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Social Security Scotland publishes Annual Report

97% of people said they received payments on time

Social Security Scotland has published its Annual Report and Accounts, which show that it made £641 million in direct payments to people across Scotland from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. 

The payments were made across 13 Scottish benefits, seven of which are completely new forms of support not available anywhere else in the UK. 

This includes the Scottish Child Payment which has been extended to eligible children under the age of 16. More than 300,000 young people are now receiving this payment.

The payments also include the new Winter Heating Payment, which has helped almost 400,000 people on low incomes with their heating costs. 

The results of an annual survey of clients have also been published, showing that 93% of people who had been in contact with Social Security Scotland felt they had been treated with kindness.

Among those who responded to the survey, 97% said they had received their benefit payments when Social Security Scotland said they would and 90% said their experience with staff was ‘very good’ or ‘good’. A further 90% said staff listened to them and 89% felt they were treated with respect.

In total, the combination of direct payments made by Social Security Scotland and those paid through Agency Agreements with the Department for Work and Pensions saw the Scottish Government invest £4.04 billion in benefits across Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “We are supporting families across the country at a time where they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills. We now deliver 13 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland and are delivering these payments while treating people with dignity, fairness and respect. 

“Our decision to expand the Scottish Child Payment to all eligible young people under the age of 16 and increase the payment to £25 per week means we are supporting more than 300,000 children and making a significant contribution to tackling child poverty.

“As we prepare to launch Carer Support Payment, our 14^th benefit, we are committed to making sure that people get the money they are entitled to and that people who are eligible know how to apply for our payments.”

Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland, David Wallace, said: “This last year has been the busiest in our five-year history. We have significantly expanded our service, including the national rollout of Adult Disability Payment, the extension of the Scottish Child Payment and paid Winter Heating Payment for the first time. 

“We are continuing to develop and improve our service. Despite some challenges with processing times, which we are actively working to improve, we still maintained high client satisfaction rates. In our annual Client Survey, 93% of people who participated told us they were treated with kindness.”

Social Security Scotland 2022/23 Annual Report and Account 2022-2023. 
The results of the Client Survey summary.

Rituals That Unite Us: Edinburgh International Festival announces first performances and theme for 2024 Programme

Edinburgh International Festival today unveils the first details of the 2024 Festival, and the second from Festival Director Nicola Benedetti, taking place from 2-25 August 2024.

After a resoundingly successful 2023 Festival, which posed the question: ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival explores ‘Rituals That Unite Us’.

Reasserting the need for reconciliation and the value of shared experiences in today’s increasingly disconnected world, the curated programme of live music, theatre, opera and dance celebrates the practices, traditions and festivities that give us meaning and connect us – as a festival, a city, and as a society.

This promises to be a thrilling year for opera lovers as five operas feature in the 2024 International Festival programme, three fully staged and two in concert. The first of these to be announced is the iconic Carmen, from globally celebrated Parisian opera house Opéra-Comique, the venue in which the opera premiered in 1875.

This production, led by German director Andreas Homoki, celebrates Carmen’s 149-year legacy on a replica stage of the Opéra-Comique recreated on the stage of Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre, complete with seven iron doors constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the creator of Paris’ famous tower.

The score also remains true to the ‘opéra-comique’ style, where musical pieces are interspersed with dialogue, emphasising the comedic elements of Georges Bizet’s visionary writing.

The cast includes; Gaëlle Arquez as Carmen, a role in which she has captivated audiences since 2017; star tenor Saimir Pirgu as Don José; Elbenita Kajtazibi as Micaëla; and Jean-Fernand Setti as Escamillo.

In an exciting collaboration that sees the International Festival once again working with Scottish national companies on an international stage, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra performs under the direction of Louis Langrée, General Director of Opéra-Comique and Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Assembly Hall is a major new dance-theatre work, Scottish Premiere, and International Festival co-production, from Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite. Described by the Guardian as “a 21^st-century dance genius”, Crystal Pite, alongside playwright Jonathon Young, present a dance-theatre hybrid that promises the company’s signature wit and invention.

Also taking place at the Festival Theatre, but set in a community centre, Assembly Hall follows a group of medieval re-enactors coming together for their annual general meeting, a tradition that for the group serves as a bridge between the past and the present.

The event they are organising has fallen on hard times, and unless they take bold measures, this venerable order faces dissolution. As the meeting progresses, the line between reality and re-enactment begins to blur, ancient forces are awoken, and it becomes clear that there is much at stake.

Delving into the very human need to gather, Assembly Hall explores what stories we tell and repeat, and how those customs reflect our identity.

The theme ‘Rituals That Unite Us’ responds to feedback on the International Festival’s 2023 theme, from audiences, artists and the public, that wherever we go next – and despite our differences – we must go together.

The 2024 theme takes inspiration from philosopher Byung-Chul Han. His book The Disappearance of Rituals reminds us that what we do, over time, defines who we are, and that our collectively experienced rituals help ground us and bind us closer together.

A central idea of the book is the humility, sacrifice and participation required to maintain community rituals. This will be explored in the programme through events marking the 900^th anniversary of the city of Edinburgh in 2024. Other key ideas include the sacred rituals of life and death, and rituals around the art of seduction.

As well as a programme of live performances and discussions with the world’s finest artists and rising stars, the International Festival continues its commitment to stage large-scale events, inviting participation from communities across Scotland.

In 2023, 500 amateur and professional musicians joyously performed in Princes Street Gardens for thousands of audience members. In 2024, the International Festival will collaborate with the World Health Organisation and Scottish Ballet to host the first ever nationwide Healing Arts campaign, Healing Arts Scotland.

The week-long activation will begin on 19^th August 2024, and will include performances, exhibitions, workshops and high-profile policy discussions.

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, says: “Next year’s Edinburgh International Festival celebrates the unifying force of collective live experiences. We continue to pursue an openness towards diverse perspectives, and in exploring ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, reflect our deeply human need to connect with one another.

“When beliefs differ, when we are not aligned over a shared singular fight, it is always an effort, always tricky, always messy. But this is what our festival was founded to do.

“People use the word ‘soft’ when speaking of the power of the arts, but to open hearts and minds is the toughest and most serious thing we can offer people. It all starts with belief and trust. We led with this feeling in 2023, and we will deepen it in 2024.”

Full programme will be announced with tickets going on sale in March 2024, with priority booking for members.

Views sought on proposed changes to the Scottish Government’s social security powers

A Holyrood Committee is calling for individuals and organisations to share their views on proposed changes to the laws governing social security in Scotland.

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee has launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s Social Security (Scotland) (Amendment) Bill.

Social security legislation was devolved to Holyrood in 2016 and a legal framework to the Scottish Social Security system was introduced in 2018. This meant 11 existing social security benefits were devolved from the Department of Work and Pensions to a new Scottish body, Social Security Scotland.

The new Bill proposes a range of changes, including creating a framework to introduce new social security benefits for children and care experienced people, changing rules about how people can challenge decisions made about social security assistance and repealing COVID measures that allowed people to make late applications.

The Committee will be scrutinising the Bill and considering whether these changes deliver improvements, make the system more efficient and the extent to which they reflect the Scottish Government’s social security principles.

Commenting on the launch of the consultation, Collette Stevenson, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “We want to hear what people make of the Scottish Government’s proposed changes to social security laws.

“We’re particularly interested in hearing about the impact these changes will have, whether they deliver value for money and the extent to which there can be further improvement to the system as a result of these changes.

“The proposals in the Bill include introducing new benefits for children and care experienced people, allowing appointees who manage a person’s DWP benefits to also manage their Social Security Scotland benefits and new ways for individuals to appeal when they are not entitled to assistance.

“I would encourage anybody with a view on these plans, or any of the other proposals in the Bill, to complete the call for views on the Parliament’s website.”

The call for views opened yesterday and will be open until Friday 12 January 2024.

The link to where people can share their views on the Bill is:

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/sjssc/social-security-amendment-bill

Cabinet Reshuffle: Cameron’s Back

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS IN FULL

The King has been pleased to approve the following government appointments:

Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department.
Rt Hon David Cameron as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Richard Holden MP as Minister without Portfolio.
Victoria Atkins MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Laura Trott MBE MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Rt Hon John Glen MP as Paymaster General, and Minister for the Cabinet Office.
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade.
Lee Rowley MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Housing) in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Rt Hon Esther McVey MP as a Minister without Portfolio in the Cabinet Office.
Jo Churchill MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions.
Andrew Griffith MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Education.
Nigel Huddleston MP as Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson MP as a Minister of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Bim Afolami MP as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
Gareth Bacon MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice.
Saqib Bhatti MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Anthony Browne MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.
Laura Farris MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State jointly in the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.
Simon Hoare MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Fay Jones MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Wales Office;
Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Paul Maynard MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Work and Pensions.
Robbie Moore MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Guy Opperman MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.

Royal Mail fined £5.6m for missing delivery targets

Ofcom has fined Royal Mail £5.6m for failing to meet its First and Second Class delivery targets in the 2022/23 financial year.

Under Ofcom’s rules, each year Royal Mail is required to deliver 93% of First Class mail within one working day and 98.5% of Second Class mail within three working days, and complete 99.9% of delivery routes for each day on which a delivery is required.^[1]

In 2022/23, Royal Mail’s reported performance results showed that it had only delivered 73.7% of First Class mail on time and 90.7% of Second Class mail on time, and completed 89.35% of delivery routes for each day on which a delivery was required.

Ofcom can consider evidence submitted by Royal Mail of any exceptional circumstances that may have explained why it missed its targets. Even after adjusting Royal Mail’s performance for the impact of industrial action, extreme weather and the Stansted runway closure, its First and Second Class performance was still only 82% and 95.5% respectively.^[2]

This means that Royal Mail breached its obligations by failing to meet its targets by a significant and unexplained margin. This caused considerable harm to customers, and Royal Mail took insufficient steps to try and prevent this failure.

So we have decided to impose a fine of £5,600,000 on Royal Mail. The penalty includes a 30% reduction from the penalty we would otherwise have imposed, which reflects Royal Mail’s admissions of liability and its agreement to settle the case. The financial penalty is payable to HM Treasury within two months.

Ian Strawhorne, Ofcom Director of Enforcement, said: “Royal Mail’s role in our lives carries huge responsibility and we know from our research that customers value reliability and consistency.

“Clearly, the pandemic had a significant impact on Royal Mail’s operations in previous years. But we warned the company it could no longer use that as an excuse, and it just hasn’t got things back on track since.

“The company’s let consumers down, and today’s fine should act as a wake-up call – it must take its responsibilities more seriously. We’ll continue to hold Royal Mail to account to make sure it improves service levels.”

Prioritisation and issues in the operation of delivery offices

As part of our investigation, we considered concerns about how parcels and letters might be prioritised for delivery.

In the evidence we assessed, we did not identify any suggestion that Royal Mail’s senior management had directed the prioritisation of parcels over letters outside of recognised contingency plans, such as during the pandemic and during the industrial action in 2022/23.

However, we are concerned that Royal Mail appears to have insufficient control, visibility and oversight over local decision-making at certain delivery offices where high absence and vacancies may have led to customer operations managers – who are responsible for individual delivery offices – making “on the day” decisions about what to deliver.

Given ongoing high absence and vacancies, and delays in bringing service levels back up, we are concerned about the operation of delivery offices, which we view as fundamental to Royal Mail meeting its delivery targets.

Royal Mail must ensure its customer operations managers are provided with appropriate training, so they are equipped to make such decisions. We will be keeping a close eye on the company’s performance this year, and the steps it is taking to return delivery offices to pre-Covid practices.

A non-confidential version of our decision will be published in due course.

Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, has called for Royal Mail to deliver changes to its operations on time, following news of the firm’s fine for missing post targets.

He said: “The Business & Trade Committee welcomes the robust action taken by Ofcom. In our report on Royal Mail, published earlier this year, we said that the company had systematically failed to deliver its statutory Universal Service Obligation, and called on Ofcom to investigate this issue.

“The Universal Service Obligation is not an aspirational target – it is a matter of pride for posties across the land, a crucial connection for people in isolated communities, and the cornerstone of Royal Mail’s contract with the public. Everyone in the UK must have access to a consistent postal service, no matter where they live.

“Royal Mail must make it clear how they will fix this issue and secure the future of the USO. Unlike its apparent approach to the public’s post, it is critical that Royal Mail’s future is delivered on time.”

Royal Mail responded: “We are very disappointed with our Quality of Service performance in 2022-23 and acknowledge Ofcom’s decision today.

“Last year was uniquely challenging for Royal Mail. Quality of service was materially impacted by the long-running industrial dispute which included 18 days of strike action.

“We are pleased that Ofcom has acknowledged that elements outside of Royal Mail’s control had a significant impact on service levels and has adjusted the figures to 82% for First Class and 95.5% for Second Class mail.

“Quality of Service is extremely important to us. We take our commitment to delivering a high level of service seriously and are taking action to introduce measures to restore quality of service to the level our customers expect.”

Passport amnesty period launched by Weatherbys for thoroughbred owners

INAUGURAL CENSUS REACHES 4,500 SUBMISSIONS

Weatherbys General Stud Book has launched a period of amnesty throughout November for owners of former racehorses needing to update their horse’s equine identification document (passport)
Throughout the month, owners will be able to update their horse’s passport without incurring the £32 administration fee
Initiative launched as Britain’s first ever Thoroughbred Census reaches 4,500 submissions
Complete the Thoroughbred Census here
Change of ownership application form available to download from here
Launch video can be viewed here

Weatherbys General Stud Book has launched a period of amnesty throughout November, meaning the first 500 owners in need of updating their horse’s equine identification document (passport) can do so without incurring the £32 administration fee.

The announcement comes as Britain’s inaugural Thoroughbred Census, launched by British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board in collaboration with research experts at Hartpury University, has reached a landmark of 4,500 submissions.

As the primary source of traceability for all thoroughbreds in Great Britain, new owners are required to update their horse’s passport within 30 days of new ownership. However, currently the compliance rate is estimated to be around 20%, meaning traceability of former racehorses becomes significantly reduced after their first step out of racing.

The Thoroughbred Census was introduced to improve the data bank on former racehorses and the lives they go on to lead, and to promote responsible ownership practices. So, in celebration of reaching 4,500 submissions, the amnesty period has been launched to encourage even more owners to update their passport when completing the census.

The period of amnesty started on Wednesday 1 November 2023 and ends on Thursday 30 November 2023. In order for Weatherbys General Stud Book to waive the fee, owners will need to complete a paper change of ownership application form and send along with their passport.

The amnesty is available for the first 500 applications. Change of ownership application form can be downloaded here, with more information on how to submit here.

Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, said: “The equine identification document (passport) amnesty is a significant moment in our continued efforts to improve the traceability of thoroughbreds in Great Britain, once retired from racing.

The initial uptake of the Thoroughbred Census from owners across the country has been really positive, but the job is far from complete, and an industry-wide push is still required to promote and encourage owners of all former racehorses to participate. Whether a horse has been retired to a field or is an RoR champion, we want to know about them.”

Sharon O’Regan, General Manager, Weatherbys General Stud Book, said: “Ensuring that all thoroughbreds go on to live happy and healthy lives after retiring from racing is a cause important to all of us within the sport.

“Since the start of the campaign we have already seen an uplift in people updating their passports which is fantastic. Whilst the ongoing cost of maintaining our systems and database is significant we do appreciate that paying for the change in ownership is perhaps a barrier for some.

“Therefore we hope that waiving this cost for a period of time to support the census initiative will make a difference and encourage even more thoroughbred owners to bring these details up to date. The more complete our database, the more confidence there will be when considering welfare matters around all thoroughbreds not just those currently racing or breeding.”

Eligibility criteria for equine identification document (passport) amnesty:

The horse has formerly been registered with a British licensed trainer or has competed on a British racecourse.
The owner has completed the 2023 Thoroughbred Census for the horse for which they are completing the change of ownership.
Completed form and passport must be received by Weatherbys General Stud Book between 1 November 2023 and 30 November 2023.
Horses with an FEI passport are NOT eligible to participate.
Change of ownership for breeding purposes will NOT be eligible for the amnesty.
Only the first 500 submissions will be eligible for the amnesty.

All owners of former racehorses are being asked to complete the Thoroughbred Census between 28 June – 31 December 2023, with the primary objective of helping to improve the traceability of thoroughbreds after they have been retired from racing. The census requests information on each horse’s passport number, microchip number, age, current residence, second career, and more to provide a robust view of the 2023 British retired racehorse population.

With improved data, British Racing and its aftercare charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), can better support owners with access to educational resources and routes to compete if desired, as well as continue to build informed and helpful communities. Improved data at this stage of a thoroughbred’s life can also help the Horse Welfare Board and RoR improve and adapt welfare initiatives and will, most importantly, enable fast and effective contact in the event of an equine disease outbreak.

As a result of the campaign to date, Weatherbys General Stud Book has reported an increase of 44% in the number of equine identification document (passport) updates compared to this time last year.

The 2023 Thoroughbred Census can be completed online here, before closing on 31 December 2023. Completion of the census is not compulsory, but owners are strongly encouraged to join the community and participate. Full results will be reported during the first quarter of 2024.

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Anna Meredith’s “Tull” – Scottish Ensemble presents the first of two specially-commissioned performance films with Glasgow production company Forest of Black

Scottish Ensemble presents the first of two specially-commissioned performance films with Glasgow production company Forest of Black: Anna Meredith’s “Tull”

The musical score comes alive when a forest of pink plinths – each with their own independent character – grows homogeneously in response to the music.

Scottish Ensemble musicians – as if museum objects on display – balance precariously on top, whilst performing Anna Meredith’s gripping piece with laser focus.

Released in partnership with Delphian Records, Tull joins Scottish Ensemble’s growing catalogue of visually-striking music videos, from Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3, to a gripping excerpt from Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, the second film of their partnership with Forest of Black which will be released in Spring 2024.

“Through creative video techniques, carefully styled set design, and compelling performances, I sought to introduce the audience to a whole new way of experiencing a Scottish Ensemble performance.

“The music’s rich interplay of light and shadow, as well as a sense of spontaneity and playfulness, played a pivotal role in shaping the overall creative direction of the video.

“The final product is a testament to the creative collaboration and dedication of the entire team. Considering the high level of ambition and the numerous technical challenges we faced, I am really pleased that we successfully brought this concept to life!” – AINS Director, Forest of Black

Key Dates:

NOW – single pre-add links live across 20+ streaming services: https://orcd.co/tull

17 November 2023 – Single and Music Video released on Scottish Ensemble YT channel and becomes widely available

Lovell Golf Day raises £6,734.68 for John Hartson Cancer Chari’tee

The annual Lovell golf day at Dundonald Links has raised over £6,000 for testicular cancer charity, the John Hartson Foundation.

Hartson, the former Celtic, Arsenal, and Welsh international footballer, who founded the charity, met with the developer at their head office in Motherwell to receive a cheque for £6,734.68.

The legendary striker survived testicular cancer in his thirties and has spent much of his post-playing career as an ambassador; raising money and awareness to fight the illness.

This experience led him to create the charity, which has raised around £100,000 each year and uses John’s fame and success as a way to raise awareness of the condition so that more men, like John, survive.

Now in its fifth year and organised by Lovell Assistant buyer, Lee-Ann Reynolds, the golf day raises money through a charity auction, entry fees, and sponsorship.

Prizes for the auction, including a four-ball at the prestigious Gleneagles, premium golf balls, and other golfing equipment, were donated by Lovell supply chain partners.

Attendees included headline sponsors, O’Byrne Tiling and T Clarke as well as other supporters and Lovell staff.

The event would also not have been possible without the support of the additional sponsors, including EMA, Advance Construction, Tough Scotland, and Avoca Wealth Management.

Lovell thanks everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to making the event a success.

The developer, which has developments across Scotland including The Crossings at South Queensferry and Glow Garren near Hamilton, also thanks John, his foundation, and all who contributed to the success of the golf day and looks forward to welcoming everyone back in 2024.

Lovell Development Director, John McGill, said: “Our golf day is an event that we all look forward to; it allows us to have fun, with a little friendly competition, for a great cause.

“Lovell is incredibly proud of our record of giving back and this includes some incredible charity work.

“The money we raised will really help in the fight against testicular cancer.”

John Hartson said: “On behalf of my Foundation, I’d like to thank everyone at Lovell for their amazing efforts. It was a thoroughly enjoyable golf day.

“It was a great team effort, but a special mention to Lee-Ann Reynolds for her hard work and attention to detail.

“The money raised will help my Foundation keep up our ongoing aims of raising awareness about testicular cancer and also supporting many other charities such as The Beatson and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.”

Four in five (83%) adults living with sight loss were bullied as children

New research released by Guide Dogs today to mark Anti-Bullying Week (13^th – 17^th Nov) reveals that 72% of people with sight loss said they were bullied as children because of their vision impairment
52% felt isolated in social situations when growing up
The majority admitted that being bullied as a child impacted their self-esteem (93%), with 79% experiencing feelings of loneliness at points in their childhood
Four in five visually impaired adults (84%) said they would have welcomed having a buddy dog from Guide Dogs, with 78% saying it would have boosted their confidence
As the leading provider of services for children who are visually impaired in the UK, charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the impact sight loss can have on a child or young person

Four in five (83%) people living with sight loss in the UK were bullied as children – 21% more than people without a vision impairment* – and a shocking 72% said they believed they were bullied as a direct result of their vision impairment.

Many said their experiences led to feelings of low self-esteem (93%), anxiety (62%) and loneliness (52%) when they were young. Thankfully, three quarters (71%) of those with a vision impairment said they had grown in confidence as adults and now feel happier in social situations.

Each year, over 1,400 families are told that their child is losing their sight¹. This can be a challenging and isolating time.

Since 2012, Guide Dogs has run the buddy dogs service, matching children who are blind or partially sighted with dogs to help them develop their self-confidence, make friends and positively impact their wellbeing.

Buddy dogs are dogs that are deemed to be more suited to living with a young person and their family than working as guide dogs and the positive impact they have can be transformational.

Four in five (84%) adults with vision impairments say that they would have welcomed a buddy dog in their lives as a child, with four in five (83%) saying it would have helped them feel less isolated, 81% saying it would have boosted their self-esteem and over three quarters (78%) saying it would have increased their social confidence.

Adults living with sight loss say that the top three most valuable benefits of Guide Dogs’ buddy dogs service is that the dog provides companionship (66%), increases the owner’s confidence (52%), and helps young people live their lives more fully (49%).

Harvey has always had a vision impairment since he was little, but was only registered visually impaired five years ago. In 2022, Harvey was bullied and as a result he stopped going to school and took a year out of his education.

Since welcoming buddy dog Alfie in October 2022, Harvey’s life has turned around. He started a new college this year and is continuing to make positive steps towards regaining his confidence.

Harvey, aged 15 from Devon, tells us: “I wasn’t at school when we got Alfie. I didn’t have a routine and was sleeping a lot but when Alfie came, he gave me something to do. I wasn’t as lonely anymore.

“We take him out for walks in the forest and we’ve even taken him on holiday this year! He’s definitely helped since I left school, I don’t feel as lonely as he’s always there. I wouldn’t change it. I love his character and he has so much love for everyone.”

Harvey’s mum Adele adds: “When Alfie walks in the room, you see it in Harvey’s face, it lights up. He lost his way a bit after everything that happened at school but his Habilitation Specialist told us about buddy dogs.

“It was incredible to find out Guide Dogs provide so much more than just guide dogs. Having Alfie has been life changing for Harvey. It has rebuilt his confidence and allowed him to return to education.”

As the leading provider of services for children who are visually impaired in the UK, charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the impact sight loss can have on a child or young person this Anti-Bullying Week.

Mark Sanderson, Assistant Director of Children, Young People and Families at Guide Dogs, said: “It is vital that people with vision impairments are able to live full and happy lives. Sadly, our research shows that this is not always happening.

“With 92% visually impaired adults saying they struggled with childhood confidence, and over half (52%) having battled feelings of isolation, it’s clear there’s a real need for the wide range of services we have for children who are living with sight loss.

“Our buddy dogs have a truly transformative impact in helping children develop a sense of fun and trust, so we want everyone to know about the huge benefits they bring and encourage those who could benefit to sign up for a life-changing friendship.”

Funds donated to the Guide Dogs charity go towardshelping provide life-changing services for people with sight loss, including buddy dogs, to help support children with vision impairments.

Find out more about the life changing service that buddy dogs can provide and how your donation helps at www.guidedogs.org.uk

Edinburgh schoolboys present sustainable building plans at the Houses of Parliament

A group of students from Scotland’s leading independent day and boarding school for boys, Merchiston Castle School, spoke at the Houses of Parliament in October as part of the British International Education Association’s Youth STEM Forum.

Five of Merchiston’s students were selected to speak at the Forum after winning the prestigious Sustainable Building Design Award in the British International Education Association’s international STEM competition.

Competing with hundreds of other schools from across the globe, including Poland, Pakistan, Canada and Spain, the Edinburgh pupils’ extensive research, pragmatic approach and pioneering design saw Merchiston receive the prestigious STEM award.

Fuelled by predictions that much of Leith will succumb to flooding by 2030, the boys designed a versatile, flood-resistant yet energy-efficient building.

The comprehensive final report showcased a meticulously crafted solution that could be adapted to diverse global locales, demonstrating the groups’ creativity, foresight, and pragmatism in addressing the climate emergency.

Mrs Chapman, Merchiston’s MerchiSTEM coordinator, said of the win: “The British International Education Association STEM competition allows pupils to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.

“This draws on and further develops a variety of skills our pupils already have, such as primary and secondary research, report writing, analysing information and visual presentation methods.

“Merchiston’s extracurricular STEM group, MerchiSTEM, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved. Speaking at the Houses of Parliament about their design proposal was an incredible opportunity, and one I am sure the boys will not forget for some time!”

Fergus W, a member of Merchiston’s winning team, described the win as “incredibly rewarding”.

He added: “Speaking at the Houses of Parliament was a huge privilege, and we were very proud to be there – and grateful to our teachers for their support.

“As young people, we think it is very important for us to share our opinion on serious, current issues such as Climate Change as this will impact our future.

“We hope that we are listened to and considered in any future planning to do with sustainability so that we can contribute to planning and preparing for our future.”