The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 653 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Aberlour Children’s Charity seeks urgent assistance as fund for disadvantaged families runs out

· Aberlour Children’s Charity is launching a new national ‘Poverty Relief Appeal’ on Monday, 14^th November to secure donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund

· The Fund, which provides cash for essentials such as food, bedding, clothing and heating, is currently closed to new applications due to extreme demand during the cost-of-living crisis

· In the last eighteen months, the Fund has awarded over £1M to struggling families in Central Scotland – the most of any Scottish region

Aberlour Children’s Charity, one of the largest Scottish children’s charities, is launching a new national fundraising drive to secure critical donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund, which provides vital financial support to the most disadvantaged families in Central Scotland.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic and amid the cost-of-living crisis, the charity has had to close the Fund, which delivers cash grants, typically within 48 hours, for essentials such as food, clothing, and energy costs, to new applications.

Over 12,000 people across Scotland have received grants from Aberlour worth £1.44 million since April 2021.

In the Central Belt*, 2,862 grants have been made since April 2021, supporting 9,377 individuals. The average grant value awarded is £373.36, and the most requested item that families are seeking to buy with grants from the Urgent Assistance Fund in the region is clothing, followed by food, bedding and then money towards utility bills.

Aberlour’s new Poverty Relief Appeal launches today – Monday, 14th November – across national TV, radio, press and digital.

The TV advert follows seven-year-old ‘Emma’ whose normal family life is turned upside down as they struggle to cope with the financial pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. We see an empty wall where a radiator once stood followed by an empty plate once filled with nutritious food, and, eventually, Emma looks into a bedroom with no bed as she prepares for another night sleeping on the floor.

SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive at Aberlour Children’s Charity, said: “This is one of the most challenging periods families have faced in decades and Scotland’s poorest children face a dark, cold winter.

“The worst-off families in our communities can simply no longer afford to put the lights on, heat their homes, put food on the table, or buy basic necessities for their children such as a bed or bedding.

“Every penny donated to Aberlour goes directly to families and our Urgent Assistance Fund has been a vital means to many. However, the reality is that we are only able to help one out of four existing applications and, unfortunately, the Fund is now closed to new applications until we can secure more donations.

“Christmas is a time when families struggle more than any other. As the cost-of-living increases daily, the impact could be devastating, and we are asking anyone that is in a position to contribute – however big or small the amount – to donate via our website to support those in need.”

Chloe Taylor, support worker for Aberlour based in Glasgow, added: “We work daily with families who have always lived normal lives but sadly the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis has created extreme stress in the household.

“When there are so many families looking for support, it can be very easy to be forgotten, so initiatives and financial support such as the Urgent Assistance Fund are absolutely vital for struggling families in the Central Belt.”

Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund can provide immediate relief to families with children (aged 21 and under) who are suffering extreme hardship.

Money is paid straight to families who apply via a sponsor (health professional, social worker, teacher, third sector organisation, clergy or other professional).

Donations to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund via:

www.aberlour.org.uk/povertyrelief

Information on the Urgent Assistance Fund: www.aberlour.org.uk/get-help/urgent-assistance-fund

First Minister leads tributes to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday.

Hundreds gathered on the Royal Mile near the Stone of Remembrance at the City Chambers to remember all those who gave their lives in conflicts over the years.

The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers, followed by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, veterans, and representatives from the three Armed Services.

Following the firing of the One O’Clock Gun from Edinburgh Castle at 11am, they joined people across the country in falling silent for two minutes of reflection.

After a short ceremony, wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, Chiefs of all three Armed Services, veterans associations and others. This was followed by a service of remembrance at St Giles Cathedral.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Remembrance Sunday honours the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. It also gives us the opportunity to mark the service and sacrifice our veterans and those still serving in our Armed Forces community have made, and continue to make, to defend our freedoms.

“At this time of year, many families in Scotland come together to remember their loved ones and it is an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect and be thankful. We remember them with pride. They will never be forgotten.”

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is vital that we do not forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

“Today is a chance to come together and remember all the servicemen and women who gave their lives over the years, as well as those who returned with physical or mental scars.

“As we recognise the extraordinary sacrifices our Armed Forces community continue to make, it is also a chance to express our hopes for a peaceful future.”

Further commemorations took place around Scotland, including services at Glasgow Garden of Remembrance at George Square, and other locations.

Entries are now open for The MoonWalk Scotland 2023

Raise money for those living with breast and other cancers

On Saturday 9th September 2023, thousands of women and men will set off from Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to walk an overnight half or full marathon through the streets of the capital.

Walkers will be uniting to raise much needed awareness and money, which is granted towards research, prevention and supporting those living with cancer in Scotland.

Walkers can pick any theme from previous years to decorate their bra and add a sprinkle of silver.

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, The MoonWalk Scotland will be the final event in the charity’s trilogy of MoonWalks in 2023, following The MoonWalk London, at Clapham Common on Saturday 20th May and The MoonWalk Iceland, at Lake Myvatn on Tuesday 13th June.

For all the events, Walkers can choose between half and full marathons, as well as a virtual option to take on the MoonWalk in their local area.

Those looking to experience Scotland and London can enter both and receive a special 10% discount on entry.

For the ultimate challenge take on the 3 Land Challenge and do all three MoonWalks!

Celebrating 25 years of MoonWalking!

Money raised by Walk the Walk through its MoonWalks is granted to help other charities and organisations across Scotland and the UK in their united aims.

The one and only iconic, original night-time walk – The MoonWalk London – was created in 1998 by Nina Barough CBE and celebrates 25 years of MoonWalking.

MoonWalks in Scotland (2006) and Iceland (2011) followed. All three MoonWalks are organised by the cancer charity Walk the Walk, founded by Nina.

Foysol Choudhury MSP urges constituents struggling with energy bills to seek help

Local MSP Foysol Choudhury has urged residents in the Lothian region struggling with their energy bills to seek support amid the growing cost-of-living crisis.

Foysol Choudhury MSP joined Advice Direct Scotland at a parliamentary reception in Holyrood to discuss the charity’s free, practical advice available to constituents who may be worried about money.

The event, on November 3rd, gave politicians a chance to speak to Advice Direct Scotland about its energyadvice.scot service.

They offer advice and support for understanding energy bills, issues with meters, complaints and disputes and switching suppliers.

Staff from Advice Direct Scotland also discussed their moneyadvice.scot service which provides free information and support on a wide range of debt-related issues.

Specialist debt and money advisers can work with people to assess their current situation, look at their income and outgoings, and consider what to do next, including a full range of free end-to-end debt solutions.

It comes after the Energy Price Guarantee kicked in from October 1st, setting the cap at £2,500 a year for an average household.

Households have also started to receive the first instalments of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme in their October electricity bill, which will be applied monthly in six instalments until March 2023.

Those on traditional prepayment meters will receive vouchers by post.

Advice Direct Scotland has urged consumers to stay alerts to scams and fraudulent messages as they do not have to apply for the schemes.

The charity also encourages household to check their benefits entitlement, through its calculator at www.advice.scot, to ensure they are not missing out on key support.

Foysol Choudhury, a Labour list MSP for the Lothian region, said: “It was great to learn more about Advice Direct Scotland’s service and how they can provide free, practical, and impartial advice on a range of issues including debt, energy bills and consumer rights.

“These are issues which many of my constituents are unfortunately facing during this cost-of-living crisis.

“I know that households across Lothian and Scotland are struggling and worried about the coming winter months, especially with the rise in energy prices.

“Please be assured that we are here to support and assist you wherever possible.

“I would urge you to use Advice Direct Scotland’s resources and to reach out to your local representatives if you need further help.”

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It was encouraging to see so many MSPs keen to find out how they can support households through the cost-of-living crisis and difficult winter ahead.

“With the recent rise in energy prices, and more on the horizon, we know that many households are facing financial difficulties.

“Right now, we have qualified advisers ready to provide free, practical support to anyone in Scotland through the energyadvice.scot service – and we can also help any customers having difficulties reaching their supplier.

“Anyone with debt worries should speak to our advisers at moneyadvice.scot for possible solutions, and it’s vital that everyone checks they are receiving their full entitlement to benefits by using our calculator at www.advice.scot.”

Work completes on giant mural at Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Latest addition to Glasgow’s Mural Trail shines a light on health inequalities

A new mural has been officially unveiled at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, adding to Glasgow’s growing mural trail and raising awareness of health inequalities which exist in Scotland.

The Black mother and baby mural was developed in partnership between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and local campaigner, Rachel Dallas. The mural marks NHSGGC’s own commitment to tackling health inequalities in maternal health and baby outcomes in the UK.

The 20 x 30ft design can be seen above the main entrance to the maternity unit on Wishart Street and features the image of a real mother and baby from the local community.

It comes following research which reveals significant racial disparity in maternal care and baby outcomes within Black and ethnic minority groups across the country. A number of partnership groups within NHSGGC are helping to drive forward and further reduce inequalities by promoting diversity in all areas of healthcare, including public health and staff messaging.

Jackie Sands, senior arts and health lead at NHSGGC, said: “Art plays a powerful role in helping raise awareness of major issues in captivating and thought provoking ways.

“The Black mother and baby mural unveiled today will feature in the landscape of Glasgow for years to come, shining a light on, and reminding people of the continued drive to reduce health inequalities – particularly for Black women and babies.

“NHSGGC is delighted to play host to such a mural and to play a part in helping reduce some of those inequalities which do exist.

“A huge thanks to Artisan Artworks for painting the mural and to Rachel Dallas for joint fundraising to make the mural possible.”

Campaigner, Rachel Dallas, said: “This mural is a tribute to the women behind the statistics on racial disparities in maternal health.

“As a mixed Black woman living in Glasgow, I hope it reminds all who enter the hospital (staff, patients, and visitors) of the right to equality of both health care and health outcomes, as well as providing a beautiful representation of the strength and resilience of motherhood.”

Frank Carty of Artisan Artworks, added: “I am honoured have been involved in painting this mural which it is hoped will highlight inequality in maternal care for Black mothers.

“The image should also be very welcoming and maternal to all visitors to the maternity Hospital, and I’m hoping it will provide a really positive focus for that part of the hospital.”

A Basic Income for Scotland event

BASIC Income Network Scotland are launching a campaign centring Basic Income within discussions for Scotland’s future, starting with an event on Tuesday 29th November.

Join us at the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh for an evening of speakers, dynamic discussion, and live music.

https://bit.ly/3FVT8iS

Glenigan Construction Index: Project start decline bottoms out

Underlying project-starts remain depressed, 17% down on the preceding three months, 13% lower than in 2021.
Residential (-21%), non-residential, (-13%) and civils (-13%) all fall against the preceding three months.
Northern Ireland (+16%) and Scotland (+19%) post strong results during November Index period

Glenigan, one of the construction sector’s leading insight experts releases the November 2022 edition of its Construction Index.

The Index focuses on the three months to the end of October 2022, covering all underlying projects with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally adjusted.

The key takeaway from November’s Index is the gradual levelling out of project-start decline, which has characterised the Index since May 2022.

However, whilst performance has stabilised, overall underlying project-starts remain at a low ebb, 17% lower than the previous three months to October, and 13% down on the same period last year.

According to Glenigan’s Senior Economist, Rhys Gadsby, “It’s encouraging to see a fall in project starts has slowed during the period covered by this Index, however, optimism should be cautious.

“Our recent Forecast, released last week, indicated some gale-force headwinds going into 2023, so we shouldn’t expect this performance plateau to be the harbinger of full recovery, at least in the short term.

“Geopolitical disruption, an uncertain domestic economy and a government finding its feet have dented market confidence. Despite the much-needed market assurance expected from the Chancellor’s Statement on 17^th November 2022, it’s unlikely it will provide an immediate boost in activity.”

Sector Analysis – Residential

Decline was consistent across the board, with project-starts falling 21% against the preceding three months to stand 10% lower than 2021 levels.

Despite social housing faring slightly better compared to other verticals covered in the Index (-7% against the previous three months), the value still dipped 26% against last year.

In contrast, private housing-starts tumbled 24% on the previous three months whilst only falling 6% compared to 2021.

Sector Analysis – Non-Residential

The downward trend continues in the non-residential verticals. However, office project-starts were an exception, remaining largely unchanged on a year ago and were up an impressive 11% on the three months preceding October. Whilst industrial starts were up 4% on the previous three months, they slipped 15% behind 2021 levels.

Hotel and leisure starts fell 19% against the preceding three months, experiencing a massive 38% decline against last year. Education (-24%) and health (-41%) work starting on site also declined against the previous three months, respectively standing 28% and 31% lower than a year ago.

Civils project starts slipped back 13% against the previous three months but remained stable compared to 2021 figures.

Regional Analysis

Similar to other Glenigan Indexes published in 2022, Northern Ireland project-starts saw another performance uptick, rising 16% on the previous three months and up by a massive 35% on a year ago.

Scotland also experienced a strong period, with on-site starts up 19% on the last three months and 10% higher than 2021.

Project-start performance was less consistent in other regions. Whilst Wales witnessed a 25% boost against the preceding year, figures were 5% down on the previous three months. The North West remained largely unchanged on the last three months and a modest 2% down on 2021.

All other regions registered decline during the November Index period, and compared to last year. Project-starts in London and Yorkshire & The Humber both experienced steep falls (-35%) against 2021 levels.

For more information about the Glenigan Index and its other publications and services click here.

PAC: Ofgem failures “come at considerable cost to energy billpayers”

“Problems in the energy supply market were apparent in 2018 – years before the unprecedented spike in prices that sparked the current crisis, and Ofgem was too slow to act.“

In a report published today Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee calls on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Ofgem to say how they will make “the energy retail market work in the best interests of customers during the transition to net zero” after finding that failures at the energy regulator have come “at a considerable cost to billpayers”.

Since July 2021, 29 energy suppliers have failed, affecting around 4 million households. Customers have been left to pay the £2.7 billion cost of supplier failures. This means an extra £94 per household, a cost that will very likely increase.

The Committee found that this was due to “Ofgem’s failure to effectively regulate the energy supplier market”.

Ofgem “did not strike the right balance between promoting competition in the energy suppliers market and ensuring energy suppliers were financially resilient”.

Despite problems with the financial resilience of energy retailers emerging in 2018 Ofgem did not tighten requirements for new suppliers until 2019, and for existing suppliers until 2021. By this point wholesale gas and electricity prices increased to unprecedented levels.

The price cap “is providing only very limited protection to households from increases in the wholesale price of energy”, and Ofgem expects prices could “get significantly worse through 2023”. The Committee says BEIS and Ofgem should “review the costs and benefits of the price cap from a consumer’s perspective” to inform decisions about the future of energy price controls.

The position of vulnerable customers, who already pay higher energy prices, is “unacceptable”.

Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “ “It is true that global factors caused the unprecedented gas and electricity prices that have caused so many energy supplier failures over the last year, at such terrible cost to households. But the fact remains that we have regulators to set the framework to shore us up for the bad times.

“Problems in the energy supply market were apparent in 2018 – years before the unprecedented spike in prices that sparked the current crisis, and Ofgem was too slow to act.

“Households will pay dear, with the cost of bailouts added to record and rising bills. The PAC wants to see a plan, within six months, for how Government and Ofgem will put customers’ interests at the heart of a reformed energy market, driving the transition to Net Zero.”

We Will Remember Them: Nation falls silent on Remembrance Sunday

National two-minute silence takes place to remember those who died in conflict

Members of the Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
Around 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans will march past the Cenotaph to pay tribute to their fallen comrades

A national two-minute silence led by His Majesty The King will take place across the UK today as the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph takes place to remember all those who have died in conflict since the First World War.

As well as the two-minute silence taking place at 11am, wreaths will be laid by Members of the Royal Family, senior politicians and faith representatives at the Cenotaph.

Approximately 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans, representing 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations, will take part in the March Past; they will be joined by an estimated 10,000 members of the public who will line Whitehall to watch the service.

Among those marching will be 100-year-old Second World War veterans and those who served in recent conflicts including in Afghanistan. 400 members of the South Atlantic Medal Association will march past the Cenotaph to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. They will also be joined by bereaved family members with the youngest marcher aged eight years old.

For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to attend their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on BBC One, Sky and ITV as well as on YouTube.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This year more than ever, we are reminded of the huge debt of gratitude we owe those who lay down their lives to protect their country.

“As we fall silent together on Remembrance Sunday, we will honour the memories of the men and women we have lost and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom.

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Remembrance Sunday gives us the chance to come together to remember all those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. This year’s service is particularly poignant as we think of our friends and allies in Ukraine.

“I would encourage everyone, no matter where they are, to come together in silence at 11am to remember and give thanks for the sacrifices made by so many.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our veterans and service personnel on operations around the world. We must never forget those who gave their lives in defence of our values and our great nation.

“All of us will also be thinking of those brave Ukrainians who are fighting for their very own survival to defend freedom and democracy for all, just as the UK and Commonwealth soldiers did in both world wars.

“Today, members of the UK Armed Forces at Cenotaph and around the world will come together to honour all those who came before them.”

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson said: “As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to Her Late Majesty The Queen, The Royal British Legion’s Patron of 70 years and longest serving Commander-in-Chief of the British military.

“Her Late Majesty was dedicated to duty and epitomised the service and commitment shown by our Armed Forces community, thousands of who will march past the Cenotaph where she laid her wreath each year.

“Her Late Majesty’s deep bond with the military lives on with His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. Similar Royal British Legion ceremonies will be uniting communities across the nation in Remembrance and today is an opportunity for us all to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who serve, past and present.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to remember the fallen in Edinburgh this morning.

The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers at 10:30am, followed by veterans, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and representatives from the three Armed Services.

The One O’Clock Gun will fire at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, as the country falls silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.

Legion Scotland National Padre Revd Dr Karen Campbell will then lead a short service. Wreaths will then be laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, Chiefs of all three Armed Services, veterans associations and others.

Commemorations will also be taking place across Scotland on Sunday morning.

Scottish Child Payment extended to under 16s from tomorrow

Scottish Child Payment will increase to £25 per eligible child per week from tomorrow (14 November), with the ground-breaking anti-poverty benefit also opening to applications for all eligible under-16s from that date.

The First Minister is determined to help households and businesses cope with a “humanitarian crisis that will cost lives.”

She has also called on the UK Government to take urgent action as it holds most of the key policy levers and resources to fully address the crisis.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland, the most ambitious child poverty reduction measure in the UK and an important action to mitigate the growing cost emergency. We doubled the payment to £20 per week per child in April and the further increase to £25 from November means a rise of 150% in less than eight months.

“Around 104,000 children currently in receipt of Scottish Child Payment will have it automatically increased to £25 per week. All new eligible under 16s will also benefit from the £25 rate, with all payments backdated to the date their application is received.

“Through this year’s Programme for Government we will take every action, within the financial means and legislative powers at our disposal, to help people through this humanitarian crisis that will cost lives.

“The most significant powers to tackle this crisis rest squarely with the UK Government and their inaction has compounded the difficulties everyone is facing.

“In the absence of a plan from the incoming Prime Minister we have a clear set of actions which the UK Government could take now, and should have taken already, to begin to address the crisis. These include an immediate cancellation of the October price cap rise and an uprating of benefits.

“The last few months have made it abundantly clear Scotland cannot rely on the UK Government to support people in Scotland through this crisis. It is vital they have a choice over their future.

“Make no mistake, we will continue to act where others have not to help people and businesses – and the UK Government needs to follow our example.”

You can find helpful Scottish Child Payment information along with shareable social media graphics on the Social Security Scotland website:

https://bit.ly/ScottishChildPaymentInformation