Views are being sought on proposals for the sustainable use of bioenergy, including growing crops which can be converted into electricity, heat and fuels.
Bioenergy is already a key component of Scotland’s energy system and is produced by using organic material from trees, plants and food waste as a greener source to replace fossil fuels.
A new strategy sets out how bioenergy can be used to reduce emissions, and proposes using some agricultural land specifically to grow crops which can be converted into bioenergy.
Consultation on the strategy opens today and will run for 12 weeks, seeking views on the opportunities and barriers to using biomass for fuel, as well as the possible use of land to grow the perennial energy crops required for domestic production.
Energy Minister Gillian Martin said: “Bioenergy supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2045. Research shows if 90,000 hectares of these crops were planted, this could deliver an amount of energy equivalent to powering around 1.3 million homes a year.
“Realising this potential can help to deliver a just transition for our energy sector, and develop a self-sufficient and secure supply chain to enable us to generate more of this greener energy.
“It is vitally important that people engage on this consultation and give us their views.”
A new UK government campaign is to be launched to support parents as research highlights some are unaware their baby’s mental health impacts their early development.
A new government campaign aims to support parents in nurturing their bond with their baby.
New research highlights many parents are unaware of the link between their baby’s good mental health and early childhood development.
Building close relationships in this critical period of social and emotional development reduces the likelihood of mental health difficulties throughout their lives.
A new government campaign – Start for Life’s If They Could Tell You – has launched to support parents to help build secure bonds to help nurture their baby’s future mental health, along with easy-to-follow guidance on the Start for Life website.
The campaign aims to highlight that babies’ expressions, reactions, noises, and cries are the way they communicate their needs and feelings to parents which in some cases can be an indication of their mental wellbeing.
The government wants to help parents and carers learn how to interpret these cues so they can find the best way to meet their babies’ needs.
A baby’s brain is making one million neural connections every second, making pregnancy and the first 2 years so important for their healthy development. These connections are formed as a result of the interaction between parents and their babies, laying the foundations for their physical and emotional wellbeing, now and in future. Secure relationships with parents and carers positively impacts child development outcomes and reduces the likelihood of mental health difficulties.
Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care, Dame Andrea Leadsom said: “We are committed to giving every baby the best start in life, and promoting that vital secure attachment between babies and their parents in the 1,001 critical days from pregnancy to two years old is crucial for their future well-being.
“Speaking with parents across the country, I’ve heard first-hand that they need more support around how to better build those connections. Parents can access a range of support and advice, in person via family hubs and on the Start for Life website.
“We are also launching new guidance for frontline practitioners, aimed at helping them to start conversations with parents about building their relationship with their baby.
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said: “A strong, loving connection between parents or carers and their baby can play a significant role in developing the brain and protecting their mental health as they grow up.
“This campaign will make it easier for parents and carers to interpret the way their baby is communicating with them and understand how best to meet their baby’s needs.
“Raising a baby is not easy and I hope that new NHS trusted advice provided through the campaign will be a helpful source of information and support to parents and carers.
“New guidance for frontline practitioners will also help start conversations with parents and carers to explore their relationship with their baby, in order to provide support.”
The early years are a crucial time for the development of a child’s brain. Over a third (41%) of parents of under twos in England are unaware that mental health starts to impact a child’s development before they are two.
Whilst most parents (95%) feel confident in supporting their baby’s emotional and social development, more than two thirds (73%) of parents in the survey indicated they would welcome support in nurturing their connection with their baby further.
The new survey from Censuswide, which explored parents’ understanding of building a positive connection with their baby, also found that over half (53%) of parents believe that parenting advice they received in their baby’s early life, such as letting the baby ‘cry it out’ (53%) and limiting physical affection (52%) to avoid the baby becoming clingy was outdated, with almost a third (31%) of parents feeling guilty for following this advice when their baby’s cues indicated otherwise.
Child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer said: “Building a strong connection with your baby from pregnancy onwards helps to foster a sense of love and security, laying the foundations for their future wellbeing and mental health.
Dr Amanda Gummer has these tips for parents to help interpret cues and build strong connections with your baby:
Mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions
Babies need you to help them learn about themselves and the world around them. Your baby might be telling you they’re ready to play if they’re smiling or cooing. You can mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – such as smiling back if they have bright eyes – as this shows them that it’s OK to express those emotions.
Comfort your baby when they are crying
It’s important to respond to their cries, as well as their smiles, with love and reassurance. If your baby is crying, try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly, or singing to them.
Remember, you can’t ‘spoil’ a baby with too many cuddles and it doesn’t make them clingy. Babies will cry for different lengths and at different times, so try not to compare your baby to others. Babies also cry for different reasons; pain cries can be different to hunger or tired cries so try to understand what they’re telling you to help you respond appropriately. Looking after yourself is also really important and will help you to comfort your baby’s cries.
Enjoy playing face-to-face with your baby in everyday moments
The more you cuddle, look at and play face-to-face with your baby, the more secure they’ll feel, and the more independent they’ll become. In time, they will feel confident that you will be there for them. This can be as simple as saying what they do and name what they see, as you’re going about your routine.
Let your baby take breaks when they need them (and the same goes for you!)
Your baby’s body language, facial expressions, noises, and cries are their ways of telling you what they need. Sometimes they might be telling you they just need a break. Show them that it’s ok if they need to try something different, or to just to rest. Remember to also take care of yourself, and take a moment when needed, so you’re ready to understand and respond to your baby’s cues.
Further information on family hubs can be found here:
Following a refurbishment, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection has officially opened The Brasserie at The Scholar – offering a modern take on British cuisine, using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Nestled on the edge of Edinburgh’s city centre, the restaurant forms part of The Scholar Hotel and provides a welcome retreat for both guests and locals alike at its tranquil location at the foot of Arthur’s Seat.
The Scholar’s Executive Chef, Ed Fortune, introduces seasonal menus that blend traditional favourites with innovative flavours, showcasing the restaurant’s partnerships with Scottish suppliers.
As spring arrives, guests can savour delicacies like Shetland mussels, Scottish asparagus, and new season raspberries.
Meanwhile, as winter bids farewell, comforting dishes like smoked duck with Stornoway black pudding, roast cauliflower with orange and cavolo nero, and lamb rump with maple bacon, green beans, miso neeps, and tarragon are available.
Classic offerings such as fish and chips, along with a selection of sandwiches and burgers, complete the menu.
For post dinner drinks guests can enjoy a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails at the hotel’s Lounge Bar, including the Bee’s Knees – a mix of honey, lemon and gin in partnership with Summerhall’s Pickering’s Gin – and classic cocktails with a twist, like Coconut Mojito or Tiramisu Martini.
The extensive wine selection, curated in partnership with Dalgety Bay based wine merchants l’Art du Vin, includes a range of bottles made with passion and integrity by ethical artisan producers.
Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager – Operations, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection said:“At The Brasserie we are passionate about seasonal produce and providing our guests the fresh and rich flavours of Scotland throughout the year.
“Moving into spring, we wanted to offer a lighter, brighter menu that captures the very best of British cuisine, collaborating with the finest local suppliers to bring each dish together.
“We look forward to welcoming local residents and visitors to Edinburgh at The Brasserie. There are exciting developments in the works at all of our hotels within the collection and we cannot wait to share them with local community in the coming months.”
In an initiative to mark Europe Day 2024, the European Movement in Scotland has brought together an outstanding cast of speakers and organisations from Scotland, the UK and Europe to deliver a stimulating and important weekend of talks, analysis, debate and conversation. The event is being held at Summerhall, Edinburgh on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May.
The two-day event will see discussion on big issues at the heart of the UK’s current and future relations with the EU. The subject range includes Scotland’s place in Europe; peace and security; settlement and EU citizen employment rights; democracy and the citizen; EU enlargement; European Parliament elections and much more. Admission is free and tickets for each of the events can be booked online.
David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland, says: “The weekend is a celebration of the strength of Europeanism in Scotland. It’s also an opportunity to ask where Scotland and the UK go in their relations with the EU.
“With our event partners, the Citizens Rights Group and New Europeans, we have assembled a powerful array of speakers and a programme that addresses matters of immediate concern and critically important issues the UK must address after the general election.”
Among the confirmed speakers are:
David Martin, former MEP and president of the European Movement in Scotland and a visiting professor at the University of Glasgow.
Former Liberal Democrat MEP, Sir Graham Watson, who is a professor at Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Toronto University.
Stephen Gethins, Professor of Practice in International Relations at the University of St Andrews, and a former SNP MP.
Jo Shaw holds the Salvesen Chair of European Institutions at Edinburgh University and heads its Law School.
Brigid Laffan is an emeritus professor at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute. She was previously professor of European Politics, University College Dublin.
The weekend will also hear from speakers from the European Movement in Scotland, Citizens’ Rights Project, New Europeans, Glasgow University Migrant Youth Research, Scottish Advisory Forum on Europe, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the British Chambers of Commerce
For more information and booking follow the links below.
Family-owned luxury jewellers, Laings, has opened a second TAG Heuer boutique in Scotland, situated in the prime luxury retail location of Multrees Walk in Edinburgh.
The new store, which opened on Friday 15 March, follows the successful launch of Scotland’s first mono-brand TAG boutique in September 2023 located on Buchanan Street.
The new Edinburgh store has created seven local jobs for the area, including a store manager and sales assistant roles.
The selected unit, which spans more than 130m², displays the brand’s latest pieces, including the iconic Carrera Collection.
The boutique features a wall-mounted, 3D Porsche sculpture showcasing the long-lasting partnership between the iconic brands. Created by local artist, Katy Sawrey (@katysawreyart) the sculpture incorporates her trademark vibrant interpretation of the Scottish landscape and unique style, complementing the brand’s bold offer and nodding to its racing heritage.
Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings, said: “The opening of our Edinburgh mono-brand boutique is not only a testament to our strengthening partnership with TAG Heuer, but further demonstrates Laings investment into the trend of mono-brand boutiques, which offer a focused, more immersive experience that many of our clients look for.
“We are proud to introduce Edinburgh to a new, state-of-the-art retail destination, with our interactive display area alongside the excellent customer service and diverse offering clients have come to expect from the Laings and TAG Heuer names.”
Rob Diver, managing director of TAG Heuer UK and Ireland,said: “Following the success of our previous TAG Heuer boutique in partnership with Laings, it was only natural to expand into Scotland’s capital with them – we look forward to homing TAG Heuer in the prime location of Multrees Walk and seeing where this valued partnership will take us next.”
The opening of the Edinburgh boutique is part of Laings’ wider multi-million pound investment to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches.
Commenting on the new opening, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen, said: “Multrees Walk is home to many leading and exclusive lifestyle brands, and we are thrilled to welcome TAG Heuer to our portfolio.
“The new TAG boutique will provide a unique and special shopping experience, bringing exceptional watchmaking, technology and innovation to Multrees Walk.
“2024 is an exciting year, as we continue to grow the retail offering by welcoming a number of high-end luxury retailers on board.
“With an enviable location, Multrees Walk provides an exceptional shopping experience in the heart of Edinburgh housing many exclusive fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Michael Kors and we look forward to welcoming more throughout the year.”
Charity calls on Scottish Government to appoint Commissioner for later life
New report highlights just under three-quarters (72%) of those aged 65 and over in Scotland think the issues they face are badly understood by society
Almost 9 in 10 (89%) people aged 65 or over in Scotland support appointing a Commissioner
Despite wider scrutiny of the number of Commissioners in Scotland, the growing over 65s population shows that an Older People’s Commissioner is desperately needed.
The Scottish Government must appoint an Older People’s Commissioner (OPC) or risk people in later life in Scotland being ‘left behind’ according to a new report from national charity Independent Age.
The charity that supports people experiencing poverty in older age is calling on the Scottish Government to bring the nation in line with Wales and Northern Ireland, where older people have been represented by a commissioner since 2008 and 2011 respectively.
In the new report ‘We need a champion: Why Scotland should have an Older People’s Commissioner’ launched on 13 March, Independent Age outlines how the role could help older people across the nation and especially those on a low income. One in seven people – 150,000 individuals – in later life in Scotland are now in poverty, a figure that has risen in the past decade by a quarter.
The report was compiled through interviews with older people and organisations that work with them alongside Scottish nationally representative polling. The call for an OPC has also been backed by over 30 organisations across Scotland.
Recent polling commissioned by the charity shows that almost three in four (72%) of those aged 65 and over in Scotland think the issues they face are badly understood by society1. OPCs already exist in Wales and Northern Ireland and have taken the lead on campaigning about cross cutting issues that affect older people from all walks of life, from bus passes and care during COVID to the uptake of social security entitlements.
An OPC would be an independent voice for older people in Scotland, bridging the gap between the issues and needs of older people and the institutions that impact their lives, including the Scottish Government, local councils, the NHS, civil servants and businesses. They would ensure older people’s voices are heard, by advocating on their behalf and working alongside community groups to listen to the experience of those in later life.
The population of Scotland is ageing. Currently over one million people, or one in five, are over 65 and by 2040, this will rise to one in four people across the nation. The charity says that an OPC will help society prepare for this change, giving people in later life an independent voice and work across Government departments to ensure a joined-up approach to policy making. Polling from Independent Age shows that almost 9 in 10 (89%) people aged 65 or over in Scotland support appointing a Commissioner2 and polling from Age Scotland found that 7 in 10 (71%) of respondents of all age groups were in favour.
As well as ensuring everyone’s voices are heard as we age, the new report looked into three key problems affecting people in later life living in financial insecurity, and how a Commissioner could help resolve them.
An OPC could help lift more older people out of poverty
Polling commissioned by Independent Age found that one third (33%) of over 65s living on an annual household income of less than £15,000 can only just afford their essentials and often struggle to make ends meet3. Almost half (43%) of older people living on an annual household income of less than £15,000 are worried about not being able to afford food and drink when considering their financial situation over the next 6 months4.
Independent Age says that without a long-term Government strategy to combat pensioner poverty, it will continue to rise.
Research from the charity found that if Pension Credit, the top-up for older people on a low income, was received by everyone who is eligible in Scotland, an estimated 38,000 older people would immediately be lifted out of poverty.
Commissioners in Wales and Northern Ireland have led the way in driving Pension Credit uptake, campaigning to improve take-up by raising awareness and connecting older people with social security advisors. An OPC for Scotland could ensure advice and information about finances effectively reaches older people or bring together government departments to focus on increasing uptake of financial entitlements.
An OPC could help prevent fuel poverty for older people
Polling commissioned by Independent Age found that over half (59%) of older people living in Scotland on less than £15,000 a year reduced heating usage in their home over the last winter to help manage the cost of living5 and the latest Scottish Government statistics show that a staggering 36% of older households live in fuel poverty.
The charity says that rising costs across the board, including energy and food are squeezing people from every angle, there is often no room in older people’s fixed budgets to absorb these extra costs.
An OPC could advise the Scottish Government on how older people in financial insecurity can be helped to make their homes energy efficient, ensuring the Scottish Government also reaches its Net Zero targets. An OPC could also work with energy companies to ensure they are identifying and targeting financial support at older people on a low income who may not be aware they qualify for help.
An OPC could help with inadequate housing
Older people often have specific needs for their homes, such as a shower or a ground-floor flat. However, older people are often excluded from the planning and development of homes, and it can be difficult to find an appropriate home, especially on a low income, and this is sometimes keeping those in later life in unsafe, unsuitable or unaffordable homes.
The charity has heard from older people who are terrified of complaining to their landlord about necessary repairs and others who say their homes are freezing, damp and mouldy. One interviewee said that “I know if I complain to my landlord, it will get me nowhere but homeless”.
An OPC could ensure policy makers are informed about the housing requirements of older people now and in the future, making sure they build the right homes for an ageing population. They could also help support the elimination of discrimination against older people in housing issues.
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Agesaid: “Older people in Scotland have spoken: they need a champion. For too long, people in later life have felt like their issues don’t matter. The time for an Older People’s Commissioner is now.
“Problems for people in later life who are in poverty, such as being priced out of basic needs, including food and fuel, and living in insecure or inappropriate housing are going to get worse, not better, without someone who can listen to the needs of those affected and campaign for change.
“As well as being a voice for all older people, a Commissioner could ensure those who are seldom heard, like those in financial hardship, are considered when making policy decisions.
“We need an independent Older People’s Commissioner who can work with Government, engage with community groups and give older people a voice. Scotland’s population is ageing. And pensioner poverty is rising. Our society needs to change so we can all look forward to living well in later life. An Older People’s Commissioner can help.”
Decline in the number of specialist ASN teachers by 392 since 2013
Near doubling in the number of pupils with additional support needs since 2013
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has called for greater resourcing to support those with additional support needs (ASN).
The call comes as new figures from the Scottish Government’s annual teacher census indicate that while the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen to 2,898 in 2023, the number of those pupils with ASN has soared to a record high.
Between 2013 and 2023 the number of ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,290 to 2,898, a decrease of 392 teachers, representing a cut of 11.9 per cent.1
This fall is against the background of an increase of 96.8 per cent increase between 2013 and 2023 in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 131,593 to 259,036, amounting to 123,628 individuals. This includes those with mental health problems, learning disability, autism and dyslexia, and currentlyrepresents more than a third of all pupils (36.7 per cent).2
In 2013, while each ASN teacher was supporting 40 pupils with ASN, by 2023 this figure had risen to each teacher supporting 89 such pupils.
Against a background of spending cuts and reduction in specialist support, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure that those with ASN, who are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods, are getting the care and support that they need.
The coalition has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, meaning that all pupils are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, without the necessary support.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need. This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.
“With cuts in support, including in the number of specialist teachers, it is going to be extremely challenging to reduce the current inequalities faced by those with ASN.
“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, which means that all children and young people are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly given the fall in specialist support and increase in the number of those with ASN.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “
Continued delays to the updated climate change plan and further slippage in promised climate policies mean that the Climate Change Committee no longer believes that the Scottish Government will meet its statutory 2030 goal to reduce emissions by 75%.
There is no comprehensive strategy for Scotland to decarbonise towards Net Zero.
The Scottish Government delayed its draft Climate Change Plan last year despite the 2030 target only being six years away. This has left a significant period without sufficient actions or policies to reach the target; the required acceleration in emissions reduction in Scotland is now beyond what is credible.
Professor Piers Forster, interim Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: “Scotland has laudable ambitions to decarbonise, but it isn’t enough to set a target; the Government must act.
“There are risks in all reviewed areas, including those with significant policy powers devolved to the Scottish Government.
“Scotland’s Climate Change Plan needs to be published urgently, so we can assess it. We need to see actions that will deliver on its future targets.”
Scotland missed its annual target for 2021. This is the eighth time in the past 12 years that they have missed a target. The only sectors to reduce emissions in 2021 were electricity supply and industry. Most key indicators of delivery progress, such as tree planting, peatland restoration rates and heat pump installations are off track.
There is a path to Scotland’s post 2030 targets, but stronger action is needed to reduce emissions across the economy.
The transport and buildings sectors will require a particularly rapid increase in the rate of emissions reduction to meet the targets set out in the last Climate Change Plan update (2020 CCPu).
Buildings. The 2020 CCPu requires emissions from heating buildings to decrease by 71% by 2030, meaning the annual emissions reduction rate must increase by almost a factor of ten. There are welcome bold proposals in the Heat in Buildings consultation, which if implemented could become a template for the rest of the UK. But these proposals must be delivered in practice and the planned rate of decarbonisation will not achieve those promised in 2020.
Transport. The 2020 CCPu requires Scotland’s transport emissions to decrease by 44% by 2030, meaning the annual emissions reduction rate must increase by almost a factor of four. Scotland has an extremely stretching target to reduce car-kilometres by 20% on 2019 levels by 2030, but a clear strategy on how this will be achieved is still missing. Practical delivery plans must focus on deploying and improving electric car charging infrastructure – and developing plans for aviation.
Agriculture and land use. The 2020 CCPu requires this to decrease by 11% by 2030 – a reversal of recent emissions increases is needed. On woodland creation, Scotland needs to double its recent rate. On peatland restoration a tripling of Scotland’s rate is required to reach its own target, which remains less ambitious than the CCC’s.
Engineered greenhouse gas removals. The Acorn carbon capture cluster has received ‘Track 2 status’, which is positive progress for engineered removals in Scotland. But the Scottish Government should assess Acorn’s deployment potential against its own aim to achieve -3.8 MtCO2 engineered removals by 2030. A feasibility study published by the Scottish Government estimates potential for only 2.2 MtCO2 by 2030 in Scotland.
This is a crucial time for Net Zero in Scotland. The handling of plans to close the Grangemouth refinery underlines the risk of omitting meaningful dialogue between communities, industry and government and the important role for the Scottish Government in ensuring a just transition towards Net Zero.
Further delay to the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan will prevent further progress on these strategic issues.
The STUC commented: “This is a hammer blow and cannot go unchecked. It’s the working class who bear the brunt of climate change and a lack of action from government has let them down.
“If the Scottish Government can’t meet their climate targets, then we cannot plan and manage a just transition.”
Commenting on the Climate Change Committee’s new report, which warns that “Scotland’s 2030 climate goals are no longer credible”, Convener of Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, Edward Mountain MSP, said: “This report is a reality check for us all. Reaching Net Zero means drastic measures need to be taken across all sectors and amongst every community.
“To make this happen, the Scottish Government must lead from the front.
“Clearly insufficient action has been taken to date. We urge the Scottish Government to present, as soon as possible, a coherent and practical delivery plan.”
2023 Impact Report reveals that cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on families affected by disability
Mindroom, a leading charity championing neurodiversity, has released its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting a staggering 261% surge in demand for direct help and support services for young people in wake of Covid.
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre comments, “We, like many other charities that work with young people, are facing significant challenges due to the post-Covid landscape.
“Clinical mental health conditions have increased significantly, access to public services has been reduced, and the cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on families affected by disability.”
A total of 2,249 issues were raised during 2023 with almost half of those centering around further support with education. Key issues included access to education, assessments, bullying, school exclusion, communication with school staff, legal entitlements, placement requests and transitions from school.
People also sought support for health-related issues including access to assessment and diagnostic services, post-diagnostic support, access to mental health services, support to navigate health-related meetings and signposting to other sources of support.
In response to this sizable increase in demand, the charity has worked hard to become a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of neurodivergence in an evolving world.
The 2023 report highlights how Mindroom’s nimble response has contributed to the pressures that exist with issues in education, health, parent support, and transitions.
Thornburrow continues, “Grounded in a person-centred, strengths-based approach, Mindroom’s Direct Help and Support service has become a catalyst for achievements. It’s not just about services; it’s about unlocking pathways to vital resources, fostering empowerment, and nurturing a culture of inclusion.
“By providing the right support at the right time, we improved access to vital services for neurodivergent young people across Scotland. Through our work, we empowered individuals, fostered inclusion, and facilitated positive changes in their lives, contributing to a more equitable society that values all kinds of minds.”
The impact isn’t just measured; it’s celebrated. Overwhelmingly positive metrics speak volumes with up to 100% satisfaction reported by service users.
95% of parents and carers felt that Mindroom made a significant difference to them and their children’s lives and 95% of parents also felt that the team understood their experiences, concerns, and questions.
Thornburrow concludes, “Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of Scotland’s neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.
“As we look ahead at the rest of 2024, we are excited to continue collaborating and building a brighter future together.”
For more information on Salvesen Mindroom Centre go to:
Charity invites people across Scotland living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions to join the free in-person event.
Muscular Dystrophy UK is hosting the Scottish conference in Stirling.
Hear from the charity and experts within the neuromuscular community on how to live well.
Muscular Dystrophy UK is calling on people living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition, their families and carers to join a free in-person event open to everyone across Scotland and beyond.
The Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Scottish conference, taking place on Saturday 23 March 2024, is organised by the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
Attendees will hear from the charity about advice and support services on offer and from experts on topics including emotional and mental wellbeing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, education, self-directed support and from real-life experiences.
Jacqueline Munro, Head of Regional Support, Outreach, and Information at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “We’re delighted to be able to host the Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Scottish Conference and we look forward to welcoming people from across Scotland.
“It will be a great opportunity to gain useful insights and connect with other people in the muscle wasting and weakening community, to share stories, experiences, tips and advice. Secure your place by signing up now.”
The event will run 9.30am – 5.00pm at Forth Valley College, Stirling Campus, Stirling, FK8 1SE.
Lunch is included and the venue has a Changing Places toilet facility on site.
The charity will be hosting information stands from other organisations including Scottish Disability Sports, Housing Options Scotland and SDS Forth Valley.
The information day is part of a series of events happening across the UK. Upcoming events will be happening in Cardiff, Wales, on Thursday 18 April 2024, with previous events taken place in England and Northern Ireland.
The charity also hosts a network of local groups, known as Muscle Groups, who meet regularly across the UK in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
