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Care home provides peace of mind with healthcare initiative

Cramond care home committed to improving the lives of elderly residents

A TOP Edinburgh care home has ensured the wellbeing of its elderly residents by organising visits from a local GP twice weekly.

The initiative has ensured that residents at Cramond Residence have access to healthcare on a private basis to help them with accessibility and to prevent potential issues before they occur.

The GP visits are included within the home’s current rates and have been designed to complement each resident’s personal care plans, bringing together all aspects of a person’s wellbeing – from nutritional advice and emotional welfare to physiotherapy and organised activities.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Some of our residents are frail and lack mobility, making getting to the doctor’s a stressful and daunting experience.

“That is why we were exceptionally keen to offer our residents access to a GP without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

“We set up a special clinic in the home where our visiting GP holds twice weekly private consultations for routine check-ups and residents can advise our onsite care team if they would like an appointment.

“The collaborative approach has been offered since we first opened in 2018 and is a unique feature that is much appreciated by residents and their family members. It gives peace of mind that a loved one has direct access to expert health professionals – on top of our day-to-day care.”

This feature is provided alongside the home’s exclusive partnership with Balanced, Edinburgh’s leading team of physiotherapists, who work with residents individually to improve mobility and increase activity.

Cramond Residence is located to the north of the city and adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future

A report published yesterday by Healthcare Improvement Scotland finds that the majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future, based on their experiences with COVID-19.

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked questions about people’s motivations around vaccination as we move away from the pandemic.

Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has been high and the survey asked people if they would take up new offers of COVID-19 vaccination, or, if not, to understand their reasons why.

The Citizens’ Panel survey, which ran between November 2022 and February 2023, found that of the 667 people who responded to the survey, the majority of respondents (72%) said they would take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The survey also found that of those who will take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in future, their main reasons were to protect themselves (88%) and to protect others (82%).

One respondent said: “If I can do this to help myself and others, and know the vigorous testing the vaccines have gone through, then why wouldn’t I accept the vaccine?”

Some 12% said they would decline the offer and 17% were not sure. Where respondents did not want it, the most common reason given was concern over possible long-term side effects of the vaccine.

In addition, all respondents were asked if their decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine has changed over time. The majority said that their decision has not changed (82%). Some 16% said they wanted it at first, but now they don’t, and just 2% said that they didn’t want it at first but now they do.

The survey asks if people are more or less likely to take up the offer of other vaccines, such as flu or childhood vaccines, based on their COVID-19 vaccine experiences, with 36% saying more likely, 56% saying it’s made no difference, and just 7% saying they are less likely.

Simon Watson, Medical Director at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Vaccination is an absolutely essential element of our response to COVID-19 including future variants. It is vital to protect individuals, their families and the wider population of Scotland.”

Clare Morrison, Director of Community Engagement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “The findings around vaccination motivations highlight the positive public attitudes towards vaccination, as well as potential areas for improvement, mainly around the need to develop clear and accessible information about vaccine side effects and the benefits of vaccination including their effectiveness against serious illness.”

The report recommends the Scottish Government should continue to consider how to ensure positive and accessible vaccination experiences for all.

It also notes the Government should consider exploring people’s concerns further and their experiences around side effects. Developing further clear and accessible messaging around side effects, and the benefits and effectiveness of vaccination against serious illness may help address this.

Visit our Community Engagement website to access the full report.

Tai Chi at Fresh Start

We will be running Tai Chi classes in the Hub space at Ferry Road Drive from Wednesday 7^th June from 1.30 – 2.30pm. This is a very relaxing form of light exercise, good for the mind and body!

We have spaces for 10 and people don’t have to come every week, if they prefer to drop in week to week as it suits them, they can.

Please share with your networks and ask people to sign up by emailing me if they are interested: Abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Tai-Chi-flier Download

Abi

Water-based deaths decreased in 2022, reports Water Safety Scotland

The latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID) indicate that drowning fatalities in 2022 decreased in Scotland.

The database, which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) and focuses on gathering information related to water-based incidents, also shows a decrease in accidental drownings last year. The figures show that there were 45 accidental water-related fatalities in Scotland. This forms part of the total water-related fatalities in Scotland which stands at 96 for last year.

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) produces an annual trend report which provides detail on the latest figures in comparison to previous years and the baseline figures in Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy (SDPS).

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of WSS and the Data Subgroup Chair, said: “The recent figures for accidental water-related fatalities shows a 10 per cent decrease in comparison to the SDPS baseline – bringing the number of accidental water-related fatalities back down after a particular difficult year in 2021.

“WSS continues to work hard and has taken a number of significant steps to help reduce accidental water-related fatalities, including the introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR), the creation of free education resources for teachers and practitioners, and free consistent water safety messaging for partners to use across Scotland.”

DIR is a new process introduced in Scotland which aims to gather all relevant data and information in order to systematically and rigorously review each accidental water-related incident with a view to preventing a future occurrence.

DIR is envisioned to provide practitioners and local partners with much more comprehensive information about each incident, which can be used to help inform local and national prevention efforts. DIR is now available across Scotland for use by local Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) groups and the only UK nation with such a process.

WSS education resources, which have been created with Education Scotland, are free to use and are age and stage appropriate. Linked intrinsically to the Water Safety Code, the resources are consistent across curriculum levels for use with pupils from nursery to S6 and aim to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to make wise and informed choices around water.

WSS has also created a full communications toolkit which local partners can use to again provide greater awareness of water safety and consistency across the board.

As summer approaches, Water Safety Scotland wants to remind the public to stay safe and follow the three part Water Safety Code:

Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
Stay Together, Stay Close
In an Emergency, Call 999

James Sullivan, Chair of Water Safety Scotland, said: “The decrease in the 2022 figures is as a result of the combined efforts of partners across the country working collectively to raise awareness of water safety.

“Water Safety Scotland will continue to coordinate these efforts to further improve safety and reduce drowning incidents in and around Scotland’s waters.”

War Graves Week

Come and join us for War Graves Week this May!

It’s a chance to discover more about the World War Heritage on your doorstep, through a variety of free events happening all over the UK.

Join us for a free tour, demo, workshop or talk, where you can hear the incredible stories of the casualties we commemorate, as well as learn about our work across the world.

Click the ‘learn more’ button below to see what’s on in your area. All our events are free. We look forward to seeing you!

Cybersecurity experts explain how password managers can help you to stay safe online

One way to foster good password habits both safely and easily is by using a password manager. With that in mind, cybersecurity experts VPNOverview.com have revealed exactly how password managers can help and how to find ones that are trustworthy to use.

How Password Storage Helps Your Online Security

Emails, Google, web shops, social media – you name it. The likeliness is that you have countless accounts on several different websites and platforms. For almost every account you create, you have to think of a password that will allow you to access any secured data without being hacked easily. This means that you will have countless of passwords to remember – unless you use a password manager.

Password managers – for example, Blur or 1Password – allow you to store all of your passwords safely in their ‘password vaults’. From the moment you have installed one, you are only required to remember your master password, which will give you access to every single password you have saved within.

That means you do not have to write passwords down on a piece of paper that could be stolen or keep a word document with sensitive information that could fall into the wrong hands. Your password manager ultimately has you covered with one simple app.

The Advantages of Using a Password Manager

Password managers help you to remember all of the passwords you use online, but there are some additional advantages to using them. In fact, password managing apps help you to make your system far safer and more efficient. Here’s why:

· Password managers encrypt your passwords so no one but you has access to them.

· They save you time as you can log into your accounts automatically or with just one click.

· They create unique and strong passwords for all of you accounts, so none of them are easy to guess.

· They work on different devices, meaning you can log into your accounts on both your computer and smartphone with minimal effort.

Are All Password Managers Safe?

Anyone who spends a lot of time online should install a password manager, so it can keep track of all your passwords and sensitive information.

However, not all password managers are 100% safe. As you will be giving the password manager access to all your passwords, it is important to choose one you can trust. Some self-proclaimed ‘password managers’ misuse that trust to gather your personal information and use it against you.

Similarly, other password managers are simply not secure enough and could be compromised – even though they may have better intentions. Ultimately, if they are incapable of keeping your information safe, you should not risk using them.

Luckily, VPNOverview.com have tested several password managers on their security and ease of use. Not sure which manager to choose? Checkout their top picks via the links below.

The Best Password Managers of 2023: Our Top 5 Picks

The Best Free Password Managers of 2023: Our Top 5

Leith murder: Youth charged

A murder inquiry has been launched following the death of a 33-year-old woman in Constitution Street, Leith..

Around 7.55pm on Thursday, 18 May, 2023, officers were called to a report of a disturbance.

The woman was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment where she died a short time later.

A post mortem examination is being carried out to establish the exact cause of death, however, police are currently treating the death as suspicious and a murder inquiry has been launched.

Her next of kin have been made aware.

A 16-year-old male youth has been arrested and charged in connection with the death.

Detective Inspector Bob Williamson of the Major Investigation Team (East) said: “I want to reassure the community that we are treating this as an isolated incident.

“You will see a significant police presence in the area whilst we carry out investigations. Officers will be carrying out door-to-door enquiries and gathering CCTV footage which could provide the inquiry team with additional information.

“Through our investigation so far, we are aware that a number of members of the public were in the area at the time, some of whom witnessed the incident and others who came to her aid and we are asking them to come forward.

“I would asked anyone who was in the area of Constitution Street between 7.45pm and 8pm to get in touch.”

Detectives have set up an online portal to encourage members of the public to submit information, including any recorded footage.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major investigation team and can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S22-PO1

Police can also be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 3555 of Thursday, 18 May, 2023. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Margiotta chain expands with help from HSBC

Edinburgh’s leading independent convenience retailer is set to expand thanks to £725,000 funding from HSBC UK.

Margiotta is set to open up a new store in the city’s Shandon area on Harrison Gardens after using the funding to purchase and fit out the 2,000 sq ft premises, which was previously owned by an architecture firm.

The store will be the family-run business’ second outlet in the Shandon area of Edinburgh. The new space will be used to host food and drink from local suppliers, such as Fortitude Coffee and Heather Hills Honey, as well as a wide range of homeware products. The existing store will remain as a newsagent confectioner with the addition of homemade gelato, paninis and artisan coffee for sit in or take away.

The new premises is almost double the size of its current store in the area and will enable Margiotta to significantly increase its offering of locally sourced produce, as well as kitchenware items.

The new store is due to open in summer this year and is expected to create 16 – 20 new jobs.

Franco Margiotta, Founder and Managing Director of Margiotta, said: “Both we and our customers value local produce from quality suppliers, so we’re looking forward to being able to expand our product range with our increased footprint.

“HSBC UK’s support has helped us to grasp the opportunity to buy this new space, and explore a new venture as we bring to life our first café-style venture at our older store.”

Ash McBrearty, Corporate Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see an independent business born and bred in Edinburgh grow and thrive. We’ve enjoyed working with the Margiotta family to help them expand their retail portfolio and diversify their offering.”

Margiotta currently works with over 45 local suppliers.

The store was established in the early 1970s by Franco Margiotta and his brother. Together they opened their first shop in Marchmont selling food and wine. The family business has gradually expanded over the years and Margiotta has 10 shops across Edinburgh and East Lothian, with its 11th store soon to open on Harrison Gardens.

Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners are Dobbies local Helping Your Community Grow winners

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store has announced its local Helping Your Community Grow winner, seeing Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners receive gardening products, advice, and support to enhance their outside space.

Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners is a community initiative run by volunteers who aim to make a difference in the local area from gardening to litter picking.

Dobbies will provide the group with watering butts, plants, bulbs and seeds, alongside support from its horticultural experts to help bring this project to life.

Dobbies’ own-brand peat-free multipurpose compost, recycled and recyclable containers, UK-sourced plants and safer pest control products are among the many products the garden centre will donate to its winner.

Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store said: “We are delighted to be supporting Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners this year and look forward to seeing the community garden project come to life with our support.

“We’ve been truly overwhelmed with the response to our campaign in Edinburgh! The team and I would like to thank all the worthy causes that got involved in the application process and our customers who helped us crown our Helping Your Community Grow winner by voting.”

Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners said: “We are thrilled to have been crowned the local Helping Your Community Grow winner for Edinburgh and would like to thank those members of the public who voted for us.

“Dobbies’ backing will allow us to brighten up our local area in a sustainable way, and we can’t wait to see Dalkeith bloom.”

In addition to the local win, Nest Nurseries Garden Project located in Keston has been crowned the national winner for the initiative and will receive additional funding and support to help their garden project thrive.

This will include advice, gardening products and plants to help young children explore the outdoors, learn about nature, improve their physical development and better understand the world around them.

For more information on Dobbies’ Helping Your Community Grow campaign, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres

Eurovision 2023 scores douze points for the BBC as it becomes the most watched Grand Final ever

The Eurovision Grand Final saw a 5 min peak of 11 million, average of 9.9 million and share of 63%

BBC Director of Unscripted Kate Phillips says: “What an incredible Contest! It was unforgettable, unmissable event television on a scale never seen before delivered by the BBC to viewers across the UK and millions more watching around the world.

“Sweden took home the trophy in spectacular style and 2022 winners Ukraine were at the heart of the show.

“Liverpool welcomed the world’s biggest singing competition with open arms and embraced it beyond all of our expectations.

The fact that so many millions of people tuned in reflects just how significant Eurovision has become and truly underlines the theme behind this year’s contest, United by Music. We really hope we did Ukraine proud.”