Winners of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards will be decided by a public vote
Salvation Army Edinburgh Earl Grey charity shop has been shortlisted for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards. The winner will be decided by a public vote, which is now open.
The Awards, run by the Charity Retail Association, are now in their second year and are a celebration of the impact that charity shops have within their local communities. For many, charity shops are more than a place to pick up a second-hand bargain – they are community hubs that employ local people, help volunteers find friendship, and offer support to those with first-hand experience of the causes they support.
More than 5,000 nominations were received this year and, as part of the process, people were asked to share why they were nominating their favourite shop.
When asked what makes the Earl Grey shop so special, members of the public said:
“The vibe in this shop is always so upbeat and welcoming whether you are there to shop, looking for help or just to say hello. Everyone is greeted with respect and welcomed like an old friend.”
“Best charity shop in Edinburgh! Always loads of new items, well laid out and merchandised, and the friendliest helpful staff always dancing and singing no matter how busy it is.”
Margaret Rouzet, shop manager said: “Thank you so much, we are absolutely delighted!!
“We are now more determined than ever to win the whole competition, not only for us but for every Salvation Army shop out there whose staff and volunteers put so much work and dedication into every day.”
Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Congratulations to all the shops that made the shortlist and thank you to everyone who made a nomination.
“The level of support the Awards continue to inspire highlights just how much charity shops mean to their local communities. We are now calling on the public to cast their votes and decide which shops will be crowned winners in 12 areas across the UK.”
People can vote for their favourite shop now, here:
Visit is ‘opportunity to highlight role of devolved nations in driving climate action’
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of Climate Week NYC.
Climate Week NYC brings together global leaders, businesses and civil society to address climate change and promote sustainable solutions.
In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin will attend a series of meetings with member representatives as part of ongoing work to strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.
Attendance at Climate Week will also be a chance to share knowledge and experience on emissions reductions and the need for a just transition with others, as well as action on creating climate resilience and enabling real, lasting and fair change across Scotland.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Martin said: “No community is safe from the impacts of climate change, but the burden isn’t shared equally – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.
“Climate Week NYC gives Scotland the chance to shape the global conversation on climate finance and climate justice.
“As President of Regions4 and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Scotland is pushing for more ambitious climate action – and we’re making sure that the voices of the Global South, especially women and young people, are heard loud and clear.
“I look forward to the opportunity to further build the influence of devolved, states and regional governments within the international climate debate with a strong focus on capacity building.”
The Cabinet Secretary’s programme will see her addressing the Under2 Global Ministerial Session on Monday 22 September as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition.
She will also represent Scotland as President of Regions4, convening a roundtable of network members on Tuesday 23 September to inform and develop the network’s preparations for COP30.
On Wednesday 24 September the Scottish Government will co-host the livestreamed launch of a case study on the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, in collaboration with ICLEI and Climate View.
The Cabinet Secretary will deliver opening remarks and take questions during a panel discussion emphasising the importance of and Scotland’s pioneering work on multilevel governance.
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby has partnered with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of Rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies, an initiative that will expand inclusive playing and training opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels.
Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive.
Building Tomorrow’s Champions: Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Regional Academies
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies; a transformative initiative set to redefine the landscape of junior wheelchair rugby across the UK.
This exciting collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s development, creating a structured and inclusive pathway for young athletes and expanding opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels.
A Game-Changer for Junior Wheelchair Rugby
The new academies will provide increased playing and training opportunities for junior athletes in both wheelchair rugby (Paralympic discipline) and Wheelchair Rugby fives, while also welcoming young people who are not currently affiliated with local clubs. Wooden Spoon’s sponsorship is instrumental in supporting this growth, helping to build a vibrant and sustainable junior community.
Why Junior Academies Matter
Many junior players currently train within senior clubs under “Safe to Play” rules. While this has enabled participation, it often limits peer-to-peer engagement. The new academies will offer a dedicated space for juniors to connect, compete, and grow alongside athletes their own age; fostering personal development, confidence, and a shared passion for the sport.
Aligned with GBWR’s Performance Pathway
The academies will serve as the first step in GBWR’s performance pathway, offering consistent, high-quality coaching and a clear route for talented young athletes to progress. This structured environment is designed to nurture the next generation of Paralympians.
Key Pillars of the Junior Academies
Talent Development: A structured environment aligned with GBWR’s talent pathway.
Inclusivity: Open to all junior players, including wheelchair ruby fives athletes.
Accessibility: Welcoming juniors regardless of club affiliation.
Competition: Regional teams will compete in tournaments, starting with the inaugural Junior Tournament on Saturday, 7th February 2026.
Academy Identity: Each academy will choose its name and design bespoke kit.
Geographic Boundaries: Players will join their nearest academy, with flexibility for border regions.
Regularity: A minimum of five sessions per year, complementing club commitments.
Junior Voice: Each academy will elect a player representative to a Junior Panel.
Coaching Excellence: Led by passionate GBWR club coaches, supported with CPD and a structured syllabus.
Launch Details
The first academy sessions will take place on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025, with initial locations in:
North – Galashiels (Coaches: Adam Robson & Aaron Kilpatrick) Midlands – Corby (Coaches: Jamie Higgins & Kascie Higgins) London & South – Reading (Coaches: Sally Sycha & Omar Foster) Wales – Location TBC (Coaches: Byron White & Dominic Evans)
Following the launch, regular sessions will be held in November, January, and March, leading up to the Junior Tournament in February 2026.
Contact Jamie Higgins to find out more information or register your child jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk
Voices from the Community
Jason Brisbane, GBWR CEO, said:“This partnership with Wooden Spoon is a powerful step forward in our mission to grow the sport from the ground up.
“Junior athletes deserve a space where they can thrive, connect and dream big. These academies will be the launchpad for future Paralympians and community leaders.”
Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO, said: “Every child deserves the joy, confidence, and sense of belonging that sport brings.
“That’s why this partnership is so important, it opens the door for more young people to discover wheelchair rugby, to fulfil their dream of representing their country at the Paralympics, and to build lifelong friendships along the way.
“Together, we’re not just creating opportunities to play; we’re building a future where every child with a disability can see themselves as an athlete”
Jamie Higgins, Junior Programme Development Officer and Midlands Coach, added: “These academies will not only provide consistent, high-quality coaching through links with the Talent pathway, but also create a sense of community and competition among young players.
“We are confident this will lead to increased participation and pave the way for future wheelchair rugby stars.”
A 9-year-old junior player from the North Academy shared: “I can’t wait to play with other kids like me!
“It’s gonna be so fun making new friends and learning new stuff together.”
A Shared Mission for Inclusion and Empowerment
Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive.
🔗 Learn more about Wooden Spoon at woodenspoon.org.uk
Increased investment as part of Disability Equality Plan
Additional funding of £500,000 will be delivered to strengthen access to essential services and projects that disabled people rely on.
It comes as a result of dialogue with Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour on the best way to support Disabled People’s Organisations and follows his tireless campaigning on behalf of disabled people throughout this parliamentary session.
The additional investment will support our Improving Access Fund, announced earlier this year as part of the Scottish Government’s Disability Equality Plan. This brings the total funding available in the fund to £1.5 million.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We made it very clear when launching our Disability Equality Plan that disabled people are a priority for the Scottish Government.
“In order to deliver lasting change, we must improve access to vital support and services. That’s why the Scottish Government is boosting the amount available via the Improving Access Fund. This means we are committing to invest £3 million to support the overall Disability Equality Plan and improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland.
“We also recognise the vital role Disabled People’s Organisations play in working to support and empower disabled people, and so we are committing to explore multi-year funding for those organisations.”
Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “I am proud to have worked with the Scottish Government to deliver new money for disabled people in Scotland.
“This funding is a solid step in the right direction, but it must not be the last step. I believe a wider debate needs to take place on how best to support disabled people across into the next parliament.
“Delivery of a multi-year funding deal is a welcome commitment.”
Inclusion Scotland has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of an additional £0.5 million for the Improving Access Fund:
“This funding will help deliver the actions set out in the Disability Equality Plan launched earlier this year.
“We will continue to work alongside Glasgow Disability Alliance, Disability Equality Scotland, and disabled people to ensure the fund brings real and lasting improvements to disabled people’s everyday lives, while building momentum and commitment towards securing all the resources needed to achieve equality.”
The Improving Access Fund will open for applications in autumn this year.
The Edinburgh Union will host its inaugural debate on Monday 22 September, with a panel of senior Scottish politicians debating the motion: This House Believes Scotland Should Be Independent.
The debate will feature Fergus Ewing MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, representing the case for independence, opposite Baroness Annabel Goldie, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Daniel Johnson MSP, representing the case against.
Adding to the politicians, two student speakers will join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion, and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.
The debate, taking place just months ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, promises to be a lively and timely discussion on one of the most contested questions in Scottish politics.
Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society.
It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to debate and open dialogue. With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.
This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.
Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.
President Finn Tyson said: ““The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital, in a way that is not seen anywhere else in Scotland.
“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in away that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.
“More than a decade after the Better Together campaign’s victory in 2014, public opinion on Scottish independence remains deeply divided. That’s why we’re bringing in outstanding speakers from across the political spectrum to debate the issue – and to give our students the chance to question them directly.”
Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new manifesto, calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise good animal health and welfare and support veterinary education by including a number of key asks in their party manifestos.
The manifesto calls on Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.
The organisation is also urging the new Scottish Government to implement legislation on vital animal welfare issues, such as a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats and improving the welfare of farmed fish.
Launching the manifesto, BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said:“We know that there is already strong political and public backing for many of the welfare priorities we’ve set out — including a complete ban on aversive training devices like shock collars.
“The removal of financial barriers for universities and students to encourage more homegrown talent to enter the veterinary profession is vital to address the current shortage of vets in Scotland. We’re eager to work with all parties on these important issues and are urging candidates to speak with vets in their constituencies to gain a better understanding of veterinary workforce and animal welfare issues.
“Vets play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, protecting both animals and the public from disease, and ensuring high standards across the food supply chain. Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across the Scottish veterinary community and calls for cross-party commitments to take meaningful action”
BVA is urging the veterinary community in Scotland to read the manifesto, share it with their networks, and engage their local MSP on veterinary education funding, shock collar ban, and five other key calls to action:
Improve the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Tighten the regulation of fireworks- Implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group as soon as possible and ensure effective application of Firework Control Zones across the country.
Champion the veterinary voice in farming policy- The veterinary profession should be recognised as a key partner in shaping agricultural policy. The new Government must commit to maintaining the current level of resource spent on the scanning surveillance network to safeguard both animal and public health.
BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is consulting on proposals to modernise the law on compulsory purchase, to make it easier and simpler to improve land and buildings.
The proposals would update laws dating back almost two centuries, making them more useful for public bodies, while also being fairer to property owners.
Compulsory Purchase Orders help deliver essential projects to meet local and national needs. They can support the transformation of disused or dilapidated land and buildings which blight communities. And they can contribute to tackling the housing emergency by accelerating the delivery of new homes and bringing empty properties back into use.
Views are being sought on how the current rules – which are widely recognised as confusing and outdated – should be changed. The Scottish Government is also exploring whether powers to require disused property to be sold or leased would be helpful.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee will launched the consultation on a visit in Glasgow to a neglected property which was acquired under a Compulsory Purchase Order and which will now be returned to use as a family home.
He was accompanied by Roseanna Cunningham, co-chair of the Compulsory Purchase Reform Practitioner Advisory Group.
Public Finance Minister @Ivan_McKee has published a consultation on proposals to modernise the law on compulsory purchase. @Scotgov aims to update outdated laws to make it simpler to improve land and buildings, and make the system fairer. Read more: ▶️https://t.co/ppctULKpespic.twitter.com/MXXSjjklaD
— Scottish Government Finance and Economy (@scotgoveconomy) September 19, 2025
Mr McKee said: ““Compulsory purchase can make an important contribution to improving public spaces and regenerating communities. We need every tool available to play its part in tackling the housing emergency – making it easier and simpler for councils and other public bodies to take ownership of derelict property will help.
“We are consulting on changes that would streamline procedures, modernise compensation arrangements and promote better early engagement between authorities and the owners of land that is needed for important public projects.
“This is a substantial package of measures, learning from changes that have been made elsewhere and following extensive engagement with the Practitioner Advisory Group and a wide variety of others with interest in compulsory purchase.”
Ms Cunningham said: “Much of the compulsory purchase legislation in Scotland dates back 180 years and can be difficult to understand for both property owners and public bodies. This can delay important developments creating uncertainty for everyone involved.
“We need a system that is simpler and quicker for public bodies, while also being fairer for property owners. I welcome the Scottish Government’s consultation paper as an important step towards that.”
The consultation opened yesterday on 19th September and will run for 3 months, closing on 19th December
Programme aims to improve patient experience and reduce admissions
The Scottish Government will extend a successful programme run by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), enabling its Palliative and End of Life Care team to continue its vital work this year.
This £417,000 investment will enable the dedicated SAS team to continue transforming care for patients nearing the end of life, enhancing dignity, comfort, and choice while reducing pressure on emergency services.
The team has developed 30 alternative care pathways to Emergency Departments, including direct referrals to hospices and cancer support helplines. These pathways ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time—often in the comfort of their own homes.
This approach helps improve their quality of life in the final stages, allowing clinicians to provide more compassionate care tailored to each person’s specific needs.
In 2023-24 alone, it led to a:
A reduction of 1,600 patients conveyed to hospital.
1,451 fewer ambulance attendances in 2023/24 compared to the previous year.
4000 staff trained in palliative care support.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “”The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone who needs it can access high-quality, timely, and well-coordinated palliative care.
“The work of the Palliative and End of Life Care Team is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working, and I am pleased that we are able to provide this funding to extend their vital work.”
Michael Dickson OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We welcome this funding, which will help us build on the success of previous work and will further develop our specialist capability to support patients with palliative and end-of-life needs across Scotland.
“The funding will expand training, deepen our partnership working with health and social care partners and further improve patient experience, dignity, and choice at the end of life.”
‘Palliative Care Matters for All’, published this month by the Scottish Government, is a five-year strategy produced in partnership with NHS Scotland, charities, health and social care professionals, and people with experience of palliative care services.
Children can better recognise and manage their emotions following an NSPCC programme delivered to hundreds of primary school pupils in Govan, researchers have found.
The Emotional Resilience programme was created by NSPCC’s Together for Childhood (TfC) Govan project after teachers told them that children were struggling with their ‘big feelings’ when they returned to classrooms after the Covid-19 lockdowns.
The sessions, which include mindfulness, fun games and songs, are designed to increase children’s confidence in recognising and managing their emotions – to improve their wellbeing, behaviour and emotional development.
The programme was delivered by the TfC team in seven Govan primary schools from 2021 to 2024, reaching approximately 799 pupils. Since the evaluation of the programme, sessions for early learning and childcare settings – co-created with Kirktonholme Nursery – have been delivered to three nurseries in Govan.
The Emotional Resilience resources are now being rolled out to schools in Govan so that teachers can continue to deliver the programme.
A deeper dive into the results of the programme by staff in the NSPCC’s research and evidence team revealed that children who took part have benefitted by being emotionally supported.
The findings, summarised in a report1, showed that children learned how to identify different feelings and gained a better ability to recognise the emotions of others and empathise with them. Many children had learned and practiced self-care techniques to manage their emotions, and some had even shared what they had been taught with members of their families. They were also able to name trusted adults and felt more confident to seek support.
Prajapa Seneviratne, Research and Evaluation Officer with TfC Govan, said: “We found that The Emotional Resilience programme has clear benefits for children and schools.
“It has helped children to feel nurtured in their learning environment, giving them confidence to form trusting relationships that can aid them to learn and achieve.
“The findings show that there is a need for emotional resilience programmes in primary and nursery schools in Govan, and more widely across Scotland, as the benefits of the programme align with the Health and Wellbeing goals of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.
“Improving children’s awareness of and skills in emotional resilience at the earliest point, in a supportive school environment, can lay a strong foundation upon which they can achieve and thrive.”
The evaluation of the programme’s results also revealed that teachers had improved connection with pupils and understanding of their lives, helping them to better support the children and respond promptly to safeguarding concerns.
Kirsty Aitken, Assistant Director NSPCC Scotland, said: “This report powerfully underscores the importance of nurturing emotional resilience in children from the earliest stages of life.
“Emotional resilience is crucial to a child’s development and ability to cope, adapt and thrive as they grow up – even in the face of adversity. It is key for managing stress, coping with change and transitions, and maintaining healthy mental wellbeing throughout life.
“By fostering confidence in recognising and expressing ‘big feelings’ we lay the groundwork for stronger wellbeing and resilience as children navigate the complexities of growing up.
“The report’s findings offer clear, compelling insights into what children need to thrive emotionally. It is imperative that we create intentional space to truly listen to their voices – and respond with care and commitment.”
A facilitator’s guide for the programme has been given to all primary schools in Govan. Teachers have said they plan to use the session plans with their ‘nurture classes’ and with children who need additional support with ‘big feelings’.
A guide for early years education settings in Scotland is also being developed, following a successful pilot of an adapted version of the programme delivered by early learning and childcare staff.
For a copy of either facilitator guide or more information, please email: Scotland1@nspcc.org.uk
Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or go to www.childline.org.uk about any worries or concerns they may have.
Parenting advice and support is available by contacting the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk or visit the NSPCC website.
This project was made possible by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, and we would like to thank National Lottery players for their support.
We would also like to thank Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, our local partner, Govan HELP, and everyone else who has supported this project.
**Calling All Volunteers young and old!** 
**Where?** The Arena Basketball Court, Ferry Road Drive
**When?** Monday 22nd September
**Time?** 4:30PM – 6:30PM (Clean-Up)
6:30PM – 7:30PM (Refreshments at PYCP – come relax and chat!)
**Free refreshments afterwards** at PYCP – everyone welcome!
**Tag a friend, share this post, and let’s build a cleaner, greener, more welcoming community together!**
