Social Justice Secretary writes to DWP on work capability announcements
Changes to work capability assessments announced in the Autumn Statement are ‘deeply concerning’ and could mean people receive less support based on a change of criteria rather than a change in their health, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.
Writing to DWP Secretary Mel Stride, Ms Somerville highlighted how the Scottish Government has taken a different approach with its social security system being based on treating people with fairness, dignity and respect.
Ms Somerville said: “I remain deeply concerned about the changes to the activities and descriptors for ‘getting about’ for Limited Capability for Work, and the mobilising and substantial risk criteria for limited capability for work-related activity.
“The changes you are proposing, including the extension of the sanctions regime, will have very significant additional impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities who need our support most.
“In Scotland, we have taken a different approach to devolved employability support; our services remain voluntary, and we want the support we provide to be seen as an opportunity, not a threat, with fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.
“In delivering our first devolved employability service, Fair Start Scotland, Scottish Government officials had a close working relationship with Job Centre Plus to ensure we were collectively working to provide support for the people of Scotland.”
Works by Alberta Whittle to be exhibited across Edinburgh on a series of large scale billboards
From 11th – 17th December 2023 artworks by Scottish Barbadian artist Alberta Whittle are to be exhibited across Edinburgh on a series of large scale billboards and advertising spaces as part of BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s UK-wide ‘All About Love’ commission curated by Zarina Rossheart.
The public art project celebrates the legacy of All About Love, the seminal text by cultural critic, feminist theorist and author bell hooks. The iteration in Edinburgh with Alberta Whittle is realised in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland.
Against the backdrop of political and social turbulence, Alberta invites us to come together to confront difficult truths from both the past and our present times, in order to find collective healing. Often drawing on profoundly personal materials, poetic imagery, and intimate stories, Alberta’s message is ultimately one of hope; hope for a different future, and a call for us to ‘invest in love’.
The works in this outdoor exhibition, taking place in 12 locations across Edinburgh including Market Street, Newhaven, Haymarket and Leith, are drawn from original watercolours featured in Alberta Whittle’s largest solo exhibition to date at the National Galleries of Scotland. Free to visit, Alberta Whittle: create dangerously is open at Modern One until 7th January 2024.
The central work of the city takeover titled Invest in Love comes from a series of new watercolours by Alberta currently on display in the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One.
Inscribed in hand-painted script, the work acts both as a direct call to action and as a reminder to audiences (and herself) to bring love into the everyday – love for the self and love for others.
Alberta has used this phrase on a number of occasions throughout her career including in her solo presentation at La Biennale di Venezia in 2022 where she represented Scotland.
Other messages in the billboard series include Fill your heart with hope and Step lightly, tender encouragements by the artist that come in the spirit of love, care and hope.
These are situated alongside more defiant and rebellious calls such as Raise the alarm, as well as Create Dangerously, a reference to Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat and their meditation on the lived experience of an immigrant artist, telling stories of those that have managed to thrive and create in spite of the harrowing events they have gone through.
Alberta Whittle says: ‘I return to bell hooks time and time again. She reminds us to centre love in how we move through the world and to replenish ourselves in our active learning with others.
“Living in the catastrophe of racial and cultural violence, we need to hold onto love with all our hearts. Invest in love.”
The works, which are shown as small watercolours in the NGS exhibition, will be presented as large-scale billboards for the first time. The block colour used in the works displayed for this new project is the ultramarine blue drawn from the wall colour used at NGS where Invest in Love is hanging.
Alberta Whittle’s billboard takeover is the final in a series of BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s UK-wide ‘All About Love’ commissions that have taken place across 2023 featuring works of artists: Grace Ndiritu in Birmingham; Jasleen Kaur in Glasgow; Eve Stainton in Manchester; Helen Cammock in Brighton and Asmaa Jama in Bristol.
Zarina Rossheart, the project’s curator explains:“‘All About Love project was conceived as an invitation for artists and audiences to come together in communion and to look at love as a radical tool for resistance while living in the violent world and society collectively overtaken by pain and grief.
“Alberta Whittle has consistently encouraged us to ‘Invest in Love’, one of the tender and inspiring messages that will appear on the billboards across Edinburgh this December. I am excited to work with Alberta and the National Galleries of Scotland to present these works in the city large-scale for the first time.’
BUILDHOLLYWOOD Founder Tim Horrox says:‘The journey of our first major UK wide curatorial and artist commission has enabled us to explore the concept of Love, through artists celebrating cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton and Bristol.
“We are now delighted to be presenting such important works by Alberta Whittle in Edinburgh – we are honoured to work with Alberta and look forward to audiences engaging with her work this December.’
The Home Affairs Committee is inviting members of the public to take part in a survey to inform its inquiry into fraud.
The cross-party committee of MPs wants to find out more about the different types of fraud that people are experiencing in the UK. They also want to hear about the impact this has had and what support people have received.
Fraud is the most common form of crime in England and Wales, accounting for 40% of reported offences and costing UK households over £1 billion every year. It can take many forms including phishing scams, identity theft and romance fraud. Fraud increasing takes place using digital technologies and online platforms; and perpetrators can often be based outside the UK making detection and protection more difficult.
The quick-to-complete survey consists of multiple choice questions, with the option for people to provide more information if they would like to. Everyone is welcome to take part, but they should note that the Committee is unable to take action on individual cases.
Launching the survey, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Fraud is the most common form of crime in this country with over 3 million cases recorded every year, and probably millions more going unreported.
“But behind these figures are individual victims of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom will have suffered h long-lasting financial and emotional consequences.
“We have launched this survey to find out what types of fraud people experience in the UK. The information you give us will help us understand how well current fraud strategies are working.
“It will also help us to learn what gaps there may be in the support that victims of fraud receive, and to identify where improvements can be made.”
Where to get help
We understand that the issues raised in this work may be sensitive or upsetting. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this inquiry, you may wish to contact your GP, local MP or the following organisations:
Police Scotland – call 101
Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud Call 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm. Action Fraud will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and their advisors are available twenty four hours to give you help and advice if you need it.
Guests will experience the best of British Jazz every Sunday, with the line up including Glaswegian sax player Konrad Wiszniewski who has previously serenaded the Queen and joined Labrinth on his UK tour and many more!
Settle into the model of steak restaurant sophistication at Le Petit Beefbar as it serves up its brand-new Sunday Jazz Lunch. Guests can enjoy plates oozing with slow roasted black Angus beef or free-range chicken with Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes from the new Sunday Roast menu against the backdrop of the sultry sound of the very best in British jazz.
Le Petit Beefbar offers a modern-day approach to the traditional steak restaurant and an elegant brasserie-style dining spot, bringing ethically sourced produce and an array of exciting dishes to the heart of this historic city.
Executive Chef Matthew Parker and Head Chef Jakub Konrad have worked alongside Beefbar’s Group Executive Chef Thierry Paludetto and Riccardo Giraudi on a menu that combines the best parts of a classic Sunday roast with the elegance, luxury, and indulgence of Le Petit Beefbar.
Dishes on the Sunday lunch menu include slow roasted black Angus beef striploin served alongside a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, carrots, broccolini and roasted shallots covered in a rich, bone marrow gravy.
The roasted free-range chicken is served with Beefbar sauce and all the trimmings while vegetarians can enjoy the game-changing New Redefined Meat Bavette for their main course.
Diners can expect brunch cocktails including the Kobe Mary, a unique take on the traditional recipe with Kobe-infused vodka, tomato juice and Le Petit spice mix and the Rosemary Mimosa, with orange juice, Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne and rosemary syrup.
For those who wish to indulge in dessert, classic Le Petit Beefbar favourites will be available includingFrench toastwith caramelised brioche, yoghurt ice cream and a generous serving of salted caramel sauce and gelato mentacato al minuto, fior di latte gelato and a selection of sauces and toppings.
Throughout the course of December and beyond, Le Petit Beefbar will play host to a roster of locally renowned jazz musicians who will take to the stage, entertaining and captivating guests, accompanying their Sunday roast in style.
Douglas Whates and Euan Stevenson will kick off the month on 3rd December , setting the perfect ambience, elevating guests dining experience and creating the ultimate Sunday setting backdrop.
Lorna Reid will be serenading diners on December 10th, accompanied by Campbell Normand on the keys. Saxaphonist Konrad Wiszniewski will captivate guests on 17th December, one of Scotland’s most celebrated Jazz musicians who has most notably performed for Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
Konrad has performed all over the world, recorded and toured with artists, such as pop producer Labrinth and Curtis Stigers to name a few, serving up an international sound to the Sunday Jazz lunch offering.
Le Petit Beefbar General Manager, Jean-Francois Greyer said: “For so many, Sunday Lunch is a sacred part of the week, an opportunity to come together with friends and family to catch-up on a busy week over delicious, indulgent food and drink.
“We wanted to create a Sunday Lunch experience that not only offers the best quality dishes such as our slow roasted black Angus beef striploin and flavorsome, seasonal produce but also a stand out ambience that keeps guests coming back for more.
“We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to enjoy unforgettable, mouth-watering food and cocktails and the best of the British jazz scene with a Sunday session that will end your week in style.”
Celebrating the Year of The Coast 2023, englandscoast.com is the clever tool that offers you the chance to browse over 2,000 coastal businesses – including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, activity and attraction operators, transport companies, restaurants and much more.
The nights may be drawing in, the trees looking barer, and the rain lashing the windows, but there’s never been a cosier time to wrap up in your fleece and waterproofs, lace up those hiking boots, and prepare for an all-weather break on the coast. Think windswept cliff walks, flasks of hot chocolate on the beach, stargazing on beautifully clear night skies, and tucking into hearty fare and warming red wines and ales by the fireside at a cosy pub.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria coasts offer a plethora of ways to enjoy the fresh air and seaside this winter, from stargazing to storm watching. Explore some of the cosiest options below:
Dark Sky Stargazing in the North York Moors National Park With some of the lowest light pollution in the country, the North York Moors National Park is the perfect entry point for Dark Sky gazing.
The North York Moors scooped the coveted International Dark Sky Reserve accolade in 2020, one of only 21 in the world, and in the darkest areas of the National Park you can see up to 2,000 stars at any one time.
Amazingly the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are also visible from the North York Moors, good displays have recently been seen on the coast. Best bet is to sign up for the AuroraWatchUK app which gives a few hours’ notice. From meteor showers to the Andromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away!) and the International Space Station that passes overhead throughout the year – if you want to expand your horizons, have your mind blown by the North York Moors Dark Skies.
While the Dark Skies Festival takes place 9-24 February, you can enjoy the area’s unrivalled stargazing at any time, with winter being an ideal time because of the lack of light pollution. Book a stay-and-gaze package spending a night at a dark skies friendly business who offer telescopes or binoculars, reclining chairs and blankets so you can snuggle down for hours of heavenward gazing, such as The Fox & Hounds in Ainthorpe, from £295 per weekend.
History and Myth in Whitby Famous for its connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby has always embraced its association with Gothic culture which is reflected in the town’s quirky streets, shops and the Whitby Abbey ruins. This atmospheric town, full of quirks and curios, is the ideal spot for a cosy coastal weekend.
Start off at the Whitby Abbey ruins, sitting majestically on the East Cliff overlooking the North Sea. This seventh century Christian monastery later became a Benedictine abbey and has since then continued to be used by sailors as a landmark at the headland.
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, a 17th century house on Whitby’s harbour, housed the great explorer when he was an apprentice seaman, and the rich collections include many of Cook’s letters, original paintings and drawings from the voyages, ship models and maps, and curious objects from newly discovered lands. In the heart of Whitby Harbour, climb aboard the replica of Captain Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour and dive into her history as a discovery vessel on the high seas with interactive features and displays.
Refuel with food and drink at one of Whitby’s many top notch independent eateries; try the Whitby Brewery Courtyard in the shadow of Whitby Abbey, for Yorkshire ales and sourdough pizza with stupendous views, or award-winning fish & chips by the family-run Quayside.
Rugged Coastal Walks & Birdlife in East Yorkshire Explore East Yorkshire’s ruggedly beautiful coastline on a clifftop walk from Bempton to Sewerby, taking in the dramatic cliffs at Bempton – home to around half a million seabirds. The coves of Flamborough Head is a Special Area of Conservation, a scenic nature reserve nearby are two ancient lighthouses and the historic town of Bridlington with its wide-open bays. The Filey to Bridlington stretch of the England Coast Path is now open to walkers, with the southern section of the East Yorkshire Coast walk to open in the near future.
Getting Active Along the North West Coast The North West coast offers so many opportunities to get active in the colder months. Explore the region on two wheels via the spectacular 81-mile Bay Cycleway, which starts on Walney Island near Barrow, taking riders through the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The relatively flat route hugs the spectacular coastline of Morecambe Bay along quiet roads, greenways, canal towpaths and promenades – great family fun! Move along at your own pace, stopping off for incredible views and hearty food and drinks at welcoming pubs en route.
Get back to nature on the North West coast with a visit to one of the many nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Walney Island which is home to two nature reserves, spot wild fallow deer at Holker Hall and Gardens, or spy seabirds at St Bees Cliffs, home to an RSPB reserve with one of the largest seabird colonies on the west coast of England.
For more ideas on all-weather coastal breaks visitenglandscoast.com.
A puppy from Dundee is back home with his loving family in time for Christmas after needing emergency care at PDSA when he was badly bitten by a larger dog.
The leading vet charity – which treats 10 pets every minute – is sharing 11-month-old Boomi’s story ahead of Giving Tuesday (Tuesday 28 November) and appealing for donations to help them keep pets and people together this Christmas.
Boomi’s story
Crossbreed puppy, Boomi, and his owner, Tom, had nipped outside their home for a toilet break when things took an unexpected turn.
Tom, who has autism, explained: “A large dog saw us from about 15 metres away. He came bounding over with his lead trailing behind and began to jump at Boomi. I knew we were vulnerable, as the owner of the dog hadn’t noticed what was happening.
“The dog was really trying to get hold of Boomi and eventually managed to sink his teeth in. He began shaking Boomi around in the air. I was frantically holding onto Boomi to try to rescue him despite feeling panicked and scared for my own safety.
“Eventually, the owner managed to restrain his dog with the help of a passer-by. I don’t know what I would’ve done if somebody else hadn’t intervened. I immediately scooped Boomi, who was covered in blood and crying out in pain, up into my arms and ran straight to the car to get help.”
Boomi was initially seen at a private veterinary clinic, where he was assessed and received emergency care. The next morning, Boomi was transferred to Dundee PDSA Pet Hospital for ongoing treatment.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Paolo Panetta, said: “Boomi arrived with a large, deep wound on his leg and was admitted straight away. He was put on a drip and given pain relief, anti-sickness medication, and antibiotic injections.
“Once he was stabilised, we anaesthetised him to assess his wounds further. Thankfully, x-rays showed that there were no fractures, though his muscles had been severely traumatised. The large wound was stitched up but, due to the severity of the trauma, a small hole was left in the wound to allow any fluid to drain out. Boomi stayed overnight for ongoing care and pain relief.”
The next day, Boomi was recovering well, so he was able to return home to Tom with antibiotics, pain relief medication, and instructions for strict rest. He also needed to wear a recovery cone to protect the wound.
Tom continued: “I was just so relieved to have him back home with me. As well as his medication, I made sure he had lots of company, cuddles, reassurance, and of course his favourite food!”
Sadly, the trauma inflicted by dog bites can mean that wounds struggle to heal, and Boomi’s wound re-opened a few days later. He returned to Dundee PDSA Pet Hospital to have the wound re-stitched and was discharged the same day with more antibiotics and pain relief.
Over the next month, Boomi attended regular check-up appointments. Each time, PDSA’s vet team were delighted with his progress and eventually signed Boomi off from any further treatment.
Explaining the aftermath of the incident, Tom added: “I experienced severe panic and anxiety attacks, and I struggled to sleep properly as I kept having flashbacks. The horrific sounds coming from Boomi as he was injured are something I will never forget.
“Thankfully, Boomi is back to his happy self, and you wouldn’t know the ordeal he had been through if you saw him. His confidence seems untouched. He has dog friends at the park who are much bigger than him, so it doesn’t seem like the size of the dog who injured him has scarred him.”
Ever since the day Tom brought Boomi home, the two have formed an unbreakable bond: “Boomi’s a cuddly, attention-seeking cutie. He’s got those stereotypical puppy dog eyes that he puts on to get belly rubs and ear scratches. He’s growing into such a confident and social boy too, which is lovely to watch.”
Boomi’s treatment at PDSA cost £1,460.96.
PDSA cared for over 53,000 pets like Boomi last December. This Giving Tuesday (Tuesday 28 November), the charity is appealing for donations so it can help keep pets and people together this Christmas.
Every day across its 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA protects the special bond between owners and their four-legged friends. The teams provide veterinary care to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment. The charity has been keeping people and pets together for over a hundred years. Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/learn-why-were-special
You can help save pets like Boomi by supporting PDSA’s vital work keeping people and pets together this Giving Tuesday. Our dedicated vet teams see 10 pets every single minute, but we don’t receive any government funding, relying only on generous public support. Donate and save pets’ lives: pdsa.org.uk/together-this-winter
The proposals in the UK Government’s Back to Work Plan contain a confusing mixture of devolved and reserved responsibilities, which leave us slightly mystified as to exactly how this is all going to work in practice (writes Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE):
In his speech, the Chancellor said: “… last week I announced our Back to Work Plan. We will reform the Fit Note process so that treatment rather than time off work becomes the default.
“We will reform the Work Capability Assessment to reflect greater flexibility and availability of home working after the pandemic. And we will spend £1.3 billion over the next five years to help nearly 700,000 people with health conditions find jobs.
“Over 180,000 more people will be helped through the Universal Support Programme and nearly 500,000 more people will be offered treatment for mental health conditions and employment support.
“Over the forecast period, the OBR judge these measures will more than halve the net flow of people who are signed off work with no work search requirements. At the same time, we will provide a further £1.3 billion of funding to offer extra help to the 300,000 people who have been unemployed for over a year without having sickness or a disability.
“But we will ask for something in return. If after 18 months of intensive support jobseekers have not found a job, we will roll out a programme requiring them to take part in a mandatory work placement to increase their skills and improve their employability. And if they choose not to engage with the work search process for six months, we will close their case and stop their benefits.”
These changes have the potential to impact recipients of Universal Credit. The complication is that UC is reserved, while many elements of employment support – the “extra help” that the Chancellor talks about – is, on the whole, devolved.
Because of this, many of the support mechanisms to help people avoid sanctions in England (& Wales in most cases) generated Barnett consequentials, including:
Restart: expand eligibility and extend the scheme for two years
Mandatory Work Placements: phased rollout
Universal Support: increase to 100,000 starts per year
Talking Therapies: expand access and increase provision
Individual Placement and Support (IPS): expand access
Sanctions: closing claims for disengaged claimants & end of scheme review
Fit Note Reform trial
So, in summary, it looks like the sanctions could be applied in a reserved benefit, following support that may or may not be provided by the Scottish devolved employability system as the Scottish Government could choose to spend the money on something else.
We wait for more details from both the UK & Scottish Governments about how this is going to work in practice.
NEW STORYTELLING PROJECTIONS UNVEILED AT EDINBURGH CASTLE
The capital’s enchanting atmosphere was kicked up a notch this weekend as Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery officially opened to the public, welcoming visitors from across the country to experience the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle during a sell-out opening weekend.
Greeted with captivating tales and intriguing stories, this year’s brand-new show focuses on the magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past. With myths and legends, from fortune-telling runes and Tarot readings to the inner workings of the Portcullis Gate depicted through immersive light and sound displays, the winter spectacular wowed, conjuring a charming start to the festive season.
Officially opening this year’s event for its six-week run, local resident Andew Neilson joined the team behind Castle of Light to ‘switch-on’ the unique after-dark trail, after securing the coveted opportunity to light up the skyline as a winner of the Castle of Light mystery ticket trail which took place in the run up to the event.
In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’, Castle of Light partnered with local attractions and venues to create a mysterious trail around the city, with the chance to win tickets along the way.
Andrew was travelling on a Lothian bus into the city when he saw the clues posted on social media and identified the world-renowned tapestry studio, Dovecot Studios, as one of the venues hiding a magic card.
He said: “I happened to be scrolling on social media and came across the mystery ticket trail, it was then I put the clues together and realised that the magic card was hidden in Dovecot Studios – and my bus was just around the corner. I hopped off the bus and managed to find one of the winning magic cards!
“It was truly special to be involved in lighting up Edinburgh’s iconic castle. People from all over the world celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh with the castle at the centre of the celebrations. Cheers to a brilliant festive season!”
Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light is brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland and further afield, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland.
With 8,000 visitors attending during opening weekend to experience the spellbinding installations, Castle of Light is set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “The festive period is all about magic, joy and wonder and we wanted to bring this to life through Castle of Light.
“Now in our fourth year, it’s important for us to keep the show fresh so that locals and visitors alike can be transported into a world of wonder as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls. And Andrew did a tremendous job in helping us build excitement and anticipation at the switch-on for the six week event run ahead.
“Celebrating Scotland’s rich heritage by inviting visitors to step into a history lesson like no other, from reawakening William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce, to exploring the lesser-known parts of the Castle, Castle of Light is a magical evening for all ages and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors this year.”
Castle of Light will light up the city’s skyline for six weeks throughout the festive season on select dates, until Wednesday 3 January 2024.
Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available. Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.
Tickets for an ‘access night’ on Sunday 3 December are also available. Designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia, the evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.
The Scottish Ambulance Service is bringing in a range of extra initiatives this winter, including new frontline staff, ambulances and enhancements to 999 call centre operations.
The initiatives will come into place in the coming weeks to help SAS meet the increased demands on their services at a time which is traditionally the busiest for the NHS.
Recruitment is already well underway to support SAS’s dedicated frontline workforce with 317 new paramedics, technicians and advanced practice practitioners joining the Service by the end of March 2024.
Additional clinicians are also being introduced in the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub. The Hub triages less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E to receive care and provides alternative routes for treatment, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on A&Es.
Michael Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We know that winter will be an extremely challenging period for the NHS which is why we’ve introduced a range of initiatives to help our patients and support our staff this winter.
“Our patients are our priority, we will do everything we can to ensure patients are cared for and get the service they need quickly and efficiently.
“Not every call to 999 needs an ambulance or a trip to A&E and we are completely focussed on supporting patients to get care at home or close to home where it is safe to do so, ensuring patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
“The SAS workforce is essential as they carry out their roles often in extremely difficult circumstances and we will continue to support them during this high-pressure time.
“We urge the public to help our staff by remembering that 999 and A&E is for emergencies, if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or your GP during opening hours.”
Extra initiatives being brought in this winter include:
• New staff, including Advanced Practitioners into each region and 52 new vehicles such as Rapid Response Vehicles to help respond in a more flexible manner throughout the winter period.
• Maximising the use of trained volunteers such as Community First Responders, Cardiac Responders and BASICS, where appropriate.
• Utilising dedicated Patient Transport Service (PTS) resources for low acuity patients, freeing up ambulances to get help to very seriously unwell patients as quickly as possible.
• Connecting patients with local services and communicating pathway information to SAS clinicians.
• Daily meetings with health boards to respond to the challenges relating to hospital handover delays so that our highly-trained ambulance crews can be back out responding to the next patient in the community who needs our help.
• Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers (HALOs) will work with senior hospital site managers and the Service, improving the hospital admission and discharge process.
• Ensuring the wellbeing of our crews, working with Health Board partners to provide refreshments for crews at hospitals in periods of high pressure and demand
• Piloting new processes to help staff finish on time to protect their wellbeing and having a wide range of health and wellbeing services available for them to access should they need them.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania Until 14 Apr 2024 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.
Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 20 Jan – 6 May 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Ticketed
In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Game On 29 Jun – 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Tickets on sale spring 2024
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history by playing many of the key games produced over the last 50 years.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Curiosity Club 25 Nov – 24 Feb 2024 10:30 – 12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Unleash your creativity and curiosity topic each month, we’ve captured some of the museum’s most exciting and child friendly collections and themes, for kids to explore through games, activities, and visits to some of our most interactive galleries.
Spotlight On: Rising Tide 07 Dec 14:00-15:0 Auditorium, Level 1 Age 14+ Ticketed
In this auditorium event, Dr Ali Clark will be joined virtually by artists featured in the exhibition, George Nuku, Fenton Lutunatabua and Angela Tiatia, as they discuss how Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists are responding to the climate crisis with works that showcase the strength and resilience of their diverse communities. Highlighting examples from the exhibition, they will consider the use of art as a means of protest.
Drawn Together at the Museum 27 – 29 Dec 10:30-16:30 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in
Escape to the museum during the holidays and enjoy sketching around our galleries. Join us for this calming, creative activity in the heart of the busy holiday season. Meet our artist-in-residence then pick up a pencil and paper and explore the galleries.
Sprogmanay 1 Jan 2024 14:00-17:00 Grand Gallery, Leve l1 Free, drop in
Enjoy a warm welcome to 2024 with music and fun for all the family. Join us for lively performances and vibrant musical activities from the incredible Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock.
Families can drop into this free, unticketed afternoon event to enjoy a programme of live music and fun, and then explore the museum’s galleries packed with fascinating, family-friendly exhibits.
Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh 26 Jan 2024 19:30-22:30 £16-£22 (including exhibition entry) Strictly 18+
Welcoming back the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band, the Grand Gallery will be brought to life for an evening of music and dancing. The band will have late goers twirling and birling as they’re guided through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances. Between the sets guests can enjoy drinks, food, activities and a chance to enjoy the museum galleries at night, plus our exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will be free entry.
Friday Friends Until 28 Jun 2024 Selected Friday afternoons 14:00 – 16:00 Free, pre-booking required
Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.
