Maths isn’t just for the classroom – it’s everywhere.
This #MathsWeekScot there are lots of opportunities for families, schools and the wider community to have fun with maths.
Expand your learning from the classroom to see how it impacts on your life:
Are you (or know someone who is) aged 15 to 18 and interested in …
journalism and reporting
lyrics, rap and songwriting
fiction writing and storytelling
or nonfiction writing and how facts can be brought to life?
Well, we’ve got a most exciting opportunity to share…
Our free and online young persons creative writing group, Citizen Collective, is open for new members!
Taking place on Wednesday afternoons during term time, this weekly online gathering is a supportive and inclusive space in which you can:
develop your writing skills
make new friends
hear from published writers
go on cultural trips
and, if you’re up for it, perform at the Book Festival next summer!
Interested? Sessions begin Wednesday 22 October and you’ve got until Wednesday 8 October to register!
Find out more including how to sign-up at: edbookfest.co.uk/news/join-the-citizen-collective
Join MINDROOM’s group for neurodivergent young people
Commenting on the latest labour market data, which show some tentative improvements alongside ongoing challenges, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Fragilities in the jobs market have been long in the making and are another toxic Tory legacy.
“But there are some positive signs. It is welcome that both economic inactivity and youth unemployment are down.
“And the government has started to lay the foundations to reset our economy with significant investment in public services, stronger workers’ rights and improving the support people need to get into work.
“But the government must build on this with a national jobs guarantee for young people. There are still too many young people stuck out of work, education and training.
“We know that real experience of paid work is the best way to turn the tide on long-term worklessness – and that over time this investment will more than pay for itself.”
On Wednesday, the TUC called for an ambitious national jobs guarantee for young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEETs).
The UK faces a growing crisis in young people’s labour market participation which spiralled under the Conservatives, the TUC warns.
The TUC says this not only has damaging consequences for young people’s prospects – but for the country as a whole.
The government has “laid the foundations” to turn this around – starting with a youth guarantee programme to ensure every young person aged 18-21 has access to learning, an apprenticeship or support to find a job, which is being trialled in regions up and down the country.
The TUC says this should be built on with a national jobs guarantee, which prioritises young people aged 18-24 who have been not in employment, education or training (NEET) for six months or longer and young people aged 18-24 who are at high risk of becoming long-term NEET.
This would offer young people experience of a real good quality job with a real wage; opportunities to gain new skills; and an employer reference – “game changing” factors for young people approaching the labour market.
National jobs guarantee
While a national jobs guarantee would need upfront investment, TUC modelling estimates that in the long term the cost-benefit ratio would be 2.81, with the scheme paying for itself within a decade.
Setting out potential options for a national jobs guarantee for young people:
The TUC says the national jobs guarantee must be designed to promote good work including by:
The placements should be allocated proportionately across regions, so there are a greater number of placements in areas where young people face the highest risk of becoming NEET.
Tory legacy
The TUC says the Conservatives failed to support young people throughout the pandemic and ever since, leading to a sharp rise in the number of young people out of work, training and education – leaving yet another toxic Tory legacy for this government to deal with.
Almost a million young people aged 16-24 in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), with the total reaching 948,000 in August 2025 – up from 800,000 in 2019.
The TUC says that overall disabled young people are the most affected by this crisis as they’re far more likely to be NEET (28.6%) compared to non-disabled young people (7.1%).
TUC analysis also shows that there is a growing number of young people who are being failed by unsupported or poorly designed opportunities.
Analysis of destination data for 16–18-year-olds who left education in 2022-23 found that a year later 14.8% of them had entered work, education or training but had not completed or continued it. This is up from 12.9% in 2017-18– and is far higher for those on free school meals at 26.8% and SEN young people at 25.9% in 2022-23. The TUC says this shows the need for high quality support in education and workplaces.
Another example of the toxic Tory legacy is the proportion of young women and men who have become NEET since the pandemic.
Overall, while rates among both groups have been growing, young men (from 11.8% in April – June 2019 to 13.1% in April – June 2025) are more likely to be NEET than young women (from 11.3% in April – June 2019 to 12.4% in April – June 2025). Young women however are more likely than young men to be economically inactive – not working nor looking for a job.
Other risk factors identified by the TUC include:
The TUC says the government should build on the positive progress in its Make Work Pay agenda to make sure more good jobs and training opportunities are accessible to all young people, particularly disabled young people and young women with caring responsibilities.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Under the Conservatives, young people were failed with many let down by the education system and stuck out of work, education and training.
“This toxic Tory legacy has hugely damaged young people’s prospects – and for the country as a whole too.
“With the youth guarantee, stronger employment rights, an industrial strategy and apprenticeship reforms, the government has started to turn this around.
“It’s now time for ministers to build on this progress with a national jobs guarantee for young people. We know that real experience of paid work is the best way to turn the tide on rising rates of worklessness – and that over time this investment will more than pay for itself.
“Young people across the country need access to high-quality training and decent, well-paid work – boosting their prospects and the wider economy as a whole.”
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has pledged support for the next generation of green leaders in Africa as Climate Week NYC gets underway.
A total of £165,000 of Scottish Government funding has been awarded to the Green Generation Initiative (GGI) Youth Accelerator Programme – run by Kenyan youth climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti.
It will be used to help identify, upskill and mentor 25 emerging African climate leaders seeking to drive change and action in their local communities through a year-long fellowship programme.
The move reflects government commitments to champion the rights of children and young people as a signatory of the UNICEF Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.
The government also reiterated its commitment to amplify the voices and strengthen the participation of young people from the Global South at climate conferences.
Ms Martin met with Ms Wathuti as part of her engagements in New York for Climate Week NYC.
She said: “Young people’s activism has challenged governments around the world to go further and faster on climate action and was instrumental in Scotland becoming one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency.
“Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people feel valued, empowered and heard, and that they have access to the right funding and resources to act as agents of change in climate advocacy and action.
“This funding supports wider Scottish Government action on climate justice – which recognises that those who have contributed the least to global emissions are the ones most vulnerable to its impacts.
“By empowering youth-led organisations, we will help mobilise the next generation of leaders to shape climate policy, drive innovation and promote inclusive action that meets the needs of the communities they represent.”
Elizabeth Wathuti founder of Green Generation Initiative said: “The Green Generation Initiative (GGI) is glad to partner with the Scottish Government to scale our Africa’s Next Green Leaders Eccelerator (ANGLE).
“This partnership marks a powerful step toward building a green accelerator ecosystem in Africa that transforms promising youth-led climate leaders, ideas, solutions, and initiatives into investable, scalable, and locally rooted social enterprises and champions for people, planet, and prosperity.
“Through a strong consortium of partners and as a key youth voice in Africa, the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), through ANGLE is committed to advancing just, resilient, and low-carbon development pathways, driving green transitions across African communities and markets.”
Children in Edinburgh have been urged to ‘ditch the devices’ as part of a nationwide screen amnesty to promote the importance of good eye health.
Independent optometrists have encouraged people to take good care of their eyes as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22-28 September.
The awareness campaign aims to promote the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye exams.
Ross Grant, manager of McGraths Opticians in Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, said: “Research shows half of all sight loss is avoidable, so we want to inspire our patients to make some small lifestyle changes that could make a big difference to their vision and eye health.
“As part of this year’s National Eye Health Week we’re advocating a screen amnesty at 8:20pm (20:20) – a perfect opportunity for parents to get their children to put their screens down and give their eyes a rest before bedtime.”
Emma Greenhall, manager of Hendry Opticians in Blackness Road, Linlithgow, added: “Research has shown that spending too long on digital devices can have an adverse impact on eye health. We want to keep our young patients seeing better for longer, so reducing screen time can really help with that.”
On average, people in the UK spend a staggering 35 hours a week staring at a computer screen, with 90 per cent saying they experience screen fatigue – tired or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches and poor colour perception.
Screen users can avoid eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule, especially if they’re using a computer for long periods of time. Look 20 feet in front of you every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
Organisers of National Eye Health Week have also issued a series of top tips such as eating a balanced diet featuring plenty of fruit, vegetables and nuts; quitting smoking; regular exercise and having regular eye exams, with a check-up encouraged at least once every two years.
During seven days of intense activity, the campaign will educate people about how to look after their eyes and inspire them to take action to protect their vision and prevent avoidable sight loss in the future.
Each day will focus on a different theme including; primary eye care services, children’s eye health, sports vision, eyes at work, ageing eyes and ‘live well to see well’.
For more information or to book an appointment visit:
www.mcgraths.co.uk or www.hendryopticians.co.uk
More than 1.6 million new cases of sight-threatening eye disease are forecast over the next decade – the equivalent of one new case every three minutes!
The analysis carried out by Eye Health UK for National Eye Health Week (22-28 September) uses data modelled by York Health Economics Consortium to predict future cases of the four most common causes of sight loss – cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
Future forecasting predicts a 24 per cent rise in the number of people suffering late age-related macular degeneration – the UK’s leading cause of blindness and a 13 per cent surge in cases of glaucoma.
David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK warns: “Urgent steps to tackle poor eye health, including greater uptake of sight tests and prevention strategies, are needed to avoid people suffering unnecessary and irrecoverable vision impairment. The good news though is half of all sight loss could be prevented with lifestyle changes, early detection, and timely treatment.”
Worryingly, four in ten Brits fail to have their eyes tested every two years, as recommended; with many people, particularly those living in socio-economic deprivation, rationing eye test attendance due to concerns about the cost of glasses, or delaying check-ups until symptoms cause concern.
This behaviour prevents early detection of eye disease and timely referral for sight-saving treatment.
Despite more than 30 million people being entitled to free NHS sight tests [6], and NHS optical vouchers being available to help with the cost of eyewear for those on low incomes, children and for people with complex prescriptions; a lack of awareness of these benefits perpetuates barriers to people attending routine eye checks and increases the risk of avoidable sight loss.
More than half (55%) of people on low incomes say they’re unaware of their entitlement to free NHS sight tests and fewer still (just four in 10) know about NHS help towards the cost of prescription eyewear.
Responding to the research, David Cartwright chair of Eye Health UK comments: “Educating people about their entitlement to help with eye care costs is vital to improve uptake of routine sight tests and mitigate the rising prevalence of sight-threatening eye disease, that’s being driven by an ageing and unhealthy population.”
Conditions like macular degeneration can be detected early during routine eye tests, saving sight and reducing the economic burden of vision impairment – the lifetime cost of a new case of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an adult aged 50 or over, causing at least moderate visual impairment, is £73,350.
Referral for medical treatment and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can halt or slow the progression of AMD.
Important lifestyle changes for AMD patients and those at risk of the disease include eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids; exercising regularly; quitting smoking; maintaining a healthy weight and protecting their eyes from the sun’s damaging UV.
To help people assess their chances of suffering future eye disease and understand how they can reduce the risks, we’ve created an eye health calculator which can be found here
Britain’s over-70s are being offered a complimentary Advanced Eye Test this September – as the government considers forcing older motorists to undergo mandatory vision checks.
The potential shake-up comes after shocking RAC figures1 showed UK road deaths increased to 1,633 last year, with nearly 30,000 killed or seriously injured.
With nearly six million over-70s still on the road, and numbers increasing each year, experts warn the figures would get worse if action isn’t taken now.
To help older Brits get ahead and retain their safe driving independence, Optical Express is making available to every over-70 in the UK an Advanced Eye Test, waiving the need for those applicable to pay any private fees for this service during National Eye Health Week (22–28 September 2025).
The Advanced Eye Test is available at select Optical Express clinics across the UK with no cap on the number of appointments offered – meaning anyone and everyone in the age bracket that is a member of the UK Public can claim.
Optical Express’ Advanced Eye Tests go beyond the standard check. Every patient who attends an Advanced Eye Test at Optical Express undergoes a series of diagnostic tests, the results of which are much more innovative than those provided during a standard eye test.
They can spot early warning signs of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, issues that often creep up unnoticed but can have an impact on driving ability.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said: “Driving with poor eyesight is dangerous – for the driver, their passengers and everyone else on the road.
“With the government now considering tougher rules for over-70s, it’s more important than ever that older motorists take their eye health seriously. Regular vision and health tests should be seen as every bit as essential as an MOT or insurance.
“This initiative isn’t just about road safety. Good vision also means independence, confidence, and the freedom to keep driving for longer, all of which contribute to a better quality of life.
“By removing the cost barrier, we hope thousands of people will come forward for a free test during National Eye Health Week and take an important step towards protecting both their sight and their licence.”
Over-70s are being urged to book now to make sure their eyesight is up to scratch – and road safe.
For more information or to book a free Advanced Eye Test, visit www.opticalexpress.co.uk, call your local clinic or book in person.
Terms and conditions and the full list of clinics providing the service can be found at www.opticalexpress.co.uk/terms-and-conditions
Scotland’s next Government must play its part in maintaining a strong, sustainable voluntary sector, a leading third sector body has said.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published ‘Scotland’s Essential Sector’, its manifesto for next May’s Scottish Parliament elections.
The sector is instrumental in the delivery of public services. Public sector funding makes up 40% of the voluntary sector’s income, with around £1.6billion from local authorities and £1bn from the Scottish Government – much of it through contracts and grants.
The manifesto has been shaped by the sector itself – with organisations asked what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.
Scotland’s Essential Sector sets out what the sector needs to be stronger, more sustainable, and more empowered – so it can play its full role delivering for communities, and tackling some of the biggest challenges we face as a country.
The six priorities outlined in the manifesto are:
• Delivering fair funding – reforming public sector funding to be multi-year, flexible, sustainable, and accessible.
• Creating a partnership of equals – establishing a formal, long-term partnership between government and the sector.
• Commissioning with communities – embedding ethical commissioning and ending default to commercial procurement.
• Modernising regulation – launching a comprehensive, independent review of charity regulation.
• Securing the future of volunteering – reversing the long-term decline in participation through targeted action.
• Protecting the sector’s voice – introducing anti-SLAPP legislation and safeguarding public interest advocacy.
SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “Voluntary organisations are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the biggest challenges we face — tackling poverty, improving health and wellbeing, supporting children and families, strengthening local economies, advancing climate action, building skills for the future, and much more besides.
“From mental health support to employability programmes, from sports clubs to social care, from community transport to creative arts — voluntary organisations deliver vital support to people and communities in every part of Scotland.
“They are trusted, rooted in communities, and are at the heart of a healthy society, a fair economy, and a strong democracy. They are Scotland’s Essential Sector.
“As we look ahead to the next Scottish Parliament elections, one thing is clear: government cannot meet the needs of people and communities alone.
“The next Scottish Government needs a strong, sustainable voluntary sector.”
Full details of Scotland’s Essential Sector can be found online:
WORLD FALLS DAY – 22nd SEPTEMBER
As the world marks World Falls Day on 22nd September, Edinburgh Leisure is shining a spotlight on its Balanced Life programme – a specialist initiative helping adults reduce their risk of falling and maintain independence.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospital admissions among older adults. They place a significant burden on the NHS and social care, but many are preventable. It is estimated that falls cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion annually. In 2023, over 15,000 people attended A&E in relations to a fall, 10,000 of which were people over 50 years old. (Lothian Falls Prevention and Management Framework).
Working in collaboration with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP), Balanced Life is integrated into Edinburgh’s new Falls Prevention and Management Pathway and is already making a difference across Edinburgh.
As well as Balanced Life, working in partnership with EHCP has enabled Edinburgh Leisure to grow their provision from 33 to 73 classes per week creating capacity to support 2,632 adults this year to improve their balance, strength, and confidence – key factors in preventing falls.
Balanced Life is an evidence-based two-tiered falls prevention programme designed for adults who have had or are at risk of having a fall. Offering a range of tailored classes which build strength, balance and mobility, this programme supports people to maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life through targeted exercises delivered by specially qualified instructors.
Claire Craig, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Falls are widely recognised as a significant and costly, yet largely preventable, source of harm within the health and social care system.
“We are excited to be working with Health & Social Care to expand our successful Steady Steps programme, launching a new two-tiered programme to reduce falls and frailty in the city.
“This collaboration is focused on reducing avoidable harm caused by falls and delivering meaningful, city-wide benefits for the people of Edinburgh, improving lives and helping ease pressure on the NHS.”
Hannah Cairns, Chief Allied Health Professional at the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We have enjoyed working closely with Edinburgh Leisure on the falls prevention pathway.
“They bring a wealth of experience in the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing, and have a proven track record of delivering groups and services that have a positive impact on people’s lives.
“We are proud to support the development of Balance Life, a key contributor to the integration of physical activity within the newly developed falls prevention and management pathway.
“This collaboration is focused on reducing avoidable harm caused by falls and delivering meaningful, city-wide benefits for the people of Edinburgh.”
By supporting people to stay active and steady on their feet, Balanced Life is helping to reduce avoidable falls and the associated healthcare costs.
Balanced Life is referral-only, ensuring those most at risk are supported. Health and social care professionals can refer eligible individuals.
Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to promoting healthy ageing and tackling health inequalities through inclusive physical activity programmes.
To find out more about Balanced Life or how to refer someone, visit https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/balanced-life/ or speak to your local health practitioner.
If you would like to find out more about how people can reduce their risk of falling, visit https://services.nhslothian.scot/fallssupport/i-live-in-edinburgh/
FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER at 2pm
Join The Art Offenders—a creative group of art students from The Spartans Alternative School in North Edinburgh—as they host their second annual charity football match in support of North Edinburgh Dementia Care (NEDC).
This youth-led initiative builds on over five years of successful fundraising, where students have raised £7,000+ for local and national charities through art exhibitions, pop-up shops, and more.
Following the success of last year’s football match, which raised £1,000+ and brought the community together, the students are making it a yearly tradition—combining sport, creativity, and community spirit to make a difference.
The MatchStudent Team 
The “Auld Team”
A face-off between students and a team of teachers and community members!
What’s OnExpect a fun-filled day for all ages, including:
Raffle prizes from The Village Gym, Chef Tom Kitchin, The Ice Cream Parlour, and more
Art sale & face painting
Bake sale & ice cream
Tombola
Wet Sponge the Headteacher!
FREE Dr Bike Service – Bring your bike for a check-up
Why It MattersAll proceeds will go directly to North Edinburgh Dementia Care, supporting individuals and families living with dementia in North East Edinburgh.
This event is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of youth leadership, creativity, and community action.
Proudly supported by Remarkable Dynamics and led by students through the school’s social enterprise programme, under the guidance of art teacher Sarah-Jane Henderson.
Follow The Art Offenders on Instagram:
@theartoffenders
Let’s come together to support an incredible cause and cheer on our young changemakers!
Sponsor of the match
STEPPING STONES NORTH EDINBURGH and HOME-START EDINBURGH AWARDED £226,000 TO EXTEND EARLY YEARS SUPPORT SERVICE
The 1001 Critical Days Foundation has awarded its first £1m in grants to charities supporting babies and families across the UK.
Following a rigorous application process, six charities have been awarded a combined total of £1m in multi-year funding to deliver frontline services to families in community-based family hubs or similar settings. Up to 1,800 babies and their families are expected to benefit from this support.
Home-Start Edinburgh and Stepping Stones North Edinburgh have been awarded £226k over three years, and are the only Scottish recipeints of the fund. The funding will support and extend a collaborative support service, Bump Start.
Bump Start provides holistic, relationship-based support from pregnancy throughout early childhood, with the aim of reducing isolation, improving parental confidence, increasing capacity to provide nurturing care, and supporting positive mental health.
Eliza Waye, CEO of Home-Start Edinburgh, said: “We know the time from conception onwards is critical. With this funding, we can extend our partnership to deliver Bump Start with Stepping Stones North Edinburgh and reach even more families.”
The funding is expected to support around 320 babies through the project.
Morag Wilson, CEO of Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, said: “Bump Start has been a vital part of our organisation for over a decade, making a real difference in the lives of babies and their families.
“With support from the 1001 Critical Days Fund and a strengthened partnership with Home-Start Edinburgh, we’re excited to expand our reach and deepen our impact where it’s needed most.”
Founder of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and Executive Chair of the Trustees, the Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for the 1001 Critical Days Foundation.
“These are our very first grant awards, and each of the six charities chosen has shown outstanding commitment to supporting babies and their families.
“Their applications were impressive, their impact is tangible, and I cannot wait to see the difference they will make in communities across the country. Together, we are determined that every baby should experience the best start in life.”
Speaking at the recent launch of the Foundation, its Patron, Lord David Blunkett, highlighted the integral role played by community-based charities.
Lord Blunkett said: “We’re not talking about professionals coming in and offering support – important as this is. But rather, mobilising the talent and strength of the community, no matter how deprived, to become part of the solution, not the problem.”
The six charities awarded funding represent geographies across the whole of the UK and offer a full spectrum of services to help give every baby the best start in life.
Home-Start Edinburgh will celebrate it’s 40th year as charity next year. It’s needs-based preventative work is delivered by highly skilled volunteers, supporting families with children under five years old.
Stepping Stones North Edinburgh is a voluntary organisation that provides support services to young parent families and pregnant women living in the north Edinburgh area.
The two organisations began partnering on the Bump Start programme in 2024.
The five other charities that received funding are:
Literacy Volunteers
Nottinghamshire-based Literacy Volunteers delivers early language and literacy programmes in deprived communities, helping babies and young children build confidence, communication skills and a love of books alongside their parents.
They will use the grant funding to expand their “Learning to Love Books” programme in two family hubs based in communities where around 75% of families speak English as an additional language.
The For Baby’s Sake Trust
London-based charity, The For Baby’s Sake Trust, works with families to break the cycle of domestic abuse through long-term therapeutic, trauma-informed support, ensuring babies grow up in safe and nurturing environments.
The Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP)
Based in Oxfordshire, OXPIP offers specialist parent-infant psychotherapy to strengthen the bond between parents and babies, supporting families facing trauma, postnatal depression, or disrupted attachment.
Thrive at Five
Thrive at Five is a national charity working to improve outcomes for children under five, ensuring they have the strong foundations needed for life and learning.
As a place-based charity working with communities facing hardship, Thrive at Five has been working alongside families and partners in Stoke-on Trent for just under five years. They will be using their funding to roll-out a pilot for Video Interaction Guidance with the goal of improving school readiness and long-term outcomes.
poetry and spoken word