Tag: partnership

Students team up with Falkirk FC in new partnership

Sports performance students at Heriot-Watt University are getting the chance to trade the classroom for the football pitch as part of a new partnership with Falkirk FC.

Both institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to a two-year collaboration to merge academic and professional sport expertise.

This partnership grants Falkirk FC access to Heriot-Watt’s cutting-edge Sport Science Laboratory facilities, where player performance can be analysed using advanced exercise testing and movement analysis techniques, and body composition assessed by gold standard imaging methods.

In return, Heriot-Watt students will gain real-world experience in sport and exercise science, applying their skills to tasks such as player conditioning, match performance analysis, and injury prevention.

A key component of the agreement is to provide placement and research opportunities at the Club for third and fourth-year students studying for a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science. They will learn directly from coaches, sports scientists, and club staff to understand the strategies and techniques involved in elite performance and player development.

Leading the MoU on behalf of Heriot-Watt University is Chris Easton, Professor of Exercise Physiology at theSchool of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society.

He welcomed the signing of the MoU and is looking forward to optimising the performance levels at Falkirk FC.

Chris said: “Through this exciting partnership with Falkirk FC, our students will gain invaluable, hands-on experience in a real-world sports environment, where they can apply the principles they learn in the classroom directly to player development and performance analysis.

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to producing industry-ready graduates, and we’re thrilled to offer our students an opportunity to learn from and contribute to a leading football club.

“By bringing together Heriot-Watt’s academic strengths in sport science with Falkirk FC’s expertise on the field, we’re setting the foundation for a powerful exchange of knowledge that will benefit both our students and the club.”

With Falkirk FC currently topping the Championship and aiming for a Premiership return, this partnership arrives at an opportune time for the club to leverage scientific support for player performance.

The MoU is not the only link between the University and Falkirk FC in recent times. In October, the Club signed a new centre-forward, Barney Stewart, from Heriot-Watt University Football Club. Barney has been loaned back to the University squad until January after which time he will move to Falkirk under contract until June 2027.

Blair Doughty, Head of Physical Performance at Falkirk FC, added: “This partnership has the potential of huge benefit for both Falkirk FC and Heriot-Watt University.

“The University share the same values and vision to help improve performance which is something we look for in a strategic partner. The access to cutting-edge Sport Science Laboratory facilities will be of great value to the performance department as we seek to provide a best-in-class performance services for our players to give them the tools needed to perform at the highest level.

“As well as facilities another benefit of this partnership is the ability to keep up to date with the latest research developments helping inform best practise and also develop our own process and frameworks to push performance both for the First Team and Academy.

“Lastly, this partnership will help Heriot Watt develop their students into industry ready candidates and allows us to shape the practitioners of the future. Through learning and seeing firsthand the work done at Falkirk Football Club”

To find out more about Heriot-Watt’s BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme visit the website.

VPZ partners with Morrisons to launch 10 new stores across the UK 

The tie-up will create up to 40 jobs and ‘make stop smoking services more accessible in communities across the country‘

VPZ, the UK’s leading vaping retailer, is set to open 10 new stores by December 2024 as part of a groundbreaking partnership with the supermarket chain Morrisons, with plans to expand further during 2025.  

The new in-store outlets will expand the brand’s presence in communities throughout the UK, with seven key locations in Leeds Hunslet, Birmingham Stirchley, Glenrothes, Peterhead, Darlington, Stratford and Grantham. 

The collaboration will also introduce a new innovative mobile pod concept for customer parking areas, with two planned for Nottingham and one in Rotheram. 

The partnership will drive positive change by making stop smoking services more accessible in communities throughout the country, whilst educating smokers on the benefits of more sustainable vaping products. 

The new sites will help expand and complement VPZ’s mission to help people on their journey to quit smoking by improving access to expert stop-smoking advice and education. 

VPZ stores offer a dedicated one-to-one service to help smokers quit. VPZ specialists are trained and have expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health and financial benefits of switching to vaping.  

Furthermore, as a part of their shared commitment to environmental responsibility, all new stores will include VPZ’s comprehensive recycling programme. The service is open to all vapers, as anyone can visit the new stores and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes. 

Greig Fowler, Director at VPZ, said: “Our partnership with Morrisons to open 10 new stores is a pivotal step in our mission to transform the health of our nation by empowering more people to become smoke-free. 

“I believe that together we will be making it easier for smokers to access the resources, help and education they need to quit smoking, while also offering a convenient and sustainable shopping experience.” 

He added: “We are looking forward to launching our new in-store locations, pod concepts and exploring further growth in 2025.” 

VPZ has recently voiced concerns that the newly announced vape tax increase will unfairly impact the most vulnerable and set back the UK’s 2030 smoke-free targets. As vaping remains one of the most effective methods to quit smoking, VPZ has warned that higher taxes on vaping products could discourage smokers from switching, undermining both health and financial benefits. 

VPZ also supports plans to ban disposable vapes across the UK and Scotland by June next year, however they have highlighted the rise of ‘Big Puff’ disposable vapes which threaten to bring a new youth vaping epidemic and even greater damage to the environment.  

The imported products are exploiting a loophole in regulations to create a new and larger single-use vaping product ahead of the disposables vape ban.  

Greig Fowler added: “These illegal ‘Big Puffs’ undermine our objectives and are poised to create a public health crisis with unregulated products flooding the marketplace.  

“At the current moment, data shows that more than ever there is a need for the Government to step in to support trading standards and local authorities to keep up with the scale of the ‘Big Puff‘ epidemic.  

“We urge for a better collaboration between the industry and regulatory bodies to address this arising issue promptly and ensure that these vapes do not flood the UK market even further and endanger the quit-smoking progress that has been achieved so far.” 

To date, Edinburgh-based VPZ has already helped over 1 million smokers in the UK quit since it was established in 2012. 

 

All aboard! Bella+Duke and Caledonian Sleeper partner to enhance unique travel experience

– Partnership includes travel perks and nutritious treats for pets –

Bella + Duke and Caledonian Sleeper have joined forces to offer pets onboard the paw-fect travel experience to make their journey as smooth as possible, with a tasty complimentary treat as they set off on their overnight trip.

The iconic overnight sleeper train serves over 40+ destinations between London and Scotland, and, sees over 2000 pets use the service every year and from this month will be well stocked with Bella+Duke all-natural and grain-free venison dog bites.

In addition to providing treats onboard, Bella + Duke and Caledonian Sleeper are offering customers exclusive discounts including 10% off travel and savings for being a Bella + Duke subscription customer. This exclusive partnership offer is just part of the newly launched offering from Bella + Duke as they go all in to support well-being from nose to tail with exclusive products and services.

The partnership comes just in time for Christmas, one of Caledonian Sleeper’s busiest travel times, with dates filling up fast. Those travelling with pets from London Euston station will today (10 December 2024) enjoy a tasty treat from a Caledonian Sleeper staff member before making their journey up north.

James Sturrock, CEO at Bella + Duke, said; “Our pets have become an integral part of our everyday lives. We don’t just want to take care of them when we’re at home, we want them to join us on special occasions and adventures too.

“With the Caledonian Sleeper welcoming pets onboard, we’re delighted that pet owners can bring their four-legged friends along with them and can enjoy a tasty Bella + Duke treat during the ride. 

“Caledonian Sleeper is one of the many fantastic partnerships we’ve been able to build as part of our newly launched offering for pet owners, letting customers and passengers get more out of having a furry friend with you every step of the journey.”

Kathryn Darbandi, Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said; “As a pet friendly travel operator we are delighted to partner with Bella+Duke, a fantastic Scottish, fresh pet food brand with the health and well-being of pets at the heart of what they do.

“Caledonian Sleeper prides itself in delivering the very best guest experience and that includes our four-legged friends.”

Tickets for the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train service, between London and Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow and Inverness, can be booked here. With exclusive Bella + Duke offers available to redeem here.

Edinburgh Libraries awarded funding for new sustainability partnership project

Edinburgh Libraries are among the thirteen services to receive a grant from the 2024/25 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports initiatives designed to inspire engagement across areas such as digital upskilling, sustainability and inclusivity.

Delivered in partnership with community repair hub The Edinburgh Remakery, this new project will promote sustainability through the provision of tech donation boxes in all 28 libraries in the city. Visitors will be able to donate their old devices, which will be repaired and given a new home if possible and recycled responsibly if not.

Other projects to receive a share of the 2024/25 fund include an interactive flora trail in Orkney, equality, diversity and inclusion training in Glasgow and workshops for young people facing digital exclusion in East Dunbartonshire.

As one of few open-access spaces left in our local communities, the remit of libraries is ever-evolving and service delivery teams maintain a sharp focus on meeting the needs of modern users. The PLIF 24/25 grant, launched in August this year, prioritised applications seeking to strengthen digital inclusion and sustainability efforts, as well as Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages initiatives.

The projects awarded PLIF 24/25 funding include:

  • ‘Innovation Station’, a new teaching hub in Aberdeen City Library
  • ‘Sensory Library Services’, for library users with additional support needs in Angus
  • ‘Cultural Connections’, expanding the collections of Gaelic and Ukrainian language books in Dumfries and Galloway
  • ‘Creating Social Engagement through Digital Activities’ with children and young people in East Dunbartonshire
  • ‘Libraries and Remakery Partnership Project’, hosting tech donation boxes throughout Edinburgh
  • ‘EDI: Change-making Leadership and Practice Development in Public Libraries’, management training in Glasgow
  • ‘Library Digital Learning Stations’, promoting accessible, self-paced learning opportunities in Midlothian
  • ‘Tech Trolley: Outreach for Inclusive Futures’, facilitating intergenerational learning in Moray
  • ‘Beyond Ramps: Creating Safe and Supportive Library Spaces For All’, tackling barriers for physically disabled library users in North Lanarkshire
  • ‘Interactive Orcadian Flora Trail’, tackling social isolation in Orkney
  • ‘Inclusive Libraries’, in partnership with Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) in the Scottish Borders
  • ‘Libraries Empower Connections’, taking on child poverty and digital exclusion in West Dunbartonshire
  • ‘Fèis Ghàidhlig Leabharlainn’ (Libraries Gaelic Festival), literary arts workshops and events celebrating Gaelic language in the Western Isles

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of (SLIC), said:“Public libraries offer truly diverse value to their communities. They provide access to vital services and resources, a wealth of social activities and are hubs for expression and creativity.

“Investment is so important for the continued provision of these services, and the Public Library Improvement Fund is one of the ways in which we bolster our public libraries.

“People, place and partnership are the pillars of our strategy for Scotland’s libraries, and this year’s winners captured the spirit of that vision. These thirteen projects expand on the vision of a library as solely a centre of literacy – they encourage civil engagement, expand people’s skillsets and celebrate the richness of local heritage.”

Culture Minister, Angus Robertson, added: “Libraries are at the heart of our communities, offering inclusive and accessible spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, create, and connect.

“The Public Library Improvement Fund brings important projects to life, which will make a positive impact on people. This year’s 13 innovative projects show the difference libraries can make to communities and how they can help to unlock people’s potential, increase employability and improve wellbeing.”

The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) is an annual £450,000 administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council on behalf of the Scottish Government that sees £200,000 given to support creative, sustainable and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.

Agencies unite to enhance mental health support

 A partnership between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) ensures anyone who needs urgent mental health support will be directed to the most appropriate service for their needs.

Termed the ‘Mental Health Pathway,’ the collaboration between the three services means that people phoning 999 with non-emergency mental health concerns are now referred to NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub.

This is staffed by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Mental Health Nurses who are highly trained to help patients in mental distress. The Mental Health Hub is designed to support people who need urgent mental health support, where emergency intervention is not required.

The Hub can also be accessed by phoning 111. As well as helping people with their immediate care needs, specialist staff can also refer people to local services. They’ll then get further assessment and treatment if needed. Although most people can be helped immediately and supported with self-care techniques.

Dr Ron Cook is NHS 24’s Medical Director. He details the aims of the Mental Health Pathway and why it became essential for NHS 24, Police Scotland, and Scottish Ambulance Service to work together to provide more effective urgent mental health support for patients: “It is imperative that anyone in mental health crisis or distress can quickly and easily connect with professionals who are experts in that field. Within office hours, patients seeking help with their mental health should contact their own GP.

“However, during the out of hours period, such as evenings and weekends, it is common for patients to be unsure of where to access mental health support. Many will often reach out for help by dialling 999, which may not be the most appropriate care route for them.  

“The Mental Health Pathway was set up to streamline the process for anyone needing urgent assistance with their mental health, and aims to make all callers feel supported, understood, and cared for.

“This project has led to a better experience for individuals experiencing mental illness or distress, but also has the added impact of reducing the deployment of frontline services in non-emergencies and easing the demand on emergency services.”

The Mental Health Pathway was developed as a response to actions from the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027, which aims to improve mental health services and outcomes for people in Scotland by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to mental health.

NHS 24, Police Scotland, and SAS’ partnership went live operationally in 2020, and since then, the project has undergone various evaluation phases and gradual roll-out to thoroughly test processes to ensure patient safety.

2024 has marked a significant milestone for the Mental Health Pathway as over 91% of Police Scotland staff are now trained in the transfer process, with work ongoing to train 100% of applicable staff, secure the pathway as business as usual, and ensure all Police Scotland and SAS staff have awareness of and confidence in transferring mental health callers appropriately.  

Anna is a Senior Charge Nurse in NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub, she explains the benefits to patients: “It is great that patients now come directly through to us if they need urgent assistance with their mental health, as it means that they are not waiting for lengthy periods at A&E which may not be the most suitable place for their needs at that time.

“It is so important that we are providing safe and effective care for all patients, and the development of the Mental Health Pathway means that people are getting the help they need at the right time by right person.”

The collaboration between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and SAS not only has a positive impact on patients. The Mental Health Pathway has also meant that police and ambulance staff are no longer deployed unnecessarily to calls regarding mental health unless there is an immediate threat to life.

This change has meant that staff from these services now have more time to perform their core roles.

Notably, Police Scotland data has recorded that 17,413 officer hours were saved over a ten-month period and 99% of their staff confirmed they felt confident making referrals and using the Mental Health Pathway following their training.

Chief Superintendent Matt Paden leads Police Scotland’s Mental Health Taskforce, he said: “Our work around policing’s response to mental health seeks to reset the parameters of policing’s contribution to a system wide response to ensure people get the compassion, help, and support they need and deserve from those best able to provide it.

“Our colleagues in the Mental Health Taskforce and C3 Division have worked closely with partners in NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service to deliver the Mental Health Pathway over a period of years.

“Their important work demonstrates the benefits of referring those in mental health crisis to services best able to meet their needs. This can provide better outcomes for individuals and communities, better value to the public and enable officers to tackle threat, harm and risk and prevent crime.

“Further development and evaluation will continue, but I am grateful to all of those involved in the successful implementation and delivery of the Mental Health Pathway.”

Catherine Totten, Head of Service for Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) said: “SAS supports people in mental health crisis and distress 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and we are committed to improving the outcomes and experience for these service users.

“The Mental Health Pathway allows us to directly transfer non-emergency callers to mental health trained clinicians in the NHS 24 mental health hub, ensuring those in crisis receive the right care at the right time.”

People Know How partners with BT to raise awareness of the switch to digital landlines

People Know How has partnered with BT Group to provide people with the information they need to prepare for the upcoming switch to digital landlines.

Their Digital Support Helpline, which is free and open to anyone in Scotland who needs help with computers, laptops, tablets, social media, exploring the web and more, is now also taking calls about the switch to digital landlines.

Call free Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm for advice and information about the switch. Alongside this, People Know How is facilitating 50 events in rural areas of Scotland to ensure that everyone can access this information.

Contact the free Digital Support Helpline at 0800 0590 690 or read more at: 

https://peopleknowhow.org/news/people-know-how-partners-with-bt

Clinical trials for chronic kidney disease

New partnership for pioneering kidney health research

Clinical trials to accelerate research into treating chronic kidney disease will be strengthened as a result of a new partnership between the Scottish Government, academia and industry. 

NHS Scotland, AstraZeneca and the Universities of Dundee and Glasgow will work together on new medicines to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, reducing the risk that patients might need dialysis or kidney transplantation.

The partnership will allow for development of new treatments to treat chronic kidney disease, build infrastructure and enhance expertise in renal clinical trial delivery in Scotland with the key aim of improving patient outcomes.

Preventing progression of the disease allows people to live longer, better lives, free from other consequences of the condition such as heart failure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. This allows people to work, contribute to their communities and economy, while reducing pressure on the NHS.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, said: “This project’s ‘triple helix’ approach is a shining example of how collaboration between the NHS, Scottish Government, academia and industry can accelerate health studies. As we navigate the complex issue of chronic kidney disease, our commitment to patient-centred research remains unwavering.

“Together we can advance targeted studies into medicines that slow progression of the disease and reduce the need for dialysis or transplantation, strengthen our workforce through dedicated research fellows and specialised training, provide greater opportunities for patients, and enable Scotland to attract and deliver more innovative trials.”

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) at Scottish Government said: “I welcome this partnership with AstraZeneca which builds upon the excellent research infrastructure and expertise we have in Scotland, to drive the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease.

“We must all work together to improve the outcomes and life circumstances for people living with kidney disease; and this partnership enables the fusion of medical expertise, knowledge, and insight from across NHS, academia, and industry.”

Tom Keith-Roach, AstraZeneca UK President, said: “Scotland is setting a bold ambition to change the trajectory of chronic kidney disease. We are thrilled to invest in a partnership with the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, and the Scottish Government to speed up the study of three potential new combination medicines to treat this disease.

“The triple helix of industry, academia and NHS Scotland is a powerful force with the potential to transform care and outcomes for people.

“Furthermore, we believe Scotland is well placed to collaborate with AstraZeneca to shape our research on the world stage across a number of disease areas and attract investment to the country’s thriving Life Science sector.”

Forth Green Freeport open for business

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) is officially “open for business” today, 12 June, following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case.

This major step unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the green freeport vision.

Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “This is it, Forth Green Freeport is officially open for business. It is an important time for the Green Freeport as we move through the business case development phase to delivery for Scotland.

“Through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and commissioning, alongside innovative shipbuilding, modular assembly and hydrogen manufacture, the country’s net zero targets can be boosted by Forth Green Freeport.

“This is a long-term project and one which we know will deliver real benefits to the local communities through economic growth, skills re-training and training and access to high quality, green jobs.”

Responding to the news, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The Forth Green Freeport is go – making North Edinburgh and the region open for significant investment and good, green, economic growth.

“The whole coastline has huge potential as we develop our city and address the climate emergency and, clearly, the Scottish and UK Governments agree. The news just this week of a global leader in sustainable energy potentially looking to invest in the Port of Leith is also testament to the opportunities Edinburgh has to offer.

“Our extension of Edinburgh’s tram line to Newhaven is already unlocking many areas in the North of the city for long-term investment and regeneration plus, our £1.3 billion green vision for Granton Waterfront is creating a brand new sustainable coastal community, with thousands of net zero homes.

“Through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal we’ve already achieved massive success working collaboratively with our neighbouring councils, with central government and with the private sector. I’m looking forward to similar success with all the partners on the Forth Green Freeport.

“I’ve said all along that fair work and fair opportunities – with employers paying the real Living Wage and real benefits to the community – should be central to the Green Freeport’s plans.

“Following positive conversations with our partners, I’m pleased this is now confirmed with a Fair Work Charter right at the heart of everyone’s ambitions.

“Around 11,000 direct jobs are expected to be created as a result of the Forth Green Freeport, and we expect around 4,000 of those to be here in Edinburgh, which is major. This is of course long-term but we have the opportunity to not only boost employment opportunities but the skills we need in green industries as we address the climate challenge and work towards net zero as a city and country.”

Pitch to Plate Community Meal

Hibernian Community Foundation is delighted to be hosting a multi-cultural meal on Tuesday 28th May! 🍲

In partnership with Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society – SABS – we will be opening the doors to the Hibernian Supporters Club for a warm and welcoming multi-cultural meal 🌍

You can contact info@hiberniancf.org for further details 💚

Displaced Ukrainian women land new careers in tech thanks to Royal Bank of Scotland partnership

A first-of-its-kind training programme helping displaced Ukrainian women to develop the skills needed to start a career in tech is celebrating its first anniversary with a host of permanent job offers.

Royal Bank of Scotland’s Women in Tech pilot – delivered in partnership with Code First Girls, Capital City Partnership, Equate and Data Lab – has enabled three displaced Ukrainian women to secure full-time positions at the bank’s Edinburgh headquarters.

One year since its official launch, the programme has delivered free technology skills training a total of 53 Ukrainians who settled in Scotland after being forced to flee the conflict.

Following an initial eight-week course, three of the cohort went on to complete a fully funded Code First Girls’ Masters qualification, landing permanent Trainee Engineer roles within Royal Bank of Scotland.

In celebration of the milestone, Royal Bank hosted an event at its Gogarburn HQ this week, allowing the Women in Tech graduates to familiarise themselves with their new office campus and meet with senior members of the bank’s Digital X team.

Kateryna Losyeva, who completed the course and is now preparing to start her new role, said: “I always wanted to move into a career in tech, even before the war.

“However, when the conflict began it obviously put a stop to any dreams of a new job – suddenly, my only priority became making sure my daughter was safe. We’d lie awake every night, unable to sleep because of the shelling going on around, and I knew we needed to leave.

“When we first arrived in Edinburgh, I was willing to take on any job. It was a friend who told me about the Women in Tech programme, and I decided to apply. The course completely transformed my new life in Scotland and when I read the email offering me a permanent job, I couldn’t believe it.

“After everything we’ve been through, it still feels too good to be true that I’ve ended up with a career I’ve always dreamed of.”

The training programme is an extension of Royal Bank’s commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians. In 2022, the bank partnered with Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to open a Welcome Centre within their Gogarburn headquarters, which distributed over 10,000 welcome packs and handed our more than 2000 children’s toothbrushes, 4,000 books and 2,000 sanitary packs each month. 

Code First Girls is dedicated to reducing the gender diversity gap in tech by giving more women the opportunity to learn new skills and pursue careers in tech. To date, they have delivered £75 million worth of free technology education in the UK and have provided free education and employment opportunities for more than 110,000 women.

Victoria Cleverley, Chief Operating Officer, Digital X at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “We recognise that our team is in a privileged position where we our resources and expertise can be used to deliver real change which can improve lives.

“Working with Code First Girls and our wider partners, we have successfully delivered training and opportunities that champion the potential of people. As a relationship bank in a digital world, where 67%* of our customers exclusively use digital channels, we want to nurture a diverse technology workforce and build Scotland’s coding and software engineering sector. 

“After facing unimaginable hardship on their journey to Scotland, these permanent job offers are testament to the skills, dedication and passion our new team members. We’re excited to welcome them to the team and look forward to seeing them put their new skills into action for the benefit of our customers.”