Uncategorized – Page 47 – The NEN

Game, set, match for children fed by Mary’s Meals

Children who received Mary’s Meals at school in Malawi win a gold medal at the Special Olympic World Games

A boy and girl who received Mary’s Meals at school in Malawi have won the gold medal in mixed doubles tennis at the Special Olympic World Games.

Hannah Winesi and Patrick Sichamba, who both have additional needs, are celebrating after lifting the coveted award in a match against a team from Bulgaria.

Patrick, 16, also hopes to make it to the final of the singles competition on Sunday, after winning three qualifying matches.

Mary’s Meals, which was founded in a shed in Dalmally in the Highlands, feeds children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a nutritious school meal attracts hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope for a better future.

In Malawi, where a third of all primary school-age children eat Mary’s Meals, the charity serves a maize and soya porridge, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. This is known locally as ‘likuni phala’.

Patrick says: “I was able to train relentlessly because the phala I received every day from Mary’s Meals gave me energy.

“My dad passed away when I was really little. But I think my mum is pretty proud of me, and so is my teacher. I played tennis with him for the first time.

“Tennis has changed my life. Without tennis, I would never have known that I could do anything really well. And I probably never would have gotten on an airplane in my life!”

Mary’s Meals began by feeding just 200 children in Malawi in 2002. The charity now reaches more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 of the world’s poorest countries.

Karen Gray, Director of Communications at Mary’s Meals, says: “Our life-changing meals attract desperately hungry children into the classroom where they can gain an education and – in the case of Hannah and Patrick – discover an Olympic talent for tennis!

“We are only able to feed 2.4 million little ones every school day because of the kindness of people across the UK who support our work.

“On behalf of the Mary’s Meals family, I would like to say a huge congratulations to these inspirational young people – and good luck to Patrick for Sunday!”

The Special Olympic World Games, currently taking place in Berlin, is the world’s largest inclusive sports event, with around 7,000 athletes from 190 countries competing in 26 sports.

Enid Mauluka, National Director Special Olympics Malawi, says: “For Patrick, if he can’t be in the classroom, then he can’t be on the playing field.

“Children are not motivated in sports or even in school unless there is a meal, because if you’re hungry you have no energy to participate. So, for that reason the Mary’s Meals school feeding programme has made a big difference.”

It costs just £19.15 to feed a hungry child with Mary’s Meals every day for a school year. To find out more, please visit marysmeals.org.uk

Inaugural National Drowning Report launched at Westminster

A new report from the Water Safety All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) authored by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and supported by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), was launched this week (21 June) at Westminster.

The launch event, sponsored by TWF (The Wetsuit Factory), was attended by over 20 MPs, including: The Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle; Lord Addington; Baroness Bottomley; and Rob Butler MP for Aylesbury who gave an account from a member of his constituency Stephanie Williams about her daughter who tragically lost her life last month.

MPs had a chance to meet with representatives from organisations such as RLSS UK, RNLI, Speedo, Water Babies, RoSPA, the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD), the Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA), and key organisations from the aquatics industry who contributed to the report.

Former professional swimmer, and Speedo Ambassador, Michael Gunning was also present and spoke about his experiences within the industry. Water Safety APPG chair Giles Watling opened the launch event to his colleagues at Westminster.

Giles Watling commented: “In my years as a yachtsman and keen swimmer, I have come to learn the dangers that water can pose. To this end, suitable education on the threats, and how to mitigate the risks, is vital.

“I am grateful as the Chair of the APPG for Water Safety to have been able to work with RLSS UK and find out more about the work that they are doing in this area to address this. The findings of this report into what is currently being done – and what remains to be done – to save lives and prevent deaths by drowning, is welcome reading.

“We need to be clear: in the UK, there is clear intent to be on and enjoy the water. 226 people accidentally drowned in 2022, and only through better education about how to stay safe will we bring the number of fatalities down. Everyone should be able to enjoy the water whilst remaining informed on how to avoid tragic incidents, and I am pleased to see that RLSS UK is working to achieve just that.”

The report has provided a real picture of accidental drownings in the UK and uses data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) as well as other data sources to provide the UK Government with evidence backed data on why the approach to drowning prevention needs to be improved.

The report is also available for members of the public on the RLSS UK website and headline stats include:

151 accidental fatalities occurred in England, the highest of all the UK nations.
Scotland and Wales had the highest accidental fatality rate, more than double that of England.
83% of accidental fatalities were male.
There was a 46% increase in the number of accidental fatalities amongst children, compared to the 5-year average.
19 people lost their life across four consecutive days in July as UK temperatures reached record highs.
60% of accidental fatalities occurred inland.
In summer 2022, there were 40% more accidental fatalities inland than on the coast.
26% accidental fatalities were under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, presented the report findings at the event and highlighted the importance of educating everyone on water safety. He said: “This report presents the current picture of UK drowning as analysed from 2022, and also identifies trends in relation to data over a five-year period.

“Progress is being made across the UK, however, the report clearly shows that we need enhanced Government involvement to collectively progress to deliver the current targets set by the NWSF, Water Safety Wales (WSW) and Water Safety Scotland (WSS).

“We are grateful to the great number of MPs who attended the event yesterday and we look forward to working with the UK Government to deliver the reports recommendations which include innovative solutions to better deliver school swimming; mandating that every child should have a class-based water safety lesson at each key stage; and investing in initiatives to address the increase in child drowning fatalities.

“Together with other members of the NWSF, we will continue with our work and commitment to prevent future drownings.”

To view the report visit www.rlss.org.uk/national-drowning-report-uk.

Lee Cooper, Managing Director at TWF (The Wetsuit Factory) who sponsored the event, said: “At TWF we believe it is crucial for Water Safety Education to reach the classrooms.

“Increasing Water Safety Education will ensure children from all backgrounds are aware of the dangers for themselves and others. They should be able to confidently self-rescue allowing them to be safe in, around and on all types of water.

“TWF are in full support of RLSS UK and Water Safety APPG on their mission to get this into our school curriculum.”

The report was launched in the week of RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week, where the charity aims to educate children and their families on water safety to ensure they are able to enjoy water safely ahead of the summer holidays.

Drowning Prevention Week provides free resources to families to provide education for all.

Visit www.rlss.org.uk/DPW for further information.

Police seek witnesses as two pedestrians injured in road accident

Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and two pedestrians in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday, 24 June 2023).

Around 1.30 pm, an 88-year-old man and an 86-year-old woman were struck by a black Subaru whilst crossing West Mains Road at Mayfield Road.

The couple were taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where they remain for treatment. Medical staff describe their condition as stable.

The 80-year-old female driver of the Subaru was not injured following the incident.

Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick, Roads Policing Unit, Livingston, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information, including dash-cam footage.

“If you have not yet come forward to police, then please call officers via 101 quoting reference number 2103 of Saturday, 24 June 2023.”

Pride Month: Council shows support for LGBTQ+ communities

The City of Edinburgh Council, in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, expresses its support for Pride Month.

The Pride Flag is flying from the City Chambers and the annual Pride March will take place this Saturday (24 March).

Pride Month is an annual celebration that commemorates the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledges the ongoing work that still needs to be done.

Council Leader Cammy Day yesterday met with Richard Denholm, Chair of STRIDE, the Council’s LGBTQ+ staff network, as the flag was raised at the City Chambers.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This weekend our city will be filled with a bit more colour and love in the form of the annual Edinburgh Pride March and Festival. First established in 1994, Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity, Pride Edinburgh will ensure the rainbow shines over the capital city. I’m looking forward to taking part.

“Pride month is significant in the city’s calendar each year and a celebration of the diversity, history and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. We hope to help raise awareness of this important month and continue to progress and encourage inclusiveness.

“I’m proud that we will support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and citizens by flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers once again. It’s also important to consider the heritage of the Pride movement, which came from protests to address deep rooted issues of discrimination, intolerance, injustice and prejudice that exists and sadly still exists in some places.

“Edinburgh has always been a welcoming and inclusive city – and we’re rightly proud of our thriving LGBTQ+ community.

“An attack on anyone because of their sexual orientation or transgender identity, or their race, religion or disability is abhorrent. On behalf of the Council, I repeat my call for tolerance, understanding and respect right across our city. I hope everyone who is taking part this year has a great time.”

Richard Denholm, Chair of STRIDE network, said: “STRIDE is the Council’s LGBTQ+ staff network. We welcome all colleagues who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as supportive allies.

“We are passionate about people being able to bring their whole selves to work, not just here at The City of Edinburgh Council, but across our entire capital city. I would like to thank STRIDE members and supportive allies for their continued contribution over the past year. This vital effort ensures that LGBTQ+ members of our workforce can feel respected and included.

“Council colleagues have been invited to join Edinburgh Pride march this weekend, in support of raising awareness that diversity is valued and celebrated across all our workplaces.

“I’m pleased to let you know that the Council have recently joined Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.

This Programme will promote a more inclusive working environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. We are committed to supporting the Programme, to embed it within all Council Directorates, in the months and years ahead.”

Find more information about equality and diversity at City of Edinburgh Council

Jenny Niven announced as new Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival

Jenny Niven, new director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Today the Edinburgh International Book Festival announces that Jenny Niven, a leading cultural producer and director who has worked with a range of influential literary festivals in Scotland and internationally, will replace Nick Barley as Festival Director.

Jenny will begin her new role in September after Nick has overseen his final Festival programme, following a hugely successful 14 years.

Nick Barley, outgoing Edinburgh International Book Festival Director, said: “I am absolutely over the moon that Jenny Niven has been chosen to take over from me as the next Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

“Jenny has a stellar reputation in the world of literature and culture, both in Scotland and elsewhere. She is open-minded, dynamic and – vitally for this role – a good listener who knows that running a festival is a team game. On top of that, her creativity, connections and enthusiasm will be a huge asset to the Festival.”

Allan Little, Chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival Board of Directors, said: “We are very excited to welcome Jenny Niven as the new Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

“Nick leaves incredibly big shoes to fill, but Jenny is no stranger to the Festival or the world of the written word here in Scotland, and indeed further afield, and we look forward to seeing what she brings to this new Book Festival chapter.”

Jenny will join the team as the Festival prepares for an exciting move to its new permanent home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, a landmark development based on the site of the old Royal Infirmary on Lauriston Place, in 2024.

Jenny Niven, the new Edinburgh International Book Festival Director, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed to lead the Edinburgh International Book Festival as its new Director.

“The Festival has influenced Scottish culture, and shaped the development of book festivals globally, for 40 years. There’s no greater platform to bring together the conversations that we need to have, to celebrate the role of creativity, imagination and story in understanding and reshaping the world around us, and to demonstrate that exploring the world collectively via books and ideas is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you can have.

“The opportunity to reimagine the Festival in its exciting new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, and to lead the organisation at such a pivotal time for Scotland’s cultural life, is an honour.

“Following the inspirational lead of Nick and his predecessors, I am excited to begin working with the impressive Festival team and board, and the incredible network of partners the Festival has cultivated in Scotland and beyond, to build on the Festival’s stellar reputation and to shape its future.”

Jenny is founder and Director of the award-winning Push the Boat Out, a festival of poetry, spoken word and language; Executive Producer of Dandelion, an epic programme of sowing, growing and sharing across Scotland, and was previously the Head of Literature at Creative Scotland. She was named in The List’s ‘Hot 100’ people influencing Scotland’s arts and cultural landscape in 2022.

For more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival visit:

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

Eyre Place planning application: MSP hails ‘power of community’

A Scottish Government Reporter appointed to consider the Eyre Place planning application has dismissed the developer’s appeal and refused planning permission.

Nearly 400 objections to the planning application 22/0384/FUL (Student Accommodation) 72-74 Eyre Place were received from residents. The residents were largely concerned with the overall scale of the development, its overbearing presence blocking natural light for neighbours, and dense accommodation which would overburden local infrastructure and amenities.

Many local residents, therefore, felt the proposal was not compatible with the character of the area in terms of use or design and could also increase noise and disturbance due to plans that the top storey of the flats would be dedicated to ‘entertainment’ and karaoke booths.

On 11 January 2023, it was unanimously agreed by The City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning and Development Management Sub-Committee that a hearing would be held, so that local residents and developers could make their case in the Council chambers, before a final vote was held.

However, the developers, CA Europe Operating Company, appealed, and a Reporter, (a lawyer appointed by Scottish Government Ministers), instead was tasked to decide on the merits of the planning application.

Foysol Choudhury, list MSP for Lothian, raised deep concerns at the time about the fact that the public hearing would not take place and that the voices of local residents would not be heard, with local democracy being sidelined by the developer’s appeal.

Responding to the news that the Reporter has now dismissed the developer’s appeal and that planning permission has been denied, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “My constituents are overjoyed at this result and they should be congratulated for all their hard work in organising as a community, to ensure their concerns about this planning application were heard by elected officials.

“Many of my constituents told me that the community was in despair, not just because of the proposed development but because they felt the decision to sideline the public hearing led to their voices being silenced.

“The developers attempted to bypass local democracy and failed in their appeal, which is of course a relief for my constituents, but we must learn lessons so that local democracy is not circumvented like this again in the future.

“Nevertheless, I am glad that this deeply unpopular planning application has been denied. It’s great to see what can be achieved through the power of community!”

Local resident, Hannah Edwards, said: “Our community is delighted with the Reporter’s decision. It reflects what was obvious to so many when we first saw this aggressive proposal 18 months ago.

“A development of this size on a constrained site would have had a really negative impact on the lives of so many. We’re eternally grateful to each and every person who fought so hard to get the result we were so dearly hoping for.”

Best Bar None Scotland 2023 launched

A successful multi-agency scheme aimed at improving standards and safety in licensed premises across Scotland has launched for 2023.

Best Bar None Scotland is a national accreditation and award scheme, which creates a safe day and night-time economy through awarding pubs, bars, nightclubs, and specialist entertainment venues, which provide high standards of safety for their staff and customers.

Participating venues are given the opportunity to demonstrate they can meet a number of objectives, set in consultation with Scottish Government and alcohol industry.

Best Bar None is led by Retailers Against Crime and supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Government and alcohol industry sponsors. It rewards safe and well-managed premises with a commemorative plaque which can be used to promote the venue.

The scheme follows five key objectives set out in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. These are; prevention of crime and disorder, protection of public safety, protection of the environment, promotion of public health and protection of children from harm.

The aim is for partner agencies to work with licensed premises in creating safer and welcoming night-time economy, which assists Police Scotland reducing criminal activity within these venues.

The launch event for Best Bar None 2023 scheme took place at the Bag O’Nails pub in Glasgow. The venue won the Best Late Night Bar category in 2022.

Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Steven McKinnon said: “The public has a right to enjoy a safe night out within any of Scotland’s licensed premises, while, at the same time, staff working within these venues are also entitled to carry out their duties without fear of falling victim to a crime.

“The Best Bar None scheme has a number of different categories that venues can strive to achieve success in and in doing so, they will gain national recognition for their efforts.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the public safe and reducing incidents of public space and alcohol-related violence. Best Bar None is a really important initiative in helping us achieve this goal and we will continue to work with all relevant partners to further enhance the safety of Scotland’s night-time economy.”

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “I am pleased to continue our support for the Best Bar None Scheme in Scotland. The scheme helps highlight the positive role that that pubs, clubs and bars can play to support community well-being.

“It’s important to give safety in the night time economy its rightful focus and the scheme is an excellent opportunity for establishments to show what sort of venues they are running, how responsible they are and that they value their customers safety as much as their patronage.”

Jack Gemmell, Chairman of the Best Bar None Board added: “I am proud to recognise the hard work from all the participants of the Best Bar none Scheme in what continues to be a challenging business environment.

“The national winners we are announcing today are real examples of the benefits of taking part in the scheme. This has never just been about improving one bar or nightclub; it’s been about raising up the whole night-time economy to provide safe and fun venues for people to share convivial moments.

“The data behind the benefits of the scheme are well known but the winners here today demonstrate the real human value in providing the best of hospitality in the safest possible way.”

Maxine Fraser, Managing Director for Retailers Against Crime, added: “Retailers Against Crime are privileged to be the new administrators of Best Bar None Scotland.

“I would encourage all licensed premises to become involved in Best Bar None Scotland. Together we can all make a difference in helping to keep the day and night-time economy in our towns and cities vibrant and safe places to visit.”

Police seek witnesses to Jane Street fire incident

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire near to a property and a vehicle in Leith.

The incident took place on Jane Street, at around 10.35pm on Sunday, 11 June, 2023.

Officers assisted their partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at the scene. Whilst significant damage was caused, no injuries have been reported.

Enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Christina Yeoman, from Gayfield CID, said: “We can be thankful that no one was hurt as a result of this fire.

“As our investigation continues, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, or potential CCTV or dashcam footage from the area.

“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 4183 of 11 June, 2023.”

Progress in tackling child poverty

Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan report published

It is estimated that 90,000 fewer children will live in relative and absolute poverty this year as a result of Scottish Government policies.

The Scottish Government analysis is published alongside the first annual report on its Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan ‘Best Start, Bright Futures’.

The report sets out progress made on the four year plan, including that an estimated £3.03 billion was invested across a range of programmes targeted at low income households in 2022-23, with £1.25 billion directly benefiting children.

These figures represent an increase of £430 million and £150 million respectively, compared with 2021-22. As a result of that spending, poverty levels this year will be nine percentage points lower than they would have otherwise been.

The report also details key actions to help households and address the three main drivers of poverty – income from employment, cost of living and income from social security and benefits.

These include almost £83 million to help deliver employability support, introducing a rent cap to help protect tenants during the cost of living crisis and providing over £84 million to support housing costs, while increasing the Scottish Child Payment by 150% and expanding it to all eligible children under 16.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The report demonstrates that we are preventing children falling into poverty and lifting people out of it. This year, 90,000 fewer children will live in poverty as a result of the concerted actions and focus we are providing, including lifting an estimated 50,000 children lifted out of hardship through the Scottish Child Payment.

“We are focused on driving forward action at the pace and scale required and the investment of around £3 billion in a range of programmes, with £1.25 billion directly benefiting children, demonstrates our commitment to taking action.

“By March this year, 303,000 children were receiving the Scottish Child Payment. Having increased the payment by 150% and by extending it to eligible children under 16, we are providing vital financial support to families worth £1300 a year.

“At the First Minister’s Anti-Poverty Summit in May our stakeholders, partners and people who have experienced poverty backed the approach we are taking. We will continue to do everything we can within the scope of our limited powers and fixed budget to help give more children the start in life they deserve.

“But it is only with the full economic and fiscal powers of an independent nation that Ministers can use all levers other governments have to tackle poverty and inequalities.”

Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Annual Report

Nessie search continues as reimagined Loch Ness Centre opens

Visitors to the Highlands and wannabe monster spotters can now walk through 500 million years of history, delve deeper into Scottish myths and legends, and discover the scientific research behind the global phenomena that is the Nessie legend at The Loch Ness Centre.

Located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where, 90 years ago, Mrs Aldie Mackay hotel manageress reported seeing a ‘water beast’ in Loch Ness, Continuum Attractions has invested £1.5m in creating a modern immersive journey.

During the one-hour experience guests become part of the quest, discovering the real stories and meeting the many real and historic characters associated with the search for the truth about Loch Ness and Nessie.

Throughout eight immersive rooms guests delve deeper not just into history of the Loch Ness phenomenon but also the scientific research carried out by Adrian Shine and The Loch Ness Project (based on site), showcasing scientific methodology and real artefacts such as a real mini submarine, real underwater cameras, boats, sonar equipment all used in the quest to uncover the secrets of the 23 miles long Loch.

In ‘People and Stories’, guests will explore some of the most famous sightings and hoax’s linked to Nessie, set in the ‘bar of the old hotel’ guest meet old and young Mrs Aldie Mackay and learn how her one sighting changed history forever; and gave birth to a modern legend.

Guests’ hunt for the truth doesn’t end after the tour, tickets include an optional 12-month membership to The Loch Ness Quest, giving exclusive access to the latest Nessie sightings, events and news.

Guests can go on to explore the depths of the world’s most famous loch for themselves onboard the Centre’s vessel, Deepscan, named after the Operation Deepscan expedition carried out on the loch in 1987.

Juliana Delaney, Chief Executive of Continuum, said: “It’s an honour to open the doors to the newly imagined Loch Ness Centre. This must be one of the world’s greatest stories and it deserved a more modern and immersive presentation, which I hope we have delivered.

“We are very aware we are only temporary guardians of this amazing legend and we want to invest in keeping the search alive.

“There’s also a surprise for guests too when they hear who our narrator is!”

Pre-booked tickets are available in advance online. Adult tickets start from £13.95 online and Deepscan Cruises tickets start from £19.00.

To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a cruise tour, please visit:

https://lochness.com