Community groups in Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand.
The deadline for applying is5pm on Monday 20th September 2021.
The Heart Research UK and Subway® Healthy Heart Grant is available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease in the community. Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills and healthy eating and should encourage people to get more active and promote positive mental wellbeing.
The £10,000 has been raised locally in Subway® stores throughout the region. Previous grantees from Scotland have included the Feel Good Women’s Group, who led fitness and cooking classes for local women.
In response to the pandemic, we have adapted the criteria for our Healthy Heart grants. We will accept applications for projects which can be delivered remotely or with social distancing measures in place. This year we are also accepting applications for the funding of equipment only.
Community groups in Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand.
The deadline for applying is 5pm on Monday 20th September 2021.
Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said:“Through our partnership with Subway®, we hope to encourage people all across the country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so.
“This grant is available to ensure everyone can benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.
“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities. We’re really grateful to the many customers and staff at Subway® stores who have raised the money to make this possible.”
The deadline for applying is the Monday 20th September 2021 and this can be done by visiting:
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson will be pulling pints behind the bar in Joseph Pearce’s today (Friday 17 September) to show his support for hospitality businesses in the local area and the city more widely.
One of the MSP’s first jobs was as a bartender and he worked in a number different hospitality businesses in the city throughout his twenties. While working in hospitality he has said that he developed practical, organisational and interpersonal skills which have benefitted him throughout the rest of his career, including as an MSP.
Brexit has resulted in major staff shortages within the hospitality industry, which is affecting opening hours and the capacity to serve customers.
Commenting on his support for local hospitality businesses and their recruitment drive, Ben Macpherson MSP said: “I developed many practical, organisational and interpersonal skills while working in hospitality, and I learned a lot about different aspects of society from meeting and listening to colleagues and customers alike. I also made a lot of new friends from all over the world, who I’m still in touch with to this day, and had some great times working with them.
“The sector still has some improvements to make when it comes to its fair work responsibilities – but I have seen significant and meaningful change since I worked behind the bar 10 years ago, and today there are many hospitality businesses offering fair pay, good career paths and fulfilling opportunities.
“The experience of the pandemic has reminded us that local hospitality businesses are a key part of our communities and our economy – they are where we so often come together with loved ones and friends, and provide the setting for so many joyful moments in our lives.
“Cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants are an important part of our society and I would encourage anyone looking for work to consider what either a temporary job or a career in hospitality can offer as a chance to learn new, transferrable skills.”
Anna Christopherson, Co-Owner of Boda Bars, said: “Working in hospitality gives you people skills, integrity and sales skills that you will need in every job you ever have.
“I wish everyone would work in hospitality at least once in their lives. It is a great job that gives you freedom to work everywhere around the world.”
The city council is to continue it’s support for the hospitality sector to help businesses make the most of outdoor space safely as Covid 19 cases remain high in Edinburgh.
A number of measures agreed in March to help economic recovery are being extended, including allowing temporary structures created to increase outdoor seating capacity to stay in place until 31 October. After this time permissions such as planning may be required.
Charges for outdoor area occupation permits (for tables and chairs) are also being waived until 31 December.
This provision will continue to apply across the city meaning all Edinburgh hospitality businesses are eligible, provided they apply for and obtain the relevant road occupation permit.
Council leader Adam McVey said: “Unfortunately, we’re all still very much living through the effects of this pandemic. Our local pubs, cafes and restaurants have had an extremely tough 18 months and so and it’s really important we continue to do everything we can to support our local businesses as they begin to recover with many restrictions now no longer in place.
“This needs to be balanced with local needs and so that’s why if you created an additional structure for extra outdoor capacity during the pandemic, you need to apply for the appropriate permission after 31 October.
“This will also provide a welcome boost to surrounding retail businesses as more people are attracted to safely enjoy the outdoor spaces throughout Edinburgh.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Last year we streamlined the application process for using outdoor spaces for tables and chairs as part of our drive to support the city’s economic recovery.
“Our aim is to help businesses safely make use of outside space at no cost to them. We’re continuing to implement the permit system to allow us to monitor where businesses are providing outdoor space to make sure they are doing so appropriately and safely, while also taking into account the needs of local people.”
Supporting business and retaining jobs is a ‘key priority’ for the city council as the pandemic continues. So far, the Council has administered over 19000 payments totalling over £250m to businesses.
Officers are continuing enquiries and appealing for information in relation to an incident which occurred in the Dumbryden area last Friday (10th September).
Around 10pm a 55-year-old woman was alone and distressed when she approached a vehicle in the area asking for assistance. She thereafter ran from the vehicle and boarded a Lothian bus.
It is unknown why she was distressed or what took place.
Police Constable Nichola Reid of Leith Police Station said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and I am appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly the occupants of the vehicle at the time.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0290 of Saturday 11th September 2021.”
House of Jack, a not-for-profit community interest organisation, has now fully reopened after 18-months of pandemic restrictions, welcoming back a bigger community than ever before to its dance studio at Ocean Terminal in Leith.
Founded and run by Artistic Director Ashley Jack and Studio Producer Becky Enoch, with the aim of making dance, and its many physical, social and mental health benefits, as accessible as possible to all, House of Jack dance studio offered multiple online classes free of charge throughout each lockdown. In the process they built an ever expanding global community of young people and adults alike who met regularly online to dance and connect, while the pandemic kept everyone physically apart.
Youngsters joined from not only Edinburgh, but also from further afield in Scotland, and even from around the world, including two children hailing from India.
The parent of one of the children joining from the Isle of Iona said, “The House of Jack zoom classes were a real game changer for my 11 year old daughter during lock down. We live on a small Hebridean island so she hadn’t been able to access the benefits of dance previously.
“Besides all the mental and physical benefits of movement to music, she now has a love of Hip Hop and a new skill and confidence to take through to high school on the mainland.
The first of its kind in the UK, House of Jack dance studio is located inside a shopping centre – Ocean Terminal – with all the benefits that provides its students and the families of its students, including free parking, being fully under cover, and with numerous shops, restaurants and further leisure opportunities in the same building.
Ashley said: “We have a strong belief in the power of dance to connect people, build confidence and self-esteem while creating outlets for expression, and have strived to create a studio that is as welcoming as possible, with something for everyone regardless of age or level of experience.
“As a non-profit, fees are kept to an absolute minimum and participation in annual shows is always free for all children, including rehearsals and costumes, to remove as far as possible any financial barriers to taking part.”
Over the pandemic, House of Jack CIC secured generous funding from The National Lottery via Creative Scotland which allowed the studio to offer totally free, live and online world-class dance training and invaluable Q&A sessions with renowned dancers from around the world, even including LA-based Marty Kudelka (Justin Timberlake’s exclusive choreographer), Jaja Vankova (Step Up 5, So You Think You Can Dance), Deydey (the first female World Popping Champion), and many more.
A House of Jack regular who attended the Marty Kudelka workshop said, “Yesterday was a dream come true. Thank you so much to Mr Kudelka for taking the time to share his amazing talents and skills [and t]hank you to House of Jack for being able to put this on and having us learn from literally one of the dance industry greats!“
Becky added: “Between major lockdowns, while the studio was able to open to small numbers of under-18s, some of the local children who had attended online finally met for the first time at in-person studio classes, while adults classes continued via Zoom.
“What made such a difference, however, was that we were able to find new ways to connect, whether through the Q&A sessions with famous choreographers or by creating dance videos.
“In the run up to Christmas 2020, instead of the studio’s usual big theatre Christmas Show, we created Christmas-themed videos for each children’s class, something for the children to focus on and have fun with and for the parents to view and keep, in the absence of a show DVD!”
Now reopened fully, with waiting area and changing rooms again, the focus in the studio remains firmly on safety, keeping class numbers to a safe level, giving everyone plenty of space and following all guidelines. The Ocean Terminal studio is buzzing again with a renewed sense of hope that everyone can dance to a better future.
More than 100 roadside drug screening tests were conducted during a Drug Driving Campaign carried out by Police Scotland.
The campaign ran from August 23 to 29 when officers conducted a total of 109 roadside drug screening tests across Scotland, resulting in 42 drivers being arrested for providing a positive test. Blood samples were subsequently obtained from those arrested and sent for further analysis.
Officers from Greater Glasgow Road Policing, who deployed in support of the campaign observed a man driving using his mobile phone. When stopped he admitted to having consumed cannabis and the subsequent roadside drug test was positive for cannabis and cocaine. Following his arrest, a blood sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.
Superintendent Simon Bradshaw said: “Despite roadside drug testing being in place for almost two years and our continued efforts to raise awareness of the dangers associated with taking drugs and driving, our officers continue to detect drug driving offences far too regularly.
“Driving after taking drugs can have serious or even fatal consequences, impacting not only the driver but all those involved including family and friends.
“Police Scotland are committed to taking action against those who selfishly put others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. I would encourage people to report drink or drug drivers or concerning behaviour to us, officers will act on this information to stop offenders before they injure or kill themselves or someone else.”
What kid doesn’t want to learn how to build video games, drones and robots with their friends? Thanks to a brand-new children’s coding studio in Edinburgh, budding technology buffs are putting their passion for coding first as they train to become real-life coding ninjas!
This exciting new business is the first of its kind to open in Scotland, with 400 Code Ninjas locations already operational across England, the US and Canada.
The team bringing the new venture to our nation’s capital is Mark Higgins and Dacre Purchase. Mark, who has over 25 years’ experience in IT and 10 years’ experience running his own technology company will run the business with Dacre Purchase; Executive Director of various successful businesses building ventures including renewable energy industry.
Being joined by the long-term friends and business partners to deliver this exciting coding curriculum is studio manager Suzy Enoch – professional actress and circus performer!
“There’s nothing quite like Code Ninjas in Scotland,” said Suzy. “As someone who’s quite literally come from the circus, I wouldn’t have expected to be excited by coding and technology.
“But Code Ninjas is giving kids from all walks of life the opportunity to get involved with something they have a pent up passion for and love. I’ve seen some real parallels with Code Ninjas and my background in performance, as we aim to enrich every aspect of our ninjas’ development, including cooperation, their cognitive skills and their confidence.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s swinging from a Trapeze or putting the last part of code on a page. If it gives kids the chance to express themselves and to have a sense of accomplishment, developing digital literacy in a fun environment then we as adults and mentors should be doing everything we can to encourage it!”
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital literacy to families and has created an influx of children passionate about technology and computers, with Mark and Dacre already putting together a waiting list for prospective ninjas.
It is because of this that they are planning on opening a second location to meet the high demand for classes.
“We knew there was a market for Code Ninjas in Edinburgh but to already have so much interest is brilliant. We can’t wait to continue growing and give more kids the opportunity to express their passion for tech!” explained Mark.
At Code Ninjas, tech mentors are called Code Senseis® and kids are called ninjas. The brand’s fun, relaxed approach is something that helps kids ease into their learning experience. Instead of exams and grading, ninjas rise up the ranks through earning different coloured wrist bands – just like belts in martial arts.
Kids aged 5-14 will be found cooperating and learning alongside friends by building robots or even developing apps and games in a completely parent-free dojo!
Mark added: “As well as developing these important life skills, kids need to be able to express themselves away from their parents, as they haven’t been able to do so during the pandemic.
“The dojo puts kids in real-life problem-solving situations which, away from academics, are vital to their all-round development. We want kids to be able to see the other side of what they consume so freely on a daily basis, and what technology can do on a much larger scale in the future.”
Ninjas can attend up to two sessions a week and at times that are convenient to the family, with no need to attend sessions on the same day or time each week.
The Code Ninjas Edinburgh team will be hosting a grand opening party at their Morningside base on Saturday 23rd October, welcoming the local community to celebrate with games, entertainment and a slice of yummy cake.
To find out more about Code Ninjas’ grand opening party – and to book your place! – visit:
Amazon creates highly skilled jobs for Scotland across a wide range of professions, from software developers and product managers, to machine learning specialists
Job-seekers encouraged to take advantage of Amazon Career Day, one of the biggest free virtual training and recruiting events in the UK
Amazon, which has a development centre in Edinburgh and currently employs over 2,500 people in Scotland, is hiring for 100 tech and corporate jobs locally.
The majority of roles are for highly skilled jobs across a wide range of professions, from software developers and machine learning specialists, to applied sciences and product managers. Edinburgh was Amazon’s first research and development centre outside of North America and it has a well-earned reputation as a global centre for innovation, software engineering and machine learning.
Graeme Smith, Managing Director, Amazon Development Centre Scotland (ACDS), (above) said: “These highly skilled jobs join our incredibly talented teams in Scotland and provide exciting opportunities for those who want to be at the cutting edge of global technology.
“Our employees benefit hundreds of millions of customers around the world by focusing on personalised shopping recommendations, digital advertising and research and development.”
Amazon has more than 2,500 employees in Scotland – across the Amazon Development Centre in Edinburgh, fulfilment centres in Dunfermline and Gourock, as well as the Prime Now site in Glasgow, Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh and delivery stations in Edinburgh, Dundee, Bathgate, Aberdeen, Baillieston and Motherwell.
Job-seekers who are looking for a new role or to transition to a different career – at Amazon or at another company – are also being encouraged to participate in Amazon Career Day on Thursday 16 September, a free virtual training and recruiting event.
The day will give attendees the opportunity to participate in one of the 3,000 one-to-one career coaching sessions with Amazon recruiters to help participants land their next job and view livestreamed sessions with Amazon employees and industry experts.
People can register at amazoncareerday.com, where Amazon Career Day content will be available to view on demand for one month after the event.
The initiative takes place in the context of new research from Amazon, surveying 1,000 professional (employed and unemployed) adults in the UK in August 2021, highlighting:
· 21% of UK professionals are actively searching for a new job
· A further 38% of UK professionals are interested in finding a new job, but not actively looking
· Among employed adults in the UK, 29% say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to reconsider their career paths
· 42% of active UK job-seeking adults are interested in pursuing opportunities in industries they do not currently have experience in
· 78% of professionals in the UK say they want more job training/resources
“We are working hard every day to be the best place for people to have satisfying and fulfilling long-term careers,” said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
“Amazon continues to grow quickly and relentlessly invent across many areas, and we’re hoping that Career Day gives job seekers the support they need to learn new skills or reimagine their careers at Amazon or elsewhere.
“Whether you’re looking to start your first job, to gain new skills, or thinking of a completely fresh start in a new field, we have thousands of exciting opportunities available right across the UK,”said John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager.
“We created Career Day to provide free guidance, coaching and inspiration to anyone who wants to develop their career, whether that’s with Amazon or somewhere else.
“Whether you see your long term future at Amazon or elsewhere, we provide a wide range of training and development opportunities to take your career to the next level.”
Career Day attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Amazon employees including gaming, robotics, AI and sustainability experts, as well as colleagues who have joined Amazon on fully-funded apprenticeships. Each will reveal what they do, what their career path was, and what it’s like working at Amazon.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce will also be hosting a panel about apprenticeships at Amazon and opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to diversify and progress their careers.
Amazon now employs over 55,000 employees across the UK. All Amazon jobs come with competitive pay and benefits, whether they are based in a fulfilment centre or in a corporate office.
For hourly workers, pay starts at a minimum of £10.00 p/h. Amazon employees work in some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, with a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount, which combined are worth more than £700 annually, as well as a company pension plan.
This year, Amazon has created 10,000 new permanent jobs and 1,000 new fully-funded apprenticeship roles.
For employees who see Amazon as a stepping stone to a future career outside of Amazon, it has also created a pioneering Career Choice programme, through which Amazon pre-pays up to 95% of tuition fees for nationally recognised courses, ranging from accountancy to HGV driving and software development.
Up to £8,000 of tuition fees over four years is available through the programme. Amazon is partnering with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and local businesses on the programme to identify regional skills shortages and focus training on local demand – this will help meet the UK’s future employment needs outside of Amazon.
Participants can choose to walk where they like to celebrate someone they love
Connect with other supporters in an online group full of amazing people with a shared mission
Every penny raised in Scotland stays in Scotland to fulfil Alzheimer Scotland’s mission to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone
There’s still time to sign up and take part in Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk which takes place this weekend.
Scotland’s Memory Walk takes place on 18-19 September and a new fundraising platform has been launched to ensure that people taking part can feel connected and share their experience as one big community.
The idea behind Scotland’s Memory Walk is simple. People can choose where they want to walk, and with whom.
That means participants can choose somewhere that has a special meaning for them at a time that suits them over the weekend.
With so many great places to choose from locally you can create special memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.
The distance doesn’t matter, whether it’s 1km, 5km or 500km. It might even be a lap of the garden.
Best of all, it’s free of charge for everyone who takes part, although everyone is encouraged to raise as much as they can.
Participants will have the option to create a team with friends, family or colleagues and fundraise via their own personalised Memory Walk page.
Everyone who supports the campaign will also be able to earn rewards and badges, there are also prizes and medals up for grabs this year.
Every penny raised as a result of Scotland’s Memory Walk will go directly towards the support Alzheimer Scotland offers across Scotland, including their 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000).
Glasgow woman Agnes Dunn (79), who is a carer for her husband Ian, said: “A few years ago, Ian and I cut the ribbon for one of the Memory Walks, and it was amazing to see so many people turning up, and everyone was so happy and upbeat and having fun.
“Everyone was there for a common cause; it is something that everyone should try at least once. This year I’m planning on taking Ian around the block and to the park and get our family and friends to sponsor us.
“It’s nice to know that you’re part of a community that understands the challenges of living with dementia because it doesn’t just affect the person with dementia, carers and family live with it as well.”
Sarah Cheung, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Alzheimer Scotland, said:“We’re delighted to bring Scotland’s Memory Walk back this September to raise vital funds and awareness of dementia in Scotland. It’s so important to connect with friends and family, more so than ever, and our walk is the perfect way to do so.
“We’d love people to choose a special location for their walk; perhaps somewhere local that holds a special memory, or even your garden if you’re not able to venture far. Our hope is that this year’s walk will reach every corner of Scotland over the weekend of 18-19 September. If you are unable to take part on these dates we would still love you to sign up and complete your walk on a date that works for you.
“Many participants have something in common, they’re walking for someone they care about, a person living with dementia, a carer or in memory of a loved one. We hope Scotland’s Memory Walk gives people the chance to honour their loved ones and feel connected to the dementia community across the country.
“Every penny raised will go directly towards helping Alzheimer Scotland support people living with dementia and their loved ones, at a time when they need us more than ever.”
A LOCAL Edinburgh bagpiper has been moving care home residents to tears with nostalgic melodies.
The musical visit from piper, Matt McKelvie, was organised by dedicated care home staff at Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa in Loanhead after putting up a notice on social media.
Playing traditional Scottish melodies such as ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘Highland Cathedral’, the young Edinburgh piper is now returning for his second gig.
Matt McKelvie said: “I saw that Pine Villa was looking for a musician on social media and thought playing the bagpipes for care home residents sounded great.
“As things are getting back to normal and people start to socialise more, I think events like these are so important, as they brighten up residents’ days and they get to enjoy something a bit different from their usual routine.
“It was a lovely event, everyone really enjoyed themselves! Residents were dancing away and laughing, it was great.
“One of the residents used to be a minister for the Church of Scotland, so he asked me to play ‘Amazing Grace’ for him. It was truly heart-warming seeing his face light up when he heard the song.”
At 8 years old, Matt started private lessons at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming at Redford Barracks.
His early passion for music was ignited by his grandfather who used to be a drum major for ‘The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ and has been a leading role model and inspiration.
The young bagpiper added: “The best part for me was the way I made the residents feel, seeing them enjoy my playing truly makes me happy.
“I mainly have been playing at weddings and funerals, but after visiting Pine Villa, I am hoping that will change soon and I can play at a broader variety of events and celebrations.
Originally a hobby Matt is seeking to play full-time after he completes his higher education at Glasgow National Piping Centre.
Denise Williams, manager at Pine Villa, said: “Our residents had an amazing time listening to Matt and it was a delight to see them enjoying themselves and are looking forward to having him play again.”
Operating 11 care homes across Edinburgh Borders and west of Scotland, Mansfield care is designed to provide bespoke care to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.
Specialising in unique small, friendly residential / nursing care homes, staff work under an ethos that is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.
The highly trained staff ensure a commitment and continuity of care to each resident with a dedicated home manager and wellbeing coordinator to plan activities according to resident’s wishes.
