Tag: advice

Balanceability supports Cycle to School Week 2024

Top tips for helping children set off on two wheels

Teaching a child to ride a bike can be daunting and frustrating for all concerned, but Balanceability is helping parents and carers get their little ones moving on two wheels, in support of Cycle to School Week, 23 – 27 September.

By downloading Balanceability’s Parent Guide and following its top tips for learning to ride two-wheels, stress can be replaced with fun and children can set off to school or nursery with confidence.

A recent survey of bike-riders* by Balanceability revealed that most people learnt to cycle with help from their dad (55%), while 13% were self-taught, 11% taught by their mum and just 2% of cyclists learnt to ride at school. One in five cyclists surveyed said they learnt to ride a bike before school age, with the majority (61%) confirming they learnt to ride when they were primary school age.

Balanceability offers a sustainable programme for schools to promote the physical benefits of cycling for children as young as 2½ years old, as well as providing a fun and engaging activity, but it believes that parents and carers can also play an important role in getting children cycling.

Samantha Wright, Commercial Manager for Balanceability, part of the TTC Group a pioneer on road safety education advises: “We recommend taking the first step to cycling on a balance bike, as it helps children learn and gain confidence on a bike more quickly.

“Whilst using stabilisers does work, children can become reliant preventing them from developing balance skills. Once stabilisers are taken off the child needs to learn how to balance and steer all over again which can also affect their confidence on a bike.

“On a balance bike, children learn to balance naturally, more quickly than when reliant on stabilisers, setting them up for a smooth and easy transition to pedal bikes when they’re older.

“Cycling is fun, it’s good exercise and when children cycle to school and nursery instead of being driven it reduces air pollution and brings environmental benefit.

“By following our tips, it will help children transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike successfully.”

The Department of Transport’s Bikeability Level 1 is for children 6+ years, with other Government cycle programmes aimed at children 10-11-years-old, so Balanceability fits as the precursor. 

The UK’s only afPE-approved learn-to-cycle programme, Balanceability offers packages for schools, local authorities and leisure sites for children aged 2½ years and upwards.

The programme teaches children how to ride without stabilisers, giving them important gross motor skills, core stability and plenty of fun through physical activity.

Balanceability Top Tips for helping children set off on two wheels

  • Get to know the bike – Simply sitting on the stationary bike is an important first step for young children, getting them comfortable with the bike and giving them the all-importance confidence to get started on their cycling adventure.
  • Pick your path – A smooth, relatively flat traffic free space is perfect for practicing on a balance bike – Avoid steep slopes when they are starting out.
  • Utilise all opportunities – If you are going for a short walk, you could let your child bring their bike along with you on the path. Most balance bikes are small and light enough to carry if they run out of cycling steam before you get back home.
  • Boost balance – Learning to balance doesn’t all have to involve the balance bike. When you’re out and about in a safe environment such as a playground, encourage your child to jump, hop, climb, balance safely on low objects and walk along narrow lines like a tightrope.
  • Take it slow – Trying to rush or push a child learning to balance on their new bike will only end in tears – not necessarily the child’s. Pressure will cause frustration and slow their progress.
  • Be child-led – Let your child set the pace. They may need to walk while standing over the bike for a while before they are able to sit and walk, this is an important stage of learning to ride so don’t rush them to sit.
  • Praise progress – Help to boost their confidence by praising their efforts and any progress – however small, and even if you’re finding it a frustratingly slow process!
  • Know when to move on – Once your child is confidently zooming around obstacles and lifting their feet off the ground while they go, it may be time to try learning to pedal. You will need to ensure the new bike is the right size and the seat is set to the correct height, or it will be too difficult and knock the new cyclist’s confidence.
  • Ask the pros – Many schools and Early Years settings run Balanceability balance bike training courses for children as young as 2 ½, even providing the bikes on which they learn. Children enjoy learning with their teacher and their friends and pick up the skills quickly.

Schools can purchase a Balanceability Pack which includes all the equipment, resources and training required to deliver the sessions as a sustainable programme. Balanceability can be run by teachers indoors or outdoors as part of the weekly regular PE activity and has been developed to fit into school lesson planning. 

The programme offers children the ability to become competent cyclists at an early age through the development of balance and control, with 94% of children aged 4 to years 6 years old able to safely ride a pedal bike at the end of the programme.

Police issue crime and safety advice to students during Freshers Weeks

Police Scotland is engaging with students across the country to promote a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice during Freshers Weeks.

To minimise the risk of students being the victim of crime, or becoming involved in criminal activity, police will be attending various Freshers events taking place in the coming weeks to provide useful information and guidance on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe wherever they go.

Policing teams throughout Scotland will also be promoting student safety advice on their social media channels over the next month.

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant from Police Scotland’s Policing Together Division said: “Students make up a large part of populations in towns and cities across the country and make a positive contribution to our society. It is important they feel safe and supported during their studies.

“We have been engaging with numerous further and higher education establishments in the run-up to freshers weeks beginning and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with students.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be offering advice on how to stay safe while on nights out, protecting your accommodation and personal belongings and staying safe online.

“We’ll also be discussing how to identify and report domestic abuse, as, for many, the next few years could be when they enter into relationships for the first time in their lives.

“Our advice on staying safe is relevant, whether you’re in your first or last year of your studies so please consider this when you are at home, in college or university, or out enjoying the night-time economy.”

All of Police Scotland’s crime prevention and personal safety advice can be found by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.

Funding secured to help parents seek work and maximise income

Single parents and families with young children living in Leith and north Edinburgh can continue to access a free service providing employability and income maximisation advice.

This comes after the Scottish Government announced an extension of its Accessible Advice Fund to existing providers, including Harbour Homes. This will total just over £98k of funding from 2023 until March 2026. Grants are being distributed by AdviceUK on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The service is provided by Harbour Homes’ Placemakingteam who have been working alongside local community organisations to support parents.

One partner organisation is Leith-based Kin Collective, a social enterprise working to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in pregnancy and early parenthood.

Kathryn Lawrence, Director of Kin Collective said: “We have been so grateful to have received support from Jane Whiting and Harbour Homes for our parent community.

“Jane has been a frequent guest at our weekly perinatal group to chat to parents and provide information about the tailored 1:1 support available.

“This has been particularly relevant to families who are facing a range of challenges including reduced income due to maternity and parental leave, parents seeking new employment, the issue of high childcare costs, a lack of provision, and in some cases support with existing employment and flexibility to work around family life.”

Kathryn added: “We have received excellent feedback from parents that have worked with Jane on an individual basis, in particular that her input has been instrumental in helping to secure new roles and employment.

“To date Jane has worked with 16 parents so far and we are delighted to have been able to work with Jane and Harbour Homes on this project and receive such invaluable support.”

John Murray, Placemaking Manager at Harbour Homes said: “This funding extension is a testament to the positive impact this service has already had on the lives of the people receiving advice.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue this important work.”

Parents in Leith and north Edinburgh interested in learning more about this service should contact jane.whiting@harbour.scot.

World Suicide Prevention Day: Expert shares tips on how to help someone showing signs they might try to end their life

A LEADING wellbeing expert has shared her advice on how to best support someone showing signs of ending their life.

Lynn Crilly’s advice comes ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on Tuesday September 10.

Over 5,600 people committed suicide in England in 2023, equivalent to over 11 suicides per 100,000 people. 

And with mental health services under huge strain it’s feared numbers could be even higher in 2024.

Mental health crusader Ms Crilly, a counsellor and author, whose books include Hope with Depression: a self-help guide for those affected and their families, friends and carers, warned we are currently in the midst of a major crisis. 

But she added: “Most people who feel suicidal do not want death, they just want the pain to stop. So the most powerful thing you can do is be there for them, showing that you care that that their life matters, and helping them find an alternative way forward.”

Highlighting the clues to look for, she continued: “Most people who attempt suicide will give some clue or warning, so it is vital to take those clues seriously, even if they are said casually.

“They may talk or write about death or harming themselves, or they may seek out things that could be used to take their own life, such as weapons or drugs. However, there may be more subtle signs: hopelessness, self-loathing and self-destructive behaviour should all be taken seriously.

“Be alert also to those who seem to be getting their affairs in order or saying goodbye to people as if they will not be seen again. It sounds obvious, but all too often the clues are missed.”

Explaining how best to react if you spot any of the signs, Lynn, who is also currently producing a film called A Day With An Eating Disorder, continued: “If you spot any of these signs and are worried about someone you care about, it is natural to question whether you should say something.

“ But the best way to find out is to ask them. Showing you care will not push someone towards suicide, rather it will give them an opportunity to voice their fears and feelings which could in turn help them to see that there is another way forward.

“While talking is crucial, so is listening. Allow your friend or loved one to unload their despair and listen without judgement, remaining calm and accepting of how they feel. Reassure them that help is available and tell them how important they are to you.  Avoid arguing with them or appearing shocked.”

Outlining where to best direct those who might be suffering Lynn added: “Help them to find professional help and be proactive in keeping in touch with them – do not wait for them to call or expect them to ask for help.

“Instead, be in touch often and continue to be supportive in the long term, even if the immediate crisis appears to have passed. Help them to come up with a plan to follow if they feel suicidal thoughts descend.

“This may include identifying their main triggers, as well as what may help them to fight through those difficult feelings. The plan could also include a clear list of contact numbers for friends and family who can help in an emergency, as well as details of their doctor or therapist. If you are worried that there is an urgent danger that they may commit suicide, phone their doctor or dial 999.”

Charity website https://www.sane.org.uk/ is a good source of information, with helplines and other ways to get the support  about how to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts.

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Lynn’s daughter Samantha, a poet and actress, has shared these words:

DEAR SUICIDE

By

Samantha Crilly

If we fly away together, can we go as high as we can

So far away we’ll lose sight of this land

I must admit it scares me ever so slightly

I know life on this earth isn’t given out lightly

You’ve said it will be peaceful where we’ll end up

however, I’ve been told here many times I have too much to give up

I hope you’re not lying as word says you’re a thief

Wearing a mask of purity to cover the muck underneath

You’ve made me swear not to listen to tomorrow

But it keeps telling me love still has time to grow

That there is happiness down here still waiting for me

That one day I will have the strength to set myself free

So therefore, I’ve decided to pull out of our deal

I know I’m worth so much more than how you feel

goodbye, I hope you keep your thoughts to yourself

and I’m looking forward to sharing tomorrow with everyone else.

The Ultimate Guide To Phone Photography

Expert Shares Guide To Taking The Perfect Photo 

  • Social media marketing experts reveal six things to consider when taking the perfect photo
  • Finding the best spot is key, so embrace natural light, avoid harsh sources, and face the light at eye level to prevent unflattering shadows
  • Create a flattering photo by posing at a 45-degree angle, look up with the camera at eye level, and hold your arms slightly away from your body while creating triangles with your pose

With approximately five billion photos taken daily worldwide and a trend toward natural looks, many people are looking for ways to capture the perfect picture without relying on editing.

Social media marketing experts at Viralyft have identified six top methods for taking a flawless photo, so you can skip the filters and Photoshop.

Lighting

Step one is to find the perfect spot to take your picture and this means finding the best lighting. The are two key things to remember: one is to embrace natural light and steer clear from harsh lighting like computer screens, bright light bulbs or harsh sunlight. The second thing to remember is to make sure you face the light and adjust the camera until the light is hitting around eye-level; this is to avoid creating any unflattering shadows, such as dark circles under the eyes.

Strike a Pose

There are some simple adjustments you can make to your posing that can make all the difference when it comes to taking a flattering or an unflattering photo.

One is to position your body at a 45-degree angle to the camera as opposed to facing it fully; it is incredibly slimming and adds interest. 

Make sure you look up at the camera and a good rule of thumb is to make sure the bottom of your phone or camera is level with your eyes. A selfie stick can make this easier. 

A couple of other key tricks to striking a becoming pose are to hold your arms slightly away from your body and to create triangles with your body, such as putting your hand on your hip or playing with a strand of hair.

Backgrounds

You don’t have to be on an exotic beach or a snowy mountain top to create the perfect background. Intriguing backgrounds can be found anywhere, from your house to your local park. Choosing a lighter background with fewer distractions can lighten your features and makes sure your face stands out.

Make use of phone and camera features

While it’s easier to use your front camera for selfies, the camera on the back of your phone is much more powerful, creating a much higher quality and professional looking photo. And don’t forget to take advantage of features such as portrait mode which can often be used on both your front and rear-facing cameras, such as with the iPhone.

The grid that can be displayed on the camera screen of most smartphones is another great tool for creating aesthetically pleasing photos. This allows you to create pictures according to the classic composition technique of the rule of thirds, which states that your subject should be off-centre for a more engaging photo.

No digital zooming allowed

Optical zoom, which relies on the physical adjustment of lenses, preserves image quality when zooming in, resulting in sharp and detailed photos. However, digital zoom, which is the type of zoom a smartphone uses, is convenient but typically reduces quality by digitally enlarging the existing image. So, the best options are either moving closer to your subject or a camera with adjustable lenses.

Be careful using your flash

Flashes are far inferior to other forms of lighting such as natural light or a ring light as they are often situated too close to the lens to create flattering light and the bulb is an LED, which creates an unnatural blue tinge.

“These contribute to the red eyes, squinting eyes and harsh, bleached out effect that are regular consequences of flash taken photos. Some current-generation smartphones have significantly improved the multi-shot HDR capabilities, particularly Google Pixel phones which boast an impressive low-light feature known as Night Sight.

“If it’s dark and flash is the only option, play around with angles until you find one that works best for you, but your best bet is to just turn if off in most situations.  

Thomas Moore, Director of Viralyft, commented: “With photo-sharing and video-sharing apps like TikTok and Instagram having gained extreme popularity over the past few years, photoshopping has become so prevalent that the line between fiction and reality has become truly blurred.

“But with this rise in photoshopping has come an increase in expertise and knowledge, which has created edit investigators who can spot an altered photo when they see it. And there are now even fake image detectors, which can say whether an image has been changed.

“Therefore, a demand for the natural and unedited has also risen, and many celebrities have joined in the trend that promotes body positivity.”

Social Security Scotland: Make sure you’re getting all the help you need

To be eligible for some of our payments you need to already be getting a qualifying tax credit or benefit.

Use one of these handy independent benefit calculators to check all the financial support that may be available to you:

http://bit.ly/BenefitCalculators

Council launches wellbeing platform for children and young people

Education, Children and Families Convener pictured with Emily Horsburgh, George Buchan and Lily Douglas.

The platform, which provides a safe place to find advice, local support, tips, and tools to help maintain positive wellbeing, was launched at Bonaly Primary School this week (Wednesday 21 August).

The online space features a series of short films where children and young people from Edinburgh schools discuss why it’s important to talk about feelings and share their tips for emotional wellbeing.

There is also advice on apps, information on local supports and signposting to other websites that provide other sources of helpful advice and resources which include helplines and chat-based support.

It follows research which shows that understanding our emotions and learning coping mechanisms can help prevent more serious health problems later in life.

Education, Children and Families Convener Joan Griffiths said: “The wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do, and we understand they’ll face challenges which might cause them to struggle with their feelings and emotions.

“The launch of this new online platform marks a positive step forward in providing them with the tools and resources they need to take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

“Whether they’re seeking advice, finding support or want to connect with others, the platform is designed to be a go-to digital space. I’m confident it will make a real difference to the lives of Edinburgh’s children and young people.”

Gillian Barclay, Depute Principal Psychologist, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious, angry, sad, or frustrated some of the time, but recognising that we are struggling with feelings or emotions is really important. The new platform aims to support children, young people, and the adults around them to maintain positive wellbeing. 

“I hope children, young people and their families in Edinburgh will find it helpful. We’ll continue adding information, support and resources and welcome feedback, particularly from young people and families, to help us do this.”

Are YOU losing out on Pension Credit?

SUPPORT and ADVICE from GRANTON INFORMATION CENTRE

THE Scottish Government has confirmed it will no longer provide Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioners in Scotland. Replicating the recent decision announced by the UK Government, Winter Fuel Payments will now be means-tested, which means only individuals in receipt of Pension Credit and certain other benefits will receive it.

Because Pension Credit is a ‘gateway benefit’, which opens up access to other support including Winter Fuel Payments, it is now more crucial than ever that individuals claim Pension Credit so that they don’t miss out on additional money they are entitled to.

If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can claim Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than:

£218.15 if you’re single

£332.95 if you’re a couple.

Even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you meet one of the following criteria:

*you’re a carer

*you have a severe disability

*you have certain housing costs, such as service charges

*you’re responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you.

If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.

MANY, MANY, ELIGIBLE PENSIONERS ARE MISSING OUT ON PENSION CREDIT!

To claim Pension Credit, you can either:

*claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim)

*call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).

To discuss your benefit entitlements and to find out what you can claim, get in touch with us at Granton Information Centre.

Our Welfare Rights Advisers are here to help!

Call 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email info@gic.org.uk