Tag: support

Edinburgh has welcomed 5000 Ukrainians fleeing conflict

Around 5,000 refugees fleeing war in Ukraine have arrived through Edinburgh, the City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed.

Of those who have come to or through the city, 2,222 were warmly received by Council officers and volunteers at Edinburgh’s Welcome Hub – where volunteers have clocked up at least 3,465 hours day and night over 496 shifts, providing 536 rucksacks filled with donations and support to arrivals and their hosts.

To provide this advice and access to vital services, 1,175 hours of translation have taken place. And now, with arrival numbers only expected to increase, Ukrainian refugees are being employed by the Council as interpreters and customer care team members to provide extra assistance.

Visiting the Hub and the Ukrainian Club ahead of World Refugee Day Monday (20 June), Council Leader Cammy Day thanked volunteers and officers and hailed the way in which the city has come together to support those in desperate need.

He said: “Seeing families arrive and find their feet in Edinburgh has brought home the sheer scale of our city’s ongoing response to this crisis.

“It was so moving to hear the lengths to which our staff and volunteers are going to in order to provide the best possible welcome to our Ukrainian guests as they take their first steps towards a life of safety here in Scotland. Some are working incredibly long hours, seven days a week, to be there to help and to ensure everyone can get a roof over their head regardless of what time of day it is.

“The city has already welcomed thousands of people, with 2,222 arriving through the Hub. The majority of arrivals in the country have been landing here in Edinburgh. The scale of support we need to offer is huge and this is only increasing – from accommodation, interpretation and education, to host checks and health and social care, transport, counselling, and financial advice.

“We know that Edinburgh’s population swells in August so we’re already looking at how we can manage capacity and speaking to the Scottish Government about this. Because services will be under strain, we need to work together with our partners and those in the private sector so that all arrivals continue to receive what they need.

“The response from all sides of the city has been outstanding, with many companies offering useful donations, whether that being nappies, buggies, shoes or sim cards. The way in which Edinburgh has come together to support people in such desperate need of our help fills me with hope and pride and I have no doubt we’ll continue to pull out all the stops for as long as it takes.”        

As an extension of the Welcome Hub, a drop-in facility is available at 249 High Street where the Council’s customer contact team is offering specialist advice on benefits and employment opportunities. A Council helpline is also in place 24 hours a day, which received 2,750 calls in the first 100 days of the conflict alone.

Alan Sufi and his family were the first people to arrive from Ukraine through Edinburgh’s Welcome Hub. Having experienced the support of the service first hand, Alan is now one week into a new job with the Council at 249 High Street, where he is helping new arrivals. 

Alan said: “I’d like to thank the city, the people and the Council. Edinburgh Council has been like a parent to us, taking our situation to heart and providing every opportunity to help. If I can do the same for others, I will feel good. 

“Everyone has been very supportive and there are people from the Polish community who have been helping us too. We have a home. I have my job. Within three days of arriving in Edinburgh my children were at school.

The Bike Station gave us all bikes for free, so we’ve been able to explore the city. We’ve been to Newhaven Harbour and to Lauriston Castle. We’ve climbed Arthur’s Seat and been to the beach. We were given a pass to Edinburgh Leisure and we’ve been enjoying that a lot. My children have joined a rugby group too.

“Edinburgh is a great place. It is full of history, tradition and monuments. Based on that you make associations about what the people will be like, but it’s not so. I’ve found Edinburgh to be open and modern. But the weather – it is astonishing. On the day we arrived, it was windy and raining, sunny and snowy, all at the same time.

“In Kharkiv I was a photographer. It was also a great city, but I know it won’t be the same, even when the war is over. It will need many, many years of recovery. But for Ukrainians, they carry home with them. They don’t live there – Ukraine lives in them.” 

Nataliia Danova, aged 34 from Kyiv, arrived from Ukraine in March. She has also been employed as a Council interpreter.

Nataliia said: “Ukrainians are displaced, they do not really see themselves as refugees. As a people we have a very strong will to work – and as soon as possible. The support which is now on offer in Edinburgh is very welcome and it is positive that financial assistance is being provided. But, generally we are arriving in Edinburgh with skills which are valuable to employers, and we would rather work. 

“I came to Edinburgh alone from Kyiv where my career is as a crisis manager and my experience is useful for my role here in Edinburgh. I’m in the process of settling on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and I’ve been working at the Council for a couple of weeks now, offering support and translation to new arrivals at the Welcome Hub in Gogarburn and the Advice Shop at 249 High Street. Before that I was volunteering to translate documents and help others, and I continue to volunteer for Help Ukraine Scotland and their helpline.

“Every third Ukrainian arriving doesn’t speak English – but you’ll find that they’re willing to learn. By taking English language courses, more Ukrainians will be able to find work, and be able to pay for things like childcare so that they can stay in work. Employers in Edinburgh should consider making roles accessible to Ukrainians coming here – like the Council is doing. That would be great to see. Everyone has so much to offer.”

Anna Kulish, aged 33, was born in the Khersen region of Ukraine which has been occupied since the start of the war. She arrived in Edinburgh in May and started working for the Council at the beginning of June, as an interpreter for the Welcome Hub.

Anna said: “It is lovely here in Edinburgh. The people are friendly. Most Ukrainians I know are looking for a job and I’m really pleased to work at the Council. I’ve not long been through the process, having arrived at the Hub a few weeks ago. It was indeed a warm welcome. We were accommodated within hours and everyone has been very supportive and eager to go the extra mile to help.

“It’s a pleasure to now work there and to be helpful, to keep myself busy and distracted from the news and to reassure others arriving that things will be okay. I’d love more employers to consider jobs for Ukrainians, who are very hard working. Anything we can do to encourage that is worthwhile.”

Scottish charities celebrate share of £1 million Movement for Good fund

13 charities based in Scotland have received donations of £1,000 each as part of the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

For the fourth year running, the Benefact Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 250 awards of £1,000 available now for donation. 

Touch of Love Outreach, Hindu Mandir (Glasgow) and Women’s Aid Orkney are some of the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the country.

More than 9,450 kind-hearted residents have voted for charities across the country so far. In total, more than 104,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 7,250 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes.

The 250 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, with a further 250 winners being selected in September.

It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Data gathered from the nominations so far has revealed that 41% of Scotland residents still intend to donate to charitable causes despite the increase in the cost of living, showing just how generous they are. Additionally, residents are more likely to support a local charity rather than a national or international one.

Thanking supporters in Scotland, Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards.

“Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give.

“As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year. For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com 

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Full list of winning Scotland charities:

Touch of Love Outreach

Finn’s place

Hindu Mandir (Glasgow)

Women’s Aid Orkney

Sports Driving

Broughty Ferry YMCA

Dunfermline Athletic Disabled Supporters’ Club

Thistle Youth Football Club

Lead Scotland

Baba Yangu Foundation (SCIO)

Scottish Burned Children’s Club

Ladies of the rock

Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA SCIO

Surviving Suicidal Thoughts – sharing personal stories for support 

“‘I’m struggling’. Those two words were all it took.“

NHS 24 and the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) are offering new support to people living with thoughts of suicide or plans to end their own life.

Short video clips are hosted on NHS inform, where people from across Scotland tell their individual stories. The people featured generously share the ways they have found to live past their suicidal thoughts or intentions. The aim is to offer people in this situation support to better manage these thoughts and to find hope..

The videos are presented alongside information on how to listen and talk about suicidal feelings. There is advice on ways to cope when it feels as though you can’t, and what warning signs to look for as well as how to reach urgent help via 999, the Samaritans or 111.

NHS 24 Director of Service Delivery, Janice Houston said: “Our first priority is offering a compassionate service to everyone that contacts us about their mental health, and we know that some people would prefer to listen than to talk – at least at first.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer this option to people experiencing thoughts of suicide and our thanks go to those who have shared their journeys so generously.

“For anyone who is concerned for themselves or anyone else, we encourage you to listen to these stories and to find someone who can listen to you – whether that is a friend, colleague or family member, or one of the specialist helplines available 24/7.”

NSPLG chair Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM said: “We are committed to exploring innovations in digital technology to help save lives from the tragedy of suicide. The creation of the new Surviving Suicidal Thoughts resource on the NHS Inform website represents a significant step towards better supporting those who are having suicidal thoughts and their loved ones.

 “This new resource, developed with our partners at NHS 24, is intended to help those thinking about suicide and those who are supporting someone who may be suicidal.  It features people who have themselves known these tough times describing what they experienced and what has helped each of them get through.

 “We hope these compelling personal stories will encourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts to know that they can get through such dark moments and will also provide information for others on how to support someone who may be suicidal.  We believe that suicide prevention can be everyone’s business.”

NSPLG Lived Experience Panel member Neil Renton features in one of the videos and is urging people to seek help by talking about their mental health.

Recalling his own story, he said: “Currently I feel really good mentally, but it’s not always been like that.

“I think the thing that caught me out was I wasn’t expecting to feel as bad as I did. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what made me feel depressed and low and took me to feel suicidal.

He added: “I think I was in denial because there wasn’t anything that set it off or triggered it, I came from a loving family, I’m well-supported, life and soul of the party. I felt I didn’t have an excuse so I found it really difficult to appreciate that I could have been suffering mentally.

“It was a struggle to be open and honest with others, be it my wife, family, medical people, friends and colleagues as well. You were always worried you were going to be judged, people would look at you differently.

“I remember what it was like when I was suicidal and just felt like there was nothing else I could do.

“I’d hate for anybody to be in the position I was in. I could see it like an edge I was running towards and no obstacle could stop me.

“My family would be like a wall I would smash through, my friends barbed wire I could jump over and there was nothing stopping me getting to that edge.

“And I just remember thinking: ‘I really need to say something at this point or that’s me gone’.

“I was dreaming up this big speech to my wife that I wanted to be poignant and memorable, but I simply said: ‘I’m struggling’. Those two words were all it took.

“We talked for hours, I gained confidence, felt supported and from there I got the help I needed and continue to work on my mental health to this day.

“Please talk about it.”

The content is for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide. It is for those around them, family, friends, work mates and others too. The full stories are also on the NHS 24 YouTube channel.

Falklands Pipe Major’s daughter shares story behind iconic tune on 40th anniversary

The daughter of a Scottish Pipe Major, whose famous tune pays tribute to those who fell in the Falklands, has spoken of the war’s lasting impact on her family.

On Saturday, (JUNE 18th), hundreds of pipers in Edinburgh and around the world will join in unison by playing “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” to mark the 40th anniversary of the ceasefire.

The tune was composed on the back of a ration pack by Pipe Major James Riddell while under fire during the decisive battle, in which eight fellow Scots Guards were killed. Shortly afterwards, he climbed to the top of the mountain to play it for the first time.

Musicians from across the UK, and as far away as Peru, New Zealand, and the Falklands, will play in unison at 11am on Saturday. This is part of a day of remembrance events, organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Armed Forces.

Veterans will also join a parade through the centre of Edinburgh, attended by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP, and heads of all three Armed Forces, before a service of remembrance followed by entertainment in St Andrew’s Square.

Forty years on, Pipe Major Riddell’s daughter Teri Newell said the tune still brings a tear to her eye, and brings back bittersweet memories of her father, who died in 1997.

She said that he had returned “a different man” after the Falklands, and there had been a lack of support for many veterans who had struggled with their experiences.

She said: “He seemed like a stranger, not my dad. He became more insular and never spoke about his experiences. I’m almost certain he had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it wasn’t recognised at the time.

“There was a lot of support for service families, but very little for the men. There was that attitude that you kept a stiff upper lip and just got on with it.”

Born in Stonehaven, Pipe Major Riddell joined the Scots Guards aged 17, following in his father’s footsteps. He married his high school sweetheart, Pauline, and served in Malaya, Borneo, and Northern Ireland.

Teri, their only child, was 14 when he was sent to the Falklands, and living at Chelsea Barracks with other military families.

She said: “I was used to him being away, but this time it felt different. It was really quite scary. He was going off to war and I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. Every day I would come home from school hoping there was something from Dad. But you just had to get on with life.

“When we heard about the ceasefire it was the most fabulous news. But then the next day came the announcement of the fatalities. My mum remembers that, almost in a heartbeat, they went from elation to immense sadness. It was surreal – we wanted to celebrate but then we had friends and neighbours who had lost their husbands and fathers.”

Pipe Major Riddell was part of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards who attacked Argentinian forces on Tumbledown Mountain on June 13th, which guarded the approach to the Falklands capital, Stanley.

They engaged in fierce, hand-to-hand combat for almost nine hours in dark, freezing conditions, before finally taking the stronghold. This led to the Argentinian surrender the following day.

A few weeks later, the families travelled to RAF Brize Norton to be reunited with the returning soldiers.

She said: “It was wonderful seeing my dad in the flesh again,” she said. “But he hardly ever spoke about what he’d been through.

“Later on, he told me he’d scribbled the tune on the back of a ration pack. He told me it just came to him. Things were obviously going through his head at the time, then it all came together.”

Pipe Major Riddell served for 28 years, leaving in 1991 with an exemplary conduct assessment. His comrades remember him as well-respected and protective of the pipers under his command, although he could be a tough task master.

But he found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life, and the family became estranged when Teri was in her 20s. He died of a brain tumour in 1997.

She said: “When he left the military, he found it a very hard transition. He had been a soldier for all his adult life and was used to that structure and following orders. I think being on his own and having to find a job was a very scary prospect.

“I only spoke to him a handful of times after that, but he kept my number.  Then one day, I got a phone call saying he had passed away. I didn’t even know he had been ill.  That was the worst day of my life.”

She now lives in Slough with her husband Eric and is proud that her father’s memory lives on through his music.

“It’s amazing that so many pipers will be playing it on Saturday, it really warms my heart. Whenever I hear it, it brings a tear to my eye and reminds me of him. He was never interested in recognition, he didn’t want to be in the spotlight. But his tune means a lot to people around the world.”

Hundreds of current and former servicemen and their families are expected to take part in Saturday’s parade (JUNE 18th), starting at 10:15am from Charlotte Square. It will be led by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, with the pipers’ tribute taking place at 11am.

There will be a service in St Andrew Square, jointly led by the National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland The Rev Karen Campbell and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands.

This will be followed by performances by both military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver.

For more information of the Falklands 40 commemorative events programme visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40.

Falklands 40 | Remembrance | Royal British Legion

University supported companies celebrate EDGE Awards success

Innovators to share in £150K prize fund and other business growth support measures

A host of University of Edinburgh students and alumni who have founded their own startup companies are celebrating after taking honours at this year’s Scottish EDGE Awards.

Xiaoyan Ma, founder of Danu Robotics, an innovative business focused on developing sustainable technological solutions for the benefit of the environment, was named among this year’s main award winners. The company secures £75K in grant funding to accompany its award.

Three other company founders, which have also been supported by Edinburgh Innovations (EI), the University’s commercialisation service, were named as Young EDGE winners. They include Alex Hodson of Podspectrix; Niall McGrath of Robocean; and Elena Höge of Yaldi Games.

Meanwhile Ioannis Stasinopoulos of Prozymi Biolabs, a further EI-supported startup, was named as a Wildcard EDGE award winner. Between them, the four companies will share a further £45K in grant funding along with their awards.

The annual Scottish EDGE Awards, aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth entrepreneurial talent, recognises and supports entrepreneurs and startup businesses.

Funded by the Hunter Foundation, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and private donors, the competition is delivered twice annually and has to date supported 395 early-stage Scottish businesses with over £15m in award funding.

The winners from this year’s Scottish EDGE Awards will share in more than £150K ingrants and benefit from other forms of support and mentoring to help them maximise their growth aspirations.

John Lonsdale, Head of Enterprise Services from Edinburgh Innovations said: “We congratulate all the University of Edinburgh students and alumni in their success at this year’s Scottish EDGE Awards.

“We are delighted to have supported these emerging companies, all of which are focused on developing innovative solutions to some of the key challenges facing society.

“As an organisation committed to helping University of Edinburgh startups reach their full potential, Edinburgh Innovations is proud of its role in supporting entrepreneurs who are driving economic growth in Scotland and beyond.”

NSPCC Scotland encourages people to support Childhood Day to help keep children safe

As thousands of people come together across Scotland and the rest of the UK today to back the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, the charity is emphasising that everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

NSPCC Scotland is calling on communities to play their part in a collective effort and is encouraging people to log any concerns they have about a child, contact the NSPCC if they are unsure and support Childhood Day by donating.

Childhood Day is the NSPCC’s flagship day of fundraising that takes places on the second Friday in June every year.

Adults and children around Scotland are getting behind Childhood Day to help keep children safe, with communities hosting fundraising events and schools taking part in the NSPCC’s Big Breaktime. This is an extra hour of play where they can remember the special things about childhood whilst raising vital funds for the charity.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland said: “Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals about abuse and neglect to agencies in Scotland. With the support of local people, ringing the NSPCC Helpline if they have concerns about any child, we can help protect children from abuse.

“As people get behind Childhood Day today, they demonstrate an understanding that we all have a responsibility to play our part to prevent abuse and neglect.

“There will be volunteers in towns and cities throughout Scotland collecting for the NSPCC, so we would be extremely grateful for your support.”

This year Lidl GB, who have supported the charity for five years and Sky Cares, Sky’s commitment to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day as retail and media partners respectively. Both partners have helped to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues across the UK to help raise vital funds.

Following the launch of Childhood Day in April, the NSPCC has been encouraging people to volunteer at cash collections scattered across Scotland between May and early June, take part in the Big Breaktime, fundraise by hosting an event in their community or donate to the charity.

People can still get behind Childhood Day today and support the NSPCC by donating at nspcc.org.uk/donate

The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals.

You can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.

New partnership launched to break down barriers for young people with a learning disability

A new partnership between ENABLE Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University and global professional services firm, EY, has set out to create equality across those accessing higher education opportunities.

Whilst 45% of all Scotland’s school leavers go to university, only 8.6% of school leavers who have a learning disability go on to higher education. Now, ENABLE Scotland’s Breaking Barriers programme is working with young people who have a learning disability to ensure they have the support required to access university life, can undertake work experience opportunities with a leading global employer, and graduate with a university qualification from a world-class academic institution.

Breaking Barriers, a ground-breaking initiative established by ENABLE Scotland in 2018, has partnered with some of Scotland’s highest profile corporate employers and has named EY as its newest official partner alongside Edinburgh Napier University – expanding its reach across the East of Scotland.

A cohort of young people from the East of Scotland are already undertaking studies and will now start work placements at EY. Anna Taylor (17) and Jaymes Doyle (18) from Edinburgh are working towards obtaining an Accreditation in Applied Business Skills from Edinburgh Napier University.

On her experience with Breaking Barriers so far, Anna Taylor said: “It has been really refreshing to meet different people who have the same anxieties and barriers as I do and who understand how you feel.

“It is a very unique experience; I have the support I need but also get to pursue something that was previously outside of my comfort zone.

“I am looking forward to my work placement with EY to see how the topics we have covered with Edinburgh Napier apply in a real life work setting.”

James Doyle added: “Breaking barriers has benefited me a lot as I have learned how to be in a university environment and have found a new interest in banking and business. I feel like I have been helped with my confidence and social skills a lot.”

ENABLE Group CEO and co-founder of the Breaking Barriers programme, Theresa Shearer, spoke at the 2022 Harkin International Disability Employment Summit in Belfast yesterday, discussing the Breaking Barriers programme and the charity’s goal to ensure further education is made more accessible for those with a learning disability.

Theresa Shearer said: “I am delighted that we are building on the success of the Breaking Barriers programme and making it possible for even more students who have a learning disability to access the life-shaping experience of university that is a rite of passage for so many, yet it is currently available to so few disabled young people.

“Breaking Barriers demonstrates how the public, private and third sectors can work collaboratively to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in education and the workplace, and I am excited to welcome Edinburgh Napier University and EY as the programme’s newest partners, advancing our shared ambition of a truly inclusive society for all.”

Professor Nazira Karodia, Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We are delighted to welcome our ENABLE students to The Business School, where our vision is to be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all.

“Our ethos as a university is to be the home for difference makers and our position as the number one modern university in Scotland reflects our success in providing students with a positive learning experience, and our close industry links.

“Not everyone has an opportunity to change the world, but everyone can make a positive difference to the world around them: working with fantastic partners like ENABLE and EY is truly helping break barriers faced by young people with learning difficulties.”

Ally Scott, EY Scotland Managing Partner, said: “Breaking Barriers is an inspiring initiative that EY is delighted not just to support, but to work with to give these remarkable young people the skills for a successful and fulfilling career.

“This is a great example of Scotland’s strong ecosystem between education, industry and the civic community in action, and I look forward to celebrating their graduation with them in the summer.”

The Breaking Barriers programme originated in the West of Scotland and has entered its fifth consecutive year, delivered in a partnership between ENABLE Scotland, the University of Strathclyde Business School, ScottishPower and STV. 

Such is the success of the programme that many former graduates have gone on to shape their chosen career path and secure employment and additional training opportunities in fields such as filmmaking, para-medicine, cyber security, financial services, digital music, and fashion.

The expansion of the programme is supported by Edinburgh City Council through the Young Person Guarantee.

Find out more at: www.enable.org.uk/breaking-barriers

Warm welcome for Ukrainians settling in Scotland

A total of 3,747 displaced Ukrainians with a sponsor location in Scotland have arrived in the UK since the war in Ukraine began 100 days ago.

There have now been almost 10,901 visas issued with a Scottish sponsor via the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, made up of more than 7,642 visas supplied through the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme, and a further 3,259 visas issued for matches with an individual sponsor in Scotland,

The Scottish Government, local authorities and third sector partners have worked hard and at pace to provide a ‘Warm Scots Welcome’ to those displaced by the war in their country, providing a range of support including meals, accommodation, clothing, healthcare, trauma support and translation. Displaced people also have access to free healthcare and social security benefits.

A national matching service has also been established to help identify longer-term accommodation across the country, including the generous offers made by Scottish hosts as well as from local authority and housing association properties.

Marking 100 days since the Russian invasion on 24 February, the Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, Neil Gray, restated Scotland’s continuing determination to support the people of Ukraine.

Mr Gray said: “The horrors that have befallen the people of Ukraine since their country was invaded by Russia 100 days ago has shocked everyone in Scotland and around the world, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“As a nation, Scotland has responded and opened its heart and extended the hand of friendship offering support and services for thousands of displaced Ukrainians. I would like to thank the thousands of people who have generously opened their doors to Ukrainian families, volunteered and donated to causes.

“I would also like to thank Scotland’s local authorities and third sector organisations which have risen to the challenge we faced to mobilise a major effort in coordinating help, providing support and services, and to the private sector which has also offered assistance, in such a short space of time.

“Whilst we want peace and for people to be able to return to Ukraine when it is safe and when they wish to do so, Ukrainians who have settled here can be assured Scotland will be their home for as long as they want it, and they will be made welcome and treated with care, dignity and respect.

“The Scottish Government and our partners are here to provide support for as long as it takes and we are sure the people of Scotland feel the same.”

One Scottish Government-funded project that has been helping displaced people is the Edinburgh Community Food project. The organisation normally works to ensure people have access to an affordable, healthy diet and that food is used as a vehicle to promote wellbeing and social cohesion.

However, it turned its attentions to the Ukraine crisis, and has been supporting the Edinburgh Welcome Hub by providing fresh and healthy foods to help families from Ukraine cook and eat meals together.

Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Community Food, said: “Ukrainian people have fled from a country where, before the invasion, grains and fresh vegetables were plentiful and have always been everyday diet staples.

“Edinburgh Community Food is welcoming people by providing quality fresh, healthy familiar foods to help families cook and eat meals together, as well as connecting and nurturing people with our traditional Scottish produce and hospitality when they may feel overwhelmed by trauma.

“The process of preparing, engaging, and sharing food can provide comfort and happier memories of home.

“Since the first arrivals from Ukraine, we have been working together to support third sector partners and businesses to offer people access to services and opportunities in Edinburgh and across the rest of the country. “

Information about the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme is available online

Truss: Ukraine has shown the world it will prevail in its battle for freedom

After 100 days of Putin’s war, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said we must be ‘steadfast’ in our support for Ukraine.

The UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine will never waver, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday.

For 100 days Putin’s barbaric and unprovoked war has brought death and destruction to Ukraine on a scale not seen in Europe since WW2, but he has failed to make the headway he expected in the face of heroic resistance.

Tens of thousands have died and more than 6.6 million refugees have fled the country. While 8 million Ukrainians are internally displaced, almost 13 million are stranded in conflict zones and almost 16 million require humanitarian support.

Russia’s theft of grain and its destruction and blockading of key ports has also significantly exacerbated one of the most severe food crises in recent history, which now threatens many countries and is putting the world’s most vulnerable at risk.

The Foreign Secretary said this grim anniversary was a day to honour the resolve of the Ukrainian people, who have shown Putin cannot win as long as they receive the international support they need and deserve.

The Foreign Secretary said the UK would remain steadfast in its support to ensure Ukraine wins its battle for self-determination and Russian forces withdraw.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday: “Today marks 100 dark days since Putin launched his unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine. He expected the invasion to be over in days, but significantly underestimated the resolve of brave Ukrainians, who have valiantly defended their country.

“Putin’s invasion has brought death and destruction on a scale not seen in Europe since WW2. This war has huge ramifications for global peace, prosperity and food security. It matters to us all.

“Today is a moment to pay our respects to the thousands of innocent civilians murdered since the invasion, and reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine’s heroic defence, to ensure they succeed and Putin fails.”

Since Putin started massing his forces on Ukraine’s borders the UK has played a vital role galvanising and leading the international response:

  • Sanctions: Together with our allies, we continue to impose crippling economic sanctions, cutting off funding for Putin’s war machine. The UK has sanctioned over 1,000 individuals and 100 entities, including oligarchs with a net worth of more £117 billion. We have targeted Russian trade, with import tariffs covering £1.4 billion worth of goods. Russia’s economy is set to take a £256 billion hit, with its GDP expected to shrink up to 15 per cent this year – the deepest recession since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  • Military support: We were among the first to provide military support to Ukraine, including 10,000 missiles and training more 22,000 army members, helping to halt Putin’s barbaric onslaught.
  • Humanitarian aid: We are a leading humanitarian donor, providing £220 million of aid. We have sent more than 11 million medical items to Ukraine, and are donating 42 ambulances, saving thousands of lives.
  • International engagement: The UK has led international efforts to support Ukraine’s objectives, working with the EU, NATO and likeminded allies. The UK, Ukraine and 44 other countries launched an OSCE mission to investigate Russia’s violations of human rights & international humanitarian law. We are making sure Russia is held to account for war crimes and, providing an additional £1 million to the ICC to support their investigations into war crimes and, with the US and the EU, creating the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA).
  • Exposing Putin’s lies: We are countering the Kremlin’s blizzard of lies and disinformation by telling the truth about Putin’s war of aggression. We will work with our allies on the urgent need to protect other European countries that are not members of NATO and that could become targets of the Kremlin playbook of subversion and aggression.

Help a Child to Thrive: Quarriers launches summer appeal

Quarriers, has launched its summer fundraising appeal to allow more than 1,000 children to enjoy the gift of new experiences and positive memories. 

Now in its 9th year, the summer appeal allows Quarriers to organise carefree days out and activity sessions for the vulnerable children and young people it supports across Scotland. With donations starting at as little as £5, Quarriers is encouraging the nation to donate and help fund opportunities for children to escape the daily pressures they face.

The children and youngsters helped by the appeal face a range of challenging circumstances and include young carers, children with additional needs, children living in poverty, young people who require residential support, individuals dealing with mental health and children living with disabilities.

Many of the challenges faced by those supported are heavy for young shoulders to carry and the summer appeal puts youngsters at its heart, giving them a chance to put their problems aside and truly be a child for the day.

Over the last two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has put more pressure on the children Quarriers supports, as the challenges of lockdown continued, and some youngsters faced the impact of long-Covid. This has underlined the importance of the summer campaign and the positive impact it brings to the lives of hundreds.

Support worker Mary Nadar provides Quarriers Let’s Talk service at Tinto Primary School, delivering vital mental health support for children who may be struggling with the social, emotional or educational elements of school life, and knows just how valuable the summer appeal is.

She said: “Having worked with Tinto Primary School and many other schools across Glasgow for a number of years now, I’ve seen the truly positive impact the summer appeal can have on the children involved.

“For many of the children we support, the summer holidays can be quite daunting, and they often don’t have the same opportunities as their classmates to relax and enjoy fun-filled days out.

“Thanks to the support and generosity of those who donate to Quarriers’ summer appeal, the children have positive experiences which directly impacts on their wellbeing, enhances their independence and helps them get further involved in their local communities.”

The activities are tailored to suit the children and families supported by Quarriers, taking into account their various support needs as well as what they enjoy doing. With donations from the summer appeal, the charity hopes to set up trips to the seaside, art galleries, parks, and the cinema as well as giving the children the chance to try everything from paddleboarding to archery to trampolining.

Ruth Park, Fundraising and Digital Content Manager at Quarriers, said: “Over the past two years, our teams have worked with nearly 3,000 young people and children across Scotland and the long-term impact of the pandemic is clear.

“We’re seeing a significant increase in mental health issues, an increase in young carers who haven’t had a break from their caring responsibilities due to family members shielding and also children with long Covid.

“The lasting impact these fun-filled outings and activities can have on vulnerable children should not be underestimated. For as little as £5, you will allow even just one child the chance to escape their worries for a day and create happy memories that will last long after the summer holidays.

“Our Quarriers Children Fund relies entirely on kind donations from local communities which is why we’re asking the public to back our appeal and show their support for vulnerable young people and children across Scotland, to ensure they don’t just survive the summer holidays, but thrive.” 

A gift of £5 will provide one child with a day out and gifts of any amount are welcome.

Supporters can make a contribution by visiting:

 https://quarriers.org.uk/fund

Guidance for people hosting refugees from Ukraine

Are you hosting someone from Ukraine? Scottish Refugee Council is holding free online info sessions on the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor scheme.

If you have questions about the process, join us on Tuesday, 31 May or Thursday, 9 June to find out more.

We’ve teamed up with the Scottish Government to run online information sessions on the Ukraine Super Sponsor Scheme.

When:

Tuesday, 31 May from 12.45 pm-2.15 pm

Thursday, 9 June from 10am-11.30am

These sessions are for anyone who is interested in hosting, or has registered to host people from Ukraine, either privately, or through the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Super Sponsor scheme.

We will:

  • Introduce the Scottish Government Ukraine Super Sponsor Scheme: Guidance for Hosts
  • Cover key aspects of hosting such as eligibility criteria to become a host, the role and expectations of hosts
  • Share information about resources and further support available for hosts
  • Respond to questions around hosting.

How to join our information session:

The sessions will be held on Zoom and will run for 90 minutes.

Register here

We’ll send you a Zoom link the day before your session.