Day: 19 February 2026

Dynamic Earth boosts accessibility with new British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Planetarium experiences and Changing Places Facilities.

Stuart Mitchell

Dynamic Earth has announced a major milestone in its commitment to inclusion by introducing British Sign Language (BSL) into its world-class Planetarium. Starting 1st March 2026, the Edinburgh-based science centre will become one of the first in the UK to offer multiple Planetarium films with BSL interpretation. This includes You Are Here and Don’t Panic, live shows developed by Dynamic Earth’s team of in‑house astronomers. This offering by Dynamic Earth sets a new benchmark for inclusive science engagement. Supported by funding from the Birkdale Trust, this initiative ensures that deaf…

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The Hague will open lending desks to promote sharing and renting to reduce waste

Stuart Mitchell

The City of The Hague is investing €100,000 in the European project AccessHubs, an initiative designed to make borrowing and renting everyday items more accessible. The project encourages residents to share and rent products rather than own them, helping to reduce waste and support a more circular economy. The investment aligns with the city’s broader circular economy goals, which focus on extending the lifespan of products, preventing waste, and reducing the need for new raw materials. Funding for the project comes from the municipality’s Co-financing Fund, which helps attract additional European funding for innovative initiatives. In total, The Hague will receive more than €270,000 in EU support to strengthen local sharing and rental…

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New report calculates that the UK’s impact economy contributes £428bn – 15% of total GDP

Stuart Mitchell

New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) has published Impact UK, which for the first time estimates the scale, scope, and power of the UK’s impact economy – contributing £428 billion in gross value added to the UK economy as a whole and, at 15% of UK GDP, one of the most significant sectors in the economy.  The report, with contributions from leaders across the impact economy, highlights the scale, vibrancy and diversity of the organisations that form it, and compares it to other significant economies, such as the creative and manufacturing sectors.…

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New report sets out urgent recommendations to reset the next phase of plastics treaty negotiations

Stuart Mitchell

A new report published recently identifies critical challenges in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and sets out practical steps to strengthen the next phase of the process ahead of the next UN negotiation committee meeting on 7 February.  The report, released by the Global Plastics Policy Centre based at the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute, brings together three years of evidence-based research into the UN negotiations towards a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The report concludes that unless the process is reset to rebuild trust, clarify direction and unlock political will, the world risks missing a once-in-a-generation chance to tackle plastic pollution at its…

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Advice charities supporting older people urged to apply for fund totalling £1.6 million

Stuart Mitchell

Independent Age has announced a new round of its Boosting Advice Fund, as part of its continued fight against poverty in later life. The national charity is making £1.6 million available to local advice organisations supporting older people in financial hardship. The fund will be open for Expressions of Interest from 4 February to 25 February. The Boosting Advice Fund has already awarded £4.9 million in the past two years to strengthen an advice sector that continues to deliver vital support despite long-term underfunding and increasing demand. This latest round…

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