The TUC Race Relations Committee is proud to present this year’s Roots Culture and Identity Exhibition.
A launch event will be taking place at the TUC Black Workers Conference on Friday (19 March) at 6 pm. Due to the pandemic, the exhibition is hosted online.
The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) artists with a focus on young people, who are marginalised, face discrimination in the arts and culture sector, disproportionately impacted by austerity and now the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, the exhibition focuses on the events impacting black communities over the past year.
The artists reflect on living through the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the impact of systemic racism on BME communities.
The move to an online exhibition has allowed us to broaden our exhibits, and for the first time, we welcome international artists. View the exhibition.
Artists in this exhibition include:
Antonietta Torsiello
Ruby Khan
Joshua Donkor
Liz Awoyemi
Raymond Daley
Samia Malik
Jamie McKinley
Zita Holbourne
Amanda Walker
Sonia E Barrett
On Friday 19th of March as part of the TUC Black Workers conference programme there will be an exhibition launch event and fringe meeting hosted by TUC Race Relations Committe and Artists’ Union England from 6pm to 7.30pm.
This will be chaired by Zita Holbourne and speakers include Theresa Easton, Organiser AUE, Antonietta Torsiello , artist and activist, AUE, Wilf Sullivan, TUC Race Relations Officer and some of the participating artists.
The First Minister has set out a timetable for the re-opening of parts of society over the next two months.
Stay at Home regulations will be lifted on 2 April and replaced with guidance to Stay Local, with more services including hairdressers, garden centres and non-essential click and collect services able to open from 5 April.
More college students will also return to on-campus learning and outdoor contact sports will resume for 12-17 year olds on 5 April if progress on vaccination and suppression of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues.
The Scottish Government then hopes to lift all restrictions on journeys in mainland Scotland on 26 April.
Discussions will be held with island communities already in lower levels on the possibility of having a faster return to more socialising and hospitality with restrictions on mainland travel to protect against importation of the virus.
Vaccination of all nine JCVI priority groups – more than half of the population, accounting for 99% of COVID-related fatalities – is expected to be completed by mid-April, supplies allowing.
The dates outlined are enabled by strong new evidence that suggests vaccines reduce the chances of transmitting the virus as well as reducing serious illness and death, even after a first dose.
Further expected easing on 26 April includes:
all retail premises, libraries, museums and galleries, tourist accommodation would be able to open
the hospitality sector would be able to reopen outdoors for the service of alcohol, and potentially open indoors for non-alcohol service
up to four people from two households could be able to socialise indoors in a public place such as a café or restaurant
six people from up to three households could be able to meet outdoors and the limit on wedding and funeral attendance could be raised to 50 people
gyms and swimming pools would be open for individual exercise and non-essential childcare would be permitted
non-essential work in peoples’ homes and driving lessons could resume from this date
On 17 May, it is hoped that groups of four people from two households would be able to socialise indoors in a private home, and that cinemas, amusement arcades and small scale outdoor and indoor events could restart with limits on capacity.
Further easing on this date would include outdoor contact sport for adults and indoor group exercise
The First Minister also indicated that in early June it is hoped that Scotland could move to Level 1 and by end of June to level 0.
Grants of up to £7,500 for retailers and up to £19,500 for hospitality and leisure businesses will be paid in April to help businesses re-open progressively.
These one-off re-start grants will replace ongoing Strategic Framework Business Fund (SFBF) payments and will provide more money up front to help with the costs of re-opening. Eligible businesses must have applied to the SFBF by 22 March in order to receive these payments.
The last four-weekly SFBF payment of up to £3,000 will be paid on 22 March, as scheduled. Targeted restart grants for businesses that are not in scope for the current SFBF support package may be considered if the Scottish Government receives further consequentials from the UK Government.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Vaccination is already having a significant impact on the number of deaths in Scotland, and research giving us more confidence in its effects against new variants and in helping prevent transmission.
“That gives us more confidence in setting possible dates for our next steps out of lockdown in addition to the significant changes set out last week to allow more socialisation, and get children back to school as soon as possible.
“It is not possible to provide specific dates or details for coming out of lockdown beyond 17 May – that will depend on what impact there is from the changes already made – however my hope and ambition is that from early June, all of Scotland will effectively be in level 1 of the levels system, allowing for a further easing of restrictions – and possibly moving to level 0 in late June.
“That is not the endpoint – we hope and expect that vaccination, better treatments, continued use of the test and protect system, and proportionate ongoing precautions such as good hand hygiene will allow us to keep COVID under much greater control.
“This will allow us to enjoy many of the things that we took for granted before the pandemic– normal family gatherings where we can hug our loved ones, sporting events, gigs and nightclubs.
“I cannot set a date for that point yet, but I do believe that over the coming weeks as more and more adults are vaccinated it will be possible to set a firmer date by which many of these normal things will be possible, and I am very optimistic that this date will be over the summer.
“Thanks to the sacrifices we all made three months ago, and the success of the vaccination programme we are now in a much better and brighter position, with well-earned optimism as we look ahead to the summer.
“We are getting the virus under control, but it is still dangerous, and to reach these dates it’s more important than ever now to stay within the rules – until 2 April stay at home, except for essential purposes; don’t meet people from other households indoors, and follow the FACTS advice when out and about.”
Responding to the announcement of the timetable for lifting estrictions, CAMRA Scotland’s Director Joe Crawford said: “Pub goers, licensees and brewers will be disappointed to see our pubs being treated unfairly compared to similar businesses like cafés and non-essential retail.
“The return of curfews and a ban on alcohol being consumed indoors is devastating news for the industry which is looking to reopen covid-secure venues so that people can socialise safely. For many businesses it just won’t be worthwhile opening back up as they won’t be able to turn a profit under these draconian restrictions.
“Restart grants announced today are welcome – but without a full and proper reopening, and with continuing restrictions like table-service only requirement lasting for the foreseeable future, it is vital that the Scottish Government provides dedicated financial support for our pubs, social clubs and the breweries that serve them until they can trade at full capacity.
“CAMRA are also campaigning for the UK Government to cut tax on beer served in pubs to help them compete with supermarkets.”
Responding to the latest update on lockdown restrictions and the outline of indicative dates for the re-opening of the economy from the First Minister, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses have been patiently waiting for indicative dates to re-open and today’s announcement is a good start. It will enable many businesses and customers to start planning and preparing for re-opening with confidence and optimism.
“In particular, the intention to relax travel restrictions should support the viability of the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. We are pleased to hear that the Scottish Government will work with the UK Government and the travel & aviation sectors to look at the detail as to how international travel can re-open safely and quickly.
“We also need to see clarification of what is allowed in the various levels of restrictions, sooner rather than later. We would urge alignment across all UK nations which enables the industry to restart together and to avoid confusion for travellers.
“There is still a lot of work to be done to plan for the re-opening of the remaining sectors of the economy. We are now looking to engage on the granular detail of the levels, associated criteria and trigger points. We will work with government to help enable that to be done as quickly and as safely as possible, in line with the continued successful roll-out of the vaccination programme.”
On the establishment of restart grants, Dr Cameron said:“It makes more sense to provide businesses with a lump sum so they can deploy these resources where it can be of most use – businesses themselves are the best judges of this.
“Businesses will welcome the certainty of when they can expect the funds to be allocated and we look forward to working with Scottish Government and local government to ensure this process runs as smoothly as possible.”
‘Tough times ahead’ for licensed hospitality sector, warns Scottish Licensed Trade Association, following the First Minister’s statement today.
The SLTA has expressed bitter disappointment after today’s announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that bars, restaurants and cafés will not be able to serve alcohol indoors when the licensed hospitality industry reopens next month.
Warning that there remain “tough times ahead” for licensed hospitality as Scotland slowly emerges from lockdown, SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “This is not the news we were hoping for. Yes, it’s good news for those bars, restaurants and cafés with suitable facilities who will be able to serve people outdoors – in groups of up to six from three households – until 10pm from 26 April.
“However, for indoor hospitality, today’s news is yet another bitter blow and we are surprised that the Scottish Government has chosen not to allow premises to sell alcohol when they reopen next month. “We of course welcome the news that from 17 May, hospitality venues will be able to open until 10.30pm indoors with alcohol permitted and, for outdoors, until 10pm.
“We welcome these indicative dates for reopening as they provide more clarity for businesses but overall, these slight lifting of restrictions don’t go far enough and, for the majority, reopening will remain unviable. We’re bitterly disappointed.”
The SLTA welcomed confirmation that on 22 March, recipients of support under the Strategic Business Framework Fund will receive a final four-week payment then in April a further combined payment of a two-week payment under the Strategic Business Framework Fund and eligible hospitality and leisure businesses will also receive a further payment of up to £19,500 in the form of a restart grant.
But Wilkinson added:“Restrictions will continue into June and beyond, leading businesses further into debt.
“The typical small hospitality business has taken on between £60,000 and £90,000 in bank debt and deferred bills as of February this year just to survive Covid – and the debt is rising with every week of low or no income.
“If there is a positive to come out of today’s announcement it is that we have something to work towards but that doesn’t change the fact that for a very high percentage of business, reopening in April will simply be unviable.”
Council leaders are encouraging communities and businesses to ‘stick with it’ after a proposed date for lifting the ‘stay at home’ rule was announced today by the Scottish Government.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is a welcome and clear roadmap out of lockdown that gives us all something positive to look forward to.
“The successful roll-out of the vaccine programme and the fall in positive cases across Edinburgh is testament to the collective efforts of our health services, our residents and our businesses. The hard work and sacrifices we’re making are the only way can achieve the roadmap and return to normal.
“We are moving in the right direction, with rates across the city at one of the lowest levels since spring last year. We must stick with it and stay within the guidelines, to continue to keep the virus under control and keep our communities safe.
“I know so many of our local traders are anxious to open their doors again and I hope everyone will join me in getting out when we can to support businesses near us and in our city centre. We’ll very soon be able to fully enjoy everything our amazing city has to offer and welcome back friends and visitors to our Capital.
Depute Leader Cammy Day said:“Tuesday 23 March, a week today, marks a full year since the country went into lockdown and our condolences go out to all those who have lost loved ones during this unprecedented crisis. We will remember them during a national silence next Tuesday.
“Today’s announcement is really good news for businesses across Edinburgh as travel restrictions look to be eased across Scotland from 26 April. Opening up retail, hospitality and tourism gives us all something to look forward to and meeting up with more loved ones in outdoor settings for something to eat and drink will be a real treat again.
“Until then it’s important we don’t drop our guard – we need to continue to observe this gradual, phased approach so we can protect people’s health and safety while working towards Edinburgh’s successful recovery from the pandemic. We all want to keep the virus under control and keep everyone safe.
“So for now, until 2 April, our advice remains the same – please stay at home and help save lives. Hope’s on the horizon and we’ll get there even faster if we stick together now.”
Responding to the First Minister’s announcement on an indicative timeline for lifting restrictions, STUC General Secretary said: “We welcome this cautious approach that is entirely reliant on continuing progress in suppressing the virus. The implications for public health and sustainable economic recovery of moving too fast would be catastrophic.
“We have no doubt that the First Minister will continue to be subject to sustained pressure from bosses in many sectors, including hospitality, to move more quickly but this must be resisted.
“We believe that effective test, trace and isolate measures are essential, along with the flexibility to increase local restrictions when necessary to control any outbreaks.
“For the sake of the public’s health and the safety of workers we need the future return to work to be a steadily managed stream and not a torrent. “It is essential that the proposed return of students to colleges and universities is only undertaken with full and early consultation of education unions.
“We urge employers planning the return to work to learn from previous mistakes made during the emergence from the first lockdown. They must ensure that all continuing guidelines on social distancing and face coverings in the workplace continue.
“They must respect any ongoing fears and concerns of their own workers and, critically, fully consult with employees both on what is expected of them and on the protection they have a right to expect. Any worker with concerns should contact their union or the STUC.”
Empowering people to change the world’s relationship with alcohol, Edinburgh-based One Year No Beer saw its biggest intake in 2020, following an unprecedented year that drove many out of their comfort zones and into the arms of unwanted habits.
Scooping Spectators Economic Innovator of the Year Award, and Great British Entrepreneur for Scotland and Northern Island, the behaviour change programme and online toolkit for surviving modern society alcohol free, is working tirelessly to support people towards making positive lifestyle choices.
With over 80,000 members in 90 countries, last year the platform witnessed an increase of 287% in searches for coaching and quadruple the number of courses purchased.
Ruari Fairbairns, Co-Founder and CEO of One Year No Beer, explained: “We help people change their relationship with alcohol which, leads to most of them fundamentally transforming their lives – for the better.
“We are developing technology that will enable members to connect over the common goal of changing behaviour, be that caffeine, sugar, gambling, social media and ultimately empowering our members to help the world, live life better.”
Currently One Year No Beer is a content and digital publishing business with the backing of a powerful global following. The intention now is to pivot into a technology business scaling the proven model to become a global wellbeing brand that will help people reduce unnecessary anxiety they have in life enabling them to be the best version of themselves.
Ruari Fairbairns explains what they have done to keep up with demand: “We have stripped out cost, optimised customer journeys and done an enormous amount of foundational work in preparation for scaling even further.
“Due to the pandemic, we are all having to work remotely, but this has only strengthened our offering, allowing us to focus more money into the platform and its abilities. On top of everything we did to prepare for another year like last, we will also soon be launching our long-awaited Web App and, we also have a few secrets up our sleeve that are going to make 2021 one to remember, for all the right reasons!”
OYNB is not an abstinence programme; it is not about eliminating alcohol entirely. It’s about empowering people to break down old habits and build new ones, creating a positive mindset that lets the individual take back control and make clear-sighted decisions.
THE ONLY PRODUCT OF ITS KIND ON UK SUPERMARKET SHELVES
Sirloin Steak and Black Tiger Prawns for £7.00 or £12 for two
Morrisons is launching a new Surf & Turf pack, perfect for luxury dinners at home or grilling up on the BBQ.
Featuring a British Sirloin steak and four black tiger prawns, the pack is the only one of its kind currently available in UK supermarkets and is priced at just £7.00, or two for £12 – customers will have to be quick though as the packs will be limited.
While restaurants remain closed, Morrisons Surf & Turf is the perfect option for customers looking to upgrade weekend dinners in. Alternatively, with the weather warming up and days getting longer, the new launch offers the perfect excuse to dust off the BBQ, fire up the coals and tuck in alfresco.
Those going down the outdoor route can pick up disposable BBQs from Morrisons; choose from a small disposable BBQ for £2.50 or a party disposable BBQ at £5.50, both available in stores and online.
Josh Brockbank, Beef Buyer at Morrisons said: “We always aim to offer customers the best produce at great prices, and there’s no better example than this affordable deal for high-quality steak and seafood.
“With BBQ season round the corner we hope people will be enjoying this both in, and outdoors with family.”
The Surf & Turf pack will be available in stores and online from the 15th March, priced at £7.00 or two for £12.
ONE of the country’s largest housing providers is hosting a ‘Big Night In’ to mark its 50th anniversary operating in the sector, with guest appearances from well-known Scottish personalities.
Bield Housing & Care will mark its golden anniversary with a trip down memory lane where staff and customers will revisit fond memories and stories on an online video.
Staff and customers will be able to view the celebration event on Bield’s website and YouTube from the comfort (and safety) of their own homes.
A host of famous faces have sent messages of congrats to the housing provider including, National Clinical Director Jason Leitch, Scottish Actors Sanjeev Kohli and Mark Cox, and Hibernian FC Captain David Gray.
Lesley Holdsworth, Chair of Bield Board, said: “We are incredibly excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary with staff and customers in what is a true milestone for the business.
“With the current lockdown restricting events or small gatherings, Bield was unable to stage the kind of major celebration event it would like to organise.
“Instead, we are looking to bring everyone together virtually through our ‘Big Night In’ event.
“We hope the Big Night In will capture the very essence of our fun loving community as we look back through key parts of our history and ahead to an exciting future.
“In the not too distant future we hope to bring customers and staff together to celebrate this milestone in person, renewing old acquaintances and making new ones.”
The Big Night In will take place tomorrow (17 March) at 5pm. It is just one of a number of celebratory events which will take place throughout the year.
Staff, customers and members of the Bield community are encouraged to join in the celebrations virtually across the housing provider’s social media channels.
Bield is a registered charity which grew from humble beginnings, starting out with one housing development in Bo’ness, and now provides housing services for around 20,000 older people across 23 local authority areas.
Bield’s new strategy for property development provides housing solutions – with greater choice and flexibility – to address the needs of the current generation of older people and the next.
To find out more about us and our developments, visit:
Report raises concerns as services supporting women and babies come under strain
During and after pregnancy, women have faced greater likelihood of poor mental health during the pandemic, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal thoughts, according to a new report commissioned by a coalition of leading maternal mental health organisations.
Women of colour and women from poorer economic backgrounds are more likely to experience mental health problems during and after pregnancy, according to the research.
The rapid review of evidence commissioned by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), and conducted by Centre for Mental Health, for the first time compiles all available evidence into one place.
This shows that access to crucial services reduced for pregnant women, new mums and babies across the UK, especially during the early stages of the pandemic. While health and care staff worked hard to deliver safe care, significant gaps emerged. Women also experienced a reduction in informal support from friends, relatives and networks of other women sharing their experiences.
Extra pressures include anxiety about giving birth during lockdown without partners present, fears of losing jobs, heightened levels of domestic violence, bereavement, worries about catching Covid-19, and concern about new infants catching the disease.
In addition, the wider system surrounding these services, including health visiting and maternity, needs to be protected and enhanced. Furthermore, up-to-date monitoring and research of maternal mental healthcare should be commissioned.
It also says that without sustained funding, many Voluntary and Community Services will not survive, despite the increased demand from women for their services.
Luciana Berger, chair of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) said: ‘Today’s report should serve as an ear-splitting warning siren about the dangers to women’s maternal mental health and potential risks to the wellbeing of their babies.
The pandemic has placed additional challenges on new and expectant mums getting the care and support they need, taking many already-stretched services to the point of breaking. Women of colour and women from disadvantaged backgrounds have been particularly impacted, and Ministers must address this injustice with urgency.’
Sarah Hughes, chief executive of Centre for Mental Health, which carried out the research, said: ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has been a mental health challenge across society, but it has not affected everyone equally. It has placed especial pressure on women during pregnancy and after they’ve given birth.
“And it has made inequalities that were always there in plain sight even more pronounced. We need to take this opportunity to review and reframe what support women should expect for their mental health during the perinatal period, and to make sure that we prepare for any future crisis to avoid another loss of support at a crucial time in people’s lives.’
Aleema Shivji, Comic Relief Executive Director for Impact and Investment said: ‘The pandemic has put an unprecedented strain on the nation’s mental health and it is sadly no surprise that, as this report proves, pregnant women and new mums who face enormous challenges, have sadly been worst affected.
“It’s clear that more work is needed urgently to help tackle the shame and stigma attached to maternal mental health for mums to feel recognised, supported and able to ask for help. At Comic Relief we have prioritised funding mental health services for over 25 years, but it is clear this is still needed now more than ever.’
Today’s report Maternal mental health during a pandemic was commissioned by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and conducted by Centre for Mental Health, and covers all four parts of the UK.
Joanna Barrett, Associate Head of Policy (Nations) at NSPCC Scotland, said: “This report highlights the profound impact the pandemic has had on the mental health of parents during and following pregnancy, particularly in the most deprived communities of the country.
“We have long warned that without the right support at the right time, adult mental health problems during pregnancy and the first year can have serious immediate and long-term consequences for both young children and their families.
“That’s why our Fight for a Fair Start campaign is calling on the Scottish Government to invest in universal early years support, to give professionals the ‘time to care’ to develop positive and trusting relationships with infants and their families.
“This will give babies the best possible start in life, the support to recover from the pandemic, and the opportunity to thrive not just survive.”
Community groups across Edinburgh are being invited by environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, to register and take part in the 2021 Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood initiatives.
Run by the charity in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the initiatives provide the opportunity for volunteers and groups to gain recognition for their efforts to protect and enhance their local places.
With 2021 being a big year for action on climate change and protecting biodiversity, the optional theme is ‘climate and nature friendly’ and all groups that register to participate will receive free pollinator-friendly seeds to help create blooming beautiful and #BeeDiverse places.
Last year, despite the challenges, the achievements of 200 groups across the country were supported and celebrated. Many of those participating in the initiatives developed new ways of ensuring that the places they care about were looked after under the three pillars of community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening/horticultural achievement.
Catherine Gee, Deputy CEO of Keep Scotland Beautifulsaid, “We are facing a climate and nature emergency, but our research has shown that in the last year over 40% of people have spent more time using outside space in their neighbourhoods, reconnecting with the environment and their communities.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming people from well-established groups, through to those just starting out, as they register for free support through the Beautiful Scotland or It’s Your Neighbourhood initiatives this year.
“As a thank you for all that volunteers are doing across the country we will send out pollinator seeds to those who register to help create an extra buzz as we collectively work to make Scotland clean, green and sustainable for nature and people.”
Janet McArthur from Friends of Starbank Park said: “Being part of the network of community groups with an interest in enhancing neighbourhoods across Scotland has, particularly over the last year, given us inspiration, reassurance, recognition and a connection with others working towards the same goal.
Since we first got involved in It’s Your Neighbourhood six years ago, we’ve benefited from mentoring visits, newsletters, ongoing support from the team and, in addition last year, from online networking and celebration events and helpful Q&A sessions. I’d encourage those looking for a wee bit of support to get involved and give it a go.”
To widen the appeal this year, we have introduced a non-judged category to Beautiful Scotland for those groups who would like to take part but feel the competition element is too much for them at this time.
Registration for Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood is open until 30 April 2021 and more information can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org
Measures to address the falling birth rate, change working practices and encourage more families to settle in Scotland are proposed in a new report.
A Scotland for the Future examines the significant population challenges the country faces – including an ageing population, falling birth rate and the emerging impacts of Brexit – and makes clear that a national response is required.
The report, launched yesterday at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, outlines ways that organisations can work together, locally, nationally and internationally, to deliver the long term changes required.
It proposes a range of actions including:
support packages to help families settle in Scotland, including assistance with housing and work for both partners
developing a more sustainable population pattern, with fewer people concentrated around cities
community work hubs in town centres for people struggling with remote home working but who do not need to commute
widening access to fertility treatment to groups such as single people and couples who already have a child
removing barriers which force older people to stop working before they wish to
establishing a Demographic Commission to promote analysis and debate
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “For many years people left Scotland to build a future elsewhere. Like many advanced economies we now face different challenges, such as a falling birth rate, while Brexit threatens to significantly reduce inward migration from the EU.
“There is no single magic bullet available to address our demographic challenges. Instead this report proposes a series of innovative steps to build a sustainable population by attracting people into Scotland, distributing our population more evenly around the country and helping everyone live long, productive lives.
“But we can only do so much with the powers we have, and the UK Government must also play its part by using its reserved powers, particularly on migration, to address Scotland’s unique issues.
“A Scotland for the Future is a national response to a national challenge and represents the start of a process to create a thriving country for generations to come.”
The report has been welcomed by Councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA Community Wellbeing spokesperson. She said: “Population is a key challenge for councils, whether we are dealing with the social and economic impacts of depopulation or tackling the issues of rapid population growth.
“Achieving strong and sustainable communities is a key priority for COSLA and Scottish local government.
“A Scotland for the Future is an ambitious document that recognises the complex and multi-faceted demographic challenges we are facing. It distinguishes between the issues faced by different local areas across Scotland and that is why local government is crucial in determining local priorities for their own areas based on local need and circumstance. It acknowledges the important role economic development, infrastructure, housing, planning, education and migration, to name but a few, will play in counteracting our population challenges.
“We know there is no quick fix here, tackling our population challenges is a long-term goal. COSLA and Scottish councils have worked closely with the Scottish Government to develop the population strategy and ensure local views are embedded in this document. We will continue to work collaboratively to help our communities thrive.”
The Local Conversation in Muirhouse 2021: Priorities and action for the Local Conversation Project
The Local Conversation in Muirhouse is a group of local residents that have come together to make Muirhouse the best place it can be.
Our neighbourhood vision is:
Muirhouse is a beautiful place, where no one gets left behind and a healthy community thrives:
– Muirhouse is a place to belong where people know the history and feel part of their community. – Muirhouse is a place where no one gets left behind and our elders are included and respected. – Muirhouse is a beautiful place that we are proud to live in and take care of. – Muirhouse is a place with opportunities and activities for our young people.
As with most people and organisations, this lockdown period has provided an opportunity to reflect on our work and really think about how to move forward.
Please answer the survey questions to help us get a better understanding of your priorities and how you or someone you know might like to be involved.
This project belongs to the people of Muirhouse and we have a really great opportunity to work together to create the change you want to see.
Please click the link to help us get a better understanding of your priorities for Muirhouse and how you or someone you know might like to be involved!
· 71% of young carers and 85% of young adult carers are more worried about the future since Coronavirus.
· 45% of young carers and 68% of young adult carers say their mental health is worse since Coronavirus.
· 40% of young carers and 56% of young adult carers feel overwhelmed by the pressures they are now facing
Today, on Young Carers Action Day (March 16 2021), Carers Trust Scotland is calling on Scottish Government to commit to developing a new cross-cutting National Action Plan to protect the futures of children and young people with caring responsibilities.
These plans are urgently needed to address a downward spiral in the mental health of young carers across Scotland, and the adverse impact this is having on their hopes for the future.
A recent Carers Trust Scotland survey revealed high levels of anxiety and stress among young carers. The survey found over two thirds (71%) of young carers aged 12 to 17, and 85% of young adult carers aged 18 to 25 were experiencing increased concern for their futures since Coronavirus.
To address these challenges, Scottish Government’s National Action Plan should include clear actions that can be delivered at pace. They should address education, employability and health and wellbeing prospects among young people with caring responsibilities.
“It is vital that Scottish Government introduces a new National Action Plan which is ambitious and ensures young carers in Scotland have the support that they need and are given a fair chance to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.”
To Protect Young Carers’ Futures and help make a National Action Plan for young carers a reality, Carers Trust Scotland is working with young carers across Scotland to ask statutory bodies to make meaningful commitments to deliver young carers’ rights across health, social care, education and employment.
Speaking about her hopes for Young Carers Action Day,Ilse Cuthbertson a young carer and Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Carers Trust Scotland, (above, right) said:“The Young Carers Action Day Steering Group chose to focus on protecting young carers futures.
“This theme fits in perfectly with this year, as due to the pandemic it is now more important than ever that we protect the futures of young people with caring responsibilities.”
Welcoming the call for a National Action Plan to protect young carers’ futures, world-leading researcher on young carers’ rights and Carers Trust Ambassador, Dr Saul Becker, said: “During the pandemic, we have seen millions of people, rightly, furloughed to stay at home, paid by the government and told they must NOT work.
“On the other hand, carers of all ages, and especially carers under the age of 25, have been forced to stay at home because schools have closed, health and social care services have been cancelled, and young carers have taken on many of the responsibilities of statutory and other service providers, often on a full-time basis.
“It’s young carers’ turn for recognition and support. We desperately need national and local action plans to make sure that young carers are not left behind; that they are no longer ignored and invisible. We must safeguard their futures – and see this as a sound investment not a cost.”
Employers called on to protect young carers’ futures
Carers Trust is also urging employers to protect young carers’ futures by acknowledging the unique skills and attributes young carers develop from an early age, such as time-management skills, resilience, empathy and a sense of responsibility for others.
We are already working with our corporate supporters to develop resources and provide experience to facilitate young carers’ pathways into employment:
with funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery we are building an internship training programme for young people with caring responsibilities.
the financial services group, Quilter, have supported us in setting up a Steering Group for young carers and young adult carers to come together to plan.
with support from the leading online florist Bloom and Wild we are developing a series of workshops for young carers to gain invaluable workplace experience and insights.
