Police Scotland launch Bike Theft Campaign

Police Scotland has teamed up with a professional mountain biker to offer prevention advice as part of a campaign to reduce the number of bike thefts occurring in Scotland.

Scotty Laughland, who has competed across the world and creates mountain bike content on his social media channels, filmed a series of videos to discuss the impact bike theft had on him personally and professionally.

He was joined by PC Graeme Scott to discuss the security measures the public can take to deter such crimes happening to them.

The 2020 Cycle Scotland Cycle Monitoring report showed that 45% of Scotland have access to a bike. Between April 2022 and March 2023, almost 4,000 bikes a year are reported stolen to Police Scotland.

In May 2022, Scotty himself became a victim of bike theft when his workshop in Stirlingshire was broken into and £50,000 worth of bikes, cycling equipment and tools were stolen from within.

Ahead of the UCI World Championship cycling events that will see thousands of professional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts visit Scotland, from Thursday, 3 August, three videos will be published on Police Scotland’s social media channels over the course of the next three weeks to highlight to the public how they can safeguard their bikes and equipment.

The first video will focus on the break-in that happened to Scotty’s workshop and the consequences this incident had on his ability to work and how he viewed his own security.

The next two videos will feature crime prevention and security advice to help stop members of the public falling victim to bike thefts.

Superintendent Claire Dobson from Police Scotland’s Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing Division, said: “We know that cycling is a popular form of exercise and transport in Scotland, bikes are also an attractive option for opportunistic criminals looking for an easy target to steal and subsequently profit from.

“We now also see high-value bikes being stolen to order by organised crime groups and it is absolutely essential that we equip the public with all the necessary advice and guidance they need to safeguard their bikes and cycling equipment.

“I am grateful to Scotty Laughland for working alongside us to create these videos and would urge not only Scotland’s communities, but all of those visiting the country for the UCI World Championship cycling events, to view this content and our crime prevention advice to ensure they know how they can best secure their bikes and wherever they are stored.”

Scotty Laughland added: “The impact of bike theft for myself and my family has been far reaching. I would advise anyone to take the advice offered by Police Scotland and ensure your bikes and equipment are secured at home, whilst travelling and during use.”

Police Scotland’s bike theft advice can be viewed by visiting:

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/events/cycling-world-championships-2023/bike-safety-advice/

Mind to Mind launches to help people deal with life’s challenges

NHS Lothian has backed a new campaign designed to help people in the area look after their mental wellbeing.

The Mind to Mind, campaign features over 30 online videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to help others who may be going through the same.

Covering topics including dealing with anxiety and panic, handling stress, improving sleep, lifting mood and moving through grief, each contributor shares practical advice on what has worked for them.

It also features commentary from a range of professionals and signposts where people can access further help and support.

The campaign also features a new advert across digital and radio to promote the help available.

Dr Belinda Hacking, Director of Psychology NHS Lothian and Consultant Clinical Psychologist said: “This new resource is a valuable addition to the wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources publicly available.

“Alongside our own Wellbeing Lothian website, we hope it goes a long way in helping people know they are not alone and know who to turn to for guidance and advice.

“Hearing about the experiences of others who have dealt with their own wellbeing challenges can really help, as can talking to others about how you’re feeling. Support is available to help you deal with life’s challenges.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “Mind to Mind has been created by people who have experienced mental wellbeing challenges for people who may be going through the same thing.

“If you’re finding things difficult, it’s important to remember support is available. Hearing about the experiences of others can help to navigate life’s daily stresses, and alongside practical advice, the website signposts where people can access further help.

“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has contributed their advice on what has worked for them. Being so open about the challenges they’ve faced will hopefully help many others look after and improve their own mental wellbeing.”

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery at NHS 24, said: “Mind to Mind and the video stories that have been so generously shared with us are a valuable addition to our online mental health resources at NHS Inform. 

“If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or low, or having problems sleeping or dealing with grief this site can help you by hearing from others. You can also explore a range of guides, podcasts and organisations that can help.

“We are committed to offering a range of services to support people in the ways they find best for them when mental wellbeing challenges come along, as they do for everyone. Your GP, our phone lines and the emergency services are available for anyone that needs urgent help.”

Bob, a 68-year-old from Edinburgh has shared the mental health challenges he’s experienced on the Mind to Mind platform, and what he has found helpful, following a diagnosis of PTSD.

Encouraging people to reach out and speak to someone if they need help, Bob said: “To be honest, support group therapy was probably one of the best and most positive experiences for me.

“I found it tremendously helpful, to be able to talk to people who shared the same sort of experiences. It makes you listen and makes it easier for you to relate to things that you think only you go through.

 “I would urge anyone if they can find someone or a group of people, they can trust to speak to them. I learned that most people have at some stage gone through some sort of mental health issue, whether that be to a greater or lesser degree.

“This is why I emphasise the idea of trying to speak to someone because you just don’t know. Hearing from other people is what can help you, essentially. It’s what helped help me.’’

To access help and advice on looking after your mental wellbeing visit: 

wellbeinglothian.scot  and www.nhsinform.scot/mindtomind

Share your climate action story

As Cop26 kicks off EVOC are celebrating the citizens & communities across #Edinburgh (Scotland, the UK, & the World) who are already taking climate action!

We want you to share your #MyClimateAction story – a picture, short video, or something more!

Here’s how to get involved:

#myclimateaction

What can happen in one internet minute?

   

  • Every minute 167 million videos are watched by TikTok users  
  • On YouTube 694,000 hours are streamed each minute, which equates to roughly a month in real-time  
  • On Amazon $283,000 are spent by customers every minute  

What can happen in an internet minute? Millions of videos, messages, emails, and texts are uploaded and viewed, and the content consumed adds up to hundreds of thousands of hours in real-time.  

Every minute 167 million videos are watched by TikTok users, recent research by advertising specialists N.Rich reveals.  

In the study, Statista data was analysed to calculate the public’s engagement with the most popular corners of the internet.  

Facebook receives 44 million views each minute via Facebook Live. While on iMessage 12 million messages are sent on the Apple service in the same timeframe.  

Each internet minute, 5.7 million searches take place on Google. While on Snapchat 2 million messages are sent via the app in that period of time.  

Each minute, 694,000 hours are streamed on YouTube, which equates to roughly a month in real-time. 

Newbie app Discord is responsible for 668,000 messages being sent every minute.  

On Twitter, 575,000 tweets are posted during the same timeframe.  

Video streaming site Netflix is also popular, with 452,000 hours watched each minute on the website. 

Amazon lives up to its powerhouse reputation, with $283,000 spent on the e-commerce site each minute. That’s almost $7 million spent within 24 hours. 

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for N.Rich said, “With a vast number of people online and advertisers vying for the attention of potential customers, it’s vital that you speak to customers in a way that they hear you and feel heard too.

“You wouldn’t speak to your best friend the same way as your grandmother. That’s why you need to adjust your message for each platform and find the right customers where they are – be it on TikTok, Facebook, or elsewhere. ”  

One internet minute 

Platform  Amount per minute 
TikTok 167 million videos watched by users  
Facebook Live 44 million views received 
iMessage (via Apple) 12 million messages sent 
Google 5.7 million searches 
Snapchat 2 million messages sent 
YouTube 694,000 hours streamed  
Discord 668, 000 messages sent 
Twitter 575, 000 tweets posted 
Netflix 452, 000 hours watched 
Amazon $283,000 spent  

The study was conducted by  N.Rich, which offers a rich array of intent data and ad inventory that enable marketers to drive awareness and lead generation effectively.   

HMRC: Don’t Get Caught Out!

HMRC urges small motor businesses and car enthusiasts to be aware of post-Brexit changes and prepare themselves ahead of January 2022

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging small businesses and enthusiasts in the automotive sector to be aware of post-Brexit rules when sending and receiving parts from Europe or travelling across Europe to attend events, to ensure they don’t get caught out.

New rules have been in place since January this year and while larger VAT-registered businesses will have familiarised themselves with the changes already, smaller businesses such as independent garages and specialist parts retailers may not be fully aware of the changes to import and export rules and how they apply.

Likewise, for motor hobbyists who may want to order a specialist part from the EU to restore a classic car, or wish to travel across Europe to a rally, many would not have had to navigate the changes until recently.

With rallies, classic car exhibitions and festivals in full swing, including the upcoming Classic Motor Show in Birmingham and then, further afield, the Auto e Moto D’Epoca in Italy, enthusiasts are being encouraged to check they understand the new requirements.

HMRC has produced guidance to help people identify the best way to navigate the changes.

There is also an Online Trader Tool  to ensure small businesses don’t get caught out by unexpected charges or unnecessary delays, as well as highlighting processes they can follow.

The guidance also provides information needed to ensure small businesses are prepared ahead of next January when full customs declarations and controls will be introduced.

If small businesses are also moving parts or equipment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, they can register with the free Trader Support Service.

https://youtu.be/OZ6or0d6Cxk

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HMRC, said: “With the lifting of travel restrictions and more events being held, we want auto enthusiasts to be able to continue to enjoy their cars, motorbikes and campervans like they always have.

“However, we know that many people would not have anticipated that the changes introduced at the beginning of the year would impact them, which is why we urge them to make sure they understand the new obligations by using the guidance available to them – on Gov.UK, from one of our YouTube videos or through our customer forums. Getting used to the new processes now will stand them in good stead ahead of January.”

Church of Scotland supports Challenge Poverty Week

The Church of Scotland will mark this year’s Challenge Poverty Week (4-10 October) with a series of short videos featuring the work of the Priority Areas team and the congregations they support.

In partnership with The Poverty Alliance, the annual event aims to highlight the issue of poverty across Scotland, as well as what can be done by individuals and organisations to campaign for a more equal society.

Starting today (Monday 4 October) the videos will tie in with environmental issues in the run-up to COP26. They will be available for viewing on the Church of Scotland YouTube channel with a new one released each day during the week.

The churches featured are designated as Priority Areas by the Church of Scotland as they are in areas experiencing the greatest impact from poverty according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Speaking about Challenge Poverty Week, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Lord (Jim) Wallace, said: “We need not be defeatist in the face of poverty.

“With vision and determined commitment, solutions can be identified and pursued.

“Challenge Poverty Week gives us an opportunity to come together, and with a united voice calling for such a commitment.”

Shirley Grieve, who is the Church of Scotland’s Priority Areas secretary, said: “As we enter Challenge Poverty week and join our voices in Priority Areas with others engaged in this campaign, we are mindful of the challenges people already struggling with poverty will face this winter.

“On top of the removal of the £20 weekly supplement on Universal Credit, people are already facing huge increases in fuel costs as a result of the recent surge in gas prices.

“We hope people will be encouraged to take part in Challenge Poverty week in whatever way possible and show that we can take action together to eradicate poverty.”

The Priority Areas team will also be holding a series of webinars throughout the month of October, which will explore the connection between climate change and poverty.

Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “Too many people in Scotland are living with the constant pressure of living in poverty.

“As we plan our economic recovery, we must redesign our economy to reflect the values of justice and compassion we all share.

“By boosting people’s incomes and reducing the cost of living we can solve make sure we all have what we need.”

Join in on social media using the hashtags #ChallengePoverty #NowIsTheTime

Find out more about Challenge Poverty Week and join an event.

Sign-up to a ‘Poverty and Climate’ webinar which are taking place on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 6 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 13 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 20 October 2 – 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 27 October 2 – 3.30pm