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Dumfries Tennis Prodigy Dominik Czopek Secures £1,000 Sponsorship from Cunninghame Housing Association

Pictured left to right: Dominik Czopek, tennis player, Dumfries and Alan Somerville – CHA

Alan Somerville, Senior Development Officer of Cunninghame Housing Association recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to Dominik Czopek, a young tennis player from Dumfries, as part of a 3-year sponsorship.

Dominik is a 12-year-old tennis player from Dumfries who is ranked 1 st in Scotland in his age group.

Dominik has been playing tennis since he was 6 years old. He is a member of Dumfries Tennis Club and travels to Stirling twice a week to train at the Regional Player Development Centre (RPDC) which supports junior players who are considered to have the highest potential for international success and selection for the National Academy and International Junior stage of the player pathway.

Dominik has been selected to represent the South of Scotland for the County Cup in the age 12 under and 14 under as well as being invited by the Lawn Tennis Association to play match play on numerous occasions and is the first player from his region to play national competition level.

Dominik is completely self-funded by the support of his parents however, such a sport can prove costly such as tennis shoes, clothing, tennis rackets, travel and accommodation when taking part in competitions away from home. The funding provided by Cunninghame Housing Association will help support these costs over the next 3 years, alleviating the financial burden to allow Dominik to concentrate on progressing in his sport.

Lesley Keenan, Chairperson of CHA commented, “We are delighted to be able to provide financial support to Dominik, enabling him to concentrate on his training and taking part in competitions whilst supporting him in his commitment and determination to do well.”

The funding for the Dominik Czopek came from the Associations “Making Our Communities a Better Place Fund” which operates throughout the year (1 st April to 31 st March) until the allocated funding is exhausted.

Local Groups or individuals interested in finding out more about the Associations Making Our Communities Better Places Fund can do so by visiting our website http://cunninghamehousing.org where you can also download an application form.

Nursing Excellence Rewarded: QNIS Recognizes 34 Long-Serving Nurses in Dumfries Event

The Queen’s Nurses Institute of Scotland (QNIS) recently handed out long-service awards to nurses across the region who had served for at least 21 years.

34 long-serving nurses attended the event in Dumfries on 6 September, along with seven local Queen’s Nurses. 12 other nurses qualified for awards but were unable to attend the ceremony.

The awards were presented by Clare Cable, honorary professor of nursing at Queen Margaret University and a QNIS member since 2014.

She said: “Excellent care is delivered by excellent nurses and midwives every day, but we rarely stop to acknowledge its importance. Long service means 21 years – which means you would have started in 2002. My own children were just starting school in 2002, and now they are full-grown adults. A lot has changed in that period – new methods and new technology. And we have all seen things in the last three years, with the pandemic, that we could never have imagined.”

Speaking at the event, NHS Dumfries and Galloway interim director of nursing Mark Kelly said: “In this room there must be more than eight hundred years of nursing experience and care and support that you’ve been providing to patients and colleagues. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

The longest-serving nurse at the event was Linda Dunlop, who retired at the end of 2022 after 42 years’ service as a community nurse, working in various locations including Lochmaben and Moffat cottage hospitals and Mountainhall Treatment Centre. Husband and wife Lenny and Amanda Allen received their awards together, recognising 34 and 32 years’ service respectively.

The Queen’s Nurses were originally community nurses, trained by Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Institute for Nurses, a charity founded in 1889. The charity stopped training its own nurses in 1968 – nursing now requires a higher education qualification – and is now called the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland. Since 2017, it has awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse to outstanding community nurses, midwives and health visitors who have completed the institute’s nine-month development programme.

Only 20 new Queen’s Nurses can be appointed each year. Scotland now has over 150 of these Queen’s Nurses, with ten in Dumfries and Galloway. Unscheduled community mental health service manager and forensic nurse specialist Jena Davies has completed the course and will graduate in November, becoming D&G’s eleventh Queen’s Nurse.

Five Heritage Hubs Assemble For A Mega-Saturday Celebrating Galloway’s Past

Saturday 16 th September is a special day for anyone interested in the local heritage and history of Galloway, with five heritage offerings in the Ken/Dee valley coming together to celebrate a community-led approach to local history and records. Visitors that make it to all five sites on the day will have fun, learn lots about Galloway’s past and will receive a Galloway Glens Goodie Bundle to commemorate the experience!

The venues are all open 10-3pm on the day, and are as follows:

 Crossmichael Heritage Centre, in Crossmichael Church Hall.

Crossmichael heritage Group have had a busy few years, with new exhibits about the history of Crossmichael and surrounding parish. Key topics include Roman, farming and generally life through the years. Exhibition in the Church Hall, and nearby Hearse Hoose.

John Nelson from the Crossmichael Heritage Group, said: “We look forward to welcoming you to Crossmichael, the gateway to the Glenkens. Visit our Heritage Centre in the Church Hall and the adjacent Timeline in the Old Hearse-Hoose.

Note what happened in Crossmichael & the rest of the world in the last 10,000 years. Join our Graveyard Tours and find fascinating stones, from Captain Hook’s grave, details of a local trooper killed in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava or pay your respects at the grave of a Covenanter martyr, murdered nearby. You might walk to our Wee Book Hoose, the smallest library in Scotland. After your visit we can recommend the nearby Thistle Inn (01556670203) for a light lunch or refreshment before you continue to your next heritage venue!”

 St John’s Town of Dalry Town Hall.

The Town Hall committee have been exploring the region’s Covenanter history and will be open with a range of exhibits. The highlight is the recently produced short film exploring how 1666’s Pentland Rising might be better termed the ‘Glenkens Rising’.

Jim Reid from the Dalry Town Hall Management Committee said: “A few centuries ago, many Scots were willing to endure torture and death to protect their right to worship in their own way and to defy their King and his soldiers in doing so.

We tell the story of how an incident of cruelty by the King’s troopers here in Dalry led to an uprising and savage recriminations against ordinary people.” PUBLIC PUBLIC

 Carsphairn Heritage Centre.

Currently running the ‘Homes in the Hills’ exhibition, visitors can experience the sights, sounds – and if you are feeling brave – the smells of a traditional shepherd’s hill cottage!

Includes children’s quiz, gifts and souvenirs.

 Balmaclellan Heritage Hub, in the Hall.

The Balmaclellan heritage Group will be showing off the records and articles held from historic Balmaclellan, highlighting what has been achieved over the last couple of years and looking forward to next year’s centennial celebrations exhibition. Refreshments (tea, coffee & cake) are also available!

Julia Higgins from the Balmaclellan Heritage Group said: “Heritage Hub Day on 16 September is a great opportunity for everyone to see the wide historical and cultural wealth of our local area, with many different aspects on display!”

 New Galloway Town Hall.

The New Galloway Town Hall has been undergoing a total refurbishment since being taken on by the community. This could be one of the first opportunities to visit it after major works are complete, with ‘The New Galloway Story’ exhibition on display, showcasing photos, stories and items from New Galloway’s recent and not so recent past!

Ann Glaister, from Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LiNG), said: “Come and see us on 16 th September – we’ll have ‘The New Galloway Story’ exhibition on display in the main hall, giving you a chance to learn some great stories from New Galloway’s yesteryear, and also see the new building!” To claim your Galloway Glens Goodie Bundle, simply visit all 5 sites, picking up a voucher from each, and present them to the Galloway Glens offices between 18-22 nd September. For any queries, contact [email protected].

All five venues taking part have received support from the Galloway Glens Scheme in recent years. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, the Galloway Glens Scheme is funded by a range of partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org

Solway Sharks Launch Prospects Program for Aspiring Hockey Stars

Solway Sharks have announced the launch of their official Solway Sharks Prospects Program. This initiative is aimed at identifying and nurturing fresh talent within the Solway Sharks Junior Club, with the goal of integrating them into the National League squad for the upcoming season. The program offers these young players valuable training opportunities both on and off the ice as they prepare for potential careers as professional hockey players, ultimately aiming to secure a place in the first team.

The partnership between Solway Sharks, Solway Sharks Junior Club, and Dumfries Ice Bowl has a rich history of developing local talent and guiding them towards higher-level hockey, whether it be in the Elite League, NIHL, or representing Great Britain in junior competitions. Notable success stories include current squad members such as Liam Stenton, Scott Henderson, Stuart Kerr, Callum Hepburn, Connor Henderson, Lewis Houston, and Bari McKenzie, among others.

In line with this tradition, the ownership team consisting of John, Phil, and David was eager to formalize this development pathway and offer aspiring players a more structured and official arrangement. By doing so, they aim to provide young talent with the best possible chance of making a successful transition from junior hockey to the National League at an earlier stage in their careers.

The Solway Sharks are pleased to introduce the first group of official Solway Sharks Apprentices to the team, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for these promising players.

Sharks Head Coach, Martin Grubb commented

“I am incredibly happy we have been able to continue this development pathway and formalise a prospects program. This kind of program is vital to the future of our team and ensures we keep producing high end players and giving them this opportunity, I’m convinced we will see many more to come through the ranks. These 5 players trained with us all throughout last season with Logan Reid making the bench on one occasion and at 16 years old that’s a fantastic achievement in such a strong squad. Each of these players gives us something different to work with and our aim is to have them in and around the senior squad as much as possible allowing them to witness firsthand the commitment and effort levels it requires to be a professional while constantly learning on and off the ice.

The jump between Junior hockey and NIHL National is a significant one, so our plan is to loan these young players out on 2-way deals gaining valuable game time while still being committed to the Junior club and skating with us as much as possible. We will announce details of these in due course as it is imperative that we allow the players to get valuable game time as well as the extra training to enhance their development.”

Sharks Junior Chair, Leanne Thomson commented

“SSJIHC are delighted to see these young players continue their development with the Senior Sharks now they have been promoted. The pathway between our junior and senior clubs has been a massive part of the Solway Sharks success over the years with a large percentage of the team coming through our ranks.

When the club was promoted and the new ownership group came in we were obviously delighted for the club and its been fantastic to see that this pathway is also really important to John, Phil & David. As the introduction of the official prospect programme shows their commitment to keep producing Sharks players via the Junior Club for years to come.”

Everyone at the club is really looking forward to seeing these guys develop both as people and players in the coming years and develop into Solway Sharks players for years to come. We know they will do well, and we are excited to give the young players in the club an opportunity to aspire to be Sharks as we have lots more talent in our junior club”.

Logan Reid – Netminder – 22/23 Season GP 20 GAA 2.33, SV% 0.911, Shutouts 5

Owen Rae – Defence – 22/23 Season GP 23, G29 A 27 TP 56 Across u16 and U19 leagues

Ewan Duignan – Defence – 22/23 Season GP 29, G16 A 17 TP 33 Across u16 and U19 leagues

Bailey Thomson – Forward – 22/23 Season GP 32, G 43 A 54 TP 97 Across u16 and U19 leagues

Tomas Vyrostek – Forward – 22/23 Season GP 20, G65 A 21 TP 86 Across u16 and U19 leagues

Rugby Returns with a Roar: Dumfries & Galloway Teams Back in Action

Domestic rugby in Dumfries & Galloway is back after the summer as every side, both men’s and women’s, have kicked off their 2023/24 campaigns.

Over the weekend, Newton Stewart hosted Falkirk in a game that saw last year’s second and third-placed teams face off in round 1 of National 2. Despite scores from Mark McCornick and Thomas MacDonald, Newton fell short 31-14 in the end.

Dumfries Saints were also at home and lost by just two points against a strong Boroughmuir side 28-26. Although a loss, the Saints picked up two points in National 3 for scoring four tries and losing within seven.

Stewartry started life in the newly-formed National 4 with a 30-29 win over Strathmore at Greenlaw. Captain Angus Lindsay, Lochy Spence and Archie Nicholson grabbed the tries for the Blacks, while the game was won with a last-play penalty kick from flyhalf John Picken.

At Kilmarnock, Annan came away with a long-awaited win at Bellsland after scores from Aitken Render (2), Alex Halliday, Fraser McMillan, Andrew Jancey and James Kirby secured a 38-22 scoreline.

The Stewartry Sirens faced their toughest test yet in the Women’s Scottish Premiership as they played Corstophine Cougars and were eventually beaten 68-0 in Edinburgh.

Annan Warriors struggled to a 70-5 loss to Biggar on Sunday in the Women’s West 1 regional league. Ashley Clark got the score for the yellow and blacks.

Wigtownshire Ladies were also on the wrong end of a 38-5 loss to Greenock Wanderers. Lydia Smith and Carla Campbell, however, put in great performances and were awarded players of the match.

Fixtures this weekend:

Lasswade v Newton Stewart

Hillhead Jordanhill v Dumfries Saints Perthshire v Stewartry

Annan v Dalziel

Wigtownshire v Strathaven

Glasgow Uni Medics v Moffat

Heriots Blues v Stewartry Sirens West of Scotland v Annan Warriors Wigtownshire Ladies v Ayr

 

DGWGO Rugby Round-up brought to you in partnership with Ross and John from Dumfries and Galloway Rugby Podcast. Follow The Dumfries and Galloway Rugby Podcast HERE

Wigtown Poetry Prize Shortlist Revealed

● International awards celebrate Scotland’s three indigenous languages ● Winners to be unveiled at special Wigtown Book Festival event The shortlist has been unveiled for the annual Wigtown Poetry Prize – with 25 entries now in the running for the five different awards.

Each year Scotland’s annual award for poetry in the country’s three indigenous languages attracts entries from around the world – nurturing poetry and providing a showcase for poets.

Nicholas Walker, Wigtown Poetry Prize Group Chair, said: “The prize has earned a worldwide reputation for the quality of entries and for championing poetry in each of the country’s indigenous languages.

“This year’s awards further underline the point, with entries coming from as far afield as Finland, Israel, Japan and New Zealand.

“We are also pleased to be nurturing talent from within our own region through the Dumfries & Galloway Fresh Voices Award.

“Just making it onto the shortlist is a tremendous achievement from the hundreds of entries we received; and I would like to congratulate every one of the people who has reached this stage.

“We are now looking forward to the judges’ final decisions, and being able to announce the winners at a special event during this month’s Wigtown Book Festival.” There are five elements to the Wigtown Poetry Prize:  The Wigtown Prize. Open to work in English, Scots or Scottish Gaelic. The winner receives £1,500 and the runner up £200.

 The Wigtown Scots Prize. £500, runner-up £200 (supported by the Saltire Society).

 The Wigtown Gaidhlig Prize. £500, runner-up £200 (supported by Comhairle nan Leabhraichean / The Gaelic Books Council).

 Dumfries & Galloway Fresh Voices Award. For poets living in, or from, Dumfries and Galloway who have never professionally published a full length collection. The prize is a package of professional support including mentoring by Wigtown Festival Company and a retreat hosted by Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre.

 Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize. Named in memory of one of Scotland’s foremost literary talents, which recognises a collection of work rather than individual poems. The prize for the work to be set as a pamphlet by Gerry Cambridge and published by the Wigtown Festival Company.

Donald S Murray, who is judging The Wigtown Prize and the Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize, said: “Among the hundreds of poems I came across while judging this competition, there were a countless number that impressed me.

“Some were playful and amusing, full of fun and laughter; others touching and moving, dealing with grief and loss. Some were inspirational in their sheer simplicity; others more complex and deserving of great thought and exploration.

“The most difficult task was narrowing the range down to a shortlist. There were many – in Gaelic, English and Scots – that deserved to be included. This was especially true among the contenders for the Alasdair Reid Pamphlet Prize. I relished and enjoyed much of the work I encountered while going through the pages of these varied and powerful collections.

“I have no doubt, however, of the quality of the verse that is shortlisted.

“Their words sparkled and shone, entering both my vision and understanding each time I experienced the strength of their imagery and language. Each one is a wonder of sorts. I feel blessed in being given the chance to explore them.” The winners will be announced at a special event in the County Buildings, Wigtown, hosted by Hugh McMillan as part of the Wigtown Book Festival on Friday, 29 September at 7.30pm.

The shortlist

Wigtown Prize

 A Journey to the Interior of the Earth Gillian Dawson  My Aunt Betty Robert Duncan

 Lilias Stephanie Green

 April Lambing Anita John

 Winter Solstice Rachel Rankin  My Mother Unwraps My Gift of Frida Kahlo’s Me and My Parrots John Wheway Wigtown Scots Prize

 Juist Craig Aitchison

 Junkie Lust Helen Cross

 The Auld Words Fiona Frank

 Peer Breiths Keeks Mc

Wigtown Scottish Gaelic Prize

 Mapaichean Seonaidh Charity

 Ainneamhag Gheal Marcas Mac an Tuairneir  An Geama Mairi MacLeod

 An Dealbh as Fhearr do dh’Astràilia Marion F Morrison  Thus’ air mo chuimhne Tia Thomson Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize

 Ensō Jill Abram

 Some Things I Do Not Know Arthur Allen  Exile Anjali Suzanne Angel

 Ortelius’s Sea Monsters Stephanie Green  Hunter’s Moon Steve May

 extracts from a haibun-style poem cycle Jane McBeth  You Ask Why I Seldom Write About Men Sarah Stewart Dumfries and Galloway Fresh Voice Award  Sunshine Against Shadow Robin Leiper  That Day Jane McBeth

 One Moonless Night Diane Schofield.

The 2023 judges

 Wigtown Poetry Prize and Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize – Donald S Murray (author and poet)  Scots prize – Lennie Pennie (Scots language poet)  Gaidhlig prize – Rody Gorman (renowned for his Scottish Gaelic poetry)  Fresh Voices Award – Susi Briggs (author, poet, storyteller and musician).

Visibility Scotland’s Tech Showcase for the Visually Impaired: Annan & Moffat Events

Craig MacLagan, Digital Advisor with Visibility Scotland

One of Scotland’s oldest charities hopes to help visually impaired people embrace the latest accessible technology available to them at a series of events across Dumfries & Galloway this month (September).

Visibility Scotland, which has been helping people living with sight loss since 1859, have upcoming exhibitions planned in Moffat and Annan and there are further events planned for other towns and villages in the region.

With an estimated 5,000 people living in Dumfries & Galloway with a visual impairment, Community Worker Erin Leslie of Visibility Scotland hopes the events will attract interest locally.

Erin said: “Although new technology can seem daunting, it has made such significant strides in the past few years that we’d encourage people to come along for a chat and demonstration. Whether it’s for you, a friend, neighbour or family member, the accessible equipment we will have on the day enables people with varying levels of experience to do everyday things very easily.

“Whether you’re a complete beginner who’s looking for a simplified way to use a computer, or an expert that needs magnification with optional speech, there will be kit there on the day that could make a real difference to your life.”

Craig MacLagan, Digital Advisor with Visibility Scotland, added: “We work with hundreds of people living with sight loss across the region, and assistive technology can make such a positive impact on their lives. It’s about finding the right device for you, and having the right follow up support to get the most out of it, and days like this provide a great opportunity to do just that.

“New technologies like this can be life changing for people living with a visual impairment, enabling them to take on new tasks they were unable to perform alone before and rebuilding confidence and independence.”

The event is free to enter and will run from 12 noon to 3pm in Moffat Town Hall on Tuesday, 12th September.

Later in the month, on Monday, 25th September the team will be back in Annan delivering an exhibition from 12 noon to 2pm in Kate’s Kitchen on the High Street.

For further information about this event call Visibility Scotland on 01387 267 131 and ask to speak with Erin.

The Saltire Society Celebrates Scottish Talent at Ellisland Farm

Robyn Stapleton Knockengorroch festival
Robyn Stapleton

One of Scotland’s top cultural organisations visits Robert Burns’ farm next week to showcase leading local and national talent at an early evening concert.

The Saltire Society roadshow at Ellisland Farm near Dumfries features Stranraer born singer Robyn Stapleton, Penpont poet Hugh McMillan and musician Alasdair C White a performer in Gaelic and English from Mull.

Dr Pauline Mackay, co- director of the centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow will speak about the poet. She is the editor of the widely acclaimed book, Burns for Every Day of the Year.

The evening will run from 6-8pm on Tuesday the 12th of September at Ellisland Farm. Tickets are just £6.13 and must be purchased online.

Project Director at The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust,  Joan McAlpine said: “We are delighted that the prestigous Saltire Society have chosen Ellisland and Dumfriesshire to showcase their work, and feature some fantastic local and national talent. It will take place in a barn built by Burns himself which makes it all the more special.”

Record Crowds & Sizzling Performances: Music at the Multiverse 2023 Festival Sets New Heights

The two-day Music at the Multiverse festival took place at Crawick Multiverse on the 2 nd and 3 rd September. Thanks to a record crowd, amazing performances and a sizzling hot weekend of sunshine in Dumfries and Galloway, this family-friendly festival has left event organisers, visitors, locals and headliners buzzing with excitement about the potential of Crawick Multiverse; one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor visitor attractions and festival venues.

The 55-acre environmental artland set between Kirkconnel and Sanquhar on the Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire border, was transformed into a lively festival site for the weekend, but from day-to-day, the former open-cast coal mine, is a popular artland and visitor attraction and is the perfect picnic and dog-walking spot for visitors and locals.

Just under 2,000 people attended the local independent festival over the weekend, almost double 2022 attendance, with both an increase in local support as well as visitors travelling further afield from areas such as Ayrshire, Carlisle, Fife, Glasgow, Nottingham and Southampton.

Headline acts attracted a record audience to the 2023 festival and included feel-good festival favourites Scouting for Girls; multi-award winning Celtic trad-rockers Skerryvore; Glasgow-based indie rock band Shambolics; and Scottish rock legends Big Country who entertained the crowds from the Main Stage at the Sun Amphitheatre.

Meanwhile, the Big Top Dance Tent hosted performances from Ultrabeat and N-Trance and were supported by Team GBX – Michael Smith, Cassi and Macca, Stevie Lennon, Joe Deacon and MC Rowlands.

Local DJ Malcolm X from Kelloholm also returned to entertain the crowds and was joined by other local performers including; The Dangleberries, Mary Barclay Band, Big Time Louie and Pedro and the Pirates.

The Crawick audience were also entertained by up-and-coming Glasgow five-piece band Rodeo Club.

Now in its third year, the festival has well and truly established itself within the Scottish music scene and has put Crawick Multiverse on the map for outdoor festivals and events.

Roy Stride from headline act Scouting for Girls was taken by the whole experience and the stunning views of the Upper Nithsdale Valley. He took to Instagram during his visit to show off the venue to his followers where he described the site as “the maddest festival site of all time”. He added: “I’m at the maddest festival site in the world…this is the view…”. During their performance, Roy also left the stage to lead a giant conga around the Multiverse.

Festival-goers who were fortunate enough to reserve a spot for their motorhomes were more than delighted with the views, peace, tranquillity and open space they enjoyed while staying over at Crawick Multiverse, and, of course, with the sunshine and the buzz of the festival during the day too.

Festival organiser Sharon Glendinning, General Manager at Crawick Multiverse said: “What a fantastic weekend we had here at Crawick Multiverse. Top-class artists, a fun, friendly and lively crowd, a stunning site and brilliant sunshine really did result in a wonderful festival. The atmosphere was great and to have doubled our ticket sales year-on-year has exceeded our expectations. We are only in year three, and we have some lessons to learn, but we are proud to have delivered a safe family-friendly festival experience and to have had the support of local residents, businesses and the media has been greatly appreciated. We hope the success of this weekend will help inspire future events and festivals and encourage more day visitors and locals to make good use of the amazing outdoor space we have on our doorstep. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us and a huge thank you to our staff team, contractors, local suppliers, event and media partners and our sponsors and funders – we couldn’t have done this without you!”

The Crawick Multiverse Trust would like to thank The Globe Inn, David Hardie Engineering Ltd (Community Sponsor), The Holywood Trust (Youth Development Sponsor), Shaw Contract EMEA, Lloyd Ltd, J & J Currie Ltd, McGowan Miller Construction Consultants, Asher Associates Ltd, Genesis OHS Ltd and Alba Printers Ltd for generously sponsoring Music at the Multiverse 2023. The Trust also gratefully acknowledges the funding contribution received from Dumfries and Galloway Council Major Events Fund 2023/24.

Thanks to sponsorship received from David Hardie Engineering Ltd (Community Sponsor) and The Holywood Trust (Youth Development Sponsor); and working in partnership with Action for Children, Upper Nithsdale Family Service and Upper Nithsdale RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), we were also able to invite four local families and a group of young RDA volunteers to enjoy the festival experience too.

For anyone who would like to visit Crawick Multiverse, the site is open to the public 7 days a week. Day and family tickets and annual memberships can be purchased online. Group visits are also welcome. Crawick Multiverse has also recently opened an aire for motorhome and live-in vehicle stopovers, To find out more or to sign-up for the latest news and details of future events at Crawick Multiverse visit www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk.

Local Action Group Shines Light on Suicide Prevention During National Awareness Week

National Suicide Prevention week is running from 4th to the 10th of September, with International Suicide Prevention day being held on the 10th September with a theme of ‘Creating Hope Through Action.’

On the 10th of September each year, the international suicide prevention community aims to reduce stigma and reinforce the message that we can all play a part in helping to prevent suicide.

To support Suicide Prevention week the local multi-agency Suicide Prevention Action Group are raising awareness throughout the region with activities such as stalls at public venues and messaging on social media. Key messages for this year’s campaign are Talking Saves Lives, Together We Can Save Lives, and offering Time Space Compassion. These messages highlight that by being there to support each other and through listening with empathy we can help to save a live.

Sadly, the number of deaths by suicide in Dumfries and Galloway for 2022 was 16, this is slightly lower than the figure for 2021 which stood at 20. However, every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and has a devastating and lasting impact on those left bereaved.

Valerie White, Director of Public Health, NHS D&G, said: “Any suicide is devastating for loved ones, family, friends, colleagues and our wider community. People can feel suicidal for a range of reasons, such as financial issues, isolation, loneliness or bereavement. Talking openly about suicide is a way to reduce the stigma that prevents people from talking about how they are feeling or seeking help. It is hoped that by partner organisations working together, and with people in our communities, we can encourage and support making it easier for people to ask for help, and for people to offer help to someone in distress.” If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide there is a range of support available such as:

Your GP/Doctor surgery,

Breathing Space – phone 0800 83 85 87.

NHS 24 – phone 111 or www.nhsinform.scot Samaritans – phone 116 123 or email [email protected] or www.samaritans.org Download the Prevent Suicide D & G app on your electronic device

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