New NSPCC and Gas Distribution Network partnership creates an ‘army of safeguarders’ to protect children

A new partnership between the NSPCC and Britain’s four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) will deliver vital safeguarding training to more than 18,000 workers across the country.

Half a million children suffer abuse and neglect a year in the UK, and almost 60,000 calls were made to the NSPCC Helpline last year from adults including utility workers* reporting concerns about child safeguarding across the UK.

Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding children, and workers who visit homes have a unique chance to make a difference. This is why gas engineers, including sub-contractors and GDN staff at Cadent Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, will take part in specialised training developed by the children’s charity over the next two years.

The training, entitled It’s Your Call, will give GDN employees who cross thousands of doorways every day the knowledge and confidence to help support vulnerable families and children in their communities.

It’s Your Call is a simple training package which helps workers who visit homes recognise signs of abuse and neglect and gives them the confidence and knowledge to seek appropriate support, including contacting the NSPCC Helpline. The roll-out of the training with GDN workers across Britain has already begun and will continue throughout the next two years.

Edward Allard, social programmes manager at Cadent, said: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the NSPCC. This is a significant and wide-reaching project and will create a real force for good across Britain.

“We visit thousands of homes every day, and thanks to this partnership we can create an army of safeguarders to help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse and ensure our workers know how to help them get the support they need as soon as possible.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to support customers living in the most vulnerable situations, each GDN will also work with the NSPCC’s safeguarding experts to ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people is fully embedded into our organisations.”

This project has been funded by the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) – an Ofgem fund split between the four GDNs to work with partners, charities and organisations to support customers in vulnerable situations.

As well as ensuring thousands of workers across the UK can help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse, the project will offer the chance for a network of child protection practitioners working with the NSPCC to learn about spotting carbon monoxide risks.

The practitioners will have access to free carbon monoxide detectors and will learn about fuel poverty signposting to support thousands of households across the UK, ensuring more families are kept safe and warm in their homes.

Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “We are hugely excited about this project, and grateful to Ofgem and all the GDNs for supporting this wonderful partnership. Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect. With this training and support, we can create a real force for good and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

“By working together and sharing our resources, experience and expertise we can help engineers and gas employees across the country play their part in supporting vulnerable families and children in their communities.”

To find out more about how the NSPCC can support professionals to keep children safe, including safeguarding training, consultancy and free resources, go to:  www.learning.nspcc.org.uk/

To find out more about the NSPCC’s work to protect children and young people and support families across the country, go to www.nspcc.org.uk

Picnic in D Mains Park on Sunday

Free this Sunday? Come along to a Picnic in the Park – open to everyone, fun and games and chance to chat. Bring your own picnic and let’s celebrate summer!

(If it rains bring your picnic along to the Sycamore Tree Cafe at Davidson’s Mains Parish Church instead.)

Cinema Under The Stars 

Outdoor Screenings at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival

EIFF presents a vibrant weekend of outdoor screenings taking place at the Old College Quad at the University of Edinburgh

Across Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August, Edinburgh International Film Festival presents a weekend of dreamy and eclectic outdoor screenings in the scenic surroundings of the Old College Quad at the University of Edinburgh.

This year the film festival mixes family-friendly titles with artists’ film, a live soundtrack to a classic, a wuxia-influenced double-bill, and some cracking new films, in a programme set to make your heart sing. Includes collaborations with Edinburgh International Festival, Alchemy Film & Arts and Hippodrome Silent Film Festival (HippFest).

All screenings are ticketed, and priced as Pay What You Can, £2, £4 or £6 per screening. Further information can be found on the EIFF website.

Kate Taylor, EIFF Programme Director, says “With Cinema under the Stars we welcome Edinburgh audiences to a weekend of gorgeous, imaginative and uplifting films.

“We’re particularly excited to present previews of new feature films Scrapper, surely the most charming UK film of the year, and Let The Canary Sing, a film infused with infectious New York punk pop energy.

“Additionally we’ve got Oscar®-winners, we’ve got cats, and we’ve got Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung as lover assassins. Time to bust out the picnic blanket for a magical weekend.”

Lorna Brain, Head of Festivals at the University of Edinburgh said: “The University is proud to be part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, both as a venue partner and a supporter of their programming.

“We look forward to welcoming film fans to enjoy the delights of outdoor cinema in our iconic Old College Quad this August for the 76th iteration of the festival.”

Spotlight screening | Scrapper | Dir. Charlotte Regan | UK |

Winner of the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, Charlotte Regan’s highly-anticipated debut feature is a heartwarming drama about the reunion between a father and his young daughter.

Georgie is perfectly happy refusing to accept that her mom has passed away. She makes do by herself in her mum’s flat, with some light hustling and some help from the neighbours. That is, until her estranged dad Jason (Harris Dickinson; Triangle of Sadness) shows up to, like, take care of her or something. Slowly, tenderly, they find their footing with each other as they reconcile Georgie’s grief and Jason’s embrace of fatherhood.

Charlotte Regan is an alumna of the EIFF Talent Lab 2018, and we’re delighted to welcome her back to present the film.

Spotlight Screening | Let the Canary Sing | Dir. Alison Ellwood | UK, USA |

From the opening bars of ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, this rousing documentary is a fascinating trip through the life and times of Cyndi Lauper, an immensely charismatic and constantly rebellious creative force. Over amazing footage of her working-class New York childhood and early downtown punk gigs,

Lauper talks frankly and thoughtfully about the whirlwind of 1980s success, as well as her AIDS activism and her subsequent creative renaissance as an award-winning writer of musicals. Alison Ellwood’s new documentary repositions the singer not as a pop culture artefact but as an artist in a state of constant reinvention, and a life-long feminist who has always stood up for others. Prepare to be charmed ‘Time After Time’.

Spotlight screening | The Wool Aliens (and other films) | Dir. Julia Parks | UK |

Four gorgeous short films by artist Julia Parks, each a 16mm portrait of community action and the natural environment, created during a residency in Hawick in the Scottish Borders. This screening – which includes the shorts The Wool Aliens, Tell Me About The Burryman, Burnfoot Grows and All Flesh Is Grass – will be preceded by a performance by musician Miwa Nagato-Apthorp. Presented in association with Alchemy Film & Arts.

Spotlight screening | Safety Last! ft. Live Accompaniment | Dirs. Fred C. Newmeyer, Sam Taylor |

On the centenary of its release, a classic of the silent era, presented with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed Scottish silent film pianist Mike Nolan. Featuring a nerve-rackingly funny performance by the “King of daredevil comedy” Harold Lloyd. This screening is presented in partnership with HippFest, Scotland’s first and only festival dedicated to silent film.

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain | Dir. Will Sharpe | Benedict Cumberbatch plays the eponymous painter of wide-eyed cats, in this love letter to creativity and misunderstood genius. Director Will Sharpe’s magnificent ode to oddity will pull at the whiskers of your heart.

Everything Everywhere All At Once | Dirs. Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert | This multi-Oscar®-winning film creates an unclassifiable meld of action, sci-fi, drama, comedy and romance, with award-winning performances from Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Now outdoors!

Hero | Dir. Zhang Yimou | This big-screen action epic is a riot of colour and jaw-dropping fight sequences, and features a stirring soundtrack by Oscar®-winner Tan Dun – also composer of Buddha Passion, the opening concert of the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Lego Movie | Dirs. Christopher Miller, Phil Lord | Fighting the tyrannical hands of capitalism has never been so awesome!!! A host of stars build an homage to the creative power of imagination that is as inspirational as it is fun. Plus, it features one of cinema’s all-time catchiest songs.

Parasite | Dir. Bong Joon-Ho | A sharp commentary on class inequality neatly delivered as a skin-tingling thriller. Features a stirring soundtrack by Jang Jae-il – also composer of Trojan Women, which is being staged as part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | Dir. Joel Crawford | Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) has just one of his nine lives left. Our hero embarks on a mighty quest to try restoring his feline privileges.

Cinema under the Stars is supported by the Platforms for Creative Excellence (PLaCE) programme funded by the Scottish Government (through Creative Scotland), the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals.

The special 2023 edition programme for Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), which this year is hosted by Edinburgh International Festival, celebrates the work of exceptional local and global filmmakers, ensuring the flame of independent cinema burns bright for future generations of passionate film fans.

EIFF is funded by Screen Scotland; enhanced engagement activities are supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and the Platforms for Creative Excellence (PlaCE) programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government (through Creative Scotland), the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals.

Tickets are now on sale via https://www.eif.co.uk/edfilmfest 

Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Friday 18 to Wednesday 23 August.

#EdFilmFest

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PoppyScotland to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War

On Thursday 27th July 2023, it will have been 70 years since the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, which intended to bring a complete cessation of the hostilities of the Korean War.

On Thursday 27th July 2023, veterans’, the Armed Forces community, and members of the public, will gather at the Scottish Korean War Memorial, which is situated in Bathgate, West Lothian, at 10:00 for a wreath laying service.

The service at the Scottish Korean War Memorial will run prior to a UK service, which will be held at Horse Guards Parade, London, later that morning.

The Korean War, which ran from 1950 to 1953, has become known as the ‘Forgotten War’ due to its relative proximity to the end of the Second World War, and the beginning of the Cold War.

Yet, nearly 1,100 British Servicemen lost their lives to this conflict when the UK entered the war as part of a United Nations coalition which was tasked with defending South Korea from North Korean aggression.

As well as the deaths of over 1000 British Servicemen in this conflict, roughly 60,000 British Servicemen were involved in the conflict, with 2500 wounded.

Commenting on this anniversary, Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “It is true that the Korean war is often overlooked when we think of yesterday’s conflicts, but this year we have an important opportunity to remember those that served in this conflict, those that were wounded, and those that paid the ultimate price in service to their nation.

“During this conflict, conditions were tough, battles were tougher, and many British servicemen endured significant ordeals.

“When they arrived home, unlike at the end of the Second World War, there was little fanfare, and even less appreciation for what had been endured by our brave military personnel.

“That is why I am glad that there will be proper commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement – it is important for veterans’ of this conflict, and, of course, their families, to have the opportunity to reflect on their personal sacrifice, and for us, and wider society, to offer them our thanks for their dutiful service to the maintenance of democracy both at home and oversees.”

The Botanist: Opening date announced

MORE THAN FIFTY JOBS CREATED

The countdown is on for acclaimed bar-and-restaurant The Botanist to open its doors at St. James Quarter in Edinburgh.

Cocktail lovers will be able to get their hands on the venue’s famous innovative drinks from Monday 7th August, when the venue is set to welcome in guests for the first time. 

The brand is looking for a full team to run operations at its new venue, with 50-60 roles available including both front and back of house staff, from Chefs to Servers to Bartenders, and encourages creativity, individuality and personal flair from its employees. Roles are also advertised for a Duty Manager and Sous Chef to join the growing team.   

Edinburgh’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s fresh seasonal flavours, reviving botany-inspired cocktails and signature hanging kebabs that they’ll want to keep going back for. 

Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social space, ideal for family meals, after-work drinks, sophisticated evenings with friends and celebrating special occasions.  

The interior fit-out of the space is currently underway and the brand is renowned for its grand botanical-inspired interiors.  

Guests can expect to enjoy beautiful installations of greenery and exposed brick walls adorned with impressive hand painted artwork whilst they drink and dine. The bar will also feature a dedicated outdoor seating terrace.   

Rachel Guy, Operations Manager at New World Trading Company said, “Our stunning new flagship venue brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals join us. Joining the business at the start of our journey means you’ll be bringing our unique brand to life in Edinburgh with the help of award-winning training.    

“Our in-house Management Academy & Future Managers programme offers transparent career pathways and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”  

To find out more about the opportunities available and apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/edinburgh-roles.   

To stay up to date with The Botanist Edinburgh’s opening and be the first to know about, sign up to its newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive invites and offers for the opening week.  

Scotland’s Ministerial Code updated

Changes to improve transparency

The Scottish Ministerial Code has been updated to further strengthen transparency and propriety.

Updates to the Code include:

  • New text reflecting the updates to the procedure for handling complaints by civil servants about the behaviour of a Minister or former Minister, making clear that for future complaints certain information about concluded cases will be made public, including the Minister’s name, the nature of the complaint and the outcome of the complaint, even after a Minister has left office, and setting out the obligation on Ministers to cooperate with the procedure. 
  • The introduction of an annual review of Ministers’ private interests, and proactive publication of these interests on an annual basis, to enhance integrity and transparency around actual or perceived conflicts of interest.  In addition, new text has been introduced to provide additional clarity for Ministers on managing overlaps between their Ministerial responsibilities and constituency interests.
  • General updates on provisions for maternity leave and to reflect the introduction of the Bute House Agreement, as well as minor amends to take account of digital developments, new published strategies and changes in Ministerial titles and responsibilities.

The First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “This new edition of the Ministerial Code sets the highest standards of propriety and transparency for Government Ministers. All Scottish Ministers, including myself, are bound by its terms and are committed to uphold the Principles of Public life, ensuring integrity, accountability and honesty at every level of leadership.

“Scottish Ministers are committed to building a better future for the people of Scotland while facing the profound challenges of our time. This will mean taking some tough decisions to ensure that we support those in greatest need, and it is vital that we are guided in this mission by a clear set of principles.”

2023 edition of the Ministerial Code.

Ministerial Complaints procedure.

The first annual review of Minister’s private interests will publish early in the next parliamentary session.

Water levels return to normal across most of Scotland

Businesses abstracting water from the environment are being urged not to get complacent as river and ground water levels return to normal across much of Scotland.

The latest water scarcity report, published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), reveals most of the country has now recovered to Normal Conditions or Early Warning.

This is in stark contrast to just three weeks ago when five areas of Scotland had reached Significant, the highest level available, following a period of prolonged dry weather.

Chris Dailly, Head of Environmental Performance – Geographic at SEPA, said: “Last month was challenging for those businesses reliant on water from the environment. We very much welcome this turnaround in conditions and much needed revival of river levels.

“It’s served as a reminder of the vital role water plays in many industries in Scotland and the crucial part businesses play in ensuring the sustainability of local water environments.

“As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it’s imperative that water abstractors understand the impact of their usage and step up their efforts to manage this now and longer-term.”

Further rain is forecast across the southern half of the country this weekend, which may lead to continued recovery in some areas.

However, river flows and ground conditions have seen less recovery and are drier in the north-east, Fife and East Lothian, which remain in Alert level. Another dry spell may quickly lead to a deterioration in the water scarcity situation in these areas.

SEPA are urging abstractors in Alert areas, especially if taking water from burns and small rivers, to:

  • Routinely check equipment isn’t leaking.
  • Only use the water required for the use.
  • Consider water saving measures for next irrigation season.
  • If the catchment reaches Moderate Water Scarcity, consider your upcoming water needs and begin to plan with others in the catchment to share the resource or schedule abstractions.

SEPA are responsible for monitoring and reporting on the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and work with businesses all year round in industries such as agriculture, food and drink production, hydro energy and leisure to increase resilience to water scarcity.

More information, guidance and advice can be found at:  www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

Tree-mendous Edinburgh!

Capital claims top spot for parks and greenspaces in Scotland

Edinburgh has the highest number of quality parks and greenspaces in Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful has announced.

In total, 38 parks and greenspaces in the city have been presented with a prestigious Green Flag Award for 2023, which was announced by the environmental charity yesterday.

35 of these are maintained by the Council and the remaining three by the Friends of Corstorphine Hill (Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden), NHS Lothian (Royal Edinburgh Hospital), and Heriot Watt University (The Lawn & Central Woodlands).

Edinburgh’s award recipients represent over one third of the 87 total Green Flag Awards across Scotland.

The Capital placed third overall in the UK in total Green Flag Awards.

The full list of awarded parks and greenspaces in Scotland is available here.

The International Green Flag Award is bestowed upon parks and greenspaces that demonstrate excellent management and adherence to environmental standards. To make sure Edinburgh’s parks are kept to a high standard, each year the Council checks all its parks and gardens using Green Flag Award criteria.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said:I am delighted that 38 parks around Edinburgh have been recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Green Flag Awards scheme.

“The scheme recognises the quality of parks and greenspaces, their benefits to communities and the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who keep them ticking over.

“Here in the Capital, we are truly spoiled for choice across the city when it comes to fantastic parks and green spaces. Each different space has a unique character and significance for the residents and visitors that it welcomes.

“As part of our Edinburgh’s Thriving Greenspaces 2050 strategy, we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard, preserve and improve these spaces so that people can continue to enjoy them, and communities feel involved in how they are looked after.”

Pic Greg Macvean 13/07/2023 Keep Scotland Beautiful – Green Flag Award 2023/24

Jamie Ormiston, Senior Awards Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said:Congratulations to our 38 award winners in Edinburgh. Every park has a wide range of people visiting them and their requirements can vary. What is essential is that they are well maintained and provide a safe place for people to relax and have fun.

“Our award-winning parks have demonstrated they are worthy winners, meeting the criteria of the coveted international award. Receiving this prestigious benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“It is imperative that Scotland reconnects with the natural world if we are to fix the biodiversity crisis and these green spaces will provide a space for people of all ages to do that.

“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country. I encourage everyone to make the most of them this summer.”

PDSA saves tennis-loving dog who swallowed two balls

Charity vets urge owners to trade tennis balls for safer toys following Wimbledon final

A tennis ball-obsessed dog from Wolverhampton got himself into a spot of bother after taking his hobby too far and swallowing two balls whole; leaving him needing life-saving surgery from vet charity PDSA.

Loki, a five-year-old crossbreed, landed himself in trouble after a game of fetch with his loving owner Amy, ended in disaster and an emergency trip to Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital.

Amy explained: “Loki is a high-energy dog and he loves nothing more than a game of fetch. Most of his toys are the ‘super strong’ ones – he’s a gentle giant, but his toys don’t last long if they aren’t tough ones. But his favourites are tennis balls, he’s obsessed.

“It was only when Loki refused to eat, and started being sick, we realised something was wrong. He was still active and playful, but it’s not like Loki to pass up some food! When the sickness didn’t stop we called PDSA, and they told us to bring him straight in for an appointment.”

Luckily for Loki, the charity’s Wolverhampton team acted fast and an x-ray revealed the problem: two whole balls inside his stomach.

PDSA Vet Catherine Burke said: “Our vet teams treat ball related injuries every year, which can quickly turn into a life threatening situation. Loki’s situation was a case of life-or-death – without surgery, he would likely have died. One of the balls was lodged in his stomach, preventing him from keeping food down.

Loki was taken into theatre and his emergency operation was a success; PDSA’s vets managed to remove both balls intact.

But the charity is using Loki’s story to warn other owners that a bit of innocent fun with a tennis ball can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. It’s best all round to trade out the tennis balls for safer toys.

Catherine added: “If your dog loves to chew, there is also the risk they could swallow chewed up parts of the tennis ball; which can still cause the same issues with gut blockage like in Loki’s case.”

Following the surgery, Loki is recovering well and, according to Amy, he is back to his fun, playful self.

It’s not unusual to see dogs running after and catching tennis balls. In particular at this time of year, with Wimbledon in full swing, tennis lovers may wish to play a game of fetch with their four-legged friends.

Catherine shares some of the dangers associated with tennis balls: “If your dog is a tennis ball enthusiast, they may not wish to part with their beloved toy, however there are a few important reasons they are not the best option for dogs, quite apart from the fact that they won’t last long under most dog’s jaws.

“The size of tennis balls, and the way they bounce, means that there is a risk the ball can get stuck at the back of your dog’s throat, causing them to choke. It can become wedged in position too far in for you to remove it, blocking your dog’s airway, which sadly can be fatal if the ball can’t be removed quickly.

“If this does happen, try to keep calm and if safe to do so, you can attempt to remove it from the back of the mouth. However it can be very slippery and difficult to remove. If you can’t remove it, contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment.

“Tennis balls are covered in a felt layer; which has the appearance of yellow-green fuzz and is abrasive which means it has a sandpaper-like effect. Over time it can wear down your dog’s teeth and cause pain and difficulty chewing.”

Instead of tennis balls, PDSA recommends toys and balls specifically designed for dogs, as these are less likely to fall apart when chewed.

Make sure any ball you choose is the right size for your dog, to avoid potentially fatal choking incidents or intestinal blockage – they should be big enough to be grabbed with the teeth and carried, but not fit perfectly in the mouth.

Depending on the kind of activity your dog enjoys doing, here’s a guide to the best toy to match:

  • Tugging: rope toys and rubber rings are great for tugging games.
  • Retrieving: Balls of a safe size that they can’t choke on.
  • Searching: hide their kibble or treats in snuffle mats.

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, through its 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK, the charity saves the lives of poorly pets whose owners would otherwise struggle to afford treatment.

In times of hardship pets like Loki will still fall ill or become injured and need emergency care. PDSA is appealing for donations so that the charity can continue to support owners who have nowhere else to turn by providing life-saving care to vulnerable pets.

To donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk