Like so many others, stroke has left a really devastating legacy on my family. My dad died of a stroke and his dad, my grandfather, had a major stroke which left him unable to speak again.
But many people don’t realise that the vast majority of strokes – around 80-90% in fact – are preventable, which is why I’m supporting the Stroke Association’s Stride for Stroke campaign as my New Year’s resolution.
I exercise regularly, try to eat healthily and keep an eye on my blood pressure, which are all ways to help lower your risk of stroke – but there’s more we can all do…
So this year, the charity is challenging everyone who cares about this devastating condition, and who is able to do so to walk 10,000 steps a day for 130 days. If that’s something you could do, that would add up to 1.3million steps, one for every stroke survivor in the UK.
Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. However, with our support, the Stroke Association can help more stroke survivors and their families find hope and rebuild their lives.
So come on, if you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution that will make a huge difference, why not take on the Stride for Stroke challenge? Sign up today at www.stroke.org.uk/stride
With Omicron looming ever garishly on the horizon, many people are petrified that a last minute circuit breaker or lockdown will plough in and ruin Christmas once again, adding to an already prevalent pandemic of loneliness and a huge mental health crisis. Christmas 2020 saw
MoneyMagpie’s Jasmine Birtles say “no more” as she invited people to spend some of Christmas Day with her on zoom. This year, regardless of what the Prime Minister says, Jasmine is doing the same again …
If the last two years have taught us anything, it it is that loneliness is something we can all struggle with. It can mean feeling alone whilst surrounded by people you love; it can be living alone and only having your pet for company; it can be not wanting to trouble friends when you most need them and, for many, it can be being faced with spending Christmas Day alone. Combating loneliness is is a societal need more than ever.
Due to lockdown and the physical longing for human interaction that it created, for the first time ever it has become more widely accepted that people talk about loneliness, there was even the government’s encouragement of Let’s Talk Loneliness but a lot of the advice given during the pandemic assumed that we had people to turn to.
The £750 million charity funding appeal to combat loneliness wasn’t necessarily noticeable to so many of us, and lots of businesses, charities and people took matters into their own hands and decided to look at ways to combat this themselves. This is what led to Jasmine opening up her Christmas Day celebrations to people who need some company.
Jasmine said, “Last year everyone was told to stay at home and not visit relatives or friends for Christmas (unless they were a government minister, of course), and it occurred to me that there would be a lot of people who would feel desperately lonely and abandoned.
“I wanted to give them the opportunity to have their own party and talk and laugh with other normal people at least once during the day. It worked. We had people who were on their own as well as at least one couple who just thought it sounded like a fun thing to do. There was a really nice atmosphere to the event and we had some good giggles!”
Recognising quite how much it was needed, Jasmine has decided to do the same again. “I’m holding this one at the same time again – 4pm – on Christmas Day,” she says. “Last year’s was supposed to be just an hour but it went on for an hour and half, so I expect this year’s will last that long too.” The link to join is on Eventbrite here.
So many people showed up last year and Jasmine managed to create a safe environment in which people could just share the day. Recognising that many people struggle socially and that introversion or many factors can make it hard to speak up.
“This party is for people who like to get involved and also for those who would just like to watch and listen incognito. I’ll be doing a fun quiz but it’s only for those who want to take part and I’ll be quite happy if some people simply want to come and be part of the atmosphere but don’t want to talk to strangers.
“That’s understandable. Let’s face it, ‘in-person’ parties full of people you don’t know can be a daunting prospect, and Zoom parties can be just as worrying to some, so I won’t be forcing anyone to do the quiz or even talk unless they want to.”
So this Christmas, if you are faced with being alone (for whatever reason), be sure to join up and have something fun on your festive horizon. “You are not alone” as Jasmine is keen to help us realise.
The housebuilder donated to good causes which help children, people with life-limiting health conditions, and the elderly, as well as charities which offer mental health and employment support
Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £204,000 in donations across Scotland.
Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting equality, employability and care among many other causes, through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.
Since January, Barratt Developments has handed out funding to organisations which provide care, support, and respite for those battling serious illness, disease, or lifelong health conditions, such as Maggie’s Edinburgh, Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh, The British Lung Foundation and Marie Curie.
Barratt’s donations have gone towards the provision of palliative care, providing support for people with health conditions and disabilities, and caring for those battling cancer.
Additionally, Barratt donated to children’s charities, such as CHAS and LGBT Youth Scotland, helping to fund vital services for vulnerable kids and families in need of assistance.
Organisations which support people into employment, such as WorkingRite in Edinburgh, benefitted from a funding boost from Barratt Developments this year, helping to transform the lives of people by giving them the tools they need to find and secure work.
Further donations went to hospices caring for the elderly, including St. Columba’s and St. Andrew’s Hospice, and Barratt also donated to mental health charities such as SAMH, whose lifeline services are of vital importance, particularly during the pandemic.
Douglas McLeod, Barratt Developments’ Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said:“As the country’s leading housebuilder, we are committed to creating a positive legacy and making a genuine contribution towards the communities in which we build our homes.
“We are extremely proud of this year’s achievement, as it’s become even more apparent how incredibly important it is to support those around us during these difficult times. Each of the charities we have supported carry out fantastic work and are a lifeline service for many people, and we are delighted to have been able to support organisations which are close to our hearts.
“We are looking forward to working with many more charities and raising even more funds as we go into 2022 and beyond. We would like to thank everyone who suggested the charities and supported our fundraising activity and wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and prosperous New Year.”
The full list of 2021’s beneficiaries is:
includes:
• FACE
• Goodtrees
• Empty Kitchens
• St Fillan’s Playgroup
• Support in Mind Scotland
• Fife Women’s Aid
• British Lung Foundation
• With Kids
• Marie Curie
• Maggies Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
• Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity
• The Prince’s Trust
• LifeCare Edinburgh
• St Columba’s Hospice Care
• WorkingRite
• Kindred
• VSA “Changing Lives Campaign”
• Bucksburn Community Council
• Street Sport (Denis Law Trust)
• Bettridge Centre (Newtonhill Community centre)
• Befriend a Child
• SurfAble
• Huntingtons Association
• Archie Foundation
• SCAA
• Aberdeen Foyer
• Beannachar
• New Start Highland
• The Haven Appeal
• Mental Health Aberdeen
• Lifesavers Scotland
• St Andrews Hospice
• Kilbryde Hospice
• The Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments
FESTIVITIES are underway at an Edinburgh care home with residents treated to a bumper month of Christmas related activities.
Kickstarting with a light switch on and a visit from Santa and his reindeers, Cramond Residence is hosting a series of Christmas themed activities for the duration of December.
Activities include a Christmas party with a festive magician, bespoke seasonal menu, festive cooking masterclass and secret Santa which have been planned by the home’s dedicated lifestyle team.
John Hughes, resident at Cramond Residence, said: “The home has put in lots of effort to make us all feel festive this year.
“My favourite activity so far has been the Christmas market and the visit from the reindeers but I’m also very much looking forward to the Christmas cooking masterclass too.
“We weren’t really able to celebrate so much last year so it’s nice the staff have gone to all this effort to make this year extra special for us.”
All donations received during any of the Christmas activities will be donated to Alzheimer’s Scotland & Save the Children – the home’s chosen charities for the festive season.
Mike Hall, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at the 74-bedroom home said: “This year the team at Cramond Residence has been really keen to host lots of celebrations involving the community, as we are able to do so now.
“All of our staff and residents have been well and truly getting into the festive spirit and the atmosphere in the home has been very positive.
“The activities have gone down a treat with residents, many of whom have expressed their delight for the month long calendar of events.
“As Christmas is focused on kindness and giving, we also made the decision to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Scotland as it is a charity close to many at the home”.
Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.
Aldi Scotland has launched its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign for the second year running, following its widespread success in 2021, which saw more than 2000 pairs of socks donated to good causes.
The initiative encourages customers to donate any unwanted or extra unused socks they may have received as Christmas gifts to charities supporting people in need across Scotland.
Every year, millions of people receive socks for Christmas that they often don’t want or need, charities across Scotland do, and Aldi’s ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign aims to put these gifts to better use by donating new and unused socks to those who need them most.
Aldi’s Sock Amnesty’ boxes will be in stores across Scotland from the 3rd of January until the end of the month, where people can drop off their unused socks to help keep vulnerable people warm this winter.
The Bethany Christian Trust are working toward the goal of ending homelessness in Scotland. The team at the Bethany Christian Trust offer a broad range of services, from assistance with housing, education and employment, to crisis intervention wellbeing support.
Nathanael Smith, Community Fundraiser, Bethany Christian Trust, said: “It’s surprising how much a good pair of socks can make a difference in someone’s life.
“It’s a simple gift that can mean warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need. Thanks to Aldi for making such an amazing project possible.”
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “Following an immensely challenging year, the team at Aldi Scotland were eager to support charities which are working tirelessly to help those in need.
“In winter, charities are always looking for essential items to be donated, and so we thought, why not encourage our customers to donate any unwanted gifts of socks to people who truly need them.
Aldi will also contribute a £250 donation to each charity in the hope of helping the most vulnerable in our communities.
Aldi’s Sock Amnesty boxes will be in store from 3rd January and customers are invited to drop off any unwanted, new and unused, socks which will be donated to the charity in their local area.”
This initiative builds on Aldi’s commitment to supporting communities across Scotland. Since 2016, Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund has supported over 500 local clubs with more than £290,000 worth of donations.
In addition, Aldi has helped to provide over 10 million meals to vulnerable people across the UK through its partnership with community engagement platform, Neighbourly. Aldi also helped 12 local foodbanks this year after it relaunched its popular Supermarket Sweep programme this year.
To find your nearest Aldi store please visit their website here and donate your unwanted socks this Christmas.
Since opening on the 1st April 2020, PHS has played a significant part in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working in collaboration with NHS Boards, the Scottish Government, Local Authorities and many others to tackle the virus, improve and protect health, and reduce health inequalities.
Public Health Scotland, Chief Executive, Angela Leitch, said:“The publication of this, our first, Annual Report, records what has been a year of great challenge and significant achievement.
“I would like to thank all PHS staff for their professionalism and commitment during this extraordinary year. In addition to our contribution to managing the response to the pandemic we have continued to produce a wealth of data, intelligence and evidence that is supporting decision making to address the public health priorities we have in Scotland.
“Our work relies on strong partnerships with many organisations across Scotland, the UK and beyond and I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been established in our first year.
“I’m very conscious of the impact of the pandemic on the lives of so many of our communities and we remain committed to doing our part in keeping Scotland as safe as possible.
“I commend this report to you and as we move forward into the future we remain committed to our key aims of helping to create a fairer and more equitable Scotland for all of our citizens.”
Local charity, Young Lives vs Cancer, has been named as one of three winners for Dobbies’ Not Your Average Community competition.
The nationwide contest, run by the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, invited community groups, clubs, charities and neighbourhoods to apply and tell the Dobbies’ team about the work they are doing in their local areas and what they would do with the prize – £1,000 to spend in their local store on Christmas trees, lights and decorations
Dobbies were inundated with entries from across the country, reading heart-warming stories about the incredible work being carried out by dedicated volunteers and community workers, and had a difficult job selecting the three winners.
Young Lives vs Cancer at Ciaran’s House was a very worthy winner, providing accommodation to families whose children are receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. The families are able to stay as long as required and siblings can also stay in Edinburgh.
In their winning entry, the charity told how they wanted to transform the nine-bedroom house with trees, lights, wreaths and decorations for the families to decorate their own rooms and communal living space with their prize.
A member of the Edinburgh Dobbies’ team met with Mandy Tait, House Manager and Sandra Fox, Deputy Manager from the Ciaran’s House team to help them select the best products for their requirements, as well as treating them to Christmas Afternoon Tea in the restaurant.
Mandy Tait and Sandra Fox, said: “A huge thank you to the lovely team at Dobbies, not only for selecting us as winners, but for being so supportive and helpful while we selected our festive decorations.
“Dressing the house will make a massive difference to the team working there and those spending time with us this December.”
Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “A huge congratulations to Young Lives vs Cancer at Ciaran’s House for winning our Not Your Average Community campaign this year.
“The work they do is inspirational and we’re proud to be able to help them spread some festive cheer during what will be a difficult time for many.
“A huge thank you to everyone who entered our Not Your Average Community campaign. It was wonderful to see so many great projects taking place across Edinburgh and beyond.”
For more information on Not Your Average Community:
Edinburgh Police have released images of three men they believe may hold information which might assist in relation to a serious assault that occurred on Pilton Drive North at around 2330 hours on 24 November.
Male 1 is described as white, 18-23yrs, average build, short brown hair, wearing blue tracksuit top and bottoms.
Male 2 is described as white, 18-23yrs, average build, short brown hair, wearing a black puffa jacket and dark trousers.
Male 3 is described as white, 18-23yrs, stocky build, red hair and facial hair, wearing grey tracksuit top with black triangle on LHS of chest, grey tracksuit bottoms with black patches to rear of his knees.
Detective Constable William Doughty from Corstorphine CID said: “I would urge each of these three men, or anyone who has information relating to any of these three men depicted in the images to make contact with the Police.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via the 101 non-emergency telephone number quoting incident number 3662 of 24 November 2021.
“Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Due to the urgent threat posed by Omicron’s much higher transmissibility than other variants of coronavirus (COVID-19), additional targeted measures to minimise contacts will come into force for at least three weeks to allow immunity from the accelerated booster vaccine programme to take effect.
All measures will be reviewed after three weeks on Tuesday 11 January at which point protection from booster vaccinations up to 31 December – when the Scottish Government is aiming for 80% of over 18s to have received their booster – will be maximised.
From 05:00 on 27 December, to minimise the risk of widespread transmission, there will be a requirement for one metre physical distancing between adults in all indoor hospitality and leisure settings, including:
pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and other settings where food and drink is served for consumption on-site
leisure settings including gyms, theatres, cinemas, bingo and snooker halls and bowling alleys
museums, galleries and other visitor attractions
Table service will be required in settings where alcohol is served for consumption on the premises.
Physical distancing will not be required in places of worship or on public transport, however existing mitigations for these settings will continue to apply.
In addition, from 05:00 on 26 December, to help ease pressure on emergency services and reduce the risks of transmission in large crowds, attendance at large events will be limited – to 100 people for indoor standing events, to 200 people for indoor seated events, and to 500 people for all outdoor events seated or standing.
Organisers of large professional sporting fixtures will have discretion over whether to admit spectators up to these limits.
Guidance will be updated to advise against indoor activities where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including non-professional adult contact sports, from 26 December.
A package totalling £375 million, including £175 million of additional funding from the Treasury, will be made available to support sectors affected by the latest protective measures to combat Omicron. An update will be provided on the breakdown and allocation of funding as soon as possible.
Ministers will consider how COVID certification could be expanded to cover a wider range of indoor settings to support them remaining open once the booster programme is complete.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The rate of vaccination acceleration in an age cohort with, to date, lower levels relatively speaking of booster protection underlines the vital importance of everyone getting booster jags as quickly as possible.
“However, as the booster roll-out is completed – and bearing in mind that it takes around a week for immune protection to take effect in individuals – we must also act to slow down the spread of cases.
“This is not a choice between protecting health and protecting the economy – if we don’t stem the spread of the virus, both health and the economy will suffer.
“I totally understand the temptation to delay; to hope, after two long years of this, that further steps might not be necessary. But we are already seeing a significant impact from staff absences across the economy and public services – we must do what we can to stem this.
“We know from experience that if we wait until the data tells us conclusively that we have a problem, for example, with hospital admissions, it will already be too late to act to avoid that problem.
“Booster jags are our best line of defence against Omicron and they are what will get us through and out of this difficult phase I believe. Last week, I said that our target was to have 80% of the eligible population vaccinated with boosters by the time the bells strike on Hogmanay.
“I can confirm today that we are now confident that we have the capacity to meet that target, but to reach it, or get as close to it as possible, we need everyone who is eligible to come forward.
“Getting fully vaccinated is the best thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the country, so please do get boosted before the bells.
“Our advice is to stay at home as much as possible, but if you are meeting other people, test before you go – every time – and test as close to going as possible. This is really important for family gatherings on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.”
Edinburgh’s Council Leaders have confirmed that this year’s Hogmanay events will not go ahead.
The latest public health guidance, effective from 26 December, limits numbers at outdoor public events to 500, resulting in the cancellation of the Torchlight Procession, Party at the Bells and the Loony Dook.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Our first and foremost priority must always be to protect the health and wellbeing of the public, our staff and the city as a whole. I know it will be hugely disappointing for people, particularly young people who were planning to attend these events.
“Given the spread of this variant, reflected in the rising infection numbers, we need to avoid any additional burden on our health and emergency services. I’m grateful to the Scottish Government, Public Health, NHS and Police for their engagement with our teams to keep the City as safe as possible as we grapple with these challenges through the festive period.
“I would encourage everyone to continue following the guidance and to please celebrate Hogmanay safely and responsibly.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “A huge amount of work has gone into the planning of this year’s events and I would like to thank Council staff, Underbelly and our other event partners for all their efforts in what have been difficult and ever-evolving circumstances.
“I know many people will be disappointed but I’m sure they will understand the reasons behind the decision. We can look forward to Edinburgh returning to its rightful place as the home of Hogmanay next year.”
In response to the First Minister’s announcement today of further restrictions and increased financial support for businesses, Scottish Licensed Trade Association Managing Director, Colin Wilkinson said:“This afternoon’s announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that pubs and other hospitality venues selling alcohol must reintroduce table service and one-metre physical distancing between groups of customers from December 27 for a period of three weeks could well be the knock-out blow for many in the battered and bruised licensed hospitality sector in Scotland.
“The limit of 100 people for indoor standing events and 200 for indoor seating events – although this does not apply to private life events such as weddings – will hugely impact on the late-night industry which has been hit particularly hard since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In addition, the cancellation of large-scale events such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will have a knock-on effect on the licensed hospitality sector.
“However, the damage was done when Public Health Scotland advised deferring Christmas parties until another time. Endorsed by the Scottish Government the next day, this led to a slew of cancellations and, effectively, the end of any chance the licensed hospitality sector of clawing back lost business at what is traditionally the busiest trading period of the year.
“That said, the key focus for the Scottish Government must now be to ensure that the £66 million aid package announced last week for the hospitality sector is made available as soon as possible.”
The SLTA is particularly angered that part of the previously announced £100m funding will not be specifically directed to those businesses that need it the most.
Businesses such as cafes, takeaways and even multinational fast-food outlets which have not experienced the decimation that has been caused to the licensed hospitality sector at this vital trading period will now receive the same level of support funding as those hit by the PHS messaging to defer Christmas parties in Scotland’s pubs, bars and restaurants.
New research from the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) shows that:-
Average sales are down 52% across the sector in December so far, with the average loss of income now £56,000 per premises for the first two weeks of December alone, and this trend is accelerating.
Half of premises reported more than 50% of jobs are at risk while 20% of premises report 90% or more of jobs are at immediate risk – these figures are as worrying as they are startling.
When asked how long they can survive without the arrival of cash support, 43% said they can survive less than one month, 25% can survive up to two months, 20% can survive up to three months and 12% can survive up to four months.
This is the stark reality of the situation for Scotland’s licensed hospitality sector. Many are also carrying huge debt as a direct result of Covid – bars are averaging £169,200 debt, nightclubs/hybrids/event spaces are averaging £167,000 while pubs are averaging a Covid debt of £101,600.
Wilkinson continued:“It is utterly indefensible that taking into account the crisis the licensed hospitality sector and the supply sector is facing, the losses that have occurred within the industry in December alone and the bleak future facing operators and staff, other businesses will effectively receive a ‘bonus’ from the public purse”.
“We understand the original £100m funding will be available in early January and the distribution of the additional funding of £275m announced today, will become available towards the end of January.
“New Government operating guidelines for the sector will be published soon, but they will be towards the latter half of the week leaving little time for operators and staff to adjust to the new regulations.”
