Join us at a Dogs Trust ‘Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday’ event

Events this October in Perth and North Berwick

Following the success of Dogs Trust ‘Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday’ events this summer, the charity is holding further get-togethers this autumn to celebrate their fabulous foster carers and provide more information for others considering fostering.

Staff from the charity’s bases in West Calder and Dundee are working together to share all the benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs.

Throughout October, Dogs Trust West Calder and Dogs Trust Dundee will be highlighting success stories, real-life fostering experiences, and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need across their social media pages.

Followers will also get a peek at all the dogs in their area currently looking for foster homes.

The month-long celebration will conclude with in-person events on Friday 28th October providing an excellent opportunity for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences and ask questions.

Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder says: “We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our fantastic foster carers.  We’re so thankful for everything they do to help get our dogs back on their paws and we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too.”

Foster carers play a major role in helping dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. There are countless advantages of getting involved. It is the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment.

Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.

‘Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday’ will promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland. Having successfully rehomed 140 dogs through their fostering scheme in 2021 and 105 this year to date, Dogs Trust West Calder has recently extended their Home from Home reach across the whole of the Lothians and the Scottish Borders.

From May to date, 20 dogs have been rehomed direct from foster homes by the Home from Home Dundee team with Ollie the cockapoo being the first to be adopted.

Susan Tonner, West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager said: “We would love to invite more people to join our Home from Home scheme. By recruiting more foster carers, we can increase our support across Scotland and find even more perfect homes for dogs in need.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering is welcome to attend one of the events for a cuppa and a chat on Friday 28th October at:

Giraffe Café 51-53, South St, Perth PH2 8PD between 1.00 – 2.30pm

The Puffin, 114 High St, North Berwick EH39 4HE between 1.30 – 3pm

Follow the ‘Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday’ celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust West Calder on twitter @DT_WestCalder and Insta @dogstrust_westcalder and Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee

For more information about fostering or the #TDIFF events please email HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk or HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk

World Sight Day: Girl who inspired Disney to create a princess with glasses challenges “nerd face” emoji

Lowri Moore, the British schoolgirl who got Disney to create a heroine with glasses in their hit Encanto, has set her sights on challenging the popular “nerd face” emoji, which she says perpetuates stigma against glasses wearing.

In 2019, aged just 9, Lowri Moore, from Nottinghamshire, wrote a letter to Disney asking them to represent more glasses wearers in their films. Two years later, Mirabel Madrigal of Encanto burst onto our screens – proudly wearing her glasses. Encacto director Jared Bush said he had been inspired by Lowri, telling her “I am your biggest fan. I am so impressed by you.” 

Now, on World Sight Day, Lowri is turning her focus from the big screen to the phone screen. 

In a letter to the Unicode Consortium, the body responsible for all new emojis, Lowri, who earlier this year won the award for ‘Campaigner of the Year’ from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, says: “Unfortunately, the only glasses wearing emoji I can find is a nerd face […] As I’m sure you know, people who wear glasses are not nerds. But unless we address this, there’s a chance the next generation will grow up believing this lie about themselves.”

Lowri’s #GlassesOn campaign is calling for the option to add glasses to all emojis, to reflect the diversity of glasses wearers and reduce the stigma that many young people still feel about glasses.

For both children and adolescents, having vision problems is linked to lower self-esteem and quality of life. Research from 2005 showed that UK children with glasses are 35-37% more likely to be bullied.

Lowri’s full letter to the Unicode Consortium appears below. Kicking off her campaign, Lowri paid a visit to a UK secondary school where the students co-signed her letter.

One passionate pupil said: “When I realised I needed glasses, I actually didn’t want to wear them at all. I thought I wasn’t going to be cool. I thought everyone looked cool without glasses, so it made me feel left out.”

Another said: “Glasses are an everyday thing and it’s just not fair to not see it on an emoji. I want to express myself with a glasses emoji because that’s who I am. I think Lowri is doing this for us – for everyone that wears glasses”.

Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, stated: “Lowri’s advocacy for the world to open its eyes to the real power of glasses and the people wearing them, rather than reinforcing stereotypes, is vital. For children, as for the rest of the world, eye issues are on the rise. Children in the UK are becoming short-sighted 1.5 times more rapidly than they did 50 years ago.

“Yet good eyesight is crucial in ensuring a child has the best chances in life. Children with vision impairment have poorer educational outcomes, and glasses can reduce the odds of failing a class by almost half****. Making sure children can wear glasses when they need them without the fear of being called a ‘nerd’ is an important step on the way towards better eyesight globally.”

Lowri’s campaign is part of a broader range of activities for World Sight Day 2022 and the Love Your Eyes campaign to create greater public awareness of the importance of caring for your own eyes and getting them tested.

To help people find out if they are taking good care of their eyes, IAPB has developed this quiz with the top tips..

Lowri’s letter in full:

Dear Mark Davis, President of Unicode Consortium, 

My name is Lowri Moore, I am 13 years old and I live in Nottingham UK. Being a teenager, I am on my phone a lot and I love to use emojis. I’ve noticed that you have recently added lots of options to represent people better, thank you for doing this. I think it’s really important that people can find an emoji that looks like them.

I’ve worn glasses all my life and I can’t see a thing without them. So my glasses are really a part of me. Unfortunately, the only glasses wearing emoji I can find is a nerd face (unless you are a granny or a teacher) and I wondered if this is something you could please change.

I’d love to see the option to add glasses to face emojis, similar to changing skin  colour or hair colour as you have already made available.

I would also like to see the original emoji wearing glasses too, but preferably not this one that looks like a nerd 🤓. I think this can be damaging as it helps to confirm the negative stereotype and stigma that we are trying hard to destroy.

As I’m sure you know, people who wear glasses are not nerds. But unless we address this, there’s a chance the next generation will grow up believing this lie about themselves. You have the power to help us change this and that is why I am reaching out to you to ask for your help.

Yours sincerely,

Lowri

Royston Wardieburn AGM

TUESDAY 25th OCTOBER from 2 – 3pm

We would like to invite you on our Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Royston Wardieburn Community Education Centre Management Committee on Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 2 pm – 3 pm

Venue: Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, 11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh EH5 1NF

We would like to extend this invitation to the centre users, local community groups and organisation who use this community facilities on regular basis at the centre.

We are looking for people to join the Management Committee who can bring new skills and expertise; therefore, all North Edinburgh residents are welcome.

Tea coffee and refreshment will be provided.

This is a public event, no registration is required to attend. For any further information, please contact us via email: rwccmc@yahoo.com

Please find attached the agenda and minutes of last year AGM.

Looking forward to see you at the AGM on 25th October,

Kind regards

MIZAN RAHMAN

Chair, RWCC Management Committee

RWCC_AGM_Minutes_16November2021Download

Chair, RWCC Management Committee

RWCC-AGM-2022-agendaDownload

Scotland’s top councillors unveiled

5th annual Cllr Awards held in Dundee showcases the best of local government

LGIU Scotland and CCLA are proud to unveil the winners of the 2022 Cllr Awards, the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of local councillors across Scotland.

This evening, the Awards ceremony took place at Caird Hall with hosts Dundee City Council along with special guests and speakers, including Ben Macpherson MSP (Minister for Social Security and Local Government) and Cllr Steven Heddle (COSLA Vice President). The ceremony was also streamed live on YouTube. 

The top prize of the night for Community Champion went to Cllr David Macdonald of East Renfrewshire Council. Cllr Connor McManus of Midlothian Council walked away as the Young Councillor of the Year (below) and Cllr Maureen Chalmers of South Lanarkshire Council claimed the Resilience and Recovery Award.

Bailie Malcolm Cunning of Glasgow City Council was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service (in memoriam). And, all leaders across Scotland were showcased and recognised for their remarkable contributions to local government over the last two years. The full list of winners is included below.

Running for the 5th year, the Cllr Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally as their work can, all too often, go unrecognised.

Competition was particularly tight this year with nearly 100 nominations received. The winners were selected by a group of judges that included senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. A link to re-watch the Awards is available HERE.

This year’s Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil the winners of this year’s Cllr Awards. During some of the most turbulent and challenging years in recent history, these councillors truly showcase the best of local government across Scotland. 

And while awards and accolades aren’t the reason councillors put themselves forward and enter local politics, their incredible service is, so often, a thankless task. That is why these Cllr Awards are so important. One day a year to say thank you to our elected members for their remarkable efforts.

“I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s Cllr Awards winners. We thank you for your service and look forward to hearing about your continued accomplishments in the future.”

Heather Lamont, Director of Client Investments at CCLA, said: “For the last five years, CCLA and LGIU Scotland have thoroughly enjoyed raising the profile of the best of local government across Scotland and beyond. Councillors and council leaders have delivered in so many unimaginable ways for communities and we want to shout about it!

“The Cllr Awards are all about councillors. Their achievements are often hidden in plain sight and often go unrecognised. CCLA is honoured to stand alongside these outstanding councillors and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our communities.

“Why? Because at CCLA we believe healthy investment markets depend upon healthy communities – economically, socially and environmentally. In that we all have common purpose.”

Portobello woman backs campaign to dispel myths about blindness

A Portobello woman who has been visually impaired since childhood is backing a nationwide campaign by charity RNIB to challenge outdated perceptions and give a voice to some of the hopes and frustrations of blind and partially sighted people.

Sue Marshall (78) was partially sighted in childhood due to the condition Keritecious and became totally blind at 17.

“The strangest thing I’ve found is that when you tell sighted people that can’t see at all they still think you must be able to see something,” she says. “And friends have told me a similar stories. One even took her glass-eyes out and said right, do you understand now!

“I think, in general though, the public are very helpful and kind to the visually impaired. Where I think things haven’t improved is in the workplace. If you’re higher up the chain it seems to be okay, but getting on the first rung of the employment ladder is still difficult.”

RNIB’s ‘See the Person, Not the Sight Loss’ campaign is being launched on World Sight Day today with an emotive short film about Ava, a fictional teenage girl who is coming to terms with losing her sight.

We see the impact this has on many areas of her life, from education to relationships. Most crucially, the film demonstrates how sight loss can impact on mental as well as physical health. With the help of RNIB, Ava’s friends, family and teachers offer their support, while a RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer counsels her post-diagnosis. Ava starts to find her feet again, accepting her condition and regaining confidence.

David Aldwinckle, director of insight that will run in cinemas, television and online customer voice at RNIB, said: “As someone who’s lived with sight loss for forty years, these findings really resonated with me emotionally.

“When people are diagnosed with sight loss, we know that they often experience a range of emotions including shock, anger and anxiety, and that these can be particularly acute for a young person.

“That’s one of the reasons why we’ve made it a core part of our mission to improve understanding of sight loss. At RNIB, blind and partially sighted people often tell us that they wish other people had a better understanding of what it means to be living with a vision impairment, and we know that by making sometimes small changes to their behaviour, people can help to create a more equitable world for anyone affected by sight loss.

“I’m excited by the launch of our important campaign and with the authenticity of our film, which captures the range of feelings that people go through – the fear, the sense of anxiety, the anger and denial. But really importantly it captures the fact that we also have desire, passion, ambition, skills, abilities, to live full lives and contribute to the world around us just like everybody else.”

In portraying the character of Ava, lead actor Eli London drew upon personal experiences of sight loss, having had retinoblastoma in childhood resulting in monocular vision.

Eli said: “This short film is going to have a tangible, deep impact for a lot of people. Following a young woman, a student, a gamer, through a sight loss journey is overtly a different approach to media that has covered this story before, but it’s important, and necessary. We exist, and it’s been a pleasure to bring her story to screen, to give someone out there their truest representation.”

The two-minute ‘See the Person, Not the Sight Loss’ film is online and in cinemas, along with a 60-second version which has aired on prime-time television, with a 30-second version running throughout the rest of the four-week campaign period. The full three-and-a-half-minute film is available to view online also.

During tomorrow night’s episode of ‘Gogglebox’ on Channel 4 the cast will watch the campaign film, opening up the conversation about sight loss to the whole nation.

The campaign has been supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery through the Postcode Care Trust and other partners.

You can watch the full film here and the 60 second version here.

For more information visit  www.rnib.org.uk/our-campaigns/see-the-person

Being asked whether their guide-dog can read bus-numbers, how they look after their children, know whether their house is clean and tidy, or even when they have their period, are some of the questions blind and partially sighted people have put to them.

RNIB asked what they wished sighted people would stop doing:

  • Asking ‘How many fingers am I are holding up?’
  • Assuming that because I can’t see properly, I can’t hear either.
  • Making hurtful comments such as ‘I couldn’t cope if I was in your shoes’.
  • Leaving a room or meeting without saying goodbye.
  • Directing questions to my guide dog, family or friend instead of me.
  • Asking ‘Would you rather be deaf or blind?’
  • Assuming I need help without asking.
  • Assuming I would only date or marry another blind person.
  • Parking cars on pavements.

What do you wish sighted people knew about sight loss?

  • That sight loss is a spectrum, and everyone’s experience is individual.
  • It’s tiring! The level of fatigue you feel from the extra concentration you are using all the time.
  • It is deeply offensive to say, ‘I don’t look blind’.
  • The fact that I’m blind, doesn’t mean I can’t do it, it just means it takes me a little bit longer or I do it a bit differently.
  • How nerve-wracking it can be to cope in public environments that are low or brightly lit, cluttered, noisy or busy.
  • How much flippant and disrespectful comments can hurt.

1.3 million winter vaccines delivered

Most vulnerable protected against COVID-19 and flu

Over a million vaccines have been delivered to protect against the latest strains of flu and COVID-19 in the latest efforts to relieve winter pressure on the NHS.

Frontline healthcare staff and the country’s most vulnerable have been immunised at speed – with 80.2% of all care home residents being fully vaccinated since the rollout began in September.

The next groups in line for their vaccines – over 65s and those at high-risk – are receiving a scheduled appointment and 50-64 year olds will soon be invited to book an appointment. Anyone who has missed an appointment can reschedule through the NHS Inform online booking portal.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being given at the same time as the flu jab where possible, and so far 94% of those invited have had both at the same appointment. Over two million Scots will be offered both vaccines over the next three months – a pace that aims to maintain Scotland’s place as a leading nation on vaccine uptake.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “This impressive uptake is testament to the frontline staff who got us through the pandemic and continue to protect our population and NHS from the threats that winter brings.

“Scotland remains steadfast in the effort to protect everyone – continuing the huge success of the vaccination programme since it was first rolled out in December 2020.

“COVID-19 has not gone away and I call on everyone to take up the offer of a booster as soon as their invitation arrives to protect themselves, their families and the NHS.”

1,369,270 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered since the winter vaccine programme launched.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability.

Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.

Rearrange or opt-out of your vaccination appointment | NHS inform

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

“Grans Eat Free” this October holiday at Mclarens on the Corner

This October Half-Term Break, McLarens on the Corner in Morningside is introducing a limited offer to celebrate grandparents with a “Grans Eat Free” deal throughout the October holidays.

The family-friendly restaurant that believes in serving up sumptuous food, delicious cocktails, and a whole lot of love has created the offer as a thank you to the grandparents that will be home with the kids while they’re off from school.

Grandparents are beloved for spoiling their grandchildren with love, affection, and all the treats mum usually doesn’t allow. It’s time that they get spoiled in return! Signature Group has decided to turn the tables, and instead of having kids eat free this half-term holiday, we’re giving the free meal to Gran.

The deal was created to acknowledge the unsung heroes at the heads of our families that rarely get a day devoted to treating them with the same care that they exhibit each day.

Including anything from a bacon cheeseburger for lunch to blackened salmon for dinner, grandparents can choose the entrée that suits their appetite for no charge for two weeks in October. Now, the kids can start pooling together their pocket money and get ready to pick up the bill for their meal, because this meal is on them.

The limited offer will be available on weekdays between 10th and 21st October. One grandparent can receive a free main course per visit when they dine with their grandkids. Kids must also order a main dish from the children’s menu or main a la carte menu. Free main excludes steak. 

Multi-agency exercise in Edinburgh

Police Scotland is taking part in a multi-agency exercise in Edinburgh to test the response to a major incident.

The simulated exercise will take place from Monday 17 October to Thursday 20 October 2022.

It’s one of many pre-planned exercises that provides training and experience working with other agencies.

Exercises happen regularly at various levels with other emergency services and organisations. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the last exercise of a similar scale held in Scotland was October 2017.

This exercise will test the multi-agency response to a major incident involving hazardous materials.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, head of Operational Support, said: “This is one of many pre-planned exercises and not in response to any specific threat.

“The public should rightly expect Police Scotland to practice and strengthen our response to a major incident alongside other organisations.

“We are part of a well-established multi-agency training programme that provides valuable training and learning.

“It’s important for exercises to be as realistic as possible however they are always planned proportionately in controlled settings and there will be limited disruption to people living nearby.”

There will be an increased presence of emergency services and military vehicles in Edinburgh during the exercise days.

The exercise is being organised by the Scottish Multi-Agency Resilience Training and Exercise Unit (SMARTEU). Other agencies involved in this particular exercise include NHS Lothian, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council.

Simple first aid tips that could save a life

A 2021 study conducted by The British Heart Foundation revealed that 38% of people in the UK have never undertaken CPR training. For every minute that a person in cardiac arrest doesn’t receive CPR and defibrillation, their chance of survival drops by 10%.

With this in mind, education experts at Skillstg.com have outlined the basic first aid a person should know in case of an emergency. The study details how to differentiate between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, perform CPR, use a defibrillator, and put someone in the recovery position. Acting quickly and confidently using this simple guide could save a stranger or a loved one’s life.

What is CPR?

CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) is a procedure in which a person’s chest is pressed rhythmically to artificially maintain a liveable heart rate and blood circulation during cardiac arrest.

What is the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack?

It is important to note that cardiac arrest and a heart attack differ. A heart attack is a condition where the heart muscle suddenly becomes starved of oxygen and nutrients due to a blockage in one of the coronary arteries. A person having a heart attack may feel pain, pressure and burning in their chest and is usually conscious at the time. In this case, you should immediately call 999 and sit the person down to rest while you wait for an ambulance.

A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around the body, usually due to a heart attack. The brain is starved of oxygen, and the person becomes unconscious. In this instance, you should call 999 immediately and perform CPR to keep the person alive whilst waiting for an ambulance. If the heart cannot pump itself, you must assist.

How to spot symptoms of cardiac arrest?

First of all, it is important to be able to identify when someone is in cardiac arrest. If any of the below symptoms are present, then you should immediately begin to perform CPR:

  • The person is unconscious or not responding
  • The skin is pale, cool, and clammy
  • They are not breathing, or breathing appears to be abnormal, high-pitched or gasping
  • The body is limp and unresponsive
  • Lips and fingernails appear blue-ish

How to perform CPR on an adult

  1. If you spot an unconscious person who appears not to be breathing properly, or at all, shake them at the shoulders and ask if they are okay. Call 999 and immediately start performing CPR. If someone else is nearby, shout for them to find a public access defibrillator (PAD). Put your phone on loudspeaker as soon as you have dialled 999, this will allow you to perform CPR whilst asking for help. Do not leave the patient to look for a defibrillator; the ambulance will bring one when they arrive.
  1. Give chest compressions
  • Kneel next to the person
  • Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest. Place your other hand on the top of the first. Interlock your fingers.
  • Keeping your arms straight, use the heel of your hand to push down on the breastbone firmly and smoothly so that the chest pushes down 5-6cm, and release to allow the chest to rise back up.
  • Do this at a rate of 100-120 chest compressions per minute. The rhythm of ‘Staying Alive’ by the Bee Gees is the perfect beat to push to.
  1. Keep performing CPR until help arrives
  • You must keep going until the ambulance and paramedics arrive to take over, or until the person begins to breath normally and demonstrates signs of life. If the patient opens their eyes, starts coughing, speaking, and breathing normally, you can stop.
  • If there is no sign of improvement to the person’s condition, and you are becoming tired, try and shout for someone nearby to help and take turns with the CPR. If there is a helper, you can swap every one-to-two minutes with minimal disruption to chest compressions.
  1. Use a defibrillator
  • If a helper returns with a defibrillator, request that it be switched on while you continue to perform CPR. The helper must remove or cut away clothing so that the bare chest is accessible. Any perspiration should also be wiped away. A voice will begin giving instructions from the defibrillator.
  • To apply the pads, first remove the backing paper. In the spaces indicated, place the pads in the appropriate places. The first pad should be placed on top of the person’s collarbone to the right. The second pad should be placed on the top of the person’s armpit to the left.
  • The defibrillator will examine the heart’s rhythm. Stop CPR and make sure no one else is handling the patient. It will then provide a series of visual and verbal indicators that must be followed.
  • If a shock is required, tell any other people around you to stand back. The defibrillator will tell you when it is time to press the shock button. You may then be advised to carry on with CPR if no further shocks are required.
  1. Recovery position – if they become responsive
  • Put the person in the recovery position if they begin to open their eyes, cough, talk and begin breathing normally. The recovery position ensures that the airways are kept clear and open; it also ensures fluids and vomit won’t cause them to choke.
  • Extend the nearest arm to you out at a right angle to the person’s body with the palm facing upwards.
  • Take the other arm and fold it so that the back of their hand rests on their cheek. Hold this hand while carefully rolling the person onto their side. The extended arm will ensure you don’t roll too far, and the bent arm will be supporting the head.
  • Bend their top leg so that their knee is at a right angle.
  • Open the airway by tilting their head gently back and lifting their chin. At this point, you can check that nothing is blocking their airway.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives

A representative from Skillstg.com commented on the study: “Currently, nine in ten people with cardiac arrest outside the hospital die.

“CPR is an essential skill that can improve these odds by saving lives. If CPR is performed in the first few minutes of someone going into cardiac arrest, the person’s chance of survival is doubled.”

Skills Training Group are the UK’s leading first aid training, electrical and heating courses for adults, contractors & companies alike.