Young carers are being urged to do something for themselves during this season of giving and get the financial support they are entitled to. Social Security Scotland is encouraging eligible people to apply for the £359.65 Young Carer Grant this December.
Young carers may look after family members, friends or relatives. Their caring role could involve supporting someone with a disability, illness or addiction; helping them with their mental health; helping or reminding them to take their medication; doing their shopping, cleaning or cooking; or translating for them, for example.
The latest figures for Young Carer Grant show that over 10,000 payments had been issued up to the end of September this year, totalling over £3.2 million, since the grant launched in Scotland in 2019.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “December is a busy and expensive time for everyone, with young carers balancing their studies and/or work alongside their vital caring roles.
“We’re urging young carers to do something for themselves this festive season and check if they could be eligible for Young Carer Grant. As the cost of living crisis continues and people feel additional financial pressures in January, this money is designed to provide some recognition for the important role of unpaid young carers and allow them to take part in the same activities as their peers.
“Young carers aged 16, 17 and 18 can get this payment of over £350 each year as long as they remain eligible. They need to apply for the Young Carer Grant each year to get the payment.”
Max, who is a young carer for her mum, dad and brother, said:
“I spent the Young Carer Grant on driving lessons so I was able to drive my dad about as part of my caring role. I also bought loads of clothes and shoes just so I could have time to go out, dress up and have a bit of time for myself. It really made a difference that I had money for myself.”
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £359.65 for young carers in Scotland.
To be able to get Young Carer Grant, you must be 16, 17 or 18 years old.
People can apply for Young Carer Grant online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
The King’s Theatre has been awarded £2 million from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, a welcome boost to the ongoing redevelopment project which began in February 2023.
This funding will help us make the King’s fully accessible for the first time in the building’s history, with level entrances and an accessible journey from street to seat and street to stage, including large lifts providing access to all floors, a 50% increase in wheelchair spaces, and improved signage throughout.
The ambitious £35.6 million redevelopment also features new state-of-the-art back of house facilities to attract a broader variety of productions to the theatre, a new street level cafe – the first step into what will be a thriving community hub for Tollcross, new bars and entertaining spaces, and a double height Creative Engagement Studio to inspire a life-long love of theatre across generations.
Fiona Gibson, CEO of Capital Theatres said: “We are absolutely thrilled by this generous investment in the redevelopment of the King’s Theatre from the Community Ownership Fund. This enables us to ensure the King’s offers a fully accessible welcome to audiences, artists and staff alike and preserves it for future generations.
“We are immensely grateful for all the support received so far to make this project possible and to save the beloved King’s Theatre for Tollcross, Edinburgh and beyond. It is fantastic to have the input of the Community Ownership Fund, and we hope it inspires more people to support us in protecting this treasured building for the long term.”
“For over a century the King’s has been an integral part of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape, much loved by residents and visitors alike. I along with the rest of the city can’t wait to see her reopened once refurbishment works are completed in 2025.”
LifeCare Edinburgh brought members of the local community together to enjoy some early festive cheer this year at their annual charity Christmas lunches. Over 150 two course lunches were served across three days in the charity’s Community Café, CafeLife, by volunteers from aerospace engineering company Leonardo, who chose LifeCare as their charity partner last year.
Guests also enjoyed entertainment from local choir, The Cheyne Gang, a community singing group for people living with long term respiratory conditions such as COPD, Asthma and Bronchiectasis, as well as a Tombola and Christmas Quiz.
LifeCare CEO, Sarah Van Putten, said: “Our Christmas Lunches are a fantastic way of bringing people together in support of a good cause.
“All the money we raise from our lunches and other Christmas activities go directly towards our Winter Warmer Appeal which we launched back in November, due to unprecedented demand for our services through the cost-of-living crisis.
“These funds will enable us to continue to provide vital support to local older people and unpaid carers during the difficult winter months. A huge thank you to all those who came along, including our wonderful volunteers and of course our fabulous choir. Your support funds ours, and it really does make a huge difference.”
LifeCare Edinburgh is a local charity with a proud 80-year-history of providing uplifting, positive and practical support for older people.
Their vision is of a society where no older person is alone or isolated, and their professional and high-quality support is delivered to the most vulnerable members of the community – including those living with dementia and unpaid (often older themselves) carers – within the home and out and about.
The LifeCare Christmas lunches have become a key date in the diary for many Stockbridge locals, with the 2023 events the second to take place since the covid-19 pandemic.
Councils will receive a record £14 billion funding settlement, according to provisional details published by the Scottish Government last night.
Local authorities have each been allocated a share of £13.9 billion to fund their day-to-day activities, including £6 million to support the expansion of free school meals, £242 million for teacher pay rises and more than £266 million for local government pay deals.
Ministers have also made available a further £144 million to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels, equivalent to an above-inflation 5% rise in council tax nationally. The Scottish Government is in talks with COSLA over how this will be allocated.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison said: “In the face of a profoundly challenging financial situation, we are making available record funding of over £14 billion to councils – a real-terms increase of 4.3% on the previous year – should they agree to freeze council tax.
“The £144 million for the council tax freeze would be equivalent to an above-inflation 5% rise in council tax nationally.
“We recognise the crucial role councils play in their communities, which is why we have increased their overall share of the Scottish Budget.
“We have made no secret of the tough choices that have been required to balance our Budget, after an Autumn Statement that failed to provide the funding Scotland needs for its public services. While I know councils had sought more funding, the settlement confirmed today represents a fair and sustainable offer.
“We have chosen to invest in our people and public services. This is a Budget that reflects our shared values as a nation and speaks to the kind of Scotland that we want to be with a record settlement for local councils at its heart.”
The Deputy First Minister’s comments are a response to a statement made on Thursday by local authority umbrella body COSLA. Scotland’s council leaders argue that their funding has been CUT.
The Scottish Government has delivered a major blow to communities and has put councils at financial risk with a cash cut to Local Government in its draft Budget (published on 19th December) and no provision for inflation or pay increases, COSLA said.
COSLA Leaders described the draft Budget as not only leaving councils at real and significant financial risk for the coming year, but as it stands, it will mean cuts in every community in Scotland and job losses across Scottish Local Government.
Following a full meeting of Council Leaders on Thursday COSLA said that whatever way the Government presents the figures, the reality is that once again the people in our communities have been left at the end of the queue. That is why we are calling for urgent discussions with Scottish government to ensure a meaningful negotiation on the budget takes place before the final budget is presented to Parliament.
COSLA’s President Councillor Shona Morrison said: “COSLA’s initial analysis, shows a real terms cut to our revenue and capital spending power which will leave Council services at breaking point, with some having to stop altogether.
“The Budget in its current form could result in service cuts, job losses and an inevitable shift to providing statutory services only. This means potentially losing Libraries, leisure centres and all the things that improve our lives.
“COSLA’s initial analysis of the Budget is that the Council Tax freeze is not fully funded. Leaders from across Scotland agreed today that decisions on Council Tax can only be made by each full Council, and it is for each individual Council to determine their own level of Council Tax. With any sort of shortfall in core funding, the £144m revenue offered for the freeze is immediately worth less.”
COSLA Vice President Steven Heddle said: “Despite the Verity House Agreement rhetoric about working together on shared priorities it is the same outcome at Budget time for Local Government in reality.
“The Scottish Government is claiming to protect public services, but are not protecting the essential public services provided by councils– Scotland’s councils are key, they deliver your homecare, schools, road maintenance, street lighting, leisure and waste services and have been locked out again.
“We needed increased funding to cope with inflation, but have been given less instead. The cut to Revenue funding we have been given is a devastating blow and the cut to our Capital funding means that we will be unable to meet our targets in terms of a move towards Net Zero and mitigating climate change targets.”
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “The Scottish Government has disappointingly failed to recognise that investment in Councils is investment in cities, towns and villages across Scotland.
“As it stands, this is not a good Budget for our communities or the people who deliver our essential front-line services. This is a Budget which will mean job losses – real jobs that support families, and deliver vital services that make a positive difference to people’s lives.
“Sadly, the budget as it stands, leaves nothing for meaningful pay rises in 24/25 so we would call on the Scottish Government to look again, so that our workforce can get the pay rise they deserve next year.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff member diagnosed with cancer has spoken about his experience to encourage more people to be aware of the condition, know the risks and seek help early if they have concerns.
Iain Sullivan, 48, of Kirkliston who works out of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station as a Technician, received the news earlier this year he had prostate cancer.
Speaking of his journey, Iain, who is ex-military with 25 years full colour service and been with SAS for three years, said: “My father was his early 60s with prostate cancer. At the time, I was only 40, so it was deemed not necessary to get checked by NHS due to young age. After going through this, it is really important for me to raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about any worries they may have and seek medical advice.”
Iain said last December his dad was advised his cancer had spread which led his dad to ask Iain in February this year to get tested due to the increased risk. The tests were simple and painless consisting of a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker in the blood, a digital rectal examination and a MRI scan. Following these tests, Iain was advised that he had tested positive for prostate cancer.
Iain said he wasn’t surprised by the news and added: “I had a feeling I was going to be positive – luckily my brother was clear.”
During the first months since the diagnosis, Iain said his “head has been all over the place”, but has since revealed his current position is Stage 1 of 4 which is the lower end of the spectrum, and at present hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Speaking of the support he has received he said his work colleagues have been “fantastic and supportive”.
Iain, who is currently off work, added: “My Crewmate Lewis has been checking up on me, along with the rest of the gang, and also my other friends and staff within the Edinburgh area have been supportive to me even through their own times of difficulties.
“They all work tirelessly and still have the kindness to look after each other. My partner Julie, who is also Ambulance technician, has shown amazing support and so has my son Brad, and other family members or course.”
Iain said he would urge people in his age bracket – and younger – to understand the risks, talk about them with friends and colleagues and seek help if they have concerns. It is important to understand that prostate cancer is the most prominent cancer in men.
He added: “It seems to be radio silence for men. I am surprised at the limited awareness of prostate cancer which is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 diagnosed every year.
People need to ask questions, seek advice and get help if you are worried. If nothing else, it’s worth the peace of mind and I will feel better for knowing you read this, are worried and then go to your GP”.
For more information, visit NHS inform or Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK who have a simple online risk checker that anyone can access to understand their risk in 30 seconds.
Consultation on Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill
Views are being sought on proposals to better protect, respect and champion the rights of people with learning disabilities, autistic and neurodivergent people.
The Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill consultation includes proposals that would provide benefits in many areas of life, including more inclusive communications and mandatory training in the public sector to address the stigma and barriers people often face.
Mental Health Minister Maree Todd said: “People with learning disabilities, autistic people and neurodivergent people make up around 15% of our society and many of them think and see the world differently. This shouldn’t cause them to be stigmatised and disadvantaged and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that their rights are respected.
“This public consultation has been designed alongside people with lived experience, and we have worked closely with third sector organisations and support providers to ensure those who know the challenges best are at the heart of any action we take.
“I am keen to hear views from as many people as possible on our proposals. I am confident that, together, we can build a fairer Scotland for all.”
Hannah Roussel and Jim Gault, Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), co-Chairs said: “This public consultation marks what we hope will be a significant milestone on the journey towards the fair and inclusive society Scotland aspires to be.
“If we get this right, Scotland has the opportunity to become a leading light, not just in the UK, but across the world. We are grateful to the Scottish Government for involving all of us on the LEAP so committedly, seeking always to place the voice of those with lived experience at the heart of this process.
“We on the LEAP are agreed that the status quo is not an option; there must be accountability, people with lived experience must be included, and what benefits us benefits all.
“We urge everyone to seize this unique opportunity to help define the Scotland we all aspire to build here and now, and for generations to come, by engaging with and responding to this consultation.”
As the festive season kicks off, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are encouraging people to sign up for free flood Alerts and Warnings to help ensure community safety and smooth travel.
Whether you’re driving home for Christmas or planning festive outings during the holidays, SEPA’s free Floodline messaging service provides current information and advice about flooding in Scotland so you can prepare for any travel disruption or local impacts.
As Scotland’s national flood forecasting and warning authority, SEPA work with the Met Office to monitor river, coastal and rainfall sites across the country 24/7. When flooding impacts are forecast, we issue regional Alerts, local Warnings or, in worst case scenarios local Severe Warnings, via phone call or text.
Michael Cranston, Lead Specialist in Flood Forecasting and Warning at SEPA, said: “Being prepared for severe weather events is essential, especially at this time of year when people are clocking off from their usual schedules and travelling to see loved ones.
“Don’t let the weather put a dampener on celebrations. By signing up to our Floodline service, you can prepare for adverse driving conditions and plan your journey in advance.
“We are committed to continuing to keep communities informed and as safe as possible, and we urge those who aren’t signed up to Floodline yet to take action now.”
In October alone, more than 200 messages were issued to communities across Scotland experiencing flooding following intense rainfall during Storm Babet.
SEPA are continuing to expand the national flood warning service network and have recently added six local Flood Warning areas along the River Carron near Falkirk.
Sign up to Floodline free of charge online to receive messages directly to your phone, letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding.
Follow @SEPAFlood on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest updates including our three-day Scottish Flood Forecast or visit our website for a view of all the latest Flood Updates and further information looking ahead so you can see what conditions to expect.
Lothian Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack has written to Cabinet Secretary for Health, to ask him for clarity over when the decision will be made over the New Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.
In a November meeting organised by Ms Boyack between patients and Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary assured patients that any decision over the Eye Pavilion would be made in December, in line with the budget.
However, a Scottish Government spokesperson has now claimed that the decision will not be made until the Spring.
Delaying this decision will force patients to rely on outdated services and face further cancelled appointments.
Campaigners were hoping that the current budget would provide long awaited clarity for whether the new facility would get the go-ahead.
Sarah Boyack MSP said: “Michael Matheson has fundamentally misled patients.
“To tell patients that the decision would be made in December, only for it to be pushed back to the Spring is a slap in the face for all those who need a new facility.
“Michael Matheson needs to confirm on the record when the capital spending will be announced and apologise for misleading patients.
“Every day the Scottish Government delays, the project becomes more expensive, and the current Eye Pavilion deteriorates further.
“If Michael Matheson does not provide clarity now, we are heading towards a crisis for eyecare services in Edinburgh.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, added: “We’re concerned the Scottish Government’s plans to review this project again in the spring is too little too late.
“It’s now 10 years on since the current hospital was declared unfit for purpose and by delaying the decision again is ignoring the critical need of patients and staff attending the current hospital.
“As time goes on, the building deteriorates further and the risk to people’s safety increases. People with visual impairment and eye conditions deserve better.”
A BUMPER month-long festive celebration is well underway at one of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes.
Pensioners at Cramond Residence have been treated to the homes’ biggest ever range of activities in the build-up to Christmas thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lifestyle Team.
In the lead-up to the big day, residents have enjoyed a delightful mix of songs, carols, parties, fine food, Christmas jumper celebrations as well as a pantomime, creating a buzzing festive atmosphere.
Elaine Vallance, Head of Lifestyle at Cramond Residence said: “This is our sixth and biggest Christmas at the home and it’s our goal to ensure it’s a magical experience for our residents.
“We focused on creating a festive atmosphere with activities that cater to all tastes to help get everyone into the spirit.
“The residents have thoroughly enjoyed the events so far, and we’ve made sure that Christmas week is filled with fantastic activities to help carry the joy into the New Year.”
Across December, Cramond Residence sparkled with festive spirit, beginning with the annual Christmas lights switch-on and a carol performance by Fettes students.
The month has featured a variety of events including religious ceremonies, sensory sessions, a Kirk service, pub nights, and numerous parties.
On Christmas Day, residents will enjoy a special festive lunch, followed by a week full of seasonal movies, a pub night, a Nutcracker ballet performance, and a grand New Year’s Eve celebration to bring in 2024 in style.
Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager for Cramond Residence said: “We are lucky to have Elaine and her exceptional team orchestrating an incredible array of activities for our residents.
“Christmas at Cramond Residence is always a special time for both our staff and residents. This year has been particularly memorable, and we’re looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with all our residents.”
Cramond Residence is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its residents, offering a bespoke activity programme that blends the luxury of a hotel with the warmth of home living. Constructed at a cost of £8m, the residence opened its doors in October 2018, embodying a philosophy of small group living with a strong focus on social interaction.
The facility provides an extensive array of dementia care services, available both within the general living environment and in a dedicated area specially designed for those in more advanced stages.
With a variety of activities specifically tailored for individuals with dementia, Cramond Residence aims to enrich their lives. The home boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of trained professionals committed to offering both support and respite.
For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.
Since the beginning of 2023, the number of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella cases has increased by 53%. Much of this increase has been driven by a cluster of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei, of which there have been 97 cases in 2023 (up to and including November), compared to just 4 cases last year.
The strain is difficult to treat because it does not respond to the antibiotics typically used to treat Shigella. Cases have been diagnosed in all regions of England, but cases are concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12).
In January 2022, there was a similar rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections caused by another outbreak strain.
Cases of Shigella have been rising since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in July 2021, with annual cases now higher than the average before the pandemic. The month with the highest number of reported Shigella diagnoses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was 392 in September 2019, which increased to 485 in September 2023 – representing a 24% increase.
Shigella is a gut infection that causes diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood), stomach cramps and fever. It is caused by bacteria found in faeces.
It can be passed on through the faecal-oral route during sex, either directly or via unwashed hands and only a tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection. Symptoms are typically seen between 1 and 4 days after exposure and are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said: “This is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic resistant strain, meaning treatment can be very difficult.
“One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sex. Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.
“It’s important that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) do not dismiss their symptoms and speak to their GP or sexual health clinic, mentioning Shigella, if they are unwell.
“GBMSM with Shigella may have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, so a sexual health screen at a clinic or ordering tests online is recommended.”
Shigella is very infectious. Although symptoms can be unpleasant, in most cases they will subside within a week, but some individuals need hospitalisation and require intravenous antibiotic treatment. Effective antibiotic treatments are limited for this extremely resistant strain.
Antibiotic treatment is recommended in cases with severe symptoms, those requiring hospital admission, those with prolonged diarrhoea (beyond 7 days) or in those who have underlying immunodeficiency.
If you have been diagnosed with Shigella, give yourself time to recover. Keep hydrated and get lots of rest. Don’t have sex until 7 days after your last symptom and avoid spas, swimming, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels as well as preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop.
Reducing transmission is key to protecting more vulnerable groups. You can find out more information about Shigella and get advice on other topics at Sexwise or by calling the free National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123.
