Category: North Edinburgh News

BBC Children in Need’s schools fundraising campaign is back!

SCHOOLS CAN BE IN WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN A VISIT FROM BBC GLADIATOR STAR, STEEL

BBC Children in Need has announced this year’s schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves and fundraise for the charity, whilst launching a competition to win a school visit from Gladiator star, Steel plus another surprise Gladiator guest.

To be in with a chance of winning Primary schools across the nation simply have to order a free fundraising pack to be automatically entered into the competition. 

Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order before 18th October being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.

Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.

Last year schools across the UK,  raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives. This year, schools across the UK are being asked to throw their support behind the appeal, and encourage parents, pupils and families to challenge themselves to help make life lighter for children and young people.

Across Scotland, BBC Children in Need currently fund 152 projects to the amount of £8.4m, to provide a positive environment for where children and young people can build self-esteem and support their overall mental and physical wellbeing. 

The need has never been greater as right now the charity is only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who apply for funding.

Only with the support of the UK public can we continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children when they need us most. Whether it’s challenging yourself to sponsor a scooter ride to school or even baking brownies for a bake sale, a little act could go a long way in closing the gap.

BBC Gladiator star, Steel, said: “School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges.

“This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most.”

Commenting on the schools fundraising launch, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said: “It’s wonderful to see children supporting children with schools across the nation coming together, and getting behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal.

“These are tough times for the children and young people we support with many facing many challenges including poverty and menta health.

“At BBC Children in Need we want children to thrive and be the best they can be, to learn new skills and have access to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience but, currently, we are only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask us for funding.

“The much needed support from pupils, schools and teachers is crucial in providing projects and local charities with the funding they need to benefit children in local communities. I want to say a massive thank you to schools, pupils and teachers who continue to fundraise to help change young lives.”

There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds:

  • For the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), fundraising kits will be available order for free from the BBC Children in Need website. This year we’re asking nurseries and pre-schools across the UK to join Pudsey and his newest friend, Peppa Pig, by hosting their very own fundraising party for BBC Children in Need. The BBC Children in Need website has everything nurseries need to get involved from party hats, to bunting, to Peppa and Pudsey crafts, and a special new dance they can learn – the Piggle Wiggle. Nurseries and pre-schools that sign up for a fundraising kit also have the chance to win a Peppa and Pudsey visit.
  • BBC Children in Need is also announcing its brand-new partnership with Busy Bees to help raise vital funds this year and give all children the best start in life. More than 350 Busy Bees centres will be getting involved in fundraising efforts to help support other young children, causes and community projects throughout the country. 
  • Chris McCandless, Busy Bees Europe CEO, said: “A partnership with BBC Children in Need makes perfect sense for us as we both share the ambition to give children the best start in life – improving opportunities and supporting mental wellbeing to lay the foundations for future success. We’ve committed to fundraise for the charity this year with the support of our colleagues, parents and children to kick off the partnership. We’re proud to get behind the charity and support the important work it’s doing for vulnerable young people across the UK.”
  • This year we’re asking Primary Schools to get involved with Challenge Yourself – pupils can come to school dressed up as their favourite superhero or favourite fancy dress outfit, take part in a baking challenge, a running challenge, or even think of a special challenge themselves. Primary Schools can join the special Gladiator themed live-streamed challenge on the morning of BBC Children in Need’s Appeal Day. Primary schools that sign up for a fundraising kit can win a Gladiators visit.
  • Secondary schools across the UK are being asked to join in with Challenge Yourself. Schools, classes, forms and teachers can take part by taking on a sponsored challenge like running, dancing, class football matches, and non-uniform days. The BBC Children in Need website has everything they need know including a special student zone with selected content for students who want to get involved in fundraising. Secondary Schools that sign up for a fundraising kit will have the chance to win £1,000 amazon voucher.

BBC Children in Need funding brings the right people and places into children’s lives when they need help or support.  And right now, across the UK, children are facing greater challenges than ever, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression rising, high levels of poverty leading to inequality & lack of opportunity and many simply carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone.

Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines.

This year, BBC Children in Need is asking the public to make life lighter for children all across the UK. Head to bbc.co.uk/Pudsey to find out more and donate.

Challenge Yourself to make life lighter for children and to sign up for a free supporter kit, full of fun-filled fundraising ideas, inspiration, tools, advice and educational resources, please visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/schools.

Thousands of heart valve disease patients may be undiagnosed, ERI specialists warn

FREE HEART SCREENING SERVICE AT ASDA CHESSER ON THURSDAY

  • Heart valve disease (HVD) is a leading cause of death in Scotland – affecting 73,000 people – but many have the condition without knowing it
  • Scottish cardiologist is concerned that almost 30,000 people may not know they have HVD which can be life threatening
  • A free heart check truck is coming to Edinburgh – and hopes to screen over 200 people in just one day!

In Scotland it is estimated that 73,000 people have heart valve disease, but studies suggest that 1 in 3 patients (~26,000) are unaware of it and are undiagnosed.

Disease that affects the valves in the heart, such as aortic stenosis, place individuals at high risk of heart failure and if left untreated could lead to sudden, unexpected death. While HVD can cause symptoms like fatigue, reduced energy levels, and chest pains, it can be symptomless.

This is why the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Glasgow Jubilee Hospital will be offering the people of Scotland free heart checks this week (Thursday 19th September) at the ‘Your Heart Matters’ Truck which will be in Asda Chesser Supercentre, Edinburgh. The truck hopes to check the hearts of over 200 members of the public completely free of charge.

“We would welcome any members of the public aged over 50 to come down and have a free heart check whether they are experiencing symptoms or not,” urges Louise Axten, TAVI and Structural Heart Nurse, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 

“We can estimate that in Scotland alone there are almost 30,000 people living with heart valve disease who don’t know it. Undiagnosed and untreated heart conditions like aortic stenosis can be fatal.”

Despite the serious risks associated with heart valve disease, treatment rates remain worryingly low. Scotland has two of the best cardiac units in the world, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow, which perform pioneering heart treatments such as TAVI and TEER and keyhole surgeries like SAVR.

Recent data suggests that less than 2,000 people in Scotland are having the most effective treatments (heart valve procedures and surgery) in the country’s specialist cardiology centres. This is just a fraction of the total number of HVD patients who could benefit.

  • There are ~600 TAVI procedures performed annually in Scotland. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat severe aortic stenosis by enhancing blood flow in the heart by replacing an aortic valve that fails to open completely. During TAVI, a new valve is inserted via a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin (transfemoral approach) or chest (transapical approach). Initially, TAVI was an alternative for patients too frail for open-heart surgery to replace their aortic valves. Now, it’s also used for those at lower risk of complications from heart surgery, as research shows its equally effective as traditional surgery after one year.
  • In Scotland, there are ~ 200 Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) procedures performed per year. TEER is used to treat mitral regurgitation (TR), a condition where the mitral valve in the heart doesn’t close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. During TEER, a small clip is attached to the mitral valve via a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg. This clip helps the valve close more completely, reducing the backward flow of blood.
  • Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is a traditional open-heart surgery used to treat severe aortic stenosis. There are less than 1,000 SAVR performed annually in Scotland. SAVR is typically recommended for patients who are suitable for surgery, including those who are at high risk for complications from less invasive procedures like TAVI. During SAVR, an incision is made along the breastbone to access the heart and the damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological one.

Dr Stuart Watkins, Consultant Cardiologist at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital, said: “We believe a significant number of individuals with this potentially life-threatening condition may be undiagnosed.

“Considering the estimated prevalence of heart valve disease and the fact that fewer than 2,000 people in Scotland are receiving the most effective treatments, there appears to be a critical gap in diagnosis, awareness, or access to healthcare—putting many lives at serious risk.”

Dr Jonathan Byrne, UK Lead of the UK’s Valve for Life programme and a Consultant Cardiologist at King’s College Hospital, explained: “There is capacity in Scotland to undertake thousands more procedures and keyhole surgeries annually for people with moderate and severe heart valve disease, but underdiagnosed patients represent a huge challenge for us as they will remain undertreated“,

According to the Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme (SCAP), complication and mortality rates associated with TAVI remain very low. In 2022/23, there were 575 TAVI procedures performed in Scotland, marking a 17.8% increase from the previous year.

Despite the rise in procedures, the safety and effectiveness of TAVI continue to be affirmed by these low complication and mortality rates.

Spiders Are Taking Over UK Homes!

Experts Reveal You’re Sharing Your Home with Over 100 Spiders

If it feels like your home is crawling with more spiders than usual this season, you’re not imagining things. Peter Murray, a Home & Garden expert from Murray Steel Buildings, warns that the average UK home could be playing host to over 100 spiders – and they’re not where you’d expect.

As autumn settles in and temperatures drop, spiders are seeking out warm, sheltered spots in your home. “They’re drawn to dark, quiet spaces where they won’t be disturbed,” says Murray. “You’re most likely to find them in attics, under furniture, behind curtains, and surprisingly, even in your bed covers.”

Giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) on a tiled kitchen floor in a UK house

This year has seen a particular rise in household spider numbers, with species such as the common house spider and false widow becoming regular visitors indoors. The top places spiders are likely hiding include:

In the corners of ceilings – High-up and undisturbed, these areas are prime real estate for webs.

Under furniture – Sofas, beds, and armchairs provide perfect dark, cosy spots.

In garages and sheds – Wide, untouched spaces are favourites for building webs.

Behind curtains and in bed covers – Anywhere warm and undisturbed is attractive to spiders, including the folds of your bedding.

Around sinks and drains – Bathrooms and kitchens attract spiders due to moisture.

Murray advises, “Though they may seem creepy, spiders help control pests like flies and other insects. However, if you want to keep their numbers down, regular cleaning, reducing clutter, and sealing up cracks around windows and doors will help.”

Peter Murray Murray Steel Buildings

Tomorrow: ASH Scotland Youth Conversations Hub event

ONLINE SESSION on YOUTH VAPING

The first Youth Conversations Hub event takes place tomorrow!

ASH Scotland are hosting an online session on Youth vaping in Scotland at 1pm

You can sign up for a place at the event here – https://bit.ly/3W5CULx

Support for green hydrogen projects

£7m funding available to kick start local initiatives

Businesses will be able to bid for a share of up to £7 million of Scottish Government funding to help kick start green hydrogen projects across Scotland.

The funding will help cover the development stage costs of green hydrogen production projects with production capacity of between 5 – 400 megawatts –  the equivalent to the production of enough hydrogen to heat at least 200 to over 16,000 homes.  

Support will also be available for work supporting the hydrogen supply chain and storage solutions, and will play an important role in helping the industry scale up as it responds to market demand.

Organisations have until the end of the month to apply for a maximum of £2 million of match-funding from the scheme which has been co-developed with Scottish Enterprise, who will facilitate and manage the fund.

It complements a total of almost £7 million from the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, which has supported 31 projects across the country since 2023. 

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Our energy sector, and the development of green hydrogen in particular, will play a crucial role in growing Scotland’s economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“This is due to our capability to generate so much renewable energy which is crucial to the process of making green hydrogen.

“This funding – which will help support the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen hubs across the country, will, in time, help unlock opportunities in hydrogen for use and export and to power the clean energy intensive industries of the future. 

“It demonstrates that Scotland is well positioned to lead the way in developing renewable energy in a way that delivers economic benefits and it also shows our commitment to help grow the hydrogen sector, one of the five priority areas set out in our new Green Industrial Strategy.”

Scottish Enterprise Director of Energy Transition, Suzanne Sosna, said: “This new fund will help new green hydrogen projects get off the ground, something that is critical if we are to build the hydrogen economy as we aim to in Scotland.

“Renewable energy, including green hydrogen, has the potential to transform Scotland’s economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to helping hydrogen production, storage and offtake businesses as part of that.”

Organisations have until 27th September to submit expressions of interest in the fund. 

More information about the funding and how to apply  

Hydrogen Innovation Scheme: Successful projects 

Alternative Futures – Who Decides?

Ripple Project Community Exhibition

The Binks Hub and the Ripple Project are delighted to invite you to an exhibition of co-created art that challenges the status quo and offers an alternative view of what communities need to flourish.

Exhibiting in partnership with Dovecot Studios, the world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh, “Alternative Futures – Who Decides” is the result of a collaboration between The Binks Hub, University of Edinburgh and The Ripple Project, a grassroots, community led charity using creativity and the arts to co-create community-driven research that makes a difference to people’s lives.

The exhibition will be open:

Thursday 3rd October

Friday 4th October

Saturday 5th October

And is free to attend, to check out times and secure your place please register through the Eventbrite link.

Register on Eventbrite

You can also drop in on any day where there will be workshops and opportunities to chat to those involved in the project.

We hope you can join us to begin conversations about how we change the way we view our communities and what we can do together to make a lasting difference.

You may also reply to this email: tristan.green@theripple.org.uk and further details will then be sent to you.

Friday: Coffee at the Rose Garden

Enjoy a cup of coffee, have a chat, meet new people, and take in the beauty of a rose garden – all for a great cause!

Join Macmillan’s coffee morning from 11am to 2pm on Friday, 20 September at Saughton Parks’ Rose Garden to help raise money for charity.

Edinburgh well represented at Scottish Muslim Awards

Edinburgh is well represented at this year’s Scottish Muslim Awards. Among the capital’s shortlisted nominees are:

Mick Napier from Edinburgh

He is nominated for non-Muslim supporting Muslims

Mick Napier In 2000, at the start of the Palestinian Intifada, Mick co-founded the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), driven by outrage over the Israeli army’s admission of firing one million bullets at unarmed Palestinian demonstrators during the uprising.

Since then, SPSC has been tirelessly campaigning to support the Palestinian call for boycotts and isolation of the Israeli regime and its international supporters. Currently, Mick and SPSC are focused on pressuring the Scottish Government to recognize the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Palestine.

They organize across Scotland and work with international partners to oppose the regime’s genocidal plans to erase Palestinian presence, including the destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque.

Over the past two decades, during every major Israeli offensive, Mick has faced and successfully defeated criminal charges ranging from racism and terrorism to violent assault. Despite a conviction for organizing protests without paperwork, Mick remains undeterred. Mick has three children and two granddaughters, who are both keen to make Mick a great-grandparent.

Amir Hussain, Napier University, Edinburgh

Nominated for innovation 

Amir Hussain is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive experience in the fields of AI and robotics. He earned his B.Eng. (Highest 1st Class Honours with Distinction) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Strathclyde in 1992 and 1997, respectively. Following postdoctoral and academic roles at various institutions, including the University of West of Scotland, University of Dundee, and University of Stirling, he joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2018 as a Chair Professor in the School of Computing.

Hussain is the founding Director of the Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIR) and leads the Trustworthy Data Science and Cyber Analytics Research Group. He holds several Visiting Professorships, including at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. He also serves as Turing Academic Lead for the University Network of the Alan Turing Institute and advises on AI strategy internationally, including for Kuwait’s National AI Strategy.   

Amana Food, Edinburgh

Nominated for the business award.

Amana Food Products Company, founded in Scotland in 2019, is a pioneering example of Palestinian entrepreneurship abroad.

The company aims to support the Palestinian economy by purchasing directly from small farmers, ensuring fair income and sustainability. By importing high-quality products like dates, olive oil, and thyme, Amana has introduced Palestinian goods to British markets, making them strong competitors globally.

More than a business, Amana’s strategy focuses on uplifting Palestinian families and farmers, providing access to international markets that would otherwise be unreachable. This commitment to social responsibility, combined with business success, showcases how companies can blend profit with purpose.

Amana serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that values-driven entrepreneurship can foster sustainable development and positively impact Palestinian society, while promoting Palestinian products on the global stage.

The Scottish Muslim Awards winners will be announced at an event in the Glasgow Hilton on 29 September.


Heart of Newhaven: September News

Welcome to your September newsletter

We’re Advancing …

First of all, a little boasting. We are proud to let you know that we have achieved an “Advancing” report from It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of Keeping Scotland Beautiful, for our achievements over the year (that’s level three out of five).

Our efforts were scored at the beginning of August and we were praised for community participation and environmental responsibility.

In particular, the work done by the Men’s Shed, on various planters and raised beds, the planting of particular ingredients for dyeing and wood treatment by our partners and the creation of free Little Libraries, one with a green roof, came in for special mention, all providing opportunities for a wide variety of activities for local residents.

The report also included a few suggestions for going forward, which we will certainly work hard to bring to fruition.

Hear About …

September means that our Hear About talks are starting soon, on Friday 20th to be precise. We’ll be kicking off with a return visit from Kenneth Williamson who this time will be telling us about Old Edinburgh Trams that served Edinburgh from 1876 until 1956.

Talks will take place at 3pm and will be followed by the chance for a cup of tea and an informal chat. Talks are currently free but we would appreciate a donation towards the refreshments.

See our website, notice boards and social media for details of the other autumn talks which will be on most Fridays until 6th December.

Hear About

Tattie Fest

Saturday 21 September 12 – 4pm

Join us for a celebration of the Heart of Newhaven’s garden and to eat a lot of potatoes.

Expect – Food – from the garden, the Scran Van and groups who are based at The Heart of Newhaven; Herbal tea from the garden (and tea and coffee from the supermarket if that’s not your thing); Creative activities – potato printing, screen printing, potato crocheting and knitting; Garden tours and a chance to meet other people from our community

There will also be Tattie Contests, including a beauty contest – if you’ve been growing your own in your garden or on your balcony, and have some unusual looking potatoes, bring them along to be entered!

And as we drift into autumn, the gardening drop-in days have changed and are now weekly on Thursdays from 10.30 till 12.30 and monthly on the first Saturday of the month, 10.30 till 12.30.

Reminiscence

Remember, remember that our regular volunteer-led Reminiscence sessions are taking place on the last Thursday of every month (except December). Everyone is welcome to come along and share memories in the Anchor building. September’s gathering will take place on Thursday 26th.

Doors Open

The last weekend of the month will see the Heart open for Doors Open Days, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th.

We’ll be open from 10am till 4pm both days and there will be a chance to take a tour round the thriving building, talking to some of our artistic and creative partners including Ink on Mesh and Robert Furze, violin maker, or take part in a short Victorian lesson in the Schoolroom. The latter will only be on twice each day, (11.30 and 1.30) so sign up on arrival to be sure of the experience.

There will be not one, but two art exhibitions on display to enjoy: The Joy of Painting and Art in Healthcare and the day will also see the unveiling of the Oyster Mural on the outside of the Anchor building, at 11am. Come along and see the result of co-operation and consultation between Restoration Forth and the local community.

That will be followed by a performance by the Newhaven Community Choir while there will also be music from the Men’s Shed Splinter Band. The Shed will be open to visitors both Saturday and Sunday from 10am, with a “Repair Shed” and a “Guitar Clinic” from 10am-1pm on Saturday.

In addition, our Ukranian Spiders will be providing some wonderful refreshments between 10 and 3 on both days.

The Tallest Christmas Tree

September also means that there are barely three months to go before our Tallest Tree goes on display. The knitters are busy getting everything ready by fireproofing the squares and decorations, continuing to sew squares and trim pom-poms for garlands. Everyone is welcome to come along and help at the various sessions.

Sewing will continue fortnightly at the Heart in September but with a revised time of 1-3 pm which means that everyone will be travelling home in daylight and those who are interested in our Friday afternoon talks will also be able to attend.

The trunk and branches are in the capable hands of Derek from Men’s Shed and Eain is building a stable for our knitted nativity scene while the Heart knitters are busy with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all things nativity. The Heart of Newhaven Fishwife has not arrived yet but we are certain she will look lovely on top of the Tree. We are running a competition to guess her name and we shall have forms available for you to make your guess at the Tattie Fest on 21st September and Doors Open Days on 28th and 29th September or call in and make your guess. Only 50p a name!

We would appreciate anyone who could donate a raffle prize, as we are raising funds to make the Heart as accessible as possible for everyone and for Home-Start our chosen partner. This is an organisation which supports parents to give children the best start in life. We are also looking for sponsors in our Sponsor a Branch appeal. We shall, of course, acknowledge everyone who helps in this way in the Heart and also on our our social media channels.

We need any remaining squares or decorations to be brought in to the Heart for fireproofing and will also be delighted to receive more decorations as any extras left over will be sold at the craft fair on opening day, November 30th to help raise funds for our good causes.

Leith Folk Club

Leith Folk Club is presenting an evening with the extraordinary Scottish-Canadian artist, Evangeline Gentle, on Tuesday, 24 September, 7.45 for 8pm start. With a sound that seamlessly blends folk, pop, and Americana, Evangeline’s music is a heartfelt celebration of queerness, identity, and the shared human experience.

Their songs are marked by lush melodies, powerful storytelling, and a voice that resonates with warmth and authenticity, while their performances are known for their emotional intensity and inclusivity, so whether you’re a dedicated folk fan or simply looking for a night of beautiful, thought-provoking music, this is an opportunity to witness a truly gifted artist up-close and personal.

Email info@lethifolkclub.com to reserve a place or message at www.leithfolkclub.com (which links to the Leith Folk Club facebook page). 

– Tickets:  £12 (cash only, at the door) Remember, the venue is not licenced but you are welcome to bring along whatever you’d like to drink.

Calling all seamstresses

Finally, an appeal from our History of Education Centre partners who run the Victorian Schoolroom on the first floor of the Heart.

The schoolroom is in dire need of some new children’s costumes for visiting school pupils, in particular boys’ shirts.

Our top floor tailor partner Poppy has very kindly made some shirt patterns but if anyone feels able to donate some suitably Victorian-looking materials, or feels able to sew up a few shirts from the patterns once we have the material, then please get in touch either with histedcentre@gmail.com or with christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk.

Please have a look at our regular sessions – we are have amazing new workshops and classes.  
Regular Sessions

Save the date:

9th October, 6pm – the 2024 AGM.

If you are a member you will receive an invite. If you want any information or to stand as a trustee contact agm@heartofnewahven.co.uk

If you want to sign up as a member do so here:  Heart of Newhaven 

30th November – craft fair and reveal of the Tallest Christmas Tree