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New report highlights ‘appalling’ worsening poverty rate for people in Scotland’s minority ethnic communities

A new briefing highlights shocking inequalities faced by people in minority ethnic communities in Scotland, with unequal access to secure, well-paid work, affordable housing and social security contributing to significantly higher poverty rates for this group.

Its key findings include:

Almost half of children in minority ethnic communities in Scotland are growing up in poverty (48%). This is double the rate for all children (24%)
Workers from minority ethnic communities earn on average £2,300 less per year than white workers
These workers are more than twice as likely (11%) to be on insecure work contracts compared to white workers (5%)
30% of minority ethnic households rent their homes privately which is generally the most expensive type of housing, compared to 13% of white households

The analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) shows two in five people in minority ethnic communities in Scotland live in poverty, which is twice the national average.

While poverty rates for white people have remained relatively stable over the last 20 years, for people in minority ethnic communities poverty has increased.

Shockingly, almost 1 in 2 children in minority ethnic communities grow up in poverty. In 2017 the Scottish Parliament unanimously agreed ambitious targets to reduce child poverty to under 18% by 2023/24, and to under 10% by 2030. In doing so they identified several ‘priority groups’ including minority ethnic families.

Worryingly, Scotland is not on track to meet these targets, and in this ‘priority group’ poverty levels have been steadily increasing.

The analysis paints a stark picture of the labour market for minority ethnic people in Scotland, one of comparatively low pay, high underemployment and high job insecurity compared to white people, as well as high in-work poverty. A worrying 3 in 10 minority ethnic people are in poverty despite at least one person in the family working, compared to 1 in 10 white people.

As well as a significant pay gap of £1.26 per hour compared to white workers, workers in minority ethnic communities are also more likely to be ‘underemployed’, which is not being able to work as many hours as desired, and to be employed on insecure contracts.

15% of minority ethnic workers were underemployed in 2019, compared to 9% of white workers. Insecure contracts such as zero hours, temporary and seasonal contracts are characterized by a lack of predictability as to when and how many hours will be worked and are a driver of in-work poverty.

These are more than twice as common among minority ethnic workers (11%) compared to white workers (5%).

The report also highlights that minority ethnic women are significantly more likely to be economically inactive (45% compared to population average of 22%) but a lack of data prevents detailed analysis of the drivers behind this.

Existing research suggests that caring responsibilities, a lack of suitable, affordable childcare, and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender and religion all play a part.

As well as these constraints on ability to earn, the report also finds that it costs more to be from a minority ethnic community in Scotland. You are more likely to live in unaffordable housing, and more likely to live in the private rented sector which is generally the most expensive tenure and one that has fewer rights and a higher chance of having to move compared to other tenures.

Only 4% of people from minority ethnic communities are homeowners in Scotland, with only 1% of this group enjoying the security of owning their home outright without a mortgage.

JRF is urging far greater urgency from the UK and Scottish Governments, along with employers and trade unions, to create a labour market that offers equal opportunities for minority ethnic workers and offers a route out of poverty. 

A key frustration in compiling the report was the lack of data available for people from minority ethnic communities in Scotland, which lags behind what is available for the white population. It creates a deeply concerning inequality in Scotland’s ability to understand the high poverty rate for this group, let alone tackle it.

ethnicity_poverty_and_the_data_in_scotland Download

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at JRF said: “While it is wrong that any child in Scotland is growing up in poverty, it is appalling that children from minority ethnic communities are so much more likely to have their childhoods blighted by hardship than their white peers.

“The clock is ticking on our child poverty targets, and it is deeply concerning that things are actually getting worse, not better, for children in minority ethnic communities despite them being a priority group for the Scottish Government. But this is not just about meeting targets. It is about stamping out the appalling racial inequalities that are holding back children across our country.

“Higher poverty rates for people in these groups are frightening but they are not inevitable. Our analysis suggests that minority ethnic communities face barriers at every turn, from employment to housing to social security support. The UK and Scottish governments, and employers, must work with urgency to remove these barriers.

“If the Scottish Government wants to reduce racial inequalities in Scotland it must start collecting the appropriate data. Children in minority ethnic communities have been named a priority, but until we can accurately measure the problem, how much of a priority can they really be?”

38 Edinburgh parks presented with a Green Flag Award

Keep Scotland Beautiful celebrates sustainable and well managed parks across Scotland

Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has announced that 38 parks in Edinburgh have been presented with a Green Flag Award. The accolade acknowledges quality green open spaces across the country that help to boost our nation’s health and wellbeing.

The international Green Flag Award is administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful and acts as a benchmark for recreational outdoor space. The award celebrates well maintained parks and greenspaces and supports the opportunities that they provide to enable exercise, improve mental wellbeing and provide safe areas for play – something that has been particularly important to everyone over the last 18 months. Over 2,000 parks across the world have achieved the award this year.

Amongst the 2021 award winners are spaces managed by local authorities, community groups and various other organisations including the NHS.

Amongst the 38 winning Edinburgh parks is the Royal Edinburgh Hospital run by NHS Lothian and Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden run by Friends of Corstorphine Hill, whilst both Harrison Park and Braidburn Valley Park are celebrating their 15^th consecutive year of achieving the Green Flag Award.

Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented: “I would like to congratulate all of Scotland’s award-winning parks. Receiving this prestigious international benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“Every single one of these parks provides an invaluable service to the local communities that it serves – from creating a safe space to play, to think, to work out – and they helped to address many of the health and wellbeing challenges we faced as a country during lockdown.”

“Spending time in nature can be good for people’s health and wellbeing, and merely living in a greener neighbourhood can be good for health. The Green Flag Award recognises the valuable, and tangible contribution that these parks make towards the nation’s well-being.”

Tracey McKagen, Services Director for the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services in NHS Lothian, said: “I’m really delighted that our hospital has received this award as it shows how much work goes into looking after our beautiful greenspaces.

“These areas are very important to us in NHS Lothian as they enable both our staff and patients to connect with nature, which helps with mental and general wellbeing.

“This award was only possible with the support and contributions from the whole hospital community, so I would like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing hard work to support our natural areas. As the site evolves to meet future healthcare needs our greenspace management plan will ensue nature continues to be at the heart of the site.”

City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: We’re incredibly proud of our beautiful parks in Edinburgh and it’s wonderful that we’re once again the proud holders of more Green Flags than anywhere else in Scotland – more than half of the awards granted.

“Green Flags are given to those parks that give everyone access to a safe, clean and pleasant green space where they can relax, play and exercise and I’m delighted that so many of our parks have achieved this important and much sought-after recognition which is well deserved.

“Despite the challenging times we’re all still facing and with increased investment, the quality of Edinburgh’s parks continues to improve. I want to pay tribute to everyone, staff, friends of parks and volunteers, who work so hard all year round, and in all-weathers to keep our award-winning parks so beautiful.

“These public spaces have been a source of comfort, solace, fun and relaxation for residents over the difficult last 18 months and are essential to our wellbeing. There’s always more to discover, though, so I’d encourage everyone to get out and explore our parks this Autumn.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, said: “This is fantastic news, parks have proved to be real havens in recent times and my thanks to our skilled and dedicated parks staff for their continued care and hard work.

“I also want to thank all our Friends of Parks groups for everything they do. The parks belong to the people of Edinburgh and we’re so grateful for the support from our citizens. Since we first started taking part in the Green Flag scheme in 2007, we’ve gone from just two flags to 38, which is more than half of all Green Flags given out in the whole country – this is a tremendous achievement and we’ll keep working hard to make sure our parks go from strength to strength.”

A detailed map of Scotland’s Green Flag sites can be found at:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/parks

Racially aggravated assault: Fifteen year old girl charged

A 15-year-old girl has been charged in connection with a racially aggravated assault. The incident happened shortly after 9pm last Friday (8th October) on Leith Street.

A report will be submitted to the youth justice authorities.

Chief Inspector Clark Martin said: ““Racism and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in our society and we thoroughly investigate all incidents which are reported to us.

“We also work closely with a range of partner agencies, including universities and students organisations, to ensure students and young people feel safe in our city.

“We will be carrying out additional patrols in Edinburgh city centre to reassure people and to address any concerns. These patrols will be carried out with a specific focus on youth disorder.”

Thorntons Solicitors to hold Menopause Seminar for Employers

With recent studies showing that nine in ten women feel menopause affects their work, many employers are reassessing the needs of their employees and introducing menopause support resources in the workplace.

In order to support and educate employers on how best to handle menopause in the workplace, Thorntons Solicitors is hosting an hour-long webinar led by Employment Law Legal Director, Amy Jones, on World Menopause Day 2021.

Taking place virtually between 9:30-10:30am on Monday 18^th October, Amy will discuss potential for discrimination and other claims if menopause is not handled appropriately together with practical tips on handling the effects of menopause within the work environment.

Amy, who has specialised in employment law for over ten years, said: “As a society, we are making progress in acknowledging the ways the menopause can impact a person – physically, emotionally, and professionally. In my upcoming webinar, I’ll be discussing the legal position around menopause at work and the importance of training, support and flexibility for managers and co-workers.”

“Many employers will be considering the need to make adjustments for staff, and I will be offering some insight on what that might look like in their workplace as well as taking the time to answer audience questions.”

Attendees can sign up for the webinar using this link:

Thorntons Employment Law webinar – Menopause and the Workplace | Booking Form (Prefill) (thorntons-law.co.uk)

Adapt or Die, warns Environment Agency

The climate emergency can only be successfully tackled through greater focus on adapting to the inevitable climate impacts that we are already seeing, the Environment Agency has warned today (13 October) as it urged world leaders to step up to that challenge at COP26.

In a report to the UK Government, the agency has warned of more extreme weather leading to increased flooding and drought, sea level rises of up to 78cm by the 2080s, and public water supplies needing more than 3.4 billion extra litres of water per day by 2050. It has urged governments, businesses and society to embrace and invest in adaptation, rather than living with the costs of inaction.

With COP26 less than three weeks away, it has welcomed the UK Government’s focus on adaptation as well as mitigation, and the fact that climate adaptation is one of the Summit’s four key goals, but urged that more action is needed at a global level to protect the billions of lives and livelihoods that are at risk.

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “The climate crisis is global, but its impacts are in your village, your shop, your home. Adaptation action needs to be integral to government, businesses and communities too and people will soon question why it isn’t – especially when it is much cheaper to invest early in climate resilience than to live with the costs of inaction.

“While mitigation might save the planet, it is adaptation, preparing for climate shocks, that will save millions of lives. Choosing one over the other on the basis of a simple either/or calculation is like telling a bird it only needs one wing to fly.

“With that in mind, it is deeply worrying that adaptation is in danger of being grievously undercooked at COP26. Not by the UK Government, but by the world at large.

“Significant climate impacts are inevitable. We can successfully tackle the climate emergency if we do the right things, but we are running out of time to implement effective adaptation measures. Our thinking must change faster than the climate.

“Some 200 people died in this summer’s flooding in Germany. That will happen in this country sooner or later, however high we build our flood defences, unless we also make the places where we live, work and travel resilient to the effects of the more violent weather the climate emergency is bringing.

“It is adapt or die. With the right approach we can be safer and more prosperous. So let’s prepare, act and survive.”

The message comes in the Environment Agency’s third adaptation report, submitted to the UK government under the Climate Change Act.

Even with a 2°C temperature rise compared to pre-industrial levels, key projections within the report include:

Winter rainfall is expected to increase by approximately 6% by the 2050s and by 8% by the 2080s, compared to a 1981-2000 baseline.
Summer rainfall is expected to decrease by approximately 15% by the 2050s compared to a 1981-2000 baseline.
London’s sea level is expected to rise by between approximately 23cm by the 2050s and 45cm by the 2080s.
River flows will be more extreme. Peak flows are expected to be up to 27% higher in the 2050s, while in the summer months river flows could be 82% lower by as soon as 2050.
Public water supplies are expected to require more than 3.4 billion extra litres of water per day if no action is taken before 2050.

Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the CCC’s Adaptation Committee, said: “We’re pleased to see the Environment Agency publishing its latest climate change adaptation plan.

“This road map will be vital to ensuring our natural and built environments are well adapted to the significant changes in our climate taking place today, with more to come.

We urge all Government agencies, authorities, regulators and businesses big and small to get their adaptation plans together before the deadline on 31 December.

“We look forward to assessing the EA’s plan in early 2022 as part of our independent appraisal for Government of similar plans from across the public and private sectors.

The report also sets out five climate “reality checks” to make the case for urgent action on adaptation:

The Environment Agency alone cannot protect everyone from increasing flood and coastal risks: rising sea levels and extreme winter rainfall will mean it will not be technically, socially, and economically viable to protect every community. Instead, alongside constructing and maintaining defences, we must help communities learn to live with risk, minimise damage, and return to normal life quickly.
Climate change makes it harder to ensure clean and plentiful water: existing issues with water stress will be exacerbated by climate change bringing altered temperature and rainfall patterns. Measures to tackle these pressures are underway, but a strategic approach to water management and faster progress on improvements are needed.
Environmental regulation is not yet ready for a changing climate: climate change is increasing the impact of environmental incidents, for example lower river levels means pollutants diffuse slower and have a greater impact. It is vital that environmental policy and legislation keeps pace with the escalating challenge to allow us and other regulators to protect the environment.
Ecosystems cannot adapt as fast as the climate is changing: industrialisation and urbanisation have left the UK as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and climate change means wildlife in England will continue to be altered. We must recognise importance of natural ecosystems in supporting life (including our own) in our health and wellbeing. Nature must be the essential foundation of development, rather than being seen as an impediment.
There will be more and worse environmental incidents: both natural and man-made environmental incidents will be made worse by climate change. This will place an increased burden on emergency response, and divert resources from other activities.

environment-agency-climate-change-adaptation-report-summary Download

The report highlights how the Environment Agency is working with government, businesses and communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change, including delivering a record £5.2 billion programme of new flood and coastal defences over the next six years.

While the risks are serious, they can be addressed by early action, and the report also sets out how the Environment Agency is meeting those challenges.

This includes:

Working with government, businesses and communities to implement the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy and our vision to create a nation ready for and resilient to flooding and coastal change up to 2100.
Working with water companies and Ofwat on the National Framework for Water Resources, which sets out how we will address future challenges to water supply.
Helping to deliver the £10 million Natural Environment Readiness Fund, helping to support projects in attracting private sector finance into investment in the natural environment.
Focusing on nature based approaches, restoring and creating peatlands, wetland and other habitats to create climate-resilient habitats for wildlife, reduce flood risk, improve water quality and improve access to greenspace for people
Using our role as a regulator to help businesses understand and reduce their climate impact and prepare for the future.

The National Lottery ‘Days Out’ offers up to £25 off top attractions and experiences

The National Lottery is inspiring the nation to have fun days out this autumn, by offering money off hundreds of attractions and experiences across the UK
£8 million worth of ‘Days Out’ vouchers will be available from 8th October granting National Lottery players up to £25 off tickets to participating venues on the VisitBritain Shop

To inspire the nation to have more fun this autumn, The National Lottery is helping to fund great days out at hundreds of attractions and experiences across the UK by offering vouchers that can be used to claim up to £25 off entry.

From 8^th October, anyone with a valid Lotto ticket can claim a £25 voucher* for use at participating venues. Whether it’s an adrenaline-filled day or one full of mindful moments, there’s something for everyone, including country parks, medieval castles, aquariums, walking tours and much more.

Venues and attractions from all corners of the UK are participating in The National Lottery Days Out promotion, acollaboration with VisitBritain to help support domestic tourism this autumn, including highlights in Scotland:

Animal lovers can visit the Highland Wildlife Park located in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, learn about the 1,000 endangered and threatened species that live at Edinburgh Zoo or catch a glimpse of the only Cow Nose Rays in Scotland at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond.
For a historical experience, discover the childhood residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle.
For an insight into the gruesome history of Edinburgh, venture inside the Edinburgh Dungeons to learn more about Agnes Finney, the city’s witch.

Every week National Lottery players raise more than £30 million for Good Causes and this funding has supported 94 of the top 100 most visited tourist attractions in the UK** including Stonehenge, Eden Project, Kew Gardens, Tower of London, ZSL London Zoo, Giants Causeway and Bletchley Park.

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “The fantastic National Lottery Days Out Scheme is part of our plan to help our brilliant tourism sector to build back better from the challenges of the pandemic.

“There is so much to see and do throughout the year across the whole of the UK. I encourage all National Lottery players to see what’s on offer and get out there and have some great days out at top attractions.”

VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said: “VisitBritain is very pleased to be supporting The National Lottery Days Out campaign to encourage more of us to get out and discover the fantastic visitor attractions and experiences here on our doorstep and enjoy a great day out with family and friends.”

Redemption: To get £25 off fun days out with The National Lottery this Autumn, National Lottery players should visit www.NationalLotteryDaysOut.com to get one of hundreds of thousands of vouchers available.

The promotion is open to players with Lotto tickets bought on or after 1st October 2021*.

The money for this initiative comes from a National Lottery promotional fund. It is not being funded by money allocated for National Lottery Good Causes or by Camelot.

Christmas is back with a bang as St James Quarter announces the arrival of Bar Hütte’s festive experience

Edinburgh’s Christmas is back with a bang as St James Quarter announces the arrival of Bar Hütte’s festive experience that is set to take shape from Monday 8^th November, offering a unique take on ‘Alpine Après Ski’.

Proving popular in other cities across the UK, the pop-up concept provides private holiday style chalets for shoppers to get cosy with friends and indulge in festive speciality cocktails, whilst taking part in Christmas karaoke.

Located at St James Square, customers can also enjoy live music sessions whilst sipping on a hot gin or spiced mulled wine and tucking into mince pies until Sunday 2nd January.

Inspired by previous trips to Courchevel, Zermatt and Tignes, Bar Hütte have created the look and atmosphere of traditional Alpine ski resorts. Furnished with a warm, festive décor, the super-snug ski hüttes are the perfect place to accommodate wintertime get-togethers, a post-Christmas shopping ‘pick-me-up’ or date nights with a difference.

Each private, bookable hütte includes a karaoke set-up so you and the blast out Mariah, Wham or Kylie to your hearts content.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Bar Hütte to St James Quarter as part of our Christmas offering. With it being our first Christmas, we’re excited to join our customers in getting into the festive spirit and what better than mulled wine and karaoke to help us do that.

“These Alpine Après Ski’ inspired huts are the perfect way to create our very own winter wonderland here at The Quarter and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy them.”

To experience a ‘Cosy Karaoke Hütte’ for up to eight people for 1 hour 45 minutes, each hut requires a non-refundable booking fee of £60. This includes Christmas karaoke as well as a complimentary welcome ‘Bombardino’ – a warm drink made up of hot rum and eggnog topped with whipped cream & cinnamon.

Bar Hütte also has a VIP area that can cater for up to 20 people for two hours for £150. This includes hire of the space, Christmas karaoke, a welcome glass of prosecco and a Bombardino for all guests on arrival.

For more details and to book tickets visit: https://www.barhutte.co.uk/ or get more information on Instagram and Facebook.

HUB and Bridges acquire Baltic Street site for build-to-rent residential development

Residential developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management, a sustainable and impact investor, have acquired a ‘significant’ 2.6-acre site on Leith’s Baltic Street.

Located at the former site of Leith Gas Works, the site is one of the most significant in the area, sitting at a key point in the historic town centre, which was last week named the 4^th coolest neighbourhood in the world by TimeOut.

The site has an existing planning permission for a student residential development, secured by vendors Sundial Properties and local architects Michael Laird Associates.

HUB intends to reconfigure the proposal to deliver a residential-led scheme, comprising of Build to Rent apartments with a variety of mixed commercial uses at ground floor level.

HUB will work with the Council and local stakeholders to build upon the existing consent, maintaining the established design narrative, whilst enhancing the proposals to deliver a residential scheme that maximises the site’s potential.

This is the ninth deal on which HUB and Bridges have partnered and builds on their successful track record of delivering well-designed, community-focused residential schemes.

The deal is HUB and Bridges’ second acquisition in Edinburgh, following their recent purchase of the 1.5-acre Beaverhall site in Canonmills, where they are currently developing plans for a mixed-use scheme incorporating build-to-rent homes and affordable, contemporary studio space for the area’s local artistic community.

The deal also continues HUB’s expansion into key cities across the UK, with schemes already underway in Leeds and Digbeth, Birmingham.

Building on HUB and Bridges’ strategy of delivering homes in well-connected locations, the site is ideally located adjacent to Edinburgh’s new Tramline extension, due to open in late 2022.

The new route will connect the port in the east, through the city and to the airport in the west, meaning that residents at HUB’s scheme will have easy access to the heart of Edinburgh and beyond, whilst enjoying the lifestyle offering of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhood.

Just five minutes’ walk from the waterfront, the site offers easy access to numerous independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as music and arts venues.

Robert Sloss, CEO and co-founder of HUB, said: “As a resident of Edinburgh, I am particularly happy that HUB is further investing in our capital city.

“Leith is full of creativity and innovation, and exemplifies exactly what HUB is looking for in terms of ‘lifestyle’ locations. We look forward to bringing our proven experience in delivering beautifully designed, mixed-use schemes to this fantastic site, building upon the existing proposal to deliver a great new place to live.

“We are sensitive to the legacy of the historic gasworks and are excited to rejuvenate it into a modern living quarter for Leith.”

Simon Ringer, Head of Property Funds at Bridges Fund Management, said: “We are delighted to complete this second investment in Edinburgh, a city where there is strong demand for more high-quality, sustainable lower-cost homes.

“Leith is a really exciting area, and we want to create a development that complements this site’s rich heritage and benefits the local community.”

Volunteer opportunities: Leith Festival community podcast

*** NEW VOLUNTEER PROJECT ***

A community podcast, highlighting events in and around Leith, which will be run by the Leith Festival volunteers.

Our vibrant community was recently named the fourth coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out and this podcast will provide a platform for local connections, storytelling, news, reviews and so much more.

To become a volunteer & get involved with our FREE workshops, where you will learn all the skills involved in podcasting from presenting, promoting and content creation to market research and project management – click the link below:

http://leithfestival.com/support-leith…/volunteer-with-us/

Project starts NOVEMBER 1st and there really is a role for everyone!

Improving response for people at risk of suicide

Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will drive implementation of the Time, Space and Compassion approach

A new group will be set up to make sure that everyone at risk of suicide can access the right support when then need it, following recommendations made by the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG).

The Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will drive implementation of the Time, Space and Compassion approach, a new way to improve help for people who are suicidal.

Nigel Henderson, former Chief Executive of Penumbra and member of the NSPLG, has been appointed as National Lead for Suicidal Crisis Support to lead this work.

Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart (above) said: “I welcome the report from the NSPLG and the recommendations it makes on improving responses to people in suicidal crisis. We will consider the recommendations in full.

“To deliver the scale of change set out in their recommendations, a dedicated Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will be established to take forward and oversee the implementation of this work.

“The appointment of Nigel recognises his career in developing compassionate support for vulnerable people, including those at risk of suicide. The group will be accountable to ministers and continue to work in close partnership with NSPLG.

“We know there are some excellent examples of suicidal crisis support services across Scotland already, and we have an opportunity to learn from those to make sure this type of support is available right across Scotland.

“Every day, people in our communities, and those working in statutory and third sector services, are responding compassionately to people in crisis. However, there is more we can do. This report offers a real opportunity to transform how we engage and support our most vulnerable people at times of suicidal crisis.”

Nigel Henderson said: “I am very pleased to have been asked to lead on implementing this work.

“Having been a member of the NSPLG and directly involved in this work, I believe that developing the Time, Space, Compassion approach has the potential to make a positive difference to how we respond to people experiencing suicidal crisis.

“There is much to do, and I look forward to working with people, communities and organisations to take forward the recommendations.”

Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s acceptance of recommendations for improvements to the response provided to people in suicidal crisis.

Established by the Scottish Government, the NSPLG brings together people with lived experience of suicide alongside academic, third sector, and statutory partners to support the delivery of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan: Every Life Matters.

These key NSPLG recommendations have been accepted in full by the Scottish Government and will be published on their website today (Wednesday 13 October ).

The NSPLG report uses evidence on the effectiveness of differing models of crisis support to make recommendations to service providers and share best practice.

It deliberately does not recommend a particular model of crisis support. Instead, it sets out an approach which sees suicidal crisis response as a human reaction, not a service model, and sets out the principles of Time, Space and Compassion as the basis of improvement in support for those in crisis.

The recommended approach is at the core of the NSPLG’s vision in supporting delivery of Every Life Matters, ensuring the right support is available for people when they are actively contemplating suicide at a time of crisis.

Time allows a person to discuss their feelings, and Space recognises the need to provide an accessible, quiet, comfortable, pleasant place for a person to talk and/or a virtual space to access support by phone, text or online.

In addition, research shows that Compassion in response to a person in crisis encourages them to disclose details which, in turn, can lead to more effective support being offered and lay the foundations for self-compassion, reducing the need for support from frontline services in the future.

Embedding the principles of Time, Space and Compassion into responses to suicidal crisis in Scotland will require concerted action across national and local government, and services across sectors, communities and citizens.

NSPLG chair Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, said: “We believe that this approach, rooted in Time, Space and Compassion, can be implemented across all sectors and communities, transforming the experiences of those in crisis and at immediate risk of suicide.

“It is important to highlight that this report is not critical of existing crisis support. Based on the experiences of those who have been in suicidal crisis and those around them, it recommends a radically different cultural landscape, and requires a different sort of resourcing to enable this approach to be implemented consistently.

“People with lived experience of the impacts of suicide and those providing services tell us these recommendations have the potential to improve the experiences of those who seek help at a time of suicidal crisis, and ultimately to save lives.”

Member of NSPLG Lived Experience Panel, Shumela Ahmed (39) from Bridge of Allan near Stirling, is the managing director at Resilience Learning Partnership. She has family and friends who have experienced poor mental health and made suicide attempts.

Shumela has also experienced suicidal thoughts herself.

She said: “I believe Time, Space and Compassion is the right approach because it’s trauma informed and it understands that it takes time to build up trust and connect with a person when they are in a suicidal crisis.

“Every interaction is an opportunity for intervention. When a person is at risk of suicide they need a compassionate response from someone who will spend time with them and offer a safe space for them to talk.

“A really kind, compassionate, empathetic human conversation is often what is actually needed rather than following some big, important framework.

“I look forward to these recommendations being implemented in workforces so that staff have the tools and the resources to take this approach.”

The NSPLG recommendations are intended to be a starting point for work in this area and they focus, in the first instance, on the practical support and evidence required to make this culture shift collaboratively, and on ensuring the availability of existing crisis services as we emerge from the pandemic.