Category: North Edinburgh News

Amazon in Edinburgh celebrates Learning at Work Week

A senior programme manager from Fife is sharing his career story during Learning at Work Week 2023 (15th-21st May) with the aim of inspiring others to achieve their professional goals through lifelong learning at work.

Learning at Work Week is an annual programme run by the charity Campaign for Learning. The charity works with organisations around the UK to create activities and fun challenges in the workplace to help employees learn and grow. This year’s theme, Create the Future, explores how lifelong learning at work can help individuals and communities achieve life and work goals, shape lives, drive innovation and achieve organisational ambitions. 

Simon McMahon, who works at Amazon’s corporate office in Edinburgh, has used Amazon’s development and training opportunities to shape his professional career at the company and hopes his story will encourage others to take their career to the next level through the Amazon Career Choice programme.

Simon, who is from Fife, works at the Amazon Development Centre in Edinburgh as a senior programme manager in the UK Impact Team.

Simon joined Amazon in 2010. 13 years and seven promotions later, he has progressed from seasonal employee at the fulfilment centre in Dunfermline to his current role. Simon has taken part in a number of training courses over his years at Amazon, most recently participating in social return on investment studies. 

As part of his current role, Simon is involved in an initiative to donate products to more than 50,000 families in need alongside local charities, businesses and former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown. 

44616 Amazon. Simon McMahon (37), Senior Programme Manager at Amazon EDI5, Edinburgh.

Speaking on his career at Amazon, Simon said: “I’m really fortunate that I enjoy what I do. The roles I have done here have led to a lot of amazing opportunities. Once I started progressing beyond area manager and operations manager, I didn’t see myself working in a social impact and responsibility role, but it’s the best move I’ve ever made and it’s the most fulfilling role I could take on.”

To anyone considering developing their careers at Amazon, Simon said: “Amazon has far more opportunities than you could think of and if there’s something you want to do or learn, you just have to ask. The number of people in my position and beyond that have joined Amazon at entry level and have ended up in a senior management role is staggering. 

Amazon is a company that really benefits people that own their development and learning and I think if you’re motivated, keen to learn and try new things, you can go anywhere.”

Career Choice is an innovative programme which provides funding for adult education, offering to pre-pay 95% of tuition and reimburse employees for eligible fees for nationally recognised courses; up to £8,000 over four years. Courses available include accountancy, HGV driving and software development, and are designed to help employees pursue careers at Amazon or elsewhere.

Since launching in the UK in 2014, Career Choice has seen around 13,000 participants explore a range of opportunities, including starting or returning to school, learning new skills and languages, or earning industry certifications. The most popular fields of study in the UK are transportation administrative and business services and technology.

Amazon also provides opportunities to improve existing skills or learn new ones through internal career progression opportunities such as cross-training, transferring to a different department and promotion into a managerial role.

Oliver Masting, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland added: “We’re extremely pleased to have Simon on the team here at Amazon in Edinburgh. He is an example of how much you can achieve if you put your mind to it, and we’re sure that others will be inspired to fulfil their own potential after hearing his story.

“Career development is at the core of our culture at Amazon; employees have a wide variety of opportunities at their disposal, meaning that lifelong learning is possible for anyone. We look forward to seeing the great things Simon and his colleagues will do in their careers in the future as a result.”

Amazon is investing £10 million over three years in training up to 5,000 employees in new skills to meet the UK’s future employment needs outside of Amazon. Amazon also partners with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and local businesses on the programme to identify regional skills shortages and focus training on local demand.

Amazon employees receive competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. Pay starts between £11 and £12 per hour depending on location and employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount as well as a company pension plan.

To find out more about a career with Amazon, visit Amazon Jobs.

Healthy Heart Tip: Keep on top of your mental health

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Keep on top of your mental health

The 15th-21st of May is mental health awareness week in the UK. We know that each year in England, one in four people will experience some sort of mental health problem.

Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health by combating stress, maximising our ability to cope, and seeking support.

Here are some tips to keep our mental health in check:

Create balance

When we are busy and have lots of responsibilities such as work, family commitments and looking after a house we can be more susceptible to suffering from mental health conditions.

Often, in times of overwhelm, the first things to suffer are our nutrition, exercise and sleep. These three things are important for optimal mental health. Try to balance your day-to-day demands with some exercise, me-time, time to prepare meals and implement a good sleep routine.

Use your support network

If the above point sounds like too much to manage on your own, ask for help. Having someone you can talk to about your mental health can help you to better deal with any challenges you are experiencing.

People are often more than happy to offer support but may not realise you are struggling if you don’t let them know. This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.

Check in

Checking in with ourselves and noticing trends in our behaviour and the way we feel can help us to know when we may need to seek help or put something in place to support our mental health.

Apps such as Thought Diary or Daylio offer an easy way to track our wellbeing over time.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Cost of living crisis: Help is available for those who need it, says FCA

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reminded borrowers they can get help from their lenders if they are struggling to keep up with payments, as it found the number of people struggling to meet bills and credit repayments has risen by 3.1m since May 2022 (10.9m, compared to 7.8m in May 2022).  

The number of adults who missed bills or loan payments in at least three of the last six months has also gone up by 1.4 million, from 4.2 million to 5.6 million over the same period.  

The FCA has repeatedly reminded firms of the importance of supporting their customers and working with them to solve problems with payment, including by writing to industry bosses to make sure they are aware of the regulator’s expectations.   

Where firms haven’t supported their customers properly, the FCA has told them to make changes. It reminded 3,500 lenders of how they should be supporting borrowers in financial difficulty and told 32 lenders to make changes to the way they treat customers. This work has led to £29 million in compensation being secured for over 80,000 customers.    

As part of its Financial Lives survey, the FCA found that the cost of living is having an impact on people’s mental wellbeing. Around half of UK adults, or 28.4 million people, in January 2023 felt more anxious or stressed due to the rising cost of living than six months earlier.    

Sheldon Mills, Executive Director of Consumers and Competition said:  ‘Our research highlights the real impact the rising cost of living is having on people’s ability to keep up with their bills, although we are pleased to see that people have been accessing help and advice.  

‘If you’re concerned about your finances, you do not need to worry alone. We’ve told lenders that they should provide support tailored to your needs. And, if you find yourself in debt or want to know more about how to manage your finances, free expert advice is available.  

‘We will continue to act quickly to make sure financial firms help their customers who are facing financial difficulty or are worried they might be soon.’    

The support needed to deal with the rising cost of living goes beyond what is provided by the financial services sector. As a result, the FCA continues to work with other regulators and debt organisations to drive better coordination and help make sure customers are treated fairly and supported if they get into financial difficulty.  

The FCA will also be introducing the Consumer Duty in the summer. The Duty will be the driving force behind its consumer protection work, as it will require firms to act to deliver good outcomes for consumers and make sure that they are properly supported while using a financial product or service. 

Research: Financial Lives January 2023: Consumer experience of the rising cost of living – the burden of bills and ways to get support

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO COPE WITH DEBT?

Local advice is available at Granton Information Centre. Telephone 0131 551 2459, 0131 552 0458 or email appointments@gic.org.uk

We’re help to help!

Edinburgh Cup returns with delights on and off the track

No long faces at Musselburgh Racecourse ahead of sensational raceday

THE COUNTDOWN is on to one of the most prestigious events in the Scottish racing calendar which promises a bumper offering for revellers both on and off the track.

With over £135,000 in the prize pot, The Edinburgh Cup Raceday sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, will take place on Derby Day on 3 June and will feature two of the most valuable races staged at Musselburgh Racecourse.

The event commonly referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s raceday’ is a dedicated celebration of the vibrant capital city with attendees getting an opportunity to enjoy a day packed full of entertainment and an array of Scotland’s best street food offerings to indulge in.

Edinburgh Gin’s long-term partnership with the East Lothian course has seen activities build year on year – with the upcoming 2023 event providing many an experience for gin and cocktail-fans to match the high-quality racing on display.

As well as eight-person gin domes and specially created drinks at bars around the course, the Edinburgh Gin tipple trailer will debut slushies alongside more traditional drinks and botanical-inspired cocktails.

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Edinburgh Gin is a fitting partner to make one of the summer season’s social and sporting highlights.

“Revellers will be able to try the very best gin the capital has to offer while enjoying the racing and day’s festivities – which includes the Epsom Derby.

“The partnership matches Edinburgh Gin’s innovative and creative approach to gin production with our ambition to continually break down barriers, and we’re excited to showcase the best Musselburgh Racecourse and Edinburgh Gin have to offer on this exciting date in the summer Flat season.”

With the sought-after Edinburgh Gin domes already sold out for the Edinburgh Cup racegoers, visitors are being urged to book tickets now, with those booking before midnight on the 2 June saving £5 per person.

Aisling Johnston added: “Edinburgh Gin is a well-loved brand, and we believe its presence will bring an even greater sense of fun to events for guests by incorporating competitions and novelty features into the raceday.

“We look forward to welcoming the crowds to Musselburgh Racecourse on 3 June to enjoy what promises to be a spectacular day with a G&T in hand.”

Neil Boyd, Managing Director at Edinburgh Gin said: “Edinburgh Gin is delighted to once again sponsor the esteemed Edinburgh Cup at Musselburgh Racecourse, a wonder-filled day out for all concerned.

“We are very proud of our Edinburgh roots; our distillery lies in the heart of this great city and we continue to support local events that bring people together in the spirit of good fun and friendly competition.

“We will be raising a glass on 3June to the Edinburgh Cup and an exciting raceday ahead.”

Bill Farnsworth, Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse said: “The Edinburgh Cup is always a fantastic day of celebrations for everyone.

“The partnership between Edinburgh Gin and the Edinburgh Cup brings together the finest spirits and the finest horses for an unparalleled racing experience.

“We look forward to working with Edinburgh Gin to make it a day to remember for racing fans and Gin fans alike.”

Racegoers don’t need to worry about on-the-day transport as tickets are available on the Musselburgh Racecourse website for return tickets to Edinburgh. Buses will leave Waterloo Place in the city centre at 11:15 and return at 18:00, helping to provide a seamless experience. All return tickets are only £10 per person.

Edinburgh Cup Raceday gate admission is £40 for adults and £25 for concessions. Children aged 17 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Gates open at 11.30am, with provisional times for the first race at 1.15pm and the last race at 4:50pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing seasons including weekend, midweek, and evening.

For further information on the Edinburgh Cup and to book tickets now, visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/the-edinburgh-cup-2023

UNITE: Time to pull the plug on energy profiteers

New union investigation reveals taking energy into public ownership would end the ‘scandal of energy company profiteering’
  • Last year bill payers could have saved £45 billion with average bills cut by £1800. 
  • Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham to urge Starmer to reconsider Labour policy.  

Taking public control of the UK’s energy network could reduce bills, reduce inflation, and pay for itself in a few years, reveals new research by Unite the Union.

 Unite Investigates “Renationalising Energy – costs and savings considers how a publicly run energy network could use the massive profits of Britain’s energy giants to reduce household bills and fund the transition to a green future with secure jobs.

Unite Investigates’ report  is the first to determine the potential costs and savings of taking public control of the entire UK energy network – including North Sea oil and gas production, electricity generation, transmission and distribution networks, and supply companies.

The report reveals that companies made £45 billion profit from the UK domestic energy system in 2022. If that money had been kept in public hands, it could have been used to save each household £1,800 on their energy bills. Read Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham’s interview in today’s FT.

Household energy bills have been one of the biggest contributors to high inflation. Using energy profits to freeze bills in summer 2021, when prices started to shoot up, would have meant inflation was at least 4.1% lower last year. So in due course nationalisation could markedly reduce inflation.

Unite’s report also investigates the potential costs of nationalisation. Using the ‘book value’ approach, which compensates companies for their spending, Unite estimates a total cost of £90 billion. That is equal to just two years of profits at the 2022 level. Even as energy prices fall, taking control of energy would pay for itself within a few years.

Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary said: “It’s time to end the scandal of our energy system which allows profiteers to pocket billions while workers and communities are left in the cold.”

“For the first time we have laid out the full costs and savings of taking the entire energy network we all rely on into public ownership.

“It’s a tragic missed opportunity that, if the energy system had been run for the benefit of all not the profits of a few, households could have saved £45 billion, avoiding high bills that have left millions in the cold or searching for ‘warm banks.’

“It’s time to pull the plug on the energy profiteers. Unite is showing it’s no longer a question of ‘can we afford to’, it’s how long can we afford not to.”

This report follows the historic profits recorded by BP and Shell, who made a combined profit of £55 billion and British Gas owner Centrica.

Unite has previously exposed rampant profiteering by electricity and gas distributors, who made £6.3 billion in 2021 with huge long-term operating profit margins of over 40 per cent.

HMRC: Number of Self Assessment customers who file early doubles in 5 years

The number of Self Assessment customers who choose to file their tax return on the first day of the tax year (6 April 2023) has more than doubled since 2018, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

More than 77,500 customers submitted their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year on 6 April 2023, compared to almost 37,000 customers on 6 April 2018.

The deadline to file tax returns for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024 and customers have been able to submit theirs since the start of the new tax year.

By completing their Self Assessment early, customers have avoided the stress of last-minute filing – something which encouraged more than 860,000 customers file their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year on 31 January 2023.

Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year.

https://youtu.be/TnRQs2kvchA

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Filing your Self Assessment early means you can spend more time building your business or doing the things that you enjoy and less time worrying about completing your tax return. To find out how you can start yours and get help with budget planning, search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK.”

Customers can find out sooner if they are owed money. Once they have submitted their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, HMRC will let customers know as soon as the return has been processed and arrange for any overpayment to be refunded. Customers can also check if they are due a refund in the HMRC app once they have filed their return.

Customers who file early also benefit from knowing how much tax they owe and can set up a budget plan to help spread the cost and manage their payments. The Budget Payment Plan allows customers to choose how much and how often they want to pay – putting them in control of managing their bill.

Taxpayers can check if they need to complete a tax return by using the free online tool on GOV.UK. They may need to do Self Assessment if, for example, they:

·         are newly self-employed and have earned over £1,000

·         are a new partner in a business partnership

·         have received any untaxed income

·         are claiming Child Benefit and you or your partner have an income above £50,000

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on GOV.UK.

It is important that customers let HMRC know if there are any changes in details or circumstances such as a new address or name, or if they are no longer self-employed or their business has closed down. They should not assume someone else will update HMRC on their behalf.

If customers no longer need to do Self Assessment, they will need to tell HMRC. Find out more information on YouTube.

HMRC is reminding customers to protect their personal information and always be on their guard against tax scams. If a customer is contacted by someone saying they are from HMRC, they should never let themselves be rushed, especially if they are urged to transfer money or share personal information. Customers should not share their HMRC login details with anyone, including their tax agent.

Tax scams come in many forms – some offer a rebate while others threaten arrest for tax evasion. HMRC advises customers to take their time and if they’re unsure, check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.

World Baking Day: Five high protein healthy bakes from the fitness experts

World baking day is just around the corner (17th May), and no doubt many indulgent recipes will be taking over the internet. 

But bakes that are nice on the lips don’t always go straight down to the hips. 

If you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, but also want it to be macro friendly and high in protein, the fitness experts at bulk.com have got you covered. 

Below, the experts at bulk.com share five of their favourite bake recipes, that can be incorporated into an everyday healthy lifestyle, helping you get those all-important post gym gains.  

1. 5-Ingredient High Protein Brownie Recipe 

Created with just five ingredients, Nadia’s Protein Brownies are set to satisfy your chocolate cravings, serving as many as eight people! 

Pure Whey Protein™ is combined with Smooth Peanut Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, dark chocolate chips and ripe bananas, giving you a brownie that packs a protein punch while retaining a soft, velvety core.  

Who says upping your protein intake is difficult? 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 8) 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. 
  1. Mash the bananas and mix in the peanut butter. 
  1. Mix in the protein powder and the cacao powder. 
  1. Transfer into a lined baking and scatter chocolate chips. 
  1. Bake for 20 minutes and leave to cool before slicing. 

2. Lucy Watson’s Vegan Banana Bread Recipe 

 We may not have Paul Hollywood, but we’ve got a nice bake that’s not too much of a technical challenge and leaves no risk of a soggy bottom! 

This banana bread is vegan friendly and super easy to make. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 3 Large Ripe Bananas 
  • 70ml Vegetable Oil 
  • 100g Brown Sugar 
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon 
  • 200ml Almond Milk 
  • 300g Plain Flour 
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder 
  • 1/2 tsp Salt 
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 

For topping: 

  • 1 Banana 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan, gas 6), and grease a 900g loaf tin with a little oil. 
  1. Peel the bananas and put them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them well until they are creamy. Add the oil, sugar, cinnamon and milk. Combine well. 
  1. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, then add the nuts and chocolate. Stir with the wooden spoon until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin loaf. 
  1. Peel the banana and slice it lengthways. Lay both pieces on the loaf with the inside facing up. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the centre of the oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If there is cake mix on the skewer, return the loaf to the oven for 5-10 minutes more. 
  1. Leave it to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool a little more. 
  1. Slice and serve warm. We love it with peanut butter smothered on top! 

3. Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts 

 These Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts will be your new favourite way to meet your protein goal. They’re baked instead of fried, keeping your cravings in check and your nutrition on track. 

You dough-not want to miss out on these! 

Courtesy of Bulk ambassador Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 1 flax egg or 1 regular egg* 

You can create a vegan egg alternative by mixing 1 tbsp milled flaxseed with 3 tbsp warm water and leaving it to set for 10-15 minutes. 

TO MAKE THE FROSTING: 

METHOD: 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan. 
  1. Mix all the doughnut ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 6 lightly oiled silicon doughnut moulds. 
  1. Bake for 15 minutes, then leave to cool completely. 
  1. To make the frosting, add the almond butter and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl, then microwave for a few seconds to soften, then pour in the zero-calorie maple syrup. Mix to create a smooth frosting. 
  1. Dip each doughnut in the frosting mixture, then decorate with some cacao nibs. Enjoy! 

4. Bulk Baked Oats 

 Oats are one of the most versatile breakfast ingredients. A healthy source of fibre and carbohydrates, they are a great addition to smoothies, soaked overnight with fruit toppings and now, our favourite – baked.  

Therefore, step up your breakfast with a baked oats recipe that gives the texture of a fresh baked cookie – crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.  

Perfect for those cool mornings, here is the Bulk Baked Oats recipe. Even better – it’s super simple, 100% vegan and 100% delicious. 

Courtesy of Bulk’s ambassador, Maëlys. 
 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2):⁣⁣ 

METHOD:⁣⁣ 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 
  1. Blend all ingredients together (minus the Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons)⁣⁣ 
  1. Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins at 180 degrees⁣⁣ 
  1. Top with Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons, Peanut Butter, fresh berries or any other toppings of your choice and dig in! 

5. High-protein Brownie Cupcakes 

 Who can resist a cupcake? Or, more accurately, who can resist a decadent, chocolatey, spongy cup-cake that’s both high in protein and low in carbs?  

This high-protein cupcake recipe is made to curb chocolate cravings and add a bit of joy to your diet. Replace those lifting gloves with some oven mitts – it’s baking time.  

WHAT ARE THE MACROS AND CALORIES? 

  • 269 Kcals 
  • 12g Protein 
  • 17g Fat 
  • 17g Carbs 

 INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 85g Fat Free Greek Yoghurt 
  • Duo Milk & White Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Spread  
  • 1 Medium egg 
     

METHOD: 

  • Chop up the Protein Chocolate 
  • Mix the egg, powders, flour, almonds, oil and greek yoghurt. 
  • Place the mixture into a baking tray. 
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes at 160C/180C fan 
  • Top them with Protein Spread and one square of Protein Chocolate

Massive ‘flowering’ roof rolled out at Rowanbank Gardens

1000 sq m Rooftop Natural Sedum Carpet Protects Building Whilst Encouraging Biodiversity

View the video here: https://we.tl/t-kthGXYETj7

More than 1000 square metres of living ‘green’ roof has been laid on top of Rowanbank Gardens, in  Corstorphine, Edinburgh, as niche developer Artisan Real Estate continues to set new standards in environmentally sensitive living.  

The natural sedum roof is one of the largest ever to top a residential apartment building in the city and is the latest sustainable innovation to be added to the development, described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’.

Sedum are hardy yet striking flowering succulent plants with a host of natural properties that make them ideal for roof greening. The plants are virtually self-perpetuating and drought resistant, with shallow roots requiring very little soil in which to grow. Once in full bloom, sedum roofs provide many benefits including natural insulation, drainage and protection from the elements whilst encouraging increased biodiversity by attracting insect and bird life.

Welcoming the rolling out of the new roof, David Westwater Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland said: “It’s wonderful to see such an expansive green and natural space being rolled-out in front of our eyes, surrounding the spectacular penthouse apartments at Rowanbank Gardens.

“It provides another important statement of intent, underpinning our commitment to raising the benchmark of environmental standards across all our buildings – both inside and out. The sedum roofs will attract plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting, beehives and roosting sites. We will also be working with residents and the local community to explore the potential of hosting bee hives on the apartment roofs.”

He added: “We want to create external environments which are both in tune with nature and instrumental in bringing residents together.  We are also planting 150 new trees, plus herb and vegetable growing beds and more than 500metres of evergreen hedgerows. Rowanbank Gardens’ residents will also be able to grow their own herbs and vegetables together in raised growing beds as well as being able to harvest cherries and apples from almost 30 fruit trees.”

More than a third of apartments at Rowanbank Gardens development have now been sold following a buoyant sales start to the year. The development will deliver 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds. 

Work began in summer 2021, with the first move-ins expected by the end of the year. As well as an abundance of green open spaces, Rowanbank Gardens also provides smart, energy-efficient internal design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. 

Latest research shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at could be as low as £775 per year – or less than £65 per month – providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £245,000, with a two-bedroom from £315,000 and a three-bedroom from £422,500 making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre. 

To register interest in Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, call 0131 516 3302 or visit the development website at:

www.rowanbankgardens.com 

How to help someone through a mental health crisis

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Many people recognise the importance of looking after their mental wellbeing. Despite this, many feel uncertain they could help someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

This is particularly concerning given that one in six people will likely experience symptoms of mental health concerns like depression or anxiety during this week alone.

With Mental Health Awareness Week taking place this year from the 15th to the 21st of May, first aid instructors at Onsite First Aid Training have shared the signs to watch out for if you think someone is having a mental health crisis and how best to offer support.

What is a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is when a person’s thoughts, feelings or behaviours prevent them from functioning, taking care of themselves, or when they put themselves or others at risk of harm.

It can happen to anyone, and you don’t have to have a pre-existing mental health condition. A mental health crisis can be triggered by negative events or stresses such as bereavement, divorce or losing a job, or it can be the result of a prolonged period of substance abuse.

Signs that someone might be experiencing a mental health crisis

You might notice warning signs in advance, or they could come seemingly out of nowhere. Some common warning signs to watch out for, which could indicate someone is experiencing a mental health crisis include:

  • Intense or sudden change in mood or behaviour
  • Experiencing psychosis – including hallucinations or delusions
  • Feelings of paranoia
  • Feeling increasingly agitated, angry, or violent
  • Suicidal ideation or talking of ‘making plans’
  • Self-harming or wanting to harm themselves or others
  • Isolating or withdrawing from others
  • Inability to function or perform daily tasks, including personal hygiene.

Six ways to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis

Assess the risk of harm or suicide

It is vital to first identify if someone in crisis has hurt themselves or is thinking about hurting themselves.

If you can see that someone has seriously injured themselves or they report having taken an overdose, immediately dial 999 and stay with them until paramedics arrive.

If the person has self-harmed, but the bleeding has stopped, it is still important to call 111, as they will be able to assess the severity of the injury over the phone. Do your best to describe the extent of the injury, as this will determine whether the person is likely to need medical attention to prevent infection or to remove sharp objects, such as glass, from their skin.

Ask open-ended questions

When talking to someone in crisis, ask more open-ended questions, as these will encourage a more detailed response. Questions such as “How would you describe what you’re feeling right now?” can make it easier for the other person to convey their thoughts and feelings and can help bring them back down to baseline. A good tip is to try and start each question with either ‘how’, ‘why’, or ‘what’.

Closed-ended questions, on the other hand, typically prompt a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response and don’t leave as much room for exploration of feelings. These types of questions can still be useful when you need a straightforward answer to a question, such as asking, ‘Have you hurt yourself?’ or ‘Do you feel suicidal?’

Actively listen, and let the other person talk

When talking with someone about their mental health, try to actively listen rather than trying to offer advice and guidance.

This means putting your phone away and engaging in eye contact, using open body language, and listening without judgment or trying to offer a solution, showing you are providing your full attention.

Simply clarifying or repeating what they have said in your own words can go a long way in making someone feel heard, even if you don’t know how to respond to a particular piece of information.

Small verbal and non-verbal affirmations such as “That sounds really difficult” or simply nodding show that you acknowledge what has been said without interrupting the person in crisis.

Have patience

When someone is in crisis, they may find it difficult to think clearly and articulate their thoughts and feelings into words. Try to remain patient and not rush through the conversation; otherwise, they may not feel it is a safe space to talk and could shut off entirely.

Remember, they may have never talked about these feelings with anyone before and might be unfamiliar with how to navigate what they are experiencing. Assure them that they can take their time to fully express how they are feeling.

Accept that someone might not be ready to talk

Remember that not everyone will feel ready to talk to you when in crisis, particularly if you are a total stranger. They may not trust you or may feel uncomfortable talking in the current location.

Unless it is to determine whether someone intends to or has harmed themselves or others, it’s important to respect someone’s wishes not to talk. Simply letting someone know you are there can encourage them to talk when they feel ready.

Encourage professional help

Talking with someone during a mental health crisis could potentially save their life, but it’s important to remember that you are not a substitute for professional help.

Once you have established that the person can keep themselves safe, encourage the individual to seek support from qualified professionals as they will be the best equipped to support their needs.

Usually, this will be their GP, who can guide the person towards mental health resources and medical help through the NHS.

There are also local organisations that can provide support too. These can be found on Hub of Hope, a website that lists local organisations that provide mental health support.