Mermaid storyteller and singer extraordinaire Siren Cuan is coming to Granton Library and she would love you to join her!
(The person behind the mermaid, Catherine Bapty, is a music and ASN teacher with over 10 years’ experience).
We can’t wait for this exciting event. Please note that this is in our usual Friday Bookbug slot but as it’s aimed largely at the same age group we hope that won’t be a problem!
We do ask you to book so we can be sure everyone has the space they need – but the event is free to attend. Places available through Eventbrite:
Families across Britain are being asked to make room for Christmas and donate their children’s unwanted treasures to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), as the charity deals with bumper demand for toys, boardgames and puzzles this festive season.
To help encourage donations, the charity has released a series of images where cheeky elves can be seen guiding toys to the nearest BHF shop including jumping into a doll’s car to offer directions to the nearest BHF shop, dusting off board games and firing up a helicopter to hoist cuddly toys out of their basket.
The elves’ endeavours come as the charity has said demand for second hand toys has increased and the BHF urgently needs quality donations to keep shops stocked with second hand gifts for Christmas.
The BHF is calling on families who might be clearing out the toy boxes and cupboards to make room for Christmas by donating their unwanted items so another child can enjoy a preloved treasure.
Whether it’s a Barbie that never made it out of the box, a Lego set your child has outgrown, or a puzzle they no longer use, the charity is encouraging the public to drop them off at their local BHF shop and send them to a new home.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the BHFsays, “Christmas is an incredibly expensive time of year especially for families. BHF shops are a fantastic place to pick up gifts for all the family at a fraction of the price.
“We’re already seeing an increased demand for toys and games ahead of the festive season. So, as you start decluttering to make room for Christmas in your home, please consider donating unwanted toys, games and puzzles to the BHF for new families to enjoy.
“I’ll be asking my own boys to fill a box with pre-loved toys and games that they’d want another child to enjoy as much as they did. As well as making another child’s Christmas, every item will give a gift that keeps on living by funding vital research to help the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK.”
Donating to the British Heart Foundation is easy. Simply drop your toys off at any of the BHF’s 680 shops or you can post them using the BHF’s free downloadable label, available from its website.
BHF Retail Ambassador Dr Helen Nuttall,founder of What Luna Wore and mum of one, is supporting the toy donation drive and said: “My daughter and I have really enjoyed making room for Christmas by sorting out toys and games we no longer play with to donate to the British Heart Foundation.
“Knowing that these toys will find a new home in time for Christmas and help fund vital research into heart and circulatory diseases is special.
“Donating to charity increases dopamine and makes you feel good, as might the rewarding activity of shopping preloved. The festive season can be a time of excess so if you’re looking for a gift that means more, consider checking out your local BHF shop for Christmas treasures.”
“If you donate to the BHF, you’ll make someone else’s day by giving your toys a new home and a new lease of life. Let’s help the elves dust off our pre loved toys and generously donate them to find a new home this Christmas.”
Christopher’s top tips for donating toys:
If you can, make sure board games and puzzles have all the pieces in the box before donating them. A missing ‘Z’ in a Scrabble set can stand in the way of winning or losing and we don’t want to be responsible for that!
The exception to the tip above is sets of Lego or Duplo – incomplete sets of these toys are very popular and still generate lots of fun..
Save your batteries and remove them from toys and games before donating them – we will still test them before they are placed on sale.
Everyone loves to hear stories behind pre loved teddy bears. They’ll always find a warm new home and someone to love them.
If you have collectable toys to donate, they can be valuable in any condition – so don’t leave them behind when you donate.
To donate or shop with the British Heart Foundation this festive season and give a gift that keeps on living, visit bhf.org.uk/Christmas
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
300 people, many dressed head to toe as elves, took part in the annual one-mile ‘Elf Toddle Walk’ to raise money for the children’s charity, CHAS on Sunday (19th November), following the success of the inaugural event last year at The Centre, Livingston.
The family fun event, now a firm fixture in the Christmas calendar, was attended by hundreds of little toddlers who embarked on a one mile walk around the shopping centre, which was two laps, joined by acrobatic elves and Christmas characters including a Snowman and Reindeer.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Livingston Women’s FC footballers joined in the fun and carried out a light warm up for the toddlers and to help get them on their way, Go Radio, who provided the festive tunes on the day, led a Jingle Bells sing-along before the countdown took place and starting whistle was blown.
They were also given extra encouragement and entertained half-way round by 50 singers from the Singergie Choir.
On completion of the walk, all children received a commemorative wooden keepsake medal and chocolate coins, presented by the management team at The Centre, Livingston who were joined by an Elf character.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to our annual Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre, Livingston, to help raise funds for the children’s charity, CHAS.
“It was great to welcome even more people this year!
“A big thank you also to all of our volunteers and everyone who helped make it a huge success, including the acrobats, elf helpers, Singergie Choir, Livingston Women’s FC – it was such a great way to spend a Sunday morning, having fun and raising funds at the same time for such a worthy cause.”
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to all the elf-tastic participants, who joined us for the annual Elf Toddle Walk!
“Every smile and every step came with an added bonus of making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families supported by CHAS.
“We can’t thank The Centre enough for their support and for organising such a fantastic event.”
Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play parties are back this festive season at Clambers, Scrambles and Tumbles soft play. From rocking around the Christmas tree to burning off all that Christmas excitement across the city’s soft play venues, there’s plenty to keep kids active.
Children can dance and prance to the jolly disco, make new friends with the preppy party games and unwrap their creativity with Christmassy arts and crafts. And at Edinburgh Leisure’s Christmas parties, you won’t find the Grinch present – each child will leave with a celebratory gift.
In preparation for burning off all those mince pies, Santa Claus will be consuming this Christmas, he’s been seen on the climbing wall at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Ratho, perfect for practising descending all those chimneys. He’s also been making a splash at The Royal Commonwealth Pool and practising his jumps at Tumbles at Portobello, in preparation for leaping from roof-top to roof-top.
Tumbles at Portobello, 20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DR
What: Tumbles Christmas Party with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.
When: Friday, 15 December 2023 – 15.00–17.00 hrs Monday, 18 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8AA
What: Scrambles Christmas Party, with soft play included, arts and crafts and a gift for every child.
When: Friday, 22 December 2023 – 15.00 – 17.00 hrs
Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB
What: Clambers Christmas Party, with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.
Childline has delivered more than 500 sessions with children from Scotland
New figures come as the counselling service prepares for the Christmas season, continuing to be a lifeline for vulnerable children and young people
Childline reveals that over the last year the service delivered 554 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland about sexual, physical, domestic, emotional abuse and neglect.
The service, which is run by the NSPCC, is also highlighting that of those counselling sessions in Scotland, 35 per cent (192) had a child say that Childline was the first place where they had spoken about their abuse.
Due to the confidential nature of the service, Childline only records the nation or region a child or young person is contacting them from if they volunteer that information. Last year, in more than a third of all sessions (4,906) the child did not disclose that information.
The NSPCC is releasing these figures as it launches its Christmas appeal.
Although Christmas comes with huge expectations of happiness, love and fun – for the more than half a million children experiencing abuse a year, it can also be an incredibly lonely and frightening time.
With schools closing their doors and children having reduced contact with wider support networks over the festive season, the charity knows that there will be many vulnerable children at home facing increased risks.
For those children and young people for whom Christmas means abuse, Childline is a lifeline.
December last year was the second highest month in the year for children from across the UK reaching out for support on emotional abuse
A girl from Scotland, aged 15, who contacted Childline over the Christmas period last year said: “I’m struggling at the moment. I had an argument with my mum, who hasn’t been looking after me very well.
“She’s been drinking a lot lately – she’s currently asleep on the sofa. There are jobs that need doing. I do have other family, but I just don’t feel like I get the support I need. Social Services are involved, but I worry about where I would go if my mum got taken into rehab or hospital.”
A girl, aged 17, who contacted Childline over the Christmas period said: “My parents are drug addicts and don’t buy us any food. If they do get us any, it’s usually stolen from somewhere.
“They always ask me for my work money. I’d like advice on how to move out with my 12-year-old brother. I feel like other people don’t get it when I try to talk to them. I’ve been thinking about contacting Social Services, but I thought I would ask Childline for advice first.”
In its new TV advert, the NSPCC highlights that on average a child will call Childline every 45 seconds and that for these children, Christmas can be the worst time of year.
The ad is inspired by real calls from children to the NSPCC’s Childline service, which is open for children every day, including Christmas day.
In the advert a girl named Kara is sat outside on a park bench in the dark speaking to a Childline a counsellor over the phone.
Shaun Friel, Childline director said: “Although Christmas should be a time of happiness and fun for all children, at Childline we know that sadly this is not the case and that for many, it is a time full of fear, isolation and increased risks.
“For lots of children, Childline is the only place they can turn to for help when they are trapped behind closed doors feeling scared and alone.
“In the run up to this festive season, it is essential that the service continues to be here as a lifeline for those children who are in desperate need of support from our trained counsellors and those in immediate danger.”
To enable the charity to be there for all children this Christmas, visit the NSPCC website to donate. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this festive season.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When a child needs help and Christmas means abuse, Childline is a lifeline and it is vital that our counsellors are here and ready to listen and support children across the UK.
· Aberlour Children’s Charity is launching a national ‘Poverty Relief Appeal’ to secure donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund
· The Fund, which provides emergency funding to families for essentials, is in desperate need of money to support a rise in applicants due to the cost-of-living crisis
Aberlour Children’s Charity, one of Scotland’s largest children’s charities, is launching a national fundraising drive, to secure critical donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund which is set to run out by Christmas.
The Fund provides poverty relief to families in crisis, where they receive emergency grants, often within 48 hours, to help pay for essentials such as food, clothing, bedding, heating and lighting costs.
In the last year, the Fund has donated over £33k to people in Edinburgh and the Lothians helping almost 500 people in critical conditions.
This winter will see the highest cost of living in decades for Scots, and in many communities around the country, children are going without the basics required to feed, clothe, and heat them.
The latest research suggests that almost half of families who apply to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund do not know where their next meal is coming from, and a fifth of families who apply don’t have beds for their children.
Worryingly, around 50% of those who apply do not have the funds to purchase their children new clothing adequate for Scottish weather, which could have serious health implications as the colder months set in.
One support worker in Edinburgh said:“The cost of living crisis is a real issue. Everything has gone up in price for families who were already living in poverty. I am seeing children that have unclean bedding or sometimes no bedding. Some have broken beds. Some have no storage or anywhere to keep their clothes, because of the terrible housing problems in Edinburgh right now.
“Families have only just got enough money to pay rent and by the time they’ve paid their bills, especially with the rising costs and buying food, they don’t have money for anything else. So, if their kids need winter clothes, they have no way of buying them warm stuff.
“Families are so grateful for the financial support. If I tell them I’ve had an email through from Aberlour, so they will have money soon, they are so relieved.”
This year Aberlour has provided grants via the Urgent Assistance Fund to more than 6,986 people in Scotland, including 4,275 children, totalling over £580k. It is a vital lifetime to thousands of people for items which many of us take for granted.
The charity’s Poverty Relief Appeal launches this week across national TV, radio, press and digital. Those who can are being asked to donate to support families trapped in poverty and struggling to survive the toughest conditions faced by Scots in many years.
SallyAnn Kelly OBE, Chief Executive at Aberlour Children’s Charity, said:“This winter, as we continue to face the biggest cost of living crisis in recent memory, more and more families are turning to the charity for help. Because of this soaring demand, the emergency fund is going to run out of money by Christmas when it is needed most.
“Too many children are going without and for many families it is a constant worry of where the next meal is coming from, and if there’ll be enough money to heat their home.
“Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is a lifeline to disadvantaged families all over Scotland and every penny of cash donated goes directly to those who need it most. If you are in a position to donate – however big or small the amount – we would be infinitely grateful for your support.”
Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is designed to provide immediate relief to families with children (aged 21 and under) who are suffering extreme hardship. It is a critical lifeline with money paid straight to families who apply via a sponsor (health professional, social worker, teacher, third sector organisation, clergy or other professional) to ensure that the lights stay on, homes are warm, and their children have the essentials they need.
Donations to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund via:
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has developed the Water Smart Schools Accreditation, which launched in time for the new academic year, to facilitate classroom-based Water Safety Education.
And the mothers of Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan who tragically lost their lives at Bournemouth beach in May this year, have recently advocated for the programme.
The RLSS UK initiative has been designed especially for schools to help their students develop water safety skills for life in the classroom environment, in recognition of the fact that not all schools can access pool-based safety education.
A cross-section of schools have piloted and successfully completed this new initiative, and now over 100 schools have signed up to the programme to ensure their students are educated on water safety.
Joe, 17, and Sunnah, 12, tragically drowned on 31 May this year when a suspected rip current caused sea conditions to change.
Joe’s mum, Vanessa Abbess, said, “I am keen to support the RLSS UK Water Smart School initiative to educate and raise awareness to improve water safety, in memory of our son Joe.
“Joe and Sunnah lost their lives despite being only waist high in the water, on a lifeguarded beach.
“Joe was sensible, healthy, and strong but taken from us, due to the ferocity of the sea that day. I am certain that if Joe had survived, he would definitely want to warn others of the dangers, as he was a very caring young man.
“I feel education is the key to get water safety to be broadly discussed and thus potentially save lives.”
Drowning is one of the leading causes of child trauma-related deaths in the UK (National Child Mortality Database, Deaths of children and young people due to traumatic incidents thematic report, July 2023) and is largely avoidable through education and positive experiences around water.
Sadly, access to swimming tuition and water safety education differs across the UK and there is often disparity for those from low-income and ethnically diverse family groups. The most recent data shared through the 2022 Active Lives Survey shows that only 34.7% of children from low-affluence families are able swim 25 metres unaided, compared with 76.4% children from high-income families.
RLSS UK’s Water Smart Schools accreditation aims to improve this by providing schools with a framework and all necessary resources to facilitate this vital learning.
Sunah’s mother, Stephanie Williams, said “”I think educating our children on water safety is incredibly important. The very least we can do is give all children an equal opportunity to access information that could potentially save their life one day. You never think it will happen to you until it happens to you.
“Knowledge is power, let’s give our children the knowledge and start the conversation that may one day save their life. Sunnah had her whole life ahead of her and it was so brutally torn away from her that day, I want to do everything I can to prevent this from happening to other children.”
RLSS UK launched the free Water Smart Schools programme in line with the start of Autumn term and all educational settings are being encouraged to sign up and take part during the 2023-24 school year.
Flexibility is at the heart of the programme and the charity is proud that Water Smart Schools can be applied to any learning environment including further education and SEND settings. The charity has already seen lots of enthusiasm from a number of schools and they want to ensure all school children have the vital water safety knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.
RLSS UK’s Education Manager Andy Lane said, “We are excited to already have over 100 schools on board but want to grow this and get even more schools on board to ensure more children have the much-needed knowledge around water safety.”
If you are interested in taking part to become a Water Smart School, please email education@rlss.org.uk.
Could you buy a new coat, socks, leggings or joggers for a local youngster?
Here’s how:
Pop items into a drop-off point (locations are listed at https://bit.ly/3opKjov) We also welcome pre-loved coats in good-as-new condition at our drop-off points.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Public Health Scotland (PHS) will work with Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to make plans for the introduction of a varicella (chickenpox) vaccination as part of the routine childhood schedule.
JCVI’s recommendation is to offer a two-dose programme offering vaccination at 12 and 18 months of age, using the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine.
Varicella vaccines have been seen to dramatically decrease the number of cases of chickenpox seen in childhood when used in other countries.
Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: “Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease.
“While most cases of chickenpox in children are relatively mild, many children are unwell for several days and have to miss school or nursery as a result. In some cases, chickenpox can be more severe and can lead to hospitalisations from serious secondary infections or other complications.
“The offer of the varicella vaccine is a welcome new addition to the routine childhood schedule and, as well as reducing the number of cases, will prevent more severe cases of chickenpox.”
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendation to introduce a chickenpox vaccine to the childhood immunisation programme.
“Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness from infectious disease.
“We will work with Public Health Scotland, NHS Boards in Scotland, as well as colleagues across the UK, to consider this recommendation in more detail.”
More information on the current childhood immunisation schedule is available on NHS Inform.
Get ready to embark on a magical journey like no other as Craigies Farm presents “Santa Adventure,” an enchanting Christmas event that promises to transport you to a world of twinkling lights, festive wonder, and heartwarming moments.Building on the resounding success of previous years, Christmas at Craigies is back, bigger and better than ever before.
Experience the Magic of Craigies as we invite you to step through the magic door and embark on a captivating journey to the North Pole, where you will play a crucial role in saving Christmas. Craigie’s Farm have teamed up with NL Productions to transform their polytunnels into a dazzling display of colourful lights, creating an immersive lighting experience that will leave you spellbound.
A Quest to Save Christmas – Santa Claus has encountered a problem of epic proportions – he’s lost the magical word that powers the start of his sleigh. Now, it’s up to you to join this magical quest and help Santa recover the missing word. The fate of Christmas itself hangs in the balance.
As you journey through the North Pole, you’ll encounter beloved characters, including Mrs. Claus, Santa’s industrious elves, and a host of other surprises, making your adventure all the more memorable.
Craigies’ Santa Adventure is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Families will enjoy one-on-one time with Santa, ensuring an intimate and high-quality experience. Upon successfully helping Santa and saving Christmas, you’ll be rewarded with a special gift to take home as a token of gratitude for your invaluable assistance.
John Sinclair, Managing Director of Craigies commented, “At Craigies Farm, we have always prided ourselves on delivering a quality Christmas experience where the focus is on spending time with family and having fun together.
“We are building on the success of previous years and partnering with NL Productions to create an immersive lighting experience within our polytunnels.
“The experience will once again feature amazing performers who will guide families on a great adventure to the North Pole, playing a crucial role in saving Christmas. There is guaranteed fun for both adults and children, ensuring everyone can create unforgettable festive memories together.”
Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience, commenting: “It is fantastic to once again be partnering with Craigies Farm.
“Halloween at Craigies has been a great success, and it is very exciting to now be converting the polytunnels into a beautiful winter wonderland. Craigies has a reputation for a quality family experience at Christmas, and we can’t wait to add another level of immersion this year.
“We can’t wait to see families enjoying their adventure to the North Pole!”
Dates and Times
Dates: 25th November – 23rd December
25th – 26th November
2nd – 3rd December
9th – 10th December
16th – 17th December
23rd December
Times: 9am – 5pm each day
Join us at Craigies for a winter wonderland like no other. For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website https://craigies.co.uk/
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