North Edinburgh News – Page 9 – The NEN

Supporting Scotland’s victims of crime

Fund financed by offenders opens for new applications

A victims’ fund financed by penalties imposed on convicted offenders is open for new applications.

More than 10,000 people have been helped through the Victim Surcharge Fund since it was established in 2019, with almost £3.5 million paid out so far.

The fund has now opened for new applications, giving organisations that support victims of crime a chance to apply for a share of a further £800,000.

Victims of domestic abuse, stalking and other forms of violence against women and girls are among those who have been supported through the fund. Help includes emergency food and clothing expenses, installation of alarm systems to make victims feel safe, and emotional and psychological support.

Victims Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “Crime can have a lasting and traumatic impact and it is absolutely right that offenders should be made to support victims. That is exactly what happens through the Victim Surcharge Fund where penalties imposed on offenders are used to provide vital help for victims.

“More than 10,000 people impacted by crime have been supported when they need it most through the Fund. This includes direct, practical help with essentials like food and clothing for those fleeing abuse, violence or exploitation.

“The Fund has paid out almost £3.5 million so far and applications have opened for the seventh time, meaning many more victims will be supported.”

Grampian Women’s Aid (GWA) CEO Aileen Forbes said: “The support provided through the Victim Surcharge Fund has enabled us to respond to the practical and immediate needs of women and children recovering from domestic abuse, providing essential items and home security measures that help them feel safe, secure and able to rebuild their lives.

“Alongside GWA’s specialist support, these resources make a significant difference at a critical point in a woman’s recovery, reducing anxiety, increasing stability and creating the conditions for longer-term wellbeing and independence.

“On behalf of the many women the fund has supported to date and the many more that are to come, we are sincerely thankful for this investment and the lasting difference it continues to make to the lives of the victim-survivors we support.”

Michelle Rennie, Head of National Programmes at Victim Support Scotland, said: “The true impact of the Victim Surcharge Fund is reflected in the honest and heartfelt feedback from applicants who have benefitted from Victim Support Scotland’s Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF), the costs of which are entirely met from the Victim Surcharge Fund.

“Victims have told us that the items provided through the EAF would ‘truly make a difference in their life’, with partner organisations adding that ‘I am pretty sure that their faith in humanity just got restored a little bit’.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund enables Victim Support Scotland to address urgent financial hardships and practical issues people may face as a direct result of crime.

“Over the last six months, our Emergency Assistance Fund supported approximately 720 people impacted by crime, as well as indirectly supporting a further 489 dependents. We are seeing a high number of applications from women experiencing domestic abuse, reflecting the heightened dangers and worrying increases in this type of crime.

“We have distributed goods and services worth nearly £300,000. Typical items include basic essentials, household goods, food, clothing, security equipment, and moving costs. Security equipment remains the most frequently requested item, reflecting the concerns victims have for their own safety.

“Victim Support Scotland can provide ongoing emotional and practical support for any type of crime.”

Police: Celebrate Safely

For Halloween and Bonfire Night, we’re asking everyone to celebrate safely

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle are now in place across Edinburgh (30 Oct – 5 Nov) to help prevent anti-social behaviour and protect our communities.

Let’s all do our part to keep Edinburgh safe — attend organised firework events only:

https://orlo.uk/nmY7j

#TomorrowWeStillLiveHere

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#PoliceScotland

Tomorrow: Festival of Politics panel discussions at Scottish Parliament

MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER from 5.15pm

As part of the World Press Photo exhibition currently on display here at The Scottish Parliament, we’re excited to be hosting two more free panel events on Monday evening.

“Ukraine, the future” explores security, support for Ukraine, and prospects for lasting peace.

“How images sell the news” will examine what makes a good news image, and who decides this.

Come along and be part of the discussions, with the opportunity to ask the expert panellists your questions.

Monday 2 Nov from 5.15pm

More info & book FREE tickets: https://ow.ly/SXao5102qxV

PYCP: Bonfire Week programme

Have a look at our programme for Bonfire Week: Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 8th of November!

Double check the times as a few of our Older Groups are longer this week!

As always – we hope everyone has a nice time, but please keep yourself and your friends safe

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie: Scottish Government must rethink dropping healthy environment right from Human Rights Bill

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has urged the Scottish Government to rethink its decision to exclude the right to a healthy environment from its future Human Rights Bill.

Minister for Equalities, Simita Kumar, said that the government will “not include a standalone right to a healthy environment in the future Human Rights Bill.”

The right is about making sure people have access to clean air, a safe climate, safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.

Recognising this right was a key recommendation of the Scottish Government’s National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership in 2021.

In 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said that legislating for this right was a “necessary and important step for Scotland now to take”.

In their manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrats committed to recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern and party spokesperson for the environment Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see that the Scottish Government is withholding such a fundamental human right.

“Everybody deserves access to clean air, safe water and sanitation, as well as a stable climate. Without these protections, people are exposed to severe physical illnesses, mental health struggles, and long-term societal damage ranging from toxic chemical and radiation exposure to deepening food insecurity.

“As Scotland faces a surge in energy-intensive infrastructure, including the proposed development of massive data centres and chip-manufacturing plants, it is more vital than ever to establish robust legal frameworks that safeguard our environment and protect future generations.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats remain fully committed to high environmental standards by recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.

“We are determined to work closely with our European neighbours, rather than falling behind international best practice.”

Making recycling easier in Scotland

Consultation on a household recycling code of practice

People across Scotland are being invited to have their say on proposals to make recycling easier and more consistent.

The Scottish Government consultation seeks views on a new household recycling code of practice, which also aims to increase recycling rates and help reduce carbon emissions.

Clear standards for how councils collect and manage household waste and recycling are part of the draft code, which proposes:

a move towards more households having collections of paper and card separately from plastic, metal and cartons to reduce recycling contamination
clear and consistent definitions of materials accepted for kerbside collection to provide clarity for the public on what can be recycled
limits on general waste capacity, to encourage greater use of recycling and food waste collections
nationally recommended colours for recycling bins to make it easier to understand how to recycle

Delivering a key commitment of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act, the code has been developed through extensive engagement with local authorities, waste management practitioners and environmental organisations. The consultation now gives communities, individuals and organisations across Scotland the chance to shape the final code before it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.

It also clarifies that flexible plastic and plastic films should also be collected from households. The consultation also seeks views on proposals developed with local authorities and stakeholders regarding how food and garden waste should be collected and how rural exemptions should apply.

Modelling suggests the code could increase Scotland’s household recycling rate by approximately 2.5% and reduce carbon emissions by around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 27,000 petrol cars.

Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: “Recycling well shouldn’t depend on where you live. This code will help make sure it is easier for people right across Scotland, in both our cities and rural communities, to recycle more.

“We’ve worked closely with councils and stakeholders on these proposals and I am grateful to them for their constructive engagement to get us to this stage. However, it is clear that there’s more to get right before the code is finalised.

“I’d encourage everyone with a view, whether you’re a council, a community group or simply someone who wants to see Scotland recycle better, to take part in this consultation and help us shape the final code.”

A new Household Recycling Code of Practice – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space closes on 21 January 2027.

‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ marks a decade of keeping Britain’s railways safe

Almost 83,000 crimes have been recorded through the 61016 number since the public safety campaign launched in 2016

‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign marks 10 years, having helped prompt over 1.5 million texts to British Transport Police, leading to almost 83,000 crimes recorded
passengers using 61016 led to 175,000 police deployments over the past decade, showing how a single text can lead to an arrest, investigation and conviction
government work under nationalisation puts passengers at the heart of transport, with £17 million to improve CCTV at stations, and the British Transport Police receiving a £63 million boost over 3 years – funding over 200 additional officers

Passengers have helped the British Transport Police record almost 83,000 crimes over the past decade by texting 61016, according to new figures released today, as the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign reaches its tenth anniversary.

Since its launch in 2016, the campaign has become one of the most recognised public safety messages in the country, encouraging passengers to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right to the British Transport Police.

This has led to real action – more than 200,000 texts are now sent to the British Transport Police each year using 61016, and last year saw an almost tenfold increase since the campaign was launched in 2016. These texts alone – more than 1.5 million exchanged over the last 10 years – have led to more than 175,000 police deployments across the rail network.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “We’re committed to making our railways safe, and for a decade, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has played a vital role in doing this, supporting the British Transport Police, transforming how people report crimes and issues across the network.

“Almost 83,000 crimes have been recorded through the 61016 number – proof that reporting leads to real action, showing the difference passengers can make simply by speaking up.”

Over 60% of people say they feel safer because of visible security measures when travelling and ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ is mandated across every train operator and station in England, Scotland and Wales, making it one of the most visible and widely deployed public safety campaigns in the country.

While the campaign is primarily a counter-terrorism campaign, it has evolved as a way of promoting the 61016 number, giving people another way to report a wide range of other crimes and safety issues to the British Transport Police.

This includes an incident in March 2025, where a passenger on a train to London Euston witnessed a man viewing graphic child abuse material on his phone and discreetly reported it by texting 61016.

Officers intercepted the train, arrested the man and he was sentenced to over 2 years in prison – showing the difference a single text can make to bring offenders to justice.

British Transport Police Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi, said: “For 10 years, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has encouraged passengers to report anything that doesn’t feel right, helping raise awareness of British Transport Police’s 61016 text service, which now receives more than 25,000 messages each month.

“The free, discreet service allows passengers to report crime, suspicious behaviour and sexual harassment directly to us, enabling swift action to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice. The public are our eyes and ears on the railway and their vigilance continues to play a vital role in helping keep the network safe.”

The Westminster government is committed to making sure our railways are safe, and the British Transport Police are receiving an extra £63 million in funding over 3 years for 200 more officers, including 36 officers as part of a new team dedicated specifically to reducing violence and intimidation against women and girls.

This is alongside a £17 million investment to improve CCTV at stations, and for the first time rail operators are being assessed on their commitments to tackle violence against women and girls.

Christmas Tree sales to help people facing homelessness in Scotland

National homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust is inviting Edinburgh shoppers to support people facing homelessness this Christmas by choosing a Caring Christmas Tree for 2026.

Freshly cut and grown on a farm in West Lothian with sizes starting from 4ft, the Grade A Nordmann fir trees bring festive warmth into customers’ homes while helping fund care and practical support for people who need it. Prices start at £47.50, with all proceeds going towards Bethany’s work to prevent and alleviate homelessness.

The charity supports more than 9,000 people across Scotland each year. Money raised through Caring Christmas Trees helps fund services and support such as community drop-ins, recovery programmes, Care Vans offering food and hot drinks, and support for people moving into a permanent home.

A regular Caring Christmas Tree customer said: “Beautiful trees with very little needle drop and a lovely cheery festive experience picking up. (Volunteers) help you choose the one you want and can take it to the car.

“I have bought trees from Bethany for a number of years and can enthusiastically recommend them!”

Another said: “We have ordered from Caring Christmas Trees for several years and had a great experience, in particular picking up in Stockbridge with the Christmas Market.

“It really gets you in the Christmas spirit, to have a hot chocolate and to buy several things from local vendors.”

This year’s Bethany Christmas Market also returns to St Stephen’s Comely Bank Church in Edinburgh on Friday 4 December, from 4pm to 7pm, and Saturday 5 December, from 10am to 2pm.

Visitors can enjoy local art and craft stalls, live music and light refreshments.

Trees can be ordered online at www.caringchristmastrees.com, with collection sites across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow and Fife during November and December. Home delivery is available to selected Edinburgh and Glasgow postcodes for an additional £30.

For enquiries, call 0131 561 8948, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Celebrate the latest Hunger Games film with limited-edition merch and special one-off screenings at Vue Edinburgh and Livingston

Tickets are now on sale for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and fans of the franchise are in for a treat, with exclusive merchandise and special Collector Screenings coming to Vue Edinburgh and Livingston.

To celebrate the return to Panem, Vue is giving fans the chance to get their hands on a range of limited-edition merchandise, including collectible popcorn buckets, cups and keyrings – perfect for anyone looking to take home a piece of the action.

In addition, on Saturday 28 November at 3pm, Vue will be hosting a special Sunrise on the Reaping Collector Screening, where fans will receive one of three limited-edition collectible pins to mark the occasion.

Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena, the highly anticipated prequel follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the 50th annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, where twice the number of Tributes must fight for survival.

The film boasts an all-star cast, including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, McKenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke and Glenn Close.

Audiences in Edinburgh and Livingston can also enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seat the Ultra Lux. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and drinks and a state-of-the-art beverage cooler – making it the most luxurious way to immerse yourself in a great story.

There’s only one way to make The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping even more EPIC, and that’s by experiencing it on Vue’s biggest, brightest and most immersive screen ever. Watch every moment of the action unfold in stunning detail with next-level clarity, thanks to HDR laser projectors and fully immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound.

Tickets are available to book through the Club Vue app, where every screening earns you a digital loyalty stamp. Collect 10 stamps and you’ll be rewarded with a free cinema ticket. Tickets can also be booked online at www.myvue.com.

JJ Chalmers recognised by Edinburgh Napier for extraordinary career of service

The broadcaster has collected an honorary doctorate from the University

TV presenter and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University for a remarkable career, which has taken him from military service to many of the world’s biggest events.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, John-James began his career as a teacher, while also taking up his journey of service, which led to the Royal Marines with 42 Commando.

Since sustaining life-changing injuries during a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he has made his name as an athlete at the Invictus Games and latterly become a widely known broadcaster.

Viewers will know him from his presentation of major sporting events, including TV coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics, while has also co-hosted the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, fronted documentaries, and even appeared as a contestant of Strictly Come Dancing.

In 2018, JJ also delivered an address as part of Edinburgh Napier’s Chancellor Talks series, entitled Finding Your Commando Spirit. His lecture gave an account of his personal journey, reflecting on how he confronted and overcame profound adversity.

JJ has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University in recognition of his extraordinary service and his ongoing contribution to public life.

The award of Doctor of the University was presented during a ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care on Thursday [29 October 2026].

JJ Chalmers said: “It’s a huge privilege. I love what I do for a living, so to be recognised for doing the thing I love is an unbelievable privilege.

“I am aware that I’ve been very fortunate to have a platform as a result of my profession, and I like to think that some of the stuff that I’ve done might have made some sort of impact on the world.

“To have that recognised today just reminds me to keep going, to keep doing everything I possibly can to help others.”

Presenting his honorary degree, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, Founder and Director of ENU’s Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement, said: “JJ Chalmers stands as a living testament to resilience, adaptability and service, embodying the principle that adversity can serve as a catalyst for reinvention.

“His journey illustrates that true leadership is defined not solely by rank or title, but by the capacity to inspire others through courage, perseverance, and example.

“Reflecting on his story, we are reminded that the measure of a life is not determined by the challenges one encounters, but by the will to rise beyond them and the ability to guide others toward hope, purpose and renewal.”