Category: Uncategorized

New Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Service launches across Scotland

CRUSE SCOTLAND AND GRIEVING FAMILY COLLABORATE TO OFFER FREE SUPPORT

Cruse Scotland, the Nation’s leading bereavement support experts, have joined forces with a family-run charity, Lewis Leap, to launch a new support service for children, young people and adults bereaved by a sudden and traumatic death.

Lewis Leap was founded following the tragic death of 13-year-old Lewis Johnson on a family holiday in 2019. The family from Edinburgh wanted to honour the life and spirit of Lewis and help others who unfortunately find themselves facing such a devastating loss under challenging circumstances.

The Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service has been shaped by those with lived experience, including some of Lewis’ family members.

This new service was launched at the charity’s annual fundraising event in the Cammo Estate yesterday (Sunday 24 August 2025), surrounded by Lewis’ family, friends and community as well as members of the Cruse Scotland staff and volunteer team.   

Lewis’ mum, Elizabeth Johnson, said, “The impact of Lewis’ death on our family and friends was overwhelming, and we struggled to process what had happened and why it had happened to us.

“The support we so desperately wanted didn’t seem to be available. We committed to work with Cruse Scotland to shape a specialist support service for others to access in the early stages of grief who had experienced a sudden and traumatic death.”

“I’m so proud that the service is named after Lewis, as he was always so kind and generous to friends and strangers alike. Through this service, his selfless spirit lives on.”

Specialist support can be accessed via any of the existing Cruse Scotland routes:

Fiona Arnott-Barron, Cruse Scotland Chief Executive, said, “We are delighted to launch this vital service after three years of hard work and collaboration with Lewis Leap.

“Having members of the Johnson family and many other bereaved people help us shape this support service, which has been extremely valuable in ensuring it will provide the most appropriate support at the right time.

“Although Cruse Scotland had already taken some steps to address the gap in support for people struggling in the early days and weeks following a death, we knew there were still significant gaps for those who had been catapulted into a new and unwelcomed reality following an unexpected and traumatic death.

“For those requiring support with their grief after such a sudden loss, Cruse Scotland is here, and I would like to thank the Johnson family sincerely for their support in making it possible.”

If you need support with your grief, no matter how recent or long ago the death occurred, or your relationship to them, you can find the support that’s right for you at www.crusescotland.org.uk

Local children with disabilities excluded from play due to inaccessible playgrounds

  • Across the UK, half of parents of children with physical disabilities surveyed say their child is excluded from play due to inaccessible playgrounds
  • As well as reducing friendships and confidence, parents are turning to screentime to fill the gap
  • To support parents and children, Scottish housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is committing to ensure every play area they create is inclusive and accessible

New research reveals children with disabilities are excluded from playgrounds in Scotland. Across the UK, half (50%) of parents of children with physical disabilities surveyed say their child is excluded from play due to playgrounds being inaccessible to them.

In Scotland, parents of children who visit playgrounds are travelling an average of 3.77 miles from their homes to reach a suitable play area. As a result, 32% say they are relying more on screens because there are not enough suitable outdoor play areas nearby.

The research of over 2,000 parents from across the UK, showed that exclusion from play is an issue for disabled and non-disabled children alike. Almost two thirds (65%) of UK parents surveyed say their children are playing out less than they did at the same age, with similar findings reported in Scotland (64%). 

Almost a quarter of parents in Scotland have struggled to find a playground that accommodates their child’s needs (23%), while others reported that their local playground is currently closed or out of order (36%).

Parents say the lack of play is negatively affecting their child’s ability to make friendships, build confidence and develop a sense of adventure, and shockingly over a third (37%) of children in Scotland now prefer to spend time playing indoors or on screens, creating barriers for children accessing outdoor play.

To get the nation playing out again, Barratt Redrow, of which Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland is a part, is making a landmark commitment to prioritise inclusive play spaces across its developments.

This new commitment will see the housebuilder incorporate inclusive and accessible play areas across their new developments in Scotland, working with children and young people to design play spaces that meet the needs of the local community where possible. As the UK’s largest housebuilder this could deliver up to 100 new accessible and inclusive play spaces for parents and children to enjoy each year.

David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Redrow, said: “This isn’t just about playgrounds, it’s about building places where families can truly thrive, and that starts by ensuring every child can safely and confidently enjoy the freedom, fun and benefits that outdoor play delivers.

“We want local authorities and other homebuilders to work together to make inclusive and accessible play the standard, not the exception. When we build with all children in mind, we can create places that work better for everyone.”

Alison Condie, Regional Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, said: “Play isn’t a luxury, it’s something that inspires connection, confidence and childhood itself.

“This commitment will make a huge difference to parents and children in Scotland. We want parents and homebuyers to know that when they buy one of our homes, they can be confident that we’re prioritising the right things from day one.”

The New Commitments to Play

As the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Barratt Redrow is ensuring play for everybody is the standard, not the exception. In practice, its new Inclusive Play Guidance will mean communities in Scotland can expect:

1.     Every play space being designed by Barratt Redrow will include inclusive equipment, accessible surfaces and be located in safe and easy to access locations for the whole community to enjoy.

2.     Designs will allow for active, challenging, imaginative, sensory and quiet play for children and young people, while encouraging social interaction between neighbours and friends.

3.     Play spaces will be integrated into high quality landscapes at the heart of our developments, bringing people closer to nature.    

4.     Wherever possible, Barratt Redrow will work with children and young people to ensure they are continually responding to the needs of the local community.

*Our teams work on planning applications for a period of six months before submission, therefore the new commitment will apply to all new planning applications from January 2026 onwards.

As well as children’s charity Whizz Kidz, the Barratt Redrow Commitments and New Design Guidelines were created with support from industry bodies, including Play Wales, Play England, play expert Tim Gill and children’s psychologist Prof. Helen Dodd. 

For more information, visit www.barrattredrow.co.uk/playmaking

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts: Friday’s Community Lunch Menu

Menu for Friday the 22nd of August 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Root vegetables and split pea soup

Chicken with creamy sundried tomatoes

Creamy sundried tomatoes pasta (Vegetarian)

Both served with herby vegetables

Bread and butter pudding

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland launch 2026 Holyrood Election Manifesto

Scotland’s national walking charities urge all political parties to deliver a healthier, cleaner and safer Scotland by stepping up their commitment to everyday walking and wheeling

Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland have published ‘The Power of Walking – A Walking and Wheeling Manifesto for 2026,’ which outlines four practical steps the future Scottish Government can take to make walking and wheeling safer, more accessible, and more integrated into daily life:

  • Put walking and wheeling at the heart of government – with progressive leadership across health, transport, planning and climate agendas.
  • Invest in walking and wheeling – focusing on long-term funding, behavioural programmes, and better connections to public transport.
  • Prioritise walking and wheeling in communities – through improved infrastructure, inclusive design, and access to green spaces.
  • Improve safety for walking and wheeling – by promoting pedestrian-first streets including reduced traffic speeds and enforcement of pavement parking bans. 

Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland have set out a clear and achievable plan for the next Scottish Government and have called for all political parties to endorse the actions. 

The proposals set out are practical, proven measures that reflect what people across Scotland need. By taking these simple four steps, the organisations believe that the next Scottish Government can create a Scotland where walking and wheeling are not just possible, but easy, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

With research showing that 85% of Scots already walk or wheel regularly, and many wanting to do more, the manifesto highlights a clear opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in active, inclusive and sustainable travel.

Putting walking and wheeling first can bring big returns for Scotland by helping people stay healthier for longer, cutting pressure on the NHS, and supporting local jobs and businesses.

Investment in walking and wheeling delivers exceptional value: returning around £6 for every £1 spent and preventing thousands of serious health conditions. It also means cleaner air and more connected, welcoming communities where everyone can get around safely and easily.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Walking Scotland, said: “Walking and wheeling are some of the most powerful tools we have to improve health, tackle climate change and bring communities together.

“They’re simple, affordable and accessible, and people across Scotland want to do it more. This manifesto shows how we can make that happen, with practical steps that will help everyone enjoy safer, easier and more active everyday journeys.

“This is why we’re calling on the next Scottish Government to take these four steps – not as a nice-to-have, but as a vital part of building a fairer, healthier and greener Scotland.”

Chris Thompson, Programme Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “We all deserve streets that are safe and welcoming, so we can enjoy the many benefits that come from walking and wheeling our everyday journeys. 

“Many of us want to walk more but need better pavements, better public transport connections and better walking routes to feel safe and confident to do so. A commitment to invest in walking is a commitment to creating a Scotland where people enjoy healthier lives and communities thrive.”

Walking addresses inequality – it is the most inclusive form of physical activity. Everyone should be able to experience the benefits of walking and wheeling. Accessible, well-maintained paths and pavements, and access to high-quality and sustainable public green and recreational spaces for every community in Scotland are vital to encouraging people to walk and wheel.

Walking Scotland’s 2023 national survey found that improved safety, better paths locally and having someone to walk with were key factors that would encourage people to walk or wheel more often. This is why this Walking Manifesto looks for a commitment to a Path Fund to improve and maintain path networks.

The manifesto is published online, available here:

A-walking-and-wheeling-manifestoDownload

https://walkingscotland.org.uk/a-walking-and-wheeling-manifesto/

The Ripple community project may take EIJB to court

The Ripple Project is threatening to take Edinburgh Intergation Joint Board to court over this year’s controversial funding process.

The Restalrig-based community hub believes the EIJB’s consultation process was too short, key information was withheld and responses were not adequately considered.

They maintain the EIJB’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved after ‘an unfair and unlawful consultation process’. 

THE RIPPLE STATEMENT:

“The Ripple Project has formally written with a pre-action letter to the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to challenge the way its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved. We believe the consultation process was too short, key information was withheld, and responses were not properly considered.

“We have asked the Board to withdraw the decision and re-run a lawful, transparent consultation — and we hope they will do so without the need for court action.” 

The EIJB has until 27 August to reply. The Ripple would prefer the EIJB to withdraw their decision and ‘run a fair, lawful consultation without going to court’ – but if the Ripple Project finds the EIJB’s response unsatisfactory, they may then lodge a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session. 

The date of the EIJB’s next meeting does not currently appear on the organisation’s website.

THE RIPPLE’s PRE-ACTION LETTER TO THE EIJB IN FULL:

Pre-Action+Letter+Proposed+Petition+for+Judicial+Review+under+Chapter+58+of+the+Rules+of+the+Court+of+SessionDownload

Public urged to check tradespeople’s ID after notorious conman jailed

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has urged the public to always check identification before allowing tradespeople into their home following the jailing of a serial fraudster who posed as an electrician to target the elderly.

The campaigning body issued the reminder after 64-year-old Robert Markward was last week sentenced to nine years in prison for a string of crimes across Ayrshire between December 2022 and March 2023, including tricking vulnerable victims into letting him into their homes.

Markward, who has more than 100 offences on his record dating back to the 1980s, was found guilty of defrauding and stealing from nine victims, some in their nineties, by pretending to be a nurse, handyman and electrician.

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Sadly, there are criminals who will use any disguise to gain access to people’s homes – including pretending to be qualified electricians.

“We would remind householders to always check that visitors are who they say they are, particularly if they claim to be a tradesperson. Ask to see their ECS Grade Card or similar official form of identification that proves they are a qualified electrician.

“A genuine and fully qualified electrotechnical professional will never object to showing you their credentials – in fact, they’ll be proud to do so.”

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is the electrotechnical industry’s official ID and competence card scheme, covering those working in the sector across the UK. Overseen by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) in Scotland, it confirms the holder’s identity, qualifications and current status to work in the trade.

SELECT, which is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, represents more than 1,200 firms across Scotland. All members meet strict criteria, are accredited in at least one technical discipline and employ skilled and apprentice electricians working to the highest standards.

Mr Wilson added: “Our message is simple – don’t be rushed, don’t be embarrassed to ask and don’t open your door unless you’re satisfied the person is legitimate.

“It could protect you or someone you love from becoming a victim.”

SELECT advice on choosing an electrician 

  • Check first – before inviting a company to quote, search SELECT’s ‘Find a Contractor‘ database to find your nearest fully qualified electrician. 
  • Be direct – have a question prepared, such as: “Before we get started can I see a copy of your ECS Card?” This certifies the competence of the holder to undertake work.
  • Ask early – make your checks and ask your questions right at the start, before any electrical work has been agreed or undertaken. 
  • Be firm – a registered electrician can easily provide proof of their status. If a tradesperson is unwilling to show evidence of their qualification and registration status, it could be a warning sign. 
  • Shop around – before undertaking any work, always ensure you get at least two written quotes. 
  • Get advice – if you’re not sure of anything and need more guidance, please phone SELECT on 0131 445 5577. 

Ukraine: United We Stand?

COALITION LEADERS TO ACCOMPANY ZELENSKYY TO CRUCIAL TRUMP MEETING

President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer yesterday co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders with the participation of President Zelenskyy.

Leaders convened to discuss support for Ukraine and next steps in peace negotiations following President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

The Leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskyy’s desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC. 

The leaders also commended President Trump’s commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the Coalition of the Willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures. 

They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces. 

The President and Prime Minister also informed leaders that they would travel to Washington DC today for a meeting with President Trump, alongside President Zelenskyy.

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre gets set to celebrate 30th Birthday

ALL WELCOME AT DRYLAW’s BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!

We are gearing up for our big party day in only 4 weeks!

We have so much planned for the day and can’t wait to have you all there 🎉

Lunch provided by Scran Academy, Bookbug session, Moving Music drumming circle, National Galleries of Scotland art session, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) Dr Bike and bike activities (make your own bike-powered smoothie!), Tinderbox Collective are here with their Escape Drylaw game for you to try, Tummies Not Trash will be here with a food stall.

Not to mention fun activities in the garden, face painting and henna tattoos, a bake sale, puppet shows, apple pressing, our famous tombola, and amazing raffle with locally donated prizes… And yes, there is a bouncy castle!!!

Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 13th September! 🤩

It’s never too late to learn!

NEW PROGRAMME OF ADULT EDUCATION COURSES

The new term’s programme of adult education courses on offer across Edinburgh has been released.

The city has successfully run this programme for over 115 years, providing a variety of daytime, evening and weekend courses from Art, Archaeology and Craft to Languages, Tai Chi and Yoga.

There is something for everyone to try and enjoy and is an excellent opportunity to discover a new interest and learn skills for life.

Courses are offered online, outdoors and in many venues across the city.

The programme ensures that education is accessible, affordable and inclusive to all and would encourage anyone interested to sign up. Have fun learning!

Web_Version___Sep_2025___Term_1Download

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/adult-education…