Latest suicide figures are ‘the tip of the iceberg’, says charity

Data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) released yesterday shows that there were 833 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2019, an increase from 784 in 2018.

Six hundred and twenty men and 213 women took their own lives in 2019, with people aged 45-54 most at risk. People in our poorest areas were also more likely to take their own lives.

This link between deprivation and suicide is well known. Between 2015 and 2019, people living in the most deprived areas were three times more likely to die by suicide compared to those living in the least deprived areas.

Claire Sweeney, Director of Place and Wellbeing at Public Health Scotland said: “Each of these deaths are a tragedy arising from profound distress, and are all preventable. They will have left immeasurable grief across families and communities.

“The unprecedented challenges we have all faced in 2020 perhaps make it easier to understand that anyone can experience mental illness. That’s one of the reasons why Public Health Scotland is prioritising improving mental wellbeing as part of our strategic plan (A Scotland where everybody thrives).

“We will work with our partners to help grow the understanding of levels of suicide in the communities they work with, and more broadly to support better mental wellbeing across Scotland.”

Following the release of these figures the Scottish Public Health Observatory has published supporting information available.

View the report on the ScotPHO website 

If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide please call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116123.

Responding to Public Health Scotland figures revealing that 833 people died by probable suicide in 2019, a spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “The statistics highlighting that there were 833 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2019 is devastating for so many families and only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to highlighting the mental health crisis we are currently in.

“We have for some time called for radical transformation in our mental health services and expressed our concerns over the lack of investment in these for our children and young people. Currently around 50p in every £100 of NHS spending goes to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and yet we know that one in ten children has a diagnosable mental health problem and that figure is increasing. These problems of course if not addressed carry on into adult life.

“With increased numbers of those experiencing mental health problems, as well as those whose existent conditions are being worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with further cuts in services, this points to a mental health crisis ‘perfect storm’.

“While referrals have dropped during lockdown and children are not accessing support, we are storing up immense problems for the future as mental health services face being overwhelmed due to greatly increased demand.

“In addition to the NHS, local authorities, the third sector and other independent organisations play a key role in providing mental health support. Yet these services have seen their resources cut over the years, putting an even greater burden on specialist and costly mental health services. It is vital that they receive increased funding or we face witnessing a ‘lost generation’ of vulnerable children and young people

“Mental health services must be given funding and resources equal to that of physical health provision and this pandemic has ushered in an urgency to deliver on this which cannot be ignored.”

Portobello High Street road death: police re-issue witness appeal

Police are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward following a road crash on Portobello High Street in which a local 36-year-old woman died.

At around 2.45pm on Monday, 2 November, Heather Stronach (36), died after she and her bike were involved in a collision with a lorry on Portobello High Street at its junction with Sir Harry Lauder Road.

Sergeant Mark Banner, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said:”We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw the collision take place to come forward if they have not already done so.

“I am particularly keen to speak to two car drivers who may be able to assist. The first was in a car stationary at the junction of Sir Harry Lauder Road, and the other was in a small black car on Portobello High Street. They may have information that could prove very helpful to our enquiry.

“Also, we’d still appeal to any pedestrians who were there or to anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage from the street around 2.45pm to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1829 of 2 November.”

PIC: The Record

A Cautious Christmas: Joint agreement on festive period

Have a Happy Christmas – but hang back at Hogmanay

The Scottish Government has agreed a cautious and limited relaxation of the rules on household meetings to support people over the Christmas period.

A maximum of three households are to be able to meet in a “bubble” during a short window of time across the festive period.

Households will be able to travel between local authorities and between the four nations during December 23 and 27 to form a bubble, and must only join one bubble.

The five-day period provides time for travel, and for those who may have to work over Christmas. Households are not required to use all five days and should keep visits to no more than one or two days if possible.

Confirming the plans, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it is clear that there is a risk inherent in any relaxation of the restrictions and asked everyone to consider very carefully whether the opportunity to mix for a few days is necessary given the risk of spreading the virus.

She said: “We know that for some, contact with friends and family is crucial during this time as isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over the Christmas period. The “bubble” approach aims to reduce this impact.

“But we must be clear, there cannot be any further relaxation of measures for Hogmanay.  Even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread. Our priority is to suppress transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the risk to the vulnerable and those who have spent so long shielding – and that involves abiding by the rules.

“Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to. If you choose to stick with the rules as they are, then you will be continuing the hard work to beat this virus and prevent its spread.”

The approach states:

  • a “bubble” should be formed household to household only (i.e. different people in a household should not pick their own bubble)
  • between 23 and 27 December, people can meet in an exclusive “bubble” composed of three households
  • you should stay with your “bubble” where they are hosting you and you should follow the travel advice for the level you are in (e.g. people being hosted in a level 3 area cannot go on an outing to a level 2 area)
  • within your “bubble”, you can gather in a home, an outdoor place or a place of worship
  • in all other settings – eg. hospitality, entertainment venues – those who have formed a bubble must only socialise with members of their own household
  • households deciding to form a bubble will be advised to limit social contact before and after the period of relaxation

Further detailed guidance will be published shortly.

The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations agreed on joint arrangements for an easing of social restrictions that will allow friends and loved ones to reunite over the Christmas period.

All four parts of the UK have signed off an aligned approach allowing up to three households to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ from December 23 to 27.

Individuals will also be able to travel between tiers and across the whole of the UK without restriction within the five-day period, for the purposes of meeting with their bubble. Those travelling to and from Northern Ireland will be permitted to travel an additional day either side.

The approach was agreed by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, and the First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland during a COBR meeting he chaired yesterday afternoon.

Speaking following the meeting, Mr Gove said: “The UK-wide agreement reached today will offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year.

“We know that the Christmas period this year will not be normal, but following constructive discussions between the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, families and friends will now have the option to meet up in a limited and cautious way across the UK should they wish.

“In coming to this agreement, we have listened to scientific and clinical advice on how best to minimise the risk and reach a balanced and workable set of rules that we hope will allow people to spend time together at this important time of year.”

Each administration will clarify their own rules on support bubbles and extended households in due course.

In England, support bubbles will continue to be counted as one household.

Christmas bubbles will be able to gather in private homes, attend places of worship together and meet in outdoor public places. Beyond this, people should continue to follow all other local restrictions in the area. Guidance is being published on Gov.uk.

As part of the agreement, each administration will be reminding households that they should remain alert to the risks still posed by the virus and consider how, where possible, they can celebrate and support more isolated friends and loved ones through alternative approaches such as video calls and meeting outdoors.

When following these new rules, people are reminded to continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable. Forming a bubble for those who are vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable carries additional risks.

The four parts of the UK will work together to communicate these new measures across the country and ensure that communities are aware of any variations in approaches.

Details of the new measures can be found in the joint statement, agreed yesterday.

Morrisons slashes A THIRD off champagne and has cheapest 1L Bailey’s in supermarkets ALL WEEK

This Black Friday week, Morrisons has slashed the price of a 1L bottle of Baileys in-stores to just £9.99, the cheapest price in a UK supermarket.

The spirit will set you back £20 at Sainsbury’s, but Morrisons customers can now pick up a bottle in-store for less than half that price. They will have to act quickly though; the deal is only available in Morrisons stores until the end of the week.

This week, Morrisons is also offering A THIRD OFF all bottles of champagne in stores and online including bottles of Veuve Clicquot Vintage Champagne and Bollinger Rose Champagne which usually retail for £50 each, saving customers £17. 

Included in the third off deal is the Adrien Chopin Brut Champagne, which is exclusively stocked in Morrisons and has been crowned ‘Best Champagne for Christmas’ by independent consumer group Which?. The award-winning fizz will cost just £12 a bottle until Sunday. 

Morrisons customers will also be able to save big on brands such as Bollinger, Moët, Taittinger and Lanson.

Morrisons is also offering half-price Rump Steaks from the Market Street Butcher counter. Normally £15 per kilo, the premium cut will be available for just £7.50 per kilo – that’s £1.71 for an 8oz steak.

2.3kg crates of sweet clementine’s will also be on offer for just £2.50. Normally retailing at £2.06 per kilo that’s a saving of over 47 percent.

To help customers avoid crowds, the offers are available now in-store until Sunday 29th November. Morrisons third off champagne offer will also be available online. 

Give something back this Christmas with a gift from Invisible Cities

Profits from purchases will directly support people who have previously experienced homelessness

2020 will, for many, have been one of the toughest years of our lives, and for those who are currently experiencing homeless or those who have found themselves without a roof over their heads in the past, this Christmas could perhaps be one of their most challenging times.

Social enterprise Invisible Cities are inviting you to support them by purchasing from a carefully curated selection of unique gifts, available for sale via their website.

All profits from purchases will go directly towards supporting some of those most in need of support this winter:

 

Scotland Map (Unframed, £7 or Framed black, £12) –

This unique design of Scotland has been created exclusively for Invisible Cities, by their very own artist in residence – Nicola Boon! Full of intricate illustrations, this makes a great gift, on its own or framed.

City of Edinburgh Hand Drawn Illustrated Map Print (£15) –

Crammed with tiny details, this map displays many of the famous landmarks and is the perfect way to celebrate your local pride, as a souvenir of your time in Edinburgh or as a gift for a loved one. The map was also created for Invisible (Edinburgh), by Nicola Boon, a local artist based in the capital (Print comes unframed and signed by the artist). 

Invisible Cities Kids Bundle (£12) –

This is THE perfect gift for the little people around you. Each kit includes: Invisible Cities Sticker Set with a map of the UK where you can stick them all, stickers of each of the guides, a set of 5 colouring sheets, each representing the Invisible Cities, a set of mini colouring pencils and a Scotland Memory Game for the whole family to enjoy!

Invisible Cities World Tour Subscription Box – Yearly Subscription (£105) –

Want your children to discover the world from the comfort of your home? This box is for you: with a different activity book each time, it has games, gifts and unique items to collect. Each box is themed on a different country and for each box purchased, Invisible Cities distribute free books, activities and games to children in temporary accommodation.

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, Founder & CEO of Invisible Cities CIC comments, “This has been such a tough year for so many people and we are doing everything that we can to support some people who may have been hit harder than others as a result of this pandemic.

“Through purchasing out gifts online, people can show they care for a loved one whilst also paying it forward and supporting those who really need it.”  

Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that doesn’t believe in labels or stereotypes. They want to show that everyone has great potential.

They train people affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city and offer these alternative tours to tourists and locals.

Training focuses on confidence building, public speaking and customer service.

They partner with professional tour guides to build bespoke tours and practice their routes.

For more information visit https://invisible-cities.org/

OYNB to offer 25% discount on all products for Cyber Week 2020

Substantial discounts will support people towards regaining control of their relationship with alcohol amidst UK’s crisis

Discount deals will run from 24th November 00:01 GMT until 30th November 00:00

Recent data shows that millions are turning to alcohol to cope with the pandemic – leading to a decline in both physical health and mental health for many across the nation.

In a bid to support those in need and encourage them to kick start their ’New Year Now’, the online toolkit for surviving modern alcohol-free society, OYNB will be offering a blanket discount of 25% across all of their products for this year’s Cyber Week.

Ruari Fairbairns, Co-Founder and CEO of OYNB comments: “It’s absolutely devastating to read these recent reports confirming the number of people drinking at ‘high risk’ levels has doubled to almost 8.5million since February.

“By offering a huge discount on our products at the end of this month, we really hope that it will encourage people to invest in themselves and turn things around now so that they can move into the new year feeling happier and stronger both physically and mentally.”

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People interested in addressing their relationship with alcohol will be able to bag themselves discounts on all of the OYNB Challenges which are designed to cover 28, 90 and 365 days.

They will also be able to purchase discounted Alcohol Free Me bundles as well as Accelerator calls and the OYNB Mastermind aimed specifically at anyone who has been alcohol free for 90 days or more.

Fairbairns continues: “Many people are already aware of the fact that they drink too much, but it’s more important than ever for them to address this and work towards going into the new year in a positive mindset.

“Through offering these discounts as part of this year’s Cyber Week we really hope that people will start to take action now! And for those who want to delay this a little, for whatever reason, we are also offering people the opportunity to delay the start date of their challenges to the 1st January.”

OYNB has recently launched their New Year Now campaign which aims to support people towards making positive lifestyle choices now, rather than waiting for key milestone dates like Dry January or the start of 2021 to kickstart their path to recovery.

The sole mission behind the campaign is to encourage people to acknowledge the impact that C19 has had on their drinking behaviour and support them in committing to a longer alcohol-free streak than just one month. That commitment will empower them to start 2021 off with a really solid foundation for physical and mental health and wellbeing.

For more information, and to purchase any of their challenges, visit https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/

Residential outdoor education centres fund is now open

A fund to help residential outdoor education centres mitigate the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has openeds for applications.

Centres which are facing financial challenges can apply for funds to help with running costs and to enable staff to deliver outdoor learning in and around schools.

Science Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Residential outdoor education centres are facing severe challenges. As well as providing much-needed support, this fund will mean pupils can continue to benefit from outdoor learning, which is an important aspect of Scotland’s curriculum and can play a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and attainment.

“I hope this funding, along with third sector and youth work funding streams which are already available, alleviates some of the pressures and allows centres to offer meaningful experiences to young people.

“Funding on its own will not address all of the challenges facing the sector. We will continue to engage with local authorities to support the important role that outdoor education centres and their staff can play during the period when overnight residential stays are not permitted for public health reasons.”

To coincide with the opening of the support fund, Mr Lochhead has written to local authority directors of education, inviting them to share new advice and support materials for schools as they work with centres in the coming months.

Martin Davidson, of the Outward Bound Trust and #SaveYourOutdoorCentres Campaign, said: “Outdoor education centres welcome the COVID-19 Residential Outdoor Education Centre Support Fund, which will provide vital support during these financially extremely challenging times.

“Supporting fixed facility costs, the fund will ensure that many centres that would have closed permanently are still available for the benefit of future generations of young people. 

“In addition, in the short term, the fund will also support outdoor centre instructors to work with young people in schools and local communities, meeting their significant emotional and social needs at this time of unprecedented uncertainty in their lives.”

The fund will be administered by the charity YouthLink Scotland. Applications for essential running costs are invited between 23 November, and 11 December 2020. Applications for funding to support outdoor learning in and around schools are invited between 11 Jan 2021 and 5 Feb 2021.

YouthLink Scotland CEO Tim Frew said: “We welcome the launch of this fund. It will be crucial to the future of our outdoor residential centres, which are a key part of the fabric of Scotland’s wider education system, including youth work. Access to these opportunities is an important part of education recovery as we move through and past the pandemic.

“Outdoor learning contributes to young people’s health and wellbeing and builds essential life and work skills, while connecting them in a special way to their immediate environment and to the wider world and its issues. The value of outdoor learning cannot be underestimated – so it is critical that we ensure the survival of our outdoor centres.”

Details about the fund and how to apply can be found here

Downton Abbey stars give support to Hearts & Minds Christmas appeal

A galaxy of stars from the much-loved TV series & movie Downton Abbey are giving support to the new Christmas Appeal launched by Edinburgh charity, Hearts & Minds for their Elderflowers Programme helping people living with dementia and their carers.

The Downton stars have pledged to make a very special personalised Christmas video message for a number of lucky supporters.

Phyllis Logan, best known for her role as Downton Abbey housekeeper Mrs Hughes, is an Honorary Elderflower and huge supporter of this Scottish charity as she has had personal experience of loved ones living with dementia.

She came on board in 2016 and has been an active ambassador, so when the call came to ask for her support for the Elderflowers Christmas Appeal she went above and beyond and rallied her Downton Abbey co-stars to help support this charity that is close to her heart.

Phyllis and fellow Downton stars including Jim Carter, Imelda Staunton, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Lesley Nicol have kindly agreed to send a selected number of personal Christmas video messages to a number of lucky people chosen at random in the Hearts & Minds Christmas Appeal for the Elderflowers.

For just £5 a lucky person could receive a special Merry Christmas video from Lord Grantham! 

The stars are waiting in the wings to wish a Merry Christmas to the lucky supporters whose names will be picked at random on 7 December. Each Downton star will be sent the name of their lucky recipient and they will make them a very special personalised Christmas video message.

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Isolated and unable to be with loved ones, much of what gives life it’s meaning has been stripped away.

Our Elderflowers, trained in the art of therapeutic clowning, have continued to provide joy, laughter, and meaningful connections to people who need it most throughout the pandemic, and your support will help us continue to do so into the future.

To support Hearts & Minds Elderflowers Christmas Appeal people should visit the Hearts & Minds Christmas Appeal page:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=elderflowerchristmas

Closing date: 7 December at 12 noon

Terms & conditions

Minimum donation is £5. You can donate as many times as you wish. You must be over 18. Names will be chosen at random. There is no guarantee that you will receive a personalised video, but all money donated will support the Elderflower programme. By donating you are spreading joy, smiles and laughter to adults living with dementia.

Connecting Scotland: More funding to help families get online

Thousands of disadvantaged young people are being helped to develop valuable digital skills through the Scottish Government’s Connecting Scotland programme.

More than 23,000 iPads and Chromebooks are being distributed among digitally excluded low-income families and care leavers, as part of the latest phase of the £43 million programme.

As well as a new device, recipients also receive mobile data and help to use the internet confidently and safely for up to two years.

Connecting Scotland works with local authorities, public bodies and third sector organisations to reach people across the country.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Access to the internet brings huge benefits, especially during these challenging times. It provides a way to keep in touch and keep us informed, and is also an important way for people of all ages to further their education, find work and training opportunities.

“That’s why in this year’s Programme for Government we further committed to our world-leading Connecting Scotland programme by pledging to reach a total of 50,000 digitally excluded or marginalized people by the end of 2021. The combination of a device plus ongoing support means that everyone can get the most out of their laptop or tablet, and develop their skills.

“So far more than 8,700 people have  received this package, and the stories fed back to us from local organisations show the real difference it’s making to households across the country.”

The full-time carer of a child who received a laptop through the programme said: “Thank you so much, the laptop is amazing. We downloaded Google Classroom and Ruby* did all her schoolwork.

“It was so fantastic to see her enjoy looking at a decent sized screen – it’s been a struggle to have Ruby do homework on an old mobile phone which is past its best. To be able to help her home school on a proper laptop is wonderful.”

Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government programme set up in response to COVID-19. It provides iPads, Chromebooks and support to develop skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes and is delivered in partnership with SCVO, all 32 local authorities and hundreds of third sector organisations across Scotland.

Phase 1 (April – July 2020) focused on those who were at high risk of contracting coronavirus because they were in the extremely high vulnerability group (‘shielding’) or the higher risk of severe illness group.

Phase 2, round 1 launched on 18 August and is focused on households with children, or where a child is normally resident (this includes pregnant women with no child in the household) and care leavers up to the age of 26 (in line with eligibility for aftercare support).

The next round of phase 2 opens tday (24 November)and will close on 18 January at 11am.

Applications can be made by organisations who support eligible groups via the Connecting Scotland website.

Care home residents join mass singalong to commemorate fallen heroes

Residents at two Edinburgh care homes joined hundreds of people across the UK in a virtual singalong to celebrate the life of the late Dame Vera Lynn.

Men and women from Mansfield Care’s Haugh House and Craighall House care homes sang the iconic ‘We’ll Meet Again’, with over 900 care home residents taking part throughout the country.

The event took place on Remembrance Sunday while also marking the release of the singer’s farewell album ‘Keep Smiling Through’ in partnership with Decca records.

The singalong was organised by Shapeshifter Productions which collaborates with care homes around the UK through their participatory singing project, The Smiling Sessions.

The charity provides weekly singing sessions for residents in care homes, which can be accessed through a newly developed website and app due to the pandemic. Songs can be streamed or downloaded.

Artistic Director of Shapeshifter Productions, Alison Jones, (above) said: “The Smiling Sessions was a project conceived over 10 years ago which enables residents at care homes throughout the country to sing with one another through weekly sessions.

“Unfortunately, with the pandemic we were forced to hold our weekly singing sessions virtually, but with this change we came up with new ideas such as a virtual jukebox – allowing residents to pick the songs they want to sing together remotely.

“It became a huge hit with homes all over the country, and so we decided we wanted to have a mass singalong to commemorate those on Remembrance Sunday. It took a lot of effort to set up, but we were overwhelmed by the popularity of the singalong with over 10,000 residents all coming together to sing.

“Dame Vera Lynn is so iconic, and is a symbol of resilience and strength for so many during an unprecedented time, and you can see how much the song meant to all the residents, it provided a real sense of occasion for them.”

Haugh House and Craighall House were approached by Shapeshifter Productions over the phone after learning the mother of Pete Baikie, co-founder of The Smiling Sessions, was staying at Haugh House.

Care Home Manager, Jo Dickman, said: “One of residents, Rae Baikie (above), has a son who is involved in musical therapy for care homes down in England, and so he regularly comes up to do singing sessions with our residents.

“Through him we found out about the big singalong and we had many of our residents eager to join. They absolutely loved it, and you could see just how much it meant to those who took part in it.

“It made the residents feel very reminiscent of their childhoods, and we even have two residents who served in the forces so it was particularly poignant for them.

“Singing plays a huge role in the care of our residents, and seeing each of them after the performance, and when we showed them the video back, it obvious to see how much of an impact singing can have on their well-being.

“We are always trying to find new and unique ways to provide activities for our residents in a time were visits and sessions can be difficult. We will definitely be collaborating with the Smiling Sessions project in the future.”

Mansfield Care specialise in small, friendly residential care homes in Edinburgh, Borders and west of Scotland; each designed to an exceptional standard with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Mansfield Care ethos is inspired by the kind of care we would wish for ourselves in later life – supportive, friendly, bright, positive, empathetic, respectful and homely.