Tag: appeal

Humzah Yousaf: “We believe Omicron has not yet peaked”

‘Vaccination is vital’: Scots urged to get boosted as soon as possible

Anyone who has not yet received their booster or third dose is being urged to come forward now, to give the best possible protection against the Omicron variant.

That includes anyone who was unable to attend a vaccination clinic before the Hogmanay bells because of a COVID-19 infection, or if they were self-isolating.

People who are aged 18 and over can receive a booster 28 days after they tested positive or if it has been at least 12 weeks since their second dose.

Young people aged 12-17 can also attend for their second dose of the vaccine – many will have received an appointment but this group can also attend a drop-in clinic at a time and place convenient for them as long as 12 weeks have passed since their first jab.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The recent acceleration of activity in response to the emerging threat of the Omicron variant has been a remarkable national endeavour and I can’t stress enough how grateful we are to all those involved.

“More than three million people have now received a booster or third dose, offering strengthened protection from the virus and reducing the risk of hospitalisation from the virus.

“However, we believe Omicron has not yet peaked, and the pressure being felt by the health and social care system is extremely high. So, to protect ourselves and the NHS at this critical time it is vital people complete the vaccination course for which they are eligible. It remains vital that everyone gets their booster vaccine when they are eligible.

“We know many people have been unable to attend appointments because of the virus, or due to self-isolation, so I urge anyone who has been unable to attend to rearrange it or go to a drop-in clinic.

“It is never too late to receive your booster – or a first or second dose – so please come forward as soon as possible, as there is plenty of capacity available.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nicola Steedman said: “Data shows you are significantly more likely to be admitted to hospital if you are unvaccinated.

“We now know that boosters provide the best possible protection against this variant of the virus. My clinical colleagues and I know the difference this will make – we see it in our hospitals and communities every day. Please get vaccinated.”

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination at NHS Inform

Edinburgh Direct Aid: Arsal issues emergency winter fuel appeal

Amidst fears that hundreds of Syrian refugees and local Lebanese families could face disaster in freezing winter conditions in the mountains near the Syrian border, officials in the town of Arsal have declared a fuel emergency and appealed for urgent outside help to buy heating oil so they can survive the harsh months ahead.

At an altitude where temperatures can drop to minus 15oC, around 70,000 Syrian refugees, most of them living in tents, and 40,000 local Lebanese residents lack fuel for the diesel stoves that could help them through the winter, the worst of which is still to come. 

Around 1400m up in the mountains, Arsal is the highest and most vulnerable of the refugee settlements in Lebanon. 

The perils facing refugees trying to keep warm in the winter were highlighted in early January by the death of a Syrian mother and her three young children, asphyxiated by burning coal in their shelter in a coastal village in south Lebanon – at a much lower altitude than Arsal. 

Many of the refugee families in Arsal have survived previous winters, but this one is different. Because of the Lebanese economic crisis, fuel prices in the collapsing local currency are now something like 20 times higher than they were 12 months before.

And because of budget cuts, the refugee agency UNHCR and other NGOs are only able to provide funding for less than 30% of the needs. 

Each refugee family is left to find around $350 or more to buy the 700 litres of diesel they need to see them through the winter – an impossible sum for them to raise themselves.

Faced with potential disaster, the mayor of Arsal, Basel al-Hujairi, has taken the unusual step of declaring a winter fuel emergency and issuing an appeal, backed by local schools, health centres and NGOs, calling on the international community to step forward to help bridge the drastic funding gap. 

“Please reflect on the consequences of leaving thousands of families in flimsy tents without heating in temperatures far below zero and biting winds,” the appeal said. 

It needs to raise altogether some $5.5m, which would provide winter heating for 8,500 families huddled in tents, 3,000 in housing, and local Lebanese inhabitants in need, as well as schools, health centres and the municipality. 

Issued by Edinburgh Direct Aid (https://edinburghdirectaid.org), a non-profit NGO which is one of the few to maintain a permanent presence in Arsal, running schools, a vocational centre and other projects.

Will you help The Yard?

While we were celebrating our 35 Years of Play and planning our Christmas celebrations, we didnt know we had yet another challenge coming our way this year.

On the 7th of December, The Yard Edinburgh was a victim of vandalism. On Tuesday, a fire was deliberately initiated in the boardwalk, damaging the grounds, outdoors electric systems and the door of the Solar Dome.

We are devastated and currently doing our best to have affected areas repaired as soon as possible, which will be a costly process. Luckily, no one was harmed and damage was contained.

Services were suspended on Tuesday, but we reopened the following day. We are still going ahead with our Christmas celebrations as scheduled, but families will not be able to access some areas for a while which will reduce the quality of play experience we pride ourselves for at The Yard.

Despite this heartbreaking news, we are confident that we’ll come out to the other side stronger, as we always have.

Please support us today if you can and donate as much or as little as you can. Every donation will help us rise stronger and continue to be there for the families that use The Yard.

To see how you can help following the link:

https://buff.ly/3dURTRX

Public Health Scotland urges public to defer Christmas parties

Given the number of COVID-19 outbreaks that are being linked to Christmas parties, particularly those caused by Omicron, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is URGING PEOPLE TO DEFER SUCH PARTIES AT THIS TIME.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director, PHS explains: “There is much that we still need to learn about Omicron, but early evidence suggests that this new Covid variant is much more transmissible.

“The impact of this transmissibility has been seen in recent weeks, with a number of Omicron outbreaks linked to parties.

“We still need to learn more about the severity of disease caused by Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines, but there are important things that we can do to help protect ourselves and our families now. To help minimise the further spread of Covid-19, and Omicron in particular, I would strongly urge people to defer their Christmas parties to another time.

“I appreciate that everyone is keen to celebrate this festive season, particularly after the pressures of the last twenty months, but by postponing some plans we can all do our bit to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

A reminder of the other measures we can all take to continue to keep safe over the festive period:

  • Please get your vaccine and your booster when your turn comes.
  • Please test at least twice weekly using LFDs and take a test each time you are socialising with people out with your household.
  • Reduce the number of people you catch up with. Try to meet outdoors; if indoors, ensure ventilation is good.
  • Keep up the other public health measures: wash your hands, clean surfaces, maintain distances and of course wear a face covering in public spaces.

It’s understood First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will give a Coronavirus update tomorrow (Friday).

Police appeal following Fishwives Causeway incident

Police in Edinburgh are continuing enquiries and appealing for information following an incident in Fishwives Causeway on Thursday (11 November).

Around 11.30 pm, a 30-year-old woman was walking along Fishwives Causeway when a man approached her from behind, took hold of her arm and tried to pull her along the pathway.

A passing cyclist intervened and the suspect ran off.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20’s, around 5ft 8, blue or grey eyes and crooked teeth. He was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Neil Donaldson at Fettes Police Office in Edinburgh said: “This would have been a frightening and traumatic experience for the victim.

“Whilst this appears to be a rare and isolated incident we would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Fishwives Causeway around 11.30 pm on Thursday, 11 November 2021 and who may have seen a man fitting the above description”.  

Anyone with information should contact police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 3903 of 11 November 2021. Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

Go to a public firework display if possible, say RoSPA

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is advising that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a professionally-organised public display as fewer people are injured here than at private gatherings.

Ashley Martin, RoSPA’s public health adviser, said: “We see hundreds of firework-related injuries every year, and they literally change lives, with people receiving scarring that requires lifelong treatment.”

 “If there are organised displays available in your area we’d encourage members of the public to attend, as these will be put on by those trained in the use of fireworks, and will ensure that you and your family are safer.

However, as we head towards Bonfire Night and Diwali, we face the possibility that many public firework displays may not go ahead, whether it’s down to COVID-19, reduced stocks, or a change in safety labelling.

Ashley continued “If you are attending a private event, or putting on your own display, we’d urge you to adhere to the Firework Code, and make sure you are buying any fireworks only from reputable retailers. Please be aware that rules around the use of fireworks can vary depending on which part of the UK you live in.

“Check that the firework box carries a CE or UKCA mark, make sure you’re only buying category 2 and category 3 fireworks, and before using please check the distance requirements on the instructions.”

Thinking of holding a fireworks party?

Follow the Firework Code:

  • Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time that you can legally set off fireworks
  • Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
  • Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary
  • Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
  • Never return to a firework once it has been lit
  • Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
  • Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
  • Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
  • Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

For more information head here:  www.rospa.com/fireworks

Don’t punish children for taking part in climate action, urges Children’s Commissioner

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner, Bruce Adamson has written to every Director of Education in Scotland urging them to support children taking part in the global climate strike tomorrow (Friday 24th September). 

In the letter the Commissioner stressed that children’s right to peaceful protest should be respected by adults and that a key part of education is to ensure that children are supported to develop an understanding of human rights and a respect for the natural environment.

Commissioner Bruce Adamson: “Student protests have been recognised as having a high educational value as they are often among the first experiences of public participation and human rights defence that children take. This activity can contribute to, rather than detract from children’s enjoyment of their right to education.”

Commending the positive approach some schools have taken to enable students to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly, participation and freedom of expression, he pressed that no punitive action be taken against children for striking. 

Commissioner, Bruce Adamson: “It is important that when children and young people take these peaceful and powerful actions, they are not silenced, discouraged or punished.

“I trust that you as education leaders will recognise the importance of this urgent global issue and will ensure that the children and young people taking part in climate strikes are given the support to which they are entitled.”

Acknowledging that striking may have a short-term impact on education, the Commissioner writes that: “Choosing to strike will undoubtedly have a short-term impact on children and young people’s school-based learning. However, their actions as human rights defenders in bringing attention to the threat of climate change and their demands for those in power to take action is part of their broader education.”

“We should recognise the courage that children and young people are demonstrating in their commitment to addressing climate change as an urgent and acute human rights issue.”

The Commissioner joined the calls of other global human rights leaders to support action including United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. Children’s actions in climate justice have been recognised and supported by the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Scottish Parliament through its engagement of children in the Scottish Climate Assembly.

The Commissioner will be publishing a report on young climate activists’ right to protest in Scotland ahead of COP-26 and pressed the education leaders to support children this week and beyond. 

Commissioner, Bruce Adamson: “Children and young people do not have the same political or economic power as adults, but by acting as human rights defenders, raising their voices and demanding change, they are demonstrating the power of their voices. I urge you to respect and support children and young people’s right to peaceful protest.”

Children-and-Young-Peoples-Commissioner-Scotland_Letter-to-Directors-of-Education_September-2021-FINALDownload

Barnardo’s Scotland appeals for more foster carers with focus on keeping siblings in care together

Barnardo’s Scotland is appealing for more people to consider becoming foster carers and in particular, for people who would consider caring for siblings.

A new YouGov survey for Barnardo’s encouragingly shows that 15% of adults in Scotland would consider fostering a child aged 18 or under in the next five years. However, that figure drops to just 8% when asked the same question about fostering siblings. 

The survey also shows respondents feelings on how vital they believe it is for siblings to remain together – 66% of adults said it was important that they and their sibling/s were together in the same household when they grew up, with 55% of respondents who had a sibling saying it would have had a negative personal impact on them if they had been separated while growing up. 

Barnardo’s Scotland is looking for more foster carers to ensure that when a child needs a loving, stable and safe family, there are local carers available. 

The appeal comes as part of Barnardo’s Fostering Focus Month, and the charity hopes to hear from people from all backgrounds across Scotland, including BAME and LGBT communities. It is vital to increase the numbers of foster carers to ensure that when a child needs a family, the right carer is available to meet their needs and give them the care, stability and happiness they deserve. 

The charity particularly hopes to hear from people willing to foster siblings, to enable Barnardo’s to continue supporting The Promise Scotland’s commitment to stop the practice of separating brothers and sisters in care, unless for reasons of safety.

Sue Brunton, Assistant Director for Barnardo’s Scotland Family Placement Services said: “We are asking for people to please give serious consideration as to whether they could give a home to a child when they need it most. Your love and support can allow brothers and sisters to stay together and make a huge difference to their life – and to yours. 

“Research into outcomes for children has found that when we separate siblings it is much harder for them to settle, and they have poorer wellbeing. Our survey shows that many people would consider fostering and we urge people to come forward to find out more about what being a foster carer involves – there’s no obligation.  

“We welcome passionate individuals from all walks of life. If you are over 21, have a spare room, are a UK resident and most importantly have the time and commitment to support a child – you could be the special person they need.” 

Barnardo’s has 100 years of experience in fostering. Experts provide all the training needed, which is ongoing, and offer support 24/7. Foster carers will also get financial support, including a carer’s allowance to help make a positive difference to a child’s life. 

For further information about fostering with Barnardo’s Scotland, please contact your local fostering team:

Barnardo’s Fostering Edinburgh and South East Scotland / Tel: 07717 807403.

Save the Fringe!

New campaign launched to help Fringe recover from devastating losses

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has announced the launch of a new £7.5m fundraising campaign to help aid the long-term recovery of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

‘Save the Fringe’ will serve as a starting point for a wider Fringe revival, following the devastating impact of covid-19.

As the campaign officially kicks off, Edinburgh Gin are on board as founding investors, with an estimated £150k investment to come from the sales of its Edinburgh Gin Presents Phoebe Waller-Bridge collaboration. Around £160k has also been raised thanks to the kind generosity of individual donors.

The fundraising campaign will be driven by seven principles, which aim to:

  • Support artists and venues who bring work to the Fringe
  • Break down barriers to participation in the Fringe
  • Build and support sustainable practices across the festival
  • Deepen engagement with Edinburgh residents
  • Extend engagement with young people – particularly from underrepresented areas of our city
  • Create opportunities for network building and professional development for artists and arts industry across Fringe platforms
  • Secure a new home for the Fringe Society to provide a year-round space for artists, community groups and schools.

The campaign – currently at the very beginning – is expected to take place over three to five years. The exact criteria for distributing the fund will be announced following a series of consultations, hosted by the Fringe Society in autumn/winter 2021, to better understand the individual needs of various stakeholders. Edinburgh residents, artists, venues, producers, local businesses and more will be invited to explore ways the festival can develop and improve.

The funding will then support a renaissance for the Fringe in the future, led by the Fringe Society’s findings. More details on the consultations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the launch of Save the Fringe, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said:  “The last 18 months have been the most challenging in the Fringe’s history, and everyone – from artists and venues to the Fringe Society – has experienced huge losses.

“I’m so proud of what’s been achieved in 2021, and in so many ways, this year’s festival was a success. Over 940 shows were brought to life, incredible new venues were created in the most imaginative of spaces, and audiences flocked back to experience the magic of the Fringe.

“But it can’t be stressed enough: this does not mean the Fringe is back to health. 2021’s scaled-back event only happened because of emergency grants, and in many cases, loans that now need to be repaid. We want to ensure the Fringe that returns reflects the world we live in – not just those who can afford to keep going.

“Recovery isn’t about going back to how things were. It’s about reimagining the Fringe as the best version of itself and using this moment of pause to reflect and change. We want everyone – from residents and local business owners to artists, operators and audience members – to have their say on what that looks like. And we’ll need support to make that vision a reality.”

Benny Higgins Chair, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “The Fringe is one of Scotland’s greatest cultural exports. It is recognised internationally as a landmark celebration of the arts and is an access point to culture for so many people. But the Fringe is not publicly funded in any meaningful way, and the last 18 months have shown us how much urgent investment is needed to protect this world-renowned event.

“An estimated £20m was lost in 2020 alone. To make 2021 a reality, many operators relied on loans and emergency grants. This is not sustainable, and this campaign is about undoing some of that damage, while building a more affordable and equitable Fringe. This campaign will give us a foundation to do just that.”

Neil Mowat, Brand Director at Edinburgh Gin said: “The Fringe has offered the world a stage – bringing arts lovers together, welcoming brave work and introducing new incredible talent. But it needs our help.

“Phoebe Waller-Bridge first debuted ‘Fleabag’ at the Fringe in 2013, so we need the festival to thrive so that stories like hers don’t go untold.

“It has been an honour to support the Save the Fringe initiative as founding investors, and we can’t wait to see the Festival return to its usual spectacular self as soon as possible.

“Every penny of profit from our ‘Edinburgh Gin Presents’ Phoebe Waller-Bridge collaboration bottle goes directly to support the artists of the Fringe festival – so if you love gin, the arts and Edinburgh, buy one while you can.”

Forth Ports poured cold water on Wardie Bay wild swimming plans

Following a Freedom of Information request the Scottish Government has released the following submission from Forth Ports:

Wardie Bay was not included on the list of Scotland’s designated bathing waters when it was published on 1st July.

The Wardie Bay Beachwatch environmental group appealed the decision and received the following response from the Scottish Government’s Environmental Quality Unit last month:

Thank you for your letter to Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, about the application for Bathing Waters designation at Wardie Bay, Edinburgh. Bathing Waters fall under the remit of Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform, and I have been asked to reply.

The Bathing Waters Review Panel is multi-stakeholder group, chaired by SEPA, that considers and reviews the list of bathing waters, including new applications for designation and provides recommendations to Scottish Ministers. The Panel met on 8 December 2020 and made recommendations to the Minister for Wardie Bay bathing water designation application in May 2021.

The panel recognised numerous positive aspects of the Wardie Bay application and agreed that user number criteria was met in 2020 and seemed sustainable. However, Forth Ports provided a submission which mentioned swimmer safety in relation to offshore vessel/harbour activity, and this would have to be managed by clear beach management and bather information.

The relevant local authority, City of Edinburgh Council, indicated overall support in principle for the application. However, despite the Transport and Environment committee outcomes you mention in your letter, there are still on-going discussions at Committee level on their current roles and resource to perform beach management functions.

As beach management is a key criteria for designation, until such times as the City of Edinburgh Council concludes its deliberations on these matters, the Panel was unable to recommend designation.

Having considered the Panel’s advice on the circumstances at Wardie Bay, the Minister accepted the Panel’s recommendation that Wardie Bay is not designated as a bathing water at this time, noting that the outcome of the Council’s current deliberations on beach management will inform the Panel’s future recommendation regarding this location.

I hope you find this information helpful.

The group’s petition to have Wardie Bay included on the list of designated bathing waters remains live on Change.org – over 1730 people have signed so far.