Today we launch our 2020 Social Impact Report, it shows how charities and social enterprises are using our loans to make a difference to the world around them.
The aim of Charity Bank is to leave these organisations in a stronger position, both financially, and in terms of their ability to carry out their mission.
Last year, 67 borrowers used a new Charity Bank loan to support their mission. Some used their loan to expand services and reach more people. Others used it to improve their financial stability by reducing their reliance on grant funding, increasing their assets or cutting their outgoings, putting them in a stronger position to help local communities for many years to come.
We invite you to look inside our report and find out more.
Which? is calling for action to help the most vulnerable after it found that more than a quarter could be at risk of going hungry because they have faced difficulty accessing basic food and essential groceries.
With shielding measures due to end soon in some parts of the UK, the consumer champion is calling on the UK’s four governments to extend free food parcels and other support for those who need it, to avoid millions of people being left behind if support is suddenly withdrawn.
Months into lockdown, Which? has found huge inconsistencies across the four nations with many people still finding the current system chaotic and overly complicated.
Which? heard reports of care home workers forced to queue in busy supermarkets several times a day for basics like bread and milk – risking further spread of the virus – because they could not secure the delivery slots that they needed to provide for their residents.
Other concerning reports included a 93-year-old lady who had to wait 11 weeks for her first food parcel despite registering in week one and a 71-year-old with shingles who had to wait a month between supermarket click and collect slots.
The new research from Which? found that more than one in four (28%) vulnerable people across the UK had faced difficulty getting the food provision they needed in the week before they were surveyed (from 29th May to 17th June).
Which? found that the group of people struggling the most to get vital groceries were those who identified as being situationally vulnerable, meaning they are not at clinically increased risk from coronavirus but still require help accessing food because they are visually impaired or have learning difficulties, for example.
In the UK two in five (40%) situationally vulnerable people reported having difficulties getting essentials in the week prior to being surveyed, however, across the home nations, Which? found an alarmingly mixed picture.
In Wales and Scotland, this number rose to nearly half (47% and 46% respectively), compared to almost two in five (38%) in Northern Ireland and more than a quarter (27%) in England.
Even among the shielded group – those who are the most high-risk to coronavirus and for whom the most help, including priority supermarket delivery slots and food parcels, has been offered – Which? found that there was still a very high proportion of people facing difficulty getting the food and essentials needed in the week they were surveyed.
This figure was highest in England where a third (33%) of those shielding had struggled, while three in 10 (31%) in Northern Ireland, over a quarter in Scotland (27%) and a quarter in Wales (25%) also faced difficulties.
Those who were previously told to self-isolate because they are over 70, pregnant or otherwise considered clinically vulnerable had had the fewest problems getting food in the last week according to Which?’s survey. A fifth (20%), however, did struggle.
Officials say changes to the shielding guidance will only happen if the rate of community transmission remains low, but the governments in both England and Northern Ireland have said that free essential food boxes will stop being delivered at the end of July.
In both of these nations, those considered high-risk will still qualify for priority online supermarket delivery slots as well as being offered help with medicine deliveries and getting to medical appointments.
Which? is concerned that while the easing of lockdown restrictions may make life easier for people who are comfortable with and able to go into shops again, there is still a huge risk that many of those who have already been struggling will now be cut further adrift as they may still not be able to leave their homes to get groceries – especially if it involves long queues, taking a taxi or using public transport.
Which? is calling for access to free food boxes, priority delivery slots and other relevant assistance to be made available for as long as medical advice or practical restrictions, such as social distancing, are in place. The help should be extended to include not only the most-high risk but also those who are situationally vulnerable and have so far been sidelined.
This would mean that central and local governments will need to accurately assess and identify which consumers remain vulnerable so that they can also be given access to appropriate support such as priority supermarket delivery slots or local food provision through other means.
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection and Food Policy at Which?, said: “It is a real concern that months into lockdown, the current system of food provision is still not working for so many of those who need it the most.
“Some people could now be looking at a cliff edge where shielding restrictions are lifted and they are left to fend for themselves, cut off from outside help in getting essential groceries.
“Which? is now calling for the UK’s four governments to work with the food industry, local authorities and charities to ensure a longer-term plan for supporting all of those who are at risk and need support is in place by the end of July, so that no vulnerable person faces difficulties in accessing the basic food supplies they need.”
Hearts & Minds is delighted and excited to announce that Gavin Oattes will be their new Ambassador.
Gavin is an award-winning entrepreneur, International keynote speaker and bestselling author. Based in Edinburgh his motivational talks are about happiness, kindness, empathy, playfulness and laughter – all values shared with the work of Hearts & Minds and the Clowndoctor & Elderflower Programmes.
His latest book Life Will See You Now has become a bestseller during this pandemic and is helping people get through lockdown. A former primary school teacher, he has the ability to get into the heads of kids and in his bestseller, Diary of a Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness, co-written with Andy Cope & Will Hussey, they have created a ‘tweenagers’ atlas to life!
To launch the partnership with Gavin, Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors have taken his wonderfully funny short story for children, Pumpy Bee – and made it their own. This filmed short will be used in the future in the hospitals, hospices and schools for children with complex needs that the Clowndoctors visit.
Gavin Oattes said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to be an ambassador for such a wonderful charity.
“I love everything Hearts & Minds stand for and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help make a bigger difference”
Rebecca Simpson, CEO of Hearts & Minds said: “I am overjoyed to announce Gavin Oattes as an Ambassador for Hearts & Minds. Gavin’s passion, energy and enthusiasm for life are a perfect fit for us.
“His books teach us the importance of self-belief, kindness and laughter, all of which are embodied in the work that we do through therapeutic Clowning. I personally love his books and Diary of a Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness is one of my daughter’s favourites. I am excited to develop the relationship between Gavin and Hearts & Minds, knowing that whatever we do there will be plenty of smiles, happiness and energy.
WATCH/ENJOY PUMPY BEE as told by the Clowndoctors!
Campaign launched the day after Morningside toddler dies in road accident
New research reveals a very different post-lockdown landscape on Scotland’s roads and a potential rise in vulnerable road users, with 29% of people in Edinburgh committing to cycling and 75% planning to walk more as restrictions are eased.
Despite the rise in pedestrians and people on bikes, with varying levels of experience, the research highlighted 39% of drivers across Scotland haven’t changed their driving behaviour at all, while a staggering 83% did not slow down or approach junctions more cautiously during lockdown1.
Ninety six per cent of pedestrian casualties happen in built-up areas and you are seven times as likely to kill a pedestrian if you hit them at 30mph rather than at 203. Almost half (49%) of pedestrian casualties happen at junctions and less than half of drivers (47%) look out for pedestrians at junctions.
This highlights how important it is, more than ever, for all road users to take greater care and consideration when travelling in built-up areas.
The findings of the survey by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) mark the launch of a campaign with a clear message for all road users: In Town, Slow Down.
The campaign will see powerful visuals highlight just how fragile we really are, with a series of people and scenarios such as, a mother with a pram, children and older people, depicted as eggs. The creative shows each ‘egg’ in the path of much larger objects, including a brick and sledgehammer, all representing a different vehicle that could seriously injure or kill vulnerable road users.
Running across multiple channels including radio, digital advertising, outdoor, PR and social media, the campaign reminds drivers to consider other road users and drive at an appropriate speed in built-up areas.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “We are committed to achieving safer road travel in Scotland for everyone and it’s important drivers travel at an appropriate speed for the environment and the conditions, especially in built-up areas where there are many vulnerable road users.
“Whether we drive, ride, wheel, cycle or walk, we need to look out for each other as our actions can have serious consequences. The message is simple, in town, slow down.”
Speed is a factor in crashes and the higher the speed, the greater the damage. And you don’t have to be breaking the limit to be going too fast.
Michael McDonnell director of Road Safety Scotland said: “Even one life lost on Scotland’s roads is one life too many. Now more than ever, it’s important for drivers to understand speed limits are there for a reason and often, even travelling at or near the limit may be too fast for the conditions.
“We want all drivers across Scotland to consider their actions and drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions at all times. Drivers should also adopt the safest road position, keeping away from the kerb to give pedestrians and people on bikes space.”
Going too fast in town has severe penalties for drivers. The minimum fine for speeding is £100 plus three penalty points and a potential loss of licence when building up 12 or more points over three years. New drivers, in their first two years of driving, only need six points to lose their licence.
East Road Policing Area Commander, Chief Inspector Mark Patterson at Police Scotland, said: “As we enter the summer months and with more people making the most of using the road network by cycling and walking since coronavirus restrictions were introduced, it is important that drivers pay attention to what is happening on the road in front of them.
“We can’t predict what will happen on the road in front of us, and we are urging drivers to give other road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, the space they need to be kept safe.
“Driving at appropriate speeds for the conditions – which includes other road users being present – is important and can reduce the chances of being involved in a crash. The speed limit should not be seen as a target, it is the maximum speed you should do and doesn’t mean you should sit at that speed if the network is busy with other road users.
“Pedestrians and cyclists should also be aware that roads will be busier and to cross at designated points as well as adhering to relevant parts of the Highway Code.
“There is room for everyone on our roads and we encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for the safety of each other. We all have a duty make our roads a safer place.”
For more information visit roadsafety.scot or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
Vehicle registrations fell by an estimated 94% in April, and 85% in May, compared to the same months last year, according to figures released today by the Department for Transport.
The quarterly Vehicle Licensing Statistics reported 599,000 vehicles were registered in the first quarter of this year, a 30% fall from the first quarter of 2019, resulting in a drop in the total number of licenced vehicles on Britain’s roads – only the second decline in the total number of vehicles on the road since the end of the Second World War.
The figures revealed an 82% decrease in registrations in the last week of March, coinciding with the UK lockdown coming into force and vehicle dealerships and showrooms being required to close, which removed the main method by which new vehicles are sold.
This was followed by 12,340 vehicle registrations in April and 37,100 in May, representing annual drops of 94% and 85% respectively.
However, the number of newly registered ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) shot up to 33,700, an increase of 113% on last year. In contrast, new diesel cars fell by 45% and petrol cars sales were down by 34%.
Responding to the government’s newly published data Greg Wilson, founder of leading car insurance comparison website, Quotezone.co.uk, says: “It’s not a surprise to learn that the lockdown has had a significant impact on vehicles sales, but the scale of that impact is truly staggering, particularly at the height of the lockdown in April and May.
“It’s also significant that the total number of vehicles on the road fell in the first quarter – the first time that number has fallen since 1991, and only the second time since the end of the Second World War. This is likely to be due to a combination of fewer new vehicles being registered as the lockdown was introduced, and some motorists deciding to SORN their vehicles if they weren’t likely to need them during lockdown.
“It’s also interesting to note the sharp rise in ULEV registrations – given that many electric cars are able to be delivered directly to the buyer, it’s possible this trend was partly driven by the lockdown as well.”
Edinburgh based creative projects Neu Reekie and Out of the Blueprint are among 68 projects across Scotland who have received a total of £1.6million from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund, to reimagine work and create new opportunities during COVID-19.
Neu Reekie has been rethinking its year-long 10th anniversary programme, adapting and refocusing plans to reach audiences digitally.
Kevin Williamson, Co-founder, Neu Reekiesaid: “For our 10th year we organised our fullest, most diverse, and most ground-breaking programme of events to date in Edinburgh, with a year-long series of core shows, as well an ambitious tour of Scotland’s towns and islands.
“All of these have had to be postponed because of coronavirus. To this end we’ve marked Edwin Morgan’s centenary with a live streamed show on the weekend of his birthday which was conceptualised and programmed in the same unique way we do for our live shows.
“We’re hosting the Scottish leg of the BBC’s Words First talent development scheme over the summer months to help discover new spoken word talent; as well as launching a public appeal for new commissioned work from poets.
“We’ll be at the ready to re-organise our core events, our national tour, and collaborative events when the coast is clear.”
Social enterprise and print studio, Out of the Blueprint is developing Walk Don’t Walk, an exhibition of work by 20 young illustrators and comic-makers.
Originally imagined as a summer presentation at Leith’s Drill Hall, plans are now underway to showcase work on the streets of Leith.
Johnny Gaily, Managerat Out of the Blueprint, said: “There’s a real need this summer to put art and community up front and central, and I can’t think of a better way than to showcase some of the amazing young talent we’re working with.”
Joan Parr, Director of Arts and Engagement at Creative Scotlandsaid: “COVID-19 has had such a significant impact on artists and organisations working across the country that it is sometimes difficult to think positively at this time.
“We’re therefore pleased to share news of these projects where artists have been able to adapt their practices and work, finding new and engaging ways to connect with audiences and contribute to our national wellbeing in these challenging circumstances.”
Image: Out of the Blueprint exhibition opening. Credit: Out of the Blueprint
The event will now be live streamed on Facebook and Youtube with attendees also able to join in with the many festival activities throughout the weekend. The annual trade union festival normally held in Tolpuddle, Dorset will still run from Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July.
This year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival has been moved exclusively online, organisers have confirmed today.
The South West TUC is making the virtual event as similar as possible to the original, complete with debates, films, comedy, music, a kids’ area, and a virtual procession on the Sunday afternoon.
The event, held in Dorset every July to commemorate the six farm workers transported to Australia after forming a union, was cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis.
The virtual festival, held on the same days as the original (July 17, 18 and 19) will be live-streamed across various digital platforms. For exclusives and teasers in the run-up to the festival, organisers are inviting attendees to join the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival Facebook group.
Tolpuddle [is] more than simply music and politics. It’s a gathering of like-minded people and a joyous celebration of trade union solidarity.
Festival organiser and Regional Secretary of the TUC South West Nigel Costley said: “Tolpuddle has always been more than simply music and politics. It’s a gathering of like-minded people, a joyous celebration of trade union solidarity – and that’s what we’re hoping to reflect online.
“We have a full programme of topical debates, a full programme of films and a full programme of music ranging from those who would have played this year’s event to those who we welcome back from previous festivals – all performing exclusive sets for us.
“We’ll also be covering the wreath-laying, interviewing stall-holders and encouraging families to design banners so they can join the virtual procession on Sunday afternoon.
“The whole event will be compered by familiar faces from the festival to add that special Tolpuddle touch.”
Keep an eye on the Facebook page for announcements of speakers and artists.
“We have some special surprises in store,” said Nigel Costley.
Thank you to everyone who sent us suggestions on how to improve the supermarket shopping experience for autistic customers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With new queuing rules and social distancing in place as a result of the pandemic, our experience of supermarket shopping has changed significantly.
As part of our My Five campaign, we aim to help retail and hospitality businesses become more welcoming and accessible to autistic people and their families. We have collated the five most commonly suggested themes on adjustments supermarkets can make and developed guidance for them below. We are sharing this directly with supermarkets too.
With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease you may be visiting more than supermarkets in the coming weeks and months.
Learn how you could make these visits a more positive experience and join Gavin Neate, Founder and CEO of the WelcoMe app, for a live webinar and Q&A session today at 12 noon on our Facebook page.
The WelcoMe app aims to support autistic and disabled people to have a positive experience when visiting shops and others venues. #MyFive#Autism#COVID19
We are very excited to present an online Festival to mark the dates of the 2020Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.
From 23 to 26 July this year, we will stream a variety of gigs across our website and social media channels – all for free! We look forward to sharing more details of the programme with you in the coming weeks – keep an eye on the website!
At this time of year, many of you would be buying tickets for the July festival. Each year income from ticket sales represents 45% of our annual income and the cancellation of the festival will result in the loss of all earned ticket income in 2020. As a charity, we rely on the generous support of our funders and donors to help us bring this annual celebration of Jazz and Blues to life.
Would you consider supporting us through this difficult period? You can do so by making a donation or, for those of you who would like to get closer to our work, we are very excited to launch a new EJBF Patron Scheme.
All funds raised will help EJBF to begin planning for the 2021 Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and Edinburgh Festival Carnival, as well as supporting our learning programmes, such as our online schools, and our talent development programmes for Scottish artists.
To make a donation or to find out more about becoming an EJBF Patron please click here.
