Do you have a leaky loo? Check now to save money and protect the environment
To celebrate World Toilet Day (19 November), WaterSafe and Waterwise are sharing a new, short video showing how to check for leaking toilets:
Up to 1 in 20 toilets leak, with some losing up to 400 litres of water a day – the same amount a three-person household uses daily.
This waste impacts household water bills and contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions from treating and delivering water.
The video, released by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, provides a straightforward method to check for leaks:
Place a square of toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl
Leave it overnight
If it’s wet or torn by morning, the toilet is leaking and needs fixing.
Residents are urged to contact a WaterSafe-approved plumber to repair any leaks.
Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, emphasises the importance of addressing this issue: “Leaky toilets are a hidden problem in many homes, but they can be easily fixed.
“By taking simple steps to check for leaks, homeowners can save money and help protect our precious water resources. We’re excited to share this video and encourage everyone to act.”
Chloe McFarland, Campaigns Manager at Waterwise said: “At Waterwise, we’re passionate about the small actions that can have a big impact when it comes to saving water.
“A leaky toilet can go unnoticed, but it is so easy to check for – and easy to fix! Catching leaks early can help you avoid unexpected costs and reduce water waste.”
WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Waterwise is a leading authority on water efficiency in the UK.
Scotland-based charity Sepsis Research FEAT has launched a new Christmas campaign featuring the stories of families impacted by sepsis in order to help raise awareness of the deadly condition.
Sepsis takes the lives of approximately five people every hour in the UK. It occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals rapidly out of control, injuring its own tissues and organs which can result in multiple organ failure and death.
Sepsis Research FEAT’s new campaign pays tribute to the many lives that have been lost to sepsis. It includes a Christmas video featuring singer Natalie Rushdie, who herself had sepsis in 2021.
In the video she performs Auld Lang Syne alongside images of people aged between 9.5 months to 92 years whose lives were tragically taken by sepsis. The Christmas campaign also features stories being shared by supporters from across the UK who were fortunate to have survived sepsis, some of whom have faced long-term and life-changing effects.
The charity is highlighting the devastating impact sepsis can have on individuals and families so that more people will become aware of the symptoms and why it is vital to seek urgent medical attention if you spot them in yourself or a loved one.
As the UK’s only charity dedicated to funding research into sepsis while working to raise awareness, Sepsis Research FEAT works tirelessly to increase everyone’s knowledge about the condition. If people are able to recognise the symptoms of sepsis, they can act fast and seek medical help which improves their chances of recovery.
The 5 key symptoms of sepsis everyone should know are:
Confusion
Not passing as much urine as normal
Very high or low temperature
Uncontrolled shivering
Cold or blotchy arms and legs
Sepsis can be hard to recognise and diagnose because, in its early stages, it can have similar symptoms to common winter conditions like the flu and chest infections. However, if someone has any of the key symptoms becoming noticeably worse, this could indicate sepsis and urgent medical attention should be sought.
It can also be hard for people with sepsis to spot the signs in themselves as their health may deteriorate rapidly and they could become confused. Sepsis Research FEAT is urging people to look out for others this Christmas and seek medical attention on their behalf.
Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Christmas is a time for celebration but it is also a time to remember those we have lost and to consider how things could be so different. Too many lives are tragically taken by sepsis every year.
“We want our Christmas campaign to pay tribute to those people and also their families who are living with the devastating impact of sepsis. Our charity and supporters fight on in their name by continuing to raise awareness and fund vital research. We are incredibly grateful to those supporters who are sharing their stories this Christmas to help others learn about sepsis and how to spot it.
“Sepsis is an indiscriminate, deadly condition that can kill a previously healthy adult or child in a matter of hours. It is vital that everyone knows the symptoms so they can seek medical treatment in time. Cases of sepsis could be mistaken for the flu because the early symptoms are sometimes similar, particularly around Christmas time and the winter months when flu is more common.
“The difference is that these symptoms worsen rapidly when sepsis is the cause. The most important thing is to react fast and seek medical attention because this can improve chances of survival.
“Please support our campaign this Christmas to help spread the word about sepsis and how to recognise the symptoms. If you have personal experience of the condition then please consider sharing your story online using #StopSepsisNow. You can also take part in fundraising to support us to continue our work raising awareness of sepsis and funding ground-breaking research to help save lives.”
For more information about Sepsis Research FEAT and the charity’s Christmas campaign, visithttps://sepsisresearch.org.uk
With kitten season nearly here, Cats Protection is releasing a documentary highlighting the potentially tragic risks of buying underage kittens online from unscrupulous sellers who put profit before welfare.
The Big Kitten Con, narrated by Caroline Quentin, features traumatic accounts of kittens being sold at less than the legal age for commercial sale, which is eight-weeks, and sadly dying from debilitating illnesses.
Last year, 340,000 of the 500,000 cats that were purchased in the UK were found online on sites like Facebook, Gumtree, Pets 4 Homes and Preloved.
Though many sellers are responsible people, there are unscrupulous individuals who will exploit the anonymity of the internet to sell kittens that have been taken from their mums too young, denying them vital nutrients and social development, while passing them off as healthy, eight-week-old kittens.
As well as giving advice, we are encouraging the public to sign a petition calling on the Government to regulate cat breeding. It has just been introduced in Scotland and we would like to see England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow suit.
We want anyone who breeds two or more litters of kittens in a year to be licensed, which would make them subject to regular inspections.
To watch Cats Protection’s The Big Kitten Con video and to sign Cats Protection’s petition, please visit www.cats.org.uk/kitten-con
Yours faithfully
Madison Rogers,
Acting Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, Cats Protection
St James Quarter has released episode four of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving viewers a look behind the scenes at Scotland’s top retail-led destination.
Episode four includes some never-before-seen footage of the latest brands opening in The Quarter this December and a look at some of the unique services available to guests.
Nick Peel discusses The Quarter’s first Christmas, the current success stories, latest openings, and a hint of what’s to come in 2022. Representatives from Thai Express Kitchen, Bar Hutte, The Alchemist, Pho and Moriconi provide a unique insight into their brand history and a first-hand look at life Behind the Quarter.
Viewers meet The Quarter’s Guest Services team for the first time who introduce some of the exclusive services accessible to guests, including ‘DropIt’ handsfree shopping and all the pawfect experiences available for any four-legged visitors.
As the buzz of the official opening of St James Quarter continues, St James Quarter has provided a rare insight into life behind the scenes, showcasing some of the brands’ located at The Quarter and an update on their story so far.
Episode 3 of the ‘Behind the Quarter’ series features exclusive interviews with some of the brands that are a first for Scotland, including Pull & Bear, Stradivarius and & Other Stories. Viewers can also enjoy watching snippets of shoppers and colleagues enjoying Edinburgh’s newest retail district.
The video reflects on what guests can now enjoy at the 1.7 million sq ft development which, once fully complete, will feature a shopping galleria with 80 different retailers, an enticing mix of restaurants, Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, residential apartments and parking for 1,600 cars.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter opens the video sharing details on life at The Quarter so far before moving onto some of the first guests to enter the galleria and their initial impressions and reactions to the brand-new shopping district.
Representatives from LEGO, Rituals, Krispy Kreme, Superdrug, Bonnie & Wild, The Kooples, Lane7 and Tortilla are also interviewed in the video sharing exclusive details of what they have been up to since opening their doors and what customers can expect over the coming months.
As part of a drive encouraging people to get vaccinated, young people have shared their experiences of suffering long COVID in a powerful new video.
Young coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have told their stories of battling the virus and suffering long-term debilitating effects as part of a new film encouraging people to get their vaccines.
The video features several patients who experienced serious symptoms of COVID-19 or developed long COVID, as well as the doctors and frontline staff who treated them, to warn of the dangers of the virus for those who are not vaccinated. It is narrated by A&E doctor, Dr Emeka Okorocha.
It comes as people aged 16 to 17 in England are offered a COVID-19 vaccine by today (Monday 23 August), meeting the government’s target. More than 360,000 have already been vaccinated and letters and texts were sent last week to the remaining people inviting them to book an appointment with their GP or visit their nearest walk-in centre.
All at-risk people aged 12 to 15 in England have also been invited for a vaccination and young people are encouraged to take up the offer as soon as possible to build vital protection before returning to school in September.
The latest figures show that hospitals are seeing a rise in unvaccinated young adults admitted with COVID-19. A fifth of COVID-19 hospital admissions in England are aged 18 to 34 – 4 times higher than the peak in the winter of 2020.
The patients who feature in the new short film have issued a rallying call: young people should take up the vaccine to avoid suffering a similar fate.
Quincy Dwamena, a 31-year-old videographer and support worker from East London, who spent 2 weeks in hospital with COVID-19 after putting off the vaccine, said: “I’m a healthy, young guy. I went to the gym often and have no underlying health concerns.
“I put off getting the vaccine because I thought the way I was living my life would mean there would be little to no chance of me catching the virus, or it would have little effect.
“But I ended up being hospitalised and thought I was going to die. My advice is to get the vaccine: don’t put yourself and others at risk, I wish I’d got mine as soon as it was offered.”
Megan Higgins, a 25-year-old special needs tutor from London who is suffering from long COVID, pleaded with others to get vaccinated. She said: “I was always careful about catching COVID-19, but I’m healthy and active so thought if I catch it, I’d probably brush it off.
“It’s now been 8 months since I tested positive, and I can’t even walk around the shops without getting exhausted. Long COVID is debilitating so please, get vaccinated. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I have.”
Ella Harwood, a 23-year-old illustrator from London, said: “I’m young and fit but I was bed-bound for 7 months with COVID-19. Before I caught the virus, I was super active and had no health concerns, but I now suffer with asthma which I didn’t have before and a number of allergies.
“I fear I’ll never be the same again but I’m making progress and I’m very grateful that I’m still alive. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”
Young people in England aged 16 and 17 are able to get vaccinated at one of more than 800 GP-led local vaccination sites and NHS England has launched an online walk-in site finder to help this age group locate the nearest available centre. Further sites will come online over the coming days and weeks.
A total of 89,070,370 people have been vaccinated in the UK, including 47,573,794 people with a first dose (87.5%) and 41,496,576 people with a second dose (76.3%).
Uptake among under 30s is lowest in London where the interviews were filmed.
According to data from Public Health England, the highest COVID-19 case rates are among 20 to 29-year-olds with a case rate of 670.7 cases per 100,000 people in the 7 days to August 8, up week-on-week from 628.6.
More than 1 in 20 people aged 16 to 29 (6.3%) have had long COVID, which is higher than the national average. Many of these have said long COVID has had a major impact on their lives, especially the ability to exercise, work, and maintain relationships.
TV doctor and emergency medicine physician, Dr Emeka Okorocha said: “As an A&E doctor, I’ve seen a lot during the pandemic. But nothing has shaken me like the sight of young, otherwise healthy adults, being rushed into our hospitals with COVID-19.
“As well as their age, many of them have one other thing in common: they are unvaccinated. Vaccines truly are the way out of this pandemic and are the best way to protect everyone from the virus, so please get your vaccine.”
Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, the dominant strain in the UK. The analysis shows the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses.
In all age groups the odds of experiencing symptoms for more than 28 days after post-vaccination infection was approximately halved by 2 vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines have saved around 95,200 lives and prevented 82,100 hospitalisations and 23.9 million infections in England alone, the latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University shows.
Alongside Dr Emeka and patients, the film features interviews with the frontline workers who have been treating young COVID-19 patients.
Tom Williamson, physiotherapist at Epsom and St Hellier Hospital Trust who features in the film, said: “We’re treating more and more young COVID-19 patients who are still suffering with long COVID and it’s heart-breaking to see. Patients are experiencing extreme fatigue which means they can no longer do the things they love, and some have had to quit work.
“My message is clear, COVID-19 can affect anyone, regardless of your age or lifestyle so please get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.”
The government is working closely with the NHS to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccine, including through ‘grab a jab’ pop-up vaccine sites across the country, such as London-based nightclub Heaven, as well as football stadiums and festivals up and down the country.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Vaccines are building a wall of defence in the UK and allowing us to safely live with this virus without restrictions.
“Regardless of whether you’re young, fit and healthy, these harrowing stories really show that COVID-19 can affect anyone. I encourage everyone to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible as vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.”
Advice and information on the benefits of vaccination have been shared at every opportunity, including through a range of partnerships with industries catering for predominantly younger audiences.
This work has included partnerships with high-profile entertainment and sports personalities on short films encouraging people to get the jab, such as film stars Jim Broadbent and Thandiwe Newton, and football figures Harry Redknapp and Chris Kamara.
The UK Government has also partnered with dating apps, social media platforms and large companies, such as Uber, Asda and Deliveroo, on adverts and incentives to get the vaccine. For example, Asda will offer £10 vouchers for their clothing brand George at select stores to 18 to 30-year-olds who spend over £20, and Deliveroo will be distributing thousands of £5 vouchers over the coming weeks.
Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “There is no doubt the COVID-19 vaccination programme is having a major impact, keeping around 82,100 people out of hospital and saving an estimated 95,200 lives in England.
“But we are seeing more unvaccinated young people in hospital now than ever before. Please don’t delay – get your jabs to avoid a similar fate to these brave people who have shared their stories.”
St James Quarter has released episode two of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated shopping district. This episode showcases never-before-seen footage of a selection of the brands due to open as part of phase one.
Gill Moore, Retail, F&B and Hospitality Director at St James Quarter sits down with the General Manager of Bonnie & Wild, Kate Russell, Founder of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross and Head of Branch at John Lewis Edinburgh, Barry Blamire to find out more about what guests can expect from the new residents of The Quarter and why they are excited to be part of one of the UK’s biggest city centre transformations.
The phase one opening line-up is one of the most significant any city in Scotland has ever seen with several brands making their Scottish debuts, including; Scottish food market Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, PULL&BEAR, Bershka and Stradivarius.
Irreverent video with TikTok creator Jarad Rowan launches ahead of busy camping season
Ramblers Scotland has today launched a new short film featuring Scottish TikTok star Jarad Rowan, aimed at encouraging responsible wild camping in Scotland.
Jarad, known as @LittlestChicken to his hundreds of thousands of social media followers, discovers five ‘Rules of Wild Camping’ during a trip to Borders Forest Trust’s scenic Corehead estate near Moffat.
The light-hearted video – supported by NatureScot and John Muir Trust – shows Jarad learning where to camp, what to pack, where to go to the toilet outdoors, how to leave no trace and the importance of using stoves rather than lighting fires.
Jarad, aged 21 from Stranraer, said: “This was such a great project to be involved in and I had the best time filming! It was also really cool to be shooting in Dumfries & Galloway. There are some lovely spots here in Scotland. I’m wondering does this make me an icon in the world of wild camping now?!”
The film has been planned by Ramblers Scotland alongside a team of young adults – the target audience – who have completed Ramblers Scotland’s Out There Award, which helps 18 to 26-year-olds kick-start their journeys into the outdoors.
Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Scotland has world-class landscapes for everyone to explore. Getting more people active outdoors more often will help make Scotland a happier and healthier nation.
“It can also provide valuable income for rural communities and help more people feel inspired to protect the places where we all love to walk.
“The challenge we now face is making sure that the welcome increase in people getting outdoors is backed by the support needed to ensure people have the knowledge and opportunities to enjoy the experience responsibly.
“I hope our new film will support people – especially beginners – to plan fun, responsible nights out under the stars.”
Ramblers Scotland and partners have launched the video ahead of what is expected to be a hugely busy summer for Scotland’s outdoors, particularly as many festivals, indoor parties and overseas travel remain off limits.
In fact, a recent study by the David Hume Institute (DHI) showed 36% of people in Scotland spent more time outside in nature last year than before – with 58% intending to spend more time outside in future.
It will be shown across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and TikTok throughout the summer.
Viewers are linked to a detailed new webpage at ramblers.org.uk/wildcamp that helps beginners plan safe and fun wild camps in Scotland.
The video campaign is part of a wider programme of visitor management activities led by VisitScotland and Scottish Government with public, charity and private partners.
Together the partnership aims to deliver not just communication and education activities about enjoying the outdoors responsibly but also to address issues related to infrastructure and to co-ordinate direct engagement with visitors to prevent problems arising.
Last year, antisocial and irresponsible behaviour by a small minority of visitors in some popular locations caused real issues for the environment, local people, and other visitors. This summer is expected to be even busier, so it is vital that people act responsibly.
The film was produced by Edinburgh-based video agency Heehaw.
St James Quarter has released a brand-new video taking viewers ‘Behind the Quarter’, with the team at Edinburgh’s game changing development exploring one of the most significant city centre transformations currently underway in the UK.
The video contains exclusive never-before-seen footage of inside St James Quarter, featuring a special behind the scenes sneak peek of the stunning shopping galleria which will host over 80 brands and an enticing mix of restaurant and bars.
The video dives into the history of the site and showcases what is to come for Edinburgh’s new retail-led district.
The first episode of the Behind the Quarter series features Martin Perry, Director of Development, Nick Peel, Managing Director and Rochelle Burgess, Marketing Director at St James Quarter.
“We spent really the first two years demolishing and then excavating down to the lowest level and then the next two and a half years building back up.” – Martin Perry
“When I look at the quality of the work, it is a cathedral in a world heritage site.” – Nick Peel
“We aren’t a shopping centre, we’re creating this new district.” – Rochelle Weir
The team discuss the St James Quarter journey so far – from concept to construction, details of the new brands opening next month, and share their thoughts on how the new lifestyle district is set to transform and enhance the city.
Samaritans Scotland has partnered with the Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign to offer advice on being there for others during these challenging times.
A new video created by volunteers of the charity encourages people to continue checking in on each other and shares practical tips on supporting friends and family who may be struggling with their mental health.
The tips include:
Ask how someone is doing and let them talk openly and honestly
When talking, put away your phone and other distractions to show that you’re focused on them
Ask open questions, rather than questions that can be answered with a yes or no
Repeat back what someone has told you to make sure you’ve understood what they’re saying
If you can’t be there in person, you can send a message or talk by phone or video chat
Supporting someone can be tough on you too – so make sure you look after yourself and ask for help if you need it
Recognising that these times remain challenging for everyone, Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey is encouraging people to look after themselves and each other.
Ms Haughey commented: “These have been challenging times for all of us, however this year we have seen people talking more openly and honestly about their mental health than ever before, and I really hope that is a lasting legacy of the pandemic.
“Feelings of stress and worry are understandable as things continue to change, and it’s so important we continue to be kind to ourselves and look out for each other. Remember that help and support is available if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling.”
The Clear Your Head campaign was launched by the Scottish Government to encourage people to take simple steps to take better care of their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.
As well as looking out for each other and keeping in touch with friends and family, this includes keeping to a routine, staying active, taking a break, making time to do something you enjoy, and asking for help if you need it.
The campaign website – clearyourhead.scot – also signposts sources of help and advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including Samaritans, NHS24, Breathing Space and SAMH.
Rachel Cackett, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Since the coronavirus pandemic began we’ve all become more aware of the importance of staying connected with family and friends.
“At Samaritans we know how powerful making time to listen and talk can be. For someone who is going through a difficult time, a simple conversation can remind them that they are not alone and encourage them to share what they’re feeling.
“We know that people can sometimes feel unsure of how to check in on someone they care about, especially at this time when meeting in person if more difficult. But this video shows that – whether it’s face to face, over the phone, messenger or video – there are simple steps we can all take to be there for one another.”
For information and advice visit clearyourhead.scot.
