Tag: inclusion

Edinburgh Accessibility Commission ‘to help make streets inclusive for everyone’

An Accessibility Commission is to be formally established to make sure Edinburgh’s public spaces are as inclusive as possible for disabled people.

On Thursday (11 January) Transport and Environment Committee will be asked to note the next steps for establishing the commission, including its Terms of Reference. These will cover the roles and responsibilities of Commissioners, who will represent a range of accessibility, disability, walking and public transport organisations (see below*).

In December, internationally recognised disability activist Zara Todd was appointed as chair of the Accessibility Commission. Ms Todd, who has previously been chair of Inclusion London and deputy chair of public body Equality 2025, has advised the British Council, the Fundamental Rights Agency and Transport for London on disability and accessibility issues, and has over 20 years’ experience in chairing and facilitating inclusive meetings.

She will lead the Accessibility Commission in providing independent advice to the Council on the challenges, opportunities and actions required to make sure the city’s public streets and spaces are accessible for disabled people.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I am proud that Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city, but it’s clear that there is much work to be done to make it truly accessible and inclusive for everyone.

“In the coming decade transport in our capital will evolve substantially to accommodate growth, tackle congestion and respond to the climate emergency.

“This transition is also a huge opportunity to a create a more equal city, and the Accessibility Commission is there to help ensure that happens.

“The Accessibility Commission will focus on addressing that challenge, and listening to the needs of disabled people to make our streets and public spaces as accessible as possible.

“Zara Todd brings with her a wealth of personal and professional experience which will be invaluable to the Commission’s aims. As a resident of Edinburgh she knows what works here, and also where we have made mistakes in recent years.

“I look forward to working with her, and other Commission members, to make Edinburgh a better place for everyone to live, work and visit.”

Zara Todd said: “As a disabled Edinburgh resident it is great to see the council taking accessibility seriously, I look forward to working with everybody involved.“

The establishment of an Accessibility Commission follows several motions from councillors in support of Transport for All’s Equal Pavements Pledge, which commits to ensuring streets are accessible for everyone.

Progress has been made to set up the group, including discussions around challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing Edinburgh’s public streets and spaces, along with the role, remit and membership of a new Accessibility Commission.

It is intended to hold the Commission’s first meeting next month.

Read the full Accessibility Commission report being considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday, 11 January. 

*Commissioners comprise a representative from each of the following organisations:

  • Edinburgh Access Panel
  • Edinburgh Trams
  • Equality and Rights Network
  • Euan’s Guide
  • HCL Transport
  • Inclusion Scotland
  • Living Streets Edinburgh Group
  • Lothian Buses
  • Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
  • Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland
  • National Federation for the Blind Scotland
  • People First (Scotland)
  • Royal National Institute of Blind People
  • Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
  • Sustrans
  • The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Scotland)
  • The Scottish Assembly

Diversity and inclusion in schools

Scotland ‘leading the way’

Castleton Primary School in Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to fully embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across their school curriculum.

In 2019 the Scottish Government launched a dedicated package of resources to help all schools build on existing good practice to promote equality, reduce bullying, and improve the educational experiences of LGBT children and young people.

This includes:

  • teaching resources to ensure subjects across age groups include LGBT identities, issues and history
  • training for teachers and school leaders to approach topics with knowledge and confidence, and to help effectively challenge homophobia, biphobia and/or transphobia in the school environment and wider community

A recent report on the approach by Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) found it improved the attitudes and experiences of pupils and staff, including LGBT young people.

Following a visit to Castleton Primary School on Tuesday August 22nd, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I was very pleased to visit Castleton Primary School which is the first in Scotland to fully embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum.

“Many schools across the country already take positive steps to educate learners about LGBT identities and issues but this is an important milestone. We will continue to do all we can to help young people to reach their full potential in a diverse and inclusive society.

“We know that this approach has already improved experiences for many young people, with pupils reporting fewer instances of anti-LGBT behaviour, language, and bullying, both in school and the wider community.  It is clear that this inclusive approach to education is already delivering real results for young people.

“Scotland’s education system must support everyone, and it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools. The inspirational work being undertaken at Castleton and schools like it across the country highlight how inclusive education can help to stamp out prejudice and I look forward to seeing further progress on this work in the coming months and years.”

Jordan Daly, Co-Founder and Director of Time for Inclusive Education said: “LGBT Inclusive Education supports schools to proactively address homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic prejudice and bullying, and ensures that young people see themselves, their families and the world around them in what they learn.

“We have been privileged to work with Castleton Primary School to take this forward, and are encouraged by reports from pupils and teachers about the positive impact that this has had on their school experiences. 

“Schools in Scotland have free access to professional learning, teaching resources, and a structured implementation Toolkit, provided by the Scottish Government, and we would encourage all teachers to engage with these resources to begin improving outcomes for LGBT young people and families in their school community.”

UK Government reveals plans to improve disabled people’s lives

New plans to improve the lives of disabled people have been set out by the Government today (Tuesday 18 July).

  • Government launches consultation on Disability Action Plan, which brings together ideas and action across Government to make disabled people’s lives easier
  • Plans include raising awareness of life-changing tech for disabled people, mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers, autism-friendly programmes for cultural and heritage sites
  • Plans designed by Ministers to make the UK a more inclusive society in the long term

Immediate and practical measures proposed in the fully accessible consultation include ensuring businesses are aware of disabled people’s needs – including Guide Dog access needs – to allow all disabled people to live, work and shop freely and support for local authorities to ensure the playgrounds they build or refurbish are accessible for disabled children.

The proposals will inform the Government’s Disability Action Plan later this year, laying the foundations for longer term change.

Other measures in the proposed Plan include:

– Raising the profile of assistive technology to ensure more disabled people have access to life-changing tech

– Legislating for mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers to unlock greater travel freedom for disabled people

– Encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors to drive greater inclusivity

– Improving reasonable adjustments in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries improving diversity and breadth of experience

– Implementing the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE, over a year after the BSL Act was introduced, giving thousands of pupils communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives

– Exploring the feasibility of Great Britain hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2031.

The Disability Action Plan sits alongside the Government’s National Disability Strategy which sets out our longer-term vision to improve disabled people’s lives for the better.

6.6927 Disability Unit branding

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Our Disability Action Plan will lay out practical measures we can implement here and now to improve the lives of disabled people.

“From leading the way globally with assistive technology to improving inclusivity and accessibility across sport, travel and culture, the Plan will also be important in setting the stage for longer term change.

“We want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making and I would encourage anyone interested to respond to this consultation so the views of disabled people across the country are front and centre of our final Disability Action Plan.”

The Plan builds on the Government’s achievements over the last year on education, work, leisure, and rights for disabled people. This includes supporting the passage of landmark legislation: the Down Syndrome Act and British Sign Language (BSL) Act – and a consultation to support the introduction of a new BSL GCSE.

The overarching focus on disability has also ensured over 2,000 miles of King Charles III England Coast Path is accessible, while the government has delivered an additional £1 billion for the education of children and young people with more complex needs.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and be open for anyone to comment. This will ensure the Plan is informed by the experience and views of disabled people, disability organisations and charities as well as other interested parties.

Chair of the Disability Unit West Midlands Regional Stakeholder Network, Louise Mckiernan said: “I welcome the Government’s commitment to their new Disability Action Plan and their intention to take immediate and practical actions to improve the lives of disabled people across the UK.

The launch of this consultation is an important opportunity for disabled people in particular to have their say and to help shape the Government’s short-term plans.

“I would encourage as many disabled people, disability organisations and other interested parties as possible to take part in this consultation exercise to ensure their voices are heard.”

Further Information:

Butlin’s launch £2.5 million SKYPARK

  • Butlin’s officially opens SKYPARK – a brand new inclusive playground – at its Skegness resort
  • New research reveals three quarters of UK parents believe more should be done to support children with additional needs
  • Almost half (44%) of parents say they’ve had to cut back on play opportunities for their children in the last 12 months due to financial concerns

A brand-new £2.5M playground, Butlin’s SKYPARK has opened today at the home of entertainment’s Skegness resort – designed specifically so children of all abilities can play together, shoulder to shoulder.

The opening comes as new national research reveals the majority of parents believe children with additional needs do not receive sufficient support, with three quarters (75%) saying more should be done in this area.

What’s more, the research found that almost half of parents (44%) have had to cut back on play opportunities for their children in the last 12 months due to financial concerns. With parents on average spending £100 (£94.31) per month on paid for activities, such as assault courses and soft play. 

Despite UK parents cutting back on paid for activities, they unveiled that the top skills they feel their children develop through socialising and playing with others include; confidence (55%), sharing (51%), cooperation (46%), patience (42%) and respect (41%).

The state-of-the-art playground is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible trampoline and roundabout, sit-up swings for support and sociability, and wheelchair-friendly walkways and ramps, to ensure no child is left on the side lines.

Butlin’s SKYPARK further features four epic climbing towers with the tallest standing at 14 metres high, offering an incredible panoramic sea view.

The site, at Butlin’s Skegness resort, is also home to the UK’s longest interactive seesaw, at an impressive 24 metres long, children and adults can work together to generate enough energy to light up the area.

Alongside the park sits the Butlin’s SKYPARK Café, where the adults can relax and keep an eye on the children enjoying themselves.

Featuring an array of indoor and outdoor seating, with a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, the café also has a specially curated music playlist, set at an appropriate volume setting and to a calming low beat with inclusivity in mind. 

Jon Hendry-Pickup, CEO at Butlin’s, said: “As the home of entertainment, we’re really proud to be able to offer a playground that’s designed to be truly inclusive for all families – with Butlin’s SKYPARK included in the price of a break.

“Launching Butlin’s SKYPARK is an incredibly proud moment for us as a business and it is the first of many exciting investments we’re making across our three resorts in the next few years.

“Our new playground provides a safe, stimulating place for children of all abilities to play together. We can’t wait to see families enjoying our incredible new playground this Easter and beyond.”

To see more about Butlin’s SKYPARK, including full information on the different zones and key features, please head to: www.butlins.com/discover-butlins/things-to-do/skypark

Circle’s Values

To ensure that children and families are at the centre of all we do, we create opportunities for families to participate in the development of policies, values, and services.

We believe that to properly support families to find their own solutions, it is necessary to give voice to their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.

We’ve recently involved families in the creation of a new participation strategy for Circle.

This strategy creates a framework that recognises the need to involve families in a meaningful and respectful way in the development of services and policy across the organisation. 

Call for Capital’s sustainable food projects to sign up to new directory

Edinburgh’s sustainable food producers and suppliers are being called upon to apply to have their details registered in a new directory.  

The Sustainable Food Directory is designed to help people find out where they can source sustainable food locally and to support the promotion of the capital as a leading food destination in Scotland. 

Managed by Edible Edinburgh, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the directory will aim to showcase the best places to find local, sustainable food in Edinburgh, for residents and visitors.

Local food growing projects, community food organisations, shops, markets, cafes and restaurants are all being asked to apply to become part of the directory – with the aim of gaining recognition as  the most sustainable food places in the city.

Applicants are being asked to complete a short form, detailing why they should be included in the directory, along with a sustainability statement outlining how they’re actively working towards sustainability in their services; supply chain, packaging and recycling.

Councillor George Gordon, Chair of Edible Edinburgh, said: As a food partnership, we want to promote the breadth of sustainable, healthy, local food choices on offer to residents and visitors to Scotland’s capital city. Food that’s grown locally has less distance to travel to get to our plate, meaning less carbon emissions from things like transportation and storage. 

“We know that Edinburgh’s amazing local food and drink producers work hard to bring high quality, sustainably produced food to people’s plates. So, we’re calling on sustainable food businesses, growers, suppliers and producers in the city to apply to be listed on our new directory, highlighting their business action and ambition, to make it easier for people to support local food producers, shops and communities in Edinburgh.”

The project to create a Sustainable Food Directory was announced as part of Edible Edinburgh’s Inspiring Food event at Edinburgh College Granton Campus on Friday.

The college event promoted some of Edinburgh’s leading food businesses, charities, growing projects and pantries.

Business can find out more about the directory and how to register by emailing Edible Edinburgh on hello@edible-edinburgh.org.

The directory is scheduled to go live to the public in early summer.

Scottish Youth Parliament: Edinburgh elections results

The Scottish Youth Parliament election results 2021 were announced on Monday 22 November. Eleven new Members of the SYP will now represent young people in Edinburgh.

Ten of those elected are from state schools in the city, seven are young women and three are from a Black and Minority Ethnic background.

One remaining seat, in Northern and Leith, will be contested in the new year.

Edinburgh registered the highest number of expressions of interest in Scotland from potential candidates and fielded the most candidates (26) of any local authority.

We also achieved the highest voter turnout in Edinburgh since 2015, despite many of the usual campaigning activities being curtailed because of the pandemic.

Councillor Ellie Bird, Young People’s Champion, said: “I want to commend the astonishing achievements and contributions of all 26 candidates that stood across Edinburgh in the Scottish Youth Parliament election, and warmly welcome the eleven new MSYPs into our city’s elected member family.

“The success of this year’s election is a testament to the commitment and passion of everyone involved in prioritising the voice of young people, at a time when it’s never been more important.

“Due to the restricted access to schools, youth clubs and community centres, candidates have had to rely on their own ingenuity, creativity and sheer dogged persistence to get their message, and their vote, out.

“The determination that these young people have demonstrated in standing up for what they believe in by putting themselves forward for election and to be accountable to their electorate, especially during such a challenging period for young people, is nothing short of inspirational.

“I know they all have a lot to offer their communities and the causes they care about most, and I can’t wait to see what they do next and look forward to working with Edinburgh’s newest group of elected representatives to place young people at the heart of policy and decision making.”

For more information about the election and the successful candidates, please see @edinburghMSYPs

Foundation Scotland marks 25th anniversary

Scotland’s community foundation has distributed over £130 million to date 

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, is marking the organisation’s silver anniversary this St Andrews Day – also aptly ‘Giving Tuesday’ this year. 

 Originally established in 1996 as ‘Scotland’s Community Foundation’, the major funder has distributed more than £130 million to charitable organisations, social enterprises, and community groups operating across Scotland since its launch 25 years ago. 

The foundation specialises in supporting charitable initiatives within local communities: from local food banks to counselling services, to youth groups and education and training funds.

Set up with an initial group of three staff, the Edinburgh-based foundation now has over 30, managing around 100 different national and local funding programmes each year.  

Earlier this year the foundation began offering investment for social enterprises following the integration with Resilient Scotland, further expanding the breadth of financial support offered to charitable groups and enterprises.   

Through the pandemic, Foundation Scotland awarded over £1.1 million in crisis support grants to 268 Edinburgh-based community projects. 

Supported groups included The Eric Liddell Centre, East Lothian Roots and Fruits, Sikh Sanjog, Bridgend Farmhouse and The Edinburgh Tool Library (above).  

Quite often, groups can be eligible for more than one source of funding from the foundation and some organisations have received ongoing support from Foundation Scotland for many years.

The team pride themselves in getting to know and understand funded groups, supporting them with essential funding and vital advice to help them to develop and sustain their services.  

Giles Ruck, Chief Executive at Foundation Scotland, said: “We are proud to be Scotland’s community foundation.  For 25 years, we’ve maintained the vision of supporting confident, thriving, resilient communities across Scotland.

“And for every community to thrive, it should be resourced to match its vision and powered by transformative funding. That’s where we come in. Over the last quarter of a century, we have connected the generosity of donors, corporates and individuals, to enable and empower vital projects and grassroot-led change.  

“As we look ahead, we will continue to work hard to reach and connect with new donors keen to distribute funds effectively at a local level so that together we can continue to deliver extraordinary support.” 

The generosity of local donors 

Foundation Scotland is an independent charity. The funds awarded to projects within Scotland’s communities are thanks to the generosity of donors who support the foundation’s work.  

The breadth of donors includes individuals, families, companies, community bodies and other charities who distribute funds. The foundation connects donors funds with community organisations working on the ground, ensuring their support stays relevant to local circumstances and delivers real impact.

Even throughout the pandemic, new donors have come on board, and new funds have opened to help support communities through the crisis and beyond. 

In the summer of 2020, Edinburgh-based investment company Martin Currie approached Foundation Scotland to design and brand a new fund to help them support charities and community groups in Edinburgh, with consideration for projects across Scotland.

Their priorities were to address inequality and support initiatives that improved social and environmental sustainability.  The Martin Currie Community Partnership Programme launched in September, and to date has awarded almost £44,000 between 8 organisations Recent grantees include Edinburgh Remakery, Venchie Children and Youth Project and the Salisbury Centre. 

Jennifer Mair, Chief Operating Officer for Martin Currie said: “The Martin Currie Community Partnership Programme (MCCPP) is delighted to partner with Foundation Scotland to support local charities that promote diversity and inclusion, or social and environmental sustainability.

“The MCCPP was established in 2020 and focusses on the communities where we live and work by partnering with and building deep and lasting relationships with organisations who are well placed to help us deliver Martin Currie’s goal to improve lives.” 

Case Study: The Melting Pot 

The Melting Pot is Scotland’s Centre for Social Innovation. Based in Edinburgh’s city centre on Carlton Road, the organisation runs a large coworking hub, meeting venue and events programme for charities, social businesses, campaigners and freelancers.   

Foundation Scotland has supported The Melting Pot for over 15 years.  The organisation received its first award from the funder back in 2006 and has received £120,000 from a number of different funds to support their growth and development since 2006.  

Claire Carpenter, Founder and CEO of The Melting Pot said: “Foundation Scotland have been an instrumental investor for me and The Melting Pot. They’ve been part of the birthing story – twice now!

“Back in the 00’s when “Coworking” wasn’t a thing you could Google, they saw the potential in my big, novel and very practical idea to better support our sector, in all its diversity. Then, due to Covid, the landscape changed once again – for good.

“We’ve been able to play to each other’s strengths to help #BuildBackBetter. I’m looking forward to seeing how together we co-create the conditions for social innovators to thrive in the years ahead.” 

More Info:

From grantmaking to social investment opportunities, legacies to bursaries, Foundation Scotland is continually developing innovative and effective ways for donors to help Scotland’s communities thrive.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact:

development@foundationscotland.org.uk 

or call 0131 524 0300. 

For more details visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/ 

SESH: The local hair salon that welcomes everyone – even your dog!

🐶

In 2021 we hear lots about ‘inclusivity’. We know that it’s important that we are kind to one another and we understand that we must accept people for who they are and we celebrate individuality. But what are businesses and hair salons, actually doing to show their support and be actively inclusive? 

Leith salon owner Simon Hill feels strongly about this and has shared the approach that his salon, SESH Hairdressing, have adopted. The salon have gone above and beyond to show that really, everyone is welcome: 

At SESH Hairdressing, everyone is welcome. From the moment you enter the salon, you will be greeted warmly and welcomed by a member of the team. They will have already looked at your notes on the system and know your name as well as your preferred pronoun and any areas of sensitivity for you. This instantly puts the client at ease and reassures them that they have entered a completely friendly space. 

For guests that may be experiencing issues with hair loss, perhaps they are in the midst of a gender transition or have come into the salon wearing a head scarf for religious reasons, SESH will always offer their secluded area, away from the main salon floor. This gesture shows that the salon is conscious and supportive of your choices. 

For busy mums who are unable to arrange child care or possibly doggy care, SESH empathise completely with this. That’s why the salon is completely dog and child friendly. Making your life easier to pop in during a busy day. We all have them!

Passionate about welcoming everyone, and helping those they can, SESH Hairdressing work closely with MND Scotland, who support those suffering Motor Neurone Disease.

The salon is renowned for their annual fundraising efforts. Furthermore, the team at SESH are all trained to service those sadly suffering MND or similar illnesses in the salon. The chairs and positions are spaciously separated (before Covid required this) and the back wash area in the salon is completely comfortable with neck rests and adequate room for guests to relax. 

At SESH their goal is to welcome each guest that walks through their doors and ensure everyone feels welcome. The salon have gone to great lengths to ensure all communities are heard and included at SESH Hairdressing. 

Visit www.seshhairdressing.co.uk for more information.

FT poll shows 90% learnt ‘little or nothing’ about finance at school

‘two in three of the global population, including one in three in the UK, are financially illiterate‘

The Financial Times has launched a new charity endorsed by the former prime minister Gordon Brown, focused on the promotion of financial literacy and inclusion around the world.

The FT Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign (FT FLIC) unveiled its strategic plan to boost the financial literacy of young people, women and disadvantaged communities at an event hosted by Roula Khalaf, editor of the Financial Times.

The plan will develop educational programmes to tackle financial literacy, initially in the UK and then around the world. It will seek to warn people about potential financial traps as well as empowering them to realise their aspirations. It will also campaign for policy change and clearer product communication by financial companies. 

“Improving financial literacy for people that need it most, will empower and build financial resilience amongst communities that have faced growing inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic and austerity,” said Aimée Allam, executive director of FT FLIC.

“We have now outlined our ambitious goals to improve financial literacy, and our success will be determined by our ability to achieve these goals in an effective and measurable way.”

A survey, commissioned for the Financial Times by Ipsos Mori, reveals shortcomings in financial understanding among four constituencies that have clear gaps relative to the national average: deprived areas, the young, women and ethnic minorities.

According to the research, 90% of the 3,194 people polled across England learnt “nothing at all” or “not very much” about finance at school. The research also found that barely half of 3,000 respondents were able to correctly compare the costs of borrowing via credit cards or bank overdrafts, regardless of their wealth, ethnicity or gender.

Not only will FT FLIC provide financial educational content for individuals and teachers, it also intends to lobby for education policy to change, in particular pushing for financial literacy to be integrated into school curriculums. FT FLIC will also focus on helping close the financial literacy gap for women and communities marginalised from accessing mainstream finance.

FT FLIC will partner existing charities and other organisations in financial education, and become a hub for the aggregation of the best materials, as well as developing its own content.

Patrick Jenkins, the FT’s deputy editor who chairs FT FLIC, said: “According to the World Bank, two in three of the global population, including one in three in the UK, are financially illiterate.

“If that were true of language literacy it would rightly be regarded as a scandal. Happily getting on for nine in 10 people around the world are now able to read and write. But why is it not regarded as a scandal that financial literacy levels are so low?”

Speaking at the launch of FT FLIC Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said: “In surgeries, I came face-to-face with constituents who could not manage their finances or pay their bills, who racked up debts and fell into the hands of money lenders.

“I saw not only the despair that this brings and the impact it has on physical and mental health but the need for far greater financial literacy. Financial worries have been exacerbated by the pandemic and will certainly worsen when six million families in the UK find their universal credit is cut by £20 a week.

“I welcome this initiative to create an umbrella foundation that will not only work with current providers at the grass roots level, but it will also seek changes to policy.”

The launch of FT FLIC follows 15 years of successful FT seasonal appeals that raised more than £19.5m on behalf of charities and supported many worthy causes.