19/06/2025 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

More support for care-experienced young people in Scotland

Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill published

Legislative proposals to improve the experiences of children and young people in Scotland’s care system have been published in a Bill introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill proposes extending the aftercare support currently available for 16-to-26 year olds who were in care on their 16^th birthday to those who had left care before that point – including providing help with accommodation, education, employment and wellbeing.

If passed by Parliament, the legislation would also secure for people with care experience a right to access lifelong advocacy services, ensuring their voices are better heard throughout their care journey.

Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “This Bill puts the needs and rights of care-experienced children and young people at the heart of our care system.

“By aiming to provide a legal right to access advocacy and expanding aftercare support, we are responding directly to what people with care experience have told us they need.

“This legislation marks a crucial step forward in keeping The Promise by 2030. It will ensure children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey, so that they grow up loved, safe, and respected.

“I look forward to working closely with MSPs across parties in the months ahead to advance this Bill and ensure we meet our collective pledge to The Promise.”

The Bill, which will now be scrutinised by MSPs, aims to support smoother transitions between children’s and adult services by establishing tripartite accountability between local councils, NHS boards, and integration joint boards for children’s services planning.

The legislation includes proposed reforms of the Children’s Hearings system so it continues to meet the needs of children and families.

It also aims to improve professional recognition of foster carers with a proposed national register to help enhance the quality of placements, alongside taking steps to remove profit from care.

The Scottish Government will also develop new guidance with partners on the language of care to reduce stigma and improve how services communicate with those who have experience of care.

This work will build on the improvements already made for care-experienced children and young people since Scotland first pledged to ‘Keep The Promise’ in 2020.

The Independent Strategic Advisor, Fiona Duncan, responds to the launch of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill:

Today the Scottish Government officially launch the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.

It has been clear since the promise was made that there would be a need for legislative change. ‘The Rules’, produced by the Independent Care Review, outlines some of key areas where legislative change is required, including ensuring the legal rights of children are protected and upheld.

Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor – the promise, said: “The Independent Care Review was clear that legislation would be needed for Scotland to keep the promise.

“The legal system must ensure families receive the help they need to stay together wherever it is safe to do so, and that children and young people who experience the ‘care system’ grow up loved, safe, and respected — going on to flourish as adults, able to rely on Scotland for the support they might need.

“The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill represents an important step towards achieving that.

“I look forward to working with Scottish Government and other stakeholders to ensure this Bill creates real change in the lives of children, young people and adults with care experience and their families. And on any subsequent steps needed over the coming five years to make sure that Scotland does keep the promise.”

Rabies case confirmed following contact with animal abroad

UKHSA is reminding travellers to be careful around animals when travelling to rabies affected countries

A woman from the UK has sadly died after becoming infected with rabies, following contact with a stray dog during a visit to Morocco. The individual was diagnosed in Yorkshire and the Humber.

There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case as there is no documented evidence of rabies passing between people. However, as a precautionary measure, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary.

Rabies is passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal. It is nearly always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is very effective at preventing disease if given promptly after exposure to the virus.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding travellers to be careful around animals when travelling to rabies affected countries due to the risk of catching the disease.

Dr Katherine Russell, Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, at UKHSA, said: “I would like to extend my condolences to this individual’s family at this time.

“If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies.

“There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case. Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK, and worldwide there are no documented instances of direct human-to-human transmission.”

Rabies does not circulate in either wild or domestic animals in the UK, although some species of bats can carry a rabies-like virus. No human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats have been reported since 1902.

Between 2000 and 2024 there were 6 cases of human rabies associated with animal exposures abroad reported in the UK.

Rabies is common in other parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa. All travellers to rabies affected countries should avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals wherever possible, and seek advice about the need for rabies vaccine prior to travel.

You should take immediate action to wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water, if:

you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal while you’re abroad in a country with rabies
an animal has licked your eyes, nose or mouth, or licked a wound you have, while you’re abroad in a country with rabies
you’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK

Local medical advice should be sought without delay, even in those who have been previously vaccinated.

When given promptly after an exposure, a course of rabies post-exposure treatment is extremely effective at preventing the disease.

If such an exposure occurs abroad, the traveller should also consult their doctor on return, so that the course of rabies treatment can be completed. If travellers have not sought medical advice abroad, they should contact their doctor promptly upon return for assessment.

Rabies – Information for travel leaflet. Public Health England. Product code: 400322RT. Gateway Number: 2024664.

For more information on the risk of rabies in different countries, see the country information pages on the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s (NaTHNaC’s) website, TravelHealthPro.

For more general information about rabies, see the NHS website or the UKHSA leaflet on rabies risks for travellers.

NSPCC calls for all children in Scotland to have access to relationships and sex education

Relevant and consistent relationships and sex education is fundamental to encouraging positive behaviour and helps protect children from abuse
Provision of this education in Scotland is patchy and inconsistent
NSPCC calls for statutory duty to provide, more detailed guidance and greater prioritisation in the curriculum

The NSPCC is calling for all schools in Scotland to provide age-appropriate, consistent and relevant relationships and sex education to children and young people, as it reveals that over two-thirds of adults (67%) in Scotland believe it should be compulsory.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by the NSPCC, of over 1,000 adults across Scotland, also found that at least 90% of adults think it is important that relationships and sex education should include children and young people being taught about healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships (90%); the types of abuse and how to seek help (94%); and online risks including risks of sending and sharing nude images of someone under the age of 18 (93%).

Despite the public backing for all schools in Scotland to teach relationships and sex education, the NSPCC has found from its campaigns work across the country that young people consider the delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education patchy and insufficient. The charity believes that without a stronger statutory foundation, many children will miss out on vital knowledge that could protect them from harm.

NSPCC research and international studies show that consistent, relevant, inclusive and age-appropriate relationships and sex education helps children and young people:

Understand healthy and unhealthy relationships
Develop empathy, respect and responsibility in relationships
Recognise inappropriate behaviour and abuse
Speak up and seek help when something is wrong
Navigate online risks and pressures

There is also evidence to show it plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and taboos, giving young people the language to express their experiences, and fosters a positive school culture, helping to tackle poor behaviour.

While RSHP is part of the health and wellbeing area of Curriculum for Excellence, local areas have discretion about what is taught and when. National guidance on RSHP is currently being redeveloped following a consultation carried out by the Scottish Government in 2023.

To ensure every child in Scotland receives appropriate, high-quality relationships and sex education, the NSPCC Scotland is calling for:

Statutory duty for education authorities to provide it
Stronger recognition of children and young people’s right to this education, and their right to be involved in its delivery, in line with the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child
Clear and practical guidance for schools with examples of how RSHP should be delivered and tools to track and measure children’s learning
Adequate funding, professional training, time and resources for teachers to deliver effective RSHP
Regular monitoring and review by Education Scotland

Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy, said: “We believe it’s crucial that every child and young person in Scotland has access to high-quality, inclusive, relevant and age-appropriate RSHP education.

“It is essential to preventing abuse, and teaches young people about how to recognise healthy, unhealthy and abusive behaviours in others and themselves. However, we know from our work with young people that not all pupils in Scotland receive consistent education in this area.

“All other countries in the UK have recognised the importance of this education and have placed it on a statutory footing. It is critical that the Scottish Government shows it truly values RSHP education by upholding the rights of every child to receive it and ensuring teachers and schools are adequately resourced to deliver it.”

Bold Girls Ken, delivered in partnership with NSPCC Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council and the Young Women’s Movement, saw young women from Perthshire campaign for greater awareness of healthy relationships and consent, on and offline.

Fatima Ishaq, a participant of Young Women Know, said: “Better quality RSHP education is vital. From my experience, and so many other young people across the country, RSHP education is inconsistent and fails to reflect the diverse lived experiences of young people.

“By creating safe and non-judgemental spaces for young people to speak openly about topics like healthy relationships, we can empower them and build their knowledge and confidence.

“High quality RSHP means young people can better understand their bodies, feelings, rights and the experiences of others; reducing stigma and supporting young people to make informed choices.”

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19^th birthday.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

‘Historic Places, Breathing Spaces’ campaign launches today to help boost wellbeing through connection to heritage
60% of people say their wellbeing improved because of visiting a HES site
Leading Scottish influencers support campaign for wellbeing heritage

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

It comes after a recent HES survey* found 60% of people reported improved wellbeing because of visiting a HES site, and 74% of people felt a sense of connection to the sites after visiting.

Now HES is working with wellbeing organisations, influencers and communities across the country to encourage more people to visit heritage sites and discover the benefits it can bring for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Historic Places, Breathing Spaces is the latest action from HES to encourage community participation in heritage to support wellbeing.

As part of the initiative, people are invited to submit their photos and videos expressing how heritage makes them feel to hes.scot/wellbeing. HES will create an online exhibition to further inform and develop the role of heritage sites in supporting wellbeing.

To inspire those looking to explore Historic Scotland sites in new ways this summer, staff have recommended their favourite walks to help the public discover some of the lesser-known areas at local landmarks. HES has also curated playlists inspired by Scotland and its cultural impact for visitors looking to further enhance their walks with an auditory experience, available now on Spotify.

This national initiative follows regional work by HES and partners to encourage heritage engagement to boost health and wellness.

Laura Macdonald, a public health researcher specialising in place-based health inequalities at the University of Glasgow, worked with HES in 2023 to lead research revealing the important links between heritage and mental wellbeing*.

Speaking about Historic Places, Breathing Spaces Laura Macdonald said: “Our research has found that people living near to local heritage sites, who actively visited them, reported significantly better mental health.

“Many heritage sites, particularly historic parks and gardens, provide valuable access to green space, creating a powerful combination of cultural and natural assets that work together to reduce stress and promote mental health.

“Community engagement initiatives play a vital role in making these benefits more accessible – by raising awareness of local heritage through activities such as guided walks and heritage volunteering, communities can help more people interact with heritage and experience the mental health benefits it can provide.

“It will be fascinating to see how the Historic Places, Breathing Spaces campaign will bring further awareness of this on a national level.”

As the national body in Scotland responsible for investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland’s historic environment, HES plans to use information gathered through this latest initiative to explore the social value of heritage sites, and how that can support the country’s wider wellbeing agenda.

The Historic Places, Breathing Spaces initiative is endorsed by Black Scottish Adventurers; a community dedicated to encouraging participation of ethnic minority individuals to enjoy and engage with Scotland’s outdoor environment.

Alistair Heather, known online as “Historic Ally”, is also participating in the campaign to encourage more people to connect with heritage and history in Scotland.

HES Director of Marketing and Engagement, Stephen Duncan, said: ““We are proud to launch Historic Places, Breathing Spaces to encourage people to boost their wellbeing by visiting heritage sites across Scotland.

“We want people across the country to share their stories about what heritage means to them, and how their wellbeing is boosted by connecting with it.

“Scotland’s historic sites attract visitors from around the world to discover and learn about our rich history, but what heritage can also offer is a place to reflect and reconnect with ourselves in the modern world. We want to collaborate with more organisations and individuals to encourage people to explore our sites in news ways and connect with their local heritage.

“Our research shows that 60% of people who have visited HES sites report improved wellbeing from engagement with the historic environment. This summer we want to encourage everyone to engage with heritage and discover for themselves the wellbeing boost it can bring, and to be part of a national exhibition that celebrates Scotland’s historic environment in a new way.”

Call for charities across Scotland to join the volunteer revolution

Charities of all sizes in Scotland are being encouraged to sign up to a new volunteering platform, to help recruit more volunteers to support their invaluable work.

Leading volunteering charity, Royal Voluntary Service, has created a digital volunteering platform, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help charities across the country to connect with would-be volunteers in their communities.

Local and regional charities are vital to the fabric of the country, and many rely on the time and support of volunteers, yet charities across the board are seeing fewer people step forward in recent years.

However, research by Royal Voluntary Service found that people in Scotland are interested in volunteering their time, if they could fit it around their lives. 48%¹ of people in Scotland agreed that an app or platform offering the ability to volunteer on an ad-hoc-basis and fit in and around their life would make them more likely to volunteer, suggesting there’s an untapped pool of potential volunteers.

When combined with the finding that making a valuable contribution to society or local community was a leading motivator for people to volunteer, a positive picture is painted for local causes looking to recruit.

The platform will launch to the public in the autumn, when potential volunteers will be able to browse, search, filter, click and connect with causes and charities they care about.

Charities across the region are able to sign up to the platform now completely free of charge and will be invited to upload roles to test the platform from June onwards, ahead of the full launch to local people in the autumn.

It is hoped that the platform will be a hub of flexible, accessible digitally-enabled volunteering, and a resource that local charities can tap in to, to supercharge their volunteer recruitment.

Charities of all shapes and sizes, from sporting or arts charities, to those supporting people living with health conditions, and environmental causes to animal charities, are urged to sign up and consider uploading as diverse a range of volunteer roles as possible in the coming weeks and months.

Ensuring volunteering opportunities are varied and inclusive, from one-off, remote and flexible roles, to team-based, skilled, and traditional volunteering roles will help to broaden access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of volunteers for the benefit of causes and communities across the country.

Charities will also be able to benefit from welcoming new volunteers, whilst reducing the costs and admin associated with recruitment.

The goal of the platform’s simple ‘on-board once’ process for volunteers will mean that once a person has registered and completed an identity check, they will be able to move seamlessly between volunteering opportunities, charities and causes through the platform, without the need to re-register and repeat basic assurances.

Eventually, charities will also be able to utilise free criminal record checking, which will be introduced to the platform at a later date.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We have shaped this exciting new platform in partnership with charities big and small across the country, to make sure it’s valuable for causes of all sizes.

“Together we can make volunteering more accessible and empower more people to give their time to support the host of invaluable charities and causes they care about, across Scotland.

“The platform addresses what we know to be barriers for would-be volunteers and makes fitting volunteering in to modern life easier than ever. Thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players we are on the cusp of a volunteer revolution, and I am passionate that as many charities and causes be a part of it as possible.”

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We work with a range of amazing charities and we understand the fundamental part that volunteers play in their operations and in civil society.

“Thanks to our players’ support, Royal Voluntary Service is creating a platform which makes it simpler for volunteers to find the opportunities that suit them, either where they live or online.

“Just think what could be possible for our communities if new generations of people start to volunteer their time. I’d like to thank everyone who plays People’s Postcode Lottery for their support in making this possible.”

Partnerships for Wellbeing is a Highland charity best known for its community transport, health walks and friendship groups. It also organises the annual festival of walking and wheeling.

Jeff Zycinski, Manager at Partnerships for Wellbeing, said: “Small community-based charities like ours are always looking for new ways to recruit volunteers.

“It’s been so great to be involved in the early development of this project which has the potential to be a game-changing tool for people looking for ways to include an element of voluntary work in their lives and so make a difference to the lives of others.”

The platform is entirely free for charities to use, including identity checking of volunteers.

Charities interested in participating in workshops and webinars, or registering to upload their volunteering opportunities to the platform can find out more and sign up at royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

SUNDAY: Midsummer Picnic at Granton Castle Walled Garden

SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 2- 4.30 at GRANTON CASTLE WALLED GARDEN

Don’t forget that our MIDSUMMER PICNIC is this coming Sunday!

Bring a picnic and join us in celebrating Midsummer in the garden.

There will be music from Nigel’s All Stars, a children’s nature trail, and refreshments by donation.

Midsummer crown wearing is encouraged!

https://f.mtr.cool/zkogfudrtw

#grantoncastlewalledgarden

Vets issue urgent heatstroke advice for pet owners as temperatures soar

With hot weather conditions in Scotland this week, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke.

Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, some of which can sadly be fatal.

Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.

Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal. Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.

Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.

 British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn.

“Unfortunately, these can often be fatal. With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.

“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don’t take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal.

“It’s important to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pets’ lives. In dogs, signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.

“Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.

“If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness. Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions reported by 51% of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%).

BVA has shared the following top tips to keep pets safe in this heat:

Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits’ ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn’t stress them.
Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.
Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.

Tomorrow: Celebrate Community at LifeCare’s FREE Summer BBQ

Everyone is invited to LifeCare’s free Summer BBQ tomorrow – Friday 20th June, from 12 noon to 4pm at the LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.

Come along for a fantastic afternoon of free food, a bouncy castle, delicious cakes (thanks to Soderberg!) and a wide range of fun activities for all ages.

This special event is part of the Love the LifeCare Hub campaign, celebrating 50 years of LifeCare supporting local people – from young children to older adults – through affordable, accessible community services. The hub welcomes over 47,000 visits each year and runs more than 80 weekly classes and activities. It’s a place where people connect, share, and thrive.

As LifeCare faces rising running costs, donations are being welcomed to help safeguard this much-loved community space. Every pound helps ensure LifeCare can continue to offer vital support and joyful connections for generations to come.

So bring your friends, family, and neighbours for an afternoon of summer celebration – and help support one of Edinburgh’s most cherished community hubs.

Find out more at www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

Pension Age Winter Heating Payments

Proposals to support pensioners in Scotland this winter

All pensioners in Scotland with an income of less than £35,000 will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payments this winter of either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed.

This means pensioners in Scotland will be better off compared to those in the rest of the UK.

Pensioner households with no-one aged 80 or over will receive £203.40, rising to £305.10 for households with someone aged 80 or over.

Following the UK Government’s recent change to winter fuel payments, the Scottish Government will withdraw the current amendment regulations before the Scottish Parliament, which were previously lodged in order to protect pensioners in Scotland against the UK Government’s planned cuts to winter fuel payments.

The move will now see over 720,000 Scottish pensioners benefit.

Ms Somerville said: “The UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment last winter was a betrayal of millions of pensioners, and their recent U-turn is welcome if belated.

“Following careful consideration of the options available, the Scottish Government will mirror the approach taken by the UK Government. We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.

“We are in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales to recover payments from those pensioners with an individual income of more than £35,000 through the tax system.

“The intention is that the payment will be recovered automatically, and pensioners will not need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.

“This approach ensures a higher level of support which those most in need will receive. Over 720,000 Scottish pensioners are estimated to benefit from the higher payment.”

Leading pensioner poverty charity welcomes decision on Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation from the Scottish Government that all older people with an income of less than £35,000 a year will receive the higher rate of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

“This decision will provide some comfort to the hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland who live in fuel poverty.

“In a compassionate and wealthy society, no one should struggle to stay warm in the winter due to cost. The commitment by the Scottish Government to uprate the PAWHP annually is also welcome and key to ensuring the payment does not lose its value due to inflation.

“This means the payment will now be worth £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age, with the payment recovered through tax from those with an income over £35,000.

“We welcome this decision and hope the Scottish Government continues to take steps to reduce financial hardship, including the creation of a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty.”

Scotland celebrates first-ever National Day of Movement

The launch of Scotland’s National Day of Movement marks a new chapter in championing inclusive activity for people living with long-term health conditions

The Scottish Government’s public health minister yesterday (18^th June) joined participants representing Scotland’s third sector in enjoying the benefits of physical activity to help celebrate Scotland’s first-ever National Day of Movement.

Held outside the Scottish Parliament and led by the Movement for Health Coalition, the event attracted community and health leaders, political and government representatives, academics, and people living with long-term conditions to celebrate movement in all its varied forms.

The event formed part of a wider day of celebrations focused on all forms of physical activity in Scotland by charity partners, government, and academia.

The National Day of Movement is a celebration of all forms of movement and the benefits this brings to our physical, mental, and social health.

It shines a spotlight on a more inclusive approach to physical activity, especially for the nearly 50% of adults in Scotland living with at least one long-term health condition who often face unique barriers that make reaching global physical activity guidelines difficult.

Today we celebrate those who fight through the pain, tiredness and other challenges, to find happiness and health in any movement they enjoy, big or small, and reminds us that all steps forward count.

The third sector, community and local government organisations play a vital role in turning movement into something enjoyable and achievable.

Movement for Health coalition members and partners are leading the way, supporting those that live with minor and limited movements due to their health conditions through inclusive, welcoming, and social physical activity programmes across the whole of Scotland.

This year’s National Day of Movement showcased just how empowering, joyful and accessible these activities can be, including breath work, gardening, and seated sports such as Boccia.

The event also shone a light on the importance of rest and pace for people living with chronic pain and fatigue conditions. Messaging supporting physical activity needs to reflect this knowledge to reach Scotland’s least active communities successfully.

Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Scottish Government, said: “I am delighted to celebrate Scotland’s first-ever National Day of Movement with the Movement for Health coalition today. We know that building more movement into our daily lives benefits us physically, mentally and socially.

“We want to do more to support people with disabilities and long term health conditions to move more, but we need to make sure that we do that in a way that is based on an understanding of the individual challenges that people face.

“The Movement for Health coalition provides an invaluable forum to provide insights into these challenges across a range of health conditions. We must continue to use these insights, both nationally and locally, to ensure that we are providing the right support and creating a culture of movement that is accessible and welcoming to all.”

James Jopling, Scotland Director at Parkinson’s UK said: “Movement really makes a difference. By coming together and celebrating moves, big and small, we are collectively saying – This is important.

“Supporting people living with a huge variety of health conditions to benefit from movement is something that needs greater investment and prioritisation to sustain and improve the nations’ health.”

Emma Anderson, Movement for Health Manager, said: “The National Day of Movement is a powerful reminder that all movement matters.

“Whether it’s a short walk, a gentle stretch, or dancing in your kitchen, it’s about celebrating what people can do. That’s how we create a more active, inclusive Scotland – by making space for every kind of movement.

“Our coalition members and partners see every day how movement transforms lives.

“Today was a chance to showcase just that – highlighting the joy, connection, and confidence that come when people are supported to move in ways that feel right for them.

“We’re grateful to everyone who joined us today to celebrate our achievements and hope that, together, we can continue to champion inclusive movement across Scotland.”