Edinburgh Woman Laura takes on Edinburgh Half Marathon to show her determination to husband

Laura Buchanan, 41, from Edinburgh, will be taking part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month (Sunday 26 May,) raising funds for the Stroke Association.

Laura’s husband Craig (42,) had a severe stroke 18 months ago. He was left unable to walk and with limited speech, and the family were told to prepare for the worst.

After three weeks at The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Craig was transferred to The Astley Ainslie hospital where he underwent intensive therapy for 9 weeks. 

With the help of NHS physiotherapy, occupational health and speech and language, 5 days a week, Craig was quickly able to begin to make small improvements. Through sheer grit and determination, Craig continued to recover.

After three months, he walked out of hospital with the help of a tripod – an incredible achievement, and one they’d never imagine he would make. Craig has gone from strength to strength and has now gone back to work, working 12 hours a week.

He has a very supportive family and an amazing group of friends; their support was massively important in his rehabilitation. 

Laura said: “I’m absolutely not a runner. I am doing this for my husband, and the Stroke Association. Craig never complains, he just gets on with it.  Before the stroke, I didn’t think it would have been possible to love Craig any more than I did, turns out I was wrong. I am in awe of everything he does and so proud to be his wife. When training is hard my mantra is, if he can learn to walk, I can learn to run. 

“I knew nothing about strokes, until this happened. Having a stroke is a terrible thing, turning peoples’ lives upside down. I want others to know a stroke could happen to them. Even if you are young, a stroke doesn’t discriminate. By raising awareness, I hope more people will look out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke, no matter what age.”

Claire Pell, Product Officer at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and changes life in an instant.

“About a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age. Fortunately, it is treatable and recoverable, but it is often a long and slow recovery, and the impact can be lifelong. With the help of our fundraisers like Laura, we can help many more stroke survivors rebuild their lives again. 

“What Laura is doing is admirable. Attempting a half marathon is no mean feat.  The hard work that Laura is putting into this now, and on the day, will be a huge effort of respect to Craig. Thank you, Laura, for raising all the funds you have so far. 

“Your fundraising efforts will help raise awareness, fund research, and support people who have had a stroke and their families.”

Thrifty renews partnership with MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

Thrifty Car & Van Rental – powered by Scot Group Ltd, the UK’s largest privately owned car and van rental business – has renewed its commitment to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation charity for a sixth consecutive year.

The My Name’5 Doddie foundation raises funds to aid research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and to support fellow sufferers. The charity was set up in 2017 by rugby legend Doddie Weir shortly after he was diagnosed with the disease.

To date, Thrifty has raised over £300,000 for the cause through its fundraising activities. The business has provided regular donations, auction prizes, event fundraising and also supplied logistics support vehicles for MND events.

Last year, Thrifty UK Managing Director Martin Wilson joined Kenny Logan’s Edinburgh to Paris cycle ride to support the foundation.

Martin explains how the charity partnership came about: “I met Doddie more than 25 years ago when we were both playing for Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.

“When Doddie was diagnosed with MND he faced it with such determination, setting up the incredible My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s a cause close to our hearts at Thrifty and we’re very proud to continue our partnership supporting the mission to create a world free of MND.

“This year, we’re excited to be adding to our fundraising power by getting Scot Group’s new vehicle rental brand Switch involved too.’

Thrifty is highly focused on its corporate social responsibilities. The business aims to make a significant difference to thousands of lives through its charitable giving programme, which also supports Hospiscare, an adult hospice charity based in Devon.

Brock calls for speedy action for the victims of the infected blood scandal

Deidre Brock MP has called for compensation for the victims of the infected blood scandal to be put in place without further delay.

The Edinburgh North and Leith MP formally handed in a petition to the UK Parliament on behalf of her constituents, prior to the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry being published on Monday May 20th.

The petition calls on the UK Government to implement the findings of the second interim report published in April 2023, which has already provided recommendations about compensation.

The inquiry Chair Sir Brian Langstaff made clear at the time that the compensation scheme should be set up straight away, to avoid adding to the decades-long delays people had already suffered, yet over a year later there is still no clarity and no timeframe has been set for payments.

The petition was led in Edinburgh North and Leith by Deidre Brock’s constituent Justine Gordon-Smith who, together with her sister Rachel lost their father, Mr Randolph Peter Gordon-Smith, to the contaminated blood scandal in deeply traumatic circumstances.  They have been tirelessly campaigning ever since.

Ms Brock said: “I am handing in this petition on behalf of everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith who is working so hard for justice – people who received infected blood, their carers and the families of those who have been lost in the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.

‘The moral case for compensation has long been accepted by government, so what are we waiting for? More delays merely worsen people’s suffering.

‘It’s a tragic truth that people who were infected are dying while the government dithers over the justice they and their families deserve.

‘The interim report was clear that they should go ahead with compensation immediately and that was published over a year ago.

“When will they lay out a clear – and short – timeframe for victims to get the compensation they’ve been waiting decades to receive?  Or is the UK Government planning to kick this into the long grass again until they are kicked out of office?

‘I commend the efforts of my constituent Justine who has been tireless in her fight for equitable treatment for all those affected. I stand squarely with her, her sister and everyone who has suffered as a consequence of this scandal. They have already struggled enough and this battle for compensation is one they should not have to keep fighting.

‘I urge the government to finally do the right thing and deliver justice to the victims of the infected blood scandal.”

St James Quarter offers FREE therapy sessions to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

  • St James Quarter marks Mental Health Awareness Week with a host of wellbeing activities
  • A Listening Space will open in Quarter to make mental health support accessible
  • The activities will fundraise for St James Quarter’s two charity partners, Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, St James Quarter is hosting a programme of wellbeing activities in partnership with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid to support the community in the capital.

Making mental health support and guidance more accessible for people living in Edinburgh, Listening Spaces will open in the Quarter from 16th May. Launched by Health in Mind, the space will offer guests one-to-one time with a trained expert to talk about their mental wellbeing and receive compassionate advice, support and resources.

The free, weekly sessions will initially run for a six week period and be delivered from 2pm to 4pm in the Guest Services Lounge.

On Wednesday 15 May, Everyman Cinema will transform into a calming haven with a free mindfulness experience. Hosted by Health and Mind, the session will explore the body and bodily sensations as a source of mindful awareness. This session will end with mood and energy-boosting tips from Neom Wellbeing, leaving guests feeling relaxed and in tune with their minds. There’s limited spots which can be booked at bit.ly/3JSVbor.

In a bid to brighten guests’ days during Mental Health Awareness Week, local magician, Grant Mitchell, will be sprinkling some magic in the Quarter with mood-boosting tricks that are guaranteed to put a smile on faces on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th May. Talented musician, Dan Collins, will also entertain guests with feel-good tracks on Thursday 16th May.

The team at St James Quarter continues to show its commitment to its charity partners. On Friday, 16 members of the team will put on their walking boots to climb Ben Chonzie in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, and to raise funds to support its two charity partners, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid.

Kerry Girdwood, Senior Services Manager (North) at Health in Mind, who will be managing the new drop-in Listening Space, said: “Around 1 in 3 people in Scotland are struggling with their mental health, and with added pressures like the cost-of-living crisis, the fallout from the Covid pandemic, pressure on public services, and conflict around the world, that number is only climbing.

“We’ve run Listening Spaces in communities around Scotland, where people can chat through their mental health difficulties, access resources, and get connected to services. Thanks to this new pilot with St James Quarter, we’ll be doing all that in one of Edinburgh’s busiest community hubs.”

Jennifer Laseen, Hospitality Director and CSR Committee Chair said, “We know how hard it can be to make the first step and reach out for support, and sometimes you just don’t know where to start.

“At St James Quarter, we’re perfectly positioned to make mental wellbeing support more accessible in the city centre and we’re really excited about this opportunity to offer a Listening Space with Health in Mind.

“The Quarter is a welcoming and supporting place for all our guests and however you’re feeling this Mental Health Awareness Week, I encourage you to join us for a mindfulness session, enjoy some feel-good entertainment, or meet the team from Health in Mind.

“It is a privilege to have two brilliant partner charities and every donation to Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind supports them to provide valuable services in the city.”

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App.

Activities taking place during Mental Health Awareness Week:

Monday 13 May – Magic from Grant Mitchell

Tuesday 14 May – Magic from Grant Mitchell

Wednesday 15 May – Mindfulness Session with Health in Mind

Thursday 16 May – Listening Spaces with Health in Mind & Music from Dan Collins

Friday 17 May – Team SJQ Munro Climb

For more information, please email: stjamesquarter@johndoehub.com 

‘Grassroots music venues are in crisis’

A new levy on arena and stadium tickets and a cut in VAT are urgently needed to support grassroots music venues across the country as they struggle to cope with a crisis of closures and soaring costs, says a Westminster committee.

The recommendations are in a report from the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which highlights how small local venues integral to the pipeline of professional creative and technical music talent are stopping performances or closing entirely at a rate of two per week.

The Committee also heard about how artists are facing a “cost of touring crisis”, while promoters are struggling to get shows off their spreadsheets and into venues.

On top of immediate financial help through a levy-funded support fund and a targeted temporary VAT cut to help stem the tide of closures, the report says a comprehensive fan-led review of live and electronic music should be set up this summer to examine the long-term challenges to the wider live music ecosystem.

The Committee inquiry, launched at the Music Venue Trust’s Venues Day in October 2023, heard from across the sector1 of the scale of the crisis facing venues and the impact this is having on artists and all those that rely on them for business.

The MVT described 2023 as the most challenging year for the sector since the trust was founded in 2014, while Creative UK said the grassroots music sector took a ‘battering’.

In total the number of GMVs declined from 960 to 835 last year, a net decrease of 13%, representing a loss of as many as 30,000 shows and 4,000 jobs.

The report says that given the urgency of the crisis, a voluntary levy on arena and stadium concert tickets would be the most feasible way to have an immediate impact, creating a support fund for venues, artists and promoters administered by a trust led by a sector umbrella body.

The Committee also calls for the industry to ensure the levy cost is not passed on to music fans. If there is no agreement by September or if it fails to collect enough income to support the sector, the Government should step in an introduce a statutory levy, the report adds.

On VAT relief, the Committee calls for a temporary cut based on venue capacity, with the Government undertaking analysis to assess the impact to inform future decisions.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MPChair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said: “We are grateful to the many dedicated local venues who gave up their time to take part in our inquiry. They delivered the message loud and clear that grassroots music venues are in crisis.

“The ongoing wave of closures is not just a disaster for music, performers and supporters in local communities up and down the country, but also puts at risk the entire live music ecosystem. If the grassroots, where musicians, technicians, tour managers and promoters hone their craft, are allowed to wither and die, the UK’s position as a music powerhouse faces a bleak future.

“To stem the overwhelming ongoing tide of closures, we urgently need a levy on arena and stadium concert tickets to fund financial support for the sector, alongside a VAT cut to help get more shows into venues.

“While the current focus is on the many grassroots music venues falling silent, those working in the live music sector across the board are also under extraordinary strain. It is time that the Government brought together everyone with a stake in the industry’s success, including music fans, to address the long-term challenges and ensure live music can thrive into the future.”

Among the report’s other recommendations are for the Government and Arts Council to make it easier for the live music sector to apply for public funding and for stakeholders across the industry to continue to support the Featured Artists’ Coalition’s campaign to end punitive fees on artists’ merchandise.

Further information:

Charity calls for better understanding of neuromuscular conditions to speed up referral and improve vital support

  • Muscular Dystrophy UK voices concerns from the muscle wasting and weakening community in Scotland.
  • Study reveals possible signs of rare and progressive conditions are often missed and not investigated.
  • Speedy referral is essential due to complex diagnosis process and the urgent need to access vital healthcare and treatments as quickly as possible.

A recent study by Muscular Dystrophy UK reveals that people living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition are often misunderstood by healthcare professionals and are not referred at the earliest opportunity to specialist services.

The leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions, carried out a survey revealing key insights from the muscle wasting and weakening community.

Just under half of respondents (47%) faced being misdiagnosed at some point, with it taking four or more meetings with healthcare professionals for the majority (55%) of respondents to get a diagnosis. A significant majority of respondents (69%) waited in excess of a year to receive a diagnosis. 

The findings highlight the need to improve knowledge and understanding of neuromuscular conditions to ensure people are referred, as early as possible to a specialist neuromuscular team, to receive the right diagnosis and start on an appropriate care pathway to get the support and any available treatment required.

Muscle wasting and weakening conditions are progressive which means they will worsen over time and lead to an increasing level of disability. Care and treatments available will slow progression but there is currently no cure. 

The symptoms of muscular dystrophy, and the age at which onset occurs, will be different in each person.

Common symptoms could include muscle stiffness or pain, changes in mobility, such as difficulty walking, difficulty in lifting things and increased number of falls. Some muscle wasting and weakening conditions can affect the heart or the muscles used for breathing and in some severe cases, the condition may have life-threatening complications, and shortened life expectancy.

84% of respondents to the survey highlighted the need to increase understanding and awareness of muscle wasting and weakening conditions among non-specialist neuromuscular healthcare professionals as a key priority. With 56% of respondents highlighting that access to healthcare should be a further area of focus.

Respondents shared some of their diagnosis journey highlighting: “I was 14 when I knew something was wrong.

“At age 35 I was diagnosed. I was told I was lying and making things up.”

Another respondent said: “My first reported symptoms to my GP I was aged 35, then onwards from that, on a regular basis until eventual diagnosis at 65.

“I had in-patient assessments over those years, and no-one thought to look for Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) even though my sister has it and I always disclosed this in my medical history.”

The findings show a lack of understanding of muscle wasting and weakening conditions within non-specialist neuromuscular healthcare professionals, either at the initial stages of a diagnosis or at different touch points throughout the management of the condition.

Muscular Dystrophy UK works with the NHS and the muscle wasting and weakening community to broaden knowledge and understanding of the different conditions and improve access to treatments. 

The charity is calling for improvements to be made, so people get a faster diagnosis and are better equipped to access appropriate healthcare sooner.

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “When you are living with a progressive condition that can affect vital muscles such as the heart and lungs, it is essential that you get a diagnosis quickly.  

“We know that neuromuscular conditions cover an incredibly wide range of rare and progressive conditions. The diagnosis journey is complex and it can take multiple appointments. It’s therefore crucial that we improve the understanding and knowledge of non-specialist neuromuscular healthcare professionals to ensure the referral process is quick and efficient to reduce the number of people being misdiagnosed.

People must be able to access the right support, management – and where available, treatment. Allowing people to remain independent, doing the things they enjoy for longer and more easily.”

A person holding a guitarDescription automatically generated

David Hick was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy in July 2023. Photo credit: Muscular Dystrophy UK

David Hick, 35, a musician who lives in Glasgow, was diagnosed in July 2023 with Becker muscular dystrophy after years of not knowing. Despite having symptoms of fatigue and muscle aches in his teenage years he was told not to worry.

His symptoms progressed, following Covid, and the realisation came when he wasn’t able to continue with his motor trade job, that he had been doing for two decades. He got professional help and was diagnosed. A month after diagnosis, David joined the North Star Programme and is part of a clinical drug trial. David is now looking to move to closer to a specialist neuromuscular centre in Newcastle to ensure he can receive the best possible care.

He said: “Looking back it was apparent that something was wrong, but it was never properly investigated. I was told you’re a fit and healthy person. You’ve got nothing wrong with you. You’re just tall and skinny.

“It affected my mental health when I was in my early twenties, as I questioned why I couldn’t do certain things. Difficulties would come up in everyday life, but I just brushed it off.

“We were renovating our house and I lifted something heavy. As a result, I pulled several muscles, so went to a physio. This was the start of the diagnosis journey. I ended up being diagnosed with a rare and progressive condition. It was like a grenade going off – I’d never heard of muscular dystrophy before.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK provides a range of resources and awareness raising opportunities for non-specialist neuromuscular healthcare professionals, including an e-learning resource for General Practitioners, events, webinars and conferences and connections to local specialist services through its Regional Neuromuscular Networks.

Healthcare professionals who wish to access this support can email: 

campaigns@musculardystrophyuk.org

For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.or

or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Thu 10am – 2pm).

Inspirational veteran dad inspires runner to achieve lifelong ambition

Teri Evans, 47, from Stevenston, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by participating in the London Marathon.

Teri was inspired to run in the marathon by her army veteran Dad, Alexander Duncan, who started to lose his sight a few years ago due to macular degeneration and is now supported by Sight Scotland Veterans. ​

Teri explains: “My Dad has been incredibly fortunate to receive invaluable assistance and support from Sight Scotland Veterans since he began experiencing vision loss.

“The charity’s help and support has been so important in maintaining his independence and enabling him to engage in daily activities. It has provided him with essential equipment like screen readers, daylight lamps, driving glasses and a digital magnifier for reading that he uses regularly and is very grateful for.

“Additionally, he regularly attends the Seamill Veterans Sight Support Group, which he really enjoys as it allows him to connect with fellow veterans and individuals coping with sight loss.​

“I was so proud to be running the marathon for my dad and to raise money for Sight Scotland Veterans, it was great to give something back to the charity for all the help they have provided.

“We also arranged with Sight Scotland Veterans that all the money I raise would stay in Ayrshire, so that my dad and the group he attends could benefit, as he was in my thoughts a lot of the way round the 26.2 miles.”​

Alexander Duncan, who was in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment for 14 years adds: “I’m so proud of Teri for running the marathon and for raising money for Sight Scotland Veterans.

“The charity has helped me with lots of things and I love going to my group each month, I can’t thank them enough.”​

Teri’s love for running started when she was 40, when she decided to take part in a couch to 5K. She then built her way up to running a 10K, then a half marathon, and then ran the Edinburgh marathon 2 years ago.​

Teri, who works as a Student Experience Team Lead at Ayrshire College, says: “I never used to run, and would never have believed I would be running marathons a few years ago.

“But I have just built up my fitness and endurance and now regularly attend Irvine Running Club. It was through the running club that I got my spot in the London Marathon, as they got an entry, and my name was picked out of a hat.​

“Running a marathon takes over your life, as there are so many changes you need to make, like a strict training plan to follow and changing your eating habits, but it is definitely all worth it. London is the iconic marathon that every runner dreams of taking part in, so it was a lifelong dream! I also ran in 05:07:11 which was a personal best!”​

Teri has raised over £1000, plus gift aid, for Sight Scotland Veterans. Sight Scotland Veterans provides free support to armed forces veterans affected by sight loss in Scotland to help them regain confidence, restore their independence and make new connections.​

For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.

Foreign Secretary visits Ukraine 

Cameron reiterates UK’s ‘unequivocal support’ for the Ukrainian people

  • Foreign Secretary David Cameron was in Kyiv to reiterate UK support to Ukraine
  • The visit follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, and commit to at least £3 billion a year on military support to Ukraine
  • The Foreign Secretary confirmed a £36 million package of energy support, including £20 million in new emergency funding following Russian attacks.

Visiting Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s unequivocal support to Ukraine. Meeting with President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Kuleba, he detailed how the uplift in defence spending announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week, including £3 billion multi-year funding for Ukraine and the largest ever donation of military equipment, would help ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win.

The Foreign Secretary announced that the UK’s donation of military equipment would include the provision of precision-guided bombs, and air defence missiles and equipment for 100 mobile air defence teams to enable Ukraine to shoot down Russia’s drones and missiles.

The UK also committed to doubling its domestic munitions production, by investing a further £10 billion over the next 10 years. This production will help ensure UK national security, whilst sustaining the UK’s weapons support to Ukraine, keeping Ukraine in the fight for as long as it takes.

Alongside domestic commitments, the Foreign Secretary also revealed that the UK intends to bring international partners together next month to attract additional contributions to the International Fund for Ukraine to meet Ukraine’s urgent capability requirements.

The Foreign Secretary also confirmed a £36 million package for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and investments in future innovations to support Ukraine’s energy transition and recovery.

This includes £20 million of emergency funding following the recent barrage of attacks on national infrastructure as Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and gas storage facilities. This takes the UK’s total contribution to the Ukrainian energy sector since 2022 to £170 million.

UK funding will provide equipment to repair damaged energy infrastructure, help physically protect existing infrastructure, and provide back-up support – including generators and distributed renewable generation – for use if Russian attacks destroy more infrastructure.

Speaking from Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, said: “Ukraine is fiercely defending itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, making a war Putin thought would last days, take years. But this war is the challenge of our generation and Ukraine cannot fight it alone.

“We must all step up to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win. Through our multi-year military funding, weapons provision and vital support to protect and repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

A further £16 million was awarded to winners of the UK’s Innovate Ukraine Green Energy Competition, at a reception hosted by the Foreign Secretary and Ukrainian Minister for Energy, Minister Galushchenko.

The 13 winning projects, made up of UK and Ukrainian innovators, partners, businesses and NGOs, launched their innovations to help Ukraine rebuild a greener and more resilient energy grid. This funding was previously announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London and has now been awarded to recipients. 

In Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary saw how Ukrainians are continuing to show resilience in the face of Russian attacks, witnessing first-hand how Ukraine is pushing forward with innovative drone development.

The Foreign Secretary also kicked off negotiations with Ukraine on a 100 Year Partnership – a new agreement that will build enduring links between our two countries across the spectrum of trade, security and defence cooperation, science and tech, education, culture, and much more.

The UK’s commitment to developing this Partnership is a clear signal of its intent to build close and enduring cooperation with Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people, for decades to come.

Letter: You’re not alone …

Dear Editor

This May we celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).

Did you know that nine out of ten deaf children are born to hearing parents? A great many parents tell us they knew very little or even nothing at all about deafness before they had a deaf child.

So it’s hardly surprising that many such parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold.

The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.

We’re here for you. We can provide support for all of you who are new to the journey, through our extensive resources – from our Helpline, 0808 800 8880, and our wealth of expertise, right through to the friendship and reassurance of our fantastic community.

Find out more by visiting our website www.ndcs.org.uk

Susan Daniels OBE,

Chief Executive, the National Deaf Children’s Society

What is Power of Attorney?

A few places still available at LifeCare’s free info event to help local people simplify the future

Thinking about what would happen in the future if our, or our loved ones, faculties deteriorated can be stressful and worrying. How would someone manage our affairs, access our accounts to set up the right care for us, or pay the bills? Without the right processes in place, an already very emotional situation can be made worse with often very serious consequences.  

Local charity, LifeCare Edinburgh understands how daunting and complex these situations can be and will next month host a free information giving event to help debunk the complexities and help people put the right practical support in place to ensure someone trusted can quickly make decisions on behalf of a loved one if they’re not able, or no longer able, to make them themselves.  

Power of Attorney is a legal document where someone – while they still have mental capacity – nominates a trusted friend or relative to look after their affairs if they later lost capacity in the event of an emergency, illness or accident.

It is not limited to people who are older or unwell, everyone needs to consider setting up a Power of Attorney at any stage of life to avoid any future complications. For example, due to having a stroke, serious accident or dementia.  

Delivered in partnership with experts from Lindsay’s Legal Services team, LifeCare will host its first information giving event designed to encourage people to stop and think about what they need to put in place to help simplify the future.  

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare saidUnfortunately at LifeCare we are well aware of how stressful life can be when people don’t have the right documents in place.  No one can predict when they may face an unforeseen illness, accident or other debilitating event that may render them incapacitated.  

“As one of Edinburgh’s leading charities providing practical care support we know how emotional these situations can be at the best of times but we also know how much worse they can be when family members and loved ones are locked out of helping access the support for the people they care for. 

“Relatives can’t just walk into a bank and access your money, even if it is to pay for your care. Unless you’ve a Power of Attorney, loved ones would need to apply through court, which can be long and costly. 

“We understand that thinking about the future can be upsetting and frightening. Our free and informal information giving event delivered in partnership with Lindsays is designed to simplify matters; there will be no jargon and there will be plenty of time for questions and discussions and an opportunity to discuss any concerns with legal experts for free.”

LifeCare’s ‘What is Power of Attorney’ event, delivered in partnership with Lindsay’s, will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 1st May in the charity’s fully accessible community café, CafeLife at 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB. 

Free tea and coffee will be available along with the opportunity to find out more about LifeCare’s vital services for older people and the community overall.  

The charity is encouraging people to register via Eventbrite in advance of the meeting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lifecares-power-of-attorney-information-event-tickets-856970821797?aff=oddtdtcreator

or visit the LifeCare website https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

or call 0131 343 0940 to register interest.