Scots are being urged to check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbours over the festive period
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Age Scotland’s offices in Edinburgh yesterday and spoke to staff and volunteers who work on the Silver Line Scotland helpline for older people. Continue reading A caring Christmas
Katie Morag Christmas card is ‘amazing’, ‘fantastic’ and ‘brilliant’!
Children from Forthview Primary School joined Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House yesterday for the launch of the First Minister’s 2015 official Christmas card.
The card features Katie Morag, the star of the children’s books written and illustrated by Mairi Hedderwick, who can be seen welcoming children from around the world to the First Minister’s official residence, Bute House.
The original illustration by Mairi Hedderwick will be auctioned next year and the proceeds will be shared between four charities; Enable Scotland, Children 1st, Books Abroad and the Scottish Refugee Council.
The First Minister said: “I am delighted that Mairi Hedderwick was able to create such a wonderful illustration for this year’s Christmas card.
“Katie Morag’s adventures accompanied by Mairi’s beautiful illustrations are adored by both children and adults right across the world.
“Christmas is a time for spending time with those that we love, but it is also a time for thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves.
“There is no doubt that Scotland is a caring and compassionate country but this year in particular, I have been so proud of the warm welcome and kindness which has been extended to all who have come here.
“Whether it’s by helping out at a charity, or having a cup of tea and a chat with a friend or neighbour who is on their own, it’s important to spend some time over the next few weeks giving comfort, companionship and support to those who need it.”
For the first time, special packs featuring Christmas cards from previous years will go on sale in National Galleries of Scotland shops in Edinburgh from next week.
Part of the 2014 fundraising initiative, cards will be sold in a pack of ten and will feature the artwork of Jack Vettriano, Elizabeth Blackadder, John Lowrie Morrison, Peter Howson and Phyllis Dodd.
All profits will be split between 2014’s charities; the Catherine McEwan Foundation, The Mackintosh Appeal, Legion Scotland, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and Yorkhill Children’s Charity.
The First Minister added: “Since we launched the charity Christmas card initiative in 2007, sales of artwork and prints have raised more than £168,850 for good causes across Scotland. I’d like to extend my thanks to all the artists, including Mairi, whose time and genorisity have made raising so much money possible.”
And the children’s view of the Katie Morag card? ‘Brilliant’, ‘amazing’ and ‘fantastic’!
First Minister marks milestone with focus on young people
Opportunities for young people in Scotland will be the focus for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this week as she approaches her 100th day in office.
On Friday (27 February) it will be 100 days since the First Minister was sworn in by the Scottish Parliament, and she will begin the week by travelling to London to see first-hand how an attainment challenge has helped some of the poorest children in society.
The visit follows the recent announcement by the First Minister of the £100 million Attainment Scotland Fund, which will draw on the lessons learned by the London Challenge scheme as part of our efforts to improve education outcomes in Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.
On Wednesday, the First Minister will announce further support to help young people into employment and living wage jobs, ahead of a speech at the David Hume Institute entitled what sort of Scotland do we want to create?
That speech will outline her commitment to removing the barriers that limit opportunity in Scotland, as she set out her vision for a Scotland based on prosperity, fairness and participation.
On Friday, Ms Sturgeon will mark her 100th day in office by visiting GlaxoSmithKline in Irvine to announce a new initiative to encourage more young women to take up modern apprenticeships.
The First Minister said: “When I became First Minister in November, I set out how I wanted to run a Government with the strongest focus on boosting our economy, tackling inequality and protecting public services.
“And I hope over these last months I have demonstrated my commitment to making this a better country in which everyone can live and work.
“Central to that is a strong economy that helps us build the prosperous and fair Scotland we all want to see. As I said on the day that I was sworn in as First Minister – the biggest investment we can make in Scotland’s future is in our people.
“That is why it is hugely important to make sure that all of our young people – no matter what their background or where they come from – have the very best chance to get on in life. That is how we not only improve lives but also grow our economy.
“So as we approach my 100th day in office, I am focused on delivering for the young people of Scotland, by improving attainment in Scotland’s schools, opening up job opportunities and encouraging more young women to improve their skills and get on in life by taking up a modern apprenticeship.”
First Minister Alex Salmond worked alongside longstanding Royal Voluntary Service volunteers at the Western General Hospital yesterday. As part of Volunteers’ Week, the First Minister spent an hour meeting volunteers and staff of the Royal Voluntary Service (formerly known as the WRVS), serving tea at the hospital café and chatting to staff, patients and visitors. The First Minister said that the nation’s volunteers are ‘a true credit to Scotland’.
During the visit Mr Salmond met a number of older volunteers including Margaret Collinson, age 83, Eleanor Taylor, age 79, and Agnes McFarlane, age 88, who between them have given more than 100 years of voluntary service.
The First Minister also encouraged people to nominate volunteers for a Diamond Champion award which recognises and highlights the fantastic, selfless volunteering that is being done by older volunteers across the country.
Mr Salmond said:
“Scotland has a rich tradition of volunteering and community involvement is part of the core fabric of Scottish social and community life. Volunteering represents a huge investment of time, energy and commitment by individuals who want to improve the lives of those around them, give something back and help make their communities better places to live.
“The Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who have given so much of their lives in voluntary service have been inspirational to meet. Not only are these individuals doing a wonderful job in serving those who come to their café, they also get so much out of it for themselves.
“A service like this is not just crucial for those who visit hospital, for patients and their families, nurses, doctors and hospital staff but also for the older volunteers as it provides an opportunity to work together, to socialise and to remain active.
“I am overwhelmed by the commitment and dedication of the volunteers here at the Western General and touched by the care and compassion with which they deliver their roles. Volunteers are a true credit to Scotland and I sincerely thank them for all that they do.”
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David McCullough, Royal Voluntary Service chief executive, (pictured above) said:
“We are delighted to welcome the First Minister to our cafe at the Western General Hospital and introduce him to some of our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers’ Week is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our army of 7,000 volunteers across Scotland who, without making a fuss or asking for reward, give their time selflessly to others, which is why this week we are launching Diamond Champions our search for volunteers over the age of 60; the hidden gems in our community.
“So if you know an older volunteer who deserves some recognition then please nominate them for this prestigious award. We know that our volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of older people and they themselves also get great satisfaction from the work they do; so it’s win-win!”
Carol Crowther, NHS Lothian’s Assistant Nurse Director Person Centred Care, Quality, Patient Experience & Professional Standards, said:
“The presence of the Royal Voluntary Service volunteers in our hospitals is very welcome and contributes to the overall positive experience for users of our services through the warm and welcoming atmosphere in their cafes and shops and their cheerful attitude toward staff and patients.
“The Royal Voluntary Service outlets on our sites give back proceeds to the hospital from income generated from these outlets. This means that these volunteers not only give their time but their support enables this financial gifting through which we are able to provide additional patient comforts at the Western General Hospital.
“We are very proud of the contribution all our hospital volunteers make. They bring a range of skills and life experiences and are extremely beneficial in the delivery of all our services.”
About Royal Voluntary Service Formerly known as WRVS, Royal Voluntary Service has been helping people in Britain for 75 years. Originally set up as the Women’s Voluntary Service in 1938, the charity played a crucial role during the Second World War. Whilst keeping the same values of community service, Royal Voluntary Service has now focused its work on helping older people to remain independent and get more out of life.
Royal Voluntary Service supports over 100,000 older people to stay independent in their own homes for longer with tailor made solutions. Through its army of 40,000 volunteers, the charity runs services such as Good Neighbours (companionship), Meals-on-Wheels and Books-on-Wheels that alleviate loneliness and help older people. Royal Voluntary Service also provides practical support for older people who have been in hospital through its On Ward Befriending and Home from Hospital services. For further information please go to: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
The STV Appeal 2012 has raised an incredible £1,913,080 for children living in poverty in Scotland – and the donations are still flooding in. That’s £956,540 from fundraising and donations, which was then doubled by the Scottish government, with Alex Salmond confirming the match funding live on STV last night.
The STV Appeal 2012: The Big Live Show, hosted by Lorraine Kelly, showcased the fantastic efforts from fundraisers across the country, including some of the nation’s most famous folk. From Sean Batty and Jock the Dog’s cycle ride and agility competition, to Fred McAulay walking the West Highland Way, there have been some brilliant challenges in the name of the Appeal this year.
People across the country have taken part in tea parties, bake sales, sponsored walks and a host of weird and wonderful events. Everyone should be extremely proud as the total raised will help change the lives of many children, desperately in need of care.
Paul Brannigan, star of The Angels’ Share, joined Lorraine on the sofa to explain how his life was transformed thanks to youth charity Sidekicks and the time and effort put in by dedicated staff.
From moving video films of young people living in challenging circumstances, to fantastic performance from Amy MacDonald and Michelle McManus and Manran, it truly was a special night and the generosity of viewers will go on to change the lives of many children in Scotland, for the better.
