I’m so delighted to launch Throw Enough Mud – online creative writing workshops and courses kicking off in January 2025.
I’ve been facilitating creative workshops for various organisations, in lots of different contexts for a while now. I’m taking what I’ve learnt from a decade of experience and starting on my own adventure.
I believe creative play is the beating heart of self-worth, connection, and community. I’m hoping to build a network of affordable, fun, creative workshops in lots of different art forms that are accessible to everyone.
I’m beginning the new venture with 4 online writing courses in the new year. The main aim of these workshops is for people to have a space to play and experiment with their writing practice in a non-judgmental, fun and safe environment.
It would be amazing if you were able to share them with your networks – it really helps get the word out.
Public urged to prevent further ‘new year spread’ by following good hygiene and taking up ‘final chance’ vaccines where still available
Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows the anticipated increase in flu activity over the festive season, as people are urged to protect themselves this New Year.
The overall weekly hospital admission rate for influenza increased to 14.09 per 100,000 in week 52, compared with 10.69 per 100,000 the previous week (51) and 8.72 per 100,000 in week 50.
Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation, particularly for those who are vulnerable or elderly. While the national booking system for flu vaccination closed on 19 December, eligible groups are reminded that they can still book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy where available.
Flu is currently at high levels and often circulates for many weeks through the course of winter. Vaccination will provide those eligible with the best protection.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “For many of us, the festive period is marked with parties and socialising with friends and family, meaning it’s not unusual to see an increase in flu at this time of year and this was anticipated.
“This is why we have been urging those eligible to take up a free flu vaccine. The good news if you did, is that you are less likely to be severely affected by flu. If you’re still offered a vaccine through local services, you should take it up as we could see high levels for some weeks still. This is particularly important if you’re a health and social care worker, as we know these services are under significant winter pressures right now.
“If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.
“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
UKHSA’s surveillance bulletin shows that COVID-19 levels decreased over the festive period, with RSV also decreasing. Although COVID-19 is currently circulating at low levels, this could change in the coming winter months. Vaccination against RSV is being offered for the first time to anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant, along with people aged 75 to 79 years.
Scottish public sector and voluntary organisations have come together to raise concerns at the impact of the impending increase to employer National Insurance contributions.
Organisations from across civic society in Scotland have backed a letter to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, calling for funding to fully cover the additional costs they face.
At present, the estimated cost to organisations delivering public services in Scotland to cover the increase in employer National Insurance contributions could amount to £700 million.
The joint letter from First Minister John Swinney and COSLA President Shona Morrison has been supported by 48 organisations including the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and British Dental Association.
The First Minister said: “I would like to thank all the public and voluntary sector organisations who have come together to call in a unified voice for this decision to be reconsidered.
“We are disappointed that the UK Government did not engage with the Scottish Government on the change to employers National Insurance Contributions and we are concerned about the additional pressure it places on all employers. The Scottish Budget is expected to pass within weeks, and alongside local authorities, we need clarity.
“We will continue to press the UK Government to raise our deep concern about the implications of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions for organisations across Scotland, and the risk to the vital services they provide if these additional costs are not fully funded.”
SCVO chief executive Anna Fowlie added: “Coming on top of rising costs and fragile funding, this ill-thought-through rise in the cost of employing staff is a body blow to many Scottish charities.
“Employers, staff and people receiving vital public services will all be hit hard. It’s unusual to see this range of voices in collective agreement and I hope the Chancellor will reconsider her position.”
The letter has been supported by:
Roz Foyer, General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
Martin Green, Chair, Community Pharmacy Scotland
Eilidh Thomson, Chair, Optometry Scotland
David McColl, Chair of the Scottish Dental Practice Committee, British Dental Association
Jacki Smart, Chair, Scottish Hospices Leadership Group
Gavin Sinclair, Director of Funding and Partnerships, Venture Trust
Wilma Thomson, Manager, Rape Crisis Grampian
Sharon Aitchison, Chief Executive, Monklands Women’s Aid
Marsha Scott, Chief Executive, Scottish Women’s Aid
Lauren McGregor, Children and Young Person’s Team Leader and Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate, Committed to Ending Abuse (CEA Ltd)
Susie Stein, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre
Jan Swan, Chief Executive, Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
Colin Lee, Chief Executive, Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) Scotland
A fire starting at night while you’re asleep means less warning to escape.
Your smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out – but you can further reduce your risk by carrying out these simple checks before you go to bed
Before going to bed, you can help keep your family safe by checking your home for potential fire hazards. This will only take a few minutes, but it can help keep everyone safe while you sleep.
Follow these simple bedtime checks to help keep your home safe.
Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to be left on overnight.
Stub out all cigarettes and always empty ashtrays. Pour water over cigarette ends and matches before putting them in the bin outside.
Put fireguards around open fires. Do not build-up the fire before you go to bed.
Switch off any portable heaters.
Switch off any electric blankets, unless it’s marked ‘suitable for all night use’.
Close all doors – it can keep your escape route free from smoke and may stop a fire spreading.
Make sure the main door keys are to hand.
Extinguish open flames such as candles, oil lamps, and incenses sticks.
Only use laptops and devices on hard surfaces so the air vents can let the heat escape. They should also be unplugged before bed.
Never charge your mobile phone while you are asleep, or charge it and leave under your pillow.
Kickstart Your New Year with a New Home and £10,000 Cashback from Cruden Homes
Award-winning Scottish housebuilder Cruden Homes is helping homebuyers make a fresh start in 2025 with an exciting new offer – a generous £10,000 cashback on homes reserved at any of their developments from 3rd January until 14th February 2025.
The limited-time cashback incentive is designed to support buyers looking to secure their dream home this new year, providing a significant financial boost to make moving that little bit easier. Whether buyers are looking to move up the property ladder, downsize, or purchase their first home, Cruden Homes’ high-quality, energy-efficient properties offer the perfect solution.
Four outstanding developments in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas are included in this unmissable offer:
West Craigs Green, Edinburgh: A collection of 122 modern homes featuring apartments, terraced houses, and townhouses. With generous balconies, green open spaces, and excellent transport links, prices start from £220,000.
Wellwater Grove, West Lothian: Three and four-bedroom homes in East Calder, ideally located near local shops, pubs, and cafes, perfect for families and professionals alike. Prices start from £278,500.
Longniddry Village, East Lothian: Traditionally designed two to five-bedroom homes, coach houses, and apartments with standout features like German kitchens, Siemens appliances, and timber sash windows. Prices start from £232,500.
The Avenue, Barnton: Age-exclusive retirement development, designed specifically for the needs of residents over 55 years old, featuring elegant apartments, penthouses, and villas with on-site facilities, private parking, and EV charging points. Prices start from £365,000.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said:“January is often a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start the year than by securing a beautiful new home?
“Our £10,000 cashback offer is there to make that move a little easier, whether it’s helping with furniture, deposit costs, or something else buyers might need to get settled in their new home.
“With a fantastic selection of homes across our developments, there’s never been a better time to make your move with Cruden Homes.”
Cruden Homes offers a range of thoughtfully designed properties across Scotland, combining style, comfort, and energy efficiency to suit modern lifestyles.
This new incentive extends to all Cruden Homes developments and is expected to appeal to a variety of buyers, including first-time homeowners and growing families, looking to make the most of the new year.
To find out more about the £10,000 cashback offer and explore developments near you, visit crudenhomes.co.uk.
Households across Scotland have received £4.1 billion in relief since the Council Tax Reduction scheme was introduced in 2013.
People on low incomes are eligible for the benefit if they live in Scotland – there is no equivalent in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
The latest figures show 460,560 recipients were eligible for Council Tax Reduction in October 2024, saving an average of over £850 a year.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The First Minister has been clear that one of the Scottish Government’s key missions is to eradicate child poverty. The Council Tax Reduction scheme is just one of the groundbreaking initiatives that we have introduced and continue to fund to support households.
“Alongside the Scottish Child Payment, we will continue the fight against poverty through the Scottish Budget by providing vital funding for universal winter heating payments for older Scots, and investment to allow the mitigation of the two-child cap from 2026.
“I urge people to check their eligibility for Council Tax reduction, Council Tax discounts and other financial support by visiting our online resources or by contacting their local council.”
People can check whether they are eligible for Council Tax Reduction through mygov.scot or by contacting their local council.
Sustainable reusable theatre caps made from plant-based material created for NHS Scotland
The Golden Jubilee University National Hospital has become the first hospital to co-design friendly and reusable theatre caps made from sustainable plant-based material as part of a research project being led by the University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University.
The project aims to reduce waste created by single-use disposable theatre cap products used by NHS Scotland while alleviating patient anxiety and improving the identification of theatre staff roles.
Around 800,000 single-use disposable theatre caps are consumed every year in Scottish hospitals. The new caps are made from cellulosic fibre which is derived from plant-based material. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional disposable options.
At the end of their lifecycle, the new reusable theatre caps will be biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact of medical waste. Some existing single use theatre caps contain materials that can take up to 300 years to decompose entirely.
Beyond their eco-friendly credentials, the theatre caps serve multiple practical purposes. They aim to relieve anxiety among patients, through the use of fabric colours and patterns and help staff to more easily identify each other in busy clinical environments, which is beneficial for patient care. Current headwear doesn’t differentiate between different roles in hospitals.
The theatre caps have been carefully designed with input from NHS Golden Jubilee theatre staff to ensure they meet practical needs while maintaining sustainability goals. Staff will now test and feedback on the innovative caps to assess their potential for wider adoption across NHS Scotland.
The theatre cap project is part of the broader Design HOPES project (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) which is led by Professor Paul Rodgers at the University of Strathclyde and Professor Mel Woods at the University of Dundee.
Design HOPES was recently awarded more than £4.6M by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as one of four Green Transition Ecosystem (GTE) Hubs in the UK, which aim to address distinct challenges posed by the climate crisis including, but not limited to, realising net zero goals.
Dr Euan Winton, Assistant Professor of Design at Heriot-Watt University, commented on the urgent need for innovations like the new theatre caps:
“NHS Scotland faces massive resource-driven issues, with millions of single-use disposable theatre caps going to incineration in Scotland annually. The new sustainable theatre caps represent a crucial step in addressing this significant wastage and demonstrating the power of design in tackling environmental challenges in healthcare.
“Our specialist School of Textiles and Design in the Scottish Borders is proud to be part of the Design HOPES GTE Hub tackling a broad range of global challenges, using our expertise to find new and innovative solutions to sustainability.
“Along with Professor Paul Rodgers of the University of Strathclyde, we are working closely with user groups to create new products that are fit for purpose.
“We’ve worked closely with theatre staff on the design of the new caps and feedback has shown they will have other benefits like reducing anxiety among patients.”
Carole Anderson, Director of Transformation, Strategy, Planning and Performance at NHS Golden Jubilee, expressed enthusiasm for the project:“NHS Golden Jubilee is proud to be at the forefront of this sustainable innovation in healthcare.
“These new theatre caps align with our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and also enhance our ability to provide safe and high quality patient care. By improving staff identification and potentially easing patient anxiety, these caps offer multiple benefits beyond their eco-friendly design.”
Professor Paul Rodgers from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management, said:“Working closely with our NHS Scotland partners, we will continue to support them on their green transition journey, developing collaboratively design-led solutions that will create positive change.
“This project showcases the power of collaboration between universities, healthcare providers, and design researchers. By bringing together expertise from various fields, we’ve been able to create a solution that is both practical and sustainable. Moreover, this project has potential for creating new green jobs across Scotland that will have socio-economic as well as environmental impact.
“The success of this project opens the door for further design-led innovations in health and social care. As we continue to face the realities of climate change, it’s crucial that we find creative ways to reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining and improving the quality of care. The new reusable theatre caps are a significant step in that direction.”
Dr Lisa Macintyre, Associate Professor in Textile Technology at Heriot-Watt’s School of Textiles and Design added:“The caps have been carefully developed at our facilities to establish the most sustainable and comfortable materials and most efficient printing methods.
“We will be ensuring they meet the high standards required for medical use while maintaining their eco-friendly properties.”
Design HOPES forms part of the wider Future Observatory programme, which fosters collaboration, research, and innovation within the design field. Funded by AHRC in partnership with Future Observatory at the Design Museum, the £25m multimodal investment aims to bring design researchers, universities, and businesses together to catalyse the transition to net zero and a green economy.
Design HOPES will present a new work-in-progress display, running at the V&A Dundee from 6 December 2024 to 17 February 2025.
This display marks an exciting milestone in the first year of Design HOPES, giving an insight on the people, processes and progress of this transformational initiative, and asks ‘How can design help us live healthier lives, for people and planet?’
A new report by the Patients Association, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, sheds light on the stark health inequities faced by patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders, revealing significant disparities driven by social determinants of health, systemic barriers, and discrimination.
The report also offers recommendations to improve access to equitable healthcare.
The report identifies critical issues such as economic and social factors, mistrust in healthcare services, systemic racism, and lack of joined-up care, all of which exacerbate health inequalities for underserved communities.
The report calls for a patient-centred approach that prioritises shared decision-making to ensure cancer and/or blood disorder patients are treated as equal partners in their care. It also calls for a multi-agency approach to tackle health disparities, aligning national and local strategies, such as NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 framework, to enhance access to early cancer diagnosis.
The report finds that cancer and/or blood disorder patients from underserved communities consistently experience worse health outcomes and lower standards of care. Contributing factors include delays in diagnosis, lower uptake of screening programmes, and mistrust of healthcare systems. Barriers such as low health literacy, cultural insensitivity from staff, and systemic discrimination further hinder equitable access to care.
Patients interviewed for this report highlighted several critical issues, including difficulty navigating healthcare systems and insufficient communication about their rights and available benefits. Many patients reported transportation and medication costs causing financial difficulties.
Organisations working with underserved communities reinforced these findings, emphasising the pervasive mistrust in the health among marginalised communities. This mistrust often results from discrimination, such as delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. LGBTQ+ patients and those with sickle cell disease described particularly hostile or dismissive interactions with healthcare providers.
The report also draws attention to the role of social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poverty, and living in a deprived neighbourhood. These factors are closely linked to higher rates of cancer and mortality, as well as reduced access to essential healthcare resources.
Tackling these challenges requires urgent action at both a national and local level. The Patients Association calls on policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to work together to ensure equitable access to care for all.
Reflecting on the report, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: ““Equitable healthcare is an urgent necessity. It is deeply concerning that barriers such as systemic discrimination, financial hardship, and mistrust of the health and care system persist, disproportionately affecting underserved communities.
“Only by addressing these disparities can we achieve a health and care system that provides equality and dignity for all. We call on the government and the health and care system to align national and local strategies, address the social determinants of health, and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.
“We must work together to close these gaps and build a system rooted in fairness, trust, and accessibility.”
Forget bland winter meals. This season, a vibrant risotto is bringing local produce and community spirit to your plate, straight from the kitchens of Ten Hill Place Hotel. The secret ingredient? Vegetables sourced directly from charity Cyrenians’ weekly veg boxes, proving that great food starts with great connections.
Cyrenians operates an organic farm in West Lothian and all money raised from the sale of their organic produce goes directly to fund their work tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness.
Executive Chef Dominik Kawalec, a 26-year culinary veteran who traded his native Poland for Edinburgh’s food scene, and rising star Junior Sous Chef Morgan Dow have crafted a dish that’s more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of local agriculture.
Their candied beetroot risotto transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a winter warmer that packs serious flavour:
Ingredients
· 1 leek, finely chopped (for leek hay)
· 1 onion, finely chopped
· 2-3 cloves of garlic
· 1 cup risotto rice (Arborio recommended)
· 1 sprig each of thyme and rosemary
· ½ cup white wine
· 1-2 bay leaves
· Salt and pepper to taste
· 100g Parmesan cheese
· 2 tbsp cooking oil
· 4 cups vegetable stock
· Beetroots for pickling and puree
Preparation
Pickled Beetroots
Combine white wine vinegar, sugar, water, and black pepper
Pickle beetroots in this mixture to add a tangy dimension to the dish
Leek Hay
Julienne the leek
Deep fry until crispy, creating a delicate, crunchy garnish
When rice is nearly cooked, incorporate beetroot puree
Finish with pickled beetroots and crispy leek hay
Garnish with goat cheese and Parmesan
Every Wednesday, Cyrenians offers fresh, organic veg boxes for pickup at Café 1505, available in small and regular sizes through weekly or fortnightly subscriptions.
By choosing these veg boxes, you’re doing more than preparing a delicious meal—you’re supporting their important work to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness and connecting with the vibrant food ecosystem of Edinburgh.
