The cost-of-living crisis might be taking its toll on your mental and physical health but never has it being more important to look after your wellbeing.
Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives has launched its seasonal promotion, 12 Days of Fitness, with the aim of encouraging people to stay active in December.
Available to buy online or in venue, the 12 Days of Fitness promotion, which is also available on climbing too, offers 12 consecutive days of membership for only £12 any time in December.
As the promotion includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, swimming pools (excluding the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre), over 750+ fitness classes per week, and climbing, this represents excellent value for money. And new this year, members will receive a free pass to gift to a friend or family – it’s the promotion that just keeps giving.
The pass isn’t restricted to one pass per person either – if you wish to buy a second pass after your first pass expires, it’ll mean you’re doubly on the way to reaching those fitness goals ahead of New Year. And the promotion is timely as experts continually agree that maintaining some level of physical activity during December is important to boost immunity, manage stress and mental health.
Edinburgh Leisure’s facilities are second to none and offer choice and great value, across various city locations. Their gyms feature some of the latest fitness equipment and you will be assured a warm welcome, with helpful staff ready to help you reach your fitness goals. They also have numerous swimming pools across the city, from historic baths to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho.
So, gift yourself a wellness present and get one step ahead of those New Year fitness plans – that first trip back to the gym in January will be far easier.
For further information about Edinburgh Leisure venues and services and the 12 Days of Fitness Promotion visit:
If your child is between 2 – 5 years old & has missed their flu vaccination appointment, you can head to one of the drop-in clinics or call the team on 0131 659 2920 to book.
The painless nasal spray vaccine helps prevent your child getting and spreading the flu.
“All general bills are a worry. It’s crushing to not even be able to afford the most basics in life due to being an unpaid carer.” (unpaid carer responding to the Carers Trust survey)
Almost three quarters (74%) of unpaid carers in Scotland are worried about being able to afford energy bills.
Almost two thirds (58%) of unpaid carers in Scotland have either had to give up work altogether or reduce their paid hours because of their caring role.
One in eight (12%) unpaid carers in Scotland have had to use a food bank.
Carers Trust is urging the Scottish Government and the UK Government to provide additional cost-of-living support to unpaid carers now and to develop long-term solution for funding of social care.
A new survey of unpaid carers in Scotland provides a stark assessment of how many of Scotland’s 800,000 unpaid family carers have been plunged even further into financial misery by the cost-of-living crisis.
The research, undertaken by Carers Trust, the UK infrastructure charity for local carer organisations, revealed that 38% of all unpaid carers have had to give up paid work altogether to provide the dedicated care at home that a sick or disabled relative needs. A further 20% of respondents reported having reduced the number of paid hours they work because of their caring role.
The research, which was responded to by 531 family carers, uncovered the shocking fact that one in eight (12%) unpaid family carers are now using food banks as a result of soaring living costs. In addition:
28% have had to cut back on food
7% have either sold their home or released home equity to pay for essential items
17% have not been able to pay household bills on time
38% have had to cut back on other household items
27% have had to use a credit card to pay for essential household items.
25% have had to borrow money from a friend or a relative
17% have had to take out a loan
One survey respondent said: “I am terrified that I won’t be able to pay the bills this winter”.
Responding to a survey question about what essential costs they would no longer be able to afford, almost half (48%) said transport, almost three quarters (74%) said energy bills and over one third (34%) said rent or mortgage costs.
Carer’s Allowance failing to prevent poverty among unpaid carers
The survey also starkly highlighted the inadequacy of Carer’s Allowance, the principal state benefit for unpaid carers.
Currently set at £69.70 per week, providing this is the lowest level benefit of its kind, despite more than one third (34%) of unpaid carers spending 50 hours or more a week caring for a sick or disabled relative.
The Scottish Government does provide a Carer’s Allowance Supplement of £245.70 twice per year to provide additional support to unpaid carers in Scotland.
However, eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance benefit are strict: claimants must earn £132 a week or less after tax and must be spending a minimum of 35 hours a week caring for someone.
Over half of all survey respondents said that they do not receive the allowance and, of those who did, 56% of respondents in Scotland said it was not enough to meet their needs as an unpaid carer.
The survey also found that, instead of preventing poverty among recipients, Carer’s Allowance recipients were more likely to be experiencing financial hardship.
58% of respondents receiving Carer’s Allowance said they were struggling to make ends meet, compared to 38% of respondents who don’t receive Carer’s Allowance.
More support needed for local carer organisations supporting unpaid carers
A parallel survey of Carer’s Trust’s UK network of over 120 local carer organisations, who provide services to unpaid carers, has also highlighted the impact of recruitment challenges and funding shortages on their ability to support unpaid family carers.
48% of services cited fundraising and sustainability as the principal challenge to work supporting unpaid carers, whilst 40% of respondents cited staff recruitment and retention as a challenge – almost twice the level (23%) reported the year before.
Carers Trust Scotland’s Director Louise Morgan said: “Scotland’s health and social care system relies on the hard work of millions of unpaid family carers. However, the double whammy of lack of financial support and struggling local services means that thousands of unpaid family carers are being pushed into dire poverty.
‘With little ability to work, unpaid carers simply cannot boost their earnings to meet the cost-of-living crisis. Yet they need to keep the heating on and equipment running to keep their sick and disabled relatives warm and safe.
“The recent Autumn Statement simply did not recognise the extra cost of being an unpaid carer. We therefore need to raise Carer’s Allowance urgently, provide and to add it to the list of benefits qualifying for the additional £900 cost-of-living support payment and provide double payments of Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments to help unpaid carers to pay their rising bills during the cost-of-living crisis.
“As a country we’re relying on unpaid carers to keep the health and care system afloat. The least we can do in return is ensure they get a fair deal in return”.
Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is unwrapping a bumper festive bundle of activities to get its Christmas campaign off to a sparkling start.
Sadly, while others enjoy the season of goodwill, it can be a very lonely time for patients, individuals and families coping with the impacts of secondary breast cancer. A recent YouGov poll revealed that 60% of those impacted by a diagnosis find the festive period especially difficult and isolating.
But the charity is bringing the Christmas spirit to patients and their loved ones with a package of initiatives to show support for people living with this incurable form of the disease which claims the lives of 1,000 women a month in the UK.
Make 2nds Count aims to raise £15,000 through the sale of Tree of Hope baubles, plus further funds from specially commissioned Christmas cards and charity partnerships with Dalkeith Country Park’s festive Spectacle of Light and McLarens on the Corner in Edinburgh.
The Make 2nds Count Tree of Hope initiative gives people the chance to donate by buying a Christmas bauble which is not only a beautiful decoration for the tree but a poignant tribute to a current patient or lost loved one.
Supporters donating to the Tree of Hope pay £25 for a bauble, featuring the name of the person they are honouring, in return for a virtual bauble with a personalised message on the Make 2nds Count website and delivery of their personalised bauble keepsake in January.
There are also standard Make 2nds Count baubles available for £15 that the charity hopes to see in homes across the UK this year, the third year of the Tree of Hope initiative.
Dalkeith Country Park will showcase its own Tree of Hope as part of its Spectacle of Light event where visitors can add a ribbon to commemorate a loved one, and all donations will come to the charity. They are also providing collection tins for any spare change, at till points in its Fort Douglas and Restoration Yard’s store and eateries, and signage around the park with a QR code.
The limited-edition Christmas cards, designed by Make 2nds Count supporter Nikki Hughes, are available through the charity in packs of eight for a minimum donation of £6. In addition, there is the opportunity to donate online for a virtual card.
McLarens are once again supporting Make 2nds Count this Christmas by hosting a Tree of Hope and by adding a £1 discretionary charge on every Christmas booking and they will match the total at the end of the festive season.
Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count says: “Christmas is a magical time but we know that it can be quite a challenging period for secondary breast cancer patients and their families.
“However, the fantastic response we always get from the public to our festive campaign gives us all a real boost. We’re confident this year people will be as generous as they can afford to be and every donation, no matter how modest, helps tremendously as we support people not only at Christmas but throughout the year.”
Make 2nds Count supports secondary breast cancer patients and their families and campaigns to raise awareness of, and fund research into the disease – also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer – a form of cancer which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of cancer.
To find out more about how to support the charity’s Christmas campaign visit:
We are deeply saddened to share the news that our founder Doddie Weir has died. Doddie was a force of nature, a great family man, tremendous rugby player and loved and respected by all who knew him.
Our thoughts are with Kathy, Hamish, Angus and Ben and we know you will join us in sending them our love and best wishes at this time.
Jill Douglas, CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and close friend of Doddie’s said: “Doddie enjoyed a full life full of fun and love. And it was this approach to life which shone through in his determination to make a difference and help others when he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease.
“He inspired us every day with his positivity and energy and was fully committed to the work of the Foundation he launched with his close friends in November 2017. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation continues to shine a light on MND and the need to seek meaningful treatments and one day, a cure for this devastating disease.
“The Foundation has raised significant funds through the amazing efforts of our incredible supporters and has committed £8 million to MND research over this time. We have also given considerable funds to people living with MND and their families to help them live as fulfilled a life as possible.
“With Doddie’s enthusiasm and drive, we have collaborated with other stakeholders within the MND community and firmly established the Foundation as a trusted, influential and well supported charity.
“And our vision of a world free of MND remains at the heart of our strategy. As we look to the future, we will honour Doddie’s name and deliver on his legacy. There is much still to do and with your support, we will continue our work, remaining true to the values and ambition of our founder.”
MND Scotland:
We are deeply saddened to hear that Scotland rugby legend, Doddie Weir, has died aged 52 from motor neuron disease (MND).
The former British and Irish Lion, announced his diagnosis of MND on Global MND Awareness Day (21st June) 2017, and went on to raise an incredible amount of awareness of the disease by sharing his journey.
Doddie won the hearts of the Scottish public with his humour and positive attitude, and inspired them to join our cause, so that one day we will find a cure.
Following his devastating diagnosis, Doddie set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, to fund research into finding treatments and a cure. The foundation has also helped families living with MND in Scotland, by donating almost half a million pounds over five years to MND Scotland’s grants programme, which helps relieve some of the financial burden that comes with living with the disease.
Doddie dedicated so much of his time to raising awareness of the illness, particularly through his moving BBC Documentary ‘One More Try’, his appearances on BBC Breakfast with fellow sports stars Rob Burrow and Stephen Darby, and in his most recent book ‘Doddie’s Diary’.
In 2021, Doddie joined forces with MND Scotland, the MND Association, other people living with MND, and neurologists, to call on the UK Government to invest £50 million over five years into targeted MND research.
The petition started in his name received over 110,000 signatures in support of the ‘United to End MND’ campaign and led to a debate in UK Parliament. Thanks to the incredible efforts of all involved in the campaign, the UK Government announced its commitment to investing £50 million into targeted MND research in November 2021.
Doddie’s tireless efforts to create change will leave a lasting legacy. We will continue fighting in his memory, and for everyone else we have lost. Together, we will beat MND.
Rachel Maitland, Chief Executive of MND Scotland, said:“Doddie Weir was a huge inspiration who will be missed by so many. His bravery in sharing his experience of living with MND helped raise vital awareness across the country and beyond.
“The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation contributed vital funds towards MND Scotland’s grants programme, which provides essential financial support to families affected by MND in Scotland.
“Together, we called on the UK Government to invest £50 million into targeted MND research, through our United to End MND campaign. The success of this campaign brings new hope of finding meaningful treatments and a cure sooner. MND does not wait for anyone and now we have another person taken too soon because of this cruel disease.
“We cannot thank Doddie enough for his support and contribution to improving the lives of those living with MND, and for all he did for the cause.
“I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Doddie’s family, friends and the foundation at this extremely difficult time.”
Scottish Rugbyissued a statement on behalf of the Weir family:
Rob Burrow MBE:
So sad to hear the news of the passing of my mnd hero Doddie Weir. I’m sorry to say, how many more warriors die before this stupid government give the 50m they said they would give.
I’m absolutely gutted to see my friendly giraffe die. You are the reason for being so positive RIP
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:
This is so terribly sad. Doddie was one of our nation’s sporting legends, but the brave way he responded to MND surpassed anything ever achieved on the rugby pitch.
He refused to let it dim his spirit and did so much to help others. My condolences to his loved ones. #RIPDoddie
MND Association:
We’re sorry to hear that Doddie Weir OBE has died. Since sharing his MND diagnosis in 2017, Doddie became an inspiration to many, raising awareness and campaigning tirelessly on behalf of those with MND.
Our thoughts are with Doddie’s wife Kathy, his 3 sons, family and friends.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Your Heart & Staying Warm This Winter
During the winter months the risk of having a heart attack or stroke increases. It is important to know what the risks are and to put measures in place to ensure you and your family stay safe.
A drop in environmental temperature reduces your body temperature and the heart must work harder to keep you warm which increases your heart rate. In addition, in cold weather, blood vessels contract to minimise heat loss, which increases blood pressure.
While this is a natural process, it can be a cause for concern in those who are more vulnerable such as adults over 65, those with long-term health conditions, and those who are overweight and live less healthy lifestyles.
With the cost of living increasing and energy prices inflated in comparison to previous years, relying on your heating to keep toasty and warm this winter might not be an option for everyone. It is important to keep warm both inside and outside of your home and do what you can to support your heart health over winter.
Here we outline some practical and cost-effective ways to protect your heart and stay warm this winter:
Staying warm indoors
Reduce the impact of the cold weather by keeping your house heated to a minimum of 18°C, use your thermostat to ensure the inside temperature doesn’t drop below this. Make yourself regular hot meals and drinks, you could set an alarm for every hour to remind you to get up and make a cuppa.
Warming, winter soups are a great idea in the winter, opt for these and warming stews for meals rather than something cold like a sandwich. Try some at home exercises to warm your core body temperature or consider a seated pedal exerciser to keep your legs moving, which will help keep you warm while seated.
You could buddy up with another household to reduce your heating bills, have a day at your house and then the next day go to theirs – you could even share the cooking!
Staying warm outdoors
On really cold days, it is better to stay indoors if you fall into the vulnerable categories, but on milder winter days make sure you use layers to keep warm when outside and don’t forget your hat, gloves, and scarf.
It is better to be overdressed and have to remove layers than find yourself cold when far from home. Plan respite stops when out and about, by nipping into a friend’s house for a hot drink or making use of low-cost offers from supermarkets and cafes for vulnerable age groups.
For example, Asda have announced they are offering soup, bread and unlimited hot drinks to over 60’s throughout November and December this year, have a look at local options like this near you.
If you opt for outdoor walks to remain active, keep these up through winter when the weather allows (wrapping up for the occasion) as we know regular exercise keeps our heat healthy.
Nourish your heart from the inside
Reduce your risk of heart disease by eating a healthy diet. During the winter months it can be tempting to reach for less healthy, comfort foods, but making sure we continue to eat well can protect our heart.
Prioritise eating lots of fibre rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, oats and wholegrain foods like brown rice and pasta. Choose lean meats and fish, including one portion of oily fish per week (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout).
Avoid consuming too much saturated fat by opting for low-fat dairy products and cooking with heart-healthy olive oil. Be mindful of how much alcohol you are consuming and look at stopping smoking if this is relevant, as both are risk factors for cardiovascular illness.
Being aware of the risk factors for heart health during the colder months is key for keeping yourself and your family safe. Be sure to check in on vulnerable relatives or neighbours as it is harder for elderly people to regulate their own body temperature. If you have some to spare, you could consider dropping off a warming meal to a vulnerable person or inviting them round for a meal.
People across Scotland are being encouraged to include health as part of their festive preparations so that seasonal illnesses can be managed well at home. It is hoped that by following the tips and advice in the ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign the public will enjoy the festivities without having to seek health advice unless it is urgent or an emergency.
Humza Yousaf, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care launched the ‘Healthy Know How’ winter campaign at NHS 24’s newest contact centre in Hillington, Glasgow.
Meeting staff at NHS 24, Mr Yousaf said healthy know how can help us stay well this winter: “Nobody wants to be unwell, especially over the festive holidays, and these few simple steps can help everyone manage common illnesses and avoid the need to interrupt the festivities with a trip to the pharmacy or GP.
“This is going to be the most challenging winter for our health service, and a lot of the ailments for which people access out-of-hours care can be easily managed at home. NHS 24’s 111 service is always busy over the holiday period, but roughly a third of calls to 111 result in safe, self-care advice at home.
“If this campaign can encourage people to care for common seasonal conditions at home, that will leave our frontline services free to help those with more serious conditions.
“By taking a few simple steps we can all do our bit to help support our health services this winter.”
Healthy know how tips to keep well this winter include:
Know how to be prepared for common illnesses and ensure that medicines are to hand, at home.
Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online and help you to get the right care, in the right place.
Details on the Healthy Know How campaign and the full range of winter health advice can be found here – www.nhsinform.scot/winter
Cabinet Secretary for Health launches NHS Scotland’s winter campaign
People across Scotland are being encouraged to include health as part of their festive preparations so that seasonal illnesses can be managed well at home. It is hoped that by following the tips and advice in the ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign the public will enjoy the festivities without having to seek health advice unless it is urgent or an emergency.
Humza Yousaf, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care launched the ‘Healthy Know How’ winter campaign at NHS 24’s newest contact centre in Hillington, Glasgow.
L/R
Pic Peter Devlin
Holding on to small moments of joy and positivity is going to be particularly important this winter, with the cost of living and energy crises likely to continue making things difficult for people across the UK.
Psychologists from the British Psychological Society have given their advice and tips for finding the light this winter when things are feeling tough.
“We often see a rise in people feeling down or struggling as winter hits, particularly after the clocks go back, making our evenings darker, and as the cold weather begins to bite”, says Dr Joan Harvey, a chartered member of the BPS.
“This year we have more stresses and challenges than normal, with the cost of living crisis causing incredibly difficult decisions for people as they struggle with soaring prices. Increased stress in the run up to Christmas is normal, and this year even more so with budgets stretched and many re-assessing their plans.
“We hear a lot about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which people sometimes experience during the winter months, and this year we might expect to see more people struggling with a combination of SAD and cost of living induced stress and worry,” adds Dr Harvey.
“There are things that we can do to manage our mental health this winter. While these tips will not tackle the incredibly difficult challenges and choices they have to make, I hope they will serve to help a few people.”
Set small goals and targets – don’t try and set yourself massive to-do lists or targets, but instead keep goals small and achievable. The sense of achievement from achieving your targets and goals can be a real boost.
Get as much daylight as possible – where you can, get outside in daylight hours for a walk or some fresh air, the more light the better. If you have flexible hours at work try to schedule some time in for a walk on your lunchbreak.
Lamps similar to daylight – these can be really effective if you are struggling to get enough daylight and it is impacting your mood. These can come on in the morning in time to wake you up, or they can be used in the evening.
Manage expectations around seasonal festivities – for many, this year will pose a really difficult financial challenge. A way to combat some of the problems we are all facing might be to go for more personalised presents, including some that you can make yourself. Anything practical can help us feel more hopeful about what we can achieve and for less money too.
Seek support if you are struggling – if you are struggling then do reach out to either a friend, family member or your GP. There is support out there and you don’t have to struggle through on your own.
For the first time ever, Edinburgh Leisure, the charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives, is running a members’ only event from Black Friday (25th November) to Cyber Monday (28th November), rewarding their direct debit customers.
The Black Friday members-only event will offer 5 activities for £5 each, allowing direct debit customers to book any of the following:
fitness classes of 45 minutes +
Tee times across all golf courses (excluding weekends)
Squash sessions for at Meadowbank and Craiglockhart Tennis Centre
Outdoor tennis Meadows and Craiglockhart Tennis Centre (evenings only)
and Soft Play at Scrambles at the EICA: Ratho.
The offer is not available to non-members, although customers can join to take advantage of the offer. The offer is only available to buy online (with the exclusion of soft play at Scrambles, which needs to be paid in venue and is only available in-venue during the Black Friday event).
Edinburgh Leisure customers who pay their membership by direct debit will be able to log into their accounts during the offer dates and book the activities for £5 each. Customers will book as normal and will have 8-days to use the activity following payment. Customers will be able to book multiple activities, multiple times.
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to lead more active, healthy lives. They do that by running over 30 sports and leisure facilities across the city and deliver their Active Communities programme, which helps improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, poverty, inequalities, and disabilities.
