The Scottish Government is to actively inform families that they may be eligible for Best Start Foods and the Best Start Grant.
Information obtained from DWP and HMRC will allow Social Security Scotland to identify people who are on certain benefits or tax credits and have children of the right age. Social Security Scotland will then write to an estimated 22,000 families before the end of August inviting them to apply.
The letters are aimed at increasing take up of all financial support families are entitled to as part of the Scottish Government’s benefit take-up strategy and the wider co-ordinated approach to helping families who are under even more financial pressure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
This important new proactive approach to maximising benefit uptake is a first for social security in Scotland.
Families already receiving qualifying UK benefits and tax credits will receive these invites. Those who currently don’t receive such support but think that they may be eligible are still encouraged to find out if they too are entitled to access Scottish benefits.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Social security is a human right and an investment in the people of Scotland. Encouraging individuals to claim the financial assistance they are entitled to is a duty of government and a social responsibility. We are committed to making sure that people get all of the money that they are entitled to – to help maximise incomes and tackle poverty.
“The economic impacts of the pandemic are pushing thousands of people further into hardship so it’s important families are informed about the support available to them.
“This unique direct marketing of benefits complements the Scottish Government’s wider efforts to help parents during this challenging time. We must do all that we can to eradicate child poverty and make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”
A team of 25 tenants from Port of Leith Housing Association’s sheltered housing developments are collectively walking 500 miles to raise money for their social activity fund.
Due to the impact of the pandemic, the tenants have not been able to hold their usual summer fayres or coffee mornings to raise funds, so they are trying something a little different this month.
Any donations received will help provide meaningful activities for our sheltered tenants including exercise classes, lunch clubs, outings and more. You may have already heard about our inventive warden call bingo!
The North Coast 500 virtual trek
The virtual trek around the North Coast 500 (NC500) route began on Monday 20 July, with some walkers tackling the challenge outdoors while others are count their steps indoors along the corridors.
A PoLHA spokesperson said: “We will map their journey and share progress and pictures as we travel along the majestic coastline of the stunning highlands of Scotland. Did you know 500 miles equates to one million and fifty six thousand steps? What an amazing achievement this will be for our tenants!
“We would be very grateful if you could support our walkers with this challenge by making a donation. They have a target of £1 for every mile walked – can you help them reach £500?”
Since lockdown began in March, the pressures on the job market has been no more acutely felt than in Edinburgh which has been one of the hardest hit cities in Western Europe.
As we emerge from lockdown, some have returned to work, but there is still talk of recession being announced soon. However, there is already a support system in place for residents experiencing redundancy and unemployment because of Covid 19.
At the start of lockdown, The City of Edinburgh Council asked employment service Next Step Edinburgh to respond and they are currently supporting hundreds of people who have lost work.
Next Step Edinburgh has been providing employment support for people in and out of work since April 2019, but since March they have adapted their service as registrations from people affected by COVID 19 job losses has increased.
Will was supported by Next Step Edinburgh to gain employment as a walking supervisor for a building project. He explains what kind of support he received from Next Step before and during lockdown:
“I was referred to Community Renewal’s Next Step Edinburgh service by my job centre adviser. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had a rather negative experience with a provider prior to this.
“I worked with them to focus my CV and from the first moment was treated with respect by people who genuinely wanted to help. They also assisted me with job interview preparation and a screening job interview which meant I was very prepared for the real interview and subsequently was offered the logistics supervisor role I am currently doing.
“Unfortunately, the job was stopped after little more than a week due to Covid 19 and was stalled for a few months. Every week during that period I would receive a call from my adviser Ross to check all was ok and if there was anything he could assist with. This was very important to me.
“Thankfully I am now back at work, but I would like to personally thank them for their work and the genuine respect they treated me with throughout.”
Capital City Partnership has been working with key organisations to coordinate a response to the crisis. Their Deputy Chief Executive, Kate Kelman adds: “We know that people and businesses are finding it really hard just now and the impact on jobs and the economy is likely to be far-reaching.
“Along with our Joined up for Jobs network of provision, Next Steps has literally ‘stepped up’ to support individuals who are facing redundancy and job insecurity. Their high-quality help and guidance will ensure that Edinburgh residents can progress quickly into fair, sustainable work.”
Lesley Morrison who is a Service Manager for Community Renewal – the charity who deliver the Next Step Edinburgh service – comments on the how they are supporting people right now: “We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach – everyone is different, and we listen to what each client’s needs and together we come up with a plan.
“Some people just need a job right away and we can link them with employers we have relationships with. For everyone else, we work with them, so they are ready for when the job market recovers; whether that be refreshing a stale CV, helping with applications or directing them to vocational training if they are considering a career change.
“Whatever is needed, we are here – and if we can’t support all their needs, we will link with specialist organisations who can help them whilst we continue to support their employment needs.”
The City of Edinburgh Council continues to fund Next Step Edinburgh to support people to secure and progress into employment.
Additional funding was made available through City Region Deal has also allowed the development of a jobs website – www.c19jobs.org – which directly assists those who have faced redundancy or job insecurity due to the current crisis.
Councillor Cammy Day, Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:“As the economic impact of the pandemic on Edinburgh unfolds, we’re doing all that we can to help people facing financial hardship.
“We know that this crisis is far from over and we stand ready to help our most at-risk residents. The Next Step Edinburgh employment programme is in place to support anybody facing redundancy or job insecurity in Edinburgh. I’m pleased we’re able to fund this service in order to support people back into careers as quickly as possible.
“The project is part of a package of measures we’re working on right now to prevent long-term unemployment in the coming months and years, including an expanded Edinburgh Guarantee.
“Hailed by the Scottish Government as a really good example of the type of work cities can do to successfully tackle unemployment, our Edinburgh Guarantee has been supporting disadvantaged young people for years.
“We’re looking to expand this offer even more in light of Covid-19. We want to use it to help people of all ages who might face additional barriers to employment and we’re calling on employers to sign up and support us.”
Lesley warns that the journey ahead won’t be straightforward, but stresses that nobody has to face it alone – there is support available: “Next Step Edinburgh’s advisers will do everything they can to support you.
“We are working with employers recruiting right now but we understand those jobs may not be right for some. For those people we will collaborate so they will be front of the queue when the job market recovers.”
Anyone looking for support can find the contact details on Next Step Edinburgh’s website – www.nexstepedinburgh.org
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland offers expert help in the community.
People will be able to get healthcare advice and support to treat minor illnesses and common conditions in their local community following the launch of a new service.
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland will allow community pharmacies to give people expert help for treating conditions such as sore throats, earache and cold sores, along with common clinical conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections. Pharmacy teams will offer advice, treatment or referral to other healthcare teams if required.
This new service will help people access the right care in the right place, without having to go to their GP practice or local Accident and Emergency Department for non-urgent treatment.
Everyone who is registered with a GP practice in Scotland, or who lives in Scotland, is encouraged to use their local pharmacy when they have a minor illness or common condition. Accident and Emergency Departments remain open for emergency care, with public health measures in place to protect staff and patients.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “During the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic people followed public heath guidance closely and used their local pharmacy for medical advice and help.
“The launch of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland will make sure that people across Scotland can continue to do this. It gives access to the right care in the right place, getting medical support that is closer to home and often with no waiting time or appointments needed.
“While the NHS is there for all of us, we don’t all need to go to accident and emergency. For many of us, it is not the right place for the care we need. NHS Pharmacy First Scotland provides a local service, giving local access to healthcare help for many illnesses.
“In an emergency you should always call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department. By continuing to do what we have been doing throughout this pandemic and accessing the right care in the right place, we continue to help our emergency teams and ensure accident and emergency provides the fastest and often lifesaving care for people when they really need it.”
Chair of Community Pharmacy Scotland Martin Green said: “NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is an exciting service development for everyone.
“It recognises the role that the community pharmacy network can play in helping patients and the wider NHS team by ensuring people get the right care in the right place. Pharmacists, supported by their pharmacy teams, will be able to offer consultations for anyone with minor illnesses and provide the appropriate advice and support.
“We look forward to community pharmacy demonstrating its value with the Scottish public through this service and developing it further in years to come in line with the needs of the public and the NHS.”
Postgraduate Pharmacy Dean at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Anne Watson said: “NES are delighted to be underpinning this important service development by providing educational support for the community pharmacy teams – using online resources, national webinars and facilitating peer discussion forums with experts within the Boards.
“In addition, we have provided a quick reference guide sent to all community pharmacies and education and training to support common clinical conditions will continue to be a focus as the service expands.”
More information on NHS Pharmacy First Scotland will be available online and on NHS Inform later today – 29 July 2020.
Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for July 2020 shows:
Overall confidence of firms in Scotland rose four points in the past month to -37%
Firms’ confidence in their own business prospects was unchanged month-on-month at -33%
One in ten (9%) businesses experienced an increase in demand, up four points on June
Business confidence in Scotland rose four points during July to -37%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.
Companies in Scotland reported the same level in confidence in their business prospects month-on-month at -33%. When taken alongside their views of the economy overall, this gives a headline confidence reading of -37%.
The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
The majority of firms continued to see demand negatively affected by coronavirus during July. Almost two thirds (64%) experienced a fall in demand for their products and services, up six points on the month before. However, 9% experienced an increase in demand, up four points on June.
With the Job Retention Scheme beginning to wind down from August, two fifths (41%) of Scottish firms surveyed said they didn’t currently have any furloughed workers.
Of the 55% of businesses reporting disruption to their supply chain during July, 18% expected the situation to improve within three months, while only 2% expected it would take more than 12 months to return to normal levels. Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “While marginal, the slight increase in confidence we’ve seen this month is a step in the right direction.
“There’s still a long way to go for confidence to fully recover, but the current transition to Phase 3 of lockdown should hopefully continue to boost many firms’ trading prospects.
“Pessimism is waning in many English regions as the hospitality and leisure sectors open their doors once again. With many firms beginning to restart operations here in Scotland this month, August will be telling as to whether the same confidence-inducing effect will take hold here too.”
In July, the retail sector increased 11 points to -12%, manufacturing increased 14 points to -21% and services rose 10 points to -26%. However, construction fell eight points to -22% after last month’s strong increase of 30 percentage points.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“With only one region reporting a fall in sentiment, we are starting to see sentiment lift for the vast majority of regions across the UK.
“The easing of lockdown restrictions, including the reopening of the economy and the relaxation of social distancing rules, has resulted in most businesses reporting improvements in demand, from a record-low base. This is key for the summer season, which will allow businesses to continue to open their doors and trade in the weeks and months ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While the results suggest the economy is starting to see some improvement, economic confidence still remains in deep negative territory.
“The Government announcement of the slight easing of social distancing measures has now enabled over half of businesses to reach their capacity and resume their usual activities. However, how businesses will continue to respond to the Job Retention Scheme will be key in the coming months.”
Pete Linnett, 3x World’s Strongest Disabled Man, will attempt to hand-cycle 100 miles from Leicester to Skegness this summer in aid of the charity Spinal Research.
The 56-year-old, who was born with spina bifida and uses crutches to walk, will attempt the event on 15 August with 6 close friends.
“I am one of the lucky few who can still walk, and I exercise this by supporting those who can’t,” the man from Glen Parva said. “Spinal Research is a cause close to my heart because I know there are a lot of people worse off than me”.
Pete, who is also a 4x World Bench Press Champion, first wanted to attempt this challenge in 2015 but broke his knee so had to pull out.
He then managed to complete the challenge in 2017 and raised nearly £1000 for Spinal Research in the process.
“I swore I’d never EVER do it again, but I am too easily persuaded!” the former British Paralympian said.
While training, Pete also planned another challenge to take on afterwards, where he will bench press 10 reps at 60kg every 5 minutes for 6 hours, also in aid of Spinal Research.
Laughing Horse Comedy has launched its 2020 Edinburgh Free Fringe programme, which will take place online next month. The spirit of the Fringe is alive and well in August with a packed programmme of comedy shows, children’s shows, cabaret and spoken word.
Shows are a performed live, and run from August 7th to 30th – with shows available each day apart from Tuesdays. These are available a streamed content for free with donations given like a free Festival show would be in Edinburgh, or held in a ‘Pay What You Want’ ticketed video conference call, set-up to allowing people to get free tickets, or offer a donation to the performers.
The shows are all from performers who have been seen before at the Free Festival, including Dave TV award winning comic Masai Graham with his 101 Jokes shows, a comedy chat show hosted by leading Scottish comic Vladimir McTavish, regular family-friendly Comedy Sportz Improv shows, the return of Peter Michael Marino’s hit kids show ‘Show Up, Kids’, worldwide Festival hit ‘Joke Thieves’, plus Comedy and Cabaret performed live from the USA, a Science Chat show, a new panel show and solo shows including new shows from comedians Meryl O’Rourke, Charmian Hughes (pictured), Singapore’s Sam See, Sasha Ellen and more.
For Fringe fans in Edinburgh there will also be the opportunity to see some of the shows at our venues – with some of the performances planned to be broadcast live on the big screens at our Three Sisters and Pear Tree venues, two of the usual big hubs of Fringe activity in August.
Laughing Horse Comedy, who run free Festival and it’s director Alex Petty think this is a great opportunity to keep the spirit of the Fringe alive in it’s first ever fallow year, support performers and keep some of the fans of the Fringe entertained both at home and in Edinburgh.
This also helps in the early planning for the 2021 Fringe which is already underway, that of course is very likely to see changes for shows of covid-19 is still with us – especially for free shows that have until now remained predominately unticketed, something that will need to change to a ticketed or Pay What You Want model in the ‘new normal’.
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every part of our society: our economy; our environment; our social connections; and the relationships we have with our governments.
As we embark on the process of recovery, the Carnegie UK Trust believes that there is a collective responsibility to use what we have learned, not just to repair the damage, but to reconsider the fundamentals of economic, social and democratic structures that are no longer delivering positive outcomes for citizens and communities.
We have used what we know from our long history of research and practice development to set out a series of propositions, backed up by recommendations of practical things that could be done to improve wellbeing. The propositions are:
National wellbeing can be the goal
The relationship between the state and the citizen can be reset
The future can be local (as well as global)
Our relationship with work can be remodelled
We can build a new level of financial resilience
Technology can be for all
These will not be the only things that require to be considered for the medium-term recovery, but we hope that by taking a wide perspective we can connect the recovery effort with the transformative change to prevailing systems that so many have identified a need for, both before and during this pandemic.
Over the coming months, we will continue to work with organisations across all our networks to understand the impact of the pandemic on the people they work for. This will include central and local government; third sector and community organisations; credit providers; good work stakeholders, and many others. Where gaps remain in the space for collective sense-making, we will explore new opportunities to stimulate the necessary discussions.
If you would like to contribute to these conversations, please email me (Sarah@CarnegieUK.org) or join the debate online by tagging @CarnegieUKTrust – we would be pleased to hear from you.
Maven Capital Partners, a leading UK property and private equity manager, has purchased a site at Murieston Crescent for the development of a purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) complex.
The site, which was acquired for £2.8 million, is situated in a prime location close to Haymarket in Edinburgh’s West End, and strategically placed for Heriot-Watt, Napier and Edinburgh universities. Situated only 1.1 miles from Princes Street, Murieston Crescent has all amenities within walking distance and benefits from strong transport links.
Maven has taken Murieston Crescent through the full planning process with permission now granted for a 120-bed PBSA development, comprising of 108 studio apartments and 12 ensuite cluster flats over six floors. The development is estimated to cost £15 million with a practical completion targeted for summer 2022.
Maven says there remains an acute shortage of purpose built accommodation for students in Edinburgh. It is estimated that around 60% of Edinburgh’s full-time student population are unable to access either university provided or private purpose built student accommodation.
Maven has extensive experience in the PBSA sector where it has developed, asset managed and operated properties across the UK, including Glasgow, Dundee, Durham, Liverpool and Birmingham.
It was also the asset manager for Mill Hill, a 257-bed student accommodation complex on Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, which was sold for £25.1 million in 2018. The Murieston Crescent transaction represents Maven’s 14th PBSA development, totalling over 2,000 beds.
Colin Anderson, Partner at Maven, said: “The PBSA sector has a history of low volatility and, despite the wider macro-economic issues which have resulted from the COVID-19 crisis, we are continuing to see strong student sentiment to continue their education with an increase in applications this year to UK universities and colleges according to UCAS data.
“We are confident that any uncertainties around academic start dates will only have a short-term impact while markets normalise and, once global travel restrictions lift, we will once again see the UK, and in particular Edinburgh, as one of the world’s most popular hotspots for overseas students.”
“Our design team is currently reviewing various Covid related augmentations such as contactless entry and filtered ventilation systems to ensure the building is a safe and secure environment for its residents.”
Will Scarlett of Scarlett Land and Development, who acted for the Seller, commented: “SLD are delighted to have completed this transaction on behalf of The Route Finance which has required patience and tenacity by both parties.
“This is one of several PBSA deals brokered by SLD at the current time that demonstrate that the Edinburgh market remains solid for the right site in the right location”.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK:
Lunch is an important meal for providing the energy and nutrients required to get you through the afternoon. On busy days, it is easy to grab lunch on the go without thinking too much about whether it is good for you.
The key to a healthy lunch is to get a good variety of foods that will provide you with the nutrients you need to stay healthy. We have some tips for adding some heart healthy lunches to your weekly meal plan.
Plan your lunches in advance
Planning meals in advance will allow you to put a little more thought into what you are eating as well as saving you time and money. Try creating a weekly meal plan before the start of the week and shop for the ingredients you need in advance. If possible, prepare your lunch the night before or in the morning as this can stop you from filling up on less healthy foods when you feel hungry.
Keep it simple
There are some quick and simple ways to prepare a healthy lunch without spending hours in the kitchen. Try cooking large quantities of home-made soup or stews and store single portions in the freezer. Simple meals, such as baked beans on wholemeal toast or wholemeal pita stuffed with hummus and salad are also quick and easy to prepare. On busy days, you could heat up leftovers from the night before to save time.
Stick with wholegrain
Wholegrain foods provide a good source of fibre, which is good for your heart. Try to regularly include a portion of wholegrain food in your lunches, such as brown bread, wholemeal pita, wholemeal pasta or brown rice.
Include plenty of fruit and veg
Fruit and vegetables are packed with nutrients and fibre to help keep your heart healthy. Find healthy salad or vegetable soup recipes online or in recipe books to include in your lunch plan. Finish off your lunches with a portion of fruit and a low-calorie yoghurt.
Include lean sources of protein in your lunches
Foods that are high in protein can help you to feel full for longer and this can prevent you from snacking on less healthy foods during the day. Lean sources of protein include grilled skinless chicken or turkey, canned tuna, soybeans, tofu and low-fat dairy products.
