Tag: campaign

Charity urges families to walk to help beat winter blues

SCOTS are being encouraged to use walking to socialise safely, beat loneliness and boost mental wellbeing this festive period.  

As festive plans are cancelled and changed, walking charity Paths for All has suggested families do something a little different this Christmas and New Years for a winter health boost by taking up local festive walks with loved ones, while following all government guidelines.

While winter can be a tough time for older people in particular, regular walks can help keep Scots safe while allowing us to meet up and spend time with family and friends helping to reduce stress, isolation and anxiety.

Research shows half a million older people regularly suffer periods of isolation during winter, with some people not seeing or speaking with others for up to five or six days per week, and even longer over the festive period.

A local daily walk over Christmas allows for all important interaction with loved ones, neighbours, and others in the community, creating a sense of connection and community belonging even while social distancing.

Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “Regular walking is a powerful tonic. It helps to boost our immune system and those of us able to should strive to get the benefit this winter.

“A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after yourself and it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“During periods of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, while adhering to guidelines, is an important way to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“We would encourage those who are able to get outdoors this winter to do so, even if it is for a short walk to the shop or to school.”

The plea comes as the charity launched its Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign and online content hub which highlights the importance of a daily walks to maintain physical and mental well-being.

The hub provides a variety of ideas, Christmas activities and information designed to motivate individuals of all ages to get outdoors and get moving including Santa spotting, podcast recommendations, location advice, community and festive walks and creative walking.

The winter initiative will also offer incentives to those who pledge to walk once a day through December and January.

Dr William Bird MBE, founder of Intelligent Health and the Beat the Street game said: “Walk Once a Day this winter is such a simple but effective message.

“When I talk to patients on a day-to-day basis, most of them ask for advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19 or how they can improve their chances of fighting it if they do catch it.

“Walking is always one of the best things that people can do for their health, however during these times of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever. When you go for a brisk walk, this stimulates the creation of ‘natural killer cells’ which are part of the immune system. They sit at the nasal cavity and are ready to mop up any virus including COVID-19 and kill it before it has a chance to replicate and get into the cells.

“Not only that, but walking in green space and nature has a positive impact on the brain also reduces stress and its negative impact on the immune system.”

UK-wide research by King’s College London during lockdown revealed 49% of people in the UK have felt more anxious or depressed than normal, with walking shown to be an effective method to prevent and manage mental health conditions.

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “A walking Christmas is the safest way to meet with friends and family this festive period, and additionally experience positive physical, social and mental health benefits.

“Over the last few months, walking has become more popular and surveys have shown that Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time more than any other part of the UK.

“We would encourage individuals to keep this up, even if it is for just a short walk round the block, it’s a time for us to wander outside, get some fresh air and leave our worries behind.  

“We believe by encouraging people to walk everyday they will experience many positive physical, social and mental health benefits and in turn we will move forward in the New Year as a healthier, greener, safer and happier nation”.

Follow the campaign over on Paths for All social media channels #WalkOnceADay.

Paths for All launched a mood-boosting podcast designed using mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental well-being whilst getting their daily exercise during Covid-19. Mind to Walk is freely available online on all popular podcast players or on Paths for All website at www.pathsforall.org.uk/mindtowalk

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All and the Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, visit: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walkonceaday

Show You Care, Prepare

People across Scotland are being encouraged to be prepared for winter illnesses in a new campaign launched today/on Friday 4th December.

The NHSScotland campaign takes the ‘clap for carers’ idea and turns it around, showing healthcare workers applauding people as they check their prescription, visit their pharmacy for medicines and health advice, and check the self-help guides at nhsinform.scot.

NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan said: “It’s always a good idea to prepare for the common winter illnesses, and this year it’s even more important. Services tend to be busier in the winter so anything we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthier is good.

‘No one can predict illness, so it’s a good idea to keep some common remedies at home such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Knowing the best place to get help if someone does become unwell is also important – there is a service directory on NHS 24’s health information site NHSinform.scot which also has a range of really helpful self-help guides.

‘In the run up to the festive holidays it’s worth checking any repeat prescription you rely on, making sure you order only what you need and in plenty of time.

‘Your local pharmacist can also help with advice about winter health and medicines – all provided in a COVID-safe way! You should continue to stick to the rules for COVID-19 including self -isolation advice and how to access a test if you develop symptoms. All of the up to date information on COVID-19 is on our dedicated pages on NHS Inform.

These are just a few of the ways we can all show we care – for ourselves, each other and our NHS.”

NHS 24 supports the Show You Care, Prepare campaign in partnership with NHSScotland and all Scottish Health Boards.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/winter

Food businesses urged to play their part in improving the health of local communities

A new nationwide challenge is looking for food businesses to make their recipes healthier and improve dietary health in local communities across Scotland.  

The challenge – Reformul8 – run by Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland, in partnership with Scotland’s 32 local authorities, is open to all small to medium sized food companies. This includes food and ingredient manufacturers, butchers, bakers, cafés and takeaways.

The businesses that take part in the challenge will receive free support to help them select a range of products to focus on and the best ways to make these healthier. This could mean increasing fibre, fruit and vegetables within foods.

Alternatively, labelling could be used to recommend cooking techniques, portion size and serving suggestions. Or fat, salt or sugars, overall calories or portion sizes could be reduced. A simple change could even be to replace a key ingredient with a healthier alternative.

Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, Scottish food businesses have worked incredibly hard to feed and to support their local communities. Now is an excellent time to promote the great work they are doing.

Each business taking part in the challenge will benefit from a range of media support from FDF Scotland to celebrate their achievements in making their products healthier and ultimately improving the health of their consumers. 

Joanne Burns, Reformulation for Health Manager, FDF Scotland, said: “Health is increasingly being seen by consumers as a key reason for choosing to buy certain food products. We recently carried out research where we found that 89% of Scottish consumers have at least one health goal and are actively seeking healthier food.

“I would encourage food businesses to get involved to support your consumers to improve their dietary health. I would also ask members of the public to promote this challenge to your local food heroes.

“Now is a great time for businesses to get in touch so you can start to look at your recipes ahead of the new year when your consumers will be even more focused on eating more healthily.”  

If food businesses are interested in finding out more please email:

reformulation@fdfscotland.org.uk. 

Carers in Edinburgh urged to seek support

Still Game star highlights valued work of carers in new campaign

Carers across Edinburgh are being urged to seek emotional and practical support through a new national campaign, delivered in partnership with Still Game’s Jane McCarry.

Jane, who plays Isa Drennan in the BBC Scotland sitcom, is a ‘sandwich’ carer – that means she cares for her mother while juggling childcare and work responsibilities. Jane marked the launch of the campaign by addressing carers from across Scotland at this year’s virtual Carers Parliament event.

With more caution about going out, as well as services being under pressure because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, even more people have taken on a caring role. 

Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 690,000 carers in Scotland, however recent polling by YouGov suggests this figure could have increased by an additional 390,000[1] during COVID-19 and lockdown, taking the potential total number of carers in Scotland to around 1.1 million.

The campaign aims to make sure that all who are new to caring, as well as those who were before, are aware there is support out there for them and can come forward to access it.

Although most support is being provided remotely, services are still open and ready to welcome carers. There’s a range of support measures available nationally and locally to help improve carers’ quality of life, with local carer centres across Scotland offering sessions such as virtual support groups, information, advice and online relaxation sessions.

Local carer centres in Edinburgh can help all carers prepare their own personalised support plans.

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick attended the virtual Carers Parliament event. He said: “Carers are juggling a lot between work, family, friends and their caring duties – it’s crucial for their own wellbeing that they get the support they deserve.

“They may not be aware of what’s available to them, or they may not even recognise themselves as carers, but there is support available nationally and locally to help improve their quality of life.

“Crucially, we want carers to recognise that they’re not alone. There is a community of carers on every doorstep and every street. Together, it’s important to connect them with emotional and practical support that works for them.”

Jane said: “I know first-hand how challenging it is to be a carer for a close friend, neighbour or family member. The working day doesn’t end yet you never view your responsibility as a burden because you’re ‘just’ looking after someone you love.

“The reality, however, is hard – both mentally and physically – and sometimes we all need some support, be it counselling, peer support sessions or even just sitting down for a virtual cuppa with someone who knows what you’re going through.

“I’d encourage anyone in a caring role to seek out the support that’s on offer to them.”

Jill Franklin, 51, from Edinburgh, is a carer for her two autistic sons and has experienced the benefits of taking advantage of the support on offer.

She said: “It’s crucial that carers take advantage of the support available to them and take some time back for themselves. In my own personal situation, I was referred to the carers’ allowance which helped me financially.

“I’ve also received help from VOCAL, an organisation supporting unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

“Their support helped me to pay a childminder which allowed me to take some time to study for a masters in playwriting. It’s so important to take time too for yourself which helps ensure you can continue to provide care to your loved ones when they need it most.”

The annual Carers Parliament is organised by Carers Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government and in partnership with national carer organisations, with this year’s virtual event including seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities for those in a caring role.

For more information on the support available to carers, please visit nhsinform.scot/caring or call 0800 011 3200.

Save Our Jobs: Casino industry appeals to Scottish Government to lift closure restrictions

·         ‘The Chips Are Down: Save Our Casinos, Save Our Jobs’ campaign is urging First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to lift restrictions and allow casino venues to reopen in Level 2

·         More than 700 people employed by the casino industry face job uncertainty whilst venues stay closed

After weeks of closure and with hundreds of jobs at risk, the casino industry in Scotland has joined forces to urge the Scottish Government to change its current tiering restrictions which are forcing venues to remain closed.

11 casino venues in Scotland which support more than 700 jobs in Aberdeen, Dundee Edinburgh and Glasgow, have launched a petition encouraging its customers to write to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to enable the recovery of the sector by allowing casinos to open in Level 2.

Led by Scotland’s largest casino operator, Grosvenor Casinos and with the support of Genting Casinos, Caesars Entertainment and trade association Betting and Gaming Council, ‘The Chips Are Down: Save Our Casinos, Save Our Jobs’ campaign points to the belief that the casino industry is being unfairly singled out.

Whilst pubs, bars, restaurants and cinemas are able to continue to trade in Level 2 or below, the shutters came down on casino venues when the Scotland Strategic Framework was announced, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.

Casinos are stressing the urgent need for the Scottish Government to lift the current restrictions imposed and allow venues to open in Level 2, and are asking the government to better understand the evidence which clearly points to casinos as ultra-safe venues.

Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director of Grosvenor Casinos, said: “We cannot stress enough how damaging it is that casinos across Scotland are being imposed with these arbitrary restrictions.

“As an industry we provide ultra-safe venues for colleagues and customers to visit. There is not a shred of scientific evidence which supports the decision to keep casinos closed in Level 2 while other hospitality venues are able to stay open.

“If Scottish casinos are forced to remain closed it will have a devastating impact on those customers who enjoy their local venues as a community hub, on team members who will lose their jobs, on the local suppliers it serves, on the charities that they are proud to support, as well as on the wider economy which will lose millions of pounds in tax receipts.”

Out of 30,000 unique admissions through the doors since reopening in August, there has been just one recorded case of coronavirus transmission within any casino in Scotland, with 87% of casino customers saying that they feel safe in a casino compared to other entertainment and hospitality venues.*

Casino businesses have invested millions of pounds to ensure venues are safe for its colleagues and customers to play, installing PPE such as plexiglass screens between gaming tables, ID scanning technology upon entry, hand sanitiser stations and social distancing signage throughout venues.

The casino industry in Scotland contributed £30m in tax a year to the UK economy, but the continued and unjustified closure of casinos in Scotland is threatening to shut their doors for good.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “Casinos in Scotland safely re-opened in August, with excellent anti-Covid measures in place, and there is absolutely no evidence that they contribute to the spread of virus.

“Closing them makes no sense, especially when other parts of the hospitality sector are being allowed to stay open. That’s why the industry is rallying together to urge the Scottish Government to think again, remove casinos from Level 2 and let them get back to business.”

To add your support to ‘The Chips Are Down: Save Our Casinos, Save Our Jobs’ campaign petition and for more information www.savecasinossavejobs.com

Take a stand for Lauriston Castle

Lauriston Castle is in danger from it’s Trustees who have mismanaged Lauriston Castle over many years, say Friends campaigners.

The castle and grounds were left to the Nation in 1926 by Mr & Mrs Reid. There are rooms in the Castle that the public have not been allowed to see contrary to Mr & Mrs Reid’s Will and Trust Deed.

There are treasures that the Trustees have allowed to significantly deteriorate/be damaged and not restored.

· why there is only £42,000 in the endowment fund when the Trustees were left the equivalent of over £2,000,000 and the potential to increase that amount?

· why over £190,000 of Council Taxpayers money is not recorded in the Lauriston Castle Trust Accounts?

· when are the Trustees going to restore Lauriston Castle Glasshouse (above) and other historic monuments?

· when are the Trustees going to restore the grounds to their former glory envisaged by the donors, Mr & Mrs Reid?

A stand needs to be made to restore Lauriston Castle to it’s rightful glory.

To this end you may wish to join Friends of Lauriston Castle where you can have your say and hear of action that needs to be taken:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/787704665301389

Campaigners seek Bathing Water Quality Monitoring at Wardie Bay

‘This is about protecting both people and wild places’

Wild swimmers and environmental campaigners are leading an appeal, which includes a campaign film, song and petition, for Wardie Beach to be included in Scotland’s list of designated bathing waters.

In 2019, the Wardie Bay Wild Ones and Wardie Bay Beachwatch came together to make an application to SEPA for designated Bathing Water status for north Edinburgh’s much-loved and increasingly popular bathing site, Wardie Beach, situated between Granton and Newhaven Harbours.

Evidence of over 150 beach users across the bathing season, from 1st June to 15th September, was provided. The decision not to designate was made, not by the review panel, but by the Scottish Government. Feedback cited issues relating to a lack of appropriate infrastructure and facilities.

On 28th August 2020, SEPA offered the group the opportunity to appeal the decision, and the #WardieBay4BathingWater campaign was born.

A petition launched on 25th September received over 1000 signatures in four days. The appeal document was submitted on Friday 30th October. The review panel meets to confirm 2021 Bathing Waters in December, and a decision will be made by the government early next year.

Karen Bates, volunteer organiser of Wardie Bay Beachwatch said: “The community works so hard to look after Wardie Beach, which receives marine litter and sewage related debris on every tide.

“We don’t believe we should be penalised for a lack of existing infrastructure and protection from these harms. We believe people need water quality monitoring and deserve the same safety protections in Granton that other similar local beaches are afforded.

“Large numbers of people come to Wardie Bay anyway, because of the semi-wild nature of this place not despite it. We saw a huge rise in the number of bathers in 2020 due to the pandemic. We don’t want the unintended consequence that Wardie Bay loses its special character and precious wildlife because of a perceived need to develop it.”

The group’s campaign film, shot by Carlos Hernan in recent weeks, includes interviews with swimmers, swim safety coach Colin Campbell, health and ecotoxicology experts Kate Swaine and Professor Alex Ford, and illustrator Alice Melvin who recently published her ‘Book of Swims’. Alice Caldwell also created a beautiful song for the campaign.

You’ll find the film HERE: https://vimeo.com/476234839

Kate Swaine, local wild swimmer and nutritionist, said: “One of my big concerns, when I’m swimming all the time is, what exactly is in the water? We know that when there’s been lots of rainfall, there will be an increase in the number of parasites, viruses, bacteria that can get into the water through sewage, and some of these have the potential to cause sometimes severe symptoms …

“I would like for Wardie Bay to be monitored as other beaches are in Scotland, so that the swimmers who choose to swim here, the paddleboarders and other people that use the water, have an idea of whether the water quality is rated poor, average, good.

“That would be really useful for people so that we can just enjoy being in the water and getting all the benefits from it: the mental health benefits, the physical benefits and just knowing that we’re not possibly putting ourselves at any risk.”

 A spokesperson for the Wardie Bay Wild Ones said: “It is a frequent occurrence that swimmers will ask one another in the group for advice or thoughts on water quality, either generally, or on a given day. At present the only thing anyone can do is guess.

“Even people who’ve been in the water that day have no way of actually knowing what the water quality is like, and how safe it is to swim. Having some kind of testing, or even informed estimates of water quality available publicly would make a huge difference to swimmers.”

Karen added: “There is remarkable biodiversity and natural history at Wardie Bay, especially for such a city location.

“Environmental monitoring isn’t just for the many children and adults that use the water for swimming or playing, vital though that is. It is also an indicator of the environmental harm that untreated sewage does to our coastal ecology.”

Dr Alex Ford, Professor of marine biology, ecotoxicology and parasitology at the University of Portsmouth, who took his PhD at Napier University, said, “The general public have been very good at adjusting their behaviours to how damaging plastic pollution can be.

“But one of the problems we have with the chemicals coming out through our storm water overflows is that they can’t be seen and they don’t need to be there in very high concentrations to damage wildlife and the many species we use for food.

“Within that effluent, you’ve got fertilisers, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals as well as the organic matter from faeces. With that pollution comes disease but also abnormalities in those coastal organisms’ development. There are also suggestions that us humans are suffering as well.

“During Covid-19, there’s been an extraordinary number of people to have taken up water sports which is absolutely fantastic for health and wellbeing, but that combined with this increase in sewage going into the water; it may have detrimental effects on our health as well.”

A designated bathing water profile would be a holistic investment for both our environment and society. It would result in Wardie Beach visitors receiving water quality monitoring across the bathing season, daily water quality predictions, information on the potential pollution sources and risks to water quality as well as feedback on the measures being taken to improve water quality at the site.

Karen added: “If the issue is under-resourcing of our Environmental Protection Agencies, we must emphasise that we need them now more than ever. Rainfall is going to intensify with climate change and consequently, damage to our oceans due to infrastructure that is increasingly unfit for purpose.

“Unless we monitor, record and report on environmental issues we can’t do anything to protect ourselves and perhaps more importantly, marine habitats.”

“What we are looking for is environmental protection, not just for swimmers, but for everything else that lives in these waters and might be affected by pollutants”, says swimmer Vicky Allan, member of the Wild Ones, and co-author of Taking the Plunge.

“Many of us swimmers love this bay not just for its access to water, but for its wildlife. This is about protecting both people and wild places.”

PICTURES: Karen Bates, Dr Mark Hartl, Carlos Hernan

Royal College of Occupational Therapists launches careers diversity campaign

As part of Occupational Therapy Week 2020, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has launched a campaign to inspire people from all backgrounds to become occupational therapists. 

Although there are over 41,000 occupational therapists, across the UK there is still a significant shortage and the profession is included on the UK’s Shortage Occupations List.

RCOT also wants to encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to qualify as occupational therapists and ensure that the profession reflects the diversity of the population it serves.

Through a social media campaign, #ChooseOT, RCOT is reaching out to school students and the people who support them to encourage more people to consider occupational therapy as a career. 

RCOT Chief Executive, Julia Scott said: “I’m sure I speak for our members in saying that being an occupational therapist is the best job in the world. It brings immense benefits and opportunities, and training to be an occupational therapist leads to a nationally and internationally recognised qualification.

“No two days are ever the same. You can change people’s lives on a daily basis working in the NHS, social care, schools, prisons, the emergency services and in the private and voluntary sector. The list is almost endless. 

“The profession needs people from all backgrounds. So if you are a problem solver, people person, good at sizing up situations or enjoy helping people – now is the time to #ChooseOT.”

Occupational Therapy Week 2020 takes place from 2-8 November,

More information can be found on our campaign webpage. 

More information on how to become an occupational therapist can be found at our careers website. 

Stop Driving like a Wee Baaam!

Gran returns with a clear message for young drivers on country roads

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a new #DriveSmart campaign targeting young male drivers (20-29) urging them to prepare for the unexpected and slow down on country roads.

The campaign features the return of the cheeky straight-talking Gran character, who was a central feature of a number of highly-successful campaigns over the past year.

Inappropriate speed leading to loss of control is the biggest cause of deaths on country roads. The campaign launch includes a humorous and thought-provoking video, highlighting speed and other potential hazards on country roads that can turn even a familiar journey into a potentially fatal one.

Gran appears from a young man’s crashed car to give him the appropriate dressing down following a lucky escape.

Country roads account for 60% of casualties on Scotland’s roads with latest figures highlighting that over 700 people were killed or seriously-injured while driving on them in 2018 (the last year for which figures are available).

Two-thirds of those killed were men with 40% of all drivers killed or seriously injured on country roads aged between 22 and 49.

The #DriveSmart campaign targets young male drivers to encourage them to adopt safer driving habits. Despite 61% of 20–29 year-old males claiming to be good or excellent drivers, statistically they are more likely to be involved in a collision than any other age group.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “Sadly, country roads continue to make a significant contribution to both deaths and serious injuries in Scotland, so we must continue to raise awareness of the potential dangers faced by drivers travelling on them.

“This new campaign strikes just the right balance of humour while delivering an incredibly important message, so it is sure to stick in the minds of our target audience of young male drivers.

“Country roads are notoriously unpredictable and, with so many potential distractions both within and outside the car, it’s absolutely crucial drivers prepare for the unexpected and slow down when travelling on them – no matter how well they think they know the route. We’ve had great success using Gran to deliver these messages, so we’re pleased to welcome her back for this campaign too.”

Rolling out from this week, the highly-targeted advertising campaign will run across a number of relevant channels for the audience including TV and catch up TV, cinema, digital and audio/radio platforms.

Online ads will feature on a variety of websites and social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. The world of gaming will also be targeted with adverts appearing within games such as Grid and Football Manager. Adverts will also run across Spotify and around podcasts.

View the film at https://youtu.be/mDk-Bin3Iuc and get involved with the conversation on Facebook (Road Safety Scotland) and Twitter @RoadSafetyScot, #DriveSmart

Don’t be a Selfish Parker!

New campaign calls for motorists to be kind and respect others when parking

The British Parking Association (BPA) has launched a new campaign to highlight the issue of selfish and anti-social parking, which is a major frustration for many of the public.

As part of a series of new campaigns under the ‘It’s not OK to park where it’s not OK to park’ banner, the BPA will focus on aspects of poor parking behaviour, highlighting why effective parking management is so important and how it addresses many of the issues that impact negatively on local communities.

Outdoor posters will be displayed by BPA members to highlight problem parking areas and the hashtag #selfishparking will be used in posts across social media to encourage motorists to think before they park and show respect for others.

Alison Tooze, BPA Membership Development Manager says: “Our consumer research to better understand perceptions of parking told us that one of the biggest frustrations people have is anti-social and inconsiderate parking.

“This includes obstructing pavements, on or blocking someone’s driveway, in designated bays they are not eligible to use, or taking up more than one space.  We hope that putting an emphasis on the importance of motorists respecting others, thinking before they park and not behaving selfishly will also help us start a different conversation about the role of the parking sector.”

BPA members are being encouraged to actively engage with this campaign in their local areas, building to what is hoped will be a nationally consistent message that inconsiderate parking is not OK!