Latest news with #JohnLewis'
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Campaign to recruit new foster families must go on
Well, as with many things, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Across Scotland, we have a growing need for more foster families, with recent statistics highlighting a shortfall of around 400 families needed across the country to provide safe, loving homes for children who, for various reasons, cannot remain with their birth families. At Kibble Fostering, we are striving to bridge this gap by actively recruiting potential foster carers to come forward and take on this incredible, life-changing role. However, this is not without its challenges. Despite the visibility brought by John Lewis' campaign, we are still facing a significant shortage of available foster parents, and barriers remain in ensuring that fostering services are sufficiently funded and supported. The advert brought fostering into the national spotlight and was a catalyst for much-needed conversations about the role of foster carers and the urgent need for more families to open their homes to vulnerable children. The Scottish Government has made important strides in addressing this issue, most recently launching a national campaign aimed at recruiting more foster carers across Scotland – a positive and much-needed step in tackling the shortfall. This renewed call for carers recognises the vital role foster families play and seeks to boost both awareness and action across the country. There is a growing recognition that fostering needs to be supported in a sustainable way – with initiatives focused on improving training, offering more professional support, and reducing the financial strain for foster families. This is something that Kibble is entirely committed to and collectively working alongside the sector to achieve. Despite these welcome commitments, the reality is that services remain stretched. We urgently need more foster families – families who are not only willing but also equipped with the skills and support needed to provide care. Fostering is not just about providing a temporary place to stay; it's about creating stability, safety, and a sense of long-term belonging for children who have often experienced trauma in their early years. John Lewis's 2022 Christmas advert did more than just raise awareness – it ignited a national conversation. But we cannot afford to let that conversation fizzle out. If we are to maintain momentum, we must ensure that funding, support, and most importantly, the number of foster families increase to meet demand. That's why organisations like Kibble remain focused on finding and supporting new foster carers – doing our part to close the gap and ensure no child is left without the care they need. After all, fostering is not a seasonal effort – it's a lifetime commitment to the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable children. Now, more than ever, we must act on the spirit of that campaign and transform it into lasting change. Sandy Mayhew is Executive Director, Kibble Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Lidl reveals new BBQ range that will be hitting stores in DAYS and prices start from £1.99
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIDL is turning up the heat this summer with a brand-new BBQ range landing in stores this week. From bargain grilling tools to a top-of-the-line gas barbecue, the supermarket's latest middle aisle launch is packed with sizzling deals and prices start at just £1.99. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Lidl has released its new BBQ range just in time for summer 2 The budget supermarket is selling BBQ essentials at bargain prices Landing in stores nationwide from Sunday, May 18, the Grillmeister range includes everything you need to get the barbecue season going from skewers to cast iron cooking pans and burger presses. Lidl will be selling the Grillmeister Barbecue Tools for just £1.99 each, with 16 tool options to choose from. The budget supermarket has also put up a tempting multibuy offer, allowing customers to bag two for £3, making them just £1.50 each. Of course, you can't have a BBQ without the BBQ itself. Read more on garden buys EN GARD-EN Transform your garden into summer haven as B&M slashes patio must-have by £75 And so the star of the show is Lidl's Grillmeister Burner Gas Barbecue, priced at £149.99. However, shoppers will want to compare prices elsewhere before shelling out, as similar models can sometimes be found cheaper at other retailers. Curry's is currently selling a George Foreman charcoal BBQ for the same price, which is a good high-quality option, perfect for those looking for home delivery, as Lidl only offers in-store purchase. Argos also has a gas burner BBQ listed slightly cheaper for £145. These are great alternatives, especially when you consider some models on the market cost a small fortune. For example, the Asda Uniflame Classic Burner Gas BBQ could set you back £299, whilst John Lewis' Outback BBQ retails for £249. I tested all the high street pizza ovens - this one at over half the price of Lakeland's is the best Its always worth researching prices across different retailers to make sure you're getting the best value for money. Websites like PriceSpy and even a quick scroll on Google Shopping can help you make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. If you're not ready to commit to a full-size gas model, Lidl is also selling smaller, more budget-friendly options like the Charcoal Bucket Barbecue for just £11.99, available in black or yellow. Those looking to upgrade their BBQ kit can grab extra-long skewers, fish baskets, corn-on-the-cob holders, chopping boards, and even a cast iron wok, all designed to bring your backyard feast to the next level. How to compare prices to get the best deal JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal. There are plenty of comparison websites out there that'll check prices for you - so don't be left paying more than you have to. Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers. Here are some that we recommend: Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results. Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock. Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one. CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of. There's even a burger and meat press to help make sure your patties are up to par. Whether you're going all-in with a new grill or just need to restock your utensils, the Grillmeister range looks set to fly off shelves just in time for Father's Day and the May bank holiday. Remember, Lidl does not offer home delivery options so you'll have to visit your nearest store to check out the new range. Its worth calling ahead to make sure the items you're after are in stock before making a trip. LIDL GRILLMEISTER BBQ RANGE – FULL LIST & PRICES Barbecues Grillmeister Burner Gas Barbecue – £149.99 Grillmeister Charcoal Bucket Barbecue (Black or Yellow) – £11.99 Grillmeister Trolley Barbecue – £29.99 (with Lidl Plus) Tools & Accessories Grillmeister Extra-Long Barbecue Skewers (5 pack) – £3.99 Grillmeister Barbecue Skewers (7 pack) – £3.99 Grillmeister Barbecue Tools – £1.99 each / 2 for £3 Grillmeister Fish Grill Basket (2 pack) – £4.99 Grillmeister Barbecue Grill Basket – £4.99 Grillmeister Hamburger Grill Basket – £4.99 Grillmeister Corn On The Cob Grill Basket – £4.99 Grillmeister Bamboo Chopping Boards (2 pack) – £4.99 Grillmeister Bamboo Chopping Board (single) – £4.99 Grillmeister Barbecue Pan + Serving Platter – £6.99 Grillmeister Barbecue Plate + Serving Platter – £6.99 Grillmeister Cast Iron Wok – £19.99 Grillmeister Cast Iron Bread Pan – £19.99 Grillmeister Cast Iron Grill Pan – £19.99 Grillmeister Burger Press – £6.99 Grillmeister Meat Press – £6.99 All items available in store from 18.05. How can I save money when shopping at Lidl? Lidl reduces items at the start of the day, and the best deals can be found between 7am and 8am, when most stores open. Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more. Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze. Everyone knows about the "Middle of Lidl" – it's here where you'll find a load of random stuff you didn't realise you needed, at decent prices. But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the "Middle of Lidl" on the supermarket's website in advance. The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Four savvy ways to give your old make-up a new lease of life
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY of us have old make-up gathering dust at the back of drawers and cabinets. But you can give some items a new lease of life. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 We have four savvy ways to give your old make-up a new lease of life Credit: Getty Try one of these ideas before discarding unused beauty items. EYESHADOW: Old eyeshadow can be scraped out of palettes and crushed up for use in crafts. Kids will enjoy dipping their fingers in the dust and making patterns on paper. Or mix with water or white paint to create new shimmery colours. Empty palettes can also be used for mixing paints, or as part of creative play. You could also try mixing crushed powder with clear nail varnish to make a new shade for your nails. MASCARA: You should replace your mascara within six months of first using to avoid the risk of eye infections or irritation which means it's easy to rack up lots of old packs. Wash and clean the wand, however, and it can still be used as a dry brush for eyelashes or eyebrows. Or use it for cleaning small, intricate items such as jewellery. Again, you can repurpose it for arts and crafts by giving to kids to use as a paintbrush. Beauty fan shares genius hack to nab a £28 designer concealer for just £4, as she urges others to 'run to John Lewis' BRONZER AND BLUSH: Powdered bronze and blush can also be crushed and mixed with body lotion at application to create a tinted moisturiser — great for summer. If you have any near-empty pots, wash them out and use for decanting lotions in for travelling. RECYCLE: If your tube of foundation is nearly finished, cut it open to get the last drops. If you can't find any further uses for old make-up, empty and clean the containers to recycle in return for rewards. Eyeshadow palettes, mascara, and other small cosmetic packaging can be handed in to Boots through its recycling schemes. If you recycle five items and spend £1 in-store you'll collect 500 extra Advantage card points. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day 7 This inflatable Lay-Z-Spa hot tub is down to £298.99 at Robert Dyas Credit: Robert Dyas ADD some serious luxury to your outdoor setup with this inflatable Lay-Z-Spa hot tub down from £379.99 to £298.99 at Robert Dyas. SAVE: £81 Cheap treat 7 NYX butter gloss is now £5.99 at Credit: GIVE your lips a shiny finish with NYX butter gloss, £5.99, from What's new? PERK up your afternoon coffee with Starbucks vanilla latte sachets, £3.30, new in at Tesco. Top swap 7 This sweet strawberry tumbler is £5 from John Lewis Credit: John Lewis 7 Asda's similar option is £1 Credit: Asda SERVE some refreshments in this sweet strawberry tumbler, £5, from John Lewis. Or Asda's similar option is £1. SAVE: £4 Little helper STOCK up on products for your pet with four items for the price of three at Sainsbury's with a Nectar card, including food and other essentials. Shop & save 7 This leopard-print mini dress is £20 at New Look Credit: New Look EMBRACE your wild side with this leopard-print mini dress down from £33.99 to £20 at New Look. SAVE: £13.99 Hot right now BUY two or more mains at Mexican food chain Chiquitos this month and get unlimited standard nacho refills for 90 minutes. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Irish Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I've been to 50 countries and I swear by the travel bag that's gone viral in 2025 – and I've found an £8 dupe
HAVING been to more than 50 countries in the past decade, I've learned a thing or two about packing. And one of those is finding the right bag, especially when trying to pack light. Advertisement 3 I always use a Longchamp bag to travel with and it's trending again Credit: Langchamp 3 Even Kate Middleton has been seen with it Credit: Getty My go to is the Longchamp Le Pliage bag, a canvas shoulder bag that folds down - and it's suddenly become trendy again. The bag first launched back in 1993, with the word "pliage" meaning "to fold" in French. But not only was it trending on TikTok last year, but a number of fashion experts have named it the top "it" bag for 2025. Advertisement Read more on bags "But whatever the reason, Longchamp Le Pliage designs have been popping up literally everywhere I look - my Instagram , TikTok and Pinterest feeds, on the arms of fellow fashion editors and influencers at industry events, [even] slung on the shoulders of women of all ages ." And Realsimple wrote: "The tote was everywhere back in the day, and it's becoming majorly trendy again." Last year, the bag was John Lewis' bestseller, which kept selling out on the website. Famous faces including Jennifer Lopez , Kendall Jenner and Katie Holmes have all been spotted with the bag before. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive Even royalty have loved them, with Kate Middleton toting one during her university graduation in 2005 as well as during a number of her travels. But when it comes to being used as a travel bag, it ticks all of the boxes. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her expert packing tips Made of canvas, it is easy to wipe clean even when drinks and food are spilled on it. And depending what size you go for, I've managed to pack enough in it for a weekend break to Europe to avoid the strict Ryanair fees. Advertisement It fits in a remarkable amount, being a 'Mary Poppins' bag of size. Mine is still going strong after years of heavy duty use too, thanks the leather handles. It does come with a cost, being around £110 on most websites. The durability justifies the steep price, but if you do want a dupe then Amazon has some very highly rated options. Advertisement One is the GM Likkie Shoulder Tote, which is less than £8 and has more than 800 reviews, most of which are five stars. One wrote: "Great dupe for the Longchamp, love the mesh pocket at the top and it's fully waterproof!" Another wrote: "This is a great dupe for the Longchamp Le Pliage bag. It's easily foldable for travel and the material feels durable." 3 I've been to more than 50 countries, so have learned to pack along the way (stock image) Credit: Alamy Advertisement
Al Jazeera
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
US Senator Cory Booker makes history with record speech aimed at Trump
United States Senator Cory Booker has broken the record for the longest speech in the history of the US Senate with a marathon address railing against US President Donald Trump. Booker, a Democratic Senator for New Jersey, entered the annals of history on Tuesday after holding the Senate floor for more than 25 hours, shattering the previous record set by the late segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond. With only occasional pauses to take questions from fellow Senators, Booker held forth for 25 and 4 minutes, 46 minutes longer than Thurmond's 1957 filibuster against the Civil Rights Act. Booker, who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2020, began his speech on Monday evening by invoking late civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis' call for Americans to get in 'good trouble, necessary trouble.' 'What has happened in the last 71 days is a patent demonstration of a time where John Lewis' call to everyone has, I think, become more urgent and more pressing,' said Booker, a former mayor of Newark who was first elected to the Senate in 2013. 'And if I think it is a call for our country, I have to ask myself how am I living these words. So tonight I rise with the intention of getting in some 'good trouble.' I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able. I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.' During his speech, Booker accused the Trump administration of 'recklessly' attacking institutions and railed against Elon Musk's cuts to the federal bureaucracy, including reductions in staffing at the Social Security Administration. 'You don't insinuate fear among vulnerable communities, you don't insinuate fear among our elders who deserve our respect and deserve to retire with dignity,' Booker said. The spokesperson for the White House dismissed Booker's speech as another attempt to generate an ''I am Spartacus' moment', referring to his invocation of the 1960 film 'Spartacus' during the 2018 confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. 'When will he realize he's not Spartacus — he's a spoof?' Harrison Fields said in a statement. As he wrapped up his speech on Tuesday evening, Booker returned to Lewis' history of civil rights activism. 'He said he had to do something, he would not normalise a moment like this. He would not just go along with business as usual,' he said.
