Foundation Scotland delivers a further £1 milion to support Third Sector

Foundation Scotland announces targeted partnerships with Edinburgh charities to deliver significant COVID related support 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has awarded over one million pounds through thirteen new strategic response grants. Funded in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, projects have been identified as those that will enable the funder to deliver on its key priorities designed to assist the third sector in providing specialist support needed through the pandemic.  

The community foundation has played a pivotal role distributing key funding through the crisis and the £1 Million support announced is further to the £3.6 Million already awarded to more than 900 grassroots organisations nationwide via the Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund. 

 Launched in March, the community foundation’s crisis fund was the first source of community funding to open as COVID-19 took hold of the country and has so far reached over 1 Million people in need across the country.   

Strategic support will be delivered to local organisations delivering support to those living across Edinburgh and the Lothians.  Edinburgh-based Children 1st will receive over £104,000 to help support their essential money advice, family wellbeing and outdoor activity programmes.

Shelter Scotland will receive £30,000 to support homeless people in the city.  Community Law Advice Network (CLAN) will also receive a £30,000 grant to help deliver their core services supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.  

Working in partnership with other major Scottish funders such the Scottish Government and SCVO, Foundation Scotland chairs the newly-established Scottish Emergency Funding Advisory Board (SEFAB) which brings together essential expertise to recognise, assess and identify the key priorities for funding across the country.  

In total, the funders have identified nine priority funding themes and they work together to ensure all needs are adequately addressed.  Examples include support for those with poor or worsening mental health, those with poor access to critical services or care, those experiencing bereavement and support for those in poverty or at risk of poverty or destitution.  

Mental health challenges have been widely recognised as a key area of need throughout the crisis. In recognition of this SAMH (the Scottish Association for Mental Health) will receive a Foundation Scotland strategic grant of over £100,000 to deliver a partnership programme offering tiered mental health support to key workers.   

Graeme Henderson, Executive Director of Delivery and Strategic Development at SAMH (above), said:  “SAMH is committed to making sure people get the mental health support and information they need, when they need it.

“Frontline workers have been under considerable pressure in recent months and we would like to thank Foundation Scotland for providing this funding, so that we can help these staff who have worked tirelessly under very difficult circumstances.” 

The new strategic grants awarded by Foundation Scotland will deliver financial support to multiple funding priorities. In total over £1,168,127 will be distributed between the thirteen charities as follows:

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) (£105,000), BEMIS Scotland (£104,000), Shelter Scotland (£30,000), Community Law Advice Network (£30,000), Children 1st (£104,750), Dundee North Law Centre LLP (£30,000), Govan Law Centre (£30,000), JustRight Scotland (£30,000), Legal Services Agency Ltd (£28,265), Castlemilk Law and Money Advice Centre (£30,000), Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (£307,000), Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland (£98,912) and the Scottish Refugee Council (£240,000).  

Helen Wray, Programmes Manager at Foundation Scotland (above) said: “We are incredibly proud of these new awards which will make a significant impact across the Third Sector.  

“This level of strategic support will enable these charities to deliver the essential support needed to help some of the most vulnerable who are suffering through the crisis. We understand that charities across the country are struggling more than ever to raise the funds they need, and at the same time many are experiencing increased demand for their services.  

“It an unnerving time for many.  We would encourage other groups to check our website for further funding programmes. We’re also keen to engage with new potential funders whose donations will enable Foundation Scotland to extend this vital support even further within Scotland’s hardest hit communities.” 

For more details about Foundation Scotland visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/ 

One million Scots on precipice of poverty

One in six live ‘precarious and insecure’ lives

Scotland must show “bolder ambition” if it is to meet targets for tackling child poverty, a new report by the Joesph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has warned.

Over one million Scots – one in six people – are living ‘precarious and insecure’ lives, according to JRF’s latest Poverty in Scotland annual report – and the situation is likely to become even more critical with the ongoing cornavirus and the imminent end of the furlough scheme this month.

Child poverty now stands at 24% – almost one in four of our children now lives in poverty. The Scottish Government’s target is to reduce this figure to 18% or less by 2023 – 24 -but unless there is radical action this target is unlikely to be met.

JRF’s associate director for Scotland Jim McCormick, who also chaired Edinburgh’s Poverty Commission, said we are at a “crucial moment”.

“The decisions we make will determine whether we reach our ambitious child poverty targets by the middle of the next parliament,” he said. “As the shape of our economy changes, it is vital to do all we can to protect people’s jobs, homes and living standards, so more families are not pulled into poverty.”

The JRF report calls on the Scottish Government to be more ambitious.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said the government is ‘absolutely committed’ to tackling child poverty and said initiatives including Scottish Child Payments, Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods are evidence of this. The spokesperson called for the UK Government to match Scotland’s ambition.

poverty_in_scotland_2020Download

SEPA continues to monitor ExxonMobil flaring

SEPA’s latest statement on unplanned flaring was issued at 8.30pm last night:

Having received reports of elevated flaring at the ExxonMobil Chemical Fife Ethylene Plant shortly after 3:30pm on Sunday, SEPA officers have remained in contact with the site across the day.

SEPA’s four remote monitoring points around the site, at Lochgelly, Auchtertool, Donibristle and Little Raith continue to capture data and  environment protection officers have deployed to record community impacts at five locations surrounding the site. 

Whilst monitors continue to demonstrate no breach of air quality standards*, officers continue to note noise, light and vibration impacting local communities.  

With no firm indication as yet from ExxonMobil Chemical Limited of the cause of the flaring other than ‘a trip on one of our machines’, or further information on expected duration, specialist officers remain deployed this evening gathering information, data and evidence.

We do so to determine whether there has been a breach of permit conditions and what our next steps should be in line with our published Enforcement Policy.  We will provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Updates will be available on social media and sepa.org.uk/mossmorran

We urge the public to report community impacts at SEPA.org.uk/report

New poll shows majority of Scottish parents support traffic calming measures as Walk to School Week begins

  • New research from YouGov shows majority of parents want safer crossings and 20mph speed limits; 
  • Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking, is encouraging families to ditch their cars for the school run for Walk to School Week

New research from Living Streets released for Walk to School Week (5 – 9 October 2020) reveals the majority of Scottish parents support measures to make walking safer and easier.  

The YouGov survey[1] found support from Scottish parents for car-free zones outside schools (61%), safer crossings (54%) and20mph speed limits (51%). 

In Scotland, 61 per cent of parents want to see a ban on pavement parking compared with 47 per cent of parents GB-wide, while 48 per cent support efforts to reduce rat-running.   

The parents polled believed the biggest benefits of walking to school for their children were being physically fitter (90%), getting fresh air (88%), reducing congestion (68%) and being cost-free (61%). Respondents also commented that physical distancing “is easier when walking” and that walking to school allowed their children to learn road safety and independence skills. 

Despite these benefits, less than half (41%) of primary school children in Scotland currently walk to school[2]. Living Streets is campaigning for action to encourage families to choose to walk, scoot or cycle to school. 

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets, said: “Every child should be able to walk to school safely, and enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that it brings.  It’s clear from our research that parents see the benefits, but concerns around rat runs and air pollution are putting them off. 

“Across the country, there is a silent majority of parents in favour of safer crossings and slower speeds, but too often, their voices are drowned out by a vocal minority who often live outside the area. 

“It’s vital that we scale up for walking, to protect children and families from the physical and social isolation the pandemic has brought, and to tackle the twin epidemics of loneliness and obesity.”

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: “We need to put measures in place to make walking a viable option for families. We know from our work with schools across Scotland that families are put off walking to school by traffic, road danger and air pollution. By removing cars, we remove these barriers. 

“We need to put our children’s health first, especially during the current pandemic, and we must address the problems caused by inactivity, air pollution and road danger.”

Walk to School Week is a five-day walking challenge in which children are encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot every day of the week and share their experiences with classmates through interactive activity packs.

The challenge is a stepping stone to WOW – the year-round walk to school challenge from Living Streets which sees walk to school rates increase by 23 per cent on average, with a 30 per cent reduction in cars around the school gates. 

To find out more, visit livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw or search #WalktoSchoolWeek 

[1] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 4223 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th – 18th September 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

[2] 41 per cent of children walk or cycle to primary school in Scotland, Hands Up Scotland Survey, Sustrans

Fore Play Crazy Golf Launches New Edinburgh Pop-Up

Scotland’s most Instagrammable golf course, Fore Play Crazy Golf,  opened the doors to its new home in Edinburgh on Friday. 

Taking up a yearly residence in the former Steak Restaurant on Picardy Place, the new, exciting over 18s venue has been completely transformed and puts the fun back into going out.  Guests can enjoy two stunning bars, street food traders and tee off on a spectacular Auld-Reekie inspired crazy golf course aptly named – Wee Bobby.   

Spread spaciously over two floors and packed with fun and bold Instagrammable features, the cool new space offers a safe, comfortable and socially distanced experience for friends or couples to get competitive on their course.   

Seating up to 126 guests throughout the venue, guests will love the vivid and industrial interior of Fore Play Crazy Golf, teamed with the bright and colourful umbrella-covered ceiling installation in a nod to golf and Edinburgh’s dreich weather. 

There’s also an impressive neon graffiti mural by the infamous Scottish artist Barry the Cat whose work is infamous across the country. 

Nothing brings people together like competition, and Fore Play Crazy golf does not disappoint. Their Auld Reekie-inspired course has devious obstacles capturing the sights and sounds of some of Edinburgh’s most loved tourist attractions. 

Try your luck on the steep hills, navigate the tricky terrain of the loop de loop and don’t forget to give Greyfriars Bobby’s nose a rub for good luck before tackling the Scott Monument installation. 

Once you’ve completed the course, you can visit their photo booth to upload snaps to the gram for a memento of your un-fore-gettable night out. And of course, it wouldn’t be Fore Play Crazy Golf without a photo-friendly golf cart to end your game. 

The competitive socialising venue also has a heated outdoor beer garden that seats up to 40 guests. Allowing you to enjoy a bevy inside or outside at one of the venue’s bars, you can wet your whistle both on and off the green.  

With table service throughout the venue, you can sample local craft beers from the Edinburgh Beer Factory, a mouth-watering new cocktail menu and a curated selection of gin tipples from Edinburgh favourite – Pickering’s. If you’re hungry, street food superstar The Pitt is on hand to get those taste buds tingling. 

With everything you need for fun under one roof, the year-long pop up promises to be one of the best nights out you’ll ever have. 

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “Our team has worked hard to ensure we create a safe and comfortable environment to give our guests the best experience possible, and we’re so excited to swing open our doors at our new venue! 

“Edinburgh is known for its tourist attractions, Instagrammable spots and great foodie finds. At Fore Play Crazy golf we’ve brought together the best bits of Edinburgh all under one roof to make it an un-fore-gettable night.”

Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh is now open every Thursday (5-10pm), Friday (4-10pm), Saturday (12-12) and Sunday (12:30 -10pm). 

Tickets are on sale now. Visit their website to book your experience: 

https://foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk/edinburgh

Health Research UK Healthy Tips: reduce time spent sitting

Unless you are a wheelchair user, there is evidence to show that prolonged periods of sitting can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Modern technology has changed how we spend our work and leisure time. It is not uncommon for people to spend several hours every day sitting behind a desk, watching TV, playing computer games or sitting at the wheel of a car.

We have some tips to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting.

The NHS provides advice on activities that are suitable for wheelchair users with different physical abilities: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/wheelchair-users-fitness-advice/

Take regular breaks from your seat

Whenever you are going to be sitting for prolonged periods of time, set an alarm to remind yourself to get up and move around regularly. If you are sitting watching TV, why not use the advert breaks to prompt you to get moving. You could use this time to run up and down the stairs, dance around the living room or do some star jumps.

Step away from your desk

The government has recently advised us to work from home over the winter if we can. As a result of this, many people are missing out on their active commute to work, such as walking or cycling.

If you are working from home without moving much, you could set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move at regular intervals. Why not set yourself a 5 to 10 minute chore to complete once an hour that will get you moving, such as hanging laundry, hoovering or cleaning windows.

Active phone calls

Avoid staying seated during phone calls. Use the opportunity to walk around or do some squats and lunges.

If you own exercise equipment, such as a stationary bike or treadmill, you could hop on for the duration of your phone call. Be careful not to get too out of breath during your phone call. You could pump up the pace for a few minutes after the call ends.

Choose hobbies that will get you moving

If your hobbies involve lots of time sitting, such as needlework, computer games, board games, reading or painting, try to get up and move around at regular intervals.

You could set a timer to remind yourself to move more often. You could also look for new hobbies that will get you moving more, such as gardening, walking and DIY. If you enjoy reading, why not listen to an audio book through headphones while you take a walk or read while you pedal on a stationary bike.

Is online shopping keeping you in your seat?

Unless you are shielding or self-isolating due to COVID-19, you could switch from sitting in front of a screen to do online food shopping and start walking or cycling to the shops instead.

Not only will this increase your physical activity, but it will also free up supermarket delivery slots for vulnerable people who need them the most.

You can find more healthy tips, recipes and advice at heartresearch.org.uk.

Fire Station celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Lauder Fire Station has celebrated its 20th Anniversary and firefighters have been reflecting on what it means to serve their community.

When the Borders station opened in 2000, there were 45 applicants to become firefighters, and 15 were successful. Still serving from that very first crew are Watch Commander (WC) John Connell and Crew Commander (CC) Dougie Scott.

Both are retained firefighters and balance being on call for their local community with holding down full-time jobs.

CC Scott is a postal worker. He was a leading firefighter at the crew’s first call out, which was to a horse transporter alight.

CC Scott said: “The first incident was the day after the station officially opened, and I drove to this call, as I was a selected driver. My heart was racing. We were supervised by a full-time Sub Officer, everything went to plan and our training kicked in.

“It was the start of 20 years enjoyable service with great highs and the inevitable lows.

“The camaraderie and team work of my colleagues help to lift you when times are hard, and I always remember that no matter what, I am helping our community at their time of need.”

When the Station opened, full-time farmer, WC Connell was Lauder Fire Station’s Sub Officer.

WC Connell said: “I was honoured to join the crew at Lauder and to lead them as Sub Officer. I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, and it’s been a rollercoaster.

“We have served our Community on over 2,000 occasions, but it’s only a small part of the picture. We are available for them 24/7, working around our families and main jobs as well.

“There’s great satisfaction in talking to a member of the community about joining and their journey to become part of the crew, which is like a family.

“I continue to be honoured and proud to be part of the Lauder crew, to serve our community, and I intend to do so for many years to come.”

Lauder Fire Station was officially opened on September 1, 2000 by HRH The Princess Royal.

Retained firefighter Christine Jaffray was part of the first crew. She’s since left the Service and she’s also the aunt of current Scottish Borders Group Commander (GC) Michael Jaffray.

She met Princess Anne at the official opening which was reported in the Border Telegraph newspaper on September 5, that year.

She said: “The Princess asked me how my family felt about me being a firefighter and what I did as my main job? I told her my family are fine with what I do and I’m a registered nurse, which can come in handy when I’m called out.

“I decided to become a firefighter because it was a challenge for me and it was something for the community that I could be involved in. They had an open day and I thought I would give it a go, I never thought for a minute that I would actually make it, but here I am.”

Lauder Fire Station celebrated the milestone occasion with a socially distanced ceremony.

This was attended by Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) John Dickie, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) David Lockhart, Local Senior Officer (LSO) Steve Gourlay, GC Michael Jaffray, Station Commander (SC) Don MacNeil, and the Lauder crew.

ACO, John Dickie was involved in the initial and continuous training of the Lauder crew for their first three years.

He said: “It was very satisfying to observe the team develop from limited knowledge and experience as trainee firefighters to being signed off as ready to go on the run protecting the community of Lauder. Now 20 years on, it was good to meet and chat with some of the original crew again on the anniversary of the station going on the run.”

The SFRS is currently on the look-out for retained firefighters in areas across Scotland.

Retained firefighters must be aged 18 or over, live within five to eight minutes’ drive of their local station and have the permission of their primary employer before joining the SFRS.

For more on what it takes to join our retained ranks visit /work-with-us/retained-firefighters.aspx 

To view current opportunities, visit https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/emergency-services/scottish-fire-and-rescue-service/jobs 

Meningitis charity warns: there’s no room for complacency

National charity, Meningitis Now has warned parents not to be complacent about meningitis after quarterly data released by Public Health England (PHE) show that cases of the disease be at their lowest since records began.

During the quarter April to June 2020, all cases of meningitis dropped to 29 compared to 121 for the same period in 2019; a drop of 76%*. 

Citing the lockdown period data as a ‘false dawn’, Meningitis Now, CEO, Dr Tom Nutt, urges parents and adults to remain vigilant and not to assume that meningitis has gone away. 

“Whilst these numbers are good to see, we have some real concerns about people becoming complacent about meningitis. Let’s be clear, the disease has not gone away, and it is still a real and present threat, particularly MenB, which is most prevalent amongst those who are most at risk, babies, teenagers, and older adults.”

The data published by PHE reinforces Dr Nutt’s concerns, with MenB accounting for 59%* of the cases that did occur during the lockdown period being among those who are unlikely to have been vaccinated against this particular strain.

“Of greatest concern at this time is a potential increase in cases among young people who have just gone to university,” continues Dr Nutt. “With reported cases of Covid-19 rising significantly on campuses across the UK, it is very likely that there will be an increase in cases of meningitis amongst students.

“Whilst we would normally see an increase in cases at this time of year, the Covid dimension and the advice to self-isolate could be disastrous if the illness is due to meningitis, which can take a life in as little as 24 hours.

“Our advice, particularly those who are at risk, is to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and if you have concerns about yourself, a loved one or a friend call 111 immediately and get medical help.”

Lottery success for McDonald Road neighbours

Two people in Edinburgh are celebrating today after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode. The McDonald Road neighbours netted the windfall when EH7 4NQ was announced as a Daily Prize winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Friday.

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt sent her well-wishes to the winners. She said: “What a fantastic Friday for these lucky neighbours! Congratulations to our winners, I hope they have fun spending their winnings.”

A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £600 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond.

This draw was promoted on behalf of Canal and River Trust which has received more than £10 million in funding thanks to players. It cares for over 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England & Wales and believes waterways have the power to make a difference to people’s lives.

Many good causes close to the winners have also benefitted from players’ support, and local charities can apply for funding next year.

For more information onPeople’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk or Facebook and Twitter.