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First steps towards a National Care Service for Scotland

‘Real life experts’ to help focus on what really matters to people receiving social care

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Minister for Social Care Kevin Stewart have welcomed the first meeting of a Social Covenant Steering Group, set up to help guide the development of a National Care Service.

Establishing the group, made up of people with day-to-day experience of social care, was a key recommendation of Derek Feeley’s Independent Review of Adult Social Care and marks the fulfilment of one of the commitments for the first 100 days of this government.

Initial membership of the group, which met for the first time yesterday, includes unpaid carers, disability rights activists, a care home resident, a campaigner for the needs of relatives of those in care homes, a social care worker and others with significant experience of the way services are currently delivered.

The diverse group includes people from across Scotland with a spread of ages, and social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

The group is expected to help establish a common set of values and beliefs – a social covenant – which will underpin the National Care Service, including treating people with dignity, prioritising the common good and ensuring there is strong oversight of the new service. It will establish underlying and unifying principles to help guide decision-making.

Mr Stewart, who will chair the group’s meetings, said: “We know there were problems in the social care system before  COVID arrived and we had already started to think about ways of reforming it, but the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the system and really highlighted the importance of making changes.

“Many members of this group have already heavily influenced the recommendations in Derek Feeley’s report and I am keen to ensure that we continue to listen to their expert views and act on what they tell us. 

“A social covenant will enable us to develop a common set of values around social care; and see those systems as not merely a safety net, but a springboard to allow people to flourish.

“It is extremely important that we listen to people with lived experience – the real experts – to hear about the highs and lows of social care services. It is by doing this that we will really find out what’s good about the services people receive, more importantly, what needs to improve for those who use and deliver social care.”

“Only by listening to people with real-life experiences , and acting on what we hear, can we create a system that ensures that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.”

Marion McArdle,  who has a  daughter with  complex needs said: “I feel privileged to be part of this group, since I’m fully expecting it to be a partnership between the government and the experts, people with real stories and real suggestions on how to change things for the better based on their lived experience of social care in Scotland.

“I’m optimistic that this can only be good thing and a great step forward in getting it right for Scotland’s citizens who are entitled to a social care system which at the very least meets their human rights.”

Threipmuir Reservoir: body found

Police in Edinburgh have confirmed that a body has been found in the Threipmuir Reservoir following a recovery operation after a man was seen getting into difficulties in the water around 5.35pm on Wednesday, 14 July.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family of the man, who have asked for privacy, have been made aware.

There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Thriepmuir Reservoir car park and the path alongside the reservoir, is now reopen to the public.

Don’t give thieves an easy ride!

Motorcycles and scooters are an easy target for thieves. While these criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, by following a few simple steps, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

– Ensure your bike is fitted with a combined alarm and immobiliser which will deter thieves when the alarm sounds.

– Attach both a disc lock and U-lock. Do not rely on one device, the more security placed on your bike, the less attractive it is to a thief.

– Try to park under street lights- When applying your locks, ensure they are secured to a solid anchor point or a permanent piece of street furniture. Keep the lock off the ground where possible as this makes it difficult to cut off.

– Cover your motorcycle and ensure the cover is attached to the security device.

– If possible, use ‘Thatcham’ or ‘sold secure’ approved devices. These have been tested by the industry.

– Ensure you always activate the steering lock.

– Avoid leaving your helmet or other possessions on the motorcycle, in luggage space or panniers.

– Look out for car parks that are accredited to the ‘Parkmark’ scheme, as they are safer places to park vehicles. Log onto www.parkmark.co.uk for a list of car parks on your area.

– Be vigilant, ensure that you are not being followed home and check for suspicious items attached to your motorcycle or transporting vehicle/trailer that could be used to track your whereabouts.

– Tracking Devices are an effective covert security measure. They may not prevent your motorcycle from being stolen, it will assist in tracing and recovering the vehicle quickly.

– Marking and Identification Systems such as Datatag ID which can be attached to various parts of your motorcycle.

Datatag assists in identifying the owner of the vehicle should it be stolen and later recovered even if the motorcycle has been taken apart.

For more information visit www.datatag.co.uk.

#LockYourDoors

#DontGiveThievesAnEasyRide

Now Open: Community Funding Available via Corra Foundation

Corra Foundation are welcoming applications from community groups, organisations and charities for a number of funds currently open. 

Focusing on a variety of themes, the grants open are aimed at supporting communities at local level, from support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic charities delivering projects on mental health, to funding for grassroots organisations working with homelessness and small funding pots for neighbourhood projects. 

The Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund, Enabling Neighbourhoods and Communities Fund and The Local Support Fund are administered by Corra Foundation on behalf of the Scottish Government. #ShiftThePower Scotland Comic Relief Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation working as an intermediary partner with Comic Relief in Scotland. 

July closing dates for two of the funds – Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund and Henry Duncan Grants are fast approaching. Please see below for more information and links to guidelines and applications.  

A round-up of current funds from Corra Foundation: 

Supporting Third Sector Armed Forces community organisations whose operations have been affected by COVID-19. Up to £75k available towards running costs until the end of March 2022. 

Closing 12 noon, Fri 16th July. 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/revision-of-armed-forces-third-sector-resilience-fund/ 

Funding community-based support for mental health and wellbeing via 3 strands: 

Organisation Grants – max £8,000 for 5 years – closing 21st July 

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Project Grants – max £8,000 for 3 years – closing 21st July 

Micro Grants – max £1,000 one of grants – rolling applications 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/henry-duncan-grants/ 

Up to £30k, multi-year funding for grassroots organisations and charities working under 2 themes:  

Gender Justice – contributing to gender equality by reducing violence and discrimination and promoting increased opportunity for women, girls and LGBTQI+ community. 

A Safe Place To Be – homelessness support including for refugees & asylum seekers. 

Closing 12 noon, Fri 20th August 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/revision-of-shiftthepower-scotland-comic-relief-fund/ 

  • Enabling Neighbourhoods and Communities Fund (Scottish Government Funding) 

    Up to £3,000, open to groups with strong local relationships with the community and which support people to connect and improve wellbeing – whether that’s community garden projects, children’s groups or local sport clubs. 

    Rolling application deadline. 

More information and application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/enabling-neighbourhoods/ 

Supporting small community-based groups delivering frontline services to people who use or used drugs, people in recovery and families affected. £1,000 to £10,000 available per year, up to 5 years. 

Rolling application deadline. 

More information & application: https://www.corra.scot/grants/drugs-services-funds/ 

More detail on all the open grants and the application process can be found at https://www.corra.scot/grants/. For questions or to discuss ideas or applications, please get in touch at hello@corra.scot.  

Edinburgh’s Maison Sport secures Future Fund investment

Game-changing ski instructor platform Maison Sport is among only a handful of travel businesses to secure finance from the UK Government’s Future Fund.

The trio behind the innovative tech start-up, which connects skiers and snowboarders with some of Europe’s best instructors, set out to apply for the funding support in May 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when the scheme launched.

With the travel sector hit hard by the impacts of Covid-19, Maison Sport felt the effects of closures at countless resorts across Europe and ski holidays cancelled for many.  The funding has given the tech start-up a much-needed financial boost, allowing the platform to continue to support independent instructors across Europe.

The Future Fund – developed by government and delivered by the British Business Bank – was established to support the UK’s innovative businesses affected by Covid-19. It was created for businesses unable to access other government business support programmes, due to being pre-revenue or pre-profit and typically reliant on equity investment. 

With a third-party investor willing to support the growth and ambitions of Maison Sport, the trio of founders were able to apply for the convertible loan which saw the government match their investor funds.

It is the latest success in Maison Sport’s fundraising drive to ensure the business survives and thrives through the pandemic.  

Over the past six months, the business has secured further funds from their existing advisory board members Kevin Byrne, Founder of Checkatrade.com and serial entrepreneur Lorenz Bogaert, as well as new investor, Gareth Williams, Co-Founder of Skyscanner. This will enable Maison Sport’s expansion into new markets globally and will help to grow their impressive international portfolio of instructors and customers.

Started by three former ski champions – brothers Nick and Olly Robinson and Aaron Tipping – Maison Sport has more than doubled the number of instructors in its marketplace throughout the pandemic. It is currently represented in more than 350 resorts, with over 1,200 qualified instructors across France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

The aim now is to expand into four new markets this year – Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Japan – with plans to move into Asia and South America next year.

Founder and CEO Nick Robinson says: “We’ve worked so hard to remain positive and ambitious over this past year or so. The Future Fund initiative has really given us a boost to move on to the next level.

“As the only platform dedicated to independent instructors, we’re really optimistic about the way Maison Sport is evolving and we’re looking forward to spreading our vision globally.”

Future Fund, delivered by the British Business Bank, has allowed companies to apply for a convertible loan with private investors at least matching the government investment. 

For more information visit www.maisonsport.com

Kate Spade New York opens store in St James Quarter

Luxury accessories brand Kate Spade New York has opened its doors in the capital at St James Quarter.

Kate Spade New York has opened its 1190 sq. ft store on level 3 of the Galleria, combining crisp colour, graphic prints and playful sophistication that have become the hallmarks of the luxury brand.

The American fashion house was founded in 1993 and sells designer handbags, accessories, jewellery and clothing – bringing a touch of personal style with a dash of incandescent charm to the city.

The handbag label joins brands such as Zara, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius, Kurt Geiger, Lego and IOLLA within St James Quarter.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “This is another milestone moment for St James Quarter, and the Edinburgh retail sector.

“Kate Spade New York is renowned across the globe, so we’re delighted to welcome the brand and to join London, Tokyo, Paris and New York on its list of international locations.”

New Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Day Trip Routes launched

John Muir Way launches new routes

If you’re seeking inspiration for outdoor activities this weekend, during the holidays or on your next day off, the John Muir Way may have the answer. A selection of one-day and half-day routes has been created across central Scotland, to be explored on foot or by bike.

They include:

Each is based around a part of the longer John Muir Way coast to coast trail and is designed to offer a micro-adventure in a local area, on a route that will get you back to your starting point.

Using the John Muir Way and local paths, you’ll find everything from big loops to short strolls, taking in castles, beaches and often the option of public transport home for tired legs.

The day trips have all been graded according to difficulty and distances range from a family-friendly 4.5 mile walk up to a 27 mile cycle. You’ll find maps and a wealth of information on recommended places to visit on each route on the John Muir Way website at: www.johnmuirway.org/day-trips

‘Hidden Treasure’ to be Found

To celebrate the launch of the Day Trips and provide a little extra incentive to get out exploring, there will be ‘treasure’ of John Muir Way merchandise – including water bottles, caps, badges and route passports – stashed at a selection of attractions, cafes and other businesses along the route.

Goodies can be claimed by visitors doing any John Muir Way Day Trip or coast-to-coast route section.

To claim a prize, walkers and cyclists just need to take a photo of themselves next to a John Muir Way signpost or waymarker and show it at one of the participating treasure locations. Each location has prizes for the first ten treasure hunters, so there are plenty of chances to claim a souvenir of
your trip. 

For more information on how to take part, visit www.johnmuirway.org/treasure

Support for John Muir Way Day Trips

The development of these day trips was boosted by funding from several sources, including VisitScotland and the ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Fund administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.

Scotland’s Town’s Partnership Chief Officer Phil Prentice said: “These day trips along the John Muir Way sound brilliant – with something for everyone. I am delighted that we have been able to support them through the Scotland Loves Local Fund.

“They are a great example of ways in which people are being encouraged to embrace and enjoy our brilliant countryside, supporting all kinds of businesses and attractions as they do. It’s a boost for our health, local communities and the economy.”

Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “With so many people staying in the UK this year there has never been a better time to appreciate all the wonderful locations and attractions we have on our doorstep.

“Whether it’s discovering somewhere new or experiencing an old favourite in a completely new way, now is your time to enjoy the unique experiences that a holiday in Scotland offers.

“These new one day and half day routes on the John Muir Way provide a great option for making the most out of holidays at (or close to) home in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

There are John Muir Way prizes to be claimed at locations across the route.

The John Muir Way Day Trips launch has been funded by the Scottish Government ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Fund administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership; by the Scottish Government and the European Community through the LEADER 2014–2020 Programme; and by the VisitScotland Sector and Destination Operational and Market Readiness Fund.

Event to highlight LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in rural communities

The Rural Youth Project, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and AgRespect, is hosting an event on Tuesday 13 July to focus on LGBT+ visibility and acceptance in rural communities with four inspirational speakers joining to share their experiences and advice.

Hosted via Zoom, Rebecca Dawes, Rural Youth Project Director, said that the event will be a safe and inclusive place for young people to come together.

“We spent Pride Month, which is celebrated each June, researching and understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in Scotland. We realised young people in rural areas, who already face greater social and digital isolation. In addition, rural young people may not have the same opportunities to hear and show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there is still work to be done.

“Whether it’s in-person or virtual, core to any Rural Youth Project event is that young people feel included, welcome and safe. We’re really excited to host this event and I would strongly encourage any young person who would like to attend to register as soon as possible.”

Speakers include Matthew Naylor, Founder of AgRespect; Paula Manners from LGBT Youth Scotland; and, Kieran Sinclair, a Rural Youth Project Digital Champion from Orkney, who recently authored the blog ‘Queering in Rural Scotland’ located on the recently launched Rural Youth Project Smart Village.

Kieran said: “Growing up on the Orkney Isles, I feel I have a hopeful story to tell. My home island has a community of about 350 folks. Everyone is a neighbour, friend, or relative of sorts. The island is small in population, but huge in community.

“My experience as a gay dude is really rather a happy one. From what I can remember, the island embraced that part of me. There were questions about sexuality, but those who were asking, did so from a point of curiosity to learn, I felt. Because I knew most islanders, there was an established relationship, from which promising conversation evolved.”

The Rural Youth Project is funded by the LEADER Programme 2014-2020: The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

Through the project’s new Smart Village, leadership programmes and other online activities, it aims to reach out to all areas of Scotland and enable all young people to participate and become the next generation of rural leaders. 

The event will be held on Tuesday 13 July from 6:00pm and people interested in attending can secure their spot via the Rural Youth Project’s website – www.ruralyouthproject.com.

Vision loss charity launches ‘Sight for Sight’ summer

Call for Edinburgh residents to celebrate favourite Scottish sights in fundraising challenge

The charity Sight Scotland is inviting Edinburgh residents to tackle a fundraising activity inspired by their favourite Scottish sight this summer to support people with vision loss. 

With the pandemic making staycations a preferred option for many Scots this year, it’s the perfect opportunity for Edinburgh residents to celebrate what they love most about Scotland with their own unique ‘Sight for Sight’ challenge.  

From a physical activity set at a much-loved Scottish spot to a themed creative challenge at home, every ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraiser can help make a difference to the lives of people with vision loss.  

Kerry Lindsay, Sight Scotland Head of Fundraising, said: “Every hour in Scotland, someone starts to lose their sight. The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the challenges many blind and partially sighted people face in the community, with many experiencing additional challenges such as difficulties with social distancing and increased social isolation. 

“With our fantastic fundraisers’ support, our new Family Wellbeing Service can be there for people with sight loss now and into the future as the number of people affected by sight loss in Scotland increases. 

“You can be as creative as you like with your Sight Scotland ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraiser. From golfing challenges at your favourite Scottish course and Munro treks, to Highland cow-themed cake bakes – we can’t wait to celebrate all things Scottish with you this summer!”  

Life-long Lego fan, Stewart Lamb Cromar, of Edinburgh, took on a unique ‘Sight for Sight’ challenge for Sight Scotland this spring by creating a mini Lego build of the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library in just 100 bricks. He’s now encouraging others to take part in ‘Sight for Sight’ and support people impacted by sight loss.  

Stewart, who has sight loss himself, said: “Sight Scotland do an incredible job empowering people with sight loss and blindness, but they also raise awareness of what can be a hidden disability.

“My Sight for Sight fundraiser was a fantastic opportunity to make a positive out of my own sight loss, having fun along the way and connecting with some fantastic new people!”

Call 0131 446 3089 or visit Sightscotland.org.uk to get started with your ‘Sight for Sight’ fundraising challenge. 

We feel your pain: Snap Vote in the House of Lords

Snappily dressed shellfish campaigners gathered outside the House of Lords today as Peers put forward amendments[i] to the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill to recognise that crabs and lobsters can feel pain.

The move could see these animals given new legal protections, and means that restaurants and fishmongers could be banned from boiling crabs alive or sending live lobsters through the post.

“Snappily dressed shellfish campaigners gathered outside the House of Lords today as Peers propose Bill amendment recognising that lobsters feel pain.”

The Animal Sentience Bill was introduced by the government on May 11th as part of a raft of animal welfare reforms. It replaces EU legislation which legally recognised that animals can feel pain and experience emotions.

The UK Animal Sentience Bill currently only applies to “vertebrate” animals – animals with a backbone. However, Crustacean Compassion, whose supporters include Chris Packham, Bill Bailey, the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, argue that the Bill does not go far enough.

Scientific evidence shows that decapod crustaceans, a group which includes crabs and lobsters, can feel pain and suffer and should be included in animal welfare legislation.

The amendment also requests that cephalopods, which includes octopus and squid, are also protected by the Bill. In 2020, in response to pressure from animal welfare campaigners, the government commissioned an independent scientific review of the evidence for the sentience of decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs. However, they have given no release date for the report despite repeated Parliamentary and House of Lords requests.

Whilst other countries such as Switzerland, Norway and New Zealand include decapod crustaceans in their animal welfare laws, decapods are not currently included in the definition of ‘animal’ in most of the UK’s animal welfare legislation.

Crustacean Compassion points out that this means that they can be routinely treated as if they were no more sentient than a vegetable. Decapod crustaceans are frequently boiled and/or dismembered alive, and research shows that a brown crab may take up to three minutes to die in boiling water.

Electrical stunning before slaughter, they argue, is currently the most humane method of dispatching the animals.

Last year, a fishmonger came under fire for using Amazon to deliver live lobsters through the ordinary post, and a London supermarket was criticised in 2015 for selling crabs shrink-wrapped whilst still alive.

Maisie Tomlinson of Crustacean Compassion, said: “We hope the House of Lords votes to accept this amendment at the earliest opportunity. Decapod crustaceans are Britain’s forgotten animals, widely recognised as sentient but subject to brutal treatment in the food industry.

“The government made a manifesto commitment to promote high standards of animal welfare, and prides itself on being led by the science. It cannot decide which animals are sentient based on political convenience, and if the independent review of decapod and cephalopod sentience is so critical to the Lords’ decision-making, we urge them not to delay its release any further”.