Month: March 2023

52% of students have skipped a meal because of lack of money

NUS Scotland’s latest Cost of Survival report found that: 

  • 37% of students have considered dropping out for financial reasons (a rise from 36% in February 2022). The most common reason is not having enough money in their loan or bursary (34%) but the cost-of-living was cited by 1 in 5 considering dropping out (19%). 
  • 52% have skipped a meal because of lack of money and 11% have used a foodbank (up from 8%) 
  • 45% have gone without heating because of lack of money  
  • 35% have been unable to pay their rent in full 
  • 21% have missed a class due to travel costs and a further 7% missed a placement. 
  • 13% of all students have either been unable to find somewhere to live by the time their classes began in September 2023 (11%) or still hadn’t found somewhere (2%). 
  • 12% of students had experienced homelessness (10%) or were currently homeless (2%) 

The research is based on a survey of over 5,300 college and university students and apprentices. The report covers a wide range of issues including: homelessness, housing, student finances, and mental health and wellbeing.  

The results show that student poverty is more widespread than was previously thought. 

In almost all cases, the students struggling the most were from widening-access backgrounds, including estranged, disabled, and care-experienced students, as well as students who are carers and come from low-income households. 

This comes just a day after the stage three budget debate ignored students’ asks including for an increase in grants and bursaries and rent controls on student housing.

Commenting, NUS Scotland President, Ellie Gomersall said: “These figures should be deeply troubling for the Scottish Government. It is a shocking indictment of their governance that over half of all students have skipped meals because they could not afford to eat. If more is not done to support students through the cost-of-living crisis, we risk all but the richest people being unable to access education. 

“Further and higher education is free in Scotland because we want our education system to be accessible to all, but if students cannot afford to live whilst accessing that free education, we have failed to make it so. Students are already missing classes and even considering dropping out because they cannot afford to learn. 

“Though the figures keep getting worse, student poverty is not a new problem; it did not originate with the cost-of-living crisis and solutions to the cost-of-living crisis will not make it go away. The Scottish Government need to develop bespoke solutions for students that include increased grants and bursaries, rent controls on student housing, and half price bus and rail fares for all students.” 

Lydia Rohmer is the Principal Designate, UHI North, West and Hebrides, and a joint Lead Principal for poverty with Colleges Scotland. She said: “The figures published today are incredibly stark. I know as a college Principal many of our students are really struggling with the cost of living, which is closely linked to poor mental health, stress and anxiety. 

“Choosing college is a route out of poverty, but students have to be able to afford to come to class and complete their course so that they can move into good careers. 

“Many colleges are using their own budgets to provide free breakfast or soup to students alongside other mitigations like referral to foodbanks and money advice. However, college budgets are falling and student support is being cut in real terms as well, so there does need to be a much more sustainable way to help our students. 

“Colleges would welcome a real debate about the impact of student poverty, especially around housing and energy costs. This research is an alarming insight into the day-to-day financial pressures students are facing.” 

Responding to the NUS Scotland’s ‘The Cost of Survival’ Report released in February, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland’s shocking recent report addresses a number of issues facing students. Housing and a lack of money for food and bills were cited at an alarming rate. 

“This is putting pressure on students who are already dealing with the typical stresses of university. It is affecting performance and many more students are needing to take on more hours at work. Students’ mental health is suffering as a result. 

“The report cited students from low-income households and those that are estranged, disabled, or carers being most effected.  We need to get rid of financial barriers within the system because educational success should not be reserved for the wealthy.

“The NUS Scotland have made it clear that there needs to be an increase in grants and bursaries. Affordable and appropriate housing needs to be made widespread.  

“This is why I have submitted a motion in the Scottish Parliament to bring attention to this student housing crisis.  

“I have also hosted a roundtable with students in Lothian to understand what issues they are facing and how is best to solve them.  

“Having university educated young people could help Scotland to grow and expand economically.  By not facilitating certain sections of society to access a higher education, we are reducing their ability to achieve their goals.

“If Scotland wants a strong future, we must invest in our students and we must do it before it is too late.” 

NUS_Cost_of_living_Crisis_presentation_reducedDownload

Declaration of Arbroath to go on public display at the National Museum of Scotland

Declaration of Arbroath to go on Public Display for the First Time in 18 Years at the National Museum of Scotland

Saturday June 3 to Sunday 2 July 2023 – Admission Free

nms.ac.uk/declaration

#DeclarationOfArbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath will be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland this summer for the first time in 18 years.

The display has been organised in partnership between National Museums Scotland and National Records of Scotland, who are custodians of the document. The famous document will be on show from 3 June to 2 July 2023.

The document has not been on public display for 18 years, when it was last displayed at the Scottish Parliament. The iconic and fragile 700-year-old document, which is cared for and preserved for future generations by National Records of Scotland, can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation.

The Declaration was initially due to be displayed in April 2020 to coincide with its 700th anniversary, but this had to be postponed due to the pandemic. The new summer date has been chosen to give as many people as possible the rare chance to see one of Scotland’s most important historical documents.

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320, written by the barons and freeholders of Scotland, on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to Pope John XXII asking him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.

The letter also asks the Pontiff to persuade King Edward II of England to end hostilities against the Scots, so that their energy may be better used to secure the frontiers of Christendom.

The Declaration was probably drafted at a meeting of the King and his council at Newbattle, then written up in the scriptorium of Arbroath Abbey. Written in Latin, it was sealed by eight earls and about forty barons. It was authenticated by seals, as documents at that time were not signed. Only 19 seals now remain.

Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to display the Declaration of Arbroath here at the National Museum of Scotland.

“It is a hugely significant document and a vital piece of Scotland’s history. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing this iconic document close up.”

Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is of great historic and cultural interest to Scots and people around the world of Scottish descent.

“The display of this iconic document will give people from across Scotland and further afield a wonderful opportunity to visit the museum and see this important piece of history for themselves.”

Laura Mitchell, Deputy Keeper, National Records of Scotland, said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is a key treasure in our extensive collections and we are proud of the role we play in conserving this significant historical artefact for future generations.

“The display will allow Scots and visitors from further afield to see this famous document for the first time in 18 years.”

The Declaration was written during the long Wars of Independence with England when, despite the Scots’ success at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I had not been recognised as king by either Edward II or by the Pope, and had been excommunicated by the latter.

At this time, the Pope desired peace between England and Scotland, so both could help in a crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration sought to influence him by offering the possibility of support from the Scots for his long-desired crusade if they no longer had to fear English invasion.

After receiving the Declaration, the Pope urged reconciliation between the warring sides and a truce was agreed in 1323. A peace treaty was signed between England and Scotland in March 1328 and the following year the Pope issued a papal bull permitting the anointing and crowning of a King of Scots.

The peace was short-lived, however, as the Second War of Independence broke out in 1332 and went on for twenty-five years.

nms.ac.uk/declaration

#DeclarationOfArbroath

Everyday English at Fresh Start

Please share with your networks, co-workers and anyone you work with who could benefit from Everyday English classes, held in a welcoming and informal setting at Fresh Start Hub, 28-30 Ferry Road Drive.

Tuesday mornings – 9.15am-10.45am – Improvers English

Thursday mornings – 10am-12pm – Beginners English

These classes are run by qualified ESOL teachers and are designed to help people practice learning English at beginner level (Thursdays) and at intermediate level (Tuesdays)

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is useful if people wish to practice and progress.

For more information and to sign people up, email abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Today: Teen Boutique at PYCP

Teen Boutique is back with another Pop-up shop this Friday during and after the Friday Fun Club.

Come along and grab a bargain, lots of new and exciting stock at low prices -we accept cash and card payments.

Friday the 10th March in Pilton Youth & Children Project’s Dance Studio, entrance around the back, follow the arrows on the day. We hope to see you there, please share 😀

Edinburgh MPs demand Chancellor uses budget to support local families

HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS EDINBURGH SUFFERING FROM TORY-MADE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

The Chancellor must use next week’s budget to tackle the Tory-made cost of living crisis harming households across Edinburgh, Tommy Sheppard MP and Deidre Brock MP have said.

Polling carried out by Survation in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees revealed the stark impact of rising costs imposed on households in recent months, with findings showing in Edinburgh East: 21% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months, 32% haven’t been able to afford to turn the heating on, and 21% fear they may have to use a foodbank.

Meanwhile, in Edinburgh North and Leith the figures are even higher, with 22% of people have missed rent payments over the same period, 41% unable to afford to turn the heating on and 28% are worried they may have to use a foodbank.

Commenting, Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock, said: “All eyes are on next week’s budget to see what support is on offer to assist households through a cost-of-living crisis of the Tories’ making.

“People and families across Edinburgh are suffering from a toxic mix of inflation, soaring energy costs, rising mortgage rates, and Tory austerity and cannot afford continued inaction from the UK government.

“If the Chancellor wants to provide, he can start by cutting the Energy Price Guarantee to £2000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme to the summer, a move that would save households £1,400.

“The fact thousands of my constituents are missing rent payments, are living without heating through the cold months, are relying on foodbanks is a disgrace that should shame the Tories into taking serious action – but I won’t hold my breath.”

Tommy Sheppard MP for Edinburgh East added: “These figures have soared, like costs, under Westminster Tory rule and we’re unlikely to see what families desperately need from a party that throughout its existence has lacked the political will to help the most vulnerable.

“In Scotland we’ve used our limited powers to support households, including with the introduction of the Scottish Child payment, described as ‘game-changing’ by leading charities. But it shouldn’t be for the SNP Scottish Government to constantly have to mitigate the worst of Tory rule.

“The impact of the Tory-made cost of living crisis has set out further proof that only with the full powers of independence can we offer real support through difficult times and secure just economic prosperity that works for everyone in our society.”

New Carers Trust report highlights increasing pressure on our carers

New Carers Trust survey reveals devastating double whammy of cost-of-living crisis and increasing intensity of caring responsibilities on children and young adults

“I’d love to have kid problems. Instead, I’m saving up to try and pay our rent and to see if I can squeeze in some food at the end of it.”  

  • 66% of young carers and young adult carers in Scotland told Carers Trust’s survey the cost-of-living crisis is always or usually hitting them and their family adversely
  • 36% say they always or usually face additional costs because they are an unpaid carer
  • 54% say the time they spend caring has increased in the past year
  • 52% always or usually feel stressed because they are an unpaid carer.

A new Carers Trust survey released yesterday (9th March) shows the devastating double whammy of the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing intensity of caring responsibilities shouldered by children and young people providing unpaid care to family members.

The report, released a week ahead of Young Carers Action Day (15 March), an annual event led and organised by national charity Carers Trust, aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact on young people of fulfilling their caring role without sufficient support.

The UK-wide survey of 1,109 young carers (aged under 18) and young adult carers (aged 18-25), including 181 living in Scotland, showed alarming findings, with many young people contributing to or managing the family finances.

The survey found that 36% of respondents in Scotland said they always or usually face additional costs because they are a young carer or young adult carer and 66% said the cost-of-living crisis is always or usually affecting them and their family.  

One young adult told the survey: “I’d love to have kid problems. Instead, I’m saving up to try and pay our rent and to see if I can squeeze in some food at the end of it.”  

The survey also found a significant intensification of their caring role. More than half (59%) of those surveyed in Scotland report caring for between 20 and 49 hours, while also balancing their studies, work and lives outside of caring.  However, as many stated in the survey, this does not reflect the extra time they spend worrying about the needs of the person they care for and the true figure may be much higher.

In total, 54% of young carer and young adult carer respondents in Scotland said the time they spend caring has increased in the last year and 36% said they now care for more people than they used to. 

One young adult told the survey: “Caring never stops. Especially when it’s time to sleep, your brain constantly worries about how tomorrow will be, hospital appointments, money etc. It’s in overdrive.” 

Time spent caring hits education and wellbeing

A higher proportion of those caring for more hours per week reported problems with money, not having time to socialise, feeling stressed and worried and not getting enough rest, sleep or time for themselves.

In terms of education, 49% of respondents in Scotland said that they never or do not often get help in school, college or university to balance caring and education work, with a third of overall respondents saying they usually or always struggle with that balance. They also report a lack of support from schools, with 32% of Scotland respondents saying there is ‘not often’ or ‘never’ someone at their school, college or university who understands about them being a carer.

For those who work, 50% ‘always’ or ‘usually’ struggle to balance caring with paid work in Scotland.

One young adult said: “There is a lot of pressure on me, to the detriment of my own health, wellbeing, success, happiness and future.”

The findings suggest these pressures are having a devastating effect on mental health. Many struggle with emotional wellbeing and feel stressed, overwhelmed or drained. The survey revealed that 52% of young carer and young adult carer respondents in Scotland ‘always’ or ‘usually’ feel stressed.

Illustrating the overwhelming nature of being a young carer, one said: “You don’t get to have bad days. If you have a bad day, the whole house can fall into disarray. It’s exhausting and traumatic.” 

Young and young adult carers say the key things they need are support around: mental health, money and finances, education and a break from caring.

Among its recommendations, Carers Trust is calling for:

  • All schools, colleges and universities to appoint a Young Carers Champion with strategic responsibility and oversight for identifying and implementing appropriate support.
  • Scottish Government to introduce a fully resourced right to short breaks for all unpaid carers with dedicated funding.
  • Improved access to financial support for young carers and young adult carers, including extending Carer’s Support Payment (currently Carer’s Allowance) eligibility to unpaid carers in full-time education.
  • Scottish Government to increase the level of funding for young carer and young adult carer support and ring-fence it.

Louise Morgan, Director of Carers Trust Scotland comments: “These shocking survey results show young people caring for their loved ones are being hit by a perfect storm of increasing intensity in their caring responsibilities and the spiralling cost of living.

“It cannot be right that children and young adult carers are having to take on the burden of dealing with stretched household finances and caring for ever longer hours, to the detriment of their education and wellbeing.

“These young people and the local organisations that support them need radical action from local and nation governments. Young people also tell us they urgently need support with mental health and access to breaks. It’s high time we gave them the help they so sorely need.”

Lib Dem landslide!

CLEAN SWEEP: LIB DEMS ROMP HOME IN CORSTORPHINE MURRAYFIELD BY-ELECTION

The Liberal Democrats have won the Corstorphine Murrayfield by-election. The rampant Lib Dems won at Stage One of the voting process 0 amassing more votes than all the other candidates combined – and they now hold all three seats in the ward.

Fiona Bennett’s emphatic victory reinforces the Lib Dem team at the City Chambers to 13 councillors, five behind the biggest party the SNP.

Edinburgh’s ‘ruling’ Labour group has just 12 councillors and last month was forced to adopt the Lib Dem budget plans to cling on to power.

Labour finished fourth in first preference votes in the by-election, which was brought about by the resignation of former SNP Lord Provost Frank Ross.

The declaration was made early this morning (Friday, 10 March) by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, city council chief exec Andrew Kerr.

Returning Officer, Andrew Kerr, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election helping to elect a new councillor to represent their views on matters affecting the ward and the entire city.

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Fiona Bennett as a new councillor and I look forward to working with her.

“I also want to thank our elections team who have worked hard over recent months to make sure this by-election ran so smoothly.”

The turnout for the by-election was a fair 42.3%.

Jubilant Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton remarked on Twitter: “Get in! So delighted for Cllr Fiona Bennett and the team she built and inspired around her.

“Important observations-

🔶

Lib Dems now second biggest party in Edinburgh

⬇️

SNP down by almost 1/3rd

🔶

“This is the biggest council by-election win in our party’s history.”

Corstorphine Murrayfield by-election, first preferences:

LD: 4577 (56%, +6.2)

SNP: 1086 (13.3%, -5.4)

Con: 788 (9.6%, -6.3)

Lab: 568 (7%, -0.9)

Grn: 417 (5.1%, -1.8)

Elaine Miller (Ind): 327 (4%, new)

Pete Gregson (Ind): 295 (3.6%, new)

Scottish Family Family, Pro Life: 90 (1.1%, +0.3)

Libertarian Party: 20 (0.2%, new)

Ward_6___Corstorphine___Murrayfield_results_2023Download

Cats Protection warns of animal welfare crisis as people cut down on vet visits and insurance

Cat owners are cutting back on pet essentials such as vet care, vaccinations, and insurance as a result of the cost of living crisis, according to new research from Cats Protection. 

The leading feline welfare charity is seeing a rise in people giving up their cats for financial reasons and is warning there could be an animal welfare crisis as a direct result of the cost of living.

Cats Protection has launched an online hub to support owners in need with a raft of information including how to look after your cat on a budget and how to access help with costs.

One in three* cat owners surveyed said they feel “greatly impacted” by the cost of living crisis, while nearly one in five (18%) said they were spending less on vet services, including missing essential vaccinations or not microchipping their pet.

Meanwhile, nearly one in three (31%) of cat owners said they are concerned about how they would pay emergency vet bills if their cat became sick or injured, with nearly one in five (18%) concerned about paying for routine vet treatment. The charity says this represents tens of thousands of cats whose welfare could now be at risk. 

A quarter of cat owners (25%) said they are spending less on pet insurance because of the cost of living and 17% are concerned about paying for insurance in the future. 

Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services at Cats Protection said: “We know the cost of living is having a huge impact on people across the country, with many cat owners making difficult choices to make ends meet. Cutting back on insurance or vet treatment can ultimately lead to higher costs if a cat becomes injured, gravely unwell, or even pregnant.

“We’ve launched a new information hub with lots of tips and ideas for looking after your cat on a budget, with everything from how to make free cat toys to how to access help with costs such as neutering. We want to provide access to information and resources that can help every owner look after their cat.” 

Cat owners also reported cutting back on spending, with more than half spending less on eating out or takeaways, days out, clothes, drinking and holidays. The survey also showed that 60% of owners feel their cat is a source of comfort to them during a difficult time.

Adoption centres are also seeing a rise in people giving up their cats for financial reasons. 

Nicola Murray, deputy manager at Cats Protection’s Harrow Homing Centre, said: “The cost of living is having a greater impact on animal welfare than Covid. We’ve got desperate people turning up on our doorstep every week and our waiting lists for people wishing to give their cat up are several weeks long.

“People need more information and support for managing their cats during this time as no one should have to give up a much loved pet during a time of crisis.”

*Survey of 3,011 cat owners in the UK, conducted by Basis on behalf of Cats Protection. Fieldwork completed in December 2022. 

Choudhury: Fight goes on for equality on International Women’s Day

Responding to this year’s 2023 International Women’s Day, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “International Women’s Day is a wonderful celebration dating back over 100 years. It is a chance to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness of the continued fight for equality. 

“International Women’s Day highlights the ever-evolving issues women have faced: voting rights, equality in the workplace and under the law and changing social attitudes. 

“It is important that we also use International Women’s Day to highlight the experience of women from a diverse range of backgrounds.   

“For example, in Ukraine, we are seeing women struggle disproportionately with human trafficking when being displaced. This is something I have addressed in the Scottish Parliament’s debate marking a year of war in Ukraine.  

“In 2022, I spoke to the Scottish Parliament about the importance of creating opportunities that specifically target women from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to get involved in sport, as hostility and abuse within sport can lead to low-levels of participation from BAME women and girls. 

“For International Women’s Day 2023, I spoke in the Scottish Parliament debate on Wednesday to address how women from ethnic minorities can face overlapping systems of discrimination: both racism and misogyny. 

“Many women from ethnic minorities experience misogyny in different ways and we need to recognise this multiplicity of experience in order to tackle misogyny.  

“I am also particularly worried about the treatment of women when wearing items such as the hijab. Many Muslim women wear these as a sign of modesty and faith, but in the UK they have been met with violence and harassment. 

“I’ve even heard cases of women avoiding train stations in fear that someone would push them on to the tracks. 

“International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to make efforts to combat these issues.  

“There are already tracks being made on some of these issues, for example Scottish Rugby recently announced a system was being put in place to allow concerns to be raised over racism and misogyny.  

“This can’t be the end point, however. The commitment to these underrepresented women needs to remain a core element of all sports, and indeed all sectors, across Scotland.  

“The involvement of ethnic and religious minority women to the same level as everyone else needs to happen before Scotland can confidently say it is a diverse and accepting nation with equality for all.” 

Misogyny law consultation

Proposals to criminalise abusive and humiliating behaviour routinely directed at women and girls

Misogynistic harassment could become a criminal offence as part of proposals aimed at providing greater protection for women and girls in Scotland.

A consultation has been launched on the draft reforms, which would create five new laws to provide police and prosecutors with new powers to tackle the corrosive effects of misogyny.

The proposals are based on the recommendations made by the Working Group on Misogyny led by Baroness Kennedy. This concluded that the harmful effects of misogyny meant women and girls required new  protection through the criminal law.

Under the proposals, the scope of how current laws tackle misogynistic abuse would be expanded to include threatening, abusive or sexual behaviour directed towards women or girls – because of their gender– which is likely to cause them to feel degradation, humiliation or distress.

It would also be used to tackle situations where women or girls are subjected to threatening or abusive messages about rape, sexual assault or disfigurement – either in person, or online.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “Baroness Kennedy’s report was stark in its assessment of the level of misogyny that exists in Scotland. Women and girls are routinely humiliated, touched, groped, undermined, trolled and objectified both online and off, and subjected to threats, harassment and abuse about their looks or desirability – stopping them from fully participating in society.

“Although there are already a range of laws that can be used to prosecute aspects of misogynistic harassment and abuse, these do not accurately identify the particular harm caused by misogyny. They also fail to adequately respond to problems faced by women, which is why we are consulting on further criminal reforms. 

“And while criminal law reform alone cannot be expected to eliminate misogynistic abuse, or the attitudes which perpetuate it, these specific criminal protections are an important step in challenging society’s – and particularly men’s – tolerance of misogyny. I encourage everyone with an interest to consider what is proposed and offer their views.”

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC said: “ I strongly encourage as many women as possible to participate in this consultation.

“For too long the law has not been drawn from the experience of women. It is time to hear from girls and women about what they think should be included in law so that they can be treated as equals and live free from abuse and denigration.” 

The consultation will run from 8 March to 2 June 2023. 

Take part in the consultation. 

The five new proposed criminal laws are:

  • An offence of misogynistic harassment. This would make it a criminal offence for a person to behave in a way that amounts to misogynistic harassment directed at a woman or girl or group of women and girls.
  • An offence of misogynistic behaviour. Intended to deal with misogynistic behaviour which is likely to have the effecting of causing a woman or girl to experience fear, alarm, degradation, humiliation or distress where that behaviour is not directed at a specific woman or girl (or group of women and girls) and so could not be described as ‘harassment’.
  • A statutory aggravation concerning misogyny. This would be used where an offence had a misogynistic motive or a person demonstrates misogyny whilst committing a crime. The statutory aggravation would ensure that this motive is recorded and taken into account when sentencing.
  • An offence of threatening or abusive communications to women or girls that reference rape, sexual assault or disfigurement. This offence criminalises sending an abusive message to a woman or girl that refers to rape, sexual assault or disfigurement
  • An offence of stirring up hatred against women and girls. This offence is concerned with the effect that the behaviour may be likely to have on the people in whom the perpetrator is seeking to stir up hatred of women and girls.