Tag: Children and Families

MasterChef encourages families to Raise Some Dough this summer

Gary Maclean provides the perfect recipe for families to start baking in support of Mary’s Meals

MasterChef Gary Maclean is encouraging families to get baking over the summer holidays and raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals.

Scotland’s national chef, who won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016, is supporting the charity’s Raise Some Dough campaign which asks people to host a fundraising bake sale to help feed hungry children.

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to more than 2.4 million children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries – including Ethiopia, Syria and South Sudan. The promise of a daily meal attracts children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope for the future.

For first-time bakers and kids keen to get involved in the kitchen this summer, Gary suggests biscuit making as the best way to get started.

He says: “It’s great to do this with kids because it should only take 15 to 20 minutes for a biscuit to bake, and it doesn’t really matter what shape they come out.

“I’ve got great memories of making biscuits with my mum.

“We can now introduce that side of it to our kids and it’s an entry point for them to start enjoying cooking and baking.”

Gary, who is executive chef at the City of Glasgow College, has been a long-time supporter of Mary’s Meals. He says: “Initially what brought Mary’s Meals to my attention was that connection between education and food.

“Obviously, we need both. But to bring that together, it really helps families getting children fed, but also getting them educated, because education can be their route out of poverty.”

And when asked which biscuits he’ll be enjoying with his family over the school summer holidays, the celebrity chef admitted: “I probably make more biscuits than I eat them! I like things with coconut, I do like dark chocolate.

“Over the summer holidays, I’d encourage parents and kids to get involved in Raise Some Dough. Any money raised goes a long way with Mary’s Meals, so every penny counts!”.

People across the UK can download a free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack from the charity’s website, which includes a book packed full of tasty biscuit recipes from some of the UK’s favourite celebrities – including Stephen Fry, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ellie Taylor, Rosemary Shrager and Judy Murray.

The charity will also send bakers a free mug-shaped cookie cutter, based on the mugs from which many children eat their daily serving of Mary’s Meals.

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year, which means every penny raised through baking will help to transform young lives around the world.

To order your free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack, please visit:

marysmeals.org.uk/raise.

Gary Maclean’s Perkins Biscuits recipe

Perkins biscuits are not to be confused with the Yorkshire biscuit called Parkins. They are similar, but not the same. Perkins are worth a go if you like your biscuits with an oaty texture. This is my type of biscuit, another very easy one to make and I think they look amazing. You could also add your own twist by topping them with some dark chocolate.

Ingredients:

  • 120g / 4 ¼ oz Plain Flour/All-purpose
  • 120g / 4 ¼ oz Rolled Oats
  • 60 g / 2 ½ oz Unsalted Butter, diced and cold
  • 85 g / 3oz Caster Sugar
  • 1tsp Bicarbonate of Soda/Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Ground Ginger
  • ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • ¼ Mixed Spice
  • 100g / 3 ½ oz Golden Syrup
  • 100g / 3 ½ oz Blanched Almonds.

Method:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C/350˚F.
  2. Take the flour, bicarbonate of soda/baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and spices and sift them into a large bowl.
  3. Add the butter and rub until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  4. Add the oats, sugar, and mix.
  5. Take a small pan and warm the golden syrup until it is of a pouring consistency, try not to heat it too much.
  6. Pour the golden syrup into the bowl and mix to form a stiff dough.
  7. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  8. Split the mixture in half and roll into a long sausage shape.
  9. Cut the sausage shape into 12 equal parts, do the same with the other half of the dough, you should end up with 24 pieces.
  10. Roll each piece up into a ball, split the balls between the two trays leaving a gap between the balls.
  11. Gently press the tops of your biscuits with your thumb and top each with a blanched almond.
  12. Bake in your oven for 10 minutes, until the biscuits have spread and are golden.
  13. Leave to cool on the tray until cool enough to touch before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

RoSPA: Collaboration and education are key in reducing UK child deaths

  • First of its kind NCMD report released today which RoSPA contributed to
  • Data shows that collaboration and education are ‘vital’
  • Road collisions and drowning are two of the biggest killers

Collaboration and education are key in keeping the nation’s children safe from injury and death, that’s the message today from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in the wake of new child mortality data released by a leading University.

Data from the University of Bristol’s National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) team, created in collaboration with RoSPA and other key organisations, shows that 644 children aged up to 18 in England died due to traumatic injuries between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2022; of these, 211 died because of a vehicle collision, 160 died due to violence and maltreatment, and 84 died by drowning.

A further 189 died due to other traumatic injuries such as drug or alcohol poisoning, suffocation, falls, choking, foreign object consumption, fires, electrocution, falling objects and dog attacks.

According to RoSPA, Accidents remain the UK’s biggest killer of children and young people up to the age of 19, and are the biggest cause of preventable, premature death up to the age of 60.

The report (which used data from the NCMD cohort, a first-of-its-kind initiative to collect comprehensive and timely information on every child death in England) sought to identify risks and patterns from the 9,983 child deaths that occurred in England between 1 April 2019 until 31 March 2022.

Ashley Martin, Public Health Advisor at RoSPA, worked closely with the NCMD on the report. He said: “We welcome this valuable report and data analysis that is an important step forward in understanding the scale and causes of accidental death among children, a significant number of which occur in their own homes.

“The report confirms the tragic toll of accidental death among children and the effects on their families and makes vital recommendations to Government ,organisations and. charities.

“Now, we need to come together to understand how to use these findings to reduce the death toll and keep more children and young people safe from harm.”

In terms of road collision data, the report found:

  • There were 211 deaths of children and young people due to vehicle collisions over the last three years.
  • Death rates were highest for 15-17 year olds, with children in deprived areas disproportionately affected. There were 37 (17.5%) deaths of children aged under 5, 70 (33.2%) deaths of children and young people aged 5-14 years, and 104 (49.3%) deaths of young people aged 15-17 years.
  • Collisions where the child was in the vehicle as a driver or passenger were most common (35% of all deaths)) followed by deaths where the child was a pedestrian (32%). The most common type was car or van collisions for 15-17 year olds and pedestrian collisions for those aged 10-14.
  • Contributory factors in these crashes were speeding (27%), risk taking, consumption of drugs and alcohol (by the child or driver) and non-use of appropriate safety equipment (20%). In some instances, complex home circumstances was identified as a factor. Road design was also a factor in many collisions.

Rebecca Guy, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “We strongly support the recommendation that all primary school children receive road safety education and are looking at ways we can build on our previous work with parents and schools.

“We also believe that road layout and design needs to be suitable for all – pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicle users included and agree that support for witnesses to vehicle collisions should be improved.

“We look forward to taking the results of these findings and using them as a basis for our lifesaving accident prevention work.”

The report also showed that deaths due to drowning increased over the three years, with 20 deaths in 2019-20, rising to 37 in 2021-22.

They occurred most commonly in inland bodies of water (such as a river or lake) or in the bath and increased over the three years. The children and young people most at risk were those aged under five or over 15, males, those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods, and children from a Black or Black British ethnic background.

Over half the deaths occurred during the summer months, although some evidence shows that deaths in the spring were rising the fastest. In 83% of cases, the child or young person was unsupervised at the time of death. Five of the seven deaths of children under one who drowned in the bath were in a bath seat.

David Walker, Head of road and leisure safety at RoSPA  and Executive Lead at the UK National Water Safety Forum, said: “This report is a clear call to action that better support and awareness is needed for families and communities – so that everyone can enjoy and respect the water.

“As we look forward to World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, this report provides yet more evidence that all Government departments, led by Cabinet Office, must take a coherent and coordinated approach to drowning prevention across the UK.”

Edinburgh Leisure: Free Soft Play

Get free soft play membership when you sign up your under 5s for coaching

Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing them up the under 5s coaching at Edinburgh Leisure and you will get one-month’s free soft play membership in August.  The offer also applies to existing soft play members.

The offer is valid for those signing up for under 5s coaching before 30th July 2023 and gives unlimited access to all three of Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play venues across the city at Tumbles at Portobello; Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool or Scrambles at Edinburgh’s International Climbing Arena.

With designated baby, toddler, and junior zones, each soft play ensures fun and adventure for kids and a café for tasty treats and snacks for the adults and children.

Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.

And as the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.

From football, tennis, gymnastics or swimming, you can even mix it up with their Jump into Sport, Gym and Jump or Athletics classes.

To find out more and to sign up for this offer, visit:  https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/coaching-offer

Free Friend Day Soft Play

And for existing soft play members, Edinburgh Leisure is offering Free Friend Days at their three soft play venues on selected days in July and August.

Valid for 1-hour slots, the offer only applies to soft play members who pay by Direct Debit and members must accompany their friend and take part in the same activity.

The Free Friend Days are available at:

Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool:
Tuesday, 25 July; Thursday, 17 August

Tumbles at Portobello:

Tuesday, 1st August; Thursday, 24th August

Scrambles at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena:

Tuesday, 18th July; Thursday, 10th August; Wednesday, 30th August

For further information and to sign up for Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play membership, visit:  

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/soft-play

Musselburgh Racecourse promises kids’ paradise of free treats and family fun

Lucas Ice Cream Family Day set to hit the sweet spot 

A FREE ice cream for every child will be on offer at Musselburgh Racecourse thanks to Luca’s Ice Cream as it hosts a family friendly raceday in partnership with legendary local brand, S.Luca Dairy Ice Cream.  

With schools out for the summer, the venue has announced the return of its hugely popular summer extravaganza with loads of free activities for the youngsters, and some thrilling horseracing for the adults.  

Lucas Ice Cream Family Day will take place on 25 July 2023, offering pony rides, kids disco, face painting, chill out teepees and fairground rides – all free of charge for children aged 17 and under, including their entry.  

Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager for Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner up with the delicious Lucas Ice Cream and invite families along to relax, have fun, create lifelong memories and of course, indulge in some seriously good ice cream! 

“Our dedicated kid’s Clip Clop Zone features some great activities for all ages, while the kid’s disco is sure to provide some quality entertainment – especially for the parents! 

“There will also be two special guest kid’s TV mascots in attendance. We won’t reveal who it will be just yet, but lucky little ones will have the chance for an exclusive meet and greet!” 

There will be six exciting flat races going on throughout the day, as well as some uniquely engaging pony races to delight spectators.  

A selection of delectable street food options will also be available, with attendees having the option to further elevate their event experience with special food and drink packages, including a Well Hung and Tender burger and beer package, before washing it down with some refreshing frozen treats.    

Lucas Ice Cream, which originates in Musselburgh, partnered with the racecourse for this fun-filled event to provide luxury ice cream to visitors, renowned for its smooth textures and magnificent flavours. 

Yolanda Luca, owner of Lucas Ice Cream, said: “As a family-owned company, it’s fantastic to be involved with an event of such value, being able to connect with the local community throughout the day. 

“We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces and hope that the free ice cream adds an extra magical touch!” 

Gates for the event will open at 12pm, with the first race beginning at 2:30pm and the final race commencing at 5:20pm. 

Children 17 years and undergo free when accompanied by an adult, and tickets purchased before midnight on 24 July 2023 will save £2 per person. 

Located just six miles from the city centre, direct public transport links are available along with a courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall train stations. 

General admission prices are £23 when booked online and then £25 on the day of the event. All timings are provisional and subject to change. 

Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek, and evening.  

To book your tickets for Lucas Ice Cream Family Day now, please visit:

 www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/tickets/lucas-ice-cream-family-day-2023 

Free summer holiday football

Keep the kids amused with free football at Meadowbank

Looking for ways to keep the kids amused this summer, then look no further than some free summer football being offered by Edinburgh Leisure.

Suitable for young people aged 11+ years, the football sessions will run on the main pitch at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 1:30pm – 3:00pm every Tuesday and Thursday of the summer holidays. 

Participants can come along, stay active and socialise while enjoying the outdoors. Sessions don’t need to be booked – kids can simply turn up and have fun.  

Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life.

In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city. As a charitable trust they provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.

Tabletop Squires: Board games at Drumbrae Library this Friday

Do you like board games? I sure do, and this Friday starting 2pm we’re running a taster session for younger people to try some out!

We’ve aimed Tabletop Squires at kids aimed 8-12, but experience and maybe a small bit of help from an accompanying adult will definitely help!

Some of our games:

Dixit – make a story out of abstract cards to score points

Skull – push your luck in this hidden bidding game

Dobble – high-paced picture-matching

Space Team – a loud and frantic spaceship game

I am also working on a large version of an existing game where you can become the player pieces!

We’ve started making some poster cheat-sheets with the rules, but we’ll do our best to explain each one to start you off.

If you’re interested, please sign up on EventBrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/tabletop-squires-tickets…

Artwork by over 500 talented Scottish young artists is now being showcased in Scotland’s National gallery

Your Art World

FREE

National Galleries of Scotland: National

24 June 2023 – 14 April 2024

Visitors to the National can now explore the spectacular Your Art World exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from Scotland. The nationwide call out has inspired over 500 incredible young artists from across the country to get involved.

The Your Art World project aims to engage with young people and encourage them to think and act more creatively. Having uploaded their creations digitally to National Galleries of Scotland’s website, the artwork is now proudly displayed on screens at the National.

The young people could be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations, resulting in a superb collection of artworks. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative with no limitations.

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Four community and school groups, from the Scottish Highlands to the Borders, also worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland to create physical installations. Groups involved included Dounby Community School and Nursery, secondary schools from across the Scottish Borders and Granton Primary.

A group of children and their families from PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities for a better life, are also featured.

The result is a creation of extraordinary displays ranging from environmentally inspired projects made with rubbish collected from the shores of Orkney to stunning paintings, drawings, and 3D sculptures, along with sensory led artwork by the PAMIS group.

Families and young people inspired by the creativity will also be able to get involved in making their own creations in the galleries this Summer. With a specially created ‘make and share’ area allowing them to produce and upload their own work to the website. There is also the added bonus of having their artwork added to the digital showcase on the screens.

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: “I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland.

“The response has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.

“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun, this project and exhibition celebrates that art really is for everyone.”

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Dounby Community School Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, said: “Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation.

“Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community. The power of creation will have a lasting legacy.

“It makes me swell with pride every day seeing just how impactful creativity can be for a wee school and its community. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone take that step into Your Art World and see where it takes you!”

The exhibition is part of a wider Your Art World project which aims to engage and encourage young people in the world of art. With online resources available for teachers and families to support children in art-based activities, the project encourages everyone to get involved no matter ability or knowledge. By providing tools and guidance, Your Art World demystifies the creative process and makes art accessible to everyone.

The exhibition is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £5 million awarded by Postcode Culture Trust to support National Galleries of Scotland.

All submissions can be viewed via the online gallery and will also be displayed digitally at the National until 14 April 2024.

New report shows more than a classroom of children died from accidental drowning in 2022

An event at Westminster last month saw the launch of the inaugural National Drowning Report from the Water Safety All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) authored by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), and supported by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF). 

The report highlighted some shocking statistics relating to the number of accidental fatalities in 2022, with a section of the report focusing on child drownings. 

The report showed that in 2022, 35 children died from accidental drowning, the equivalent of more than a classroom of children. Comparing this to the 5-year average, there was a huge 46% increase in the number of accidental fatalities amongst children in 2022.

The report documents that in 2022, 226 people lost their lives to accidental drowning, with 83% of those being male. 

We have already seen a number of people tragically lose their lives to accidental drowning in 2023 and the report looks to provide recommendations for the UK Government to how this can change. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, commented “We know that for anyone to drown is a complete tragedy, but when we see the amount of children drowning increasing by 46% we know that things need to change urgently. 

“Within the report, we have worked with various organisations to put forwards a number of key recommendations for the UK Government to enable all young people to have the opportunity to learn about water safety. 

“We want the UK Government to find innovative solutions to better deliver school swimming; mandate that every child has a class-based water safety lesson at each key stage; and to invest in initiatives to address the increase in child drowning fatalities.

“Drowning, for the large part, is highly preventable. Education and supervision in particular reduce the likelihood of an incident turning into a sudden and devastating tragedy.

“We have been asking the question of the UK Government for many years as to why classroom-based water safety is not on the curriculum.

“We recognise that getting all our children in the water is critical but teaching water safety in the classroom removes existing barriers and gives every child an understanding of safety, risk, and the chance to learn how to stay safe in and around the water, no matter their background.”

National-Drowning-Report-UK-2022Download

“This report is a step in the right direction to give MPs and the UK Government the facts and statistics they need to make a change to prevent losing even more children to accidental drowning. We at RLSS UK will work with our partners and the National Water Safety Forum to endeavor to deliver the necessary change.”

The launch of the report coincided with RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign where the charity was able to educate over 1.8million children through its free resources to schools and leisure centres. 

To view the report visit the RLSS UK website.