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Scotland’s first female graduate network launched

Scotland’s first female graduate network launches as fully structured organisation with support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh University graduate has launched Scotland’s first female graduate and young professional network as a fully structured organisation after accessing support from Business Gateway.

Annabel Blackwood first launched Girl Grads as Girl Grads Run in September 2023, aiming to create a running community for female graduates and young professionals living in the capital.

Met with an extremely positive reception, and having secured over 15 run club volunteers, it rapidly evolved into a vibrant community. Thanks to this, Annabel decided to rebrand to Girl Grads in July 2024 to broaden the organisation’s mission: to connect and support women through wellness, social and community engagement.

Annabel has been operating Girl Grads as a passion project whilst training to be a solicitor. In September last year, Annabel made use of Business Gateway’s Planning To Start tool to see about the best structure for the community group.

She was then connected with a local business adviser, Lee Briggs, who provided support with mentoring, and how to develop a business plan for Girl Grads. Lee was also able to introduce Annabel to relevant partner organisations.

With support from Business Gateway, Annabel has now decided on a clear legal structure for Girl Grads. She has also identified opportunities for growth in 2025 thanks to careful planning of promotion and awareness events.

Annabel now plans to also support her Girl Grads community of over 2,000 women with professional, skills and advice-based events, tailored to graduates and young professionals. In 2024, she collaborated with brands such as ASICS and Graham’s The Family Dairy to promote Girl Grads’ activities and is now looking forward to continuing collaborating with brands and businesses who support her mission.

Annabel Blackwood, founder and owner, Girl Grads, said: “After graduating from Edinburgh University in 2023, I found that I missed the social network that being a student provided. I decided to set up a social, pace-inclusive run club to meet like-minded people and to have a group of friends to run with on dark evenings.

“I really couldn’t have imagined what Girl Grads has evolved into since we first launched. I’ve loved building a female community in Edinburgh and helping each other to navigate life in our 20s.

“I’d like to thank Business Gateway for their fantastic support over the last few months. It’s been so rewarding to work with Lee, who really understood my vision for Girl Grads. I can’t wait for what’s to come this year.”

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It’s great to work with someone like Annabel who is so passionate about making a difference and supporting women in the community.

“Girl Grads has proved to be extremely popular and I’ve no doubt it will continue to grow in the months ahead.”

To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com.

Walking boosts mental health as winter takes hold

Blue Monday sparks call for Scots to embrace walking

SCOTLAND’S national walking charity is calling on Scots to walk and wheel to beat the winter blues this Blue Monday.

Blue Monday (Monday, 20th January) is often considered the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of financial pressure, broken New Year’s resolutions, and limited daylight.

Walking has proven to be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing, with national walking charity, Paths for All reporting 84% of Scots say they walk to improve their health and wellbeing, up from 78% in 2019 according to the 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland.

As well as releasing feel-good endorphins, walking and wheeling offers a chance to clear the mind, alleviate stress, and improve concentration. These benefits are especially vital during the darker winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can take hold.

Beyond the individual benefits, walking and wheeling also play a vital role in addressing broader societal issues such as loneliness and isolation. Qualitative feedback highlights how walking fosters a sense of connection and combats feelings of loneliness, particularly for individuals who live alone or work remotely.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mental health, but walking and wheeling are free, accessible, and effective ways to support your wellbeing.

“Taking a walk during daylight hours not only helps to boost our mood, but also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and others, both of which are vital for our mental resilience.”

Walking offers a multitude of benefits, including opportunities to enjoy local greenspaces, parks, and beaches, which can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature while incorporating physical activity into daily routines, whether walking to school, work or the shops.

Joining a local walking group or walking with friends and family can strengthen social connections, further enhancing the benefits of this simple yet powerful activity.

Encouraging more Scots to walk during winter, particularly in natural outdoor settings, is a timely reminder of how small lifestyle changes can yield big mental health benefits as well as physical.

One survey participant described walking as their “lifeline during the winter,” while another shared how a daily walk helped them better manage stress and feel more grounded.

This activity also supports Scotland’s ambition to improve overall health outcomes and reduce pressures on public services. Walking is a free and accessible activity, making it a viable solution for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances.

Paths for All supports local projects to deliver over 850 Health Walks across Scotland. These are free, short group walks led by friendly volunteers and you can find your nearest on the paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walks

Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.

For more information and resources on making walking a part of your routine, visit:

www.pathsforall.org.uk.

Beating the blues this Blue Monday

TODAY, the third Monday in January, has been designated the most depressing day of the year.

Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, people can find themselves suffering from low mood, sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety which experts blame on a combination of factors like poor weather, the festivities behind us and concerns over money.

But according to wellbeing expert and author Lynn Crilly, a few simple steps can banish the Blue Monday lows, boost your mood and help focus your mind in a more positive direction.

She said: “Whilst it can be normal to feel low after the excitement of the run up to Christmas and enjoying time away from work, January can leave us feeling like everything is rather grey,” she says.

“Mondays in particular are most people’s least favourite day of the week, and with a long month stretching ahead it does feel like there are far too many in January.

“January blues are not the same as clinical depression or a mental health disorder and they don’t interfere with everyday life,” she says.

“But you might feel low and like you want to hide away and hibernate. You could lack the motivation for usual tasks, or feel disappointed in yourself if New Year’s resolutions haven’t gone to plan.

“It’s normal to feel sluggish after the holidays, particularly if you’ve overindulged, but a particularly low mood in January can become overwhelming if you don’t address it.

“From years of experience as well as clinical research, I know there are simple steps you can take to turn a low mood into a more positive outlook.

“If you are struggling with low mood, try not to be too hard on yourself. It is not your fault you are feeling this way and you are not the only one. If you don’t make it to the gym or that social event and you spend the odd day in front of the television, embrace it and enjoy that time to yourself.”

Here, Lynn shares her five steps to help beat the January blues this winter

1. See the winter light

The days are shorter, and the miserable cold weather may have deterred you from leaving your house, but the natural daylight is an effective mood booster. Remind yourself that now the Winter Solstice is over, the days are getting longer. Getting outside for walks, letting natural light into your house or sitting outside when having your lunch break will all help to top up your vitamin D which the body craves.

2. Embrace winter

By the third week in January the novelty of snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a film has worn off and you’re wondering how long it will be before you can leave the house without a coat. But be persistent and shake up the ‘warm and cosy’ routine.

Try making your home or at least your bedroom feel cosy and warm, with candles and extra blankets or even leaving up a set of fairy lights after Christmas . You can experiment with seasonal cooking or baking or try your hand at new creative hobbies such as knitting, painting or even jigsaw puzzles can be very therapeutic for some. These things help to focus the mind as well, which is a good tool in combating negative thought patterns.

3. Make self-care a priority

It can be very easy to let the simple everyday things go out of the window but incorporating daily wins into your routine are all things we can let slip when we are feeling low. Make your bed everyday, eat healthy meals and making time for some exercise all show that you care about yourself and your home. You could also set an intention for the day which doesn’t need to be anything dramatic, but can provide a sense of accomplishment and make a difference to your mood.

4. Trick your mind and body

Research shows that watching a feel-good film or listening to upbeat music can help your brain to release happy hormones called endorphins. These are also released when you exercise and help to reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing. Make yourself a playlist of your favourite tunes and if you find mornings the hardest, have it to hand for when you get up. Plan some nights with television and some good films with yourself or better still share with friends and family.

5. Plan your social life

It can be all too easy to hibernate at this time of year but try to resist it and get in touch with friends and family to socialise. It doesn’t need to cost anything: going for a walk, an exercise class or starting a new hobby together are all things which can help combat the blues.

It is so important for your mental health not to isolate yourself but to find a balance between enjoying your own company and time and that with others.

Challenge of boosting treatment by a fifth to cut NHS backlog could be ‘huge incentive to innovators’

New analysis indicating that healthcare treatment needs to be boosted by a fifth to eliminate COVID backlogs could represent ‘a huge incentive to ambitious innovators’, insists an NHS Scotland partner.

Researchers believe that the Scottish health service must aim to treat at least 20 per cent more non-emergency hospital cases over the next three years in order to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Experts from the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Oxford suggest in their Scotland-wide study – published in The Lancet – that successfully targeting an additional 32,300 cases per year by the end of 2026 could clear the COVID-19-related backlogs.

Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health insists that helping to accelerate workforce-led innovation represents a key facet in meeting that challenge, aligning with the study’s suggestion of adopting “broader system-level strategies” in tandem with additional capacity.

Regulatory Project Manager Paula Sweeten insists that it’s “a sizeable ambition, but an achievable one too if supported by incisive decision-making and the right encouragement of impactful innovation”.

She said: “We believe that inspiring and supporting the 180,000-strong NHS Scotland workforce to innovate in a major way can help to make the required difference to waiting lists which were significantly exacerbated by the pandemic.

“Indeed, this new research states that referrals waiting to receive non-urgent treatment rose by a huge 73 per cent over the four years from 2019 as services were placed under tremendous strain.

“Overcoming that legacy of having to focus health service resource on COVID-19 for successive years remains a massive challenge of course – and we need to be realistic about what can be achieved with current investment in Scotland – but innovation opportunities are undoubtedly part of the solution.

“Those working within NHS Scotland are well-placed to identify those opportunities, leveraging not only the daily insights of individuals who are closest to challenges, but the vast collective experience and knowledge across every health board to establish more efficient, forward-looking practices.”

Researchers found that the medical specialties where most patients waited more than 12 weeks for both inpatient and outpatient appointments were Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), General Surgery, Gynaecology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Urology.

InnoScot Health has seen a growing number of innovations submitted by health and social care staff in the fields of gynaecology and surgery, and insists that the workforce is an important driver of not just adopting new innovations, but coming up with those initial ideas themselves.

Study lead, Dr Syed Ahmar Shah of the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute, noted that NHS Scotland requires “a holistic approach, including system-wide strategies like better demand management, prioritising cases by clinical urgency, and improving overall efficiency”.

A multifaceted approach is needed, the researchers concluded, combining capacity increases with other measures including improvement of waiting list management, promotion of preventive healthcare, and workforce strategies aimed at recruitment and retention.

Digital health solutions such as telemedicine may help to manage less urgent cases, while innovative scheduling practices could optimise resource use, they noted.

Dr Shah added that there is a need “to set realistic recovery plans and ensure adequate funding for their implementation”.

Paula continued: “InnoScot Health believes improved collaboration across the Scottish system, with empowered innovators at its heart, is vital in the push for more efficient approaches and smarter use of resource.

“We consider that to be a huge incentive to many of NHS Scotland’s most entrepreneurial-minded, ambitious innovators who have ideas to share and are keen to spearhead sweeping change.

“This country was founded on groundbreaking ideas, and our organisation is committed to ensuring dynamic healthcare innovation is very much to the fore at this vital time of transformation.

“By uniting our accelerative expertise with the workforce ideas and delivering real value from healthcare innovation, we can collectively aim to improve patient outcomes while finding tailored solutions to optimise clinical time as part of a more sustainable NHS Scotland.”

Letters: National Cat Awards

Dear Editor

Cats Protection invites cat owners to nominate their pets for the UK’s biggest celebration of cats – the National Cat Awards.

The event recognises our special relationship with cats, honouring heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and friendship.

As one of the nation’s favourite pets, cats bring fun, comfort and companionship to millions of people. They live alongside us in all sorts of ways, from the sociable cat who greets all the neighbours to the homely lap-cat on our sofa.

Entries opened on 15 January and owners have until noon on 28 February to nominate their cat in one of four categories:

Family cats: For cats who make a family complete, whether it’s being there for companionship, providing solace in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.

Incredible cats – Recognising cats with a remarkable tale – maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.

Senior cats – Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special.

Connected Cats – For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide whether in the community, workplace or social media.

Owners or colleagues can also nominate a vet who has provided exceptional care for a cat in the Vet of the Year category.

The public will get a chance to vote for their favourite cats, with their owners invited to a star-studded ceremony in London on 24 September where the winners will be revealed.

To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards

Yours faithfully,

Catherine Cottrell,

Cats Protection Director of Marketing & Income Generation

‘Blue Monday’: Acas encourages bosses to prioritise staff mental health throughout the year

Workplace expert, Acas, is urging bosses to check in on their staff as its helpline statistics revealed a rise in mental health related calls in Autumn / Winter compared to Spring / Summer.

The Acas helpline saw an almost 20% rise in calls on mental health in the Autumn and Winter months combined compared to the Spring and Summer months in 2024.

Blue Monday has been marked by some to be the most depressing day of the year but Acas advice is for employers to prioritise mental health throughout the year.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Awareness days are a great way to raise the profile of mental health at work but bosses should be prioritising staff mental health throughout the year.

“Employers that create an environment where staff can openly talk about their mental health are better equipped to support them at work.

“Employees should also take steps to look after their own mental health and have coping strategies in place. Acas has advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”

Acas advice for employers on managing staff mental health include:

Be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems;
Keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping;
Respect confidentiality and be calm, patient, supportive and reassuring if a staff member wants to have a chat about their mental health;
Consider whether someone may need workplace adjustments, for example working more flexibly;
Look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual. This support could be a colleague at work, a mental health network or a counsellor; and
Clearly communicate the internal and external support available to staff. This can include offering practical help such as signposting to financial advice or bringing advice providers into work.

Acas advice for workers to support their own mental health and wellbeing include:

Talk to people you work with or friends about how you’re feeling;
Speak to your manager about how you’re doing, your situation, and ask what support is available;
Reflect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not;
Make time for activities you enjoy

For the full Acas advice, please see: www.acas.org.uk/mentalhealth

Acas has a range of training courses to help employers manage mental health at work.

Psychotherapist sends Blue Monday warning

AN EDINBURGH based mental health expert has warned that the concept of Blue Monday trivialises mental wellbeing – and may do more harm than good.

As a consultant psychotherapist and co-founder of The Anchor Practice, Paul Bell and the 13-strong team of clinicians form the largest private practice of its kind in Scotland, working with children, adolescents, young adults and families.

Paul said: “I find myself increasingly concerned about how this well-meaning but misguided concept of ‘Blue Monday’ impacts our understanding of mental health.

“While the day ostensibly aims to raise awareness about mental wellness, it actually risks trivialising the complex reality of depression and mental illness.”

“The notion that depression can be predicted by a specific date on the calendar not only promotes harmful pseudoscience but potentially undermines the gravity of mental health struggles known to be increasing in Scotland – particularly among our youth.”

The Anchor Practice team witness on a daily basis the profound challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues.

He added: “Scotland currently faces unprecedented challenges in child and adolescent mental health, with waiting lists for specialist services at record levels. Against this backdrop, the commercialisation of mental health through concepts like Blue Monday is particularly tone-deaf.

“When major brands use this pseudo-event for marketing campaigns – whether selling holidays, gym memberships, or wellness products – they can inadvertently contribute to a superficial understanding of mental health.

“The fundamental issue with Blue Monday lies in its oversimplification of depression.”

The original concept for Blue Monday, originally created for a travel company’s PR campaign, claimed to use a mathematical formula considering factors like weather, debt levels, and time since Christmas.

Paul said: “This pseudo-scientific approach misrepresents both seasonal and clinical depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognised condition that deserves proper understanding and treatment.

“The reality is that mental health support requires sustained, long-term commitment – both at a societal and individual level.

“This means securing long term funding for Scotland’s mental health services; improving access to professional support for children and adults and promoting genuine mental health education in schools and workplaces.”

The Anchor Practice is a multi-disciplinary clinic, offering a range of evidence-based treatments, but also specialises in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – a well-researched treatment for a variety of common mental disorders in children and adults.

Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy is firmly rooted in high quality research and informed by contemporary understandings of neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Delivered by highly trained and regulated clinicians, psychodynamic therapy can provide sustained results, promoting deep, lasting change beyond symptom management.

Prime Minister’s statement ahead of President Trump’s Inauguration

On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the United Kingdom, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States.

For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond. Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.

With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue. The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship. We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth.

I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.

The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come.

FetLor: High Tea with Craw!

FETLOR YOUTH CLUB: 1st FEBRUARY 2 – 5pm

Craw’s High Tea is going to be the place to be!

Join us on Saturday the 1st of Feb, to celebrate his 27 year journey and share fond memories.

https://forms.gle/J11ZsfrCtaHKT7cXA

#Craw

Blow for homeless community as Streetreads Library to close

Streetreads Library, a vital community space, based in Nicholson Square in Edinburgh, which serves 150-200 people experiencing homelessness every week, is facing closure after unexpectedly being served an eviction notice.

The well-used independent service, operated by Simon Community Scotland and solely reliant on donations and fundraising, provides not just books but a sense of belonging and hope to those who visit. It currently costs around £75,000 a year to run.

Fiona Williamson, Head of Service for Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh, said: “We are devastated and deeply concerned about the impact this will have on people who use the library.

“Streetreads opened in 2021 and has grown exponentially alongside the people we support. There will be a huge gap in services and support while we seek new premises, as our appeal for more time to find an alternative site has sadly been declined.

“At very little cost, Streetreads creates immeasurable value for the city. Losing this space is not just a blow for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our city — it’s a setback for Edinburgh as a whole.”

Michelle, a regular visitor to the space, said: “Streetreads is more than a library— it’s a sanctuary. It’s the only place where I feel human.”

With up to 100 people rough sleeping in Edinburgh and over 5000 people living in homelessness accommodation, the need for safe spaces has never been greater.

Simon Community Scotland is urgently seeking a new location to ensure no one is left without this lifeline service.

The charity needs funds to help secure the right space that will meet the needs of the people being supported, including mental health support, creative writing and arts, educational opportunities, advice, community and hope, as well as the opportunity to find a quiet, warm, safe space to read, get a cup of tea and have a chat.

Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The need for safe places, support and hope has never been greater.

“This eviction underscores the growing challenges facing people in Edinburgh who are increasingly at risk of homelessness and all the related harm and trauma. We need urgent support to find a new home for Streetreads. We have been advised that alternative premises are likely to add an additional £20,000 a year to running costs.”

Award-winning authors Ian Rankin and Michael Pederson have voiced their support for the charity.

Rebus creator Ian Rankin, said: “I’ve known and supported Streetreads from the very beginning and always enjoyed visiting the library and drop-in centre.

“I’m so hoping that suitable accommodation can be found for this crucial enterprise. Streetreads means the world to its many users.”

Michael Pedersen, writer in residence at The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate), said: “Streetreads Library is an incredible, crucial, and vital resource to Edinburgh and Scotland beyond.

“It’s refuge and salvation, it’s connection and inspiration, and so so much more. I’ve been awe-struck by the work they do, their warmth and innovation, and the enthusiasm their clients have for the space, its people and the facilities.

“Quite frankly, it’s invaluable. And all this from a library that’s only in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things). We need to be growing it, supporting it, championing it and celebrating it. It’s a model for others to learn from, to follow, but only if we rally behind them now and henceforth.

“What a formidable loss this location would be, a beacon of hope taken from the chest chamber of our capital city.”

Fiona Williamson added: “This isn’t just a library—it’s a lifeline. This is a chance for Edinburgh to show its spirit and solidarity. We’re asking landlords, businesses, and community members to help us to secure the right space which requires investment and funding.

“I am excited that together, we can ensure no one is left without the safety, opportunities, learning and hope that is provided by this vital service.”

If you can help, please contact Simon Community Scotland immediately via hello@simonscotland.org or visit www.simonscotland.org.

If you would like to donate please go to:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/streetreadslibrary