ELREC: Time to tackle racist abuse

 

Paul Pogba missed a penalty and was subjected to racist abuse that alarmed especially those associated with football. His club has expressed “disgust” and said that it will continue to support the #AllRedAllEqual initiative. The club also stressed that it will take action against those involved. Pogba’s team mate Rashford has said that, ‘Enough is enough’.

Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council (ELREC) has worked with the law in dealing with racism. As Chair of ELREC, I can inform the public that the Board and staff are working to reduce racism. Racism in football is totally unacceptable because it encourages racism outside the stadium.

Phil Neville said that the football community should “send a powerful message” and boycott social media for six months in response to this rise in racist abuse.
Pogba was the third player to receive racist abuse within one week. Twitter said that it is aware of racism in the media and has taken action by permanently suspending a series of accounts for violating their Hateful Conduct Policy. The Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) will meet Facebook to discuss the problem.
Trade Unions have asked social media to work to control  racism. If this is not done someone will get seriously hurt and racism will continue to spread from the stadium to the community.
Racist language should not be tolerated inside and outside the stadium. Racist laws that apply outside the stadium should apply inside. Racism online should also be subjected to race relation laws … racism is unacceptable and must not be permitted to damage  players or our National game.

 

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Chair, Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council 

14 Forth Street, Edinburgh EH1 3LH

(M) 07830 122 778

(T) 0131 556 0441  (F) 0131 556 8577  

(E) foysol.choudhury@elrec.org.uk  

(W) www.elrec.org.uk

Social Bite’s Wee Sleep Out returns – and it’s bigger and better

Acclaimed charity Social Bite is calling on all teachers, youth leaders, parents and guardians to enable the nation’s under 18s to take action and join their movement to end homelessness.

Social Bite has announced the launch of its second Wee Sleep Out – a programme for under 18s to join the charity’s movement to end homelessness. Continue reading Social Bite’s Wee Sleep Out returns – and it’s bigger and better

Tonight at Leith Depot: Music to Save Leith Walk

In the face of the continuing destruction of local community, we are showcasing some local talent. From political folk to performance poetry and everything in-between, together we stand up to the powers that be and say #opentheshops and #stopthedemolition. In aid of the Save Leith Walk campaign. Free entry.

Doors open 19:30 and featuring:

Duchess Betsy
Suky Goodfellow
Dog On A Swing
Storm The Palace
Gen Electrica
Louis Rive

Letters: Paws To Listen

Dear Editor

A pet cat can be the centre of home life, being a constant presence in their owner’s lives for many years. It’s therefore understandable that the death of a cat can come as a shock, and many owners can find it difficult to come to terms with their loss.

Grieving for a cat may become more difficult as the death of a pet is not always seen as a significant loss, leading some people to hide their feelings. This means many people avoid talking about how grief has affected them, which can cause them to feel very alone.

Ahead of Grief Awareness Day (30 August), Cats Protection is highlighting its free and confidential Paws to Listen support service, so people facing the loss of a cat do not have to feel alone.

The service is run by trained volunteers who offer emotional support in coping with the loss of a cat. The service also includes a range of resources and information on its website, including understanding euthanasia and how to help children deal with the death of a cat.

The service is available between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays.  Anyone wishing to use the service can call 0800 024 9494 and a call back service is available if lines are busy. Alternatively, an email service is available by emailing pawstolisten@cats.org.uk

For more information, please visit www.cats.org.uk/grief

Catherine Joyce, Paws to Listen Team Leader

Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT

Underbelly celebrates its 20th successful Fringe

In its 20th Fringe Underbelly invested more than ever in 26 productions and co-productions, providing over £500,000 of financial assistance to companies in 2019.

Over 200 shows, approximately £60,000 raised for charities, and over 900 4 & 5 star reviews made 2019 a terrific year for Underbelly and its companies and artists. Continue reading Underbelly celebrates its 20th successful Fringe

Environmental entrepreneurs secure funding to develop biodegradable nappies start-up

Amee Richie, co-founder of Bampoo, is one of 12 social entrepreneurs to secure a share of £60,000 funding in the latest round of Start-It awards.

Delivered by social enterprise start-up agency Firstport, Start-It awards are part of the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund and support social entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground and running.  Continue reading Environmental entrepreneurs secure funding to develop biodegradable nappies start-up