Uncategorized – Page 14 – The NEN

The Besties are back this August

The Besties awards celebrating the best across Edinburgh’s August Festivals are now in their third year. The Award is a partnership between Radge Media, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland.

The Besties 2026 design by Camillo Feuchter

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce that The Besties are back!

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals,

The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals.

2026 winners will be announced at weekly ceremonies taking place at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on 15, 22 and 29 August.

The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.

Festival of Politics

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT – 27 & 28th AUGUST

From trust in public institutions to the impact of social media, democracy is facing new challenges and raising important questions about how we communicate and make decisions together.

This year’s Festival of Politics will bring together leading voices to explore some of the issues shaping public life today, including:

‘Brexit – ten years on’ – A look back at a decade of political and economic change, and where the UK’s relationship with Europe stands today.

‘Trust in public institutions’ – How can confidence be rebuilt after major public scandals?

‘Why social media abuse towards women in politics is damaging democracy’ – Exploring how online abuse and misinformation can affect political participation and representation.

‘When does free speech become hate speech?’ – Where should the line be drawn, and what role do social media platforms play?

‘The evolution of devolution’ – How has devolution changed decision-making across the UK, and what impact has it had over the years?

‘In conversation with Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond’ – Hear from one of the UK’s most influential legal figures as she reflects on her career and discusses her latest book, With the Law on Our Side.

Come along and join the conversation!

27-28 August

Browse the full programme and book tickets: https://ow.ly/oM8e50ZlaMr

ScotParl_FoP_Programme_2026_Web_Accessible Download

Childline anticipating summer spike in children seeking support for body image concerns

Last year Childline delivered more than 3,300 counselling sessions to children and young people with worries around body image and eating disorders.
Concerns peaked during the summer months, with almost a thousand counselling sessions being delivered last June, July and August
Young people are citing influencers and trends such as calorie counting videos as affecting their body image.

Childline is anticipating a summer spike in children seeking support for body image issues and eating disorders.

New data from the NSPCC service reveals it delivered 3,364 counselling sessions to young people from April 2025 to March 2026 about these problems.

Support from Childline about body image issues and eating disorders peaked over the summer months last year, with the service delivering almost 1,000 counselling sessions across June, July and August.

The summer months leading into the school holidays can be a particularly challenging time for children and young people struggling with their body image or their relationship with food.

They speak to Childline about their fears of wearing certain clothes, including swimsuits, and how they feel under pressure to look a certain way.

Children and young people also mention comparing themselves to influencers they see online. Some spoke to Childline about watching what I eat in a day and calorie counting videos, which often promote unhealthy habits such as extreme calorie restriction.

Last year, social media platform, TikTok, banned the hashtag #SkinnyTok in an effort to prevent young people being exposed to dangerous eating disorder content. In spite of this, Childline is still hearing from young people who are watching these types of videos on TikTok and other platforms.

29-year-old Lauren* from Scotland, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said: “I had body image insecurities from the age of five. I would look at different parts of my body and think they weren’t good enough or try to measure the size of my stomach.

“At secondary school my eating disorder habits started, and I found restricting my food intake was a way of staying in control. I was trying to be as secretive about it as possible. I felt more accepted as I lost weight and if I got praise for being slimmer, it just confirmed to me that I was doing the right thing.

“Eventually I found a treatment that worked better for me, and I’ve gone from having certain beliefs and thoughts around food, weight and calories that I genuinely no longer believe.

“I know how to protect myself now and I am much better than I ever thought I would be. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I would say I am 90% of the way there.”

A 17-year-old from Scotland told Childline: “I’ve had an eating disorder for years and I’m just stuck in a cycle. I get treatment for a while, hit a healthy weight, get discharged, then spiral back into restricting.

“This time I tried to get help when I knew it was starting to happen again, but they wouldn’t see me because my BMI was still ok. I don’t want to live like this, but I don’t know how to do it without support.”

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body.

“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or, in some instances, developing disordered eating behaviours. Children are also telling us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, particularly influencers on social media.

“Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they’re going through our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment. Seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Advice for parents on encouraging healthy body image in children:

Model positive body talk: Be mindful of how you speak about your own body and other people’s’ bodies in front of your children. Avoid negative comments about weight, appearance, or comparing yourself to others, as children often copy what they hear.
Focus conversations on health and wellbeing, not appearance: When discussing food and exercise, emphasize feeling strong, energetic, and healthy rather than looking a certain way. Celebrate what bodies can do rather than just how they look.
Take concerns seriously and listen without judgment: If your child expresses worries about their body or eating habits, avoid dismissing their feelings or saying “you look fine”. Listen carefully and offer support, consider seeking professional help if needed.
Discuss what they see in the media: Help your child understand that images online and in media are often edited or unrealistic. Encourage critical thinking about what they see and limit exposure to content that promotes unrealistic beauty standards.
Watch for warning signs: Be alert to changes in your child’s eating habits, mood, exercise patterns, or social withdrawal. Early intervention is important, so don’t hesitate to seek professional support if you notice concerning behaviours around food or body image. Adults can contact our NSPCC Helpline with any concerns about a child.

All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website.

Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have on body image and eating disorders.

JD Sports opens their largest store in Scotland

Shoppers turned up in their droves at The Centre, Livingston for the opening of Scotland’s largest JD Sports store on Thursday (9th July).

The retailer, known as the ‘King of Trainers’, which has over 350 stores across the UK, relocated in the shopping centre due to customer demand.

The store opened with a celebratory launch which included a Spin the Wheel competition, running from Friday until Sunday, goody bags and a DJ.

Larissa Fleming from Livingston said: “The new store looks amazing – it is really bright with a lovely layout and has a fantastic selection of trainers and clothing.

I just had to treat myself to a new pair of On Cloud trainers which I’ve had my eye on for a while.”

Tammy Wilson, who was shopping with her son Rory, said: “It was great to pop into the new-look JD Sports store this morning, which my son is a big fan of.

“He picked out a really nice pair of Montirex shorts and t-shirt, but I have a feeling we’ll be back again very soon – we loved it!”

Pic Greg Macvean 09/07/2026 The Centre, Livingston – JD Sports store opening

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The new larger JD Sports store looks fantastic and really enhances our overall offering at The Centre, Livingston – we are very confident it will be a big hit with our shoppers!”

Mother’s determination to change the world inspires UK launch of acclaimed memoir

Every copy sold is supporting Salvesen Mindroom Centre’s mission

As charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom) marks its 25th anniversary, founder Sophie Dow launches the English edition of her internationally acclaimed memoir, with proceeds from the limited 1,000-copy run helping ensure “No Mind Is Left Behind.”

What happens when a Mother refuses to accept a broken system? For journalist, writer and Mum Sophie Dow, the answer was to change it.

Now, twenty-five years after co-founding Scottish neurodiversity charity Mindroom following the birth of her daughter Annie, Dow is publishing the first English-language edition of her acclaimed memoir, “When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script”, an extraordinary true story of love, resilience and one family’s determination to create a better future for neurodivergent people.

Inspired by Annie, who lives with a unique and rare chromosome deletion now informally known as “Annie’s syndrome”, the book tells the deeply personal story behind a decision that has gone on to transform the lives of thousands and thousands of families.

The book was officially launched at an intimate soft launch on Wednesday, 9 July, as part of Mindroom’s 25th anniversary celebrations. In a special limited-edition print run of just 1,000 copies, every penny of proceeds will support the charity’s work with neurodivergent children, young people and families across Scotland.

Originally published in Sweden in 2018 as “När livet inte följer manus”, the memoir received widespread critical acclaim and has now been updated and translated into English by Sophie and her husband Robin for the first time.

At the heart of both the charity and the book is a simple belief: society should stop focusing on what neurodivergent people cannot do and instead recognise what they can.

‘When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script’ is an inspiring, personal detective drama written with humour, passion and a determined focus on the question: Why aren’t all minds valued equally?

Each chapter is illustrated with artwork created by Annie herself, making the book not only a memoir but also a celebration of creativity, individuality and the many ways people experience the world.

Author Sophie Dow says: “When Annie was born, everything changed. We found ourselves navigating systems that often focused on limitations rather than possibilities. I found that totally unacceptable.

“We are certainly not alone. There are thousands of other families out there in the same situation. This is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. So, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was founded 25 years ago to ensure that no mind is left behind.”

That vision has flourished into an influential organisation with a trusted reputation for advice, advocacy and practical support for neurodivergent children, young people, families and people in the workplace across Scotland and beyond, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.

Photography for Salvesen Mindroom Centre in Leith Edinburgh

Alan Thornburrow, CEO for Mindroom, continues: “In 2025 alone, Mindroom supported 2,172 families. We received 1,801 NEW enquiries over the course of this year alone and trained 3,546 delegates. Since 2020, we have experienced a 309% increase in the number of families seeking support.

“Sophie and Robin’s story is one I recognise, and I know so many other parents and carers will too. Every day, families tell us about the challenges of navigating fragmented systems while trying to secure the understanding and support their children need.

“That’s why we work so hard to help parents, carers, children and young people – as well as employers and employees – find a path through those barriers and access the support that enables everyone to feel valued and thrive.”

As Mindroom celebrates 25 years, the publication represents both a reflection on how far understanding of neurodiversity has come and a call for much more to be done.

Every copy sold will help fund the charity’s continuing work to ensure neurodivergent children, young people and neurodivergent people in the workplace have equal opportunities to thrive.

As demand for its services continues to grow, Mindroom also works alongside leading researchers to deepen understanding of neurodiversity and help drive lasting change.

To purchase the book, please visit: “When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script – Buy the book”

For more information about Sophie’s work, please visit www.sophie-dow.com.

To find out more about Mindroom and the support it provides, visit: www.mindroom.org.

Regular physical activity adds up to real health benefits

Whether it’s a walk to the shops or taking the stairs, regular physical activity adds up to real health benefits

The UK Chief Medical Officers have refreshed their Physical Activity Guidelines for adults to reflect new evidence on how moving more improves your health:

https://www.gov.uk/…/physical-activity-guidelines-uk…

The benefits of physical activity at all stages of life for health

Professor Chris Whitty writes for The i paper on the update to the UK CMOs’ physical activity guidelines

Almost everybody reading this will be aware in broad terms that physical activity is good for health. To exercise more is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions in the UK according to surveys.

Quite how good it is for physical and mental health has however become steadily clearer from multiple studies over the last few years, and the evidence base in both men and women is now very robust. Among the diseases physical activity makes less common, delays or prevents are coronary heart disease, stroke, dementia, diabetes, breast cancer and bowel cancer, arthritis and depression.

The UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have just updated their main physical activity guidelines to reflect the new data.

We have made clearer that for those who do almost no physical activity even small amounts will significantly improve their overall physical and mental health, and this increases rapidly with every increment of activity up to 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, with the benefits increasing more slowly after that.

Do not therefore be put off if you think you cannot make 150 minutes – make a start and see how you go. Every extra bit will benefit you.

In addition to this general improvement in health, it is important to do things which maintain strength and balance. As we age we all lose muscle mass – keeping strength and balance into older age can be the difference between an active and independent later life and earlier frailty and dependency.

Since the last time CMOs reviewed the guidelines many people have started GLP-1 agonist drugs for diabetes and weight loss and it is important those taking the drugs concentrate on strength as weight decreases to protect muscle.

Physical activity is far more likely to be sustained if it is either useful, enjoyable or both and ideally built into a routine. Active transport including walking, cycling and wheeling; all sports; gyms and running; and dancing are examples of the wide range of activity that help.

Whether it is in groups, with friends or alone, if it works for you it is a good thing to do – and mid-July is often a lot easier to start than the beginning of January.

Residents asked to share views on Community Payback Orders

A consultation is now open inviting Edinburgh residents to share their views on Community Payback Orders and the unpaid work carried out in their area.

Last year alone, just under 50,000 hours of unpaid work was completed in Edinburgh – equivalent to over 6,000 working days. Projects supported over the last year include:

Gyle Park Pavilion – Improvement work to the appearance of Gyle Park Pavilion and the car park. This included repainting exterior doors and step bannisters to cover up unpleasant graffiti and work in the car park to clear vegetation in the car park drainage channels.
The Ferry Road project – The unpaid work team helped clear areas in the community blighted by rubbish and fly tipping. The work had a big impact on the local environment making a previously heavily littered area useable and accessible.
Leith Theatre – The unpaid work women’s group cleared the outdoor space at Leith Theatre. This included weeding, gardening and pruning trees to make the area safe and accessible.

Edinburgh residents are encouraged to share their views on the unpaid work part of a CPO, which replaced community service in 2011. We want to know:

Do you have any experience of people doing unpaid work in your community?
Do you think unpaid work gives people the opportunity to repay the community for the crimes they have committed?
Do you have any ideas about residents, community projects or organisations who could benefit from unpaid work support?

CPOs are given by the Court to enable people to make amends for their crimes as an alternative to a prison sentence, with communities putting forward ideas to their local authority for the unpaid work carried out where they live.

Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership Jane Meagher, said: “Community Payback Orders (CPOs) offer an alternative and more positive way for people to repay locally for crimes committed.

“We know that CPOs are mutually beneficial to both the individual and the wider community. For those completing a CPO, they have the chance to learn new skills, work as part of a team, and make a positive contribution to society.

“This year alone, with just under 50,000 hours of unpaid work carried out, we’ve seen a real difference to communities with previously unused or neglected areas transformed and, in some cases, put back into use.

“I encourage all Edinburgh residents to take the opportunity to have their say on the future of unpaid work and how it could benefit their local community in the future.”

Share your views here.

Scots invited to feel a little Norwegian this Saturday

Watch England-Norway World Cup quarter-final clash on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

Football fans can witness one of the most talked-about matches of the FIFA World Cup yet in spectacular fashion at Vue Edinburgh Omni as England face Norway in a blockbuster quarter-final clash this Saturday.

Following popular screenings of Scottish group matches at Vue venues across Scotland, fans will now have the opportunity to follow more of the action on the big screen, whether they are cheering on another home nation, or feeling Norwegian for the weekend!

Those wishing to enjoy some quarter-final drama with fellow fans can do so with the ultimate seat, screen and sound by coming along to Vue where every moment will play out on the big screen.

Kicking off at 22:00 BST, England will be aiming to take the next step towards World Cup glory, but standing in their way is a Norway side boasting world-class talent across the pitch.

Norway’s squad is packed with Premier League experience, with a host of players who know England’s stars inside out and will be hoping to use that knowledge to halt the Three Lions’ march to the semi-finals, while players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice will look to do the same.

Harry Kane and Erling Haaland will step onto the biggest stage in world football as they continue their competition for the crown as the world’s best striker. With both the strikers aiming for the coveted golden boot, fans can expect a duel between two generational goalscorers in what promises to be one of the stand-out matches of the tournament.

Rachel Bland, Senior Screen Content Manager at Vue Entertainment, said: “Even though Scotland is out of the championship, we wanted to make sure fans here could continue to follow the action on the big screen after earlier successful screenings.

“No matter who you’re supporting, there’s no better place to experience the drama than at Vue. Our next-level screen and sound technology brings every tackle, every goal and every unforgettable moment to life, making you feel like you’re right there in the stadium.”

Vue’s Big Screen Sports line-up

Saturday: England vs Norway (Quarter-Final) – 22:00 BST

Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com.

Gaddle at North Edinburgh Arts

LAST TICKETS SELLING FAST

MONDAY 13 JULY – 2.30 and 4pm

Last few places left for Monday’s performance of Gaggle!

Gaggle is a joyful, non-verbal physical comedy made especially for young audiences with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.

Join three lighthouse keepers as they spend three days and three nights watching the sea. By day they work, watch and wait, whatever the weather. By night, lanterns are lit and things get weird, wonderful, and wild.

“We all loved the sensory experience which we could all enjoy together. It was a truly inclusive experience.” – Audience feedback

Monday 13 July, 2.30pm & 4.00pm

Find out more and book tickets at:

https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on/gaggle

Local MSP questions Scottish Government over it’s commitment to heat networks in Edinburgh Northern

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie yesterday questioned the Scottish Government on its commitment to tackling issues affecting heat networks throughout the constituency.

Heat networks are a manner of heating buildings that use a central source of hot water which is then pumped to various different homes or buildings.

The Liberal Democrat MSP has asked the Scottish Government to comment on when the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) Bill and any associated Heat Network legislation will be introduced, and how the proposals will differ from those previously consulted on.

Sanne has also questioned the government on if assessments have been carried out to properly document the benefits that heat networks can provide toward lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.

The introduction of comprehensive legislation on heat networks will ensure that the people of Edinburgh Northern have better access to cheaper and more efficient energy methods.

However, for this to happen, the Scottish Government must be proactive in facilitating not only the deployment of heat networks, but also in engaging with local authorities and developers to ensure that any future heat networks are correctly implemented.

Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Heat networks have the potential to play an extremely important role in delivering cleaner, more secure and more affordable heating for communities across Edinburgh Northern.

“However, this success depends on providing certainty for local authorities, investors and the consumers of heat networks.

“The questions that I have asked aim to establish the Scottish Government’s timetable, funding commitments and legislative intentions regarding heat network deployment.

“This will allow both parliament, constituents and those in the industry to have a clear understanding of how heat network deployment will be taken forward.”