73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are planning a holiday with at least three generations of their family this year
Multigenerational holidays are a key trend for 2023, with people desperate to make up for lost time after Covid.
According to a new survey, 73% of vacationers in Edinburgh are now contemplating the idea of planning a getaway involving at least three generations of their family. Grandparents are excited to celebrate milestone events with 33% with a fifth saying it is key they can indulge in luxury experiences.
It can be difficult to keep three generations happy, 52% want to explore and discover shared interests together. For parents with children under one, the excitement of booking multigenerational holidays is just beginning with 95% saying they would consider booking one.
Having other members of the family about helps take the burden off new parents with 55% saying a multigenerational holiday is so important for them as they are more relaxed than when they are at home.
The research, commissioned by Visit Dubai and based on a survey of a thousand British adults, suggests families are increasingly looking for opportunities to spend quality time together with 70% expressing a desire to creating lasting memories while on holiday.
One thing that the whole family can agree on is that good weather is at the top of the agenda with parents saying this is the most important thing for them (60%). Grandparents agree at 52%, and kids at 46%.
TOP HOLIDAY PRIORITIES BY GENERATION
Parents: Good value (61%) Good weather (60%) Plenty of activities for everyone (54%) A stress-free and relaxing experience (52%) Entertainment (50%)
Children: Lots of kid’s activities (68%) Entertainment (65%) Good weather (46%) Plenty of activities for everyone (37%) Safety (25%)
Grandparents: Good weather (52%) A stress-free and relaxing experience (49%) Good value (47%) Safety (37%) Entertainment (32%)
Now that the long school holiday is on the horizon, many parents in Scotland will be sorting out extra childcare over the break.
At the NSPCC Helpline, we often receive calls asking about the appropriate age to allow children to stay home alone. Between work appointments and other family commitments it’s inevitable that some parents will have to deal with this situation.
It can be difficult to know what’s best to do and it’s natural for parents to worry. With this in mind I thought it would be a good opportunity to give some insight into when it is safe for your child to be home alone.
There is no legal age that a child can be left home alone but it’s against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently so it would be almost impossible to have a ‘one size fits all’ law. A child who doesn’t feel comfortable should never be left home alone and, obviously, infants aged 0 to 3 should never be left, even for a few minutes. Also, we wouldn’t recommend leaving a child under 12 years old home alone, particularly for longer periods of time.
However, as children get older they may want more freedom and independence. This can present another tough decision for parents and carers, and one that will differ from child to child. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan in place, to help to build up their independence at a pace that is right for them.
It’s absolutely vital to talk to your child about how they feel about this situation and to ask if they are worried about anything when home alone. Regularly checking how they feel can pinpoint any concerns and will give you an idea of how to help or why they might not be ready. If they are happy to be home alone for a while, it’s always good to check in with them during that time to make sure they feel safe.
Parents can contact our helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk for more advice.
Our Childline service is available too, and children can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or via a one-to-one chat on www.childline.org.uk
Commenting on news reports of fights breaking out between parents at Ferryhill Primary School, UNISON has denounced the actions as intolerable and are demanding that more must be done to protect all staff, parents and pupils from the threat of violence at work.
UNISON Edinburgh City branch secretary, Tom Connolly said: “This is a serious situation, which we have been working with stakeholders to ensure all pupils, parents and staff are safe.
“It is not acceptable that staff regularly feel threatened at work. We can’t allow any aggressive behaviour towards anyone in our school.”
“UNISON, with other unions, has been trying to find a solution for some months. We are working together with the head teacher, who is extremely supportive, the police and local authority. We are doing everything we can to support staff and parents.
“The unions have met with senior leaders at Edinburgh Council and requested community police to support staff at the beginning and end of the school day when the behaviours are at their worst. We are also looking to see if a voluntary sector family support organisation can provide help.”
“UNISON will continue to work collaboratively over the summer, with the school management team, city councillors and others, to ensure pupils, parents and staff can return to a safe environment for learning.”
The Chair of Ferryhill Parent Council made this statement back on 1st June:
It is with a heavy heart that I must make this statement.
As parents, our top priority is always our children. We willingly sacrifice our free time and forego attending events in order to organize activities and provide treats for the kids at Ferryhill. We strive to ensure that every child is included and receives equal treatment. Over the past few months, we have taken days off from work and given up our personal time to address significant issues that were left behind by the previous parent council.
As the Chair, it is unacceptable for our members to be subjected to backlash, derogatory comments, and verbal abuse.
Regrettably, we have experienced two separate serious incidents today, which will be thoroughly investigated, and the police will be involved if deemed necessary.
Additionally, we have received negative feedback from parents about the selection of activities we have on offer. Taking all of this into account, I have made the difficult decision to suspend any upcoming events that we had planned, as well as future projects aimed at supporting the children at Ferryhill.
After the investigation concludes, we will assess the situation and make a decision regarding whether to proceed or not. Furthermore, we will seek support from the parent forum for any future decisions.
It is important to note that we are here to represent parents and caregivers. However, it is crucial to remember that we are also parents ourselves.
If there is any parent that witnesses the two incidents and would like to come forward please contact me on ferryhillparentcouncil@yahoo.com
YOUNG SWIMMERS in Portobello have received a day of vital water safety lessons alongside an Olympic medallist to mark Drowning Prevention Week.
Former Olympian Stephen Milne made a star appearance during a Learn to Swim event held at Portobello Swim Centre, which delivered water safety lessons to 77 children as part of the awareness week.
Nine swim classes were delivered across the day by local swim teachers and the Olympic swimmer, teaching crucial water safety skills, from floating techniques to the Water Safety Code. The event helped build on Learn to Swim’s foundations of creating ‘Generation Swim’ – a generation of safe, competent and confident swimmers.
Portobello Swim Centre, part of Edinburgh Leisure, is one of more than 160 pools in Scotland to offer Learn to Swim lessons as part of a National Framework made possible through a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.
Stephen Milne said: “No one should ever have to feel unsafe or uncomfortable in water, that’s why days like these are so important to reinforce the importance of water safety.
“One reason why Learn to Swim events like this are so important is to energise young swimmers to continue to learn and improve what is a vital life skill.
“It’s always a thrill getting back in the pool but particularly when it can leave a real impact on future generations.”
Stephen won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil and has 5 Commonwealth Games medals having competed in three separate Commonwealth Games since 2014. He is also a world and European champion.
Following the lessons, Stephen hosted a captivating Q&A session to engage with all attendees. To commemorate the day, he presented aspiring swimmers with autographed swim caps and t-shirts, leaving a lasting impression with budding swim stars.
Kate Cramb, Operations Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “To host such a meaningful event is a real honour. Water safety is such a huge issue especially during the summer months when families start to spend more time near water – so these vital lessons genuinely do save lives.
“It was also great to welcome an Olympic star in Stephen, who was brilliant in reinforcing the importance of learning to swim to kids, all the while keeping it really fun and uplifting.”
The event marked the end of Drowning Prevention Week, in which more than 75,000 children were offered vital water safety lessons through the Learn to Swim National Framework across the span of the week.
Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Swimming lessons are the absolute foundations to ensuring water safety.
“To have Stephen’s presence and active involvement in them made for an unforgettable experience for the children which will hopefully inspire them to continue their safe swimming journey.
“Drowning is far too common in Scotland, and it is something that we are committed to addressing as a partnership. The event in Portobello allowed us to do that in an engaging way with children.”
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, added: “We are thrilled with the tremendous success of the water safety event, which undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all participants.
“It is so important to see the next generation of confident swimmers engaging in water safety. Drowning prevention is a topic that needs serious attention all year round but the awareness week gave us another opportunity to reinforce lifesaving skills.”
Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), stands as one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland, specifically targeting the summer season. Its primary goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding water safety, particularly during the summer months.
Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart.
For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:
For tickets for Thursday activities, please contact the library via blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk, call 0131 529 5595 or reserve a space at the library.
A joint position paper created by One Parent Families Scotland and Close the Gap sets out principles for a childcare system that works for women, children and families, including those on low incomes:
The availability of accessible, affordable, and flexible childcare is critical to the realisation of women’s equality, and to improving children’s outcome in Scotland.
This position paper, produced in partnership with Close the Gap, presents a set of principles which should drive the next stages in the development of Scotland’s childcare offer.
These principles describe a system of childcare that promotes women’s socio-economic and labour market equality, advances children’s rights, and addresses child poverty.
Our Family Supporters in Edinburgh project offers practical and emotional support to families across the city of Edinburgh, empowering them to face a range of life challenges.
We recruit, train and match dedicated, local volunteers to help families every step of the way, spending 1-1 time together on a personalised set of goals chosen by the family, for the family.
We can help in many ways, such as improved living standards, budgeting, healthier eating, better school life and behaviour, access to health and wellbeing aid, as well as introducing parents to community resources, to name a few.
We are urgently looking for volunteers as we have families who are in crisis and in need of support.
Residents at Strachan House in Blackhall enjoyed an Afternoon Tea and photoshoot with their loved ones on Sunday in celebration of Father’s Day.
With the lovely warm weather residents were able to enjoy meeting up with loved ones in the home’s garden over afternoon tea freshly prepared by the home’s talented chefs.
Throughout the afternoon the residents and their children were then offered a photo shoot session to capture the special moment with a keepsake photo of their day together.
Gordon Philp, General Manager of the home, said: “We’ve all had a wonderful day today welcoming friends and family into the home.
“Occasions like Father’s Day are so important, it was fantastic to have such a lovely gathering with our residents and their loved ones all together enjoying the sunshine.”
Gerry Smith, resident at Strachan House said: “I’ve had a great time celebrating with my daughter,it has been so lovely to see them and spend some quality time together.
“Father’s Day is such a special day, I’m so pleased we were all able to celebrate together.”
Strachan House Care Home’s varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.
From ‘Science Orchestras’ to ‘Science and Supper’ – Science and Discovery Centres across the UK have built programmes designed to reach under-represented young people in their communities
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) has released the results from 16 diversity and inclusion programmes for young people run in Centres across the UK. The activities have specifically been built to help tackle the diversity challenges currently faced throughout the Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) sector.
The programmes, funded by the Science Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), have been developed to help nurture and support the creative thinkers of today into diverse scientists, researchers, and innovators of the future.
Over 10,000 children, young people and their families from traditionally under-represented and marginalised communities took part in the programmes, where they were encouraged to explore STEM on their terms in fresh, inclusive, and exploratory ways.
The ASDC and STFC supported projects dovetail with the March 23 Diversity and Inclusion STEM Report, released by Greg Clark MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee which states “STEM still has a diversity problem”.
Shaaron Leverment, Chief Executive of the ASDC commented “UK STEM industry and research is one of the most innovative and exciting sectors, but if it is to flourish for our future, there is no doubt that diversity is an issue.
“Our collective vision at ASDC is for a society where science is accessible, inclusive, and valued by all as a fundamental part of everyday life. This STFC-funded project shows how science and discovery centres provide so much more than just a fun day out – they open up new relationships and pathways in STEM across all ages, genders, backgrounds, geographies and abilities.
“We’re excited to see the mix of creativity and ingenuity of the outreach programmes run by our members. They are supporting a sense of belonging, value and ownership in STEM for a new cohort that may indeed become the future STEM innovators and solution-finders of tomorrow.”
Five of the programmes that have made an impact on their local communities are:
Aberdeen Science Centre – launched ‘Supper and Science’ which worked with families within the top 20% of the Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation and were affected by the cost of living crisis, and encouraged them to take part and learnt to cook whilst also learning about the impact science and technology have on their daily lives.
Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh – in partnership with Tinderbox Sparks Youth Orchestra, formed a resident ‘science orchestra’ with 20 young people to highlight the connection between music and science, as well as compose music for Dynamic Earth’s new climate change planetarium show ‘Don’t Panic’. The orchestra performed for family and friends, as well as composing ‘Seascapes’ – a haunting accompaniment for footage of deep-sea creatures taken by the Schmitt Ocean Institute.
Jodrell Bank in Macclesfield – offered free trips for over 500 school groups and 80 families. Additionally, secondary school students participated in a ‘Girls Night Out’, an event celebrating women in science past, present and future and encouraged women to consider STEM careers, as well as supporting the centre in its mission to make ‘Space for everyone’.
National Space Centre IGNITE in Leicester – inspired by a young boy who wanted to go to attend ‘Space Club’ in Coalville but was unable to, the centre developed a community programme for children to get excited about Leicester’s role in space. The programme also demonstrated what career opportunities are available on their doorstep and the diversity of jobs available across the space sector.
We The Curious in Bristol – launched the ‘Space Science in Time of Crisis’ workshops with Year 9 and Year 10 students from Bristol who were encouraged to explore ‘Should space science be a priority in the current time of crisis?’ and develop a TikTok style video to share their perspectives.
Vanessa Vazquez, Community Engagement Coordinator at Aberdeen Science Centre commented on the initiatives “The STFC Impact Project brought science to communities, creating equal opportunities for all. It sparked curiosity, encouraged experimentation, and empowered individuals to take ownership.
“We witnessed incredible transformations, from a disinterested child becoming engaged and excited to them volunteering for experiments. This project went beyond checklists, exemplifying our dedication to uplifting communities. We will continue to make a positive impact, bringing joy and empowerment to every opportunity we encounter.”
Neville Hollingworth, STFC Public Engagement Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to mark over a decade of successful collaboration between STFC and ASDC with these excellent results.
“In order for UK science and innovation to thrive, it is essential that communities who are under-represented in the STEM sector are engaged with the amazing stories that the science and technology community has to tell.
“These collaborations between STFC, ASDC, and community groups, young people, and families have inspired people across the UK to take an active role in science and provided fantastic opportunities for the benefit of all of society.”
Aberlour Children’s Charity was delighted to welcome the Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Maree Todd MSP to the new Perinatal Befriending Service at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh this week.
The new service, launched six weeks ago, offers vital emotional and befriending support to parents impacted by neonatal experiences. Aberlour’s Perinatal Befriending Service is for families living in the Lothians whose babies are born at 34 weeks’ gestation or later and have received neonatal care through the NICU.
Following a pilot in the neonatal unit last year, the charity concluded that whilst becoming a new parent can be an exciting and challenging time – parents whose babies have needed specialist neonatal care are at greater risk of increased anxiety and isolation. It is estimated that parents of babies with a neonatal experience are 40% more likely to develop perinatal mental health difficulties. Parents with neonatal babies born at 34 weeks’ or later were identified as a cohort requiring enhanced support.
Funding secured from the National Lottery Community Fund, East Lothian Council, William Grant Foundation and the Charles Gordon Foundation has enabled Aberlour to establish the new Perinatal Befriending Service. It aims to connect with parents at the earliest opportunity both in hospital, community or home settings, building relationships to support parents and babies throughout pregnancy and in the first year of baby’s life.
Working in parallel with the charity’s NHS partners, the service offers in person support from a Perinatal Coordinator, a 1:1 match with a Perinatal Befriender and bespoke digital support all of which connects parents, improves emotional wellbeing, reduces isolation and supports positive relationships between parents and babies. It also recognises the significance of sustaining wider family relationships.
Perinatal befrienders are dedicated trained volunteers who are matched to parents and offer emotional listening support and help accessing services and activities in the community.
The launch of the service coincides with the launch of Aberlour’s Perinatal Connections app. As a result of listening to mums and gathering data, a gap was identified in mental health support services outside normal working hours for new and expectant mums. The app has been developed to offer a safe, facilitated space for new and expectant mothers supported by Aberlour to connect with each other and access information and resources whenever they wish.
Maree Todd,Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “Looking after our mental health is more important than ever before and we are committed to improving the mental health of mothers, fathers, carers and infants throughout pregnancy and during the postnatal period.
“I was pleased to visit Aberlour’s service and learn about their crucial support for families whose babies are receiving neonatal care. I am impressed by this service that offers vital emotional and befriending support to parents impacted by neonatal experiences.”
Emma Cashmore-Gordon, Assistant Director at Aberlour, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Maree Todd in her new capacity as Minister for Mental Wellbeing to the new Perinatal Befriending Service.
“It’s great to demonstrate how we are able to provide greater support with all the strands coming together – our Perinatal Co-ordinator, Perinatal Befrienders and the new app. Knowing that we can help families who have received neonatal care, in particular parents of babies born 34 weeks+ who really will benefit from the enhanced support is amazing”.
Megan, parent of Rosie, said: “The help I got from the service and the relationship with my befriender was unique.
“When I look back, I’m a totally different person now, when I have rough times, I can get through a day at a time”.
