More crime victims will get access to a range of information about the perpetrator and have a say on decisions about their prison release under newly unveiled justice reforms.
Currently victims can register with the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) if the offender in their case has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison, or with the Victim Information Scheme if the sentence was less than 18 months.
Under Scottish Government proposals to be considered by the Scottish Parliament, all victims will be able to register under one programme with the same right rights and same access to information, regardless of the length of the offender’s prison sentence.
A further proposal, if approved by MSPs, would give all victims the right to make representations where an offender is being considered for release on licence – and on the licence conditions they would like to see imposed. Currently this entitlement only applies where an offender was sentenced to four years or more in custody.
Improvements are also proposed to the range of information available through the VNS for victims of offenders in the forensic mental health system who are subject to a compulsion order and restriction order.
The plans build on previously announced proposed reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme that will create a new Victim Contact Team to give personalised support based on a victim’s individual needs.
The latest plans are being introduced as proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, the next stage of which begins in the Scottish Parliament next week.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put victims’ rights at the heart of the justice system.
“Victims of crime will be able to sign up to one simplified notification scheme that allows them to receive information about the offenders and, if they wish, to have a say in decisions being made about the offenders, including their release. These changes recognise that a victim’s rights should not hinge on the length of sentence that the perpetrator is serving.
“One system will be easier for victims to navigate and this change will add to a raft of proposed reforms to the VNS, including the creation of a new Victim Contact Team. We want victims to know their rights to receive information and to be supported to make informed choices on whether they wish to do so. We will continue to work closely with victims’ representatives as we take forward these reforms.”
Report shows staff turnover reduced by proactive support
New research published today by workplace expert Acas, highlights the importance of training and proactive action to support neurodiverse staff.
Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people’s brains process information, and how they feel and behave. Well-known types of neurodivergence include neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
The report emphasises the importance of training and supporting managers, so they know how to treat and support their neurodivergent staff.
The research shows that creating inclusive environments and personalised adjustments can be achieved proactively, without the need for a formal diagnosis or staff disclosure.
Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis said: “It is estimated that between 15-20% of UK adults are neurodivergent. This is a potentially enormous number of workers who may not be getting the support they need.
“Our research outlines the urgent need to put support for neurodivergent people at the heart of workplace policies and training, and the huge benefits for businesses when that happens.
“Taking steps to support neurodivergent staff is often quick, easy and inexpensive, but the advantages can be widespread. We encourage employers to make sure they do everything they can to support their staff.”
The independent research was conducted by Birkbeck, University of London, for Acas. The researchers combined insights from experts working in neuroinclusion, in depth case studies and a summary of published evidence.
The research found that neuroinclusion is possible in all workplaces, whether large or small.
The research documents good practice including how to manage performance in neurodiverse teams and the benefit of small changes, such as accessible written materials.
The research found that one small business which is incorporating neuroinclusion proactively, reduced its staff turnover to 8%, against a national average of 34%.
The report found that:
· Proactively supporting neurodivergent staff and creating inclusive work environments where neurodivergent talents are supported can benefit everyone at work.
· Mandatory and regularly updated neurodiversity training is key to promoting inclusive workplaces.
· Line managers are pivotal in supporting neurodivergent employees so it’s vital they have the necessary training to facilitate inclusion.
· Being proactive in making reasonable adjustments shouldn’t require a diagnosis or formal disclosure from staff.
· Specialised adjustments may require balancing of individual and organisational needs. Smaller businesses with limited resources may find external support from organisations like Acas useful.
Professor Almuth McDowall at Birkbeck, University of London leads a research centre dedicated to supporting neurodivergent talent.She said: “It was a privilege to learn from our participants and share good practice. It is very important that neuroinclusion is part of wider conversations about workplace equity and inclusion.
“Conversations about adjustments should focus on performance optimisation to harness neurodivergent talent. Simple and centralised processes are important to reduce the burden on managers.
“Our case studies show that good practice can reduce turnover to as low as 8%. Organisations should set themselves clear targets for neuroinclusion and monitor and publish data.”
The report also shows that some workplaces are taking an innovative approach to neuroinclusion.
Jodie Hill is Managing Partner at Thrive Law, a business that prioritises inclusion and support for its neurodivergent staff. She said: “The benefits of introducing reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent staff at Thrive has been overwhelming, particularly for me as a neurodivergent leader.
“Having the adjustments in place not only helps me, but it helps my team, and my clients, understand my needs.
“By creating a neurodiverse workplace, we create a competitive advantage and a workplace that has cognitive differences. We support people’s strengths and create an environment where those individuals can thrive.”
A fossil first spotted in Skye over 50 years ago has finally been extracted from the base of the cliff where it was found and, following analysis, formally identified as a Jurassic dinosaur.
The fossil was first discovered in 1973, making it Scotland’s earliest recorded dinosaur find. It was not fully identified at the time and remained uncollected until a team led by Dr Elsa Panciroli returned in 2018 to the location near Elgol, in the south of the island, to undertake its extremely challenging extraction from the rock.
While the Elgol dinosaur is preserved only in fragments compared to some specimens found elsewhere, researchers have identified part of the spine, ribs and a hip bones, making it the most complete dinosaur skeleton found to date in Scotland.
Close study of these bones has led researchers to believe that it is an ornithopod dinosaur, a group of which includes notable later dinosaurs such as Iguanodon, Parasaurolophus and Edmontosaurus.
The Elgol dinosaur dates to around 166 million years ago, in the Middle Jurassic, making it one of the earliest known ornithipod body fossils, as that group of dinosaurs became far more prominent in the later Cretaceous period. Analysis of the bone structure indicates that the animal, which would have been roughly the size of a pony, was at least 8 years old.
Lead author, Dr Elsa Panciroli, NERC Independent Research Fellow at National Museums Scotland said: ““This was a really challenging extraction, in fact we’d previously felt was too difficult to collect the fossil, but I thought it was really important to study it.
“I was able to persuade the team to give it a try. It took a lot of hard work from a lot of people, but we did it: finally we can confirm and publish Scotland’s first recorded and most complete dinosaur, and that makes it all worthwhile.”
The difficult excavation was made possible with the support of a specialist team from Research Casting International, based in Canada. A local crew from Elgol’s Bella Jane Boat Trips piloted the rigid inflatable boat and dingy to the shore at the foot of the cliff, where the specimen was loaded and taken back to port.
Dr Stig Walsh from National Museums Scotland said: “This is a wonderful addition to the rapidly growing set of Jurassic finds from the Isle of Skye which are enabling us to learn more and more about the rich ecosystem of the time.
“We’ve known there were dinosaurs there for a while, most obviously from the famous footprints at An Corran, Brother’s Point and Duntulm and from individual bones, but it’s exciting to see a more complete, if still partial, skeleton. We’re delighted to add it to the other amazing finds now in the National Collection”.
Other recent Jurassic discoveries from Skye include the description of adult and juvenile mammals of the same species, Krusatodon, which revealed that these mammals grew more slowly than mammals today, and the world’s largest Jurassic pterosaur fossil, Dearc sgiathanach.
Professor Susie Maidment of the Natural History Museum and the University of Birmingham, said: “The Elgol dinosaur was a challenge to collect, and has proven perhaps an even bigger challenge to identify. Some aspects of the bones indicate that the specimen may be an ornithopod, a group of plant-eating dinosaurs that are best known from the Cretaceous.
“This specimen, however, would already have been a fossil by the time that the better-known ornithopods like Iguanodon and Hypsilophodon were walking the Earth. Recent research on the fossils of Elgol has revealed a diverse ecosystem of extraordinarily preserved Middle Jurassic animals, and I’m sure there are more exciting discoveries to come.”
The other authors on the paper were Professor Roger Benson (American Museum of Natural History), Professor Richard Butler (University of Birmingham), Brett Crawford (Research Casting International – RCI), Matt Fear (RCI), Dr Nick Fraser (National Museums Scotland) and Dr Gregory Funston (Royal Ontario Museum).
Professor Rob Ellam FRSE, Editor of Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh said: “First of all, I would like to congratulate Dr Panciroli and her international team of co-authors.
“Having this exceptional piece of work on the Elgol dinosaur – both Scotland’s earliest and most complete dinosaur fossil – in the pages of Transactions is a highlight for the journal.
“It is a privilege to be able to publish in EESTRSE a world-class study led from Scotland which illustrates why the Scottish palaeontological community is held in such high esteem.”
Pupils at Maybury Primary School are celebrating World Book Day with a donation from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes towards their favourite titles.
The brand-new school, located in the West Craigs area of Edinburgh, welcomed its first batch of pupils back in January – 26 P1 learners who had previously been based at East Craigs Primary since August 2024.
To mark the pupils’ transition, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has donated book vouchers totalling £250 for the class to spend on some of their favourite titles.
Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “It was fantastic to see the new Maybury Primary School open its doors to its first group of P1 learners at the end of January, and I know that the whole school community are excited to celebrate World Book Day.
“We know that access to books and hearing stories is hugely beneficial for our younger learners, helping them to establish the early building blocks for reading, broadening their knowledge of the world and helping to develop their imaginations.
“This welcome donation of book vouchers will help the school to enhance their library and in turn add to the learning experience of children at the school.”
Lorraine Paterson, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for pupils in the West Craigs area, and what better way to celebrate their move to their new school than with a donation towards their favourite books for the classroom.
“It’s no secret that reading builds imagination and helps with creativity, and we all have our favourite novels from childhood that we hold dear to our hearts. If this small donation helps even one P1 pupil pick up a book and find a love for reading, then we know we’ve played a positive role in helping the youngest in our local communities thrive.”
We wanted to let you know that, unfortunately, this week’s Friday Talk on the Edinburgh and Leith Gasworks has been cancelled due to unforeseen illness. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We are currently working to reschedule the talk and will aim to include it in our Autumn programme.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events.
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity focused on ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people, is calling for an urgent inquiry to understand the true nature and scale of the abuse of older people, following the release of a new report by the Women and Equalities Select Committee.
The report points to older people being omitted from equality frameworks and an increase in ageist attitudes, particularly from the younger generation, with the Committee calling for a review into age discrimination laws which they found were ‘rarely enforced’.
In addition, the report raised the lack of a representative figure for older people in Westminster. Committee chair Sarah Owen MP has called for the UK Government to follow a similar strategy to Wales and ‘should consider the merits of establishing a UK cross-government minister to take responsibility for championing the rights of older people.’
Hourglass, who submitted evidence to the report, welcomes many of these changes as progressive steps to ensuring better representation for older people. However, they are looking to ensure that the abuse of older people is recognised and is a central part of any strategy to tackle ageism in the UK.
Research from the charity suggests that every year, one in five people over the age of 60 experience some form of financial/economic, physical, psychological, sexual abuse or neglect. Over 2.6 million people are thought to be affected, with the majority of cases being committed by family members, within the victim-survivors own home.
Reported cases of abuse committed against older people have risen in recent years, with the number of calls to Hourglass’ helpline having risen by 182% from around 4,500 in 2017 to 12,700 in 2024.
Furthermore, polling by Hourglass and YouGov conducted in 2024 found a ‘significant lack of awareness’ of the nature and prevalence of the abuse of older people, with the poll finding that more than 26% of people did not believe forcing an older relative to change their Will was an act of abuse.
The charity is calling for an inquiry to develop a specific strategy to tackle this abuse, which they estimate costs the UK economy over £16 billion every year, with this set to rise to £25 billion a year by 2050.
Richard Robinson CEO of Hourglass said: “I welcome the publication of this report, which not only shines a light on ageism, but tasks the Government with doing more to make sure older people are represented in Westminster. However, no new strategy on ageism can work without considering the prevalence of the abuse of older people.
“We at Hourglass believe it’s now time for a full inquiry into the abuse of older people – a hidden epidemic affecting 2.6 million people in the UK every single year.
“By 2050, there will be almost 10 million more older people in the UK. If we are to create a truly Safer Ageing Society for the benefit of us all, we must act now to protect more vulnerable older people from harm”.
Embrace your children’s choices, make reading relevant and try technology
On this annual celebration on Thursday 6th March, World Book Days charity is supporting parents with easy solutions to unlock the benefits of reading for fun for children.
Numerous studies show that reading for enjoyment has life-changing benefits, but research also confirms reading it is at its lowest levels since records began in 2005 – with only 1 in 3 UK children saying they enjoy it (National Literacy Trust). So what can we do to help children find the fun in reading before it’s too late?
Generational Decline in Reading for Fun
New research carried out by World Book Day and kids’ insights consultancy Beano Brain among 1,066 children aged 8-14 years old and their parents reveals that children are much less likely to grow up as readers if their parents don’t read.
Parents who don’t consider themselves as readers are much less likely to read with their children, with only 59% saying they do, compared to 71% of those who identify as readers. Additionally, parents who were not encouraged by their own parents to read (12% of those polled), are twice as likely to say they don’t encourage their child to read (15% versus 7% of readers.)
Reading to children is a vital support in ensuring children read for fun themselves; research shows that children who are read to often are much more likely to read on a daily basis – almost half of 5-7s (46%) and almost three quarters (73%) of 8-13s.
However, reading avoidance is being passed down, with the children of non-readers almost twice as likely to hold negative attitudes towards reading.
Almost a third of this group (31%) say they avoid reading as much as possible (compared to 17% of children of readers), and that they don’t read for fun as books are boring (30% versus 16%). On the converse, three-quarters of children who think their parents enjoy reading for fun want to read more themselves.
Furthermore, a quarter (24%) say they haven’t found any books they like (versus 13%), and one in 10 (10%) say they don’t have access to books (versus 4%).
Judgement is also a significant problem for both parents and their children. While overall 17% of parents feel judged by other parents about what and how their child reads, this increases to 26% for those who consider themselves non-readers. Meanwhile, almost one in five (18%) children say they feel judged for their reading choices at home.
How to turn the tide
Even if they don’t read themselves, there are some simple fixes for families to lock in the benefits of reading for future generations, which OECD states are vital to a child’s future success, more so than family background or income (OECD, 2021).
We asked children what they need from grown-ups to support them to read for fun.
Choice and lack of judgement
Positive affirmation works wonders; 2 in 5 children think reading is best when they feel like they’re good at it (40%), while 30% say it’s best when they feel confident and encouraged
Over a quarter of children (28%) say that if they were nagged less about reading they’d enjoy it more, while over a third of children say they cannot choose what they want to read at home (34%) or at school (35%)
1 in 4 children say they’re encouraged to read things they simply don’t want to, which also makes many children feel confused or overwhelmed when it comes to making reading choices (23%), creating further barriers to enjoyment.
Be relevant and reflecttheir world
Over a quarter (28%) of children say they would read more if the books helped them learn about things they are interested in, so focusing on their passions and hobbies can encourage the habit, while more than one in five children (21%) also say that alternative reading formats, including audio books, comics and graphic novels, help them like it
In a world of multiple distractions, let’s say reading AND screens, not reading OR screens. Over half (56%) of parents of 11-14-year-olds say their child would rather go online than read, rising to 94% among kids who are non-readers. Over a quarter (26%) of kids also say they would read more if books were as engaging as computer games, while almost the same (23%) say they would read more if the books featured characters from their favourite TV shows, films or games
New research from National Literary Trust shows that 42% of children aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed listening to audiobooks and podcasts. A fifth (21%) of Gen Z parents say their children are already listening to audiobooks as a way encourage reading for fun.
Try fitting reading for fun into family life, whatever that looks like.
Modern life is often stressful and hectic, so reading together can fall down the list. But children who read with their parents, often want to read more themselves, whether this is reading before bed (51%), reading next to each other on the sofa (45%) or listening to audiobooks in the car (20%).
We offers lots of resources to help make these activities and conversations about reading easier.
There is also a lack of awareness from some parents of the life benefits that reading at home can bring, plus a belief that it is school’s job alone to read with children5.
Cassie Chadderton, CEO of World Book Day says: “To turn the tide and get more children reading for fun, we all need to recognise what our children are enjoying and reflect that in what they read.
“Our job as a charity is to get more children experiencing the life changing benefits of choosing reading, so let’s listen to children and give them reasons to find reading fun.
“Supporting choice and embracing technology are simple steps to address our growing reading crisis, unlocking the benefits of reading for fun for generations to come.”
People across Scotland encouraged to get potential symptoms checked earlier
The latest phase of the Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign has a new focus on head and neck cancer symptoms.
Around 1,300 new cases are diagnosed each year – Scotland’s sixth most common cancer – yet only one third are detected early. The campaign encourages people to recognise possible cancer symptoms and not delay contacting their GP practice or dentist.
To emphasise this message, a group of people who had their cancer detected early, the ‘early birds’, met Health Secretary Neil Gray to share vital stories of how this provided more treatment options, helped them live well and allowed them to continue doing the things they love.
The group are urging people with unusual, persistent symptoms to do the same and act early.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “Early detection is so important to cancer care. The stories from our ‘early birds’ demonstrate the positive impact it can have on treatment and outcomes.
“So, I’m urging everyone to make sure they contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms. The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”
Dr Gillian Leslie, Deputy Chief Dental Officer for Scotland, said: “Head and neck cancer incidence rates have gradually increased over the past decade, making early detection more important than ever.
“Dentists play a vital role in detecting signs of cancer. Routine dental examinations allow us to identify subtle changes in the mouth and throat, and surrounding tissues that could signal early-stage cancer.
“Early diagnosis leads to better treatment options, so we urge people to attend their check-ups. Most importantly, if you notice any sores, lumps, red or white patches that do not go away after three weeks, don’t wait until your next appointment – we want to see you. It’s crucial not to dismiss any potential symptoms. Get checked right away.”
Dr Douglas Rigg, GP said: “If you are worried about unexplained bleeding, an unusual lump, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you, we want to know.
“Don’t be embarrassed or sit at home worrying, give your GP practice a call. It probably won’t be cancer but if it is, finding cancer earlier can mean a much wider range of treatment options being available, and a better chance of living well again.”
Case study
Daniel Morrison, 30, from Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, was one of the early birds at the breakfast meeting with Neil Gray. He was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer but is now recovering and living well with his young family thanks to early detection at his GP practice.
Daniel said: “It’s thanks to spotting my cancer early that I’m now delighted to say I’m in recovery and able to look forward excitedly to the future with my young family.
“I’d noticed fluid under my tongue and felt really fatigued but it’d be easy to try and ignore as nothing. I’m so thankful however that I got checked early, treated and looked after by a team of amazing medical experts throughout.
“This is why I’m passionate about the Scottish Government’s Be the Early Bird campaign – it’s so important that people understand the difference contacting your GP practice early can make.”
Work will be unlocked for thousands of sick and disabled people through new measures that will bolster the support offered in Jobcentres and make the welfare system more sustainable, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced today
New plans to improve employment support brought forward ahead of wider reform package to fix broken welfare system.
1,000 work coaches deployed to deliver intensive employment support to sick and disabled people as part of the government’s Plan for Change which will break down barriers to opportunity.
It comes as a new survey reveals scale of the broken system with nearly half of disabled people and those with a health condition saying they don’t trust DWP to support them.
The plans will see 1,000 existing Work Coaches deployed in 2025/26 to deliver intensive voluntary support to around 65,000 sick and disabled people – helping them to break down barriers to opportunity, drive growth and unlock the benefits of work.
This intensive support for people on health-related benefits – including those furthest away from work – will see Work Coaches providing tailored and personalised employment support, and help claimants access other support such as writing CVs and interview techniques. They will also access a range of DWP employment programmes to help claimants unlock work based on conversations with their Work Coaches.
The additional help will be delivered by reprioritising work coach time so they can focus on tackling economic inactivity in order to make the welfare system more sustainable. The 1,000 redeployed Work Coaches are a “downpayment” on wide-ranging plans to overhaul employment support, which are set to be unveiled in just a few weeks’ time.
It is part of the Government’s Plan for Change – which will boost living standards and grow the economy by unlocking work for the 2.8 million people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness – the highest in the G7 – and bring down spending on incapacity benefits which is expected to reach £70 billion by the end of this parliament.
It comes as new survey results show the current system isn’t just failing the taxpayer, it’s also failing the people it’s meant to help, with 44% of disabled people and people with a health condition believing DWP does not provide enough support to people who are out of work due to disability, ill health, or a long-term health condition.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said: “We inherited a broken welfare system that is failing sick and disabled people, is bad for the taxpayer, and holding the economy back.
“For too long, sick and disabled people have been told they can’t work, denied support, and locked out of jobs, with all the benefits that good work brings.
“But many sick and disabled people want and can work, with the right support. And we know that good work is good for people – for their living standards, for their mental and physical health, and for their ability to live independently.
“We’re determined to fix the broken benefits system as part of our Plan for Change by reforming the welfare system and delivering proper support to help people get into work and get on at work, so we can get Britain working and deliver our ambition of an 80% employment rate.”
The data from the DWP Perceptions Survey – soon to be published in full – also shows:
35% of disabled people and people with a health condition believe DWP does not provide enough support to people of working age who are out of work, to help them get back into work.
44% of disabled people and people with a health condition don’t trust the DWP to help people reach their full career potential.
Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) disabled people and people with a health condition do not trust DWP to take its customers’ needs into account in how it provides services.
These figures follow recently released data which shows that there are over three million people on Universal Credit with no obligation to engage in work-related activity, despite over a quarter (27%) of health and disability benefit claimants believing that work could be possible in the future if their health improves and 200,000 saying they would be ready to work now.
Data also shows the number of working-age people on the health element of Universal Credit or claiming Employment Support Allowance (ESA) has risen to 3.1 million, a staggering 319% increase since the pandemic, reflecting the alarming rate at which young and working aged people are increasingly falling out of work and claiming incapacity benefits.
Behind each of these statistics is a person with hopes and ambitions, who can provide businesses with much-needed skills and experience, helping to grow our economy.
To give people the support they deserve, and restore trust and fairness to our welfare system, reforms to the welfare system are expected to be announced in just a few weeks.
These reforms will recognise that some people will be unable to work at points in their life and ensure they are provided with support while transforming the broken benefits system that:
Asks people to demonstrate their incapacity to work to access higher benefits, which also then means they fear taking steps to get into work.
Is built around a fixed “can versus can’t work” divide that does not reflect the variety of jobs, the reality of fluctuating health conditions, or the potential for people to expand what they can do, with the right support.
Directs disabled people or those with a work-limiting health condition to a queue for an assessment, followed by no contact, no expectations, and no support if the state labels them as “unable” to work.
Fails to intervene early to prevent people falling out of work and misses opportunities to support a return to work.
Pushes people towards economic inactivity due to the stark and binary divide between benefits rates and conditionality rules for jobseekers compared to those left behind on the health element of Universal Credit.
Has become defined by poor experiences and low trust among many people who use it, particularly on the assessment process.
The government’s plans to fix the broken benefit system will build on the biggest employment reforms in a generation announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper, which will empower mayors to drive down economic inactivity, deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, and overhaul jobcentres across the country.
Former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield is leading an independent review investigating how government and employers can work together to help disabled people and those with ill health who may be at risk of falling out work stay on in employment, with the findings of the discovery phase expected in the spring.
The government is also investing an additional £26 billion to cut NHS waiting lists and get Britain back to health and back to work.
The government has already delivered on its pledge, providing two million extra appointments in five months and as a result, around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists today than in July.
Teams of clinicians will also introduce new ways of working at 20 hospital sites in areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity to help patients return to the workforce faster.
This is alongside the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health workers to ensure mental health is given the same attention as physical health.
