Environmental campaigners have reacted to the announcement that oil giant Shell has made £8.19bn ($9.5 Billion) in profits in the third quarter of this year.
Campaigners say that the forthcoming Scottish Energy Strategy is a chance for Scotland to ‘chart a clear path’ away from the oil and gas companies who are harming people and the planet to instead create an energy system that runs on renewable energy.
Climate science is clear that we urgently need to transition away from our broken fossil fuel energy system in order to stay within safe climate limits. Analysis has shown that renewable energy is 9 times cheaper than new fossil fuel energy.
Independent climate advisors have made it clear that increasing UK supply of oil and gas will have almost no impact on UK bills as prices are set by the international market. However, continued reliance on volatile fossil fuels will leave millions vulnerable to spikes in their prices.
Shell’s profits for the previous 3 months of 2022 (Q2) were £9.5billion ($11.5billion).
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Oil and Gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “The announcement of yet another obscene profit for Shell shows the scale of the pain that these companies are inflicting on the public.
“While oil companies continue to make record breaking profits, ordinary people are facing skyrocketing energy bills and millions are being pushed into fuel poverty.
“Bosses and shareholders at Shell are being allowed to get even richer by exploiting one of our most basic needs. Shell is also worsening climate breakdown and extreme weather by continuing to invest and lock us into new oil and gas projects for decades to come.
“The Scottish Government must use the opportunity of its forthcoming Energy Strategy to chart a clear path away from fossil fuels and towards an energy system that is built on clean, reliable renewables.
“They must listen to the science which tells us that to meet climate targets in a fair way, fossil fuel extraction needs to be phased out in the next decade.”
Survey reveals inadequate psychological support after stroke in Scotland
95% reported stroke had an impact on their psychological wellbeing.
Most stroke survivors surveyed, do not feel they are getting the osychological support they need both in hospital (73%,) and in the community (68%.)
87% of stroke survivors in Scotland want to see equal access to physical and psychological care within their rehabilitation.
Stroke survivors with anxiety and depression risk being let down in hospital without psychological care, a new survey of over 100 stroke survivors in Scotland reveals today.
The research, conducted by the Stroke Association ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October), is part of an urgent call for improved psychological care after stroke.
The results, contained in a Stroke Association report, “Keeping Stroke Recoveries in Mind”,lay bare the unmet needs of stroke survivors in Scotland.
Nearly nine out of ten (89%) respondents revealed their stroke had an impact on their physical health, whereas 95% said their stroke had an impact on their psychological and emotional well-being. Of those, over one in three (39%) said the emotional impacts were severe compared to 36% who said the physical effects were severe.
Paula McGuire, 41, from Glasgow, who had her stroke last year, knows first-hand the devastation of the emotional impact of stroke. Whilst Paula suffered mild physical effects from her stroke, she found this more bearable than her anxiety.
She said: “My feelings of anxiety accelerated to levels I had never experienced before. I can only describe it as overwhelming and felt completely lost and alone trying to unpick what was going on, asking myself whether it was my fault.”
Paula’s low mood and anxiety rendered her unable to leave the house and carry on with the everyday tasks which we all take for granted. Going shopping, driving, swimming and meeting up with friends were impossible to undertake.
She continued: “I kept telling myself to try harder and face my challenges. I didn’t understand what was going on and it was very frightening. Fortunately, the nursing staff on the ward identified my low mood and anxiety early on and helped me to understand and process the changes I was facing.”
But some doctors wanted to treat Paula’s physical problems, without taking account of her anxiety. “All I needed them to ask me was: How was I feeling?”
Most stroke survivors surveyed do not feel they got the psychological support they needed in hospital (73%) or in the community (68%.)
Paula continued: “I was a wreck. I’d had a stroke at 40. How could anyone cope with that? People should have the same amount and standard of care for their emotional health as is given to those with physical challenges after stroke. It needs to be embedded into the system.”
95% of stroke survivors report they want to see equal access to physical and psychological care within their rehabilitation.
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. The impact can be devastating – wiping out speech or rendering people unable to walk.
“The emotional consequences of stroke can be life shattering – an overnight change to our emotions, personality and sense of self. These findings are further evidence2,3 of the desperate need for the system to address the psychological consequences of stroke.”
“Whilst guidance on psychological care and assessment and access to services has been included in the Progressive Stroke Pathway4, we know that psychological care is lacking as highlighted in The Scottish Stroke Care Audit5. With support from the Scottish Government, health boards have an opportunity to change that.”
The charity’s recommendations in its report, are based on proposals put forward by the Scottish Stroke Psychology Forum which seeks to give psychological care equal prioritisation to other forms of rehabilitation which focus on the physical effects of stroke.
The Stroke Association is now calling for:
The recommendations to be included in the forthcoming Scottish Government’s Stroke Improvement Plan.
Health boards to commit to delivering those recommendations and make psychological and emotional care a priority in stroke rehabilitation.
The Scottish Government to support health boards implement the recommendations – offering appropriate resource as required.
John continued: “This not just about recruiting more psychologists to treat people affected by stroke. Everyone working with stroke survivors at every level has a role to play in understanding and integrating psychological care into stroke services.
“An adequate level of education and training must be given to staff to meet their responsibility, and give them the skills in providing that care. This is critical to help people with emotional challenges after stroke to live well.”
Dr Jackie Hamilton, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist on behalf of the Scottish Stroke Psychology Forum said: “Throughout my years of experience working in stroke services I have found that often the focus is on physical recovery in the early period after stroke.
“What is frequently less understood is the impact of ‘hidden problems or challenges’ to achieving best physical outcomes as well as overall outcomes. Psychological care is not just managing anxiety and depression.
“It is also incorporates identifying and managing cognitive impairment and multi-factorial distress, such as the effects of experiencing a traumatic event, fear of recurring stroke, loss of role and identity, and changes to relationships and employment.
“These are all factors which are recognised as significant barriers to rehabilitation and adjustment. As such these should be considered at all stages when working and supporting individuals and their families across their rehabilitation journey.”
Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald, has welcomed the news that Scotland’s Baby Box – 41408 of which have already been delivered across NHS Lothian – is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday.
The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.
Based the latest figures for number of Baby Boxes given out by health boards, 235 622 boxes have been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “I am delighted that Scotland’s much cherished Baby Box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary. Already, 41408 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lothian by the SNP in government since 2017.
“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life.
“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family across the city but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant – particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.
“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.
“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.
“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”
Childline counselling sessions about child sexual abuse and exploitation have increased 19% in the past year in Scotland
Charity launches campaign ‘The Full Story’ this week to connect more young people at risk of, or experiencing sexual exploitation with Childline
Short films using real Childline cases and posters have been unveiled
Childline has seen counselling sessions with children in Scotland about child sexual abuse and exploitation increase by almost a fifth in the past year.
New analysis by the NSPCC of Childline data reveals that 251 counselling sessions were delivered on this topic in 2020/21, and this increased to 299 sessions in 2021/22, an increase of 19 per cent.
The charity is revealing this data as its Childline service launches ‘The Full Story’ campaign in a bid to encourage more children and teenagers at risk of, or suffering sexual exploitation to use Childline for immediate, confidential help.
Over the last year, Childline has heard from thousands of young people across the UK about sexual exploitation with some being manipulated into performing sexual activities after being given money, drugs or love and affection.
Whilst others have been sexually exploited after being trafficked from their home after being threatened with violence or the promise of a better life elsewhere.
Across the UK the number of Childline counselling sessions on sexual exploitation and abuse has increased from 5,962 to 6,230 this year (April 2021 – March 2022).
One 15-year-old in Scotland told Childline: “My mum doesn’t care about me. She drinks a lot and there isn’t food in the house. I’ve started getting close to someone who looks after me when my mum doesn’t. I stay at her house sometimes. I used to sleep downstairs but now I sleep with her. We’ve done stuff together and had sex.”
A 14-year-old in Scotland told Childline: “I’ve met a man in his 40s who is really nice. I met him online and then we met in person. He sold me weed and has gone to the shops for me to get alcohol and cigarettes. We hooked up one night and have started seeing each other a lot.”
The campaign has created a series of short films showing five different scenarios of sexual exploitation, taken from real Childline calls.
In one of the films, 15-year-old Leah* is standing outside a party with her boyfriend. Over the next few seconds, she is plied with alcohol by her older boyfriend, who later says she owes him and tells her to have sex with his friends.
As well as helping children and young people gain an understanding of what sexual exploitation is and what a healthy relationship looks like, Childline is focussed on getting more young people to connect with them so they can offer immediate help and confidential support.
This week, the service has unveiled posters at bus stops, motorway service stations, cinemas, colleges, Pupil Referral Units, youth centres, youth hostels, children’s homes, GP’s, and sexual health clinics.
Although more children are reaching out for support on this issue, Childline’s counsellors know from what they hear from children and young people there are many barriers and reasons which prevent some children from speaking out and getting help.
For some children, they may be being exploited by a family member or someone in a position of authority, other cases it may be a girlfriend or boyfriend. The grooming methods used can be subtle, so often they don’t recognise anything is wrong or that they’re in danger.
Whilst others might blame themselves for what they are experiencing, some are being blackmailed or threatened by their abuser causing them to remain silent due to fear.
The campaign name, The Full Story, alludes to mixed and often conflicting feelings a child who is being sexually exploited may experience.
Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline Scotland, said: “Sexual exploitation is a complex crime and often when children describe what is happening in their relationship, they don’t realise they are being groomed and abused.
“Our counsellors have heard from children who have said they didn’t realise what they experienced in a relationship or friendship was wrong until they were much older, and some said at the time they thought their abuser was someone they could trust.
“Others said they thought they were to blame for what had happened and were scared about what would happen if they did speak out.
“This is why this campaign is so important as it’s essential that all children and young people have an awareness of this issue and know that no matter what the circumstances are, that sexual exploitation is never a child’s fault and there are people like Childline who can help.”
The charity’s Chief Executive Officer believes everyone has a role to play in protecting children from sexual exploitation.
Childline offers confidential, non-judgemental support to children and young people – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Young people can talk to the Childline counsellors online in 1-2-1 chat from an account they set up on the Childline website at www.childline.org.uk. This account can also be used to send the counsellors email and it’s always free to call 0800 1111 with no phone credit required.
The Childline website offers lots of information, advice, self-help and peer support on -pre-moderated message boards.
Childline is a safe place, where children and young people can share as much or as little as they want to – they don’t even have to tell Childline their name.
Childline’s support helps young people feel more in control and provides them with options to use Childline in a way that works best for them and to speak to a trained counsellor in a way that feels most comfortable.
The NSPCC Helpline often hears from parents and teachers concerned about children being sexually exploited. Generally, when that child has a significant change in their emotional wellbeing, unexplained absences from school, college or work and an unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, mobile phones.
If you are concerned about a child contact 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
INFORMATION and ACTIVITIES with FREE LUNCH too – ALL WELCOME!
A wee reminder about our community event at Royston Wardiebirn Community Centre today.
The following organisations will be represented at the event:
Granton Information Centre, Pilton Equalities Project, LIFT, Age Scotland, Change Works, Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty, People Know How, Deaf Action, Thrive, Edinburgh Leisure, Remode Collective, Access to Industry, Project Esperanza.
We will also be having workshops and taster session on storytelling and creative writing, digital skills, arts and crafts, singing for fun, exercise to music, whats on at the national galleries and energy advice.
We will also be having a community lunch between 12 and 1 which anyone can attend.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Cholesterol – Don’t Let it Scare you
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood. There are two main types, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad cholesterol’, and HDL, sometimes termed ‘good cholesterol’.
We need some of both types to be healthy, but an incorrect balance can be harmful. Being told we have high cholesterol can be scary and leave us worried.
This Halloween we encourage you to become informed and take positive action to restore a healthy cholesterol balance, and to reduce the fear that goes hand in hand with a diagnosis:
Increase fibre intake
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that comes from plants, and research tells us that those people who have more fibre in their diet have lower cholesterol.
Aim to eat fibre from a variety of different sources such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts, seeds and pulses (lentils and beans).
Pumpkins are a great source of fibre, when you are carving your pumpkins this week why not use the flesh to make a fibre-rich pumpkin soup.
Exercise more
We should be aiming for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Aerobic exercise such as running or cycling can help increase the levels of ‘good cholesterol’ in our blood.
Aiming for 30 minutes moderate physical activity, five times per week will help restore a healthy cholesterol balance, among many other health benefits.
Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol can raise the levels of cholesterol in our blood. Cutting back on how much we consume can improve the health of our liver, meaning we can better remove bad cholesterol from our blood.
The good news is there are many alcohol-free alternatives available in the supermarkets and in pubs nowadays.
It is recommended that we limit our alcohol consumption to 14 units per week (about six pints of average strength beer or about five 250ml glasses of wine).
A SENIOR figure in Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is sharing how the industry can provide a long-term career path, citing how she wants to shake up how jobs in the sector are viewed in Scotland.
Jackie Hudson plays a key role in driving the strategic direction at city-centre venue Surgeons Quarter which comprises the city’s largest independent hotel, Ten Hill Place, along with a thriving conference and events business that maximises the commercial use of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) buildings and venues.
After 17 years of working in the industry is citing her experience to encourage others not to view it as a short-term job solution, of which she was once guilty of, having started in an events manager role after completing college while initially thinking of undertaking a career teaching maths.
As the industry recovers from the pandemic and manoeuvres continual economic fallout including a prolonged hiring crisis, Jackie believes now is the opportune time to make the move into hospitality.
These challenges have introduced positive changes across working hours, pay, training and development with more organisations increasing incentives – which previously were deemed key deterrents when viewing the industry as a long-term career plan.
Jackie (41), who serves as Revenue Manager and is part of Surgeons Quarter’s senior management team, said: “Working in the hospitality industry has presented opportunities I could only have dreamed of. It can be turbulent, busy and challenging but isn’t every industry like that these days?
“As an industry we’ve perhaps been too shy to shout about what a career can mean. I’d say lots of organisations have really had to focus on their development opportunities, conditions and base pay. I’m confident that we are at the very forefront of this nationally and striving to stay there.
“If you love interacting with people, want to create your own niche and are ready to learn from real life experience, the hospitality industry is the perfect career choice for you.
I’m also extremely proud to play a part in marketing Edinburgh on a national and international level. When I first started out, I never would’ve thought I’d be forecasting the revenue across such a diverse portfolio business.”
Highlighting the breadth of experiences Jackie has been able to undertake at Surgeons Quarter, earlier this month she was invited by Surgeons Quarter’s Managing Director, Scott Mitchell, to accompany him to the RCSEd’s International Conference in Chennai, India.
Scott said: “Jackie is a real lynchpin within our business. She isn’t front and centre at events or with our clients, so perhaps doesn’t always get the spotlight she deserves.
“She is the embodiment of somebody that has carved a very strong career in hospitality and it’s been a privilege to see her develop and thrive as part of our team.”
As part of Jackie’s role, she plays an active part in recruitment and has a keen interest in building a diverse workforce to incorporate a variety of skills and abilities.
With over 22 different nationalities making up the 178-strong team, the multicultural business has placed focus on professional development and bringing the benefits of a career in the industry to forefront for those just starting out.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus, which includes Ten Hill Place Hotel.
Since 2021 it has secured the Living Wage Accreditation while also increasing its team’s pension contributions to 7.5%.
Christina Barrow and Clare Daniels are the first to complete the world-leading Masters degree for referees and umpires
Edinburgh Napier University is celebrating the achievements of two trailblazing sports officiating graduates.
Christina Barrow and Clare Daniels are the first to be shown the red scroll after completing the world’s first taught Masters degree of its kind – designed specifically for referees and umpires.
Christina took on the three-year programme with ENU alongside her work as International Officiating Manager at World Netball, a role she has achieved after only getting involved in the sport at the age of 30.
Clare undertook her studies while working as a Performance Reviewer and coach for match officials in rugby union’s Professional Group of Match Officials Team, following a successful refereeing career on the pitch.
Both carried out pioneering research as well as completing the bespoke modules on skills including decision making and communication. They have been presented with their degrees during a graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh today [Wednesday 26 October].
As part of her research into the challenges faced by female match officials, Somerset-born Clare compared the world of sport with sectors like the fire service and STEM industries.
She said: “Many of the challenges female referees deal with are very similar to those women face in industry and the corporate world. I found there are a lot of things we can learn and share from other sectors.
“Before I looked at academia and thought it was nothing to do with me, but when you dip your toe in the water you see there’s a wealth of knowledge that can help make us better. I think it’s hugely underused.
“When I left college I went straight into work, but I felt that at this stage in my life I have a much more curious attitude and a desire to learn. My mindset was right.
“I’ve become more curious in how we could do things differently, asking more questions and not just accepting the way things are done. It brings a fresh perspective.”
Christina, from Chorley in Lancashire, whose research looked at wellbeing support for officials, said: “The course seemed like a perfect fit. It’s allowed me to find out things that will help other officials in netball.
“It’s been challenging – you have to dedicate yourself – but what you gain is definitely worth it. Personally, you achieve great things.
“To be an umpire, or a referee, you have to be resilient. Netball officials are managing themselves well, but the support they get could be improved. My research found that help was often unstructured.
“It’s given me a platform to understand the problem so I can solve it and represent our officials better. I think it’s also a springboard to maybe expand into other sports and see what we can learn from each other.
“I see research as a jigsaw puzzle – you’re just looking to add more pieces. Sometimes you don’t find the pieces you want, or you need to shuffle them around, but it all helps add to the picture.”
Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, Associate Professor and Programme Leader for MSc Performance Enhancement in Sports Officiating at Edinburgh Napier University said: “It’s so exciting, I’m so pleased for them. They’ve put in the hard yards. It’s a big statement for the university that we’re able to upskill these high-profile experts in their fields.
“These two students are pioneering the programme in very different contexts – Christina as an administrator and leader in netball and Clare as a former referee and now a referee coach for rugby.
“They’re trailblazers and great role models for others coming through.
“All the modules in the programme are tailored to the students’ needs. It means we’re dealing with areas of sport which have never really been tested.
“Officiating research is relatively young. It effectively began in the eighties but only really started growing in the late nineties. There’s so much that’s still unexplored and it’s an exciting area to be involved in.”
Overall project starts decline 9% on previous quarter
Major project contract awards and planning approvals up on 2021 figures by 59% and 158% respectively
Civils project starts modestly increase due to a spurt of utilities-related activity
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the October 2022 edition of its Construction Review.
This Review focuses on the three months to the end of September 2022, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted.
It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data.
The central finding of the October Review reflects recent, previous iterations, with high materials and energy costs, economic and political chaos and ratcheting building regulations keeping the market depressed for the foreseeable future.
However, whilst project starts dipped once more (-9% against the preceding three months), a modest rise in main contract awards (+3%) and detailed planning approvals (+3%) hint that recovery, although not immediate, is on the horizon.
Glimmers of Hope
The slight growth in the project pipeline can largely be attributed to a jump in major project contract awards, which were up 27% against the preceding three months, 59% higher than a year ago. Equally, major project planning approvals were up an impressive 58% by the end of Q.3, to stand a staggering 158% up on 2021 figures.
However, underlying performance was comparatively week, tempering results, dipping 8% compared the previous three months in contract award terms, 6% down on last year. Despite planning approvals increasing 8% over the past quarter, they remained 10% lower than a year ago.
Once again, major projects saw a respectable rise in work starting on site, climbing by a third in comparison to the preceding three months, however this figure remained 14% lower than the same period in 2021.
Underlying project-start performance was dismal, posting a 27% decline against the preceding three months, 23% down on last year.
Commenting on the results, Glenigan Economics Director, Allan Wilen, says, “The sector has faced considerable amounts of turbulence over the past twelve months. A new Prime Minister, changing of the ministerial guard and wildly fluctuating markets have done nothing to inspire consumer and investor confidence.
“At the time of this Review’s release, we find ourselves in a state of flux, with yet another new premier, however, the pound rallying once again and the promise of economic stability from the autumn financial statement should go some way to calming the choppy waters.
“With activity trickling back into the pipeline, everyone in the sector hopes the flow of awards and approvals picks up once again, even if project starts currently remain stagnant.”
The sector-specific and regional index, which specifically measures underlying project performance, was characterised by overall decline. However, a few bright spots could be seen within an otherwise gloomy picture.
Sector Analysis – Residential
Overall, residential work starting on site fell by a third during Q.3, to sit 24% lower than a year ago.
Private housing performed particularly poorly, plummeting 37%, 20% lower than in 2021. Social housing also fell by 13% and 36% against the same set of criteria.
Sector Analysis – Non-Residential
Sharp decline was the consistent theme across most verticals during Q.3, education and health weakened 37% and 39% respectively against the preceding three months. Both were also down on 2021.
Office project starts fell dramatically, 30% against the preceding quarter and 37% compared to the previous year.
Industrial (-13%) and retail (-14%) experienced relatively small declines against the preceding quarter, but dropped 16% and 27% respectively against last year’s performance scores. Hotel and leisure was 13% up on the preceding three months but down 28% on 2021 levels.
Civils provided a welcome lift in an otherwise disappointing period, increasing 1% on the preceding quarter and over 10% on last year. Particularly, growth can be attributed to a spurt in utilities work starting on site, as well as a relatively steady stream of infrastructure project-starts.
Regional Performance
Once again, Northern Ireland performed well with project-starts increasing 31% against the preceding quarter, standing 51% up on a year ago. Wales also delivered positive results, remaining unchanged on the previous three months, rising 7% on 2021.
Unfortunately, the outlook was decidedly bleaker across the rest of the UK. The North East (-38%), East of England (-36%) and London (-30%) and Scotland (-26%), all slide back on the preceding quarter. London, which has seen a steady decline in activity over 2022, also posted the largest decline against last year, diving 45%.
Wilen concludes, “Sector verticals and the UK regions are feeling the economic pinch and, whilst a few major projects are bolstering results, the underlying figures indicate there’s a massive mountain to climb to stabilise the sector.
“The new Government needs to get a grip of the situation from day one and offer a clear strategy to support UK construction, which currently lacks the rigorous policy from key departments to recover and progress.”
