This spring, the University of Edinburgh gave over £44,000 in Community Grants to 10 amazing local groups across Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians:
Safe Haven
Multi-Cultural Family Base
The Safe Haven project supports young refugees and asylum seekers aged 8 to 16 in Edinburgh, helping them settle into their new lives while coping with trauma and health challenges. Through organised outdoor and indoor activities, it provides a safe space to build confidence, improve physical and mental health, and overcome social barriers.
This project delivers free, hands-on workshops to schools in Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian, and Fife, focusing on renewable energy technologies and green careers. The workshops aim to build pupils’ confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while providing teachers with curriculum-linked resources for sustained STEM engagement and future career exploration.
Recovery Through Music (in Prison)
Change Grow Live
Recovery Through Music (RTM) is a user-led creative project, developed two years ago with support from the Community Grant. Now expanding into prisons, RTM helps people in recovery reconnect with music, rebuild confidence, reduce reliance on opioid treatment, and continue their journey through ongoing support after release.
Communities Dig Dalkeith
Archaeology Scotland
Communities Dig Dalkeith is an exciting new project that brings people together through archaeology – with a focus on improving health & wellbeing, inclusion and community cohesion using intergenerational practice. By taking part in the project participants will develop the skills needed to explore place and past while connecting with others and sharing their own experiences, skills and knowledge.
This project aims to offer a safe, inclusive space for women experiencing symptoms associated with menopause to connect, share and co-design drop-in activities that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Through peer support, expert input, and links to local services, it aims to reduce isolation, build confidence and create lasting, empowering networks.
Family Support service
Tailor Ed Foundation
This is a new innovative service in Edinburgh to help children who are waiting up to 4 years for an autism diagnosis and their families but who require support NOW. This hidden health inequality is creating 4 wasted years at the very time a child with autistic traits and families should be getting the support their current health needs and deserve
Art Workshops for Well-being for East Lothian Young Carers & The Finola Trust, Inspired by “The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs” (Prof. Stephen Brusatte)
Shorelark Arts CIC
A series of mixed-media, inclusive, and accessible art workshops inspired by Professor Steve Brusatte’s book “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs”. Blending art, palaeontology, and climate reflection, the workshops aim to support well-being through creative practice, culminating in a community exhibition and interactive open studio day at The Cockenzie Hub.
This project supports care-experienced and disadvantaged young people facing poverty, trauma, and emotional challenges which leaves them disconnected from school and the community. It offers a safe, creative environment where they can express themselves through art, improve emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and strengthen connections with schools, agencies, and their communities.
A new volunteer led outdoor social group for women which to reduce social isolation and loneliness and get you out and about, meeting new people and having fun. Visiting the places that YOU want to go to: castles; islands; palaces; woodlands; museums and art galleries – the past and the present at the same time! You will learn new stuff, make new friends and live a more active, fulfilling life.
Generations: Women in Basketball
We Play Together SCIO
To encourage young girls and women to engage in Basketball together through a generative programme that fosters connection, confidence & community. Additionally to broaden their understanding about the diverse pathways to take within the sport beyond simply playing – coaching, officiating, club administration.
Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills through Great British Energy community funding as part of Plan for Change
Mayoral authorities to receive a share of £10 million for publicly-owned clean energy projects
Complements Great British Energy’s drive to cut bills for around 200 schools and 200 hospitals, which is already seeing savings
Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills as Great British Energy delivers on the government’s clean energy superpower mission to make working people and their communities better off.
Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company, has awarded mayoral authorities a share of £10 million in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the centre of communities – including rooftop solar on Merseyside care homes and on leisure centres and libraries in Yorkshire.
These grants will mean that the community services and institutions that working people use will be able to save on their electricity bills and spend more money on the frontline services that strengthen local communities and boost local economic growth.
It is estimated that these schemes could produce a total of around £35 million of lifetime savings on energy bills, while improving energy security and creating good jobs.
As well as solar panels on public buildings, the grants will pay to install batteries for community buildings in areas including Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, so they can store renewable energy and use it later. The grants will also fund EV chargers in Greater Manchester, to make it easier for drivers to benefit from cheaper to power electric vehicles.
Great British Energy is already cutting energy bills for public services, with solar panels already installed on 11 schools as part of plans to roll out the panels on around 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England.
The government’s clean energy superpower mission will protect billpayers, create jobs and bring greater energy security through delivering clean power by 2030. Great British Energy will accelerate this by developing, investing and building clean energy projects across the UK.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Your local sports hall, library and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company.
“Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.
“This is what Great British Energy is all about – taking back control to deliver lower bills for good.”
Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail said: “Today’s support for new clean power projects in every region in England shows our mission in action – providing a lasting positive impact for the country by creating new jobs, lower bills, and a cleaner future.
“It’s important that communities feel the benefits of the energy transition and that we demonstrate the very real rewards it can bring.”
Earlier this year, all Mayoral Strategic Authorities were invited to submit expressions of interest for funding renewable energy projects that can be delivered in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will use the money to support a rooftop solar project to support care homes and leisure centres, cutting around £4.6 million on lifetime energy bills, while Greater Manchester will also roll out rooftop solar on libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres, leading to estimated savings of over £2.1million on lifetime bills.
Projects in York and North Yorkshire are estimated to bring around £4 million in lifetime bill savings, they include solar panels to help power an Edwardian swimming pool in York and leisure centres in Whitby, Ripon and Thirsk.
The figures below were estimated by DESNZ in collaboration with MSAs, based on a combination of project-level data and DESNZ standard assumptions. It should be noted these are initial estimates that will be refined as projects become operational and actual data is collected.
MSA
Technology
Project Type
Grant Funding Requested (£)
Total expected project cost (£)
Estimated Net Yearly Average Energy Bill Savings (£ undiscounted, 2025 prices)
Estimated Net Lifetime Energy Bill Savings (£ undiscounted, 2025 prices)
Greater Lincolnshire
Solar
Leisure centres and fire stations
£607,845
£627,845
TBC
TBC
South Yorkshire
Solar
Schools, outdoor covered market and library
£572,025
£615,397
£51,938
£1,558,131
Greater London Authority
Solar
Schools
£607,838
£674,220
£30,376
£911,280
Hull and East Yorkshire
Solar
Service buildings and car parks
£700,000
£1,842,879
£89,822
£2,694,647
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Solar
Police headquarters, car park and border canopies
£700,000
£774,226
£51,630
£1,548,886
Greater Manchester
Solar, Battery and EV
Libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres
£695,900
£1,301,800
£71,846
£2,155,384
North-East
Solar
Schools
£700,000
£749,946
£46,060
£1,381,806
York and North Yorkshire
Solar
Leisure centres, libraries, schools, transport sites
£700,000
£1,219,948
£134,898
£4,046,936
West Yorkshire
Solar and Battery
Police stations, Arrium plant nursery, primary school, sports centres and Lotherton Hall Estate
NSPCC service, Childline, is hearing from young people who have concerns about their body image and eating disorders.
Statistics
In 2024/25, Childline delivered 3,421 counselling sessions where the main concern was eating/body image disorders.
During the same time, Childline delivered almost 1,000 counselling sessions where a young person mentioned body image issues.
Childline delivered over 970 counselling sessions where a young person mentioned calorie and/or food restriction.
A child’s age was known in 73% of counselling sessions about eating/body image disorders. Of these, almost two thirds (59%) were with young people aged 12-15, 35% of counselling sessions were with children aged 16-18, while 6% were with children aged 11 and under.
Key Concerns
In counselling sessions on body image and eating disorders, the main topics that children mentioned include:
24-year-old Lauren* from Glasgow, whose name has been changed to protect her identity*, said: “From as young as five, I was having body image insecurities. I would look at different parts of my body and think it wasn’t good enough or try to measure the size of my stomach.
“When I got to secondary school my eating disorder habits started, and I began to manipulate my food intake.
“Restricting my food intake was a way of staying in control. I would have juice and water throughout the day in school and then go home and have my dinner so no one would notice. I was trying to be as secretive about it as possible.
“When I was at university and the pressure started to build academically, I felt I needed to put more discipline into my routine and that included food, exercise and weight loss. I started calorie counting and restricting my food intake again.
“I ended up unconscious after a night out due to the impact on my body from not eating, alongside drinking alcohol. The next day my friend booked me a doctor’s appointment, came with me and spoke on my behalf because she was so worried.
“Then I was admitted to an NHS specialised treatment programme for eating disorders. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the service very helpful and eventually sought private support instead.
“This is when I found a coaching programme which is carried out by someone who has been through the process of eating disorder recovery themselves and is action focused.
“I know how to protect myself now and I am much better than I ever thought I would be. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I would say I am 90% of the way there and I believe it’s possible.
“My advice to anyone struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns, is that if people only found you interesting or only liked you because you could shrink your body, then they’re not the type of people that you need to have in your life anyway.”
Snapshots
Body image issues
“I hate my body. I wish it was more muscly, more manly. I go to the gym loads but I still feel uncomfortable in there knowing how small I look to everyone”Boy, 15, Childline, Scotland
Binge eating
“Home is so stressful, I feel like none of us get on anymore. When I can’t take it anymore, I end up binge eating and it’s been going on so long that I’ve gained a lot of weight. I’m so tired of it all but I feel like it’s only going to get worse”Girl, 15, Scotland
Calorie and/or food restriction (undiagnosed)
“It started a few months ago, seeing other girls’ bodies in PE made me feel so fat besides them. I tried to ask my mum about losing weight and she was a bit dismissive, so I knew I needed to tackle it myself. I put myself on very low calories, which is working, but I have been fainting, feeling really exhausted, and stopped focusing at school. I think I know this isn’t the right way to do it, but is it that bad if no one has even noticed I’m doing it yet?” Girl, 16, Childline
Purging (e.g. vomiting and laxatives)
“This girl at school would always call me fat. My friends are all skinny, the girls I see on TikTok are skinny. I started purging and skipping meals last year and I’m finally skinny, but mum finally noticed and gets angry when I don’t eat properly. I can’t go back to eating 3 meals a day again, I can’t go back to being fat” Girl, 12, Childline
Overexercising
“It’s got to the point where I feel I can’t control myself. I didn’t want to be that ‘fat’ boy anymore, so I started working out and running. I started doing it every day, then twice a day, then at lunch times and now I even sneak out at night to exercise. I know I have a problem, but I’m scared my family will make me stop all together if I tell them what’s going on.” Boy, 15, Childline
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body image.
“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or purging once they have eaten. Some children tell us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, such as classmates and influencers in the media.
“Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they’re going through our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment.
“No child should struggle alone with these feelings, and seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Tips for parents
Model positive body talk: Be mindful of how you speak about your own body and others’ bodies in front of your children. Avoid negative comments about weight, appearance, or comparing yourself to others, as children often copy what they hear.
Focus conversations on health and wellbeing, not appearance: When discussing food and exercise, emphasise feeling strong, energetic, and healthy rather than looking a certain way. Celebrate what bodies can do rather than just how they look.
Take concerns seriously and listen without judgment: If your child expresses worries about their body or eating habits, avoid dismissing their feelings or saying, “you look fine.” Listen carefully and offer support, seeking professional help if needed.
Discuss what they see in the media: Help your child understand that images online and in media are often edited or unrealistic. Encourage critical thinking about what they see and limit exposure to content that promotes unrealistic beauty standards.
Watch for warning signs: Be alert to changes in your child’s eating habits, mood, exercise patterns, or social withdrawal. Early intervention is important, so don’t hesitate to seek professional support if you notice concerning behaviours around food or body image. Adults can contact our NSPCC Helpline with any concerns about a child.
Tips for children and young people
Remember that social media isn’t real life: Photos and videos online are often edited, filtered, or show just one perfect moment. What you see doesn’t represent how people actually look or live every day.
Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks: Your body is amazing at so many things like dancing, hugging friends, creating art, or playing sports. Try to appreciate all the incredible things it helps you accomplish.
Talk to someone you trust: If you’re feeling worried about your body or food, speak to a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or contact Childline. You don’t have to deal with these feelings alone.
Be kind to yourself: Try to speak to yourself the same way you would speak to a good friend. Would you tell a friend they look terrible? Practice being gentle and encouraging with yourself too.
Limit comparing yourself to others: Everyone’s body is different and that’s completely normal. Instead of comparing, try to celebrate what makes you unique and focus on being healthy and happy rather than looking like someone else.
Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
NHS Lothian is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise in Scotland and the UK.
The health board has set up summer vaccination clinics in Edinburgh and across the Lothians to ensure children are up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
Scotland recorded more cases of measles in the first five months of 2025 than were recorded in the whole of 2024. As of 9 July 2025, there were 27 laboratory-confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease. A significant rise compared to 2023, when there was only one case of measles in Scotland reported.
Public Health Scotland recommends that all young people get the MMR vaccine for protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These are highly infectious diseases that spread easily through coughs and sneezes and can be serious.
Young people should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for full, long-lasting protection. In Scotland, the first dose is offered between the age of 12 and 13 months, with the second dose offered before starting primary school. Children who have not received both doses may still be at risk.
Clinics will be held throughout Lothian. To book an appointment at one of the clinics, phone the NHS Lothian Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296. First dose appointments will be available in July and August.
Ashley Goodfellow, Deputy Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, which is spread through coughs and sneezes. As cases increase across Scotland, we strongly urge people to check their children are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
“Extra clinics have been set up this summer to offer the vaccine to those who are not fully protected. The vaccines are free and are highly effective in fighting off the virus. Having two doses is the best way to avoid serious medical complications.”
If a parent is contacted to book an MMR appointment for their child but they have already had both doses, please contact 0300 790 6296 to update their medical records.
Visit the NHS Inform website for more information about the MMR vaccine:
FRIENDS of Starbank Park will say goodbye to one of their own tomorrow when Sophia Abrahamsen is laid to rest.
Starbank Friend Janet McArthur said: “Sophia had the most amazing stories of Newhaven and the local area – she was so knowledgable! A legend who sat in the park in the afternoons, she could trace her family back to Danes who came over to build the Great Michael ship. She was such a dignified lady and she’ll be much missed. It’s very sad.”
Funeral service will be held at Ebenezer United Free Church on Friday 18 July at 2.30pm followed by Warriston Crematorium (Cloister Chapel) at 3.30pm to which all family and friends are invited. Family flowers only please.
Victims of domestic abuse to be protected under a £53 million drive to target most dangerous offenders in England and Wales
Thousands more women and children will be better protected from domestic abuse through the direct targeting of perpetrators, the Home Secretary has announced.
Backed by a £53 million investment over the next 4 years, domestic abuse perpetrators who pose the highest risk will be forced to change their behaviour and stop their offending as more police and agencies roll out tactics shown to reduce abuse.
It will form a central part of the government’s Plan for Change and pledge to tackle the epidemic of domestic abuse, which sees the police record a domestic abuse-related crime every 30 seconds.
The Drive Project has been piloted since 2016 to address the root causes of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management for up to 12 months. This includes using protection orders to keep offenders away from victims, alongside work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency. A dedicated independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) supports the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage.
The results have seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and jealous and controlling behaviours by 73%.
The multi-million pound investment will see up to 15 new areas going live by March 2026, with full roll-out across England and Wales to follow.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The roll out of these new programmes means the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls whether they operate at home or on the streets – and intervening early to prevent further harm.
“Through our mission to make our streets safer, we will take every opportunity to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, intensively monitor and manage perpetrators who pose a risk, and give victims the support they need to take back their lives.”
The Drive Partnership, a consortium of 3 organisations – Respect, SafeLives, and Social Finance – is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors. The Drive Project is their flagship intervention working with those causing harm in their relationships to prevent abusive behaviour.
Rolling out The Drive Project demonstrates that the government is committed to doing things differently, working closely with civil society and bringing experts into policy development to improve the lives of working people. Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Civil Society Summit being held on Thursday 17 July, where the Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will join a violence against women and girls panel with Beyond Equality, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Minister Davies-Jones.
Alongside tackling domestic abuse, the government is also funding 3 police forces to step up efforts to prevent predatory behaviour in public spaces and night time economy venues through Project Vigilant.
Currently being trialled by Thames Valley Police, alongside several other forces across the country, specially trained plain-clothed officers are patrolling nightlife hotspots to hunt down predatory behaviour, with uniformed officers then stepping in to keep the public safe.
A further £230,000 will enable specialist deployments in 3 police forces, support the trial of new tools – including sniffer dogs trained to detect drugs commonly used in spiking – and help to gather evidence on how the approach works in different settings.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said: “Through bold initiatives like the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, we’re going after perpetrators wherever they pose a threat.
“We are shifting the focus onto those who cause harm, challenging dangerous behaviours and making it clear that the responsibility for ending abuse lies with perpetrators, not those who suffer from it.
Through our mission to make our streets safer, every penny we invest in holding perpetrators to account is a step towards a better and safer future for every victim.”
The Drive Project will be delivered in partnership with police and crime commissioners, police forces, domestic abuse services and the Drive Partnership, and supported by national training and resources.
Case managers work closely with high-risk perpetrators for up to 12 months, building their capacity to manage emotions and relationships differently, removing opportunities for abuse through close monitoring and disruption tactics and ensuring dedicated support for victims.
Interventions are tailored to each perpetrator’s risk level and pattern of abuse and can include:
disruption tactics such as police intervention and the use of protection orders
engagement with social services to safeguard families and children
alternative accommodation to prevent perpetrators from returning to victims’ homes
addressing drug and alcohol dependencies that can fuel abusive behaviour
behaviour change to address patterns of control and violence
monitoring and accountability to prevent reoffending
dedicated support for victims to help them rebuild their lives and move on
The Drive Partnership welcomes today’s Home Office announcement of a £53 million investment over four years to expand the Drive Project to increase the safety of victim-survivors of domestic abuse, in all communities, by putting the focus on the perpetrators.
This is the result of ten years of working in partnership across specialist domestic abuse services and statutory agencies, and would not be possible without the collaboration of a wide range of both statutory and non-statutory partners, and the ongoing support of a range of funders, including the National Lottery Community Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and Treebeard Trust.
The Drive Project is the Drive Partnership’s flagship intervention for high-risk, high-harm, perpetrators of domestic abuse. This investment will see local service providers working together with the Drive Partnership and across all agencies to deliver the Drive Project throughout England and Wales.
The Drive Partnership and its Board are pleased that the Government has committed to halving violence against women and girls within a decade. Alongside the need for well-funded local support and recovery services for victim-survivors, targeting perpetrators to address the root causes of violence and abuse will be essential.
The Drive Project is an evidence-based service, delivered by specialist local service providers, that increases the safety of adult and child victim-survivors of domestic abuse and helps prevent future victims by targeting perpetrators and using multi-agency working to disrupt and stop abuse. It always includes dedicated support for victim-survivors and families.
The Home Office’s investment into the expansion of the Drive Project aligns with the Drive Partnership’s 2024 Call for Further Action recommendation for consistent and evidence-informed multi-agency responses to high-risk, high-harm perpetrators across all areas.
This Call for Further Action, supported by over 100 organisations, was developed with the input of the Action on Perpetrators Network, the Drive Partnership delivery and co-production partners, and SafeLives Pioneers.
It also calls for recognition across government that domestic abuse is everyone’s business. It is not solely a criminal justice issue, but requires cross-departmental investment. This is a priority that the Network will continue to pursue.
The Drive Partnership has been working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors in all communities for over a decade; marking 10-years of disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm, using a consistently evidence-informed approach.
The Drive Partnership looks forward to expanding this work to protect victim-survivors, in close collaboration with specialist domestic abuse organisations and statutory partners, and would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved.
Shana Begum, SafeLives Pioneer & lived experience expert, said,“Perpetrator interventions are vital to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse – as a SafeLives Pioneer, I strongly believe that we have to stop asking “Why doesn’t she leave?”, and start asking “Why doesn’t he stop?”, and that is what the Drive Partnership puts into action.
“After working closely with the Drive Partnership for a number of years, I’m pleased to see this expansion across all areas in England and Wales so that the responsibility of domestic abuse is placed firmly on those causing harm.”
Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director of the Drive Partnership, said,“We welcome this investment from the Home Office into the expansion of the Drive Project across England and Wales because victim-survivors tell us that as well as more support for themselves, they want and need better responses to the people causing harm in their lives.
“They need them to be seen, held to account and stopped. The Drive Project does that and with ten years of delivery, development and evaluation behind us we know that it works.
!This work can only happen if the focus is absolutely on the safety and wellbeing of the victim-survivors. This investment will see the vast majority of funding flow directly to local domestic abuse perpetrator services and victim-survivor support services, and we will be working in partnership with local services to ensure that the Drive Project is tailored to meet the needs of local communities.
“We look forward to the forthcoming VAWG strategy to support victim-survivor services with much-needed investment and cross-departmental commitment.”
Rosie Jarvis, Deputy Director of the Drive Partnership, said, “We warmly welcome the Home Office’s investment in the expansion of the Drive Project, which we know through its evidence base has a significant impact on harm and risk reduction in perpetrators and increased safety for victim-survivors.
“This investment and expansion will be a significant step towards addressing the postcode lottery of responses to high-risk, high-harm, and serial perpetrators and breaking the costly cycle of domestic abuse.”
Jess Asato MP, said,“Too often we ask why domestic abuse victims don’t leave, instead of asking why perpetrators don’t stop their abuse – so this landmark investment by the Government is incredibly welcome.
“was proud to work on the early stages of the Drive Partnership which, through its innovative, evidence-driven approach, has proven that we can make victims safer and change perpetrator behaviour.
“This investment will be one important step towards achieving the Government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls.”
Detective Superintendent Jon Capps, Head of Rape and Sexual Offences and Project Vigilant at Thames Valley Police, said: “We welcome funding which supports vital proactive initiatives to disrupt those who behave in a predatory manner and offend against women and girls.
“Our Project Vigilant officers are specially trained to spot predatory behaviour, intervening and preventing it escalating into an offence.
“This year we have conducted 50 Vigilant deployments across the Thames Valley, all of which highlight our commitment to keep people safe, specifically in the night time economy and increasingly with large public events.
“Our aim is to take a suspect-focused approach, creating safer public spaces and building trust and confidence in our policing response.”
Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association: “We welcome today’s announcement and fully support the government’s £53 million package to target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators. A perpetrator-focused approach is essential – accountability must lie with those who commit these crimes, not the women who endure them.
“We understand that predatory behaviour is a pervasive issue within society and must be addressed wherever it occurs – across communities, public spaces, and institutions. Over recent years, the industry has worked hard to drive awareness and put robust mitigations in place – through staff training, use of CCTV, awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders and policing.
“Today’s announcement – particularly the expansion of the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, as well as the introduction of specially-trained officers to address predatory behaviour – is a vital step toward tackling the root causes of abuse. It will provide greater protection for women and support operators in disrupting harmful behaviours early.
“The NTIA is committed to supporting the government’s Plan for Change and its goal to halve violence against women within a decade. We will continue working closely with government, policing, and local authorities to embed a perpetrator-focused culture of safety and accountability throughout the night time economy.”
This investment comes after the government announced a boost of nearly £20 million in support for victims of abuse, including £6 million for helplines which can offer life-saving support.
A relentless pursuit of perpetrators will form a central part of the government’s upcoming strategy on violence against women and girls, shifting the burden of safety away from victims and onto the perpetrators responsible for these devastating crimes. The strategy will also set out action to transform the system’s response to VAWG, including on prevention, early intervention, enforcement and victim support.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First, is looking for people from across Scotland who are passionate about championing children’s rights to take on the vital role of Safeguarder.
A Safeguarder is appointed to make sure a child or young person’s best interests and human rights are represented in the court process. They can be asked to be involved in children’s hearings by Sheriffs to put children’s best interests at the heart of decisions.
Formally appointed by Scottish Ministers, Safeguarders build positive relationships with the child, parents, carers and other significant people in the child’s life. They listen to their views to help reach a decision that focuses on what is best for the child and their future.
Children First, which is responsible for managing and operating the national Safeguarders panel, has now opened applications for part-time Safeguarder roles across Scotland.
Bryan Evans, assistant director of children and families at Children First, said: “Safeguarders play a vital role in standing up for all children to ensure they have a safe childhood. You don’t need any professional qualifications, we’re looking for people who can bring warmth, empathy and a strong sense of justice to this unique role.
“Values and qualities that help to build trust and connection are what matter most when it comes to making a good Safeguarder. Children and young people have described the ideal Safeguarder as someone who is friendly, approachable and genuinely cares about them. If you care deeply about children’s rights and want to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply.”
One young person who has been supported by a Safeguarder told Children First: “It makes you feel like you can trust them if they’re friendly. You can kind of automatically tell if someone is kind and if you can trust them.”
One current Safeguarder said the role was a ‘privilege’. They told Children First: “Being a Safeguarder gives me the chance to make a real and lasting difference in a child’s life. It’s a privilege to be trusted with such responsibility.”
Communities will unite on Saturday 19 July to take a stand against the Government’s inaction on plastic pollution
Protests and beach cleans will be taking place across the UK as part of a National Day of Action organised by Surfers Against Sewage
Campaigners and the community in Aberdeenshire and Edinburgh are rallying in a National Day of Action against plastic pollution this Saturday, 19 July.
The Surfers Against Sewage “The People vs Plastic” campaign will see protestors descend on the UK’s beaches, city streets and everywhere in between to send a clear message: the government must act decisively to tackle plastic pollution at its source, to position the UK as a global leader in the fight against single-use plastics.
Locations and timings of protests in Scotland are as follows:
· Craws Nest, Stonehaven Beach, Aberdeenshire 10:00
· Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, 13:00
The campaign aims to ramp up the pressure on Government ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, reconvening in Geneva from 5-14 August.
Earlier talks collapsed in South Korea, last year, with countries failing to agree on reducing plastic production. Campaigners say that a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is urgently needed to cut pollution at its source and protect blue spaces.
Ahead of the National Day of Action, communities from coast to city will host grassroots events, from “Trash Mobs” in local schools to community-led cleans, building momentum for the nationwide protest.
Data will be collected during the community cleans, which will help Surfers Against Sewage map the true scale of plastic pollution, and name the brands and retailers most to blame.
The public can get involved by heading to the Surfers Against Sewage website to find a local protest to join or show support during the Week of Action by getting involved with a local Plastic Free Community close to home.
Communities and schools are at the forefront of Surfers Against Sewage’s campaign against plastic, with over 400 active Plastic Free Communities and over 3,000 Plastic Free Schools leading the way in the fight against plastic in their local area. So far in 2025, over 88,000 people have taken part in over 3,600 local cleans, collecting over 40,000kg of rubbish, as part of the charity’s Million Mile Clean initiative.
Marion Montgomery, Surfers Against Sewage representative and Stonehaven Beach protest organiser said: “In Stonehaven, we’re organising ‘Save our Seas from Plastic’ protest along with a beach clean and sandcastle competition.
“We’re demanding real action against the producers of the huge amounts of plastic packaging which inevitably ends up polluting our ocean and coastlines. To avoid future carnage, we need tighter restrictions against ‘new’ things, like single use vapes, being put on sale to the public.”
Surfers Against Sewage is calling on the UK Government to deliver on the goals of the Global Plastics Treaty immediately through joined up and ambitious national plans to end plastic pollution, including:
· Setting legally-binding targets to cut plastic pollution
· Implementing an effective circular economy centred on reuse and refill, including the implementation of a comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme and introduction of binding reuse targets
· Holding polluters to account by enforcing current laws and delivering Extended Producer Responsibility schemes that make polluters pay.
Giles Bristow, Chief Executive at Surfers Against Sewage said:“Broken promises, stalled progress, surging pollution. We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic that continues to rise.
“Enough is enough, so we are rising up too. As families pack their buckets and spades and the summer holidays begin, there’s no better time to shine a light on the plastics choking our shores. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste that travels the globe, and our government is still dawdling on action.
“We’re sick to death of plastic-pushing corporations fuelling this crisis while spinning greenwashing lies and pointing the finger at consumers. They churn out mountains of non-recyclable packaging, sabotage vital policies behind closed doors, and consistently miss every voluntary target. The Labour government pledged us a zero-waste future, we’re all ears, but we won’t settle for anything less.
“That’s why, on Saturday 19 July we’re calling on Ocean Activists from Penzance to Porthcawl and everywhere in between to make their voices heard.
“Whether you’re clearing your favourite beach or marching through city streets, communities hold the power to drive change. With Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat.
“Together, we can become a force impossible for leaders, and polluters, to ignore.”
Protest locations and National Week of Action information can be found on the Surfers Against Sewage website.
Following the protest, the charity is encouraging people to sign a petition to put pressure on the Government to tackle the problem. For more information, visit the campaign web page here.
We are pleased to report Mohammed Raqeeb, missing from Dalkeith, has been located. We would like to thank everyone who shared our information.
HAVE YOU SEEN MOHAMMED?
POLICE are appealing for information to help trace Mohammed Raqeeb, 71, who was reported missing from Dalkeith.
Mohammed was last seen in the Danderhall area of the town around 3.30pm on Wednesday, 16 July, where he was seen boarding a bus heading for Edinburgh.
He is described as being of South Asian appearance, 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build with grey hair. He was last seen wearing an orange jumper, grey trousers and a grey flat cap.
He may be in the Bathgate area and is known to frequent bars and Indian restaurants.
Sergeant Fortune said: “Our enquiries to trace Mohammed are ongoing, and I am appealing to anyone who has seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to contact us.
“Mohammed could be in the Bathgate area but is also known to visit Edinburgh.
“Concerns are growing for Mohammed’s welfare, and we are keen to trace him as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3685 of 16 July, 2025.
We are honoured to be hosting the Lothians Speak Their Name Quilt in the Centre. The only Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt in Scotland.
This remarkable quilt was made by individuals who all found comfort and solace in making their squares as well as finding a community of similarly bereaved people.
The quilt will be exhibited here until Friday 25 July so please do come along to see it.
