The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 2037 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Newhaven Fishwives take centre stage in new audio play

Newhaven’s iconic fishwives are at the heart of the latest audio drama from Leith-based theatre company, Citadel Arts Group.

The Fishwives, by Lizzie McLean, stars Nicola Roy as one of the titular fishwives. Nicola is the host and creator of The Cultural Coven podcast and she enjoyed international success playing Elmire in an award-winning production of Liz Lochead’s Tartuffe at the 2020 Adelaide Fringe.

The Fishwives may be set in 1812, but it highlights some surprisingly modern attitudes, as the play’s Director, Mark Kydd explains: “What really struck me about the play was the degree of autonomy and financial independence enjoyed by Newhaven Fishwives in the early nineteenth century, not a period renowned for women’s emancipation.

“I think Lizzie’s writing beautifully captures the strength, humour and camaraderie of these women.”

Nicola (whose character helps a Leith lad evade the clutches of the notorious pressgangs who roamed the ports during the Napoleonic Wars) agrees: “The Fishwives is a beautiful, lively little piece about the resilience, humour and rather modern Newhaven Fishwives.

“As an Edinburgh girl and actress it was great to work in east coast dialect which the writer, Lizzie, captured so well and to learn of the important history and contribution of these ‘on the surface’ ordinary women.”

Not only is the play set in Newhaven, but the production also has a number of connections with the area.

The play’s writer, Lizzie McLean, is Newhaven based, as is musician Sophia Abrahamsen, whose expertise helped bring the vibrant history of the Newhaven Fishwives to life.

Producer and founder of Citadel Arts Group, Liz Hare says: “We wanted to make sure the play was as accurate as possible, so had asked Sophia – who’s in the Newhaven Choir – to help us find some traditional songs to feature in the piece.

“Not only did she find us three wonderful songs, which she also performs in the play, but she was also able to share her historical expertise on the fishwives, helping us with details such as authentic names and language.

“As the last known Newhaven fishwife is believed to have retired as recently as 1976, there are still many people who will remember these remarkable women, so it was particularly important to us to honor their history and traditions”

The Fishwives will be available online at www.citadelgoesviral.com from Sunday 13 June.

WWF celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s outstanding contributions to global conservation

Sir David Attenborough, world renowned naturalist, writer and broadcaster, has been named the recipient of WWF’s Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award which honours and recognizes outstanding contributions made to the global conservation movement.

For over 60 years, Sir David Attenborough has brought the wonders of the natural world to our screens and into our homes, completely transforming our view of the wild world and inspiring action for our planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats.

His extraordinary broadcasting career began when he joined BBC Television in 1952. From his first ever documentary series to the more recent A Life On Our Planet, Sir David Attenborough has become synonymous with natural history programming.

His lifelong ambition has been to create societal affinity with the natural world through his work and he has been a strong advocate for the need to translate this affinity into real, collective action to protect our planet.

“Sir David Attenborough has been a passionate champion for the natural world, dedicating his life to inspiring hundreds of millions around the world to love and care for nature and wildlife. Across more than 60 years, his universal appeal has transcended generations and borders,” said Pavan Sukhdev, President of WWF International.

“With nature in crisis like never before, we need everyone on the planet to be a voice for nature and Sir David Attenborough has been a shining example of that advocacy. He has been integral in explaining nature to audiences and inspiring action for our planet, our one shared home.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award carries particular poignancy this year given the passing of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh in April.

Prince Philip – who would have turned 100 today – was a pivotal patron of WWF, serving as a passionate voice, advocate and champion for the organization’s work from its creation and particularly as WWF International’s President from 1981 to 1996. The Prince was also the first president of WWF-UK, from its founding in 1961 until 1982.

In 1970, WWF established its prestigious award, eponymously named the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award, to recognize and encourage significant achievement in the global environmental field.

Sir David said: “It is a particular honour to receive an award that carries the name of His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke was a great pioneer of the conservation movement both in the UK and internationally.

“His concern for the natural world came from a deep knowledge and understanding, and his energy, advocacy and ability to reach leaders and people all around the world was an inspiration.”

This year WWF marks 60 years of conservation impact and its mission has only grown in relevance and scope over the last six decades, expanding from the protection of species and places to a systemic approach to nature conservation and sustainable development, partnering with others to address the conservation at scale of wildlife, forests, ocean and freshwater systems and to tackle the main drivers of nature loss.

Today WWF is calling for urgent action to address the global climate and nature crises and ensure a sustainable future for all. The conservation movement, along with world leaders, businesses and communities will have to achieve more in the next 10 years than in the last 60.

Sir David added: “The natural world has never been in greater need of help than it is today. I have seen the damage we have done to it myself. The good news is more and more people are beginning to recognise the threat of impending catastrophe.

“But there is a long way to go and time is running out. It will be the next generation that determines the future of our planet, and the passion of young people that will ensure that change happens.”

MSP applauds talking newspaper

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon MacDonald, has commended Cue and Review, a talking newspapers daily service in Scotland, on the launch of their new Alexa “skill” app “Talking Newspaper”.

The MSP welcomed the app, which allows visually and reading impaired users to access talking newspapers and magazines from all over the UK using their Alexa device, by lodging a celebratory motion in The Scottish Parliament

The project was funded with £50,485 from the Scottish Government’s Community Recovery Fund, which enabled Cue and Review, since January 2021, to work on the project with the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). The app is currently compatible with all Scottish talking newspaper titles available on the current BWBF Talking Newspaper phone app onto Alexa.

To get started using the skill say “Alexa Enable, Talking Newspapers”. Then say “Alexa, open talking newspaper” to your Alexa device. A short message will play, meaning you have successfully started the skill. Say “play” and the name of the title you would like to listen to; for example, “play Cue and Review The National”.

SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald, said: “The last year has shown, more than ever, how important it is to be able to access quality, trusted news. It lets us stay informed and connected on a daily basis, and is a vital resource when we are going through some of the toughest times in our lives. It should go without saying that those who are visually and reading impaired should have access to this too.

“I am thrilled that Cue and Review have managed to launch their Alexa Skill , “Talking Newspaper”, and I would like to extend a huge congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this success.

“I would also encourage anyone who would like to support this extremely worthwhile initiative, to volunteer with Cue and Review – you can even help from your own home. I understand that the service is heavily reliant on volunteers so every bit of help will be very much appreciated.”

£250,000 recovery fund for Capital’s carers

The City of Edinburgh Council and VOCAL, Voice of Carers Across Lothian, have announced a new Carers Recovery Fund.

Recognising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unpaid carers, the City of Edinburgh Council has committed to an investment of £250,000 to support unpaid carers. VOCAL will serve as the lead partner, managing the delivery of the fund.

Prior to the pandemic, 65,084 people in Edinburgh had caring responsibilities, 13.7% of the population. For many their caring role increased massively and it is estimated that across Scotland nearly 400,000 additional citizens took on caring responsibilities.

Research released for Carers Week by the Carers Week charities found that 71% of unpaid carers in Scotland have not had any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic.

Of those who got a break, over a third (36%) used the time to complete practical tasks or housework, and almost a quarter (24%) to attend their own medical appointments.

Three quarters (77%) reported being exhausted as a result of caring during the pandemic.

More than a third (36%) said they feel unable to manage their unpaid caring role.

The Carers Recovery Fund is an important step towards further investment in carers as the largest providers of care in our communities. The Fund will be allocated as a one-off payment to individual carers, and can be used to support carer health and wellbeing, enable carers to take a short break and to improve the financial wellbeing of carers.

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Carers Champion for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m so pleased we’re investing £250k in this Carers Recovery Fund in recognition of the extra challenges and additional pressures they have faced during the pandemic.

“Many carers have been unable to get a break from their role and have suffered a loss of support networks so this one off investment recognises the dedicated, unheralded and unpaid work they do.

“This funding is really important in the current climate especially for young carers who have been badly affected by not being able to meet their friends through lost school time. Anything we can do to support them is welcome news and we look forward to working with VOCAL on this project.

“The Carers Recovery Fund is part of a wider £21m package boosting our work for core ambitions of the Council – tackling poverty and inequality, boosting sustainability and enhancing wellbeing for everyone here in Edinburgh.”

Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL said: “We look forward to working with the City of Edinburgh Council to administer the new Carers Recovery Fund for unpaid carers across the city.

“As the Carers Week report has shown, many carers have not been able to access a break due to the pandemic. Now, more than ever, the health and social care system relies on unpaid carers.

“It is vital that their right to regular breaks is recognised. This investment is a statement of intent and will have a positive impact on the lives of individual carers across different caring roles.”

COP26 launches environment education packs for UK schools and students

UK schools to promote the environment to students ahead of COP26 climate conference in November
Prime Minister visits school in Cornwall as part of school education pack launch
Education Pack to encourage student climate leaders to come forward as an inspiration to others

Schools across the UK are being encouraged to start a conversation on climate change with their students, ahead of the UK hosting global climate summit COP26 later this year, as the Together for Our Planet Schools Pack launches today (Thursday 10 June).

The pack, which is hosted on the COP26 website and sent to UK schools, is designed to engage students on climate action, encourage conversations about tackling climate change, and help students learn more about the COP26 summit in Glasgow this year. This will include a guide for running a green assembly, along with ideas like a ‘walk to school’ week and resources that have been created by the likes of WWF and TED Talks to support schools.

Ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister will visit a school in Cornwall today to see how schools and students are already playing their part in protecting the environment and learning about the fight against climate change.

As part of the pack, there will also be content focused on identifying the UK’s future student climate leaders, remarkable young people who are already contributing to climate action in many ways including recycling, eating seasonal foods and walking to school. The actions that schools and pupils are taking across the country will help inspire others to follow their lead.

On the launch of pack, the COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma said: “The role of young people in tackling climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our generation, will be crucial.

“I am delighted to see this school pack being launched today which will be made available right across the UK so that pupils can bring discussion and debate on the environment directly to their classrooms.

“It will be exciting to see young people engage on this pressing issue ahead of COP26.”

The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson said: “When I visit schools around the country, something I’m always struck by is how engaged in environmental issues young people are. Tackling climate change requires action from each of us on an individual and collective basis and this pack helps schools encourage both those things.

“I’m excited to see how schools’ climate leaders bring their passion, creativity and intelligence to help us secure a sustainable future.”

Matt Larsen-Daw, Education Manager, WWF-UK said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the launch of today’s Together For Our Planet Schools Pack and to have been part of its development.

“Young people have the biggest stake in the outcomes of the UN COP in November, and it is vital that they are informed and engaged as this pivotal milestone in the fight against climate change takes place on their doorstep, here in the UK.

“This pack can help educators bring COP and the issues it seeks to address to life for their students and the whole school community.”

Matt Hipperson, Head Teacher, St Luke’s CEVA Primary School said: “The issue of climate change is probably the most important problem of our age. It is destroying opportunities for large areas of our planet to prosper and live sustainably.

“Our most important resource in the struggle against the impact of climate change is our young people who have the bravery to make the changes needed to give the world hope for a sustainable future.

“This resource will help our children access trustworthy information, organise their thoughts and work towards the solutions that our planet is crying out for.”

Rapid test kits rolled out to pharmacies

Community pharmacies across Scotland are extending access to rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits for people without COVID-19 symptoms.

The expansion, which began yesterday (Wednesday 9 June) is aimed at encouraging further uptake of testing among people with no symptoms and finding cases which would otherwise go undetected.

It builds on current efforts in place to improve access to rapid lateral flow devices (LFDs) for people without COVID-19 symptoms, by making it easier for people without access to digital services.

Free packs are available to be collected from participating pharmacies, with each containing seven devices which can provide results in around 30 minutes.

People with symptoms of COVID-19 should not enter pharmacies to collect self-test kits or use a LFD and must instead self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at NHS Inform.

Heath Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Testing has a vital role to play as we move safely out of lockdown and this rollout of testing kits to pharmacies for the public to drop in and pick up helps build on our strategy to tackle COVID-19.

“It would be a mistake to think that the successful delivery of the vaccination programme means testing becomes less important. The evidence suggests vaccination provides strong protection, but does not yet guarantee you can’t still get the virus and pass it on.

“Around one in three people with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms and rapid lateral flow testing is already helping us identify new cases. The ability to quickly identify new outbreaks and put appropriate measures in place will remain at the heart of our strategy to help break chains of transmission.

“Regular, rapid testing is already available to people in a wide range of settings, including schools and communities where rates remain high and everyone should access testing regularly.”

People can find out which pharmacies are taking part by going to NHS inform, following a link and entering their postcode.

Anyone with symptoms, such as a cough, fever or loss of taste or smell should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR (polymarese chain reaction) test.

Rapid LFD test kits, which can be used from home for people to test themselves twice-weekly, are already available for pick-up without an appointment from many local walk-in, or drive-through test sites, or by ordering online, or by phone.

Professor Harry McQuillan from Community Pharmacy Scotland said: “The community pharmacy network across Scotland provides access to NHS services close to people’s homes at the heart of our communities.

“This distribution service further enhances the ongoing testing programme and builds upon the community pharmacy teams role in supporting Scotland’s public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has praised pharmacies across the city for helping to rollout rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kits for people without COVID-19 symptoms.

The expansion which began yesterday (Wednesday 9 June) is aimed at encouraging further uptake of testing among people with no symptoms and finding cases which would otherwise go undetected.

This is building on current efforts to improve access to rapid lateral flow devices for people without COVID-19 symptoms, by making it easier for people without access to digital services.

Among the many pharmacies who have voluntarily signed up to participate in the expansion are Colinton Pharmacy, MacKinnon Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy Wester Hailes, Lloyds Pharmacy Calder Road, Gate 55 Sighthill Road, Colinton Mains Pharmacy, Lindsay and Gilmour Chemist Juniper Green, Calder Pharmacy, Oxgangs Pharmacy and Boots Pharmacy Buckstone Terrace.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “This is very welcome news and I am sure will be a source of great help to so many people across the city.

“Rapid lateral flow testing is already helping to pick up news case so all efforts to increase LFDs will help even more. This, in turn, helps to identify new outbreaks and put in place mitigating measures to reduce transmission as quickly as possible.

“I would like to thank all the community pharmacies across Edinburgh Pentlands, and right across the city, who are participating in this rollout. Community pharmacies have, and continue to, play a key role in supporting Scotland’s public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic by providing access to NHS services close to people’s homes and lives.”

There are 1,258 community pharmacies across Scotland that are eligible to sign up for the service. Participation is voluntary and it is for pharmacy owners to opt-in to provide the service.

Edinburgh food and drink businesses target growth through The Academy

Four Edinburgh businesses are amongst the first cohort of businesses to sign up to The Academy, a new and unique training initiative to help food and drink businesses targeting growth, after the industry was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 and Brexit.

Open to food and drink businesses of all sizes and ambition, The Academy, is a series of programmes being delivered by Scotland Food & Drink Partnership and training experts Levercliff Associates to support businesses sell themselves, build their brands, thrive and compete in highly competitive retail and foodservice markets.

The three training programmes – Seeding Growth, Accelerating Growth and Commercial Excellence – have been designed to support companies at various stages in their development.

The Academy programmes are the first major investment from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s £5m Recovery Plan which is supported by The Scottish Government. It will run for two and a half years and aims to support over 200 Scottish businesses.

Mimi’s Bakehouse are kickstarting their growth journey by joining the Seeding Growth programme. A further three businesses including Bon Accord Soft Drinks, Scotch & Co and The Drinks Bakery are upskilling on Accelerating Growth.

Seeding Growth, which started in May and will run for twelve weeks, is aimed at companies whose primary focus is maximising their local markets and beginning to consider opportunities in the broader Scottish marketplace.

Natalie Togeher, Finance Manager at Mimi’s Bakehouse, said: “The past year has been beyond challenging but we have attempted and survived! We feel now is a great time to reflect on where the business is and how we can move forward in a sustainable way continuing to bring the best sweet treats we can to our customers.

“The Academy will help us with the direction of the business and understand planning decisions when it comes to potential new product lines.”

The Accelerating Growth course is aimed at established businesses already supplying large customers in Scotland and looking to advance in the wider UK market, and will start this month (June)and run for six months.

Andy Murray, Founder at The Drinks Bakery, said: “This last year has been a huge challenge for The Drinks Bakery as much of the hard work and momentum built up through 2019 came to an end and the large-scale contracts that we were so close to getting simply fell away.

“That said, we still saw growth through 2020, just from different channels. Our D2C channel took off through Amazon and a hastily set up webshop as people wanted to spoil themselves at home. Plus our range started to fly off the shelves in the delis and farm shops around the UK as more people shopped closer to home.

“The Drinks Bakery is now getting closer to partnering with the right sort of UK multiple retail and we’ve been exporting small amounts to Europe, UAE and North America over the last 2 years but things are about to get bigger.

“Being part of the Scotland Food & Drink Academy is exactly the support we need at this crucial stage of scaling.”

Lucy Husband, Market Development and Business Engagement Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Academy aims to bring a renewed sense of positivity and optimism for businesses when it comes to growing their brands. It is fantastic to see so many local food and drink businesses focus on their future and revisit their ambitions for growth after an extraordinarily difficult year.

“These programmes have a real focus on knowledge sharing, upskilling and innovating, and are fundamentally about helping businesses to deliver a real step-change for long term growth. Change that is rooted in the here and now in the commercial realities of the world we live in, but with an eye to the future.

“Whilst we don’t know what the future might hold, food and drink will undoubtably continue to be a key export and economic contributor for Scotland and we are thrilled to be able to support businesses grow their brand to compete in local, UK and international markets.”

Applications are now open for future cohorts of The Academy. The deadline for applications for cohort two of Seeding Growth which starts in September is Sunday 13 June, however applications will continuously remain open for future cohorts.

The first cohort of Commercial Excellence will start later this year.

To find our more and apply, please visit: www.foodanddrink.scot/the-academy/

Bodysuit designed to support insulin pump users

An Edinburgh Napier product design student has created a bodysuit that aims to make it easier for women affected by type 1 diabetes to wear an insulin pump with any type of clothing.

Final year student Katarzyna Pohorecka has developed ‘Mude’ – a range of six nude-coloured bodysuits that contain a specially designed pouch that discreetly holds an insulin pump.

The work – which is being exhibited this week as part of the University’s online Degree Show – has been created after a gap in the market was identified for a product that allowed female insulin pump users to wear their pump under their clothes.

The inclusive range – which has been completely designed and sewn by Kat as part of her fourth year studies at Edinburgh Napier – comes in six different colours and in sizes XS to XXL.

Kat was inspired to create the range of bodysuits – which can also be worn as an individual item of clothing rather than as underwear – after her research showed that women regularly have issues wearing certain types of clothing, especially lighter clothes and dresses, while using an insulin pump.

Kat said: “My best friend has type 1 diabetes and she’s often remarked to me that she can’t wear certain items of clothing because they are just not compatible with her insulin pump.

“I started researching this area and I found that despite there being some accessories such as belts and bumbags to help with wearing an insulin pump, there was nothing specifically made with comfort and discreetness in mind.

“Mude – which takes its names from the word miód which is Polish for honey and nude which reflects the colours I have used – has been designed with these two aspects in mind. I wanted to create something that allowed women to wear any item of clothing along with their insulin pump.

“I’ve always been a believer that clothing – and the fashion industry as a whole – should be doing more to make clothing inclusive for all. I have designed the range in six colours and in a variety of sizes as I aim to make it as accessible for as many people as possible.

“Now that my time at Edinburgh Napier has come to an end, I’m really keen to continue pursuing my idea and would love to bring Mude to market, putting it on sale for those affected by type 1 diabetes who feel they could benefit from something like this.

“Design for a social impact has always been incredibly important to me and I’m hopeful of meeting this goal throughout the remainder of the year.”

The Edinburgh Napier Degree Show runs from 2 June. More information and to view this year’s work, visit here.

Age Scotland: Could lockdown have a long-term impact on our strength and mobility?

It’s something many of us have noticed over the past year. We’ve been getting our shopping delivered, the weekly Keep Fit class is on hold, and phone calls have replaced a cuppa with friends.

We’ve had to postpone regular activities, whether that’s a game of bowls or playing with grandchildren. And while many have tried to keep up that daily walk, the Covid-19 pandemic has kept others confined to home.

“Stay at home” has been the safest advice – with many older people either shielding or significantly cutting down their social interactions.

But now that the vaccine rollout is well underway and restrictions are starting to lift, what impact has this had on our longer-term health?

Age Scotland’s new research confirms the impact that lockdown has had on our daily life – almost two thirds of over-50s say they have been less active over the past year.

Around half are worried that spending so much time at home has led to a loss of strength and mobility.

This had led to concerns that the restrictions could have a serious impact on our health over the next few years. Tens of thousands of older people could be experiencing “deconditioning” – declining physical fitness caused by lack of activity and spending long periods of time sitting.

This can lead to a loss of muscle strength, balance, flexibility and overall mobility, which can leave people more vulnerable to falls and likely to require social care support in the years to come.

It can even lead to health problems resulting in higher mortality from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

One way to combat this is through an innovative app called LifeCurve, developed by researchers at Strathclyde University, It’s based on research that found that we lose the ability to do things in a particular order as we age.

Early on the curve, we might be able to go for a brisk walk, while as we get older we might start to struggle with housework, bathing or cutting toenails.

The good news is this is not set in stone at a particular age. We can improve our position on the LifeCurve by staying physically active and keeping up with regular daily tasks. This can slow the ageing process and help us to live a healthy, independent life for longer.

We can all try to build more physical activity into our lives, whatever our fitness and ability level. Age Scotland has developed its Around the House in 80 Days series of videos to help people of all ages stay fit safely at home.

For many people, the issue is a lack of confidence after around 15 months at home. It’s often tempting to offer to help an older relative or neighbour by doing the shopping or cooking a meal. But it might be more helpful to encourage them to do more independently.

Perhaps you could offer to walk with someone to the shops or try a gentle exercise class (in person or online) together?

Many Age Scotland groups, such as Men’s Sheds and walking clubs, are now re-opening safely, giving further opportunities for physical and social activity.

It might start with a small step, but it could go a long way to ensuring a healthier later life.