Democracy Matters: sign up for discussion event

Working together, Community Development Alliance Scotland, The Scottish Community Development Centre and the Poverty Alliance invite you to discuss the next phase of the Local Governance Review and  share your ideas about how local democracy could change.

Join us for the morning, chat to us over lunch and learn how you can help others have their voice and make a difference.

  • The Studio, 67 Hope Street , Glasgow
  • 10 am til 2pm
  • 9th August 2018

Register here >> 

Democracy Matters

The Scottish Government has launched the next phase of its Local Governance Review, inviting people to join a conversation called ‘Democracy Matters’.

The campaign asks five key questions about how decisions should be made at a more local level. It asks whether communities, of place or identity, should have more control of decisions and what those might be. It also asks how this should look and what new or existing decision-making processes could be used.

The Local Governance Review was launched earlier in the year aims to find out what changes are needed to encourage a more local, participatory and inclusive democracy in Scotland.

A short animation summaries the review and the five questions being asked:

“In modern Scotland power must work in a way that involves and benefits everyone. To get this right, we will review how responsibilities and resources can be shared across national and local government in a way that delivers the greatest benefit to Scotland’s different places. However, the starting point must be with our citizens and the power and potential within our communities themselves.”

The review encourages people to hold conversations in their communities to discuss Democracy Matters and includes a community engagement fund where groups can apply for £100 – £300 to help make conversations happen. They have also published guidance about how the discussion might work and how it could be facilitated.

The review of local governance was set out in the Scottish Government’s 2017-18 programme for government and will be part of the forthcoming Local Democracy Bill

You can download the report and view more information on the Scottish Government website here.

Register for the event here >>

Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2018’s VENT. at North Edinburgh Arts this Saturday

VENT. is the latest production from Scottish Youth Theatre’s prestigious National Ensemble – a company of emerging theatre makers aged 16 – 25 selected from across Scotland for their exceptional theatre making ability. Continue reading Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2018’s VENT. at North Edinburgh Arts this Saturday

Travel and health advice for Hajj pilgrims

With thousands of British Muslims expected to attend this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging those travelling to Saudi Arabia to be fully prepared and follow up-to-date travel advice before departing.

To help inform pilgrims of the travel preparations they can make and the support the FCO can provide, our consular team in Saudi Arabia will be holding a Q&A session on Twitter at 12.00 to 13.00 UK time on 3 September.

Travellers can get involved by following @UKinSaudiArabia and sending questions using #HajiUK.

Mohammed Shokat, HM Consul-General in Jeddah, said: “Every year thousands of British Muslims undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. Most complete this spiritual journey without experiencing any difficulties or disruption, but as with all overseas travel we recommend taking sensible precautions and planning thoroughly before departing.

“We advise all British pilgrims to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi government.

“We will once again be providing consular assistance and advice as necessary to British pilgrims. Consular staff can be contacted on a 24-hour helpline in the case of emergencies on 00 966 501 00 4268.”

In addition to the requirements from the Saudi government, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims use the following checklist to help plan their trip:

  • Keep up-to-date with the FCO travel advice for Saudi Arabia
  • Travel with a reputable tour operator – book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties; for more information visit ATOL. Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah
  • Get comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers all aspects of your journey
  • Check the health requirements and take precautionary steps as necessary, such as vaccinations; for further information visit Travel Health Pro. If you require medication check that you have adequate quantities
  • Check your passport and visas are valid – do you need a visa, or to renew an existing one?
  • Take copies of your passport and travel documents. Take a copy of your passport with you and store it online using a secure storage site, and leave copies with family and friends, along with your itinerary and contact details
  • Research the local laws and customs – more information can be found in the FCO travel advice for Saudi Arabia
  • Pack suitable footwear as you may have to walk long distances, and make sure you have all the necessary clothing and items as advised by your Hajj tour operator
  • Consular staff can be contacted on a 24-hour helpline in the case of emergencies during the Hajj, on: 00 966 501 00 4268