Nurses at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh are promoting the use of CAKE to support wellbeing in individuals and teams who can contribute to the success of organisations.  

Since the start of the pandemic, organisations have become far more aware of the need to protect the mental and physical wellbeing of their staff. With significant experience of the stress faced by nurses in the workplace, a group of community nurses and two nurse academics from Queen Margaret University (QMU) have developed an interactive toolkit called CAKE, which acts as a recipe for self-care and team wellbeing.   

CAKE, which stands for Caring for self and others, Attending to what’s happening, Keeping connected and Enabling and empowering, is now available for nurses, health professionals and a wide range of teams across different organisations. It is available as an online resource, but can be particularly effective when used face-to-face in staff teams.  

CAKE, which makes use of creative storytelling to help manage stress and wellbeing, has been developed by QMU’s Senior Nursing Lecturer, Dr Caroline Dickson, and Honorary Nursing Lecturer and founder of ListenUpStorytelling, Dr Kath MacDonald.  

The academics co-designed the resource with community nurses who shared their stories of stressful experiences during the pandemic, before piloting it with 17 healthcare professionals and teams across the UK. The feedback was so positive that the academics were encouraged to work with a graphic designer, videographer and IT consultant to help create a digital resource which would be easily accessible across the country. With the help of these experts, CAKE is now attracting interest from health and social care professionals, as well as business organisations, who are all keen to support the wellbeing of their own teams. 

Discussing the power of storytelling in self and team care, Dr Kath MacDonald explained: “Storytelling has been used for centuries to entertain and engage. In terms of the benefits to healthcare workers and other professionals, using fairy tales and creative methods to share information and express oneself can distance the storyteller from the actual event and help to create a safe space. It provides a new way for people to express and deal with their thoughts and feelings. Combined with reflection and action planning this can be a game changer for teams in terms of improving communication, lightening the load, and engendering team support and understanding.”   

Dr Caroline Dickson said: “We acknowledge there are many wellbeing resources available, but CAKE is unique in its use of storytelling and its aim of developing teams in the workplace. CAKE also empowers teams to decide what their wellbeing strategies will be and encourages them to embed these into everyday practice.”  

Scottish Tech Army has been the catalyst in bringing Nat West Skills Bank and Drs Dickson and MacDonald together to digitise the resource, making it available for a wider audience. Funding from the RCN Foundation Covid Fund has supported the second phase of this project, which was initially supported by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland and the Community Lottery Fund. This has allowed the academic team to take CAKE, from a resource designed by and for nurses and healthcare professionals, to an online resource suitable for wide ranging organisations across a diverse range of sectors.   

Sheena Hales leads NatWest Skillbank said: “Supporting our communities is key to NatWest’s purpose. We could immediately see the potential of CAKE and have been delighted to see our colleagues use their skills and time to help Dr Dickson and Dr MacDonald turn their vision into reality at no cost. One of our Skillbank Champions, Jonathon Love, relentlessly supported the design and development of the solution while coaching and encouraging the talented graphic design graduate. It is satisfying to see how CAKE provides tremendous benefit to other organisations beyond community nurses to help support the health and wellbeing of their staff to build strong, resilient teams across their workforces.”  

The Scottish Tech Army recruits volunteers from the tech industry who work to develop digital solutions to organisations supporting individuals and organisations across the country, helping those organisations to improve their capacity, efficiency and reach.  Dr Dickson said: “Joanna Allen from Scottish Tech Army has helped make the connections between education, health and the private sector. The academic team has also utilised new talent in the design and production of CAKE. Bob Winton, QMU graduate from the video production company, Pinescope, has created the videos in the resource, and Hamish Hannah, a recent graphic design graduate from Napier University, has created the graphics and the attractive visual feel for CAKE.”     

Joanna Allen said: “The CAKE project has allowed us to connect the tech eco-system whilst supporting the development of our volunteers like Hamish.” 

Professor Fiona Coutts, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Queen Margaret University, concluded: “QMU has a proud history of responding to some of the most pressing needs of our society. The pandemic has made us aware of the need for self-care, human interaction, and understanding, as well as the requirement to nurture teams and build resilience across organisations. I am delighted that QMU has been able to bring a unique blend of creativity and healthcare knowledge to create a self-care and team resource which has the potential to change lives and strengthen organisations.”   

CAKE will launch at Queen Margaret University on 14th September this year. 

People seeking to take the next step in their education journey are encouraged to attend Edinburgh College’s course clearing event being held at its Granton Campus this Friday (12 August).

The event, which runs from 11am until 3pm, provides prospective students of all ages with the opportunity to speak to lecturers about their options following the release of exam results this week and to secure a place on a course for session 2022/23.

Those who would like to change their original choice of course, or have not yet made an application for College but would like to study this year, are also invited to get advice about study options for the new academic session.

Edinburgh College delivers a wide range of courses across the following areas: Creative Industries; Engineering and Built Environment; Health Wellbeing and Social Sciences; and Tourism, Hospitality and Business. Courses are delivered in variety of study modes including full-time, part-time, day and block release, with a return to campuses the focus for the College in 2022/23.

Student Services staff will also be on hand to provide advice on funding options and access to learning support.

As well as the in-person clearing event, the Edinburgh College course clearing line will also be open for applicants and prospective students to call on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week (9, 10 and 11 August) from 9am until 4pm. The clearing line gives a further opportunity to discuss applications and courses ahead of the new term. The course clearing line is 0131 297 8500.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “The new academic session is fast approaching and clearing day is an important time for applicants and prospective students to firm up their plans for the year ahead.

“I would encourage anyone who is unsure about their existing application or is thinking of starting a new course in 2022/23 to come along and speak to our teams at Granton Campus, or to call our clearing line.

“Our College offers a vast and diverse range of courses, all delivered by expert teaching staff, which are geared towards equipping students with the skills they need to forge a successful career in their chosen field.”

More than 900 performers graced Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade to celebrate expression and share their creative voice

Friday 5 August 2022: Performers from across the globe are sure to wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its highly anticipated return tonight with this year’s Show, Voices.

Running until 27 August, the year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a celebration of expression, giving a stage to performers and acts from around the globe to share their voice. Voices draws inspiration from people across the globe who, despite physical separation, continue to connect and share their voices creatively through spoken word, song, music, and dance – languages common to all.

Tonight’s performance will mark the inaugural Show from the Tattoo’s new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite who alongside new creative production partners are introducing a brand-new approach to pre-show with street style drummers welcoming audiences onto the Esplanade. For the very first time there will be staging on the Esplanade and soundscapes tying each spectacular performance together, with the Show being opened with original composition and vocals from The Highland Divas.

Audiences will experience stunning musical and cultural showcases from performers from Mexico, The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside homegrown talent from the UK at the centre of it all.

Musicians from the Army are reinforced by, the UK’s finest military musicians, the legendary musicianship of the Massed Pipes and Drums echoing across the Esplanade and the dazzling talent of the Tattoo Dancers and Tattoo Fiddlers. The Tattoo performers also gave an exhilarating performance of ‘Shake that Bagpipe’ with never-before-seen at the Show, Electro Pipes, taking centre stage with a DJ and a high energy, colourful dance act.

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Seeing the Castle Esplanade come alive with the colour, music, word-class talent and of course, for our audiences to once again join us, is exactly the come-back we wanted.

“We set out to ensure that the 2022 Tattoo was a welcome return and a celebration of the connections, cultures and languages that bring people together time after time on the Esplanade of Edinburgh’s 3,000-year-old fortress. After last night’s preview performance, the first Show from our new Creative Director, Michael Braithwaite, I’m sure everyone will agree we have done just that.

“I’ve been blown away by the talents on display during rehearsals and I’m confident the audience will be able to feel the electric atmosphere on the Esplanade tonight! There’s still time to grab tickets throughout August, and I would encourage anyone looking for a great night out to come and experience the magic of the Tattoo.”

International performers this year include Tattoo favourites the New Zealand Army Band with this year’s dynamic performance marking their seventh appearance on the Castle Esplanade. Banda Monumental will storm the stage with over 100 performers bringing stunningly dramatic costume and the bright carnival atmosphere of Mexico to their show stopping performance. Swiss drumming sensation, The Top Secret Drum Corps are set to captivate audiences with their energetic precision drumming which has received global recognition since their first performance with the Tattoo in 2003.  While The United States Air Force Honor Guard, the official ceremonial unit of the Air Force, will make their return to the Tattoo this year with its lively display of precision drill.

Playing a vital role in this year’s show were Tattoo newcomers and world-renowned performers The Highland Divas whose vocals were used throughout the show in soundscapes. Audiences were treated to a unique musical journey that showcased the best of the Divas awe inspiring voices. The United States Army Field Band will make their Tattoo debut bringing military mash-ups of traditional and contemporary hits to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the very first time.

The full line up for 2022 also includes: The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, British Army Band Colchester, British Army Band Sandhurst, The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, The Black Watch, 3^rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Crossed Swords Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys College Pipes and Drums, Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums, The Pipes and Drums of Christchurch City, and Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools Choir.

The Show will run until 27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has responded to the high demand for specialist graduates to enter the food and drink industry by developing the new BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation degree.  

With jobs and opportunities at an all-time high within the food sector, this is a great time for people with an interest in food and science to equip themselves for a great job within this developing industry. The food and drinks industry is crying out for qualified graduates who have the skills and experience to hit the ground running when entering the UK’s diverse food sector. It needs enthusiastic, passionate people with the right qualifications and mind set to innovate the sector and help it meet growing national and global demands.  

Dr Anil de Sequeira, Programme Leader, explained: “The food industry is one of the largest and most important industries in the UK, currently employing 4 million people and generating around £121 billion annually. It’s the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, and in Scotland, the food and drink sector is worth around £14 billion each year to the economy.  

“Scotland has 18,850 food and drink businesses, which employ around 115,400 people, but it needs more specialist, high quality graduates who can contribute quickly to the sector and grow its potential.” 

Dr de Sequeira explained: “Scotland has a diverse food industry with large scale companies selling products like whisky, meat, seafood and cereal internationally, as well as exciting and innovative small companies who are breaking new ground in product development and offering contemporary foods to new audiences locally and abroad. Scotland has a rich larder, and more recently, passionate people are taking a more inventive approach to food product development, developing flavour enhancers from seaweed, creating craft gins, producing artisan cheeses and experimenting with food substitutes to produce healthier products. New talent in the industry is also contributing to the development of sustainable food supplies and eco-friendly packaging, as well as investigating food security and identifying new routes to market.” 

Dr de Sequeira continued: “The job opportunities and the range of roles that now exist in the industry are considerable and the new BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation will help graduates take up roles such as food scientist, food production and processing technologist, new product development technologist, food analyst, food microbiologist, or sensory technologist or analyst, both in the UK and further afield.”  

Significant challenges currently face the food industry. Brexit, climate change, rising food prices and energy costs are all issues that need to be tackled now. That’s why the new BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation is one of the most important current developments to emerge from Queen Margaret University.  

Queen Margaret has an impressive track record in food, nutrition and health dating back well over a hundred years. In 2014, the University launched its Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation in response to the growth of Scotland’s food and drink industry. The Centre has a team of food scientists, nutritionists and sensory specialists who provide a range of services to the food industry including food and drink innovation, consumer insight and sensory analysis, and food industry training.  

Professor Fiona Coutts, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Queen Margaret University, said: “The new BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation at QMU builds on the University’s strong foundations in food related education and its wider ranging experience in both food education, product development, sensory analysis and innovation. We are ambitious in our vision to support Scotland’s food and drink industry, and are well underway with our plans to develop the Edinburgh Innovation Hub on land adjacent to our campus in Musselburgh. The Hub will focus on food and drink related innovation within the context of health and wellbeing. 

“With over a century of food related experience coupled with our ambitious food and drink development plans for our innovation hub, Queen Margaret University is uniquely equipped to offer the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation. With enormous demand for food science graduates to contribute to Scotland’s growing food and drink industry, it’s the perfect time for enthusiastic students to study food science and innovation and secure a future in this increasingly important and developing industry.” 

The BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation starts at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh in September 2023 (subject to validation). Find out more about this new degree at BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation.

AMP Power Protection (Part of the AMP Group) are pleased to announce that they have won an order from Viasat to supply Wide Temperature Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) as part of their PGL Floating Wind Pilot Project.

Viasat provided their outline specification and requirements, this allowed AMP Power to select the best technical and commercial COTS products available, and put together a UPS Power Package to meet their requirements

Delivery of the equipment will take place this month and future phases and logistics support packages may follow.

Andy Parfitt – CEO – AMP Power Protection said – “We are very proud to be working alongside Viasat on their PGL Floating Wind Pilot Project. We have been working closely with their Project Engineer Kris Long since August 2021 on his detailed specification requirements for this project.  We are excited to build a lasting relationship with Viasat and work with them on future projects.”

 

About Us

AMP Power Protection are specialists in Rugged UPS and Critical Power Protection Systems for Defence Applications. We can custom design and manufacture rugged UPS systems to meet with customers issued specifications. Tested to exactly meet your requirements (detailed specifications include the relevant DEFSTAN (00-35|59-41) and MIL-STD approvals)

Find out more about our Naval UPS and other Defence UPS options here: https://amppowerprotection.com/defence/

Contact us today on info@amppowerprotection.com or phone 01908 470289

BBQs, campus tours, sports games, and a scavenger hunt will all be part of the entertainment at Queen Margaret University’s (QMU) community day. The event, on Saturday 27 August, is a chance for the local community to experience the campus, view the facilities and relax and have fun. 

It’s a family-friendly event so children can enjoy the bouncy castle and take part in crafts and sports games. It also provides the opportunity for people to explore what the University has to offer in terms of room space, conference facilities, the Sports and Fitness Centre and Maggie’s Bar and Café. 

Lynn Barcley, Commercial Manager at QMU, said: “The University has more to offer than people might think. We want to continue being a real asset to the community, so it’s important that local residents can learn about all of the facilities that are available to them. We have a significant number of spaces for hire, including small meeting rooms, our piano bar space, an attractive conference suite – right up to larger rooms and lectures spaces which can accommodate up to 250 people. We can organise anything from small meetings and seminars to corporate dinners and international conferences.  

“With light and airy rooms which have open views across the landscaped gardens, we also offer the perfect place for family celebrations. We can create an attractive private dining space where friends and family can enjoy drinks on the deck overlooking our pond. We even have a baby grand piano which guests are welcome to use.” 

The University’s Students’ Union bar and café, Maggie’s, is now a firm favourite with many members of the local community. Lynn continued: “We would be delighted to welcome more people to enjoy the facility with their families and friends. Maggie’s is also very dog-friendly, so people are very welcome to bring their VIPs (Very Important Pooches) to relax with a coffee or some lunch at our picnic tables in University Square, or to enjoy our inside café spaces. We also welcome walkers to enjoy our attractive gardens and we love seeing visitors strolling in our grounds, visiting the pond or using the trim track and outdoor gym. We have swans and lots of birdlife on our ponds, but we welcome dogs on leads during walks, and we’ve even had a few horses pop in!” 

QMU’s Community Open Day will run on Saturday 27^th August from 12noon – 3pm. Keep your eye on QMU’s social media for further information about this fun event:  

Facebook: QueenMargaretUniversity 

Twitter: @QMUniversity   

For further details visit: Community Open Day event page.  

Edinburgh is bidding for more than £12m in Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government as the Council targets support for a series of poverty-tackling community projects.

From money for employment initiatives and skills development to new measures to help Edinburgh’s most disadvantaged through the cost-of-living crisis, up to 32 projects to reduce inequalities between communities could benefit from funding. The shortlist also includes an initiative to create a number of new community growing areas, projects designed to support people into work and an innovative ‘GreenTech’ Accelerator programme to promote entrepreneurial skills and new start-ups. A ‘Residents First’ programme of exclusive access to cultural events is also planned, alongside a new youth work space and events for older people at risk of social isolation. Following the submission of the Council’s investment plan, there will be negotiations with the UK Government before initial funding can be released.  If successful, the money will be provided by the UK Government under the Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by funding projects which support local business, people and skills and boost communities and local places. Acting as a successor to European Union Structural Funds, it could start supporting projects in Edinburgh as early as this October, all the way through to 2025. A report outlining the bid was agreed by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee this week (Thursday 4 August). Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Our communities make our city and we’re so lucky to have a great number of incredible people working so hard to support local projects and bring forward new ideas. “It hasn’t been easy for the panel to narrow this shortlist down and I’m really grateful to everyone involved. They have chosen an exciting and diverse mix of important projects – each and every one of them designed to tackle poverty and improve lives at a local level – and I’m pleased the selection has received Committee’s approval. “We agreed that we would provide updates on the bid regularly, including the role of under-represented groups. We all want to make sure these efforts are inclusive and support a diverse range of residents. “This funding allocation really will mean the world to those involved and will allow us to help thousands of people. I’m looking forward to early confirmation from the UK Government on our success with this bid, as I’m keen that we start delivering right away.”

Autism Works! How to be an autism-confident employer 

Would you like to:

Become a more inclusive employer?

Enhance the confidence of your team to recruit, retain and promote autistic staff?

 

Our Autism Works training course will next be delivered (to up to 15 participants) via Zoom, in 3 parts on:

Thurs 25 Aug, 1.30-3.15 pm

Thurs 1 Sept, 1.30-3.00 pm

Thurs 8 Sept, 1.30-3.00 pm

 

The course fee (subsidised by Scottish Government funding) is £95 for the 3x sessions, covering:

• What is autism?
• What does an autistic person experience?
• Autism inclusive work environment, recruitment and adjustments
• Retention and career progression
• What can you do?

 

The course is delivered by 3 talented autistic trainers, who have substantial professional experience across different sectors.

To book a place, please go to:  https://forms.office.com/Autism Works course 25 Aug 2022

Join Charlotte Tilbury & H beauty this August at Charlotte’s Beauty Festival pop-up.   Shop Charlotte Tilbury, discover quick tricks and more! Come and see us at Register Square, St James Quarter from Monday 22nd August – Sunday 28th August!

Monday – Saturday 9am – 8pm / Sunday 10am – 6pm

Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/charlottetilbury/ 
Instagram Handle: @charlottetilbury @harrodsbeauty

Networking and Alzheimer’s Research UK Information Morning

YOTEL, 68-73 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NA
Wednesday 21 September, 9 – 11am 

Join Alzheimer’s Research UK this World Alzheimer’s Day, 21 September, at Yotel, Edinburgh for a morning of networking and personal development.

Home of our Scotland Research Network Hub, Edinburgh hosts much of our groundbreaking dementia research. Come along to hear about exciting research happening at Edinburgh University and across Scotland and find out about opportunities to fund and support researchers on your doorstep, as well as making new professional connections.

Dementia research needs every one of us. You’d be surprised, no action is too small to help make breakthroughs possible.

Agenda:
9am: Arrival
9.15 – 9.45: Hear from your local Alzheimers Research UK Representative, an ARUK Scientist on our dementia research in Edinburgh as well as a Corporate Partner on how they meet their CSR Goals and support the charity
9.45 – 11am: Networking

Just some of the benefits of attending our networking morning include:
• Connecting with people from other businesses in the room.
• Speaking to dementia researchers in person to learn more about their work and exciting progress being made.
• Hearing how Alzheimer’s Research UK can work with you to achieve your CSR Goals and support your team.
• Learn about the importance of looking after your brain health and what you can do to reduce your risk of dementia (Tip: Connecting with people at social events like this is good for your brain!)
• Hear from Samuel L Jackson on the ImagineX 360 surround screen and help us to Share the Orange!

Sign up and come along on the day to be entered into a raffle to win an escape room experience for up to 6 players, donated by Department of Magic*.  Get your colleagues together for some team building or take along friends for the magical experience.

*Prize worth £114. Valid Sunday – Friday until 21 September 2023.