misuse, mental health issues or experience of domestic abuse.

The community organisations work to help empower birth parents to take control of their lives, develop new skills and build their self-confidence.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Government is committed to keeping The Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so. Taking a child into care should only be done in the best interests of the wellbeing of that child. It is a hugely traumatic experience that impacts on the whole family, and doesn’t just stop.

“Sadly it is often the case that birth parents are left with little support after their child is taken into care – leaving them isolated having to deal with the situation alone, often when they are at their lowest point. However, much evidence and positive outcomes have been gathered by those working with birth parents as part of this programme.

“Feedback from birth parents involved in the programme to date has been extremely positive, with some calling it ‘life changing’. I am pleased we can continue this and show our appreciation for the Corra Foundation and all the groups they work with and the parents they support.”

Carolyn Sawers, Corra CEO said: “The funded services provide vital support to birth mums and dads. The relational, compassionate support the organisations provide means birth parents feel safe, valued and cared for.”

The list of funded projects is online here https://corra.scot/grants/supporting-birth-parents/…

Police Scotland ‘monitoring protests in other parts of the UK’

Police Scotland is closely monitoring the violent protests which have occurred in parts of the UK over recent days.

Police Scotland wishes to reassure communities that there is no intelligence indicating similar incidents are likely in Scotland. We continue to liaise with a range of partners to maintain this level of reassurance.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton, Policing Together, said: “We understand that these recent events may cause concern, that is why we have focused our efforts on increasing policing visibility and engagement across the country as our primary commitment remains the safety and wellbeing of all our communities and our officers and in building trust and confidence.

“We continue to closely monitor the  events in England. Police Scotland is dedicated to upholding human rights and will not tolerate violence or discrimination against any group.

“ We wish to thank the Scottish people for their support and while we believe there is no cause for alarm, we encourage anyone with concerns or information to report them to us.”