Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, visited the localBritish Gas Energy Trust Post OfficePop-Upin Waverley Mall yesterday.
It was launched to provide free money and energy advice in person to those struggling with energy debt over winter.
The Edinburgh pop-up comes as data from the British Gas Energy Trust shows 40% of people in Edinburgh say that certain cut-backs they’ve made due to cost of living have negatively impacted their mental health.
Other findings include:
34% of people in Edinburgh have limited their usage of household appliances and 39% are reluctant to use heat or electricity within the home making the cold months daunting.
The rising cost of energy has caused 40% of people in Edinburgh a fair amount of additional stress with 28% of people thinking they’ll struggle to pay their energy bills in the coming year
34% of parents have cut down on their own food consumption to be able to feed their children.
Rolling out across the country, the British Gas Energy Trust is bringing its pop-ups to Edinburgh for the public to visit on 29th & 30th January and at a second Edinburgh location on the 5th & 6th February (14a Westside Plaza, EH14 TSV) – helping people seek money and energy support and advice through the support of locally funded projects.
This includes checking eligibility for energy grants of up to £1,500 for all customers, regardless of energy supplier.
First Minister Humza Yousaf travelled to London yesterday (Monday, 29 January) to take part in a number of events in partnership with the City of London Corporation, including agreeing an enhanced framework to promote Scotland and London as centres of excellence for financial services.
The latest evolution of the partnership will ensure the benefits of a thriving financial services industry are shared across the UK. It is rooted in the ethos that financial sectors in Scotland and London have much to gain from cooperating and coordinating.
The framework complements ongoing activity to double assets under management in Scotland’s financial services sector to £1 trillion by 2030, thus supporting more jobs, as outlined in Scottish Financial Enterprise’s Growth Strategy.
It will ensure benefits are maximised for Scotland as the Corporation pushes for the UK to be a global centre for nature finance, and targets other shared priority areas including green and sustainable finance, financial inclusion and social mobility.
Long-standing annual engagements will continue – including the annual Burns Supper, hosted on rotation between Scotland and the City of London Corporation since 2020 – ensuring regular promotion of Scotland’s financial sector to UK-wide and international investors in London.
It is part of broader work between the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International, global investors and partnerships – including that with the City of London Corporation. It allows the Scottish Government and City of London Corporation to work together to support the aims of businesses in their respective financial sectors.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland has much to gain from strengthening our relationship with the City of London – by providing access to global investors and collaborating on shared initiatives, we can reap the benefits of a thriving financial services industry for our centres of excellence.
“Outside of London, Scotland both has the UK’s largest financial services centre and is the most attractive location in the UK for foreign direct investment. By working with the City of London Corporation towards shared goals, we can continue to drive that investment, and grow our economy.
“This latest partnership agreement is enhanced in terms of the scope and focus of our ambition, and will ensure our priorities continue to align with those of businesses in the financial sector.”
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “The twin financial and professional services sectors of London and Scotland represent a critical part of the UK economy.
“We’ve been delighted to partner with the Scottish Government on a range of issues where we have alignment and shared challenges: in sustainable finance, technology, talent and growth.
“Today’s meetings and Burns Supper represent an opportunity to really explore these areas; to identify areas of complementarity; and determine how we can work together for the benefit of our shared sectors, economies and people.”
Edinburgh became the first Scottish local authority to enforce against parking on pavements, parking at pedestrian crossing points and double parking yesterday (Monday 29 January).
Parking attendants have begun monitoring streets across the city, along with existing duties. Anyone found to be contravening the new rules could be subject to a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Scott Arthur joined parking attendants yesterday to see the impact of the changes. He also met representatives from Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets, with whom the Council collaborated to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.
National regulations giving councils the power to enforce the new rules came into effect on 11 December. The change addresses the inconvenience inconsiderate parking causes to all road users, in particular those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and people with pushchairs.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:“We’re leading the way as Scotland’s first local authority to enforce against pavement parking, as well as parking at crossing points and double parking.
“This is a change that we’ve wanted to make for a long time, and I’ve heard from many people who say it will make their day-to-day life much easier. It will make our streets safer for everyone, in particular those with visual impairments or mobility issues, and I’m delighted that reports of pavement parking are already coming down.
“Now the restrictions are in place, we are relying on the public to park safely and considerately, making sure not to block any roads. We’ll continue to monitor streets across the city to make sure the impacts on the wider network are minimal.”
People who have been affected by pavement parking have also welcomed the ban.
Edinburgh-based guide dog owner Elaine MacKenzie said she and guide dog Tessy are often forced out onto the road when their path is blocked by a parked vehicle, putting them in real danger.
Elaine said:“I remember a time when there was a work van parked on the pavement. It was a very busy road but we didn’t have any other option to get past. I had to go on the road to actually get to where I needed to go, and I was terrified.
“Sometimes you’re walking towards traffic or you can be walking with traffic coming from behind you, which is really scary if you can’t see.
“I’m so glad the City of Edinburgh Council are doing something to end pavement parking. The new legislation will make a real difference to my everyday life. It will be one less thing to worry about when I am out and about with Tessy.”
Local parent Euan Reid added: “The ban on pavement parking will make a big difference for parents who are using prams in Edinburgh.
“There have been occasions where I have had to use the road to navigate our pram past cars parked on the pavement, this creates an unnecessary risk to parents and their children, and I am pleased that the City of Edinburgh Council have taken action to make the streets safer for everyone.”
Mike Moore, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “We applaud the City of Edinburgh Council’s swift and decisive action to use its new powers to tackle pavement parking in the city.
“These measures will be a huge help for people with sight loss, who are often discouraged from getting out and about by the fear of badly parked vehicles.
“While pavement parking creates problems for everyone, it is especially dangerous if you have sight loss and can’t see whether traffic is coming towards you.
“Removing the barrier of vehicles blocking the way for pedestrians will make Edinburgh a more accessible city and sets a strong precedent for all local authorities in Scotland to follow.”
David Hunter, Convener of the Living Streets Edinburgh Group, said:“It’s been a long road to getting a ban on pavement parking.
“Living Streets has campaigned for this for well over ten years so it is gratifying to see the day arrive when we should no longer see this kind of anti-social parking. Pavements are for people and cars don’t belong on them.
“We are especially pleased to see the City of Edinburgh Council leading the way by applying the ban to every street, without exception.”
Officers have identified a small number of streets where there is significant pavement parking and have written to these properties to help them prepare for the measures. Now the ban is in place monitoring will continue to ascertain whether any mitigation measures are required to minimise potential negative impacts on the wider road network.
The restrictions will help ensure Edinburgh’s roads and footways are accessible for all, which is central to our vision of an equal, accessible and sustainable city as part of the City Mobility Plan.
The prohibitions first featured in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, though the necessary regulations required to support the enforcement and appeals procedures have only recently been finalised by Transport Scotland.
This visit took place in the week marking the 5th anniversary of the founding of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
On 24 January, Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils visited Camp Badre in Maguindanao del Norte to meet Moro Islamic Liberation Front communities and launch a new UK-funded project supporting decommissioned combatants to develop new livelihoods opportunities, for example around agriculture or eco-tourism.
Through engagements with decommissioned combatants, Lord McConnell gained insights into the needs of the community and discussed UK support to the peace process. His visit comes at a crucial time for the Bangsamoro peace process, as the region prepares for its first Parliamentary elections in 2025.
Lord McConnell was in the Philippines from 22 – 26 January 2024. In Cotabato, Lord McConnell met with MILF leadership, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), representatives of the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities, political parties and civil society.
In Manila, he had constructive discussions with Senator Raffy Tulfo, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo and Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and civil society.
Speaking after his visit, Lord McConnell said: “I was delighted to join the 5th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao this week in Cotabato.
“I was pleased to witness first-hand the progress made on delivering the peace process as we approach the important BARMM elections in 2025. The visit to Camp Badre was an opportunity to listen to the decommissioned combatants and learn more about their experiences.
“As we approach the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement, I congratulate all involved and I look forward to continuing to support them in delivering development, peace and inclusivity for all.”
The visit marked the launch of the UK government-funded VSO ACTIVE Project, part of the UK government’s continuing programme of support to the BARMM.
A spokesperson for VSO said: “The ACTIVE project in the Philippines has supported marginalised communities in MILF camps to generate livelihood opportunities, increase biodiversity, protect against the harmful impacts of climate change and hold local decision makers to account, with 380 community volunteers supporting over 20,000 people to date.
“The project contributes to the normalisation track and the Camp Transformation Plan and has helped decommissioned combatants and their families to establish agroecology initiatives and supported the construction of an eco-tourism area which is now protected by an ordinance.
“VSO and our partner, UnYPhil-Women, are delighted to have the opportunity to expand this work in Camp Badre, and we are very grateful to the FCDO for their ongoing support for the ACTIVE project.”
Welcoming the launch of the project at Camp Badre, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said: “The UK government is delighted to support the normalisation track of the peace process, and in particular the VSO ACTIVE project in MILF camps.
“Peace is not just the absence of war – it’s also about opportunities, development and hope. The UK reiterates its unwavering support for the Peace Process and delivering lasting and inclusive peace for all.”
Since 2020, the UK government has been supporting the peace process in the BARMM through a £12 million Conflict, Stability and Security Fund programme, sharing experience in devolution, institution-building, and peace transition.
An Open Letter from Pamela Tulloch, chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)
It’s no secret that Scotland’s libraries, along with the rest of our world-class culture sector, are currently embroiled in a perfect storm: budget pressures, reduced income generation, and rising costs have created a potent force for our services to contend with.
That’s why we’ve written to councillors across the City of Edinburgh, ahead of final decisions being taken on 2024/25 public spending, to not only remind them of the vast benefits a thriving public library service can provide, but to highlight those who stand to lose the most if our services are cut even further – communities across Edinburgh.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the advocacy body for Scotland’s network of over 500 public libraries – celebrating the creativity, commitment, and value that libraries offer the communities they serve. A lifeline of support for so many.
Our latest research, Scotland’s Public Library Survey, helps to demonstrate the immense value, trust, and appreciation that people across Edinburgh place in their library service. With over 93 per cent of respondents agreeing that using the library improves their quality of life, the pivotal role they play is clear.
This is best evidenced by:
Closing the attainment gap by supporting children’s development, education and improving literacy through adulthood;
Combatting social isolation and helping those struggling with mental health;
Bridging the digital divide through free e-learning opportunities;
Connecting rural and remote communities through mobile library provision; and
Providing free IT equipment, employability sessions and activities to alleviate the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
This is supported by the poignant feedback shared by library users across Edinburgh. When asked about the positive impact library use had had on their life, one local commented:
“The library is a busy meeting place for groups, acting as a hub for all sorts of activities, including groups of parents and children who meet here to play. Staff at the library are very helpful in recommending books that suit my tastes.
“The library is a very social place with a lovely atmosphere and is welcoming place to go. It always cheers me up.”
This sentiment is common and is underpinned by a strong economic case: for every £1 invested into our libraries, there’s a return on investment of £6.95 for the local economy.
And it is to the credit of our public libraries that this is the case, despite budgets having been hollowed out over the past 14 years which has resulted in reduced opening hours and staffing levels.
Indeed, Scotland’s libraries remained the most frequently visited cultural places in 2022, and also enjoy the highest customer satisfaction rate of any local authority cultural service, at 89 per cent.
Now is the time for the City of Edinburgh Council’s elected members to give libraries the financial backing that they need – that they deserve – to continue delivering the public services which have become vital to communities across the country.
This is more than a bid for culture funding – it’s a plea to prioritise community wellbeing. We hope that all elected members will consider both the financial and social cost of not maintaining these essential services and use the upcoming budget period to protect the services that matter most to their constituents by ensuring continued investment in our libraries.
Pamela Tulloch,
Chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)
The Women’s Enterprise Scotland chair brings a wealth of experience to the role
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has announced serial entrepreneur, experienced tech sector leader, and chair of Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) Lynne Cadenhead as its newest Entrepreneur in Residence.
The move, which is part of an effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurial excellence, will see Lynne provide support and expert advice at the University.
An alumna of ENU with a background in life sciences, Professor Lynne Cadenhead brings a remarkable track record to the role. She started and grew three successful businesses, and has more than 25 years of entrepreneurial, equity investment, and policy experience.
Lynne has also drawn recognition for her work to support women into entrepreneurship, through her post as chair of WES and as Women’s Advocate and Investor Relations Director for Tricapital Angels Limited.
In her new role as Entrepreneur in Residence, Lynne Cadenhead will join The Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence scheme, a part of the Science, Industry, and Translation programme. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge and awareness in UK universities of cutting-edge industrial science, research, and innovation.
As Entrepreneur in Residence, Lynne will be actively involved in fostering a more entrepreneurial environment for women across Edinburgh Napier University.
This reflects the University’s commitment to encouraging and supporting women in entrepreneurship, aligning with its dedication to driving positive change and advancing gender equality.
Lynne Cadenhead said:“I am honoured to be taking up the role of Entrepreneur in Residence at Edinburgh Napier University.
“If we want to unlock Scotland’s economic potential, we need to champion the entrepreneurial spirit across academia and contribute to a culture of innovation.
“Drawing from my own journey, I am particularly excited about supporting and inspiring women in enterprise, as they face numerous additional barriers when it comes to starting and growing a business.
“This new role will allow me to actively contribute to the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial mindset for all.”
Nick Fannin, Head of Enterprise at Bright Red Triangle, ENU’s enterprise hub, said:“We are thrilled to have Lynne Cadenhead join us as our latest Entrepreneur in Residence.
“Lynne’s incredible personal experience in building companies and her commitment to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial women aligns perfectly with Edinburgh Napier’s mission to nurture and support the women in our university community, enabling them to have real impact in their academic careers, and to commercialise their research.
“We believe Lynne’s expertise will have a profound impact on our students, staff, and alumni as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“Lynne’s presence will be a tremendous asset to our community, and we are committed to bringing about positive change.”
Participants of Football Memories groups across Scotland will get the chance to hear from former referees as their whistle-stop tour, courtesy of Specsavers, kicks off.
The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
The tour will stop in at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, with ex-whistler Dougie Hope getting proceedings under way at Hampden Park on January 25.
Dougie refereed over 1,000 matches in Scotland, his last being Dundee United’s 1-0 victory over Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup Final, and will recount his career to the group at the national stadium.
Martin Clark will host Edinburgh participants in February, John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while the Aberdeen speaker is yet to be confirmed for April’s meeting.
Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland.
With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers.
Specsavers will sponsor the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia.
Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past. The impact can be enormous.
Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘We are excited to get under way with the first activity in our new partnership with Specsavers.
‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation.
1994/1995 Referee Douglas Hope in action
Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers.
‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’
Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions.
‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’
Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.
Megan Hannay, a pupil of Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA), won the highest honour at a British Isles competition over the weekend as she was named as the event’s best act.
The 14-year-old from Edinburgh beat off competition from over 500 other dancers from across the UK and Ireland at the prestigious Dance Inspirations finals staged in Blackpool. Her contemporary dance solo ‘Voila,’ choreographed by instructor Jenni Inglis, was judged as the competition’s best performance with Megan picking up a £1000 cash prize along with her trophy.
Meanwhile, EDA took home a number of additional titles from the event including being named as the Highest Ranked Dance Studio in the UK and Ireland for the third year running.
EDA dancer Finn McFeely (16) was awarded the title of Most Promising Senior while fellow pupil, 11-year-old Sadie McKenzie, took honours as Most Promising Junior at the three-day annual competition.
EDA dancers also secured a number of Top 10 rankings. This included commercial soloist Rhianne McAllister and contemporary soloist Amelie Gay.
The school also took Top 10 honours for its group contemporary routine ‘Open Hands’ while an EDA trio featuring Megan, Finn, and Charlotte Maurer were also highly ranked for their ‘Chalk Outlines’ performance.
The Dance Inspirations competition featured more than 300 top level dance routines. These were selected from a total of 3000 acts from over 100 dance schools across the UK and Ireland which competed in regional heats ahead of this weekend’s final.
Julie Mitchell, Principal and Founder at EDA, said: “We are all delighted with the amazing achievements of Megan, Finn, Sadie and all of our competitors who were outstanding this weekend.
“These individual and group awards along with EDA once again being named as the top dance studio in the British Isles is a real testimony to our pupils’ talents and our excellent team of instructors.”
On Saturday (27 January), memorial plaques were unveiled to commemorate and celebrate the life of firefighter Barry Martin, one year on from his death in the line of duty.
A Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Red Plaque was unveiled alongside a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Memorial Plaque at McDonald Road Fire Station on Saturday at a private ceremony attended by members of Barry’s family, fire service colleagues and their families, along with representatives from the Fire Brigades Union and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The Red Plaque project is funded by the Firefighters 100 Lottery and creates memorials for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty across the UK.
Shelley Martin, wife of Barry Martin, said:“Barry Martin was, and will always remain, the heart and soul of our family. There is nothing right about our profound loss, but what we must do, is do right with what we are forced to live with. That is, living a life without his physically here to have and to hold.
“Therefore, what is right, is to celebrate our extraordinary Barry, who shines through his beautiful sons Oliver and Daniel, and forever blazes with a ferocious love in our hearts. We thank everyone who helped us to make this day, about Our Barry.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:“As we mark one year since he lost his life in the line of duty, Barry Martin and his loved ones will be in the thoughts of firefighters everywhere.
“The plaques unveiled in his memory will provide a place of reflection and remembrance for all who knew him, and for future generations of firefighters to pay their respects.
“The Fire Brigades Union honours Barry’s dedication and bravery. We commemorate his life and work with pride, and we will ensure he is remembered always.”
Seona Hart, Fire Brigades Union Scotland treasurer said:“The Red Plaques play an important role for the loved ones of the firefighters they remember, as well as sharing their stories with the community.
“As we unveil the FBU Red Plaque at McDonald Road Fire Station, we are not only gathered to remember Barry, but also to celebrate him as husband, father, son, comrade, brother and friend.”
New survey reveals three in four (75%) UK parents with children under five are anxious about their child’s emotional and mental wellbeing.
Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline from UK adults with concerns about children’s mental health increased by 21% last year.
Majority of UK parents (57%) think parenting is harder now that it was when they were growing up.
Supported by TV presenter and author, Anna Williamson, and actor T’Nia Miller, NSPCC launches refreshed online parenting advice and TV ad campaign to help improve access to easy-to-understand advice for families, parents, and carers.
More than 40% of parents in Scotland said they were worried about the impact of mental health on their family, a new survey commissioned by the NSPCC has revealed.
The survey reveals top parenting concerns across the UK with issues such as mental health, bullying and social media use ranking highly.
It comes as the NSPCC launches a new campaign and refreshed advice for parents to help with many of the everyday challenges they face when raising children.
Across the UK, the issue that parents of children and babies aged five and under were most likely to be concerned about was their child’s emotional wellbeing and/or mental health, with 75% saying it was a worry. More than two thirds (67%) also cited learning development as a cause for concern.
For parents of six to 11-year-olds, 56% said they were anxious about their child’s mental health and 47% of parents of children between 12 – 17 also expressed the same concern.
The charity has also revealed that contacts to its helpline from UK adults with concerns about children’s mental health increased by a fifth last year.
Between April 2023 and December 2023, the NSPCC Helpline dealt with 2,499 child welfare contacts about child mental and emotional health. This is a 21% increase compared to the same time frame in 2022.
These statistics show that children’s emotional and mental wellbeing is especially worrying for parents with children under 5. Parents with very young children are thirsty for information about infant mental health and support with early childhood development which is why it is so important that free, expert advice is available online.
Everyone has a role to play to look after each other and keep children safe. From members of the community supporting families in their area, to local services and governments across the UK offering crucial support for new parents.
The NSPCC knows that being a parent is not easy. In fact, most parents across the UK (57%) said that parenting is harder now than when they were children. Many parents say they do not always know where to go for expert support, with half (53%) relying on advice from family members and two in five (41%) relying on friends.
That is why the charity wants all parents to know that everyone has options, and the NSPCC is always there when it comes to helping keep children safe and healthy on the phone and online.
The survey also revealed that more than twice as many parents across the UK think growing up is harder for girls than boys.
The new campaign, supported by TV presenter and author Anna Williamson, focusses on the NSPCC’s refreshed parenting pages on its website which help make the expertise and guidance they offer at every stage of parenting more accessible and user-friendly.
Available here is advice about babies and toddlers, family life, friends and relationships, health and wellbeing or navigating the digital world.
NSPCC Ambassador Anna Williamson said:“We live in a world where parents feel more anxious than ever which is why I’m so proud to support this campaign that is all about giving them free, non-judgement expert advice.
“As a mum myself, I too have worried about the impact of things like bullying, mental wellbeing and social media on my children so it’s great to see charities like the NSPCC taking positive steps to help give parents the tools they need to navigate tricky topics together.”
Actor and Director, Samantha Morton said: “Parents feel so much pressure to get things ‘right’ for their children – but parenting doesn’t look the same for everyone.
“It’s concerning to see that many parents don’t know where to turn for expert advice which is why I’m keen to support the NSPCC’ new campaign to give straightforward tips and help for every stage of parenting.”
The NSPCC has also launched a national TV ad campaign, in which actor T’Nia Miller, star of Years and Years, The Haunting of Bly Manor and Sex Education, reads a poem all about the many anxieties of parenthood.
The 60 second video is called ‘Not Letting Go’ and includes a graphic series of stills and animations from award-winning artist Martina Lang.
T’Nia Miller said: “It was such an honour to be a very small part of the really important work that the NSPCC does.
“When I first read the poem I was so moved and as a parent of two I related in many ways. Parenting isn’t easy. It’s the hardest job on earth – so it’s important that we start with parents so that children can grow and flourish.”
Sir Peter Wanless, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “Parents and carers tell us that raising their families is becoming increasingly difficult. With a cost-of-living crisis, new online threats to children and increasing mental health concerns among young people, there are a rising number of challenges in childhood today.
“We know that parents can be a vital positive influence in young children’s lives. I hope that our advice will help provide easy to understand support and help parents feel less anxious as they navigate family life.
“Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are worried about a child or your ability to help. We must all work together to ensure that our children have happy and healthy futures.”
Free NSPCC parenting advice is only a click away and is designed to help families feel empowered to support their children before problems escalate. Visit it now on the NSPCC website.
