The stallholder terms and conditions are available on our website, and additional resources including a risk assessment, exhibitors guide, promotional marketing can all be found to downloaded. There is also a range of FAQs for any of those all important queries you may have.
What to expect
The Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2024 will showcase the wide range of ways that people can get involved in volunteering with organisations big and small, local and national, who serve a diverse range of communities and causes all coming together with the common aim to attract new volunteers.
Entry is FREE to the public, and more than a thousand potential volunteers are expected to visit and experience the diverse range of ways they can become involved.
Volunteering helps people truly participate in their communities, build new skills, get a taste of different working environments, create new friendships and boost individual confidence and wellbeing. Or simply just feel good that they have done something that made a difference.
When visitors need to sit down after taking in all of this new information there is a café by Space serving delicious food and drink.
When? Tuesday 1st October 2024 from 10am until 5.30pm.
Where? St Paul’s and St George’s Church on York Place. Click here to view on a map.
Our last fair helped hundreds of people in their search for volunteering opportunities, connecting them with the organisations that needed their help.
For lots more info please visit our New dedicated Volunteer Recruitment Fair website edvolfair.org.uk
Learn to self-manage symptoms and improve your physical and emotional wellbeing at the same time.
Our Wellbeing Team is now running over 20 sessions, from techniques to help you manage your breathing to ‘A Wee Blether and Brew’, we can help you build confidence and take back control of your life.
Support is also available to family, friends, carers and those who are recently bereaved.
Businesses in Scotland are experiencing “significant challenges” in exporting goods to the EU as a result of considerable non-tariff barriers which have arisen due to the post-Brexit UK-EU trading relationship, according to a new report by the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
The Committee is calling for the new UK Government to negotiate improvements to the trading relationship to better facilitate UK-EU trade.
The findings are part of a report focused on how trade in goods between the UK and EU is working under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The Committee also looked at the opportunities to improve the trading relationship.
The report highlights that non-tariff barriers have placed “considerable administrative, resource and cost pressures on businesses”, and “harmed exports”. Key amongst these barriers include the requirements for customs formalities and regulatory checks for all exports from the UK to the EU.
The Committee considers the challenges facing Scottish businesses to have been a consequence of leaving the EU as well as the type of Brexit which the TCA has delivered.
In order to address these trade barriers, the Committee identifies that there will be a need to seek closer regulatory alignment with the EU. It says that the reduction of trade barriers will therefore depend on the extent of alignment the new UK Government is prepared to commit to in negotiations with the EU.
A key recommendation of the report is that the UK Government seek a veterinary agreement with the EU to significantly reduce border checks and the administrative burden on exports of agri-foods. The Committee say this could significantly reduce barriers to trade for many Scottish businesses.
Further recommendations to reduce barriers to trade include a mutual recognition agreement with the EU on conformity assessments, and the linkage of the respective UK and EU emissions trading schemes. In each case, the Committee say that greater regulatory alignment with the EU will likely be necessary.
The Committee also believe that the UK and Scottish governments need to provide greater support to businesses in managing the complexity of the current trading environment. In particular, it highlights that support is needed for businesses to comply with changing EU regulations, and to navigate the customs and regulatory requirements of trading with the EU.
The Convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, Clare Adamson MSP, said:“It’s clear to us that the UK-EU trading relationship under the terms of the TCA has presented significant challenges for Scottish businesses exporting to the EU post-Brexit.
“These barriers to trading with the EU have resulted from the decision to leave the EU, but also from the post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU.
“While the EU may noy be willing to substantially renegotiate the agreement, there are nevertheless significant opportunities to improve the trading relationship, including through our important recommendations such as the need for a veterinary agreement with the EU.”
The Convener added:“We heard overwhelming evidence that the non-tariff barriers resulting from the TCA have placed considerable administrative, resource and cost pressures on Scottish businesses, with many withdrawing from the EU market as a result.
“These challenges have been particularly acute for exporters of agri-food products, which are required to meet the EU’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, as well as SMEs, who have been less able to absorb the additional costs and regulatory burdens.
“Therefore, it’s clear that there is a need for the UK Government to negotiate improvements to the trading relationship to better facilitate UK-EU trade, including through the formal review of the TCA in 2026.”
Running alongside the select committee elections, Bob Blackman MP was the sole nomination received for the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee and has been declared Chair.
The new chairs will take up their positions when the remaining members of the committee have been appointed by the House.
Meningitis Now, the UK’s leading meningitis charity, says it is concerned following the release of new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing a significant rise in cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) across England over the past 12 months.
According to the report, there were 396 confirmed cases of IMD during 2022/23, compared to 205 cases in 2021/22—an increase that includes 33 deaths.
The charity says the near doubling of cases of the disease in England in one year has brought the figures close to pre-pandemic levels.
In light of the rising cases, Meningitis Now is urging the public to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to ensure they and their loved ones are protected by up-to-date vaccinations. The charity says early recognition and treatment are crucial in saving lives and preventing long-term complications.
The report, which presents laboratory-confirmed data, reveals the majority of the cases are caused by the MenB strain, which remains the most prevalent form of meningococcal disease.
These figures reveal that the highest number of cases of IMD were found among 15–19-year-olds and 45–65-year-olds. The next highest age groups affected were the over 65s, 20–24-year-olds and 25–44-year-olds.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive at Meningitis Now said, “While the decrease in cases during the pandemic provided some respite, this recent surge is a clear reminder that meningitis remains a critical health threat.
“We want to stress the importance of vigilance and vaccination. We urge everyone, particularly those in unvaccinated age groups, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and to act swiftly if they suspect meningitis.”
Figures collated by the charity from all available data show the number of cases across the UK has more than doubled in a year, with 497 cases of IMD in 2022/23, compared to 242 cases in the previous year.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe form.
The disease can progress rapidly, leading to serious health complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or even death if not treated promptly.
Common symptoms include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures. Infants and young children, teenagers, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to meningitis.
Founded in 1986, Meningitis Now is the first and leading meningitis charity in the UK, driven by the vision of a future where no one loses their life to meningitis and where everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives. The charity’s work includes:
– Support: Providing dedicated support to individuals and families affected by meningitis, including financial aid, counselling, and peer support networks.
– Awareness: Conducting nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of meningitis, ensuring that more people are informed and able to act quickly in the face of this disease.
– Research: Funding groundbreaking research to develop better vaccines, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure for meningitis.
– Advocacy: Working closely with healthcare providers, government bodies, and communities to advocate for better meningitis prevention and treatment policies.
Dr Nutt added, “If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention. Call 111 or your GP. In an emergency dial 999.”
For more information about meningitis or the work of Meningitis Now please visit our website at meningitisnow.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @meningitisnow.
A pilot scheme aimed at giving young people in the East End of Glasgow life skills and reducing youth violence in the area has been hailed a success by those taking part.
Teenagers, aged between 13 and 16 years have been involved in a ‘10 week Create Your Own PAFS’ (Police, Ambulance, Fire Service) programme since July to build their confidence and develop the skills to make the best possible choices.
The event was co-ordinated by Constable Laura MacDonald who was inspired by a youth programme whilst serving in the fire service prior to joining Police Scotland. She also enlisted the help of colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to make it as informative as possible.
Working together, the services developed mock scenarios of real-life emergency situations, such as road traffic collisions, search and rescue, trauma, first aid and the use of defibrillators, and young people were invited to take on the various roles of blue light personnel to learn more about how each service responds.
The young people also completed elements of the three services fitness tests familiarising them with the fitness entry requirements.
Also included in the programme were inputs surrounding valuing diversity and inclusion, drug awareness, road safety, water safety, online safety and group discussions on relevant up to date topics.
Constable MacDonald said: “Our main aim was to break down the barriers between the teenagers and emergency services as often the only contact people have with us is in moments of crisis or when something has gone wrong.
“The pilot scheme was designed as a Tri-Service programme and shows what each service does and encourages the young people to take part in various time critical challenges which helps them understand how important it is to remain calm in a crisis whilst building their communication skills.
“The feedback from the young people taking part and their parents or guardians has been so encouraging and positive. They’ve said they all enjoyed the experience and felt it was successful in testing their social skills in unfamiliar environments. Participants have really had a confidence boost and some have made plans to join other similar volunteer groups.”
Those who took part received a certificate acknowledging their hard work and commitment to the programme and also a further certificate for CPR, which was one of the focal points during the 10-week programme.
Constable MacDonald concluded: “This has been a tremendous experience for me and my emergency service colleagues and I am grateful for the support of management within Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“I am so proud of everyone who took part and hope to be able to replicate this in the division again in the near future.”
A Freedom of Information request made by financial journalist, broadcaster, and speaker PAUL LEWIS has revealed the likely impact of cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Mr Lewis says the DWP response (below) that shows the Labour government knew:
* 1.6m disabled pensioners would lose winter fuel payment
* 780,000 of the poorest pensioners who were entitled still would not get it – so ‘protecting the poorest’ was a lie.
The Great Glen Challenge, the annual fundraising event run by agricultural support charity, RSABI, has generated a record fundraising total in excess of £57,000.
RSABI is sending a message of thanks to the sponsors, teams, supporters and volunteers who made the team sporting event on Friday, August 30th such a huge success. The excellent total achieved in 2024 takes the amount raised since the event was launched 12 years ago to over £500,000.
The event, sponsored by Scottish legal firm, Gillespie Macandrew, received unprecedented interest this year with 27 teams across Scottish agriculture businesses taking part in a challenging day of outdoor sport, testing endurance and fitness, as well as offering a great opportunity for teambuilding and camaraderie.
Set against a picturesque backdrop between Fort Augustus and Fort William, teams taking part in the 90km race combining cycling, kayaking, running and walking to support the work of RSABI included: Agrovista, Azets, Bank of Scotland, Scotland, Begbies Traynor, Bidwells, Blackhall & Powis, Crofting Commission, Johnston Carmichael, MHA Edinburgh, Gillespie Macandrew, Muckle Media, NFU Scotland, NFU Mutual, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Royal Bank of Scotland, Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), SAC Consulting, Scottish Woodlands Ltd, SP Energy Networks, Thomson Cooper, Virgin Money and Women in Agriculture Scotland.
RSABI staff members Harry Seran and Margo Wills led the planning and delivery of the event which is designed to raise awareness of the work of the charity as well as the importance of teamwork and fitness for mental and physical wellness.
A team of volunteer marshals also played a vital part in the success of the event with special thanks going to George Lawrie who stepped down, after 10 years of volunteering at the Great Glen.
In addition to training and competing, each team had an ambitious fundraising target with the aim to collectively raise £50,000 to help RSABI provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.
With this year’s total being exceeded by more than £7,000, Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, expressed her gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to everyone who has contributed so far, and to our sponsors, Gillespie Macandrew and media partners The Scottish Farmer.”
“The dedication of our participants in both their fundraising and training efforts is truly inspiring, and our thanks also go to the many volunteers who assist us with the running of the event.”
“Our goal for the 2024 challenge was to surpass £50,000 which would take the total amount raised since the event was launched to over £500,000. This level of fundraising is incredibly important to support RSABI’s work to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.”
Lois Newton, Partner of Land and Rural Business at Gillespie Macandrew and RSABI trustee, added: “We were delighted to support RSABI and the Great Glen Challenge for a second consecutive year.
“As longstanding advisors to the sector, we are familiar with the challenges facing people in Scottish agriculture and just how invaluable the work of RSABI is in providing support.
“It was an inspiring day to be a part of, a fantastic opportunity to catch up with familiar faces as well as make new connections, and we’re delighted to see such a positive fundraising total for RSABI.”
The overall team winner for the second year was Scottish Woodlands, with Johnston Carmichael taking second team place, followed by the NFU, Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, in third.
Individual awards were made to David Hamilton (mountain biking) of SPEN – The Land Guys, Mark Donald (kayaking) of NFU – Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, Lawrence O’Hara (running) of Begbies Traynor and walking David King, Scottish Woodlands.
RSABI’s freephone Helpline – 0808 1234 555 – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls won’t show up on phone bills. All enquires are treated as confidential by the organisation’s friendly, professional team.
You can make contact online on a range of social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and you can also reach RSABI via the webchat function on its website www.rsabi.org.uk 24 hours a day.
