SPORTS CLOTHES WANTED
KitForAll – Leith PE are requesting donations of pre-loved sports kit for our KitForAll campaign.
KitforAll is about offering sports kit to individuals and families who need it the most, for FREE.
With your donations, we hope to make sport and physical activity more accessible.
#PassItOn
More UK cities are set to introduce clean air zones this year, making motorists pay a charge if they wish to enter city centres.
Road safety experts at Road Angel are urging drivers to check for changes in their local areas and to get any necessary permits to prevent facing fines for driving through these zones.
Drivers in London already face charges if they wish to enter the capital’s low and ultra low emission zones (ULEZ). Five other UK cities have already introduced clean air zones with three more due to start in the coming weeks and months.
Currently, drivers in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol and Portsmouth all face potential charges based on the level of their emissions.
Tyneside is set to introduce its own Clean Air Zone on 30 January and Sheffield will follow suit on 27 February.
Greater Manchester is the third local authority set to introduce a clean air zone in 2023 although they have yet to agree on a date.
Cities are able to choose one of four possible clean air zones from Class A through to Class D which each class targeting different types of road vehicles. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £120.
Currently, only Birmingham and Bristol have introduced Class D Clean Air Zones – these are the most far reaching and require private car drivers to register and potentially pay charges depending on the level of their emissions.
Both Bath and Bradford have introduced Class C Clean Air Zones, these target vans, minibuses, coaches, taxis, HGVs, buses and private hire vehicles but not privately owned cars.
Portsmouth is currently the only city to have brought in Class B restrictions where charges apply to coaches, taxis, HGVs, buses and private hire vehicles but not cars, vans or minibuses.
It’s believed that Sheffield is planning on a Class C zone while Tyneside is planning to introduce Class B restrictions. Details for Manchester’s upcoming zone have not yet been finalised.
A spokesperson for Road Angel said: “We welcome changes to improve air quality in our cities but we don’t want these changes to take any drivers by surprise.
“Therefore we are urging drivers who may be visiting any of these cities to check the government’s website to find out if they are required to obtain a permit for a clean air zone.
“It’s also worth checking the vehicle’s logbook where information on the vehicle’s emission rate can be found to determine if charges can be applicable in clean air zones.
“If drivers don’t pay the fee applied to their area within six days of entering the clean air zone, they can face a standard penalty charge of £120.
“Going forward, we predict this will encourage drivers to turn to electric vehicles so they don’t have to face further charges for their vehicle’s emission rates.
“While Sheffield and Tyneside are currently the only areas planned to introduce charges in 2023, along with the possibility of Greater Manchester, it doesn’t stop the case for more cities across the UK to add their names to the list.”
Drivers venturing into these cities will soon have access to this information in-car via the Road Angel Pure
Edinburgh’s city centre Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was approved by Scottish Ministers on 19 May 2022 and was introduced on 31 May 2022. Enforcement will start on 1 June 2024, following a two-year grace period for all.
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS from 10th JANUARY
Did you make your New Year resolutions? How about dedicating more time to resting, relaxing and slowing down in our busy lives this year?
We are organising a free space to play board games in ELREC every Tuesday at 3:30-5:30pm from 10th January! Come alone or with friends to have fun and meet new people!
The board games afternoons will be a part of the Conscious Living Project that aims to promote wellbeing, mental health and raise environmental awareness 
We are gathering and buying board games to play but you are very welcome to come with your group and own board games to play as well! Feel free to share the post or let your friends or family know 
If you know anyone who feels lonely and want to spend some time with other people, it would be a great opportunity!
There are limited spaces so you would need to register to take part:
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/board-games-afternoons…
Hope to see you!
Music, dancing, poetry, food …sounds good doesn’t it! Join PCHP and partners as we celebrate #burnsnight community style !!!
You’ll be treated to a delicious meal and the music will be provided by the amazing Tinderbox Collective – what’s not to like!
Tickets will be on sale from Monday the 16th of January at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre reception desk and also from the Granton Garden Bakery window on Saturday the 21st of January so don’t miss your chance to have braw wee night out.
If you’d like to perform or volunteer at the event then please get in touch with; tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org to arrange
Look forward to seeing you all there.
Aldi Scotland has launched a new charity campaign encouraging customers to donate their unwanted winter warmers this Christmas.
Following widespread success over the last two years for its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign, which saw more than 4,000 pairs of socks donated to good causes, Aldi has partnered with Crisis Scotland to help deliver hats and gloves to help keep the most vulnerable people warm this winter.
The initiative encourages customers to drop off any unwanted or extra unused hats or gloves that they may have received as Christmas gifts to the ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ boxes, which will be in all of Aldi’s 104 stores in Scotland. The boxes will be in Aldi stores from the 2nd of January until the end of the month.
Donations will be received by Crisis Scotland, which works tirelessly to help those struggling with homelessness. The charity’s policy advocacy and campaign teams come together to provide practical support and advice, inform professionals, and campaign for legislative change in order to create the best possible outcomes for people in housing need.
Neil Cowan, Scotland’s Head of Policy & Communications at Crisis Scotland, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, demand for our services has shot up. Unaffordable housing costs, rising energy bills, and increasing food prices are all factors pushing people closer to homelessness.
“Crisis Scotland operates year-round to help people take their first steps out of homelessness, or to prevent it entirely. To continue providing our services and campaigning for change, we greatly rely on the generosity of supporters, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cost campaign.
“On behalf of the team at Crisis Scotland, we would like to thank everyone who is able to donate.”
We rely on the generosity of supporters to provide our services and campaign for change, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cosy campaign.”
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “This year has been incredibly challenging for people across the country, so we wanted to do our bit to help Crisis Scotland, who are working day in and day out to support the most vulnerable people in society.
“We know that homeless charities often look for warm clothing and accessories over the winter period, so I would encourage our customers to donate any unwanted hats or gloves, and put them to better use this festive season.”
As part of the campaign, Aldi will also make a £1,000 donation to Crisis Scotland.”
The boxes will be in all 104 of Aldi’s stores in Scotland from Monday, 2nd January. Customers are invited to drop off any unwanted, new and unused, hats and gloves, which will all be donated to Crisis Scotland. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
Lloyds Bank has appointed Jamie Kemp to the role of Invoice Finance Area Director for Scotland and the North East, as it strengthens its support for businesses across the region.
Jamie has over 11 years of experience in the finance sector, with experiencing spanning across retail, private and commercial banking. Over the last 4 years, Jamie has specialised in Invoice Finance and has been recognised by UK Finance as their Top Foundation and Certificate student.
In his latest role, Jamie held the title of Business Planning Manager for the Invoice & Asset Finance Sales division where he was responsible for overseeing and supporting national delivery and performance.
Jamie Kemp commented: “I am delighted to lead a team of highly experienced Invoice Finance professionals to deliver bespoke solutions for small to medium sized enterprises. The current climate is making the cost of operating more and more challenging for businesses.
“I’m looking forward to supporting those businesses based in the North East and Scotland through these challenging times as much as possible in my new role alongside my team.”
Ben Stephenson, the Head of Specialist Client Solutions at Lloyds Bank, added: “We are pleased to welcome Jamie into the role of Invoice Finance Area Director. He brings with him a wealth of banking and finance experience, which will stand him in good stead to excel in this role and provide exceptional service for our clients.”
While starting his new role, Jamie is also hiring for an Invoice Finance Field Sales position (Associate Director level) based in and around Glasgow. The role has been designed to attract enthusiastic and talented individuals which may be new to the Invoice Finance industry.
It offers a substantial period of training, supported by a comprehensive learning plan, which includes undertaking the Invoice Finance Foundation Course, UK Finance’s entry-level qualification. This should ensure that the successful candidate has the best possible start to a career in Invoice Finance.
Explore unspoilt beaches, abundant wildlife, and beautifully quaint streets on a visit to … Scotland.
It doesn’t get bonnier than the country’s best-kept secret, the magnificent South West coast, which is why Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering a new, unforgettable two-day tour to the hidden gem.
Journeying from the grandest forest in the UK to a castle scarred by the brutal battles of the past, Rabbie’s Scenic South West of Scotland tour encompasses both the stunning beauty and fascinating history of Scotland, and is available to book now with tours starting in May 2023.
On the two-day tour, visitors will navigate the historically rich and environmentally stunning region. Head deep into the largest forest in the UK, Galloway Forest, to look up at the dark skies and be left in awe at the stunning night sky above.
Travel to Scotland’s most southern point, the Mull of Galloway, to enjoy amazing views of the peninsula’s wildlife and cliffs. Trek through the ancient woodland and mountain vistas located in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. With memorable views of the lochs and mountains, enjoy this peaceful walk through a truly untouched wilderness.
Join Rabbie’s Two-Day Scenic South West of Scotland tour departing from Glasgow from £145 per person.
For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.
An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.
‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes.
The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.
The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.
Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce.
John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that people planting fruit trees or bushes in Edinburgh not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.
“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”
Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.
“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”
Scotmid is seeking one group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.
Edinburgh groups are encouraged to apply by visiting:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/
Applications close on 20th January 2023.
The Scottish Government has created a ‘one stop shop’ website aimed at helping people in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The website includes guidance on the different kinds of support available, from helping families and households meet rising energy, housing and other costs, to details around accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators as well as advice around improving overall health and wellbeing.
It’s important to acknowledge the added stress that money worries can bring and the impact that this can have on your health, both mentally and physically. The website includes information on the support people can access such as the NHS24 Mental Health Hub (available by dialling 111), Breathing Space which is a confidential helpline available by calling 0800 83 85 87, and nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind which shares advice from peers.
There is also key information around support with health costs such as eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses and dental treatments.
When it comes to families and financial support, the Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year to help households face the increased cost of living, including £1bn in providing services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK.
The winter Bridging Payment has been doubled, meaning the December payment will be £260. All eligible families should make sure they are registered to receive free school meals on the basis of low income in order to receive the payment. If they register between now and end of school term they will receive the payment in January.
The Scottish Child Payment has also been increased to £25 a week which can be paid to families with children under the age of 16 who live in Scotland and qualify for certain reserved benefits. There is no limit on the number of children that families can apply for.
Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)
Shona Robison, Social Justice Secretary, said: “I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help. Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.
“No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.
“We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to – it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now”.
Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)
Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said next year must be the year Scotland enshrines a statutory Right to Food in law, as figures show food bank use soaring in Edinburgh.
The Trussell Trust’s mid-year statistics show that the number of food parcels handed out in Edinburgh has soared by 35 per cent since 2017.
The number of parcels given to children has risen even more drastically, increasing by an appalling 77 per cent, with 10,378 parcels being given out in the space of just six months.
This includes a shocking 3,189 parcels for children in the City of Edinburgh whose parents need urgent support now. Its worrying that the number of these parcels has risen by 29 per cent since 2017.
Scottish Labour have said this proves there must be no more delays to the introduction of a legal right to food in Scotland.
Scottish Labour have long campaigned for a statutory right to food in Scots law. The SNP and the Greens both backed this policy in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, however in May the SNP-Green government voted against Labour’s attempt to introduce a Right to Food during the Good Food Nation Bill.
Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “As the cost of living crisis piles pressure on households, more and more people in Edinburgh are being forced to turn to food banks.
“Families are at breaking point and parents are struggling to feed their children.
“It is more urgent than ever that we enshrine people’s right to food in Scots law, but the SNP-Green government keep kicking the can down the line.
“There is no more time to delay – this year must be the year we embed the right to food in law at last.”
Trussell Trust Mid Year Statistics 2022-23 – 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022:
| Local Authority | Number of parcels for children | Total number of parcels distributed | Increase in parcels for children compared to 2017 | Increase in total parcels compared to 2017 |
| Aberdeen City | 1,273 | 3,576 | 97% | 168% |
| Aberdeenshire | 1,243 | 4,315 | 143% | 149% |
| Angus | 388 | 1,335 | -5% | -29% |
| City of Edinburgh | 3,189 | 10,378 | 29% | 35% |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 584 | 2,162 | 2681% | 1088% |
| Dundee City | 2,656 | 7,675 | 200% | 139% |
| East Ayrshire | 1,027 | 3,367 | 115% | 116% |
| East Dunbartonshire | 922 | 3,195 | 73% | 67% |
| East Lothian | 2,058 | 5,488 | 217% | 197% |
| East Renfrewshire | 993 | 2,811 | 44% | 69% |
| Falkirk | 1,334 | 4,276 | 44367% | 3215% |
| Fife | 3,176 | 8,397 | 107% | 91% |
| Glasgow City | 6,271 | 15,614 | 13% | 5% |
| Highland | 1,375 | 3,691 | 54% | 13% |
| Inverclyde | 710 | 3,008 | 29% | 38% |
| Midlothian | 1,535 | 3,073 | 225% | 136% |
| Moray | – | – | ||
| Na h-Eileanan Siar | – | – | ||
| North Ayrshire | 620 | 2,528 | -40% | -26% |
| North Lanarkshire | 1,733 | 4,805 | 250% | 197% |
| Orkney Islands | 112 | 390 | 26% | 48% |
| Perth and Kinross | 1,139 | 3,674 | 125% | 64% |
| Renfrewshire | 1,308 | 4,290 | 13% | 2% |
| Scottish Borders | 102 | 304 | 10100% | 3700% |
| Shetland Islands | 172 | 841 | ||
| South Ayrshire | 1,329 | 4,016 | 130% | 88% |
| South Lanarkshire | 2,731 | 7,848 | 95% | 73% |
| West Dunbartonshire | – | – | ||
| West Lothian | 1,800 | 5,316 | 169% | 156% |
*Figures compare 1 April to 30 September 2017 with the same period in 2022.
Source: https://www.trusselltrust.org/news-and-blog/latest-stats/mid-year-stats/
