Tag: survey

Is COVID-19 changing our relationship with food?

How have our eating, cooking and food purchasing habits changed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown measures in the UK, Europe and much of the world?

Researchers at the James Hutton Institute are part of an EU consortium which has launched an international study to answer these questions.

Anecdotal evidence and social media suggest that more people are buying locally produced food, yet supermarkets and online retailers are experiencing record growth. It seems that our food-related habits have changed because of COVID-19, and in different ways.

That is why Hutton researchers and their colleagues across Europe have launched this large-scale study of the pandemic’s impact on how people relate to food, including food waste, at this time of crisis. Scientists are particularly interested in finding out if people are adopting more sustainable behaviours, and to see if these habits continue once the pandemic has passed.

The researchers have created a questionnaire open to anyone over the age of eighteen that can be accessed by visiting www.food-covid-19.org. The survey will be open until the end of June and the more widespread participation they get the better, so the team are calling on everyone who can to complete it and will report back on what they find.

Dr Liz Dinnie, a social researcher leading the research at the James Hutton Institute, said: “We are currently experiencing unprecedented circumstances where most people are forced to spend much more time at home.

“That also means many people eat more meals at home than before the lockdown. So far, we have no idea what consequences that has, e.g. in terms of how balanced the diets are, or how food systems in rural and urban areas might be affected. There are many contradictory trends, for instance a focus on healthy eating for strengthening the immune system, yet an increase in the sales of sweets, chocolate and snacks.

“With our research, we want to find out how food-related habits are changing in the population and what this means more widely, particularly in terms of food systems, sustainability and for tackling food poverty.

“We hope the results will give recommendations to decision-makers in the food sector and at policy level on how to respond to changes and make food systems fit for future food-related habits following the current pandemic.

“In Scotland this will include recommendations under the Good Food Nation Bill, which aims to put social justice and sustainability at the heart of Scotland’s food systems.”

Professor Colin Campbell, the Institute’s Chief Executive, commented: “Our food systems need to change if we are to change our trajectory on climate change. We also need a new relationship with food for the sake of our health.

“As the current pandemic has shown underlying health is critical to how we come through this, so we desperately need to know what people think and how they are changing if at all. It is only through understanding the changes taking place at this time that we can help to design food systems and value chains that are both socially just and environmentally sustainable.”

The survey can be accessed at www.food-covid-19.org.

Covid Life: How’s It Been For You?

Hi folks

Hope everyone coping with the present situation – it looks like it is going to be a long haul. It would be good if we come out of this with lessons learned … citizens standing up for the NHS and Social Care and the vulnerable in our communities.

Edinburgh University’s Generation Scotland team and network are urgently researching the effect the Covid-19 situation – and the government’s policies regarding it – are having on the lives of people in the U.K, and, importantly, who is being affected.

It is a major survey of which interim results are already beginning to have an impact at national policy level in Scotland.

Its important that with all the work ongoing across NW Edinburgh and the issues we know local people are facing daily, that we feed into this.

It would be great if you would complete the survey through the link below and also share it around youre networks:

https://edinburgh.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Fc6S8ttNkyDHNP
Thanks
 
Linda
on behalf of the MAKING CONNECTIONS GROUP

Overwhelming majority of Scots support lockdown restrictions

Staying at home to save lives is recognised as a vitally important action in tackling coronavirus (COVID-19).

Over 90 per cent of people who responded to surveys carried out for the Scottish Government during April agreed that by remaining at home, they would be saving lives and protecting the NHS.

There was also general compliance with the guidance about physical distancing, with up to 80 per cent of those surveyed saying that they are keeping to the two metre distancing advice.

The polling also reveals that 85 per cent of respondents believe that the best thing to do during the COVID-19 crisis is follow government advice.

The findings are contained in a report published by the Scottish Government summarising two surveys on public attitudes carried out weekly during the COVID-19 crisis.

The surveys, by Ipsos MORI and YouGov, are part of a range of analysis undertaken by the Scottish Government to understand the impact of the virus and measures to suppress it.

The weekly online surveys provide information about key issues including the national mood, wellbeing, awareness, public behaviours and trust in government.

Key trends from the report, covering a six week period from 16 March to 24 April, are:

  • Levels of anxiety and worry associated with COVID-19 remain relatively high
  • Awareness of and support for compliance measures is high
  • The NHS was consistently rated highly in terms of doing a good job to contain the virus
  • Levels of trust in information from the Scottish Government were high

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “It is vital that we collect and analyse as much information as possible to inform our decisions on tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and these surveys provide valuable evidence about public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

“The surveys show compliance with physical distancing measures is high and we thank the public for their continued observance of these vital rules at this critical time.

“We recognise that public tolerance of the distancing measures is hard to sustain, and that these measures in turn have wider impacts on society and the economy, but we ask the public to continue to comply with them until we are certain we will not be risking a resurgence in infection rates.

“The surveys also highlight the very high regard the public has for the NHS and that levels of trust in information from the Scottish Government remain high.”

public-attitudes-coronavirus-april-summary

Scotland has poorest asthma care

Asthma UK Scotland have called for more radical action to improve the level of asthma care available folllowing the results of their yearly Asthma Survey, which shows the level of basic asthma care in Scotland has fallen by 7% in the last year – making it the worst nation in the UK for basic care provision.

The Asthma UK survey was conducted over the summer of 2019, with more than 12,000 people taking part and 1,403 of these respondents being based in Scotland.

It found that only 36% of Scottish asthma sufferers are receiving the most basic level of asthma care, a startling decrease of 7% in two years. Respondents with a lower household income were also found to suffer from asthma symptoms more frequently.

Across the UK, twice as many people (24.9%) from the top income band have well controlled asthma, compared to 11.9% of those in the lowest income band in the survey. The lowest income band is the only one where over half (57.4%) of people have uncontrolled asthma.

Whilst access to basic asthma care remains similar across income levels, the quality of asthma reviews is poorer for lower income groups. Without high quality asthma reviews assessing symptoms, inhaler and preventer usage, poorer outcomes are experienced.

There are other contributing factors that drive health inequalities for people with asthma. In deprived areas, air quality can be worse and poor housing increases exposure to mould, cold air and dust triggers. Almost half (48.8%) of Scottish respondents listed air pollution as a trigger.

In response to these shocking figures, Asthma UK Scotland are calling for more urgent work to be done to develop and implement the Respiratory Care Action Plan for Scotland in 2020.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK Scotland said: “This survey makes for grim reading and shows the scale of the task needed. It is very disappointing to see Scotland’s level of care decrease so sharply, leaving almost two thirds (64%) of people with Asthma unable to access basic care and asthma reviews.

“It’s also incredibly worrying to read that it is the most deprived communities that are being affected most by this shortfall in care provision. We need to ensure that everyone, regardless of their economic background or where they live, can access the care they need to live a healthy life and keep their lungs well.

“To do this we must also take action to improve the quality of air across Scotland, protecting people’s lung health and helping avoid the development of conditions like asthma and COPD, as well as cracking on with the new Respiratory Care Action Plan.

“The plan is needed now more than ever as we cannot afford to continue on this downward trend. We hope the Scottish Government will soon be forthcoming with proposals to help reverse this trend and that we can refocus our efforts to getting Scotland’s asthma care provision back on track.”

Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead for Asthma UK, said: “As a practising GP I understand the pressure to cover so much in any appointment, especially an annual asthma review.

“When we are providing basic asthma care, healthcare professionals need to have the time to fully assess someone’s asthma and the impact that it has on people’s diverse lives.

“We also need to be able to tailor treatments and their action plan to people’s lifestyles and help them to use their medicines and seek health care at appropriate times. By doing this we can bring down the high rates of asthma attacks particularly in at risk and disadvantaged groups and reduce the burden that poorly controlled asthma has on the NHS.”

Butterfly Conservation launches plea to public to help monitor butterflies

Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, known for its sector-leading butterfly and moth population data going back over 50 years, has launched a plea to the public to help contribute to assessing the effects of climate change while it’s scientists and volunteers are unable to carry out monitoring of wildlife sites during the lockdown.

A vital indicator of the effects of climate change in the UK, butterfly phenology (the study of the timing of natural events) recording is going to be severely affected this spring due to the restrictions on movement to halt the spread of coronavirus. And the charity is calling for anyone at home with an outdoor space to help.

Richard Fox, Associate Director Recording and Research said: ‘studying the changing flight times and locations of butterfly species across the UK is vital to understanding the impacts of climate change on our native wildlife.

‘This spring we are going to have a gap in our phenology data as our scientists and volunteers are not able to carry out their usual monitoring at nature reserves and across the UK countryside.

‘So, we are asking the general public to please help us out. This is something you can do for science and climate change in your own back garden. We know that climate change is making butterflies emerge earlier in spring and some are spreading to new parts of the UK. We need you to tell us where and when you saw them.’

Two new studies by the University of York, in collaboration with Butterfly Conservation and other partners have shed some light on how butterflies and moths are responding to climate change, but there are still many unanswered questions and trends are continuing to change.

As the climate has warmed, butterflies have tended to fly earlier in the year and, in some cases, produce more generations each year, but it’s not yet clear how these changes will affect their fortunes in the long term. Recent research suggests that an earlier start benefits some species but is detrimental for others.

Richard continues: ‘Keep a look out in your garden for butterflies such as the Brimstone, Comma, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Orange-tip. We want your records, and to know when you saw them on the wing.

‘If you live in certain areas, particularly in northern England and in Scotland, we’re particularly interested in your observations as all of these butterflies are spreading northwards, colonising areas where they didn’t occur previously.

“The Comma, for example, has spread hundreds of miles northwards since the 1970s. Just this week we received a sighting from a garden in Fife which was the first Comma that the volunteer had seen there in 60 years.

‘Monitoring the changing distributions of butterflies is important to understanding the effects of climate change on our environment. We know that for some species climate change has helped to boost numbers, while for others it has had an adverse effect, but there’s still so much to learn.

‘You never know what you might see. There has even been a scattering of Painted Lady butterfly sightings across the country in the last week. This species is a migrant from warmer parts of Europe, which normally arrives at the end of May or early June.

‘We can’t gather data in our usual ways this spring, so we need the help of everyone who is at home, with a garden or outdoor space, during the lockdown period. Each recording is important for our work to conserve UK butterflies and we would love the public to get behind us.’

To submit a recording, simply go to 

www.butterfly-conservation.org/mysightings.

Your Police 2020 – 2021: Police Scotland launches consultation

A Message from Chief Superintendent Sean Scott. Divisional Commander, Edinburgh City Division, Police Scotland:

I wish to convey my sincere thanks for your cooperation, support and fortitude during this period of unprecedented challenge.

Many of you will have been directly affected by the unfolding coronavirus pandemic and my thoughts are with you and your families during these uncertain times.

The sacrifices made by colleagues in health and social care are truly humbling and Police Scotland is committed to supporting NHS Lothian, the City of Edinburgh Council, statutory partners and the third sector to meet the welfare requirements of those in need.

I wish to reassure you that, as ever, we stand ready to serve Edinburgh’s communities and keep people safe.

You can contact us in the following ways should you require our assistance:

• In an emergency dial 999
• For non-emergencies call 101
• Contact online at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/contact-us-form

The Police Scotland website provides helpful crime prevention guidance and practical advice to stay safe, it can be accessed at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/

I have been heartened to witness, first-hand, Edinburgh’s communities pulling together and supporting each other in this time of crisis. Please continue to play your part by following our Government’s instructions and adhering to social distancing requirements.

It’s important to me that we best meet your needs and those of your community. Therefore, I’d be grateful if you’d take a few moments to share your views and suggestions by completing the ‘Your Police 2020-2021’ survey which is available at the following link: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police-2020-2021/

Edinburgh is a strong, resilient and adaptable city, as are its people and your help and continued forbearance will see us through this testing period.

Police Scotland survey

Local policing is central to Police Scotland and we ask that you share your views by completing our survey accessible via

 https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police/

Accessible format available if required:

strategicplanningdevelopment@scotland.pnn.police.uk

On accessing the link, the survey can be completed on-line or via a word version, emailed / posted once complete.   The survey closes on 31 December 2019.     

We would like to know what issues you think we should prioritise, nationally and in your local area, as well as the best methods for communicating with you.

Your views are important to us and we are committed to using this information to shape our policing priorities – both locally in your area and nationally.

We will do this through analysing your feedback and looking at data from a number of other important sources such as local and national crime trends.

What you tell us will also influence how we communicate and engage with you and your community. 

For further information on policing in your local area please visit our website: https://www.scotland.police.uk/your-community/

Your personal information

All personal information will be anonymised and you won’t be identified through the information you provide. At the end of the survey, we ask for personal details, such as age and gender, to ensure to ensure we receive a comprehensive range of viewpoints. We want to listen and understand the views and opinions of diverse communities to ensure our police priorities and focus represent the different people we serve.

By participating you will agree to Police Scotland using your anonymised data for analysis and reporting to contribute to:

  • Your local police plan
  • Police Scotland’s long-term strategy

Fresh Start Community Picnic at North Edinburgh Arts

Fresh Start Community Picnic

Thursday 11th July from 4 – 7pm

at North Edinburgh Arts

Working with partners across Edinburgh and with volunteer teams, Fresh Start support people previously homeless to ‘make a home’ for themselves in new tenancies. We enable them to resettle in their community, providing volunteering opportunities that offer practical and emotional support, helping them develop life skills, and involving church members and the wider community in our work to end homelessness.

We achieve this by providing essential household goods and decorating services to help people set up home. We also help those who are unemployed gain skills, experience and qualifications that will increase their employability – including gardening, cooking and employability training.

In addition to the practical support we provide, Fresh Start service-users have identified the need for support to help them feel at home in their new community as well as in their new tenancy. They highlighted the advantages that would come from being able to get to know local people, to develop skills and be able to access services and opportunities in a neighbourhood location and be able to get involved in community activities including  in evenings and at weekends.

Fresh Start has been based in North Edinburgh for 20 years and we now have the opportunity to take over some currently unused adjacent premises to create a community hub.

Working with other community organisations, we have been looking at ways in which we can bring this space back into community use. We want to create a hub that will work for the whole community ensuring that people new to the area have access to a space where they can meet with local people, develop skills and make a contribution to the community.

To make sure that this becomes a place where people can feel part of, and connected to, their local community we want to know what you would like to see happening in the Hub.

We would appreciate it if you would complete the questionnaire below.  This should take no more than 10 minutes.
All answers are confidential. If you want more information or additional copies of the survey, please contact Wilma at Community Enterprise – Tel: 01506 862227.
All survey responses (including those collected on paper) are recorded on Survey Monkey whose privacy policy can be viewed here.
Community Enterprise’s privacy policy can be viewed here