For the next 7 weeks we are trialling a warm safe space for our Chat & Chill Cafe. Our first one is this Thursday 12 February midday to 2pm.
Whether you have children attending PYCP or not, EVERYONE in our community is welcome to join us.
Pop in, chill out and enjoy a warm space filled with good vibes and good company.
We will be serving up free homemade soup, tasty sandwiches and some extra treats to brighten your day.
Each session comes with giveaway goodies and a lively round of prize bingo (no cost to you).
We will also have our Pop up shop of affordable clothing if you want to browse and pick up some bargains (cash and card payments taken for this). Any money raised goes staight back in to the running of the clubs and groups.
If you think you can make it for our first Chat & Chill then it would be great if you can give us a quick message or send an email to info@pycp.co.uk
Thanks
PY Team
PS> If you can’t make this week, then plenty of other dates in the flyer!
TWO directors who lead the Specsavers Home Visits team across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders both celebrate major career milestones this year, marking a cumulative 35 years with Specsavers caring for the eyesight of local communities across Scotland.
Home Visits partner Lynne Seebaluck began her optical career as an optical assistant for Specsavers in East Kilbride, qualifying as a dispensing optician before moving to the Specsavers store in Bellshill as a retail manager.
At the store, Lynne completed an ILM management course, as well as her Hearing Aid Audiology diploma, moving onto an audiology role as well as store manager.
Lynne became a partner at the Edinburgh Home Visits team in 2022 and brought her experiences, particularly in audiology, to the team – mentoring several team members through their own audiology qualifications.
Reflecting on the past 20 years, Lynne says: ‘I have had such a varied career with Specsavers and there are so many people to thank for making my career such a rewarding one.
“From the directors I’ve worked for over the years, to the great teams I have worked with, even my husband David, who also works for Specsavers.
‘Since I joined as the partner for the Home Visits team, it’s been incredible being able to pay a visit to so many amazing customers. They are so grateful for the service, and they always have super stories to share.
“I’d also like to thank our incredible team of opticians, optical assistants, dispensing opticians, schedulers and audiologists. All of them are amazing and help us to provide the best care to the communities we work in.’
Fellow partner Laura Owens also marks a milestone of 15 years, starting her Specsavers career in a frontline customer service role before progressing through roles such as optical assistant and into a variety of leadership and managements positions.
She joined the Home Visits team back in 2022 and now serves as customer service director for the business, with a strong focus on team wellbeing and patient care at the heart of her day-to-day.
Laura says: ‘My journey with Specsavers has been both rewarding and transformative. I love that we’re not just delivering eye care and audiology services, we’re making a real difference in people’s lives and delivering total care, especially in the home visits space where many of our patients are vulnerable or isolated.
‘Hitting this milestone, I’m also very excited about continuing to shape the future of our Home Visits team. My focus is on driving awareness and making eye and ear care more accessible to those who need it, while ensuring our teams feel supported and empowered.
She adds: ‘I’d like to thank my incredible team both past and present for their dedication, resilience, and heart. Every success we’ve had is a reflection of their hard work and compassion. It’s truly a privilege to be part of a business that truly puts people first.’
Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally and Game of Thrones actor Murray McArthur are the latest stars to join the guest list for this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con which will take place later this month in Edinburgh in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The unmissable event, which attracts thousands of fans each year, is on at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on February 21 and 22.
Organisers are promising an action-packed weekend of celebrity guests, cosplay, and immersive experiences, all in aid of CHAS.
Although most famous for starring in Pirates of the Caribbean, Kevin McNally has also appeared in many other films and TV shows including Doctor Who.
Murray McArthur, who plays the Wildling chieftain, Dim Dalba in Game of Thrones has also starred in Doctor Who as well as films such as How to Train Your Dragon and Wonka.
Other famous faces attending this year’s event include Deadpool and Wolverine canine star Dogpool, whose real name is Peggy, Emmett J Scanlan (Guardians of the Galaxy), Dee Tails (Star Wars movies) and Samantha Alleyne, best known for being the first female Stormtrooper in Star Wars.
Popular voice actors Rich Keeble and Maxence Cazorla from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Nola Klopp from Murder Drones who is also a singer and songwriter, will be in attendance to greet fans too.
Props for this year include exciting replicas from fandoms such as Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, Alien and Judge Dredd. There will also be a dedicated gaming room with an which includes a Super Mario section. For younger guests there will be famous cartoon mascots such as Sonia and Stitch, Minions and Moana. There will also be a Little Mermaid throne and dinosaur inflatables.
Every ticket purchased helps the charity provide essential care and support for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families,
The event has raised an incredible £484,014.62 since 2016 when it was originally set up by West Lothian volunteer fundraiser and community superhero, Keith Armour.
CHAS now runs Capital Sci-Fi Con itself although Keith is still involved in an advisory capacity along with a committee of dedicated volunteers.
Con guests have the chance to sign up to the LEGO Walk Challenge on the Sunday which involves walking barefoot across LEGO in aid of CHAS.
There will also be a spectacular range of trader stalls and artist areas with a large show floor for the perfect shopping experience for everyone across all fandoms.
Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS said, “We are delighted to be bringing CHAS’s Sci-Fi Con back to Edinburgh for an 11th year and excited to welcome Kevin McNally, Murray McArthur and all our other wonderful guests.
“Our Con has grown into one of Scotland’s most loved fan events, welcoming thousands of visitors from every corner of the country and beyond. It’s the ultimate place to celebrate all things pop culture—and a fantastic day out for fans of every age.
“From meeting your heroes and getting treasured autographs or photo ops, to hearing guests speak live on stage about their latest projects and iconic roles, there’s something unforgettable around every corner. Don’t miss out—tickets are selling fast, so get yours now!”
To find out more about Capital Sci-Fi Con 2025 and buy tickets visit:
This winter, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh struggling to make ends meet to call its national support line.
The charity’s experienced team can give confidential assistance with money worries, and thanks to extra funding from the Scottish Government, can provide emergency support to families living in poverty.
As well as immediate help, every family that contacts the charity’s support line will be offered expert debt management advice, support to access benefits, and guidance to help families build a more secure financial future.
Thanks to partners British Gas Energy Trust, the charity is also able to offer eligible families new white goods ranging from fridges to washing machines – but only until the end of February.
In 2025, the charity’s support line helped nearly 1,500 families with money worries. The team put £1.8 million back into household budgets and supported families to manage over £1 million pounds in debts.
Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We know it can feel hard to talk about money worries, but getting help early can make an enormous difference. Our friendly team listens without judgement and helps parents and carers get the support they need to make life better for their children.
“As well as immediate financial help to alleviate a crisis, we can offer practical, down-to-earth help with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. And thanks to British Gas Energy Trust, until the end of February we can provide white goods like washing machines and fridges to families living without these essentials.
“We want parents and carers to know they don’t need to face their money worries alone. If you’re struggling, please get in touch. We can help you straight away.
“Call the support line team free on 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday or start a webchat with the team on our website at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.”
When Amy* first called Children First’s support line, she was at breaking point. Trapped in a damp flat with two young children, suffering from postnatal depression and £190 short every month, she felt invisible and hopeless.
Children First’s support line arranged immediate food and heating support so Amy’s children could stay warm and fed. They secured £1,500 from the Home Heating Fund and negotiated lower bills, cutting Amy’s broadband by £38 per month. The team also secured £180 per month in child maintenance and connected Amy to housing, mental health and local family support services.
Amy’s financial situation improved by more than £4,500, lifting a weight off her shoulders and helping give her and her children a brighter, more secure future.
Amy said: “I felt invisible before I called. Now I feel like someone is on my side. My kids are happy, and I can breathe again.”
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the family.
In January 2026, Children First was awarded £1.5m in funding from the Scottish Government to provide extra emergency support to families in crisis as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.
A cross-party committee of MPs is calling on the Government to formally name Stakeknife – a British Army agent who worked within the IRA in the 1980s and was suspected of direct involvement in numerous murders.
In a report published today, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee concludes that revealing the identity of Stakeknife would be strongly in the public interest and help build trust and confidence in the agencies of the state among all communities.
The recommendation follows last month’s evidence session on Operation Kenova where the Committee heard from the current and former lead officers of the investigation, which was set up to examine Stakeknife’s activities during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Operation Kenova was unable to confirm Stakeknife’s identity in last year’s final report after the Government refused its authorisation to do so, while successive governments have cited the long standing policy of ‘Neither Confirm Nor Deny’ (NCND).
Today’s report from MPs says that the Committee has been reassured that formal identification would not put any active agents at risk, discourage existing agents from continuing their work, or deter the recruitment of new agents.
Naming Stakeknife would also indicate to agents guilty of conduct beyond acceptable limits that they will not be protected or shielded from the consequences of their actions, the Committee concludes.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “As Operation Kenova’s final report makes clear, the ongoing refusal to confirm or deny Stakeknife’s identity is having a profound and lasting effect on victims and their families who have already been through so much.
“Given the reassurances we’ve heard that active agents won’t be put in harm’s way and future recruitment won’t be compromised, formal identification in this specific instance is appropriate, proportionate and in the public interest.
“By naming Stakeknife, the Government can send a strong signal that agents who cross a line will not receive the protection of anonymity and help to build trust and confidence across all communities in Northern Ireland.”
The Committee recommends that the Government should review, in consultation with MI5 and PSNI, the application of NCND in all legacy related cases, considering specifically the principles outlined in this Report.
The Committee also plans to monitor Government progress on the implementation of Operation Kenova’s other conclusions and recommendations.
Stakeknife has been widely identified as Freddie Scappaticci, who died in 2023.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity says the Young Patients Family Fund is failing the families who need it most
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has launched its manifesto – Families on the brink – ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections calling for an overhaul of the Young Patients Family Fund.
Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHCsaid: “The current system, while well intentioned, is failing the families who need it most. Parents already stretched to the limit are being pushed into a deeper financial crisis by reimbursement policies that ignore the realities of everyday life.”
The charity has outlined measures in its manifesto to change the system to a cash-first approach over reimbursement as well as expanding the criteria to cover families attending regular outpatient appointments, rather than just inpatient care.
ECHC provides seriously ill children and their families with the extra support they need when facing a potentially life-changing hospital visit. It sees first hand the number of families who simply can’t afford to pay upfront for travel, food, or accommodation – let alone wait weeks to be reimbursed.
For some families, even when they have been reimbursed the money doesn’t reach them as it can be swallowed by overdrafts or used to repay public debts the moment it hits their account. The fund also doesn’t support families who don’t have a bank account or are unable to navigate the complex claims process.
ECHC believes the eligibility criteria should be expanded beyond inpatient appointments as outpatient appointments can be just as costly for families. Children who need frequent outpatient care – like chemotherapy or treatments for chronic conditions such as Crohn’s – often attend more than five appointments a year. That results in five days of missed work. Five days of travel costs. And, five days of disruption to school, siblings, and family life.
Roslyn Neelyadded: “Ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections we want policymakers to show families who have a young person regularly visiting or staying in hospital that they understand their reality.They understand that families who are already exhausted and stretched to their limits, feeling unsupported by the system, don’t have to be financially drained as well.
“Simple changes to the Young Patients Family Fund would ease the pressure on families who are struggling, and make what could be a potentially life changing or life threatening experience, just a little bit more manageable.”
The Scottish Government budget for 2026/27 has allocated £3.2 million to the fund, a reduction from £5 million from when it was introduced in 2021.
Police Scotland has released CCTV images of two people they believe may be able to assist in an ongoing investigation into an assault that occurred within the Corn Exchange, New Market Road, Edinburgh on Saturday, 21 June, 2025, at around 11pm.
The first person is described as being a white male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, of medium build and with blond hair. They were wearing a white ‘Loewe’ t-shirt, blue jeans, and has tattoos on both arms.
The second person is described as being a white male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, with short black hair. They were wearing a white t-shirt, black jeans and trainers.
Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We would ask the people in the images, or anyone who recognises them, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone who has information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0848 of Sunday, 23 June 2025.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Spending on schools across Scotland has increased by more than £1 billion in real terms over the past decade, official statistics show.
Data published this week shows that local authority funding across Primary, Secondary and Special schools rose to £7 billion in 2024-25, up 19.7% from £5.8 billion in 2014-15.
Average spending per pupil across Primary and Secondary schools also rose by more than £1,000 in real terms over the same period, reaching £8,683.
Local government education expenditure in Scotland in 2024-25 was £8.3 billion, which is 27% higher than in 2014-15 in real terms – a cash terms increase of 71%.
Pre-primary education expenditure has more than doubled in real terms over the past decade to £1.1 billion in 2024-25, up from £516 million in 2015-16, with 95% of this going on the delivery of the 1140 hours early learning and childcare offer.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This investment underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to education, working in partnership with councils, and means Scotland has the best paid teachers in the UK, the lowest pupil-teacher ratio and the highest education spending per head in the UK.
“Schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with a record low attainment gap for literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools. Attendance has improved, class sizes are smaller, and there are more teachers in Scotland’s classrooms.
“Last year’s exam results also showed there were more passes at every level compared to 2024, while the total number of Higher entries passed the landmark 200,000 level for the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010. We have also made strong progress on widening access to higher education regardless of background or circumstance, with record numbers of young Scots in 2025 securing university places in Scotland who will benefit from free tuition.
“As we reflect on progress over the past ten years we are also looking to the future with local authorities and headteachers, to agree how best we might collectively go further and faster.”
SCATHING REPORT ON THE STATE OF ENGLAND’s SOCIAL HOUSING
Raising the standard of social homes in England is essential given the progress at bringing homes up to a minimum standard has almost ground to a halt, says the cross-party Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee in a report published today (Monday).
While most social homes provide tenants with warm, safe and decent places to live, the report finds that too many people living in social housing suffer from appalling housing conditions and do not have their complaints treated seriously.
The report notes that the minimum standard of what is considered a decent home has not changed in twenty years and says, “it is not acceptable that just under 430,000 social homes still fail to meet even this basic standard”.
The Committee’s Housing conditions in the social rented sector report calls for the Government to use the delayed Long-term Housing Strategy to deliver an approach which addresses the twin objectives of building more social homes while ensuring conditions in existing housing stock are improved.
The report recommends the Government establish a new, modern Decent Homes Programme that supports social landlords to raise the standard of social homes, which includes a pooled fund for improvements to social homes and a single housing quality framework to consolidate the regulatory requirements on social landlords.
Florence Eshalomi MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee said: “Whether it is residents living in poorly insulated homes, experiencing overcrowding, or enduring housing with damp or mould, it’s vital that Government measures, including Awaab’s Law and the New Decent Homes Standard, bring a meaningful improvement to social housing conditions.
“The Government deserves credit for the steps taken to rebuild the sector’s financial capacity after years of underinvestment. However, we do have concerns about the resources available to social housing providers to meet the Government’s new social homes target while also raising standards over the decade.
“The Government’s Long-term Housing Strategy needs to set out a credible plan to tackle the need to improve existing housing stock while encouraging social landlords to build the new social homes the country needs.”
Too many people are living in dangerous, damp and mouldy homes.
This must stop.
Today Awaab’s law comes into force – social landlords must take urgent action to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/H8YeUeCoz3
The report agrees with the Government’s decision to rollout Awaab’s Law in phases, focusing on tackling the most dangerous hazards first, but warns that social landlords and tenants need a much clearer roadmap for when the remaining phases of Awaab’s Law will be introduced.
The report calls on the Government to urgently set and publish the timeline for extending Awaab’s Law to all remaining hazards, so that tenants and social landlords have clarity about when they can expect these new regulations to apply.
High energy prices, the report warns, mean households living in homes that comply with the Government’s new minimum energy efficiency standard may still be in fuel poverty, if they struggle to afford to heat their home sufficiently.
The Committee therefore recommends the Government revise the official definition of fuel poverty to reflect this in the forthcoming Fuel Poverty Strategy.
The Government’s proposed changes to the Decent Homes Standard are welcomed, with the report noting that the “current standard has been out-of-date for some time and is in urgent need of reform, given that it was last updated in 2006”.
To demonstrate to tenants and the public that progress is being made, the report recommends the Government put in place interim targets in homes upgrading to the revised Decent Homes Standard.
The report also calls on the Government to introduce a review to update the Decent Homes Standard at least every 10 years to ensure it “reflects the changing needs of the population, environmental pressures, scientific evidence of the hazards to health from poor housing and societal expectations of what a decent home consists of”.
