The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 133 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Public Health Emergency: People’s panel calls for action on drug related harms

A cultural change and “brave and bold action” are required to tackle a “public health emergency” created by drug use in Scotland, according to a report sent to MSPs by a people’s panel.

The panellists’ report recognises that progress has been made, but says that further action is needed. It calls for public campaigns to raise awareness of drug harm and drug use, recommends funding should be ring fenced and prioritised on prevention and seeks improvements in information shared between government agencies.

However, the introduction of the Naloxone programme to prevent fatal drug overdoses, and the opening of the safer drug consumption room, The Thistle, are welcomed in the report.

The panel’s report also calls for greater involvement of the third sector and people with lived experience. It concludes that a lack of urgency in responding to drug harm and use reinforces the stigma already associated with these issues.

The creation of the people’s panel, formed of 23 people, was requested by the Cross-Committee on tackling drug deaths and drug harms. Members of the Criminal Justice Committee, Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and Social Justice and Social Security Committee commissioned the panel to gather public views on the question, ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’. The panel met at the Parliament in October and November 2024.

Over the course of two weekends, members of the panel heard evidence from people with lived experience of drug harms, from academics and researchers, and from stakeholders who work in this area, before developing their report.

The panel’s report will help inform the cross-Committee’s scrutiny of matters related to reducing drug deaths and tackling problem drug use. It’s 19 recommendations cover rights and people’s lived experience, justice, access to treatment, care and support, prevention and harm reduction.

Panel Presentations Weekend 2 Download

Mairi McIntosh, from the Highlands and Islands region, was one of the members of the People’s Panel. She said: “I found participating in the People’s Panel humbling.

“The team at the Scottish Parliament organised a diverse range of experts and worked hard to lay out the worrying and rapid escalation in drug related deaths and harms in Scotland. The wide range of speakers gave us great insight into the data and evidence about the complexity of the issue including the causes, impacts and ways they believed the Scottish government could help.

“Hearing from those such as Steph McCutcheon about having success with service users through the East Ayrshire Recovery Hub, matches up with what we heard from others about the importance not only of the third sector’s role in local based solutions but how it is imperative those with lived experiences are valued and involved in every stage of the planning and implementing of measures being taken.

“All the evidence we heard highlighted the urgency for action from the Scottish government to implement brave and lasting change. Change needed to seriously reduce the deaths, impacts of harms to individuals, their families and communities and the pressure this puts on health, care, police, justice, other services and the people who are working to help those suffering.

“I feel it would be a poor reflection on our country to allow this issue to further impact some of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

“I am hopeful that our report shows that as voices from across Scotland, representing different backgrounds and lives, some directly affected by the issues of drug harm and death and others not, that we want the Scottish government to acknowledge the causes and barriers like stigma and discrimination and realise that we cannot afford to not take bold action now.”

Reflecting on the publication of the panel’s findings Audrey Nicoll MSP, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “We would like to thank the panel for their focused and determined work in delivering this serious and well considered report.

“Our Committees look forward to thoroughly considering the panel’s findings and putting its report’s recommendations to the Scottish Government.”

Read the report

Read the Panel’s report

Report of the Peoples Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths in Scotland Download

Take 5 Tuesdays at PCHP

If you’d like to know more about healthy, sustainable and affordable food that is also DELICIOUS, then this is the group to come along to.

Anyone living in the area is welcome to join Sally on Tuesdays at 10am for this relaxed but fun activity.

We’ll start preparing and cooking from 10am, then at around midday we can either sit and enjoy the food together, or you can pack it up and take it away!

Home Secretary statement on Southport atrocity

YVETTE COOPER ANNOUNCES PUBLIC INQUIRY

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said yesterday: “All our thoughts today must be with the families of little Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, and all those who were harmed by this truly horrendous, barbaric and cowardly attack.

Three innocent little girls who went to a summer dance club lost their lives in the most devastating way, other children faced terrible injuries, and they and all the parents and families have had to endure the most unimaginable trauma and grief.

My thoughts are also with the entire community in Southport, which has shown such strength and courage in the face of the unspeakable act of violence visited on their town. I also want to take the opportunity to thank all the police, first responders, hospital staff and prosecutors who have worked in incredibly difficult circumstances from the day of the attack to support the families and bring this case to today’s trial.

It is important that justice has been served today. But nothing will ever take away the trauma and loss endured by the children and families and we will ensure that they continue to receive the support and care they need in the coming weeks, months and years.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been clear that important information about the perpetrator’s past could not be made public before today to avoid jeopardising the legal proceedings or prejudicing the possible jury trial, in line with the normal rules of the British justice systems. Nothing has been more important than securing justice for the families.

But now that there has been a guilty plea, it is essential that the families and the people of Southport can get answers about how this terrible attack could take place and about why this happened to their children.

The responsibility for these terrible murders and the barbaric attack lies with Axel Rudakubana. The CPS has described him as “a young man with a sickening and sustained interest in death and violence” who has “shown no sign of remorse.”

But the families and the people of Southport also need answers about what happened leading up to this attack. The perpetrator was in contact with a range of different state agencies throughout his teenage years.

He was referred 3 times to the Prevent programme between December 2019 and April 2021 aged 13 and 14. He also had contact with the police, the courts, the Youth Justice system, social services and mental health services. Yet between them, those agencies failed to identify the terrible risk and danger to others that he posed.

This terrible case comes against a backdrop over a series of years in which growing numbers of teenagers have been referred to Prevent, investigated by counter-terror police, or referred to other agencies amid concerns around serious violence and extremism. We need to face up to why this has been happening and what needs to change.

Although, in line with CPS advice to preserve the integrity of the prosecution, we were constrained in what we were able to say at the time, the Home Office commissioned an urgent Prevent Learning Review during the summer into the 3 referrals that took place and why they were closed.

We will publish further details this week, alongside new reforms to the Prevent programme.

But we also need more independent answers on both Prevent and all the other agencies that came into contact with this extremely violent teenager as well as answers on how he came to be so dangerous, including through a public inquiry that can get to the truth about what happened and what needs to change.

This horrendous attack will leave a lasting impact on our country. We will all remember Alice, Bebe and Elsie, and we will always stand with the families and the community who are living with the pain of their loss. In our efforts to answer the questions that remain about this case, the need to see justice done for the victims and their families will remain at the forefront of our minds.”

PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER WILL MAKE A STATEMENT AT 8.30am (TUESDAY).

Darts wonderkid Luke Littler celebrates World Darts Championship with bespoke 24-carat gold Phone

Teen prodigy collaborates with luxury £5,000 brand strada x IDG to design a personalised gold device to mark his victory

Darts superstar Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has marked his World Darts Championship triumph by awarding himself a bespoke 24-carat gold iPhone 16 Pro Max, valued at £5,000.

The extraordinary gesture celebrates the 17-year-old’s historic win, as he continues to take the darts world by storm and establish himself as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

Luke’s collaboration with luxury design brand strada x IDG has resulted in a one-of-a-kind phone, personalised with his name and championship details.

The golden device serves as both a reward for his hard work and a symbol of his remarkable achievement at such a young age.

The celebration was taken to a global stage, with Luke unveiling the phone during his trip to Bahrain, where he competed in the prestigious Bahrain Darts Masters.

The event showcased the teen sensation’s talent alongside the sport’s elite players, further solidifying his status as a darts prodigy.

Gary Allen, a spokesperson for strada x IDG, said: “Working with Luke Littler on this bespoke gold phone has been an incredible experience.

“His World Darts Championship victory was a momentous occasion, and we’re thrilled to create a unique luxury item that reflects his exceptional talent and dedication. This collaboration embodies our passion for crafting meaningful, high-end pieces that celebrate personal and professional milestones.”

The phone, crafted with strada x IDG’s signature precision and attention to detail, stands as a luxury statement piece. Beyond its cutting-edge functionality, it represents Luke’s relentless drive and the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in darts.

strada x IDG has become synonymous with bespoke luxury technology, catering to elite athletes, celebrities, and tastemakers worldwide. Renowned for their craftsmanship, the brand specialises in designing personalised tech that transcends utility to become symbols of achievement and style.

This collaboration highlights strada x IDG’s growing influence in the world of sport, as they continue to work with top names across various disciplines. From football legends like Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne to NBA superstars, their clientele is a testament to their unparalleled quality and exclusivity.

With plans to expand into the Middle East and USA retail markets in 2024, strada x IDG is redefining luxury tech on a global scale.

For Luke Littler, this golden phone is more than a piece of technology, it’s a trophy that embodies his journey, his passion, and his meteoric rise in the sport of darts.

For more information on strada x IDG and their bespoke luxury devices, visit:

www.stradauae.

Police appeal following serious crash in Penicuik

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious injury collision on Bog Road, Penicuik yesterday (Sunday, January 19, 2025).

Around 3.20pm, police received a report of a collision involving three children, aged 11, 12 and 13, and a Volkswagen T-Cross on Bog Road, Penicuik.

Emergency services attended and an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh where medical staff confirmed their injuries as serious. The 12-year-old girl was uninjured.

The road was closed to allow for collision investigators to examine the location.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances of this collision.

“Anyone with any information or dash cam footage should get in contact, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1844 of 19 January, 2025.

Children First urges families in Edinburgh: don’t suffer in silence over finances this Blue Monday

As festive bills start to arrive, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh not to suffer in silence and get in touch with their support line.

January is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s national children’s charity. The new year can be extremely tough for families who face worries about Christmas spending and increased living costs during the colder weather.

Getting advice early can make a huge difference to families and can help address any issues before they escalate and help them back to financial health.

To get on the front foot for 2025, Children First’s expert support line team have put together some handy hints for healthier finances.

Children First support line is here to help families with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. They work with parents and carers by listening to any worries they may have about their finances and then put a plan in place to navigate their difficulties.

Sinead Haddow, service manager at Children First said, “Talking about your finances can be really daunting and we understand it can cause lots of anxiety for families.

“Our friendly support line team will listen to your worries, free of judgement, and start to help you put together a plan to get back to financial health.

“When families speak to us, it may be the first time they have had a good night’s sleep in months.

“Pick up the phone to our support line today, by calling 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.

“If speaking on the phone is daunting, you can also speak to our support line via webchat on our website at https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline..

“Whatever way families want to contact to us, we’re here to listen.”

Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Children First said: “January can be a tough time for many children and families.

“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Children First support line can offer free, confidential, support to any family anywhere in Scotland, which many families tell us can feel like a lifeline.”

Last year, Children First helped almost 1,000 families to put £1.9 million back into their pockets through unclaimed benefits, grants and budgeting.

The charity can also provide expert support on debit and helped double the number of families in 2023-2024 to manage over £813,000 in debt.

Children First support line is here to help families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. From mental health, money worries and online harm to struggles at school the charity’s support line can offer free help and advice thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Children Trust.

Countdown to the World’s Largest Schools Pipe Band Competition

Entries Close Friday 31 January

From Shetland to Stranraer, young musicians are preparing to take the stage at the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Championships – the world’s largest celebration of school piping and drumming.

With the 31 January entry deadline fast approaching, schools across Scotland are invited to join this dynamic showcase of music and creativity at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock on Sunday 9 March.

Pipe and Drums Revival

Organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), the annual Championships are part of a broader effort to promote piping and drumming in schools across Scotland.

The Trust has played a crucial role in breaking down financial barriers to pipe band participation over the past decade, providing cash grants, internships and free instrument loans as well as tuition.

“This competition is about much more than music,” says SSPDT Chief Executive Alexandra Duncan. “It’s about giving young people confidence, the experience of working as part of a team and the pride of keeping an important part of Scottish culture alive.

“Last year we had a record 75 bands take part in the Championships.”

Championship Newcomers

This year, new bands from Inverclyde, Strathmore, Perth, Glasgow, and the Highlands will make their debut in the competition – a reflection of the SSPDT’s long standing teaching programme, which has co-funded over 60 start-up piping and drumming tutor roles in state schools since the initiative was launched back in 2015.

Emma Harvey, Principal Teacher of Performing Arts at Blairgowrie High School, said: “The support and guidance we’ve received from SSPDT has been truly transformative, allowing us to establishing the Strathmore Schools Pipe Band.

“Their help has enabled our young musicians to flourish both on and off stage.

“Thanks to their generous funding, we can offer free tuition to all learners and provide essential equipment like chanters, sticks, pads, drums and bagpipes.

“Beyond music, the pipe band experience has built leadership, confidence and independent learning skills in our pupils.

“We’re thrilled that our pupils have formed a cohesive band and are eagerly preparing for their debut at this year’s Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.”

New Piping and Drumming Roles in Capital Schools

The Trust has also recently awarded funding to Edinburgh City Council to help create two new pipe band tutor roles – with interviews taking place this week.

For the first time, students in Edinburgh state schools will be able to learn piping and snare drumming during school hours, just like other instruments – with the focus on offering provision at Castlebrae and Holyrood primary and secondary schools.

Alexandra explained: “We’re always keen to work with councils and with schools and communities to bring more opportunities to pupils in places where there is no tuition currently.”

Scotland’s Musical Melting Pot

One of the highlights of the Championships is the Freestyle Category, where bands push creative boundaries – combining traditional pipes and drums with unexpected genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop.

Alexandra said: “The Championships are not just about preserving Scottish heritage – they’re about young people making it their own and keeping traditions alive in new and unexpected ways.

“You’ll see bands playing classic Highland tunes right alongside exciting new arrangements with violins, keyboards, and guitars.

“It’s amazing to see how pipes and drums are evolving and staying relevant for future generations.”

Enter by 31 January

Championship entries close on 31 January 2025 and the event is open to musicians of all skill levels from beginners to seasoned performers.

East Ayrshire Provost, Claire Leitch, said: “We’re delighted that this prestigious event is once again returning to East Ayrshire and we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young musicians from across Scotland to compete at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock.

“With its 500-seat arena and performance spaces, the campus provides the perfect stage for Scotland’s flourishing young pipe band talent.”

For more information and to register, visit www.sspdt.org.uk.

Scotland’s first female graduate network launched

Scotland’s first female graduate network launches as fully structured organisation with support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh University graduate has launched Scotland’s first female graduate and young professional network as a fully structured organisation after accessing support from Business Gateway.

Annabel Blackwood first launched Girl Grads as Girl Grads Run in September 2023, aiming to create a running community for female graduates and young professionals living in the capital.

Met with an extremely positive reception, and having secured over 15 run club volunteers, it rapidly evolved into a vibrant community. Thanks to this, Annabel decided to rebrand to Girl Grads in July 2024 to broaden the organisation’s mission: to connect and support women through wellness, social and community engagement.

Annabel has been operating Girl Grads as a passion project whilst training to be a solicitor. In September last year, Annabel made use of Business Gateway’s Planning To Start tool to see about the best structure for the community group.

She was then connected with a local business adviser, Lee Briggs, who provided support with mentoring, and how to develop a business plan for Girl Grads. Lee was also able to introduce Annabel to relevant partner organisations.

With support from Business Gateway, Annabel has now decided on a clear legal structure for Girl Grads. She has also identified opportunities for growth in 2025 thanks to careful planning of promotion and awareness events.

Annabel now plans to also support her Girl Grads community of over 2,000 women with professional, skills and advice-based events, tailored to graduates and young professionals. In 2024, she collaborated with brands such as ASICS and Graham’s The Family Dairy to promote Girl Grads’ activities and is now looking forward to continuing collaborating with brands and businesses who support her mission.

Annabel Blackwood, founder and owner, Girl Grads, said: “After graduating from Edinburgh University in 2023, I found that I missed the social network that being a student provided. I decided to set up a social, pace-inclusive run club to meet like-minded people and to have a group of friends to run with on dark evenings.

“I really couldn’t have imagined what Girl Grads has evolved into since we first launched. I’ve loved building a female community in Edinburgh and helping each other to navigate life in our 20s.

“I’d like to thank Business Gateway for their fantastic support over the last few months. It’s been so rewarding to work with Lee, who really understood my vision for Girl Grads. I can’t wait for what’s to come this year.”

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It’s great to work with someone like Annabel who is so passionate about making a difference and supporting women in the community.

“Girl Grads has proved to be extremely popular and I’ve no doubt it will continue to grow in the months ahead.”

To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com.

Walking boosts mental health as winter takes hold

Blue Monday sparks call for Scots to embrace walking

SCOTLAND’S national walking charity is calling on Scots to walk and wheel to beat the winter blues this Blue Monday.

Blue Monday (Monday, 20th January) is often considered the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of financial pressure, broken New Year’s resolutions, and limited daylight.

Walking has proven to be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing, with national walking charity, Paths for All reporting 84% of Scots say they walk to improve their health and wellbeing, up from 78% in 2019 according to the 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland.

As well as releasing feel-good endorphins, walking and wheeling offers a chance to clear the mind, alleviate stress, and improve concentration. These benefits are especially vital during the darker winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can take hold.

Beyond the individual benefits, walking and wheeling also play a vital role in addressing broader societal issues such as loneliness and isolation. Qualitative feedback highlights how walking fosters a sense of connection and combats feelings of loneliness, particularly for individuals who live alone or work remotely.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mental health, but walking and wheeling are free, accessible, and effective ways to support your wellbeing.

“Taking a walk during daylight hours not only helps to boost our mood, but also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and others, both of which are vital for our mental resilience.”

Walking offers a multitude of benefits, including opportunities to enjoy local greenspaces, parks, and beaches, which can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature while incorporating physical activity into daily routines, whether walking to school, work or the shops.

Joining a local walking group or walking with friends and family can strengthen social connections, further enhancing the benefits of this simple yet powerful activity.

Encouraging more Scots to walk during winter, particularly in natural outdoor settings, is a timely reminder of how small lifestyle changes can yield big mental health benefits as well as physical.

One survey participant described walking as their “lifeline during the winter,” while another shared how a daily walk helped them better manage stress and feel more grounded.

This activity also supports Scotland’s ambition to improve overall health outcomes and reduce pressures on public services. Walking is a free and accessible activity, making it a viable solution for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances.

Paths for All supports local projects to deliver over 850 Health Walks across Scotland. These are free, short group walks led by friendly volunteers and you can find your nearest on the paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walks

Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.

For more information and resources on making walking a part of your routine, visit:

www.pathsforall.org.uk.