Month: September 2023

TV Chef Theo Michaels teams up with SmarterNaturally to launch free online cooking series creating type 2 diabetes friendly meals

TV Chef Theo Michaels has launched a series of cooking videos creating delicious food for people who are looking to lower their blood sugar – a key risk factor for type-2 diabetes.

The star of Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch has teamed up with SmarterNaturally, an exciting UK company that has created a unique super-strain of broccoli with patented health-boosting properties.

SmarterNaturally have turned their super-strength broccoli (called ‘GRextra’) into a ‘SuperSoup’ designed to support people suffering from diabetes (as well as high cholesterol and other health conditions).

Theo, who is an award-winning author and former MasterChef contestant, has created the free videos which show how to prepare a range of delicious, easy-to-make and diabetic friendly meals using this super soup.

The collaboration aims to use both science and nutrition to help people with diabetes eat better and gain control of their blood sugar levels.

The recipes are free to watch on SmarterNaturally’s website

(www.SmarterNaturally.com/recipes)

and show how the special broccoli soup can be used to create different flavoursome dishes – all of which contain a week’s worth of glucoraphanin (the health-boosting molecule which makes SmarterNaturally Soup so special).

Most people eat SmarterNaturally’s SuperSoup once a week by simply adding boiling water. But for those who prefer the culinary over convenience, Theo Michaels has given the soup a makeover to show just how easy it is to use as an ingredient in more exciting dishes instead.

The first three recipes in the series are Smoked Haddock with Cheddar Broccoli Sauce, Thai Green Curry and an Indonesian Laksa – all of which have been certified by nutritionists as diabetic friendly and can be made either vegetarian or vegan with just a few tweaks. In the coming weeks and months, Theo is planning to add more delicious meals to the list – all inspired by and incorporating the SuperSoup.

Theo said: “After being introduced to Smarter Naturally soup and reading the research behind the health benefits, I was sold on how beneficial their soup is for maintaining a healthy metabolism and supporting your body.

“I set about creating recipes that are full of flavour that complement the broccoli soup as well as being type 2 diabetes friendly. I’m excited to be working with such a talented team at SmarterNaturally who are dedicated to increasing the quality of life of so many people!”

Laura Knight, CEO, SmarterNaturally said “Our SuperSoup is a science-backed functional food designed to support people with high blood sugar, and it’s really convenient.

“Our long-term customers started to use the soup as an ingredient in all kinds of ways to keep things interesting.

“That’s way we’re excited about our partnership with Theo; he’s using his creativity and skills in the kitchen to turn our SuperSoup into culinary delights that people can easily make and enjoy at home, safe in the knowledge that the recipe protects the bioactivity of the soup and analysed by a dietician as being suitable diabetics.

“It’s an important step forward for us in our goal of supporting prediabetics and diabetics on their journey towards a healthier future.”

THE RECIPES:

Smoked Haddock with Cheddar Broccoli Sauce

Serves 1

Smoky haddock poached in milk with aromatics combined with Smarter Naturally soup to create a delicious cheddar sauce served with the gently poached haddock on a bed of fresh baby spinach leaves.

Ingredients

1 x40g sachet Smarter Naturally Soup

140g smoked haddock fillet

250ml skimmed milk

2 cloves garlic, cracked

2 bay leaves

30g cheddar cheese, grated

25g baby spinach

Pinch chilli flakes

Few sprigs fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

Method:

Pour the milk and water into a shallow frying pan along with the garlic, bay leaves and smoked haddock. Bring to a simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the fish is cooked through then remove from the heat. While the fish is cooking mix together a sachet of Smarter Naturally soup with the grated cheddar cheese and reserve.

In your serving bowl, bundle the baby spinach leaves into the centre and once the fish is cooked place on top of the spinach. Finally strain the hot milk through a sieve into the bowl of Smarter Naturally soup and cheese and mix together until combined. Pour the sauce around the edge of the fish in the bowl and garnish with few sprigs of chopped fresh parsley, pinch of chilli flakes and a drizzle of olive oil.

Thai Style Green Curry

Serves 1

This punchy fragrant Thai inspired curry is perfect to incorporate your SmarterNaturally soup; full of flavour this one never fails to satisfy!

Ingredients

1 x40g sachet Smarter Naturally Soup

½ zero-salt chicken stock cube

250ml hot water

1 tsp olive oil

90g chicken breast, cubed

200ml light coconut milk

80g mange tout

½ tbsp fish sauce

1 lime

Paste

10g coriander

½ small onion, quartered

2 cloves garlic

1 inch ginger, peeled

1 green chilli

½ stick lemongrass

Method:

Start with the curry paste, add all the paste ingredients to a food processor and pulse until you have a smooth paste (you may need to add a little water to help it mix). Add a splash of olive oil to a frying pan and fry the curry paste for a couple of minutes then drop in the diced chicken breast and after another minute pour in the coconut milk and leave to simmer for five minutes. If it gets too thick you can top it up with a little extra coconut milk.

While the chicken is cooking; add the stock cube to a bowl and pour in 250ml just boiled water and then pour in the soup sachet and mix to combine.

Once the chicken is cooked add the mange tout, fish sauce and give it a squeeze of lime. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the SmarterNaturally soup until fully combined. Taste; adding more of the fish sauce or lime juice as preferred. Pour into a bowl, garnish with any left over coriander and drizzle of coconut milk.

Theo’s top tips:

  • omit the chilli if you prefer mild heat
  • try with fish instead of chicken

Indonesian Style Laksa

Serves 1

Theo says he can’t get enough of this one; a hearty yet vibrant Indonesian style prawn laksa with NaturallySmarter soup that makes this not only delicious but healthy too!

Ingredients

1 x40g sachet Smarter Naturally Soup

½ zero-salt vegetable stock cube

50g vermicelli rice noodles

250ml hot water

40g choi sum, stalk trimmed

1 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, chopped

½ small white onion, sliced

1 inch ginger, grated

1 red chilli, chopped

½ stick lemongrass

150g king prawns

200ml light coconut milk

50g bean sprouts

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp peanut butter

½ tbsp curry powder

½ tsp turmeric

1 lime

10g coriander for garnish

Start by hydrating the noodles in a large mixing bowl with enough hot water to cover by a couple of inches, leave to hydrate.

In a hot pan, add a splash of oil and then add the onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chilli and cook for a couple of minutes (don’t let it burn) before stirring in the curry powder and turmeric and quickly followed by the coconut milk. Mix together and then stir in the tomato puree and peanut butter.

Add the choi sum to the pan and leave to simmer for five minutes until cooked through (you can add a splash of water if it starts to dry out/go too thick), then add the prawns and cook for another two minutes and remove from the heat.

In a separate bowl; mix together the vegetable stock cube with just boiled water and stir in the NaturallySmarter soup. Pour boiling water over the beansprouts to balance and remove from the hot water after a minute. Remove the frying pan from the heat and place the choi sum into a serving bowl along with the noodles (either drain in colander or use tongs to life out of the water).

Stir the soup into the Laksa and once combined pour over the noodles and choi sum, garnish with extra coriander, the beansprouts on the side, a squeeze of lime and any extra chilli you wish to use.

Theo’s top tips:

  • You can use frozen prawns instead of fresh; simply add just before the choi sum.
  • Can easily replace the prawns for Tofu or chicken if preferred.

These recipes have been analysed by a dietician and full nutritional information is available on request.

Free macrame workshops in Granton

GRANTON Goes Greener are very excited to be hosting more FREE macrame workshops at Granton Parish Church in October🍁🍂.

They will be delivered by lovely Alexandra from Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) and in order to sign up, you MUST be able to take part in all 4 as we will be working on one big project taking 4 weeks.

It is ADULT ONLY workshop. To book your space-email: aleksandra@elrec.org.uk

New Carer Support Payment to be piloted in three areas

Carer Support Payment will open for applications in pilot areas from November 2023, subject to parliamentary approval of regulations setting out rules and eligibility.

Adults living in Perth and Kinross, Dundee City and Na h-Eileanan an Iar, will be the first to be able to apply ahead of phased national rollout from Spring 2024. The benefit will be available nationally by Autumn 2024.

Carer Support Payment will replace Carer’s Allowance, currently administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, and will be provided by Social Security Scotland. It will be the 14th Scottish benefit and is a Programme for Government commitment.

More than 80,000 carers, will be able to receive the benefit in Scotland, including 1,500 carers who are currently unable to access Carer’s Allowance due to studying full-time.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley Anne Somerville said: “This 14th Scottish benefit feeds into our critical mission to reduce poverty and provide support those who are in the greatest need.

“Unpaid carers play a vital role in looking after their loved ones, but we know this can affect their own health and wellbeing. Carer Support Payment will provide unpaid carers with income in recognition of their caring role, giving them more security and helping them access opportunities outside of caring.

“Access to education is a key part of this, which is why we want to extend eligibility for our benefit to many carers studying full-time. I am pleased student carers will be able to apply as soon as Carer Support Payment is available in their local authority area, given the calls from carers and support organisations for changes to the current rules.

“This change and the delivery of Carer Support Payment will be a key milestone in our ongoing work to improve support for unpaid carers, and we are committed to further changes to make the benefit work even better in future.”

Carer’s Assistance (Carer Support Payment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/sdsi/2023/9780111057964

Firefighters participate in “ground-breaking” health trials

  • Hundreds of firefighters to be tested this week for cancer and other health issues in Scotland as part of a UK-wide firefighter health monitoring research project, commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and carried out by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
  • Firefighters are currently not provided with regular monitoring in UK despite risk of occupational cancer
  • FBU calls for urgent action to protect firefighters

A firefighter cancer monitoring project has been launched in Scotland as part of a new UK wide research project commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). The testing is being carried out by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), led by a world expert in fire toxicity, Professor Anna Stec.

Trials took place in Edinburgh from Monday 11th until Wednesday 13th September. 

Nearly 200 Scottish firefighters are participating by providing blood and urine samples. The results will be used to detect cancers and other diseases at the early stages, and to identify evidence linking occupational cancers with exposure to toxic fire chemicals. 

The Scottish Government has provided funding of £56,000 towards this project, while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is working with the FBU and UCLan to facilitate the testing.

This follows research finding that incidence of cancer among UK firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population in the same age category. 

This testing project is the first of its kind to take place for firefighters in the UK and follows the World Health Organisation announcement that occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic.

Riccardo La Torre, FBU national officer, said: “This research is a vital part of our campaign to protect firefighters from cancer and other occupational disease. The Fire Brigades Union is proud to have led the way in fighting for the protections we need to stop preventable deaths, while employers and governments have failed to act.

“The UK is decades behind many other countries on this issue. While it is positive that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has supported this week’s initiative, we urgently need regular UK-wide monitoring to catch occupational diseases early and save firefighters’ lives.”

John McKenzie, FBU Scotland regional secretary said: “Every firefighter who has volunteered to participate in these health trials should be proud of their contribution to workplace safety. The evidence shows that exposure to toxic contaminants in fire is putting firefighters’ health at risk. We must see serious action to save lives from occupational cancer and diseases.

“We are pleased that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is supporting this ground-breaking research and are committed to furthering this vital work. It is imperative that firefighters continue to see improvements to preventative measures within their workplaces over the months ahead.”

SFRS Assistant Chief Officer Andy Watt said: “The SFRS has already undertaken work to minimise the risk of contaminants for our staff and we will continue to work in partnership with the FBU and Professor Anna Stec to develop and deliver further improvements that will help mitigate the effects of contaminants.

“There are a wide number of areas of work that we are progressing through our Contaminants Group that will take time to deliver, and staff will see the phased implementation of these changes and improvements over the coming months.”

Anna Stec, professor in fire chemistry and toxicity at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “This is the first study of its kind in UK and the research brings to light the wide range of occupational hazards that firefighters face.

“It is vital that firefighters can continue to do their jobs as safely as possible, and the research shows that measures such as health monitoring and reducing exposure from contaminants at the workplace will play an important part in protecting firefighters.

“We hope that working with organisations like SFRS will not only help us to create a safer working environment in Scotland, but will also introduce a change to the wider sector.”

Don’t Drink and Drown

RLSS UK encourage students to Be a Mate during Freshers

The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) annual weeklong Don’t Drink and Drown campaign launches today (18 September), aiming to ensure students remain safe after nights out around the water as thousands of young people head off to university. 

In a sample of UK accidental drowning cases analysed by RLSS UK, 62% of those aged 16-25 who lost their life were students.  As a result, the charity is urging students to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, especially if there is a body of water within the town or city they are moving to. 

Of those aged 16-25 who drowned under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 81% weren’t with friends at the time of drowning. The campaign aims to speak to students and encourage them to, after a night out, be responsible for their friends, be a mate, and ensure they return home safely. 

As fresher’s events take place across the UK in September, many students will be heading to bars and clubs to celebrate the start of their university adventure, and this is where RLSS UK fears tragedies may occur.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “Don’t Drink and Drown was launched following a string of tragic and high-profile student drownings in 2014. When heading to university, students should be excited for the year ahead but sadly we have seen various instances where young people’s nights out have sadly not ended the way they had planned. 

“University should be a time where students are looking forward to making new mates, rather than losing them. Research indicates that among those aged 16-25 who lost their lives to accidental drowning, 44% had alcohol and/or drugs in their bloodstream.

“We know that alcohol and drugs have a number of different effects on the body including lowering inhibitions, which leads to impaired judgment, and this is where we see people taking risks and getting themselves into trouble in and around water.”

In line with this, the data also reveals that when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accidental drowning victims are much more likely to have unintentionally fallen into the water; 55% compared to 36% for those who were not under the influence.

Lee continued: “With thousands of students moving to new cities to start university, Don’t Drink and Drown is vital in encouraging students to think about their new surroundings.

“Many university cities have rivers running through the heart of them or are near a coastline, and our campaign encourages students to ensure they are familiar with what routes they can take home after a night out that steer clear of the water. 

Further analysis among alcohol/drug related drownings highlighted that, where known, over half of drug and alcohol related drownings take place between 11pm and 5am, the time in which students may be walking home from nights out. RLSS UK wants to reinforce the message of safety in numbers, be a mate, and stay together to make sure everyone makes it home safe. 

Lee said: “We have seen cases of young people walking home after a night out, and for various reasons getting too close to the edge and ending up in the water.

“At this time of year, the water is colder than it looks and cold water shock is a significant factor, and paired with alcohol numbing senses, limiting muscle ability and slowing down reactions, it makes it extremely difficult to be able to swim and self-rescue.

“As we see mainly young men, walking home alone, sadly in these cases there is nobody around to help, we see nights out turn into tragedies.” 

RLSS UK will be working with numerous universities across the UK and Ireland to get the message out to students returning for the start of term. 

For more information on the campaign and to support RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign this September visit www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown. 

Visit our website at rlss.org.uk 

Follow us on Twitter – @RLSSUK

Visit our Facebook page – facebook.com/RLSSUK 

Call – 0300 323 0096

First large-scale study shows success of 20mph speed limit across Scottish Borders

Edinburgh Napier report highlights significant reduction in speeds, as Wales implements country-wide change at the weekend 

A study by Edinburgh Napier University has shown that the rollout of 20mph speed limits across the Scottish Borders has reduced average speeds by 3mph. 

With previous research showing that there is an average 4% reduction in collisions with each 1mph reduction in average speed on rural roads, the study demonstrates the significant knock-on effect the new speed limit is likely to have, particularly when seen within the context of the national Road Safety Framework to reduce deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2050. 

The trial, which took place across 97 villages and towns in the Borders since October 2020, showed that 85% of drivers dropped their speed by 3mph. It also showed that the largest speed reductions were observed in locations where higher speeds had been seen in the past – with those areas seeing an average reduction of 5.4mph.  

Significantly, the report also concluded that the change in driver behaviour continued well after the beginning of the trial, with average speeds still well below previous levels eight months after the start of the trial.  

The trial in the Borders is the first one in the world to look at the effects of a 20mph speed limit on such a large, rural area and the results will be studied by governments, local authorities and organisations across the UK and the world.  

The study also comes just days before the Welsh Government made Wales the first nation in the UK to adopt 20mph as the default speed limit on restricted roads – generally roads that are located in residential and built-up areas where there are significant numbers of pedestrians. 

Professor Adrian Davis of Edinburgh Napier’s Transport Research Institute who led the research said: “Previous research has shown that 20mph speed limits are effective in large towns and cities in both reducing speed driven and in reducing casualties.

“Our work looking at speed changes reveals that speed reduction to 20mph from 30mph in rural settlements produces similar results for speed reduction as in urban areas.

“Communities which have been asking for action to reduce speeding have been given a response, in this case by Scottish Borders Council who have taken action to address the dangerous and anti-social impacts of inappropriate speed.

“Our research findings consequently support the switch in Wales on Sunday from default 30mph to default 20mph speed limits.” 

safety-09-00066-Olowosegun-Assessing-the-impact-of-20mph-speed-limits-on-vehicle-speeds-in-rural-areasDownload

100 Species Exhibition at Heart of Newhaven

Absolutely delighted to share details of our 100 Species exhibition at Heart of Newhaven! Open now!

Huge thanks to the 150 creators who have supported us in this project, sharing their art, learns and thoughts about our special Firth of Forth.

The 100 Species are all ready and eager to meet you! Come visit us ❤️

Please feel free to share!

#RestorationForth

#exhibition

#oysters

#seagrass

#100species

#heartofnewhaven

#ecologycentre

#scottishseabirdcentre

#wwfscotland

#wwf

#fifecoastandcountrysidetrust

#royalbotanicgardensedinburgh

#projectseagrass

#mcs

#heriotwatt

Laura Tobin helps to raise awareness of link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked 

The weather presenter is backing ScottishPower’s support for Cancer Research UK studies which are uncovering how air pollution causes lung cancer in people who have never smoked.  

ScottishPower has welcomed Laura Tobin to its Whitelee Windfarm – the largest onshore windfarm in the UK – to help raise awareness about air pollution, its impact on lung cancer and the need for more research. 

The TV meteorologist, whose own family has been impacted by cancer, is backing the leading renewable energy company’s support of Cancer Research UK’s studies which are investigating the link between lung cancer in people who have never smoked and air pollution.  

In the UK, it is estimated that nearly 6,000 people who have never smoked die of lung cancer each year*. Research estimates that lung cancer in people who have never smoked is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the UK*. Outdoor air pollution causes around 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer. 

ScottishPower has been a long-standing supporter of Cancer Research UK for over ten years and is covering the cost of the TOPICAL study, which hopes to help scientists better understand the link between air pollution and lung cancer. Insights from this research could shape new ways to diagnose and treat lung cancer in people who have never smoked. 

Led by Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician and Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, the study is examining the role of tiny particles in the air called PM2.5, which are derived in part from burning solid and liquid fuels. Professor Swanton and his team are looking at the relationship between these tiny air pollution particles and cases of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.  

Results from Professor Swanton’s lab** suggest that PM2.5 pollution can awaken dormant cells in the lungs carrying cancer-causing mutations, which go on to become tumours. This game-changing discovery could open new ways to prevent and treat lung cancer in people who have never smoked in the future.  

The support of this project is part of ScottishPower’s ongoing partnership with Cancer Research UK, which since 2012 has seen more than £35m raised to help beat cancer sooner – and they aren’t stopping there. 

Laura Tobin said: “Air pollution is invisible to the human eye, yet it can have a considerable effect on our health. Being at a place like Whitelee Windfarm really brings clean air to the forefront of your mind and makes you realise its importance. 

“I know from my own personal experience how important it is for us to understand how cancer starts, grows and spreads, so we can find new ways to beat it. ScottishPower’s support of Cancer Research UK’s innovative research on air pollution is breaking new ground in our understanding of lung cancer.  

“The funding ScottishPower has provided to Cancer Research UK over many years is vital to bringing forward the day when we beat cancer.” 

Whitelee is the UK’s largest onshore windfarm and is a vital part of Scotland and the UK’s transition to a clean energy future. It was awarded with a prestigious Green Flag award for its benefit to the local community and role in providing a positive, environmentally-friendly location. 

Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician, said: “Lung cancer in people who have never smoked is more common than many people realise, and we need to understand it better.  

“Previously, we had thought that environmental carcinogens, like air pollution, directly mutated our DNA to cause cancer. But our research has revealed a new way in which air pollution can set off another molecular chain of events that leads to cancer. 

“This finding wouldn’t have happened without funding from Cancer Research UK and partners like ScottishPower. ScottishPower’s unwavering support of Cancer Research UK is helping us work towards a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.” 

Andrew Ward, CEO of ScottishPower Retail, said: “ScottishPower is committed to leading the fight against climate change, but we’re also committed to playing a leading role in the fight against cancer. 

“The simple fact is that we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, both for our planet and our health. At ScottishPower we’re investing heavily in clean, green electricity generation, as well as providing decarbonisation solutions for households and business, including solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicle solutions. 

“I had the pleasure of listening to Professor Swanton when he visited us at ScottishPower HQ and it’s fantastic to hear how our partnership is helping to support such ground-breaking research. 

“Working with Laura Tobin at our iconic Whitelee Windfarm provides a really striking link to clean air to help us all understand the importance of combating air pollution and better understanding the impact it has on us. 

“I’m thrilled that studies we’ve helped to fund are already aiding research breakthroughs and we’re committed to working in partnership with Cancer Research UK in the years to come to help beat cancer sooner.” 

To find out more about ScottishPower’s partnership and support of Cancer Research UK, please visit: scottishpower.co.uk 

New mental health service for families to open in East Lothian

A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland is to be launched from September in East Lothian.

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service will open tomorrow (Monday 18 September) at The Fraser Centre in Tranent and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The Haven will be open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents. It will offer support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Every family will have their own ‘Pal’; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey. At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.

Sara Fairgrieve from East Lothian is the parent of a child who is currently receiving mental health support. She is backing ECHC’s new service and will attend The Haven with her child once it is open.

Sara said: “This new service is definitely needed and will be very welcome in the community. For any parent who has children struggling with their mental health, just having somewhere to go where you can relax, escape for a little while and meet like-minded parents with similar issues who understand will be so beneficial.

“We’re lucky in that we’re managing for now, but I know there are parents out there who are despairing, stuck on a waiting list and feel they have nowhere to turn to get the help they need now.

“Being able to speak to non-judgmental professionals who can provide the right support and guidance – as families will be able to do at The Haven – will really help to take the stress and strain off parents, and the kids themselves.”

The Haven will be piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain the scale of demand. It is modelled on the charity’s existing Hospital Hub, which delivers very similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

The service is a response to ECHC’s research which found that over half (59%) of Scottish families have a child who has experienced a mental health concern. Once proven, it will be scaled and delivered in community settings and available to all children struggling with their mental health, and their families, across Scotland.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no time to wait.

“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We asked them what was missing, and overwhelmingly we found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them.

“The development of The Haven has been led completely by children, young people and families.  What they asked for was a wellbeing service like that already provided at the children’s hospital. Somewhere the whole family can go and do everything from take part in fun activities, to having a complementary therapy or just a hot cup of tea and the chance to offload.

“Together we have an opportunity to help our children with earlier support for good mental health to improve their wellbeing and avert a potential mental health crisis. We hope The Haven will be part of the solution.”

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian added: “I’m delighted to see Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity launch their new mental health pilot in Tranent. 

“I’ve met the team on a number of occasions – this is a groundbreaking initiative and I look forward to working with them closely in the months ahead.” 

If you live within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or are registered with Tranent Medical Practice and need support, please get in touch at thehaven@echcharity.org or call 0131 202 9212.