A charity which provides free and confidential foster care for pet cats while their owners flee domestic abuse is looking to recruit more volunteer fosterers this January.
Cats Protection’s Lifeline service offers temporary care for cats in a home environment, enabling survivors to get to safety knowing their cat will be looked after until they can be reunited.
But in order to help more people, the charity is in desperate need of more volunteer fosterers who can offer a temporary home to a cat in need.
Cats Protection’s Lifeline Manager Amy Hyde said: “Many people want to start a New Year by making a resolution to help others, and joining our Lifeline team as a volunteer cat fosterer could be the perfect opportunity.
“Not only do our volunteers help cats, they also provide an opportunity for victim-survivors to get to safety knowing that their beloved pet cat will also be safe.
“We know that in cases of domestic abuse, pets are often targeted as a way to control or coerce a victim-survivor into staying. And as most refuges are unable to accept pets, this can be a significant barrier for people seeking support and safe housing.
“By offering free and confidential cat foster care, Lifeline helps to remove that barrier and gives victim-survivors the time, space and opportunity they need to get to a safe place.”
Referrals to Lifeline – previously called Paws Protect – come from either owners themselves or a support worker. Once in Lifeline’s care, cats are given a full health check before going to a Lifeline volunteer fosterer who is provided with everything they need to make sure the cat remains happy and healthy until they can be reunited with their owner.
After supporting cats in the South East for almost 20 years, Lifeline was recently able to expand into Yorkshire, East Anglia and the Midlands.
“We’ve fostered over 330 cats during 2023, enabling over 200 owners to get to safety but we need more cat fosterers to turn it into a UK-wide service.” said Amy.
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, helping an average of 157,000 cats and kittens every year through a network of over 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer, or other ways to support the Lifeline service, please visit www.cats.org.uk/lifelineservice
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, anytime on 0808 2000 247.
UK forces are taking lead of NATO’s rapid response force on 1 January 2024, placing thousands of soldiers on standby and ready to deploy within days.
NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) was created after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and deployed for the first time for the collective defence of the Alliance after Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Taking leadership of the VJTF will see the UK provide the majority of forces in the task force. The United Kingdom’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps will serve as the land component command.
The leadership position is rotated annually among NATO members, and the UK now takes over from Germany, which led the force in 2023. The UK previously led the task force in 2017.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK is at the heart of NATO. By heading up NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force in 2024, we are taking another leading position in the Alliance, sending a clear message that Britain is stepping up to our global defence commitments as NATO enters its 75th year.
“The UK’s Armed Forces stand ready, at a moment’s notice, to defend our Allies and protect the British national interest.
“The world is a more dangerous and contested place than it has been for decades and we need NATO more than ever. The UK and its allies are committed to supporting NATO and what it stands for.”
The VJTF is the highest-readiness element of NATO’s larger Response Force (NRF), which also includes air, maritime and special operations forces. In 2024, VJTF land forces will comprise some 6,000 troops, with the UK’s 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team – the ‘Desert Rats’ – at its core.
This is the same force that led the response during the activation of NATO’s Strategic Reserve Force in Kosovo last year. The brigade consists of a light cavalry regiment, and four light-mechanised infantry battalions with enabling artillery, engineering, logistics, and medical regiments. Major units include the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the 4th battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the 2nd battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment.
The MOD’s 2023 Integrated Review Refresh was clear that NATO will remain the cornerstone of UK defence and security. The UK remains committed to offering the full spectrum of defence capabilities to the Alliance, and the past year has underlined the continued importance of the Alliance’s role in deterrence and defence.
Our existing commitments to NATO include UK leadership of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission in Estonia, with a brigade of troops held at high readiness in the UK to reinforce Estonia and the wider Baltic at a time of crisis.
Around 1,000 UK troops are persistently deployed to Estonia as part of the eFP mission – known as Operation Cabrit. This year, over 1,500 UK troops participated in Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia, the first time the UK conducted a brigade-sized deployment as part of Op Cabrit.
The UK also provides a Reconnaissance Squadron to a US-led NATO battlegroup in Poland, as well as a Ground-Based Air Defence system (Sky Sabre) to help protect Polish airspace.
In 2024, nine NATO Allies – UK, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania and Albania – will contribute to the NATO Response Force. The Alliance will transition the NATO Response Force into the new Allied Reaction Force in mid-2024.
Garden Centre unveils its first free Little Seedlings Club of 2024
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is unveiling its first Little Seedlings workshop of 2024. The free session, taking place on Sunday 7 January in its Edinburgh store, will help children discover the fascinating world of hydroponics, an innovative method of growing plants in water instead of soil.
Designed for children aged 4-10, Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club workshops are fun, educational and interactive. They encourage kids to embrace the nature and wildlife around them, and nurture a passion for gardening and protecting the environment along the way.
Children in Edinburgh will learn how to propagate plants and grow them using the hydroponic technique, feeding them with mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water, and explore the differences between growing with soil or water. Additionally, care tips will be shared, including ensuring your water is nutrient rich and the plant is aerated, allowing the roots to get enough oxygen for optimal growth.
Most plants can grow hydroponically, but Dobbies’ experts will showcase some of the plants best suited to the hydroponic method, including strawberries, tomatoes and lettuce, making it a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
Chloë Bell, Dobbies’ Community & CSR Communications Executive, is excited to kick off the new year with this hydroponics Little Seedlings workshop.
She said: “We love to encourage children to connect with nature and gardening, and this workshop will dive into the world of hydroponics, giving all attendees the chance to learn a new way of indoor gardening and explore its benefits.
“We welcome children of all ages and abilities to head along to our Edinburgh store and take part in this fun-filled session. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new, make friends and enjoy a new hobby.”
Every penny counts at Christmas and employees eligible to claim a tax refund on any work-related expenses are being urged to do it directly through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to guarantee receiving 100% of their claim.
Whether working in hospitality or retail, taking on a seasonal second job as a delivery driver, or even becoming Santa’s elf for the month, the most straightforward way to claim – and keep – all of a tax refund is through HMRC’s online service. A claim takes just 15 minutes.
Employees can use the online service to check eligibility and get a full list of work expenses they could claim a tax refund for, including:
cleaning, replacing or repairing a uniform or work clothing
using their own vehicle for work including business mileage
professional subscriptions they’ve paid for, that are needed to do their job.
Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s Interim Director General for Transformation, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time of the year and for many, it could be a good opportunity to claim a tax refund on work expenses to boost finances.
“Latest figures show the average claim is £125 a year. But the only way to guarantee receiving 100% of your eligible refund is by claiming direct through HMRC. Just search ‘tax relief for expenses’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
Once customers have signed into the HMRC service, they just need to follow the simple step-by-step guidance to submit their claim. Those who need to set up an account can do so quickly and easily via GOV.UK.
Customers considering using an agent to make their repayment claims are likely to be charged a fee – in some cases up to 50% of the value of the claim. If the claim is then found to be ineligible, customers are liable to pay back the full amount of the refund, not the amount they finally received, so could end up out of pocket.
While going through an agent may seem like a simpler option at first, customers will need to supply the agent with the same information they would use to make the claim themselves using HMRC’s free online service.
Anyone who does, nevertheless, choose to use an agent to make a claim on their behalf should also check the small print before signing a contract – including researching the company so they understand what commission is being charged and how much of their tax refund they are likely to receive back.
COUNCIL LEADERS SEEK URGENT MEETING WITH DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
COSLA has today (Friday) described the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget as a missed opportunity for the communities of Scotland in relation to transforming our economy and meeting climate targets.
The councils’ umbrella body added that Scotland’s Council Leaders, Councillors, the Local Government Workforce and communities should be treated with the respect they deserve demonstrated through investment, not cuts.
A COSLA spokesperson said: “At a special meeting just before Christmas, there was dismay and frustration from Scotland’s Council Leaders about the way Local Government and the communities we represent had been treated in the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget.
“As the Budget currently stands, communities will see and feel a range of negative impacts.
“COSLA’a budget campaign set out the case for fair funding that would allow LG to deliver for the people of Scotland, particularly around Transforming our Economy through a just transition to deliver net zero, one of the 3 shared priorities laid out in the Verity House Agreement.
“The response from the @scotgov to our Budget ask is disappointing and will mean that the potential that councils have to prevent problems occurring will be limited severely.
“The Budget is bad news for the just transition to a net zero economy. We are still analysing the impact across all services but one notable cut is to the regeneration capital grant fund (RCGF) and the vacant and derelict land improvement programme (VDLIP) .
“Overall capital regeneration funding to Local Government has been cut by 27%, from £62.5m to £45.8m. This undermines work to regenerate communities, tackle inequalities and to reduce carbon emissions.
“This means the RCGF, which is jointly managed by Local and Scottish Government, now won’t be open to new bids for 2024-25. Our town centres and communities will be worse off due to this decision.
“On a larger scale, cuts to local government revenue and capital funding are completely the wrong things to do if Government is serious about tackling climate change and its impact on society and the economy.
“Given that 82% of all emissions are within the scope of influence of Local Authorities, plans to deliver on the Scottish Government 2030 statutory target must now be in serious doubt a few weeks after Ministers were talking up Scotland at COP 28.
“COSLA’s President, Vice President and Political Group Leaders from all parties have written to the DFM and are seeking an urgent meeting. Leaders will not let this lie, they simply cannot afford to because it will have such a detrimental impact on the communities they represent.”
As many pharmacies will be closed or have reduced hours next week, NHS Inform and the NHS 24 Online app offer advice on getting more medicines if your prescription runs out.
Civil penalties totalling £85,700 have been served by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in 2023 for breaches of environmental regulation.
They include 13 Fixed Monetary Penalties of either £300 or £600 for offences such as burning waste, breaches of water use licences, discharges of sewage effluent and failing to provide SEPA with copies of documents requested in a notice.
Also served this year were a £3,500 Variable Monetary Penalty for waste offences, and a £75,000 fine under F-gas regulations.
Jennifer Shearer, Head of Enforcement at SEPA, said: “Civil penalties are a vital part of our enforcement toolkit, providing a deterrence to those who choose to ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations. Enforcement action is a key part of our job as a regulator, ensuring we disrupt and take action against those who harm the environment, communities and legitimate businesses.
“We have a range of enforcement tools available to us depending on the scale and impact of offending including disruption activities, partnership activity with other regulators and authorities, final warning letters, statutory notices, licence suspensions, fixed and variable monetary penalties and reports to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) We’re committed to being proportionate, consistent, accountable and transparent in our enforcement outcomes.”
Civil penalties
Civil penalties sit alongside other enforcement tools available to SEPA to use when appropriate in relation to environmental offending.
Details on all the FMPs and the VMP listed below are available on SEPA’s website at Penalties imposed and undertakings accepted | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Fixed Monetary Penalties (FMPs)
SEPA can issue FMPs for a specified offence – they are not available for all offences. FMPs are normally appropriate where an offence has not caused environmental harm or has caused minimal environmental harm with no lasting environmental effects or impacts on communities, for administrative offences and where little (if any) financial benefit arises from the offence.
FMPs in 2023:
Six for disposing of controlled waste by burning, £600 each:
George Steel Contract Services Limited, Falkirk
Stella’s Voice, Cranfield
Ian Robert Munro, Alness
The Good House Company Scotland Limited, Kinross
Bradley Morgan, Kinross
The Firm of D & J Thomson, Aberfeldy
Two for breach of a water use licence relating to discharges of surface water from a construction site, £600 each:
Bellway Homes Limited, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tough Construction Limited, Glasgow
Two for a discharge of sewage effluent to the water environment, £600 each:
Sands Caravan and Camping Limited, Wester Ross
Robert Main Ellen, Muir of Ord
One in each category as follows £300 each:
Anthony Barclay, Musselburgh – transporting controlled waste in the course of business, or otherwise with a view to profit, without a waste carrier licence.
GMR Henderson Builders Ltd, Wick – failure to complete waste transfer notes adequately.
Barry Bain, Inverness – failure to attend a compelled interview.
Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs)
VMPs are discretionary financial penalties which SEPA can impose for a relevant offence following an appropriate investigation.
James Roberts Marshall, Perth £3,500 for allowing controlled waste to be disposed of by burial when no waste management licence was in place authorising the activity. He was also required to pay SEPA costs of £1,050.
Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (the F-Gas regulations 2015) The F-gas regulations aim to reduce the use of HFC refrigerants, through better control of their containment in existing applications and their recovery for recycling or destruction.
DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited, Dalry £75,000 for failing to provide a leakage detection system on equipment containing powerful greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
A woman who was given just a 0.5% chance of survival after a catastrophic car crash has now committed her life to helping others following a remarkable four-year recovery with the help of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Lauren Feeney, 29, from Glasgow, suffered a horrific catalogue of injuries including 26 broken bones, eye injuries, internal bleeding and brain damage when the car she was a passenger in collided with a 32-tonne truck on New Year’s Eve, 2019.
Her injuries were so bad that when the police officer who was first on the scene pulled her from the car, her body was “like jelly”, and she spent a month in a coma. All three other occupants of the car died in the crash.
But despite living with a brain injury, sight problems, reduced function in one leg which means she needs a brace, and other permanent injuries, Lauren now volunteers two days a week helping staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, runs regularly, swims five days a week and is in training with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.
To top it all off, she wants to become a motivational speaker so she can inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Lauren had moved to London to complete her training as Cabin Crew for British Airways and was a month into her dream job jetting around the world, when the accident happened.
“I can’t remember anything,” she said. “When I hear about what happened, it’s like listening to a story about someone else, or watching a TV show. It was horrible, so maybe it’s better that way.”
Lauren spent two months in hospital in London before being transferred back to Glasgow just as COVID struck, and she spent four months in the QEUH, first in the orthopaedic department and then in the Physically Disabled Rehabilitation Unit (now called the Neurorehabilitation Unit). She then continued her rehabilitation at home with her mum Pauline and dad Kevin.
“I spent two years receiving a range of therapies,” Lauren said. “Mum and dad had been told not to get their hopes up, that my life would be severely limited. They were planning for a life of care.
“But the staff who cared for me were just fantastic. They were such an amazing support for me that I’m not sure where I’d be without them.”
As Lauren got better, she started contemplating what to do with her life. She knew she couldn’t go back to the job she loved, but rather than sitting feeling sorry for herself, she got up and got active.
“I started volunteering at the QEUH R&R Hub just over a year ago and, to be honest, I feel so lucky to be here. Before cabin crew I worked in hospitality, and I just love being around people and helping them, so being here is perfect.
“Don’t get me wrong – it’s not easy. The aftermath of the accident means as soon as I get stressed or overwhelmed, it gets really tough. Plus I can’t walk as well as I used to, and I’ve got constant problems with my sight, so days can be a bit of a challenge.
“But I don’t want sympathy, or to make a big deal of things.”
Lauren praised her workmate Caroline Maxwell (above) – paired together because managers knew they would be a good fit – for the support she has provided.
“She’s just brilliant, and gives me exactly the amount of help I need, stepping in when I need it, but usually just leaving me to get on with it. We have our way and work brilliantly together – we really are the dream team!”
However, volunteering with NHSGGC is only the start for Lauren. She’s also resurrected her teenage hobby of swimming – and she’s so good she now trains regularly with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.
She’s also taken up running, recently completing her first 5K and with the ultimate goal of taking part in duathlons – even though she can’t feel her leg unless weight is going through it.
“It’s difficult right now,” she said. “I have to concentrate really hard on where my foot is going to land and with my sight issue it can be a real challenge. But I’m stubborn so I won’t give up, and I’m learning to manage pretty well.”
With a story as inspiring as this, it’s little wonder that Lauren has her eyes set on helping others who face challenges in their lives.
“I was offered the chance to speak at a conference recently, and I absolutely loved it,” she said. “People like me wouldn’t normally be able to speak, but that has made me even more determined to share my story. In fact, it feels like I have a responsibility to make the most of that to help others who have been through similar.”
Dr Teng Cheng Khoo, Lead Clinician and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the NRU (formerly PDRU), paid tribute to Lauren and the work she has put into her recovery.
He said: “It is amazing how far Lauren has come. She sustained significant traumatic injuries from her accident, and not every person who went through what she did would be able to bounce back in such a way.
“One of the main reasons for Lauren’s phenomenal recovery and re-integration is her ongoing motivation and the hard work that she has put in over the years. Staff at the then PDRU found her a joy to work with despite the challenges she had to face at that time. She worked with staff to set goals that consistently pushed the boundaries of her recovery and what she was able to achieve.
“We also have to remember that this happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which makes her achievements all the more impressive.”
Dr Khoo praised the way a range of services have collaborated in Lauren’s ongoing recovery. He said: “From community rehabilitation services and ophthalmology to orthopaedics and the chronic pain service, all services have worked well together to achieve the best possible outcomes, and to help Lauren live a full, independent life, despite the ongoing challenges she experiences on a daily basis.
“We all wish Lauren well, and have no doubt that she will go on to achieve the goals she has set herself.”
Mary Nolan (above), Interim Volunteer Manager (South Sector) with NHSGGC, described Lauren as “an amazing person – quick, funny, sharp, and always smiling.
She added: “Lauren started volunteering at the beginning of December 2022, and from the word go I had a feeling she would be a success. It is a credit to her that we make no particular adaptations or allowances for her significant residual disability. The HUB is a place for our staff to come to relax and have a coffee, and Lauren is so friendly and helpful – all the HUB users love her.
“Lauren has so much potential, and we are delighted that this volunteer role has been able to play a part in her ongoing recovery.”
Caroline Maxwell added her own tribute: “It’s a pleasure volunteering alongside Lauren. We bounce off each other and the hours just fly by. Lauren likes to ensure that the front-line staff are well looked after, and always makes time for a chat.
“Oh, and she makes a great coffee!”
But the final word must go to Lauren, who is only looking forward in her life.
“I bear no ill will. I am where I am and my life’s great now. I just want to be the best person I can be and to help others.
“In fact, if you have challenges in your life and aren’t sure you can take on something new, look at me – don’t let anything hold you back. In fact, I’d say even more that you should go for it.
The creation of a new criminal offence of unauthorised entry to a football match and bolstering collaboration between UK and overseas police are among recommendations from MPs on how to improve safety at sporting events at both home and abroad.
Today’s report from the Culture Media and Sport Committee comes after its inquiry examining safety spectator issues following the disorder at Wembley at the Euro 2020 final and the chaotic scenes faced by Liverpool supporters caused by police failings at the Champions League final in Paris last year.
In a week when hundreds of thousands of fans will be attending football and other big sports fixtures, the Committee concludes that while sporting bodies have learned lessons from past disasters and improved stadiums and policing, sporting events are still not environments that ensure all fans are able to attend.
The disorder at Wembley in 2021 included instances of people without tickets attempting to enter the stadium using fakes, tailgating or through force. Warning that the lack of a distinct criminal penalty is allowing the practice to continue seemingly unchallenged, the Committee backs the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill introduced by committee member Kevin Brennan MP and urges the Government to ensure the legislation is passed.
The Bill would create an offence of unauthorised entry at football matches and allow a football banning order to be imposed on conviction.
The report also calls for the expansion of safe standing trials, for police and clubs to take the use of Class A drugs at sporting events more seriously, steps to monitor and tackle anti-social behaviour and discrimination and for measures to ensure stadiums are accessible for all.
On protecting fans abroad, the Committee describes as ‘disgraceful’ the treatment of Liverpool fans by French authorities at the 2022 Champions League final, with their approach worsened by attempts to blame Reds supporters.
Evidence received by the Committee suggests that the attitude of foreign police forces to British fans heavily contributed to the chaos. The report therefore recommends that the Government works with overseas counterparts to bolster the role of British police travelling with fans and their collaboration with local forces.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “Fans flocking to festive fixtures at this time of year should be able to enjoy time with family and friends in sports grounds that are secure, inclusive and welcoming environments.
“Sadly, the rise in disorder at football post-pandemic and near disasters that occurred at Wembley and in Paris have shown there is much to be done to ensure a safe time for all. The Government, police, clubs and governing bodies all have a role to play.
“Tailgating and other forms of unauthorised entry into grounds are an increasing problem at high-profile matches putting safety at risk from overcrowding. Those involved should know that they will face consequences and the Government should back legislation to ensure they can be banned.
“At big games in Europe, too often the attitude of foreign police to British fans leads to unacceptable treatment of innocent supporters. The Government needs to work with overseas counterparts to bolster the role of British police travelling with teams and collaboration with local forces.”
Main conclusions and recommendations
Protecting fans abroad
The treatment of Liverpool fans by French authorities at the 2022 Champions League final was disgraceful and worsened by attempts of the authorities and UEFA to blame the supporters. The attitude of foreign police forces to UK football fans heavily contributed to the chaos.
The Government should work to foster improved relationships with other governments on policing sporting events in order to bolster the role of British police travelling with UK teams and their collaboration with local forces.
Policing
The unauthorised entry of ticketless individuals at football matches creates a risk to their safety and the safety of legitimate, paying fans. While such acts are likely already illegal, the lack of a distinct criminal penalty that includes the use of the proven deterrent of Football Banning Orders, is allowing this practice to continue seemingly unchallenged.
The Committee welcomes the introduction of the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill and calls on the Government to ensure its passage into law during this session of Parliament.
Sporting bodies should increase their financial contribution to the safety of fans outside of the stadium.
The Government should work with police and sporting bodies to introduce a centralised system to report and record discrimination and antisocial behaviour at sporting events.
Alcohol and drug use at sporting events
The evidence available on the impact of alcohol on disorder at football matches does not provide a compelling case either for the status quo or for a significant relaxation of the current legislation.
The Government’s review of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985, alongside a responsible alcohol sale pilot scheme, provides an opportunity for comprehensive evidence gathering.
The Government should consult with other sporting bodies and also ensure that the alcohol sale pilots are undertaken alongside the Committee’s recommended improved reporting of hate crime and antisocial behaviour to ensure the impacts are fully understood before any further decisions are taken.
The increasing use of Class A drugs at sporting events is something that police and clubs should both be taking more seriously. It is unclear whether the use of Football Banning Orders for Class A drugs provides an adequate deterrent.
Further work is needed by the police to understand the prevalence of drug supply and possession.
Stewarding
Stewards should not be seen merely as volunteers or fans who get to see the game for free. They are crucial to the safety of all sporting events and their responsibilities have grown over the years. The resources available to all major UK sports should allow for the better treatment of stewards, including an appropriate wage.
Stewards, employers and fans would all benefit from clarity on the roles, responsibilities and standards for stewards. The Committee recommend that the Sports Ground Safety Authority should develop and publish minimum expectations for stewarding standards in consultation with all those involved in major sporting events.
The Government and SGSA should work with sporting bodies to establish a central training fund, with contributions from sporting leagues being tied to their revenue.
Stadium management
Local authorities should include a wider variety of perspectives in Safety Advisory Groups with efforts to reach demographic groups that have been previously disregarded.
As long as football clubs can prove that they have a comprehensive stewarding plan for safe standing and follow the licenced standing criteria from the SGSA Further safe standing pilots should be encouraged.
Poor stadium design raises fundamental issues around equality, diversity and inclusion that are not being fulfilled to an acceptable level by the design of spaces intended for use by fans. Being unable to accommodate women and disabled fans in an appropriate way sends the message that they are not welcome and undermines their safety, security and dignity when attending matches.
The SGSA should update its Green Guide with a requirement for new and redeveloped stadia to better accommodate all fans, including women and disabled people.
The Scottish Government has announced additional funding for a new project to support LGBTQI+ children and young people’s mental health.
LGBT Youth Scotland will receive £50,000 to establish a new Mental Health LGBT Youth Commission.
LGBTQI+ young people continue to experience significant health inequalities and face real barriers to accessing healthcare.
The Commission will explore barriers and challenges LGBTQI+ young people face when accessing mental health support and services. This work, will be taken forward with young people, and their lived experience will help inform future work, designing targeted and tangible solutions, formulated by the LGBT Scotland Youth Scotland Mental Health Ambassadors.
This project has been developed based on the feedback and recommendations of children, young people and families and will provide important additional mental health support to the LGBTQI+ young people in Scotland.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “I am happy to announce this additional support for LGBT Youth Scotland on top of the substantial investment we are already making in improving the mental health and wellbeing support provided to children, young people and their families.
“We have listened to children, young people and families, and are taking direct action in the areas where they have told us more support is needed.
“Making sure all children and young people can get the mental health and wellbeing support they need, at the right time, is important to this government as our continued record investment in this area goes to show.”
LGBT Youth Scotland, Chief Executive, Dr Mhairi Crawford said: “There is a tremendous amount of work still needed to ensure that the voices of LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland are heard. However, this funding represents a step in the right direction.
“We recognise the current pressures on the NHS, but even during times of crisis, we cannot deprioritise the needs of marginalised groups.
“LGBT Youth Scotland’s Mental Health Youth Commission will see young people share their lived experience to drive change and inform solutions.
“We thank the Scottish Government for supporting this project which will amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ young people, have a significant impact on services and help LGBTQ+ young people across Scotland thrive.”
