THE WEE BOOK BOX on BOSWALL PARKWAY
Have you seen our new FREE COMMUNITY LIBRARY at @GrantonParish Church?
It is located by the gate, just behind the bus stop on Boswall Parkway.
Decorated and looked after by our amazing volunteers, it has lots of great books to read on a rainy day!
There were 792 deaths by probable suicide in Scotland in 2023. This World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us the importance of looking out for one another and seeking help if we need it. 
Talking about suicide can be hard, but there is support and advice out there if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
NHS 24 has a range of services that can help with mental health and mental wellbeing. Please share for awareness!
NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub – Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health help.
Breathing Space – a free confidential listening service for people over 16 in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 0800 83 85 87 or web chat at www.breathingspace.scot
Living Life – telephone support using talking therapies based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Call 0800 328 9655 or visit https://www.nhs24.scot/how-we-can-help/living-life/
NHS inform – Digital tools and free online courses to get help with your mental wellbeing https://nhs24.info/mental_wellbeing
Liz Kendall will today set out how Britain’s system of employment support must be fundamentally reformed to tackle the “most urgent challenge” of spiralling economic inactivity.
Experts advising the Westminster government on how to tackle the ‘greatest employment challenge for a generation’ met with the Work and Pensions Secretary for the first time yesterday (Monday 9 September).
The new Labour Market Advisory Board – appointed by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP – is made up of labour market experts from across business, industrial relations and academia.
At its first meeting, members offered new approaches to shape government work on economic inactivity, tackling the root causes for people remaining out of work such as poor physical and mental health, and how the group can help the government reach its ambition of an 80 per cent employment rate.
The Board will develop new ideas and initiatives for the Work and Pensions Secretary to consider as she sets about bringing down the levels of economic inactivity, with the UK being the only G7 country whose employment and inactivity rates haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, part of the dire inheritance left by the previous government.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, said: “Spiralling inactivity is the greatest employment challenge for a generation, with a near record 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness.
“Addressing these challenges will take time, but we’re going to fix the foundations of the economy and tackle economic inactivity.
“The board’s knowledge, expertise and insight will help us to rebuild Britain as we deliver our growth mission, drive up opportunity and make every part of the country better off.”
As the Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously set out, cutting NHS waiting lists will get Britain back to health and back to work. and the Board’s first meeting will examine the impact of ill-health on inactivity and how the Government can support more people into good work.
Paul Gregg, Chair of the Labour Market Advisory Board said: “Having studied the UK’s labour market across several decades, it is clear that the current labour market faces a deep-seated set of challenges.
“We have seen a sharp increase in economic inactivity and long-term sickness, most notably in our young people post-pandemic. Further, real wage growth has been heavily supressed for 15 years hitting living standards and government tax revenues. Reversing these trends will be key to ensuring the long-term prosperity of the UK’s labour market.
“I look forward to working with members of the board and the Secretary of State to support her vision for growth and examining positive solutions to address inactivity and harness the true potential of the UK’s labour market.”
The Secretary of State is also expected to outline her plans to devolve power to local areas so they can tackle inactivity with bespoke work, health, and skills plans, which are expected in a White Paper in the autumn.
It will also include plans for a new youth guarantee for 18-21-year-olds, and the overhauling of jobcentres by merging them with the National Careers service.
| Area | Level (000s) | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 9,410 | 22.0% |
| Great Britain | 9,090 | 22.0% |
| England | 7,756 | 21.6% |
| North East | 454 | 27.4% |
| North West | 1,112 | 23.6% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 862 | 25.0% |
| East Midlands | 616 | 20.1% |
| West Midlands | 875 | 23.5% |
| East | 851 | 21.7% |
| London | 1,263 | 20.7% |
| South East | 1,080 | 18.7% |
| Wales | 541 | 28.3% |
| Scotland | 793 | 23.1% |
| Northern Ireland | 319 | 27.1% |
Almost everyone who attended a polling station at the July 2024 UK general election was able to vote, according to a new report on the implementation of voter ID from the Electoral Commission.
0.09% of people who tried to vote at a polling station in Scotland, where the requirement was in place nationally for the first time, were unable to do so because they did not present an accepted form of ID.
The data, collected by polling station staff, suggests that around 1,400 people in Scotland were unable to vote in July due to the requirement, equating to about 1 in every 1,100 in-person voters.
Commission research carried out by YouGov found high levels of awareness, with 90% of people in Scotland aware of the requirement following a widespread public information campaign ahead of the election. This was slightly higher than awareness in Wales (89%), England (87%), and Northern Ireland (89%), where the requirement has been in place since 2003.
However, public opinion research carried out for the Commission found that around 5% of people who did not vote at the general election in Scotland said their decision was related to the voter ID requirement, suggesting that the requirement is putting off some people from voting.
The Commission is therefore recommending changes to make it easier for those who do not already have ID to vote. The UK Government should:
Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “This was the first time that voters across Scotland were required to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully. However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting – and we don’t want to see any voters lose their say.
“Public awareness of the need for voter ID is high in Scotland, but there are still groups of voters that are less likely to be aware of the need to show ID or that do not have an accepted form.
“Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process.
“The Commission will review how our public campaigns and other work can continue to support the effective implementation of voter ID and minimise the barriers to voting.”
The Commission’s independent analysis, compiling polling station data and public opinion research from across Scotland, found:
The Commission will continue to monitor which groups are less likely to have access to the required proof of ID and assess how our campaign activity can best reach these groups.
A LEADING wellbeing expert has shared her advice on how to best support someone showing signs of ending their life.
Lynn Crilly’s advice comes ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on Tuesday September 10.
Over 5,600 people committed suicide in England in 2023, equivalent to over 11 suicides per 100,000 people.
And with mental health services under huge strain it’s feared numbers could be even higher in 2024.
Mental health crusader Ms Crilly, a counsellor and author, whose books include Hope with Depression: a self-help guide for those affected and their families, friends and carers, warned we are currently in the midst of a major crisis.
But she added: “Most people who feel suicidal do not want death, they just want the pain to stop. So the most powerful thing you can do is be there for them, showing that you care that that their life matters, and helping them find an alternative way forward.”
Highlighting the clues to look for, she continued: “Most people who attempt suicide will give some clue or warning, so it is vital to take those clues seriously, even if they are said casually.
“They may talk or write about death or harming themselves, or they may seek out things that could be used to take their own life, such as weapons or drugs. However, there may be more subtle signs: hopelessness, self-loathing and self-destructive behaviour should all be taken seriously.
“Be alert also to those who seem to be getting their affairs in order or saying goodbye to people as if they will not be seen again. It sounds obvious, but all too often the clues are missed.”
Explaining how best to react if you spot any of the signs, Lynn, who is also currently producing a film called A Day With An Eating Disorder, continued: “If you spot any of these signs and are worried about someone you care about, it is natural to question whether you should say something.
“ But the best way to find out is to ask them. Showing you care will not push someone towards suicide, rather it will give them an opportunity to voice their fears and feelings which could in turn help them to see that there is another way forward.
“While talking is crucial, so is listening. Allow your friend or loved one to unload their despair and listen without judgement, remaining calm and accepting of how they feel. Reassure them that help is available and tell them how important they are to you. Avoid arguing with them or appearing shocked.”
Outlining where to best direct those who might be suffering Lynn added: “Help them to find professional help and be proactive in keeping in touch with them – do not wait for them to call or expect them to ask for help.
“Instead, be in touch often and continue to be supportive in the long term, even if the immediate crisis appears to have passed. Help them to come up with a plan to follow if they feel suicidal thoughts descend.
“This may include identifying their main triggers, as well as what may help them to fight through those difficult feelings. The plan could also include a clear list of contact numbers for friends and family who can help in an emergency, as well as details of their doctor or therapist. If you are worried that there is an urgent danger that they may commit suicide, phone their doctor or dial 999.”
Charity website https://www.sane.org.uk/ is a good source of information, with helplines and other ways to get the support about how to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Lynn’s daughter Samantha, a poet and actress, has shared these words:
DEAR SUICIDE
By
Samantha Crilly
If we fly away together, can we go as high as we can
So far away we’ll lose sight of this land
I must admit it scares me ever so slightly
I know life on this earth isn’t given out lightly
You’ve said it will be peaceful where we’ll end up
however, I’ve been told here many times I have too much to give up
I hope you’re not lying as word says you’re a thief
Wearing a mask of purity to cover the muck underneath
You’ve made me swear not to listen to tomorrow
But it keeps telling me love still has time to grow
That there is happiness down here still waiting for me
That one day I will have the strength to set myself free
So therefore, I’ve decided to pull out of our deal
I know I’m worth so much more than how you feel
goodbye, I hope you keep your thoughts to yourself
and I’m looking forward to sharing tomorrow with everyone else.
Children in Scotland diagnosed with a brain tumour that has a specific genetic mutation can now be treated on the NHS with a kinder, more effective targeted therapy.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has today approved prescribing dabrafenib to treat children aged one and above who have been diagnosed with a low- or high-grade glioma that has the BRAF V600E mutation: https://scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/dabrafenib-finlee-full-smc2667/
It’s used in combination with another medicine, trametinib, and both can be administered at home as they are taken orally. This means fewer hospital visits.
The news follows the approval given in April this year by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Current standard treatment for the condition typically involves surgery – where that’s possible – chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. But less than 30% of children diagnosed with high-grade gliomas survive for five years or more and the treatment often has brutal side effects.
Outcomes for low grade gliomas – the most common childhood brain tumour – are better at a 90% survival rate following surgery. But chemotherapy may also be prescribed whereas this treatment means improved quality of life for patients as clinical trials showed its side effects were rare.
The combination medication is the first targeted treatment to be made available on the NHS for paediatric gliomas. It is already licensed for use in the USA, and for use in the UK in adults with the BRAF mutation who have some types of lung and skin cancers.
The two drugs work together to block the growth signal coming from the mutant BRAF protein, slowing or even stopping the tumour from growing.
Brain tumours affect around 500 children a year in the UK, of whom between 150 to 175 may have a glioma and fewer still will have the BRAF mutation. But despite the small numbers involved, this is the first progress made in treating the disease in years.
In 2008, research carried out by Dr David Jones which was funded by The Brain Tumour Charity (then known as the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust), identified a BRAF mutation that was common in pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumours.
This was the first time that a specific genetic change had been detected in these tumour types and it paved the way for drug development as it could then become a target for diagnostic tests, changing the research landscape for low grade brain tumours in children.
Dr Jones now leads the EVEREST Centre in Germany, which carries out research into paediatric low grade brain tumours.
Dr Michele Afif, Chief Executive at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Medicines Consortium has joined NICE in approving the first new treatment for paediatric brain tumours in decades.
“We hope that this will be the first of many new treatments that will ensure our community can live longer and better lives.”
To find out more about The Brain Tumour Charity, visit:
www.thebraintumourcharity.org/]www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
Two men have been convicted following the death of a 59-year-old man in Leith.
The body of Garry O’Neill was found in a flat on Primrose Street on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023.
At the High Court in Edinburgh today – Monday, 9 September, 2024 – Jamie Boulton, aged 55, was found guilty of murder following the death of Mr O’Neill.
Nathan Boulton (above), aged 49, was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
They will be sentenced at a later date.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr O’Neill’s family and friends and we hope that the result in court brings them a degree of closure.
“This was a deliberate act that ended in a death and Jamie Boulton will now face the consequences of his actions that day.
“His brother Nathan Boulton, now faces justice after he tried to conceal what happened.
“We would like to thank the public for their assistance and support during our investigation.
“Violence is not acceptable in our society and Police Scotland will use all the tools it has to investigate and bring those intent on committing crime and harm in our communities to justice.”
The Scottish Government, including the Scottish Safety Camera Programme, is tackling speeding on Scotland’s roads with a new road safety campaign, asking drivers in Edinburgh to slow down to help reduce collisions and casualties.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan launched the campaign at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry.
With speeding contributing to 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads1, safety cameras play a crucial role in reducing speed and casualties, ultimately saving lives.
Global research shows that camera sites led to 42% less fatal or serious injuries over a four-year period, while fixed camera sites reduced the number of speeders by 70% in the same time period.2
Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of collisions and casualties. In 2022, there were 615 fatalities or casualties on roads in Edinburgh.
Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said: “This is a really important campaign to ensure drivers here in Edinburgh and across the country properly consider their driving behaviour. By slowing down and driving more carefully we can reduce collisions and casualties on our roads.
“All drivers need to respect speed limits and always consider how weather and road conditions can impact their driving.
“We want Edinburgh to be as safe a city as possible for all road users and pedestrians and this campaign is a good step forward.”
Nearly half (44%) of reported casualties on Scotland’s roads take place on rural roads, however because speeds are higher on these roads, they account for almost three-quarters (74%) of road deaths.3
Research shows fatal collisions caused by drivers travelling at 65mph could be halved if the drivers slowed down by just 5mph.4
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “No matter how experienced you are as a driver, collisions can happen to anyone, and the consequences could be devastating – for you, for other road users, and for loved ones.
“We’re urging drivers to consider their driving behaviour and reduce their speed, making our roads safer for everyone.”
There are more than 300 safety camera locations across Scotland, placed where there is evidence of injury collisions and speeding and where they have the greatest potential to reduce casualties.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, said: “Speeding is always a risk. It only takes a split second to lose control and it only has to happen once.
“A collision affects more than just you and your vehicle – it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.
“Everyone has to take responsibility to save lives on Scotland’s roads.”
Running across TV, radio and digital channels, the campaign delivers a strong message to drivers – You only have to lose control once. The message is brought to life in a thought-provoking TV ad highlighting the split-second moment before a collision from a driver’s point of view.
For more information about the campaign, go to roadsafety.scot.
Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.
The drive to raise awareness and understanding of suicide prevention in the Scottish agricultural community is set to take a significant step forward this month.
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10, 2024) RSABI is embarking on a recruitment drive behind a new role in the charity, which supports people in Scottish agriculture, focused on suicide prevention in Scotland’s farming and crofting communities.
The new position, being delivered in partnership with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will see RSABI for the first time benefit from a full-time member of staff focused on crucial suicide prevention work in Scottish agriculture.
As well as working long hours, the isolation of modern farming and lack of social contact, along with the impact of the increased cost of living, are factors which can have a major impact on the mental wellbeing of people in farming.
The aim is to maximise the opportunity for partnership working and collaboration with specialist organisations involved in suicide prevention, in line with the Scottish Government’s Prevention Strategy, Creating Hope Together.
One priority will be to improve understanding of suicide in Scotland’s farming and crofting communities and increase awareness of the ways everyone can play a part in suicide prevention.
The new role is set to add to a range of mental health initiatives RSABI is delivering to help provide emotional support to people in Scottish agriculture, which sadly has a poor track record in terms of mental health and suicide.
In the past two years RSABI has delivered mental health first aid training, working with former Royal Marines at IED Training Solutions, to over 700 people working in the frontline of Scottish agriculture, to help them to know what to say and do when someone is struggling.
The charity also works very closely with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) and has this summer started an ambitious programme of Suicide Prevention training with young farmers, working with Papyrus, a charity which specialises in suicide prevention in young people.
RSABI has also seen demand for is free counselling services increase significantly over the past year with over 1000 free counselling sessions provided to people in Scottish agriculture in the past year.
The fact that farmers are often reluctant to seek help from a health professional at an early stage can also contribute to mental and physical conditions deteriorating. To help tackle this, and encourage farmers to seek professional advice, RSABI is rolling out a Health Hut initiative with a dedicated team of nurses and doctors setting up health huts in auction marts and at agricultural shows throughout the country.
A wellbeing app – Thrive Wellbeing – is also provided free of charge by RSABI, following a successful pilot programme with three young farmers clubs.
Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said the development of the new role in partnership with SAMH is a vital step forward: “We know that sadly we are still losing far too many people of all ages in Scottish agriculture to suicide and too often our welfare team sees the devastating impact this has on families and friends bereaved by suicide.
“The impact of these deaths on our closeknit Scottish farming and crofting communities, is huge.
“As a charity we already work closely with many of Scotland’s mental health organisations and working in partnership with SAMH and having a dedicated individual in our team focused on communications, awareness-raising and engagement around suicide prevention will ensure we can take the benefits of this collaboration to a new level.
“Our new recruit will also lead on new research in the coming months to help us increase understanding of a great many factors relating to suicide in Scottish agriculture. This will help us to understand how RSABI, working in collaboration with many others, can raise awareness in our communities, help prevent suicides and support those bereaved by suicide.”
Dan Farthing, Head of Suicide Prevention at SAMH, said: “The agricultural sector has always been demanding. There is widespread lone working and highly intensive long working hours, particularly at peak times of the year. However, people are now facing mounting pressures as the economics of farming change.
“Climate change and workforce challenges are adding considerably to those pressures, and we are concerned that is adding to the risk of suicide in the community.
“This partnership with RSABI is really important as a step towards improving the understanding of suicide in the sector and creating opportunities to have meaningful conversations about suicide in farming communities to reduce risk. We’re grateful to RSABI for working with us and look forward to the work we’ll do together.”
In a survey of 2,000 UK 18-25-year-olds, MaPS found that 1 in 3 (29%) who are currently working have never contributed to a workplace or private pension.
Additionally, only just over half (54%) are currently contributing to a pension.
Among savers (87%), ‘milestone planning’ was the top reported savings priority for young people, with half of 18–25-year-olds (51%) saying they are saving to buy a property, get married, or similar life events.
Leaving planning for retirement in 6th place, with just over 1 in 8 (13%) reporting that they are saving for this.
MaPS highlights research from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) which shows that contributing to your pension age 35 instead of 25 could result in a £500k pension pot instead of £800k, a detrimental loss of over £300k for a retirement pot.
Jackie Spencer, Head of Money and Pensions Policy at the Money and Pensions Service says: “We understand that not everyone can regularly contribute high amounts to their pension.
“It’s encouraging that our recent data shows that 71% of young people in full-time employment are contributing to a pension. This likely demonstrates the positive effect of the workplace automatic enrolment, and we’d encourage young people starting new jobs to contribute to their workplace pension.
“It’s important that young people starting out in their careers know that even a small contribution each month can make a difference to their retirement pot, and something is better than nothing.
“For those currently self-employed or not in full-time employment, try to put money aside where you can for retirement and consider a personal pension. When young people do reach the stage of full-time employment, we’d encourage taking advantage of auto-enrolment into your pension if you can.”
MaPS understands that not everyone is able to pay into a pension, particularly if they are saving money for other reasons, but it’s important to be well informed when making financial decisions.
When you are part of a workplace pension scheme, you may be eligible for employer contributions and some of the money that would have gone to the government as tax goes towards your pension instead.
MaPS’ MoneyHelper website has plenty of free and impartial guides to offer support, including our pension calculator and a webchat tool where young people can access pension guidance.
