The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 622 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Aussie rules football umpire ditches Hawaii for Edinburgh to pick up degree during honeymoon

A top-level umpire in Australian rules football has called half-time on his honeymoon to attend his Edinburgh Napier University graduation ceremony.

John Howorth and his wife Morgan, who are from Melbourne, decided to combine the trip to collect his MSc Performance Enhancement in Sports Officiating with their first holiday as a married couple.

The pair tied the knot in January – following two Covid-related postponements – while John continued his studies online from Australia.

The 30-year-old AFL whistler had no hesitation in planning the romantic getaway around his walk across the stage at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – braving the rain and donning a kilt for the occasion.

He said: “Originally Morgan wanted to go to Hawaii, but when our wedding got postponed it didn’t work with the footy calendar. When I found out my graduation date, coming here worked perfectly.

“I’ve always wanted to come to Scotland to play golf, so coming here because of uni was no problem.

“When I brought it up with Morgan she said she’d be happy to pack the big jumpers!”

John credits his time at ENU for bringing about a big improvement in his performance as an AFL umpire – where he takes charge of big matches in Australia’s most popular sport.

He had been officiating at the top level for two years, before he decided to apply.

John said: “I’d made the jump to elite level and found it quite confronting, so I wanted to find a way to improve. I was looking for any avenue to get better – because I had to.

“In my first year in the course I was in the bottom 10% of the umpires’ ranking. Within 12 months I was in the top 40%. It was a jump you’d normally be expected to take five or six years to make.

“Consciously I wasn’t doing anything different, but the stats told it all. The course was a little golden nugget for me.

“It wasn’t a big cohort, but we had a great range of people from different sports to compare experiences with.

“I hadn’t done anything like this before. I found it very challenging at first, but the lecturers held my hand all the way through.”

Edinburgh Napier’s MSc Performance Enhancing in Sports Officiating is the first course of its kind at a Masters level, offering teaching tailored to the students’ needs – including skills like communication, game management, high-pressure decision making and leadership.

The first cohort graduated last year, with current and past students including officials from football, basketball, cricket and rugby.

Programme Leader and Associate Professor of Sport Psychology & Coaching with Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences, Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, said: “John will be the first to admit that when he began he was not an experienced academic, but he brought incredible drive, enthusiasm and energy to the group.

“He soon showed that his studies were innovative – and because he operated at the highest level of AFL he was able to show real measurable improvements in his decision accuracy levels.

“In one ‘what happened next?’ study, he developed a training package designed to develop game understanding in a group of community level umpires, which increased his accuracy levels.

“Johnny was class representative for the cohort and other staff have commented how they’re going to miss him at meetings, for his no-nonsense approach and positivity.”

Following their trip to Scotland – with John even making time for a round of golf at St Andrews – the happy couple will conclude the honeymoon in France before heading home.

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies were held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Tthe nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, was renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.

Charity shopping night at Dobbies’ Edinburgh stores in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

Garden centre unveils fundraising festivities

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and Stockbridge little dobbies are celebrating the festive season this November with a Christmas Shopping Night fundraiser in aid of National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Families in Edinburgh are invited to join Dobbies for an evening of seasonal shopping on Thursday 30 November from 5-9pm, with tickets priced at £1 available in store and online now. To help raise awareness, vital funds and spread kindness, all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, alongside additional fundraising efforts from activities on the night.

Customers can explore Dobbies brand-new Christmas themes for 2023, be inspired with great value decorations that will adorn any home and take advantage of exclusive deals. Attendees can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy seasonal songs and book in to experience Santa’s Grotto where children can meet Mr Claus himself.

Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease, and for those that are lucky enough to survive, getting the right physical and emotional support is vital for recovery.

Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 are told they have cancer, and it’s projected that by 2030 this number will be closer to 10. Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust with donations helps fund specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person that’s battling cancer.

Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, has been working closely with Teenage Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the fantastic work they carry out.

She said: “Our late-night shopping events in Edinburgh are a great chance to gather the family, get into the festive spirit and support a charity that’s making such a difference to teenagers and young adults across the UK.

“Last year our fundraising efforts saw over £100k donated to the charity, and we’re hoping to top this benchmark with the help of our customers.”

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationship Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night is a memorable occasion and one our team, supporters and volunteers look forward to every year.

It’s a great chance for communities to get together, share a magical experience and raise vital funds to help us deliver life-changing work to teenagers and young adults battling cancer.”

November is TCT Takeover month for Dobbies, with a social takeover on 2 November, donation weekends in store, donations encouraged for event bookings and the Christmas Shopping Night.

Tickets for the Christmas Shopping Night are £1 per person, with all funds raised going to TCT. Santa’s Grotto will be available to pre book at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. In addition, customers can enjoy 2 courses for £16.99 in the restaurant, allowing visitors to get a taste of the Christmas menu.

This is only bookable online for Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and reservations can be made by visiting Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.

For more information about Dobbies Christmas Shopping Night in partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Business confidence in Scotland falls during October

· Business confidence in Scotland falls seven points in October to 26%, but firms remain optimistic in their own trading prospects, at 44%

· Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (37%), introducing new technology (37%) and entering new markets (31%)

· Overall UK business confidence increased three points in October to 39% with firms’ outlook on the economy also up by four points at 34%

Business confidence in Scotland fell seven points during October to 26%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. 

Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up five points at 44%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 19 points to 10%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 26%.  

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as months as evolving their offer (37%), introducing new technology (37%) and entering new markets (31%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. 
 
A net balance of 33% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up two points on last month. 

National picture

Overall UK business confidence rose three points in October from 36% to 39%, and firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy increased four points to 34%. Businesses’ confidence in their own trading prospects also continued the upward trend, rising four points to 45%.

Companies’ hiring intentions reached their highest level since May last year, with 32% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up six points month-on-month.

Firms in Yorkshire reported the highest levels of business confidence, jumping 12 points to 52% – the highest reading for the region since March 2022. Companies in the South West reported the biggest uptick in business confidence, increasing 26 points month-on-month to 47%.

Following a fall in confidence in September, the retail and service industries both saw an increase in business confidence, with retail business confidence increasing by five points to 37% and services rising seven points to 43%. Levels are still lower than seen in August, however, when retail business confidence was at 44% and services at 42%.

Manufacturing confidence was 36%, unchanged from last month when confidence rose to a three-month high. Construction fell for a second month in a row to 31% (down five points).

Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: ““Despite the drop in overall business confidence, it’s reassuring to see that firms across the country remain optimistic about their own trading prospects as we head into the final quarter of the year.

“As we approach Christmas, and what’s the busiest trading period of the year for many Scottish firms, those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors companies will benefit from maintaining a steady cashflow to remain resilient and be well-placed to seize any opportunities to grow.

“It’s no secret that Christmas can be a frenetic and expensive time for businesses and their customers, so firms need to have a plan in place to manage this, as well as having some money aside to cover unexpected costs.

“We’ll remain by the side of Scottish businesses to help them capitalise on avenues for growth in the final months of the year.”

Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: ““Retail and service sectors have clearly felt reassured this month, after confidence fell in September. While others have commented that consumers may be feeling the strain, our data shows that in terms of their future appetite, it certainly isn’t ‘doom and gloom’ for retailers.

“However, higher energy costs and rising oil prices will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers and businesses alike. If businesses can look to their future financial stability now and ensure cash-flow remains a priority, that should put them in good stead for the months ahead.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence this month reflects a more positive outlook as we head into the important festive period, with trading prospects and economic optimism both at their second highest levels this year.

“The level also underlines the wider upward trend of steadily rising confidence in 2023. If you look at the year in quarterly time periods, confidence has steadily risen from 20% in the first quarter, 26% in the second and in September an average of 27% in the third.

“However, our data shows that firms are still safeguarding their profit margins in response to the possibility of interest rates remaining high, wage increase pressures, and the prospect of higher energy prices again this winter.

“Therefore, businesses will be keeping a keen eye on the forthcoming Autumn Statement and Bank of England policy announcements as they navigate through a challenging economic period ahead.”

Gaza crisis: The UK’s position

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on Gaza yesterday:

Thank you, President.

I’d like to thank Commissioner-General Lazzarini, Executive Director Russell and Director Doughten for your stark and clear briefings.

Let me start by recognising the courage, commitment and sacrifice of UN employees and humanitarian workers in Gaza, and in particular the 103 aid workers – including the 64 UNRWA staff – who have been killed in Gaza in the last 22 days.

We also offer our sincere condolences to all Palestinians and Israelis who have suffered or lost loved ones.

Since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October, the United Kingdom has underscored Israel’s right to self-defence against terrorism. We continue to be clear that this must be done in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Our efforts, with our international partners, have focussed on the protection of civilians, securing and scaling up humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. Sadly, despite these efforts the situation in Gaza deteriorates daily. Hamas bears sole responsibility for starting this conflict.

President, I would like to highlight three priorities.

First, we call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality, distinction and necessity. This requires all parties to take every possible step to avoid the harming of civilians and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.

Second, we must urgently co-operate to scale up aid into Gaza, and to ensure sufficient access points are open.

For this to happen successfully there needs to be a safer environment, which necessitates humanitarian pauses. We support UN-led efforts in this regard.

Since the latest escalation in Gaza, the UK has committed over $36 million in additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. An RAF flight arrived in Egypt on 25 October carrying 21 tonnes of UK aid for Gaza. But the access environment needs to improve immediately so that these and other lifesaving resources can reach the people who desperately need them.

Third, we cannot allow this conflict to spread. We call on all countries in the region to help avoid escalation and warn non-state actors not to exploit the current situation.

President, the Palestinian Authority has a key role as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. We call on Israel and other states to support the PA. We call on Israeli authorities to tackle the rising number of settler attacks and killings in the occupied West Bank, recalling that it is their responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians there.

The UK retains the long-term goal of a Two State Solution with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully.

To reach that goal, we have a responsibility to ensure a plan for Gaza that offers the population hope, security, stability, prosperity, and effective governance so that their political wishes can be fulfilled. In this regard, some fundamental principles apply.

There should be no mass displacement of Gazans to neighbouring countries. The Palestinian Authority should play a central role. And nothing should be done that cuts across progress towards a Two State Solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state.

Pharmacies expand access to naloxone kits

Lifesaving overdose-reversal scheme expanded

Access to potentially life-saving naloxone kits, which reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is being expanded to community pharmacies across Scotland.

All community pharmacies will now hold at least two naloxone kits – either a nasal spray or injectable.

The Emergency Access Naloxone Scheme, which is backed by £300,000 of Scottish Government funding, began yesterday (Monday).

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “Through our National Mission to reduce drug deaths and harms, we have invested more than £3 million in widening access to Naloxone, including through our emergency services.

“Police Scotland recently completed a force-wide rollout to 12,500 officers who have used the kits more than 300 times and, according to the most recent statistics, 70% of those who are at risk of opioid overdose are being provided with a lifesaving kit.

“However, we want to do even more. This new nationwide service is a welcome addition to existing services. It provides a substantial increase life-saving emergency access and I’m grateful to all those in community pharmacies who are supporting our £250 million National Mission to reduce drug deaths.

“We’ll also continue to focus on getting more people into the form of treatment and support they need, expand access to residential rehabilitation and drive the rollout of life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards where we are making significant progress.”

Community Pharmacy Scotland incoming CEO Matt Barclay said: “CPS is pleased to have community pharmacy participating in delivering this key role to support a reduction in drug deaths across Scotland.

“It once again sees community pharmacy at the heart of the community, delivering care for the citizens of Scotland.”

More support for families with cost of living ahead of winter

Millions of people across the country are set to receive significant cost of living support ahead of winter, with the second instalment of the cost-of-living payment – worth £900 in total – landing directly in bank accounts from today

Significant cost of living support to come into effect from today as millions of households set to receive second £300 payment
Comes as £2 bus fare cap in England extended with millions of people also set to benefit from lower travel costs
Prime Minister continues to support families with the cost of living ahead of winter as we are on track to halve inflation

Millions of people across the country are set to receive significant cost of living support ahead of winter, with the government freezing bus fares in England and the second cost-of-living payment – worth £900 in total – landing directly in bank accounts from today.

The bus fare cap had been due to rise to £2.50 but the government is keeping the fares down at £2 until the end of next year to help millions of people make significant savings on their travel costs. The fare cap has helped cut bus fares in England outside London by 7.4% between June 2022 and June 2023, with even bigger savings in rural areas where fares have dropped by almost 11%.

This government says the extension is only possible due to the redirected HS2 funding as part of the Network North plan and takes the total government investment to keep bus fares down to nearly £600 million – with over 140 operators signing up to continue offering the cap across more than 5,000 routes.

Over 8 million households across the UK will also receive the second of up to three payments from today, totalling up to £900 through 2023/24 with a further cost of living payment due to be made to eligible households by next Spring.

These payments are entirely tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. Those who are eligible will be paid automatically and do not need to apply for the payment or do anything to receive it.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I know that winter can be a particularly challenging period for many families across the country. That’s why we have put in place a package of immediate support for vulnerable households over the coming months.

“We are lowering travel costs through the bus fare cap, which we are able to do because of our long-term decision to cancel phase 2 of HS2. We are also providing an extra top up to help pay energy bills and direct payments to cover the cost of day-to-day essentials.

“But the best way to put more money in the pockets of hardworking people is to focus on the long-term decisions that will help not only them, but future generations too. We’re on track to halve inflation which will help people’s wages go further, and we’re growing the economy to create better paid jobs and opportunities across the country.”

The government is also committed to helping vulnerable households across the UK with their energy bills over winter. Winter Fuel Payments – boosted again this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment – will provide pensioners with up to £600 to help with heating costs over the colder months.

On top of this, nearly three million low-income households are also eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount. From tomorrow (1st November) Cold Weather Payments will also come into effect to provide eligible households £25 extra a week when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days across the UK.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Buses are the most popular form of public transport and help people across the country get to work, attend medical appointments, and see loved ones – that’s why we are extending the ‘Get Around for £2’ scheme all the way to 31 December 2024.

“Extending the £2 bus fare cap has only been possible with the redirected HS2 funding secured by this Government making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future, delivering immediate benefits and helping people save money.”

Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Tackling inflation is the best way to boost people’s incomes, but as we work to halve it, we are protecting the most vulnerable households from high prices with this latest Cost of Living payment.

“Thousands of Work Coaches based in Jobcentres across the country are on hand to help people find work or enhance their skills, and I encourage anyone wanting to strengthen their finances and unleash the benefits of work to contact their local Jobcentre to see what help is available.”

Taken together, these measures build on the significant cost of living support already provided to eligible households throughout last year – now worth an average of £3,300 per household over this year and last. 

The government says it has also gone further by:

Increasing benefits in line with inflation, meaning more than 10 million working age families will see an average increase of around £600.
Maintaining the Triple Lock earlier this year to give around 12 million pensioners the largest ever cash increase to the State Pension.
Extending the Household Support Fund for another year in England to help families with essential costs with £1 billion of extra funding.
Increasing the National Living Wage by its largest ever cash amount for 2 million workers – worth over £1,600 to the annual earnings of a full-time worker – and committing to increase it to over £11 an hour from April 2024.
Cutting fuel duty by 5 pence and freezing the increase, worth £100 to the average driver this year.
Covering up to 85% of childcare costs for working households on Universal Credit, up from 70% under the legacy system – currently worth over £19,500-a-year for families with two or more children.

The government says it has ‘a strong record on supporting the most vulnerable and lifting households out of poverty’, with the latest data showing there were nearly 1 million fewer workless households since 2010 and 1.7 million fewer people in absolute poverty after housing costs over the last decade.

They maintain the best route out of poverty is through work, ‘which is why we’ve introduced a package of measures worth £3.5 billion to break down the barriers for people to find jobs and fulfil their potential. This includes our flagship Universal Support scheme which will get thousands more people into jobs with a personal adviser providing wraparound support for up to a year while they find their feet.

‘We encourage people in need of additional support over winter to check their eligibility through our Help for Households website for the various cost of living schemes that are place.’

Time to start planning North Edinburgh Community Festival 2024

IT’S TIME TO START PLANNING THE 2024 FESTIVAL!

Please come along on the 23rd November to West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre and help us make next year’s festival the best one yet!

Dispersal Zones information

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable from 3rd – 5th November.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

#KeepingPeopleSafe

“I’m a vet and these 5 tips will keep pets stress-free during firework season”

One unusual household item can work wonders in desensitising your pet

With almost half (5.4 million) of dogs in the UK scared of fireworks, according to the RSPCA, Bonfire Night on 5 November is not always a cause for celebration for pet owners. Firework season can be filled with anxiety as people struggle to keep their beloved pets feeling safe and secure.

Pets can develop a negative association with loud noises at any time, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs of firework anxiety. If your pet is acting unusual, being disruptive, hiding, excessively licking their lips or pacing, this could signify they’re feeling stressed about Bonfire Night.

To help anxious pet owners this firework season, experts at TrustedHousesitters have teamed up with Veterinary Surgeon Dr Lily Richards to share the best advice they’ve learnt over the years.

You can keep your furry friends feeling safe and sound during firework season with these five top tips:

Use spaghetti to desensitise your pets to firework sounds

Dr Richards explains, “If your pet is anxious or noise-phobic and historically gets stressed at fireworks, consider starting desensitisation training as soon as possible. Desensitisation audio is available online for free. Initially, the sound is barely audible background noise, and gradually increases in volume to reduce your pet’s reaction to anxious stimuli over time”.

Alternatively, look for items you have around the house to stimulate the sudden pop of fireworks. Snapping spaghetti is a good place to start if your pet is extremely anxious. You can then build up to louder noises, such as popping bubble wrap. Positive reinforcement is key here, so make sure you’re rewarding your pet with pats and treats after each loud noise. Soon, they’ll stop associating sudden noises with fear (and probably start sniffing around you for treats instead!).

2. Consider swaddling

If your dog is experiencing firework anxiety, swaddling can help. Dr Richards says, “Anti-anxiety wraps (Thunder shirts/ tightly fitting T-shirts) can be considered. They’re designed to touch pressure points and calm your pet in the same way as swaddling a baby. However, some pets may not tolerate this, so try it out ahead of bonfire night to see whether it’ll work for your pet.”

You can buy purpose-made swaddles online or in pet shops, but you can also make a DIY swaddle with a tea towel, scarf, or other fabric secured with an elastic band or hair tie. Make sure there’s not too much pressure, and you’re not tightly fastening anything close to your pet’s neck, as this could be dangerous. If you make a DIY swaddle, monitor your pet at all times to make sure they’re safe and comfortable.

A dog lying on its back

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3. Adjust your walk and meal times

While routines are great for pets, consider altering your walk and meal times during firework season. Dr Richards suggests you “Walk dogs and feed them earlier in the evening, bringing them into the house before fireworks are expected to start. Keep cats inside and consider bringing outdoor hutched animals inside or covering the hutch with a thick blanket if this isn’t possible.”

Amending your walk and meal times ensures your pet is home, fed, walked and settled before fireworks begin, and their anxiety won’t negatively affect their appetite.

If you have no choice but to be outdoors with your dog whilst there are fireworks, make sure they stay on a short lead and that their tag and microchip are up to date in case they panic and bolt.

4. Create a safe space

Dr Richards explains, “Create a calm, quiet environment for your pet to relax in. Include toys, a comfy bed, and their favourite treat in their “safe space”. Consider closing the curtains to limit any flashes that may startle them and reduce stimulation. Familiar background noise such as the TV or radio can be useful in disguising the unfamiliar pops, bangs and whizzes that overstimulate and upset our pets.”

Crate training can be useful for dogs – for many, the space becomes their own safe haven, especially if covered by a blanket to make it feel even more private.

5. Try natural remedies

“Natural remedies, such as Zylkene or Calmaid containing natural biological products like L-tryptophan (a precursor to the mood stabilising hormone serotonin) can be helpful if started a few days before the stressful event and continued until a few days after”, explains Dr Richards. These can be bought from online retailers such as Amazon, at Pets at Home, or local pet stores.

Pheromones can also work wonders: “Calming Pheromone plug-ins such as Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats, which contain a synthetic copy of the natural appeasing pheromone created by a lactating mother to calm their young, can be comforting and reassuring during stressful times, such as Bonfire Night.”

For more top tips for pet owners to help keep pets stress free this Bonfire Night, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/owners/top-tips-to-keep-your-pet-stress-free-during-firework-season