Apply for the School Clothing Grant from the council https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants They sometimes give the grant to families who don’t meet their standard criteria, if they’re on a low income, so it might be worth applying. There is also info about other grants on our signposting page https://edinburghuniform.org/signposting/
Ask your school if they can help when the staff go back a couple of days before the start of term. We support mini uniform banks at lots of schools and many schools also have sharing rails.
If you have a family support worker, a health visitor, a social worker, or another similar professional you can ask them to see if you’re eligible for one of our Clothing Crisis Packs – please ask them to read the info at https://edinburghuniform.org/refer/
Come along and join us at another drop in event at the entrance to the community park on Granton Medway anytime between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 21st August to meet the team and see the designs.
We would like to share our initial ideas for the landscape improvements and get your feedback if you like them, or have further suggestions.
Contact: Lynn Stocks, Principal Engagement Consultant
Against the backdrop of far-right extremism and racist violence in the UK, @Channel4 will once again air critically-acclaimed & award-winning series, #Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, at 10pm from Mon 12 — Wed 14 August.
The series is also available stream in full on Channel 4.
Across three compelling hours, Defiance: Fighting the Far Right examines how British Asians and immigrants were targeted with a campaign of violence and murder between 1976 and 1981, as National Front and extremist activity became increasingly prominent.
The series investigates seminal events ranging from the Southall protests, the death of Blair Peach, the Battle for Brick Lane and the extraordinary story of the Bradford 12. Through a cache of archive footage and compelling new testimony from key figures on the front line at the time, the ground-breaking documentary series shows what happened when the British Asian community decided to fight back.
This particularly timely series lifts the lid on a period in recent British history, in which the violence, injustice – as well as the extraordinary courage of those who confronted it – resonates through the decades as well as holding a mirror and bringing context to the scenes of extremism and racism across the UK that dominate the news headlines today.
Defiance: Fighting the Far Right was the winner of Best Documentary at the 2024 Eastern Eye ACTAs. The series was hailed with critical acclaim when it first aired on Channel 4 earlier this year.
BBC Radio 5Live’s Nihal Arthanayake said the series is “incredible viewing whether you’re Asian or not”. The Guardian said: “This striking three-part documentary… does a compelling job of telling the personal and political stories behind Britain’s Asian community as it faced violence and murder between 1976 and 1981.”The Times gave the series four stars, describing it as “powerful”. The Telegraph praised the series as “fresh, important and detailed”, also giving four stars.
The series will air alongside a brand-new, bespoke trailer from Channel 4’s in-house creative agency, 4creative, commissioned by newly installed CMO Katie Jackson.
The 10-second promo, which begins airing tonight (Thursday 8th August), reflects Channel 4’s commitment to anti-racism, and amidst the disturbing scenes being witnessed across the country, serves as an important reminder of the power of inclusion, which sits at the heart of Channel 4’s Altogether Different brand DNA.
The trail lifts directly from a mural found on the walls of Channel 4’s London office at Horseferry Road. The full mural reads:
“Different. It’s the one thing we’ve all got in common. We’re often made to think that different is what divides us, but at Channel 4 we think different is brilliant, that it’s our weird bits and odd bobs – our shared uniqueness – that brings us all together. Altogether different.”
Channel 4’s Head of Specialist Factual, Shaminder Nahalsaid: “As we all try to make sense of the horrific scenes of racist violence taking place on our streets, and what these events say about Britain, this timely series provides important context.
“The series reveals the deep-seated fear of immigration from some British people back in the 70s and 80s, how that informed political debate, and how devastating the violence on the streets was to become.
“Defiance: Fighting the Far Right painfully highlights the impact and toll that racism has on those who courageously fought it across decades, and gives us much to reflect on today.”
Executive Producer for Rogan Productions James Rogan said:“A comprehensive telling of the extraordinary experiences of a generation of Asian refugees and migrants who came to Britain and faced unprecedented wave of racial violence, stood their ground and turned the tide, is long overdue.
“This landmark documentary series is packed with jaw-dropping stories and thrilling tales of resistance, breaking new ground on stories long overlooked forgotten.”
Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore of Left Handed Films said: “The British Asian civil rights movement is a forgotten piece of history. The Southall Protests, the death of Blair Peach, and the story of the Bradford 12 all continue to shape Britain.
“These are stories of bravery in the face of violence, and a refusal to let prejudice go unchallenged – they could not be more timely.”
Defiance: Fighting the Far Right,was produced by Rogan Productions and Group M Motion Entertainment, in association with Left-Handed Films.
The series was executive produced by James Rogan, Nancy Bornat and Soleta Rogan for Rogan Productions, Riz Ahmed and Allie Moore for Left Handed Films and Deep Sehgal for GroupM Motion Entertainment.
A dedicated helpline remains open to support tens of thousands of pupils and students in and around the capital who received their full Higher, National and Advanced results on Tuesday.
The young people – along with their parents and carers – can get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) dedicated Results Helpline that will be offering impartial career information, advice, and guidance.
The SDS Results Helpline is once again be staffed by expert careers advisers and went live from 8am on Tuesday 6 August to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps.
The team of qualified advisers from Scotland’s national skills agency are at the end of the phone line to offer advice about colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school.
Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on your journey.
“Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. Whether you didn’t receive the results you were hoping for, or exceeded your expectations, we are here to help you navigate the next steps and the make the best decisions for your future.”
The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 32 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. There’s also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year*.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I want to pay tribute to all the young people who have worked incredibly hard and are now waiting for their exam results. Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers.
“There are options out there for you whatever your results may be. The helpline provides a valuable opportunity to speak directly with someone who can offer impartial, expert advice on your options.
“Anyone with concerns, no matter how small, should take the chance to phone the careers experts if they need advice or reassurance.”
The number for the 2024 Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and is open:
Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August – 8am to 8pm
Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August – 9am to 5pm
Parents’ organisation Connect promotes the Results Helpline every year to parents, carers and young people as a great source of information and support.
Gavin Yates, Connect’s Executive Director, said: “Each year we encourage parents, carers and young people to use the Results Helpline.
“There are opportunities for everyone, whatever their results are. With the support of the Results Helpline team, families can navigate these to explore all options.”
In addition to the dedicated SDS Results Helpline, young people and their parents or carers can also speak to an SDS adviser at a SDS centre or community venue (find out what’s close to you on the Contact us page of the SDS website), visit Scotland’s career information and advice website, My World of Work, or speak to directly to an SDS school-based careers adviser for year-round support.
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!“
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.
Cabinet Secretary @S_A_Somerville met families at @HomeStartDundee to encourage them to check if they are eligible for our five family payments.
Five family payments helps pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs.
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.”
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.
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:
“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.
Organisation
Strengths of my organisation that I could share
Stuff that my organisation has that I could lend
Eg R2
Knowledge of organisations in north EdinburghFund raising experienceUnderstanding and experience of Community Development and Participatory Action Research
Post 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.”
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!
Our Cathedral Choir is back this Sunday for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe following summer break!
All are welcome to experience the beauty of St Mary’s and its musicians all year, for free.
Festival Services with the Choir start this Sun 11th Aug; Choral Evensong is at 3.30pm, while the Cathedral Eucharist is at 10.30am.
Full Festival Service details: https://www.cathedral.net/whats-on
The Cathedral Choir also has a concert on Fri 23 Aug at 6pm: https://www.cathedral.net/…/cathedral-choir-classical…
URGENT INFORMATION
