Tag: support

New Debut Lab launched to support Scottish authors

Nine Edinburgh writers selected for new initiative

Scottish Book Trust has unveiled a new initiative to support writers based in Scotland whose debut, full-length work in poetry, fiction or creative non-fiction was published after December 2019 and impacted by the pandemic. Debut Lab is funded by, and a collaboration with, Creative Scotland.

Delivered remotely through a series of seven live-on-Zoom workshops and a range of additional online resources, Debut Lab will support writers affected by the pandemic during this transitional stage in their careers.

Workshops will include networking, marketing, author events and funding opportunities, and will be led by industry professionals including Mairi Oliver, owner of Lighthouse Bookshop, and writers Maisie Chan and Helen Sedgwick, as well as Creative Scotland’s Literature Team and Scottish Book Trust staff.

Nine writers based in Edinburgh have been selected for Debut Lab, including:

  • Amy B. Moreno, whose debut picture book, A Billion Balloons of Questions (Floris) will be published in June 2022
  • Caron McKinlay, whose debut novel The Storytellers (Bloodhound Books) will be published in May 2022
  • Charlie Roy, whose debut novel The Broken Pane (Leamington Books) was published in 2021
  • Flora Johnston, whose debut novel What You Call Free (Ringwood Publishing) was published in March 2021
  • Helen Boden, whose debut poetry collection A Landscape to Figure In (Red Squirrel Press) was published in November 2021
  • Kirsti Wishart, whose debut novel, The Knitting Station (Rymour Books) was published in March 2021
  • Lauren Pope, whose debut poetry collection, Always Erase (Blue Diode Press) was published in January 2022
  • Niamh Hargan, whose debut novel Twelve Days in May (HarperFiction) will be published in April 2022
  • Ry Herman, whose debut novel Love Bites (Quercus Publishing) was published in July 2020

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: “Scottish Book Trust is pleased to support eighteen authors through our new initiative, Debut Lab.

“Being a debut author is daunting enough, but the pandemic and following lockdown made it incredibly difficult for authors to promote their work.

“We hope to shine a light on this fantastic range of books, from children’s novels to collections of poetry. Our thanks to Creative Scotland for making this possible and allowing us to give essential support to this cohort.”

Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: ““Creative Scotland is so pleased to be working with Scottish Book Trust on this vital initiative for debut authors impacted by the pandemic.

“Through a series of live online workshops and additional resources led and facilitated by industry professionals, Debut Lab will highlight the wonderful variety of works and support these authors in the next exciting steps of their author journeys.”

Dobbies announces Helping Your Community Grow shortlist

NORTH EDINBURGH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THREE FINALISTS

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is helping one community project brighten up their green space in the Lothians with its Helping Your Community Grow initiative.

This spring, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is supporting a sustainable project through its popular initiative. In recent months, community projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians were invited to nominate themselves for support and now a shortlist has been selected by local team members. People now have the chance to vote for their favourite project.

The winning project will then receive advice, products and support from their local Dobbies’ team. Sustainable products, such as peat-free compost and recycled pots, will be use wherever possible.

North Edinburgh Community Festival is looking for support to help them teach the community about how to grow their own produce and encourage them to get into gardening.

With a particular focus on the seed to plate approach and making produce last longer, Dobbies’ support would provide essential growing resources.

St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C. High School is striving to create an urban garden area for pupils, where they can learn about sustainable gardening practices and how to care for and protect the planet. 

Dobbies’ support would help the high school improve the overall wellbeing of their pupils through this green space, encourage them to get outdoors, and hopefully pique an interest in gardening. 

Ward 5 at East Lothian Community Hospital supports the elderly and cares for patients with a wide range of medical conditions and is looking to create a relaxing space for the body and mind. 

Dobbies’ resources would help the ward spruce up their outdoor terrace area with vibrant plants and planters to make it a beautiful garden for all to enjoy.

Dobbies’ CEO, Graeme Jenkins, said: “Helping Your Community Grow is a really popular initiative in Edinburgh and the Lothians and we’ve seen a great response from community groups and projects looking to make a difference to their local area.

It’s been positive to see so many projects place importance on sustainability and environmentally-friendly products.

“Now the community voting gets underway and we’re looking forward to seeing which projects receive our support.”

In addition to the Edinburgh winner, the project which receives the most votes across the UK will win the national Helping Your Community Grow title, gaining additional support from Dobbies to deliver their project.

There will be further opportunities for community groups looking to brighten up their local areas. Community groups are invited to contact their local store for details of the community initiatives available on a case-by-case basis.

Voting will remain open until 16 May.

For more information on how to register your vote, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres.

UK boosts humanitarian support to help Ukraine’s beleaguered hospitals

  • UK is sending more ambulances and fire engines to Ukraine as part of continued support to the country
  • New UK funding to help train Ukrainian doctors to deal with mass casualties and vital medicine following Russian attacks on Ukrainian hospitals
  • Donations are in response to a request from Ukraine’s Government as they regain access to medical facilities in frontline cities

New ambulances, fire engines, funding for health experts and life-saving medical supplies are being donated to Ukraine as part of the UK’s continued steadfast solidarity with the country, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today (Tuesday 26 April).

There have been more than 130 attacks on healthcare facilities since the invasion and the UN has recorded around 4,800 civilian casualties. More than 100 fire stations and 250 fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine.

The UK is supplying 22 new ambulances to Ukraine – in addition to those from NHS Trusts already announced – equipped with paramedic kits and medical grab bags. They are due to leave for Ukraine in the coming days. This is in direct response to a request from the Ukrainian government.

Two further convoys of more than 40 fire engines – packed with thousands of items of rescue equipment including 300 fire hoses and almost 10,000 items of protective clothing – have arrived in Ukraine and are already providing vital support to firefighters on the frontline. This is the largest fire deployment to ever leave the UK.

The UK has already committed up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to support Multilateral Development Banks, such as the World Bank, to bolster Ukraine’s economy and allow the government in Kyiv to continue providing basic services. The total offer of humanitarian support to the current Ukraine crisis is around £400 million.

This goes alongside the Prime Minister’s commitment to continue to provide defensive military aid, including protected mobility vehicles, drones and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine – reiterated on a call to President Zelenskyy on the weekend.

Last week the Prime Minister announced Ukrainian personnel are being trained in the use of armoured vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We have all been appalled by the abhorrent images of hospitals deliberately targeted by Russia since the invasion began over two months ago.

“The new ambulances, fire engines and funding for health experts announced today will better equip the Ukrainian people to deliver vital health care and save lives.

“Together with our military support, we will help to strengthen Ukraine’s capability to make sure Putin’s brutal invasion fails.”

Frontline medical aid charity, UK-Med, will receive funding – worth up to £300,000 – from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to help train Ukrainian doctors, nurses and paramedics on how to deal with mass casualties.

They will also set up mobile health clinics to support the most vulnerable civilians remaining in Ukraine, including the elderly and young children.

The UK is also donating £300,000 worth of medicines and pharmaceutical supplies to UK-Med which could support a hospital for up to six weeks.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The Kremlin continues to lie about deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s hospitals and the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

“Now our vital humanitarian support will help save lives and deliver medical expertise to the frontline.”

Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “I was privileged to be able to visit Ashford and meet the volunteers and civil servants behind the fire aid shipments to Ukraine.

“This aid demonstrates the tremendous practical work that Britain’s public servants are doing for the people of Ukraine, and is an example of the good-heartedness of the British people and their determination to help.”

More than five million medical items have also been donated to Ukraine including wound packs, intensive care equipment and medicines.

At the beginning of March, UK-Med launched a national fundraising appeal to fund its work in Ukraine and has sent 26 doctors, nurses, paramedics, surgeons and humanitarian health programme specialists to the country.

UK-Med CEO David Wightwick who’s currently in Eastern Ukraine said: “I’ve seen with my own eyes the devastating impact of this cruel war. Ensuring the more than 7 million internally displaced people across the country have access to vital primary health care is and will continue to be of the upmost importance for many months to come.

“This very welcome funding from the UK government will enable us to continue to deliver primary health care and lifesaving specialist clinical training in both the east and the west of the country, reaching those who need it most.

“We’re proud to stand in solidarity with the people and with our Ukrainian medical colleagues in this desperate time.”

Hearts & Minds receive £21,605 from People’s Postcode Trust

Grant will support Clowndoctor visits at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children & Young People

The Clowndoctors will be delivering smiles every week at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People thanks to support of the People’s Postcode Trust.

The People’s Postcode Trust is a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our organisation received £21,605 from the Trust to enable us to deliver weekly Clowndoctor visits at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Edinburgh (formerly The Sick Kids)

Hearts & Minds believe that meaningful human connection is vital for wellbeing, and that this is especially important when we are at our most vulnerable. Through the art of therapeutic clowning Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors connect with children and their families who might be facing anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation while the child is receiving treatment in hospital.

Recently the Clowndoctors were able to visit Robbie at the RHCYP, where he has been for some weeks. Robbie knows the Clowndoctors well from seeing them at the Royal Blind School, Edinburgh and he calls them his friends.

The Clowndoctors were delighted to visit him in hospital and play his favourite game of “BOO!’ Dr Mousse also recorded a special message for Robbie which he has saved on his phone so he can listen to as often as he likes.

Richard Dalgleish, Robbie’s dad, said: “We wanted to say a big thank you to Dr Mousse and Dr Cous Cous for taking the time to say hello to Robbie when we met the Clowndoctors at the Royal, Edinburgh a few weeks back.

“Even though Robbie is far from well, it was lovely for Robbie to hear from people he knows well from the Sick Kids and from visits to the Royal Blind School. 

“Robbie has been in hospital now for 6 weeks and has had 3 operations. The Clowndoctors have visited him regularly and their visits have given him a much-needed boost. Thank you for all the work that you do.”

Rachel Colles, Joint Artistic lead at Hearts & Minds, commented: “It has been a privilege to visit Robbie over many years. We started visiting him when he was a pupil at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.

“We built up a great relationship playing with Robbie’s love of slapstick, surprises and words. Robbie loves to send the Clowndoctors flying around and surprising them with a big boo. We felt we had a strong and special connection.

“When Robbie left school, we did not see him anymore, so it was a real pleasure to bump into him and his parents at the hospital and were very happy to arrange a couple of visits on his adult ward. It was great to get the opportunity to visit him in this new setting and be welcomed by the staff on the ward where our visits were seen as a bit of colour and change in their day.

“As Clowndoctors these long-term relationships are very valuable to us and makes me personally very happy when we see children and young people who we know so well and be a positive part of their experience of health care settings.”

Sean Donnelly, Interim CEO, Hearts & Minds said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from People’s Postcode Trust to allow us to continue with much needed weekly Clowndoctor visits to the young people at the hospital in Edinburgh.

“These visits will deliver much needed laughter, fun and imagination to children who face anxiety while undergoing treatment for their illness.”

Please click the links for more information on People’s Postcode Trust www.postcodetrust.org.uk and People’s Postcode Lottery www.postcodelottery.co.uk

Street Assist Edinburgh celebrates six year anniversary

On 15th April 2016, 23 people launched a project to help protect others. We obtained the loan of a vehicle, designed a logo on the back of a napkin and used a lot of donated money from the volunteers to start the project.

We sat underneath a bridge at King Stables Road and offered a drop-in service on a converted bus, on occasions being able to walk or attend calls using our own cars.

This was done all with the aim of helping others and reducing the pressure on the emergency services.Fast forward six years, we now have a fleet of 5 vehicles, a team of 140 registered volunteers, an agreed amount of regular funding, have delivered copious amounts of training, wear a standardised 4 piece uniform and employ 1 paid member of staff.

Most importantly, we have safeguarded thousands of people from harm, eased the workload of the Scottish Ambulance Service and Edinburgh Police Division, reduced the number of people attending at A&E and have on at least 2 occasions, contributed to saving peoples lives.

The demand on our service has increased dramatically, now dealing with double figured jobs almost every night we’re operational.

We thrive in being able to relieve the workload of the Police and Ambulance Service, by providing the services we do and although he would argue otherwise, the success is primarily down to the hard work and perseverance of our charities director Neil, who was fought tirelessly to keep us going through challenging times. All of the team are extremely grateful for his contribution.

As we celebrate our 6 year anniversary weekends🥳, we would like to say a wholehearted thank you to everyone that’s made our success and development possible, in both the past and present times💚.

#HereToHelp

#SixYearAnniversary

NHS Lothian RFU staff and patients take four million steps for Ukraine

NHS Lothian staff and patients at the Robert Fergusson Unit (RFU) have walked four million steps in under a month to raise money for Ukraine.

Four million steps is how many it would take to walk the distance between the RFU and Kyiv. A step challenge, rather than a distance challenge, ensured patients with limited mobility could also take part.

The RFU, based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, is a national NHS neuro-rehabilitation service for patients with acquired brain injury and associated behavioural disturbance.

Helen O’Leary, Occupational Therapist at the RFU, said: “Our staff and patients really wanted to do their bit to help the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

“Though some of our patients have a reduced ability to interact with the world, they are still aware of what goes on globally and are incredibly generous and kind.

“It’s so wonderful to see patients who wouldn’t otherwise be so active get up and walk around, and for such a good cause.”

The RFU team raised £2,358 in donations and £446 in Gift Aid, which will go to the British Red Cross to help provide aid to the people of Ukraine.

The team’s efforts have also resulted in improved long-term activity among both patients and staff. This is key to relieving stress and managing neurological conditions and some patients are continuing to count their steps even after they have reached their goal.

£1 million to support people with neurological conditions

Migraine Trust and Thistle Health and Wellbeing among projects benefiting from investment

Nineteen projects supporting people with neurological conditions are to benefit from Scottish Government backing.

As part of a five-year neurological care and support action plan, innovative projects which harness new techniques and technology will be helped by a third round of funding – with £1 million commissioned for work across Scotland.

The 2022 to 2023 award will continue to support earlier projects as well as invest in new schemes.

These include a collaborative bid from the Migraine Trust and NHS Grampian to work with community, primary and secondary care pharmacists to help people with migraine manage their symptoms and treatments more effectively.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Partnership Delivery Group will also receive more than £100,000 to meet key Neurological Care and Support Framework commitments – helping people to live well and improving patient experience.

Epilepsy Scotland will receive more than £40,000 to improve mental health outcomes for people with epilepsy, and other projects include NHS Lothian’s digital neurosymptoms platform.    

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition and our neurological action plan provides a clear vision for those affected to be able to access the care and support they need to live well, on their own terms.

“The allocation of this funding, as part of our £4.5 million investment over five years, will benefit a wide range of projects helping those living with epilepsy, Parkinson’s, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.  

“We know that migraine, which affects one in seven Scots, can have a hugely negative impact on the lives of those affected by it and this investment will enable the Migraine Trust and NHS Grampian to help those dealing with it.

“But all of these innovative projects, including cross-sector collaborations, seek to ensure seamless access to high-quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.”

Funding recipients

Free tuition for displaced Ukranian students settling in Scotland

Displaced Ukrainian students settling in Scotland will be given access to free tuition and living cost support, subject to parliamentary approval.

Under new proposals from the Scottish Government, Ukrainians wishing to embark on a further or higher education course from academic year 2022-23 will be eligible for free tuition and living cost support, providing they have submitted an application to the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family or the Ukraine Extension schemes.

Existing Ukrainian students who have previously started courses in Scotland and who are experiencing hardship will be eligible to apply for immediate financial assistance through a newly created £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund.

Minister for Higher Education and Further Education Jamie Hepburn said: “We are determined to do everything we can to give displaced people from Ukraine the warmest welcome possible and we want to ensure students arriving here have the support they need to start or continue their higher and further education.  

“By extending home fee status and living cost support to students arriving from Ukraine we hope to provide some stability and assurance at this deeply troubling time and ensure those forced to flee their homes can live safely and comfortably in Scotland for as long as they need to.

“We have also created a new £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund. This will help Ukrainian students already in Scotland who find themselves in hardship due to their situation, to continue their studies.

“Education opens doors to opportunities and transforms lives for the better so it is absolutely crucial we remove any financial barriers those displaced by the conflict may face.” 

The proposals mean a change to the residency criteria in Scotland in the fees and student support regulations will be applied to those individuals who are eligible and have applied to the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family or the Ukraine Extension schemes.

Ukrainian students already undertaking higher or further education courses who apply to the Ukraine Extension scheme will be eligible for support via the International Students’ Emergency Fund, should they be facing financial hardship. Those seeking to apply should contact their institution for more information.

The updates to legislation will ensure eligible students can access free tuition and living cost support of up to £8,100 per year in the form of bursaries and loans, and those entering college in further education are eligible for bursary and grants of up to £4,668 each year.

Regulations are due to be laid in parliament in early May. Subject to Parliamentary approval, they will come into force on 1 August 2022, which is the first day of the 2022-23 academic year.

Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn has signed a joint letter with members of the European Higher Education Area, condemning the invasion of Ukraine and committing, with partners across Europe, to supporting Ukrainian students.

Johnson: ‘The world has found new heroes – the people of Ukraine’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s remarks during Saturday’s meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy in Kyiv:

Thank you very much Volodymyr. Thank you for having me today at this incredibly difficult time for you and your country.

I want to begin by once again saluting the bravery of the people of Ukraine in defying the appalling aggression that we have seen. In the last few weeks the world has found new heroes, and those heroes are the people of Ukraine.

When I was here just a few weeks ago and we were in another room I think in your palace, the defence intelligence we had suggested Russia thought Ukraine could be engulfed in a matter of days and that Kyiv would fall in hours to their armies.

And how wrong they were. I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion.

I thank you for what you have been able to do, your leadership has been extraordinary.

I think what Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin, his war crimes have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government.

It’s clear – and we discussed this at length – it’s clear that he has suffered a defeat but his retreat is tactical and he is going to intensify the pressure now in Donbas and in the east.

That’s why it’s so vital as you rightly say Volodymyr that we, your friends, continue to offer whatever support we can. Together with our partners, we are going to ratchet up the economic pressure and we continue to intensify week by week the sanctions on Russia. Not just freezing assets in banks and sanctioning oligarchs, but moving away from use of Russian hydrocarbons.

We will give you the support that you need, the economic support but also of course the defensive military support in which I’m proud to say the UK helped to lead the way. Just the other day we raised I think £1.5bn at a donor conference from friends, partners around the world, dozens and dozens of countries that now want to support Ukraine.

We want to liberalise trade with Ukraine as we go forward to help your economic circumstances, barley and other commodities – there are things we should be doing. We want to help with demining your country, getting rid of the savage traps that the Russian army has left behind.

To come to your central point Volodymyr, I think we are evolving a vision now for the future. Heraclitus said war is the father of all things – that was an exaggeration, war isn’t the father of everything – but what this war is certainly producing is a clarity about the vision of a future for Ukraine.

Where together with friends and partners, we – the UK and others – supply the equipment, the technology, the know-how, the intelligence, so that Ukraine will never be invaded again. So Ukraine is so fortified and protected that Ukraine can never be bullied again. Never be blackmailed again. Never be threatened in the same way again.

In the meantime, there is a huge amount to do to make sure that Ukraine is successful, that Ukraine wins, and that Putin must fail.

Over the last few hours I’ve been able to see quite a lot of your beautiful country, and it’s an amazing country. I’ve also seen the tragic effects of the war. An inexcusable war, an absolutely inexcusable and unnecessary war.

But having been here in Kyiv for just a few hours, I have no doubt Volodymyr, listening to too listening to your team, your redoubtable team, I have no doubt at all that an independent sovereign Ukraine will rise again thanks above all to the heroism, the courage of the people of Ukraine.

Thank you very much and slava Ukraini [glory to Ukraine].

Join Meningitis Now for Family Fun Day at The Falkirk Wheel

Charity Meningitis Now is inviting families from across Scotland with an experience of meningitis to join in the fun at its free Family Day at The Falkirk Wheel.

The day includes a 360-degree trip on the world’s only rotating boat lift, rising 35 metres to link the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, and offering spectacular views across the Heart of Scotland.

As well as the opportunity to explore the centre’s activities those coming along can also join a private boat trip and take part in other family fun entertainment throughout the day. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the support available from Meningitis Now for those fighting back from the disease. 

The Falkirk Wheel Visitors Centre is fully accessible and any dietary needs will be catered for. Refreshments and lunch are provided.

The Family Day takes place on Saturday 7 May and families from across Scotland are invited.

Registration for the all-day event, aimed at children and young people up to age 18 who have been affected by meningitis and their family, is now open on the charity’s website at www.MeningitisNow.org.

Alison Yelland, Meningitis Now’s Community Support Officer in Scotland, said: “Our Family Days are a great way for those affected by this devastating disease to join together, share their experiences and most importantly, have fun. 

“Whether a child in your family has had meningitis or you as a parent or carer have been affected, we would like to invite you to join us and other families to relax and talk with people who understand what the impact of this disease is like.”

Meningitis Now’s free Family Days, supported by Children in Need, are held in different locations up and down the UK to allow as many families as possible to attend.

They are designed to provide parents, guardians or grandparents with the opportunity to meet other local families who have been affected by meningitis and find out more about the support available to them through Meningitis Now. 

Those attending can join in the activities with the children or spend time chatting informally with other parents and Meningitis Now staff. 

“We know that the impact of meningitis reaches much further than the individual concerned,” Alison added. “It can have a huge effect on all those closest to them, especially family and friends. 

“Meningitis changes lives and futures, which is why bringing together families with similar experiences of the disease is so important.

“Having a fun day with your family may seem a small thing, but when your family has lived through the trauma of meningitis together, it means so much.” 

Places on the Family Day are limited and registration will be operated on a first come first served basis. Meningitis Now will operate a waiting list if the event is oversubscribed. 

To find out more about the day and register visit the website.

Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.

It does this by funding research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of the disease.

Visit the website at www.MeningitisNow.org to find out more and learn the signs and symptoms.