Day: May 4, 2020

Schools will need government help with vulnerable children when they return, charity warns

Adoption UK is calling on the governments in all four nations of the UK to provide additional funding and resources to help schools support those children who will struggle most, when educational settings re-open, post Covid-19 lockdown. 

Half of the parents who completed Adoption UK’s Home learning during Covid-19 lockdown report said their child is experiencing emotional distress and anxiety, while around a third (31%) said they are experiencing an increase in violence, or aggression, from their child.

Care experienced children are among the most vulnerable in the country due to their traumatic start in life. But despite this, of those who are currently home-based during lockdown, 85% are not receiving any additional support in respect of their care-experienced status, the survey found.

Rebecca Brooks, author of the report, said: “These children have traumatic life experiences that can make learning and mental health a herculean struggle during normal times, let alone during a global pandemic.

“School closures and lockdown are exacerbating learning and emotional problems, including an increase in violent behaviour. Schools are struggling to support their pupils with highest needs.”

Mrs Brooks added: “This is why we’re urging the governments across the UK to provide schools with the funding they will desperately need to help these children with their return to school – supporting not only their learning, but also their wellbeing.”

However, the report also shows that some families with care-experienced children are clearly thriving during lockdown. Around half of the respondents who completed the survey said their family relationships are improving and the same proportion of those parenting secondary aged children, said their children are calmer.

To find out about the impact of school closures on care experienced children, Adoption UK ran a week-long survey in April for parents and carers of care-experienced children who would normally be in school. The UK-wide survey received 660 valid responses.

Previous Adoption UK research has shown that adopted children, on average, achieve significantly less well in exams than their peers, are more likely to have a range of higher-level learning needs and are 20 times more likely to be permanently excluded when compared to their peers.

Edinburgh traffic reduced by 77% Since COVID-19 lockdown

Since the lockdown on 23rd March, car leasing firm Leasing Options have been monitoring the traffic in UK and ROI cities.

https://www.leasingoptions.co.uk/news/blog/uk-roi-traffic-before-after-the-covid-19-lockdown/6266

Using TomToms’ live traffic data, they have worked out the average percentage decrease in traffic for each city, at weekday 8am in April (last week) versus the same time in 2019. Here are the results:

City % Decrease in Traffic
London 77.61%
Birmingham 81.03%
Liverpool 74.07%
Dublin 83.16%
Edinburgh 77.27%
Cardiff 83.07%
Manchester 82.60%
Belfast 83.52%
Newcastle 80.36%

Edinburgh remains one of the busiest cities in the UK, with even London seeing a bigger reduction.

Using Google Maps, they have also compared the traffic pre- and post-lockdown to see how we have responded to the new restrictions on travel.

 They recorded the post lock-down traffic at around 8.30am on a weekday in April, (peak travel time for many commuters) and compared this to Google’s historical traffic data from before the lockdown.

Here is how Edinburgh looks, for example:

According to the Department for Transport, 1.96 billion vehicles travel through the City of Edinburgh in a single year.

But as the Scottish capital respects the announcement of our PM and Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, you can see that road traffic has significantly reduced, post-lockdown. Statistics from TomTom  show that traffic has dropped by as much as 64% in April, when compared to the 2019 average.

You can find the data for Greater London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Dublin, Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast, and Newcastle on Leasing Options blog here: https://www.leasingoptions.co.uk/news/blog/uk-roi-traffic-before-after-the-covid-19-lockdown/6266

Half of children and teens exposed to harmful online content

  • 47% of teens say they have seen content online they wish they hadn’t seen while in lockdown, and one in eight (13%) see harmful videos everyday
  • 14 year olds see the most harmful content, with a quarter saying they see inappropriate videos every day.
  • The BBFC website and free app contains ratings info and age ratings so parents can help their children make informed viewing choices.

New research by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has shown that children and teens are being exposed to harmful or upsetting content while in lockdown, often on a daily basis.

The research, carried out by YouGov, has revealed that in lockdown, nearly half (47%) of children and teens have seen content they’d rather avoid, leaving them feeling uncomfortable (29%), scared (23%) and confused (19%).

One in eight (13%) said they see harmful content daily while in lockdown, with 14 year olds exposed to the most. A quarter (24%) of 14 year olds say they see harmful content on a daily basis.

This comes as more than half (53%) parents say they haven’t spoken to their children about their increased time online during lockdown, with a third (29%) saying they didn’t think those chats would make a difference.

The BBFC is encouraging parents to talk to their children about what content they might be watching online during lockdown, as 60% of children say they have approached their parents to chat after seeing content that has upset or disturbed them while they’ve been online in lockdown.

Parents, and young people, can check out age ratings and ratings info to find out what content might contain on the BBFC website and app. The BBFC also has a wide range of educational resources to help parents homeschool their children during lockdown available on their website, and on their children’s website cbbfc.  

The research also shows that 82% of parents, and three quarters (73%) of children want to see trusted BBFC age ratings and ratings info displayed on user generated content platforms like YouTube, so they can avoid content that might upset or disturb them.

95% of parents said they want age ratings on user generated content platforms linked to parental filters. The BBFC is therefore calling on platforms to consider using BBFC age ratings for their content, and for uploaders of user generated content to age rate their content which could then be linked to parental filters.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “This research shows that during the lockdown parents can make a real difference to their children’s risks online if they talk about how to avoid potentially distressing and inappropriate content. 

“We’re supporting parents to help their children to navigate the online world safely, and both our website and children’s website cbbfc, contain a wealth of free educational resources including ones we have developed with the PHSE Association.

“But platforms have a role to play as well. What a difference it would make, for example, if YouTube had well known, trusted BBFC age ratings created by those uploading or watching the video, that parents and young people recognise from the cinema, DVD and Blu-ray and Netflix, linked to filters. Now more than ever we need to work together to protect children online by giving them the information they need to choose content well.”

This research supports the Government’s recognition of the need to help families stay safe online, with guidance recently issued containing the four-point plan including: reviewing security and safety settings; checking facts and guarding against disinformation; being vigilant against fraud and scams; and managing the amount of time spent online.

The 75th Commemoration of VE Day, 8th May 2020

Dear Editor,

I hope my words will be printed to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.

As a D-Day veteran of WW2 I felt – and still feel – we all must protect peace for all and co-operation between nations.

Tony Delahoy

In May 1945 the longed-for Peace came to Europe.

The joy, happiness,relief and sadness overtook Europe.

From that date there was a determination that the people of Europe co-operate in building an organisation to represent all peoples.

An agreement was reached on the formation of the United Nations, at which issues and policies could be agreed.

As a worldwide organisation a tremendous amount was done ro help people.

The formation of a European organisation became necessary to solve problems that were arising. The European Union has followed and developed this spirit of co-operation.

The greatest achievement of the EU is that Europe is, and has remained for decades, united in peace.

The people of Europe will defend the peace they have created.

Tony Delahoy

 

Small business Bounce Back Loans launch today

  • small businesses will be able to apply for quick and easy-to-access loans from today
  • businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 with the cash arriving within days
  • loans will be 100% government backed for lenders, and businesses can apply online through a short and simple form

Thousands of small firms and sole traders – including high street staples like hairdressers, coffee shops and florists – will be eligible for 100% government-backed Bounce Back Loans to help them make it through the coronavirus outbreak.

From 9am this morning, small business owners can apply to accredited lenders by filling out a simple online form, with only seven questions.

The government has also agreed with lenders that an affordable flat rate of 2.5% interest will be charged on these loans. And any business that has already taken out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan of £50,000 or less can apply to have these switched over to this generous new scheme.

The Bounce Back Loan scheme is the latest step in a package of world-leading support measures launched by Chancellor Rishi Sunak – with £7.5 billion already awarded in business grants, 4 million jobs supported through the job retention scheme and generous tax deferrals supporting hundreds of thousands of firms.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “Small businesses will play a key role creating jobs and securing economic growth as we recover from the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The Bounce Back loan scheme will make sure they get the finance they need – helping them bounce back and protect jobs.”

Business Secretary Alok Sharma (above) said: “We are backing small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities, with the support they need to stay afloat.

“This new scheme of 100% government-guaranteed loans gives owners of even the smallest businesses the confidence and flexibility to borrow a sum which works for them. This will help ensure they can continue to trade, and be a key part of our efforts to reboot the British economy.”

As part of the scheme, small businesses can borrow between £2,000 and £50,000. The government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee and cover the cost of any fees and interest for the borrower for the first 12 months. No repayments will be due during this period to enable firms to get back on their feet.

The loans are available through a network of lenders, including the five largest banks.

Suzanne Pilley – Police appeal on ten year anniversary

Police Scotland is renewing its commitment to finding the body of Suzanne Pilley, 10 years after her disappearance.

On May 4, 2010, Suzanne left her home in Whitson Road, Edinburgh to attend her place of work in Thistle Street, Edinburgh.

However, the 38-year-old failed to show up at her office and was subsequently reported missing after family and friends were unable to get in contact with her.

A major missing person investigation was launched, which subsequently became a murder inquiry.

As a result, David Gilroy was charged on June 23, 2010, before being convicted of Suzanne’s murder March 15, 2012. Gilroy, now 57, is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years.

While Suzanne’s body was never recovered, the investigation by Edinburgh CID focussed on the Rest and Be Thankful and Argyll Forrest, where it is suspected her remains have been hidden.

Several visits to the area with extensive searching  having been conducted over the past decade, based on information from the public. However, to date, her body remains missing.

For the 10-year anniversary of Suzanne’s disappearance, Police Scotland is asking for anyone who may have information that can assist with the inquiry to find Suzanne’s body, but has yet to come forward, to do so immediately.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, said: “I am entirely confident that justice was served in terms of Suzanne’s murder. However, it is deeply regretful that, as of now, we have been unable to recover her body and bring a sense of closure to her family.

“We will continue to revisit this investigation and conduct fresh search activity in the Argyll Forest area, whenever we receive new information from the public. So, with that in mind, I’d urge anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but who hasn’t yet spoken with police, to contact us immediately.”

“Sadly, Suzanne’s father Rob passed away in February 2019 without ever knowing what happened to his daughter. We remain committed to finding these answers for Suzanne’s mother, Sylvia and sister, Gail.”

Gail Fairgrieve, Suzanne’s sister, said: “For the past decade we have lived in a state of limbo, waiting for the news that Suzanne’s body had been found, but we’ve never been able to get that closure.

“We accept that Suzanne was murdered and believe that the person responsible is in prison, but we feel we cannot say a proper goodbye until her body is found.

“Both my mother and I want to again thank the public who have continued to contact the police, which has always given us hope that Suzanne has not been forgotten. We understand that only one person can tell us where Suzanne is but has refused to do so. Police Scotland will respond to any information and are committed to bringing us some form of closure.

“Their investigation can only conclude when Suzanne is found and so I would plead with anyone who knows something but hasn’t come forward to search their conscience and get in touch. Not for our sake, but for Suzanne’s. Please let us give her the burial and send-off she deserves.”

Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Jeane Freeman: ‘Help is there if you need it’

Statement given by the Health Secretary Jeane Freeman at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh yesterday (Sunday 3 May):

Good afternoon and thank you again for joining us for today’s briefing.

I want to start – as I always do – by updating you on some of the key statistics in relation to Covid-19 in Scotland.

As at 9 o’clock this morning, there have been 12,097 positive cases confirmed – an increase of 170 from yesterday.

A total of 1,666 patients are in hospital with Covid-19 and that is a decrease of 8 from yesterday.

And a total of 99 people last night were in intensive care with confirmed or suspected Covid 19. A decrease of 9 since the numbers reported yesterday.

It’s worth noting that this is first time that number has been below 100, since 29 March.  That is obviously very encouraging news.  It does show that the restrictions are working – but it also underlines why we need to stick with them.

So I want to thank all of you for the sacrifices you have made – and I know will continue to make. I know it is not easy, but I hope you are beginning to see as we do that those sacrifices are beginning to show results. And I of course want to thank everyone working in our intensive care units.   Your efforts are having a hugely positive impact.

I can also confirm today that since 5 March, a total of 2,765 patients who had tested positive for the virus have been able to leave hospital. I wish all of them well.

However I also have to report that in the last 24 hours, 12 deaths have been registered of patients who have been confirmed through a test as having Covid-19 – that takes the total number of deaths in Scotland, under that measurement, to 1,571.

As I have said previously at these Sunday briefings, these figures should be treated with some caution. Although deaths can be registered at weekends, registration numbers are usually relatively low. And that should be taken into account when looking at today’s figures.

But as always I am aware that these are not just numbers. Each one was a person who’s death is a source of grief to many. Each one, is a life lost.

So, I want to send my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one, to this virus.

As Health Secretary, I also want to thank, as I do every day all those working in our health and care sector.  I’ve already mentioned ICU workers.    But our thanks is due to all staff –  the doctors and the nurses, the paramedics, care home staff, porters, cooks, healthcare assistants, cleaners and many, many more.

Your efforts are essential to the health of our country. And all of us owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

I want to update you today on two areas. The first is mental health.

And I am pleased to be joined by Dr John Mitchell, who is a Consultant Psychiatrist and our interim Principal Medical Officer. And as you will see I am also joined by Professor Jason Leitch, our National Clinical Director.

The Scottish Government is already taking significant action to support people’s mental health, during this period.

Today I am announcing a further package of support – to address the challenges, faced by specific groups.  

There are some aspects of this crisis – the changes to routine and general anxiety – which are tough for all of us.  But we know that they are especially tough for autistic people, their parents and carers.

So we are providing an additional £200,000 for Scottish Autism and the National Autistic Society.

This funding will allow the National Autistic Society to turn many of its face to face services – for example the social groups it runs – into online services. This will help parents and carers, and autistic people, to keep in touch – so that those facing similar challenges can support each other, even if they cannot meet each other. They can be together even when physically apart.

And the funding for Scottish Autism is for their Autism Helpline – I’m going to read the helpline number out in a few moments, for anyone who wants to make a note of it.

The helpline is already a trusted source of advice and support for the people who need it. Our funding will increase its capacity to help people, at a time when there is a high demand for its services.

The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm, and the number is 01259 222 0222. That’s 01259 222 0222.

Our support will help organisations that provide help to those who need it most. And it will ensure that additional support is available – during an especially trying time – for autistic people, their parents and carers.

We are also want to enhance the help available to young people.

We know that – for many children and young people – this is a very unsettling time.  It’s tough not being at school, not being able to see you friends, and spending so much time at home.

So I want you to know that it’s OK not to be OK.

Last month – we launched a new digital resource, which helps children and young people learn about the healthy use of screens and social media.  The resource – called ‘Mind Yer Time’ –  was developed by the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Children’s Parliament.  And in the first ten days since its launch, it has had almost 13,000 views.

We are now going to do a bit more.  We are providing £105,000 to the organisation Young Scot.   That money will be used to develop a range of new digital content, on mental wellbeing.

The new content will be hosted on Young Scot’s own digital platform – as well as on social media channels like TikTok, Snapchat, and Youtube.   And it will help to ensure that if young people need information or support – they know exactly where to get it.

I am also announcing today additional support for families.

We know that during this period, many people will feel their closest relationships under particular strain.  That may be because you are spending more time with your partners, your children, your immediate family – or because you are seeing less of other family members, due to the lockdown.

So we’re providing £700,000 to The Spark – an organisation which specialises in relationship counselling.

The money will be used to expand the Spark’s Relationship Helpline service. And again, I’ll read that number out in a moment.

The helpline provides help to anyone experiencing relationship issues.  And it can also refer people on, for more in-depth counselling, if that is required.

The number of the Relationship Helpline is 0808 802 2088.  That’s 0808 802 2088.  It’s free service.  And will now be operational Monday to Thursday, between 9am to 9pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 4pm.

The most important message I want to get across today is simply this – help is there if you need it. The NHS Inform website can help you to find the services that are best for you. And the website ‘clearyourhead.scot’ has advice and tips on how to maintain your mental wellbeing. So please reach out –help is there for you.

The second issue I want to cover is our support for people with drug and alcohol issues.

We’ve already announced a number of measures to ensure that treatment and support services are not disrupted, during this crisis.  As part of that, we have increased the availability of naloxone – a medication which reverses opiate overdose.

Under existing UK legislation, supplies of naloxone can be held by non-drug treatment services for use in an emergency, but not for onward distribution.  In the current crisis that could present an obstacle to people receiving the treatment that they need.

So that’s why – today – the Lord Advocate has confirmed that – for the duration of this crisis – it would not be in the public interest to prosecute any individual – working for a service registered with the Scottish Government – who supplies naloxone in an emergency, to save a life.

I hope that statement provides confidence and certainty to relevant professionals, as they carry out their important work.  And I hope it will further ensure that people can get the treatment they need, when they need it.

I am also announcing today new support for people who are in prison or about to leave prison.

We are providing £150,000 to enhance residential rehabilitation services.   It will increase the number of residential places available, for people leaving prison.

And we are making up to £1.9 million available to support people in prison, who need opiate substitution therapy – or OST as it is known.  That is currently around a quarter of Scotland’s prison population.

The funding will make a new treatment – called buvidal – available to people in prison. Unlike other substitutes, buvidal is administered as a 7 or 28 day injectable dose, rather than daily.

This change will help to relieve pressure on our prison service.  It will ensure continuity of treatment, for people in prison.  And it is a further way in which we are trying to provide the right support during this pandemic, to those who need it.

I want to close today by reiterating the public health guidelines.

You should stay at home – except for essential purposes such as buying food or medicine, and exercising.

If you do leave home, please don’t mix with people from other households and stay more than 2 metres away from other people.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19, you and your household should isolate yourselves completely. And everybody should continue to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.

I know that these restrictions get only more difficult with time.  But I want to emphasise that the sacrifices you are making are making a difference. We are not through this yet, but we are seeing hopeful signs and it is vital that we stick with it – and build on the work that your sacrifices have allowed us to secure.

By doing that together, we slow the spread of this virus, we protect our NHS, and we save lives.  So I want to thank you, again, and I always will, for playing your part in all of this.

NSPCC launches campaign to help children in Scotland exposed to harm under lockdown

  • Latest figures from the NSPCC reveal week of April 13-19 saw the highest number of contacts to its helpline this year

With growing concern for the safety of some children during the coronavirus crisis NSPCC Scotland wants more people to know how to get advice and support and where to raise concerns about a child’s wellbeing.

The charity is launching a new TV and advertising campaign today (May 4) across the UK to promote its free and confidential helpline for adults.

The film, which will run on national television and across social media, depicts a helpline expert taking a call from someone concerned for the wellbeing of a neighbour’s child.

The UK Government has provided £1.6m in funding so that the NSPCC can expand its helpline by employing more staff across two sites and raise public awareness of it.

The work comes as the charity publishes the latest data from its helpline which shows that the crisis has exacerbated existing risks for children and created new ones:

  • In the month since lockdown there have been a total of 5,237 contacts to the helpline from across the UK from adults concerned about the wellbeing and safety of a child
  • Of these, 817 contacts were from adults with worries about parents and carers misusing alcohol and other substances, a 22% increase on the four weeks prior to March 23rd
  • Other issues where there has been a double-digit percentage increase in contacts include domestic abuse (10%) and emotional abuse (50%)
  • From April 13th to 19th the NSPCC helpline received 1580 contacts, the highest number in a single week in 2020.

One adult who contacted the helpline in the last month said: “I am concerned about the children who live next door.  Just now I heard the mother screaming and shouting at the child and I heard her say “Shut the **** up!” and there were threats of violence too.

“There is an ongoing situation where the mother invites adults to the family home and there is a lingering of cannabis in the air whilst the children are present.” (Neighbour)

 While schools and social workers remain at the forefront of work to protect vulnerable children, including by supporting them to attend school, expanding the NSPCC helpline and raising its profile will mean more adults will know they can contact our experts with concerns about the safety and wellbeing of any children.

The trained helpline staff can offer advice and make informed decisions about whether further support is potentially needed for a child and their family.

Matt Forde, NSPCC Scotland head of service, said: “One of the big challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic is ensuring that children are safe, now that so much of their everyday lives are hidden from public view.

“It is more important than ever that all of us in society play our part in looking out for those children for whom home is not always the safest place.

“Thanks to this new funding, the NSPCC will be able to reach more adults across Scotland with the message that our helpline is here to provide confidential support and advice if they have any worries about the safety and wellbeing of a child.”

Iona Colvin, Scotland’s Chief Social Work Adviser, said: “Our communities are playing a tremendous role during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting neighbours and paying special attention to individuals and families who are more vulnerable. 

“The changes to the ways that families are living at this time may put some children at greater risk and also reduce opportunities for children to speak out for themselves.

“Whether you are a family member, friend or neighbour, please be alert to any signs that children might be at risk.  If you have any concerns call the police or local social work department or you can talk it through with the NSPCC.”

Alan Small, Chair of Child Protection Committees Scotland, said: “With the closure of schools and nurseries, the onus of care has now shifted on to neighbours, delivery people, volunteers and the wider community. 

“We’re urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for anything amiss. This is even more important at a time when families may be under significant additional stress. If you’re at all worried about a child’s welfare, it’s much better to say something than do nothing.”

Some common signs that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s life include:

  • aggressive or repeated shouting
  • hearing hitting or things being broken
  • children crying for long periods of time
  • very young children left alone or are outdoors by themselves
  • children looking dirty or not changing their clothes
  • children being withdrawn or anxious.

Last year the NSPCC helpline, which has around 100 staff, received 73,000 contacts from people with concerns about a child’s welfare.

It can be reached 24 hours a day by email – help@nspcc.org.uk – or through its online reporting form. Its team of experts can also be called Monday to Friday 8am-10pm or 9am-6pm at the weekends on 0808 8005000.

Boris Johnson: ‘It’s humanity against the virus’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today co-host a major international conference to drive forward the global race for coronavirus vaccines, treatments and tests – and call on other countries to step up their efforts and work together on the “most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes”.

The Prime Minister’s call to action will come during the virtual Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Conference, which is co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations.

He will confirm the UK’s pledge of £388 million in UK aid funding for research into vaccines, tests and treatments – part of a larger £744 million existing UK aid commitment to help end the pandemic and support the global economy.

This includes £250 million for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop vaccines against coronavirus – the biggest such donation to the fund by any country.

Speaking to the conference, the Prime Minister will say: “To win this battle, we must work together to build an impregnable shield around all our people, and that can only be achieved by developing and mass producing a vaccine.

“The more we pull together and share our expertise, the faster our scientists will succeed. The race to discover the vaccine to defeat this virus is not a competition between countries, but the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes.

“It’s humanity against the virus – we are in this together, and together we will prevail.”

International Development Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “It is only by working together that we will prevent future waves of infection and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.

“By strengthening developing countries’ health systems and working to find a vaccine, the UK is playing its part in stopping the global spread of coronavirus to save lives everywhere and protect our NHS.”

Tackling coronavirus globally is crucial to preventing a second wave of the virus re-emerging in the UK, which would put even further pressure on the NHS. It will also ensure that life-saving vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests are available as soon as possible.

In the UK, work is progressing at pace on vaccine development – on Thursday the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca announced a partnership to support large-scale manufacture and potential distribution of a vaccine currently being trialled by the university.

On the 4th June, the UK will host the Global Vaccine Summit, bringing together countries and organisations to follow the UK’s lead in investing in the work of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Last week International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan announced a funding pledge equivalent to £330 million a year over the next five years to Gavi. This will help immunise 75 million children in the world’s poorest countries.

More mental health support after forty days of lockdown

Key mental health services to support families, young people and autistic people are to receive more than £1 million additional funding.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman made the announcement yesterday after 40 days of lockdown when many people have felt an effect on their mental health.

The allocation of funding comprises:

• £768,000 for a relationships helpline to be delivered by The Spark counselling service
• £105,000 to support Young Scot to develop enhanced digital content and resources on mental health
• £205,000 to support 47,000 autistic people across Scotland, including funding to increase capacity at the Scottish Autism Helpline and help for the National Autistic Society to keep people in touch online during lockdown

Ms Freeman said: “While everyone is experiencing different challenges at this time, the mental health of children, young people and families can be put under great strain.

“We appreciate that spending a lot of time together in isolation and home-working, home-schooling and juggling childcare can be really tough.

“This crisis means many people are dealing with anxiety, fear, uncertainty, anger or sadness. They may feel overwhelmed and relationships can be placed under a lot of pressure.

“We want to ensure that the right help and support is in place for the mental wellbeing of our children, young people and families. This package of measures focuses on prevention and recovery, and on maintaining healthy relationships throughout the current restrictions. It follows the launch of our national campaign, Clear Your Head, last week.”

The Clear Your Head campaign highlights practical ways to look after mental health and wellbeing while continuing to stay at home – and signposts sources of help and advice.

The Spark is a third sector organisation which delivers counselling services to families across Scotland, including relationship and couples counselling and counselling for children and young people.

They currently operate a Relationship Helpline on a small scale for nine hours a week. The number of the Relationship Helpline is 0808 802 2088 and this additional funding will enable the helpline to operate Monday-Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday 9am to 4pm.

Scotland has launched a digital resource called Mind Yer Time specifically to help children and young people learn about the healthy use of screens and social media.

It supports mental and physical health online and was developed by the Scottish Youth Parliament and Children’s Parliament. In the first ten days since its launch the guide had almost 13,000 views.

The additional funding will allow the Scottish Autism Helpline to open 8am-8pm, seven days a week on 01259 222022.