School’s out for summer and parents will be making important decisions about childcare over the next few weeks.
There isn’t a legal minimum age for a child to stay home or go out alone and parents often call the NSPCC Helpline to ask for advice on the appropriate age.
There’s no set rule for all because every child is different, but between work appointments and other family commitments, it’s inevitable that parents will have to consider whether to leave their child home alone at some point.
It can be difficult to know what’s best and with this in mind here’s some guidance about when it’s safe for your child to be home alone.
Infants and young children aged 0-3 years old should never be left alone – even for 15 minutes while you pop down the road. This also applies to leaving them in your car while you run into the shops.
While every child is different, we wouldn’t recommend leaving a child under 12 years old home alone, particularly for long periods of time.
It’s important to talk to your child about anything they may be worried about. Regularly checking how they feel can pinpoint any concerns and help you decide if they are ready to be left alone.
A child who doesn’t feel comfortable about staying alone should never be left home alone. Even if they are older, they may not be ready to look after themselves or know what to do in an emergency.
We have checklists to help keep children safe, visit:
Childline is also here for them. They can speak to a trained counsellor for FREE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk
Underage drinking plays a huge part in antisocial behaviour, crime and violence in local communities. One of the ways young people get their hands on alcohol is to ask an adult to buy it for them. This is called proxy purchasing – and it’s a criminal offence.
Buy alcohol for someone under 18 and you could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to 3 months in prison. Or both.
Eleven more areas in Scotland are at an increased risk of water scarcity in the latest situation report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today.
The Dee, Firth of Forth, Almond and Tyne catchment areas have been raised to Moderate Scarcity.
The Clyde, Helmsdale, Earn and Spey catchments are now at Alert.
The Ness, Nith and Doon catchments have reached Early Warning
It comes after SEPA warned last week conditions were unlikely to improve as dry weather continues, leading to low river and groundwater levels.
SEPA is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating steps to manage water resources in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan.
This includes advising businesses that abstract water in Moderate Scarcity areas to only do so when absolutely necessary, stagger their operations, reduce volumes and durations or suspend abstractions altogether.
Abstractors in Alert areas should plan ahead and work with neighbouring water users to schedule abstractions where possible.
In Early Warning areas, the advice is for businesses to consider their upcoming water requirements and to check equipment for any leaks.
If the water scarcity risk level reaches Significant, then SEPA will consider whether restrictions on abstractions will be required to protect the water environment.
Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Crichlow-Watton, said: “The situation continues to deteriorate in the east of the country, with most areas now in Alert or Moderate Scarcity level.
“We’re also now seeing conditions worsen in the south-west and businesses that rely on water in this part of the country should also be thinking about how to be more efficient.
“Water scarcity is a very real threat as a result of climate change, and one which affects multiple industries across Scotland including agriculture, whisky production, golf and hydropower.
“We continue to support businesses across sectors to plan for and manage these conditions now and in the future.
“However, where businesses deliberately fail to follow abstraction licenses set out by SEPA, we will take appropriate enforcement action to protect the environment.”
For more information on water scarcity, as well as the latest report, visit:
For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.
Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England early next week, with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.
The Red Extreme heat national severe weather warning will cover Monday and Tuesday (18th and 19th July) for parts of central, northern, eastern and southeastern England.
An Amber Extreme heat warning, has been in place for much of England and Wales for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (17th – 19thJuly) since earlier this week. Today the amber areas are also being extended to cover Cornwall, west Wales and parts of southern Scotland.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen, said “Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures are likely early next week, quite widely across the red warning area on Monday, and focussed a little more east and north on Tuesday. Currently there is a 50% chance we could see temperatures top 40°C and 80% we will see a new maximum temperature reached.
“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”
The step up in warning level to red is running parrel to an increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency.
The high pressure near the southern half of the UK, which has been responsible for this week’s warm weather, continues to dominate bringing largely dry and clear weather for most.
However, during the weekend, a developing southerly flow will allow very high temperatures currently building over the continent to start to spread northwards into the UK. Further north, eastern areas of Scotland could see temperatures in in the high 20°C in a few places, well above their average for the time of year.
Will we get record-breaking heat?
This is the first time we have forecast 40°C in the UK. The current record high temperature in the UK is 38.7°C, which was reached at Cambridge Botanic Garden on 25 July in 2019.
Weather forecast models are run numerous times to help us quantify the likelihood of a particular event occurring and estimate the uncertainty which is always present in weather forecasting to some degree. Some models are now producing a 50% chance of maximum temperatures in excess of 40°C in isolated parts of the UK for the start of next week. Mid, to high, 30s Celsius will be seen more widely with an 80% chance we will exceed the current record.
What happens after Tuesday
Temperatures are expected to start to return closer to normal for the time of year from the middle of next week onwards as cooler air pushes across the country from the west.
“We hoped we wouldn’t get to this situation but for the first time ever we are forecasting greater than 40°C in the UK” said Dr Nikos Christidis, cllimate attribution scientist at the Met Office.
“In a recent study we found that the likelihood of extremely hot days in the UK has been increasing and will continue to do so during the course of the century, with the most extreme temperatures expected to be observed in the southeast of England.
“Climate change has already influenced the likelihood of temperature extremes in the UK. The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence.
“The likelihood of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in a given year has also been rapidly increasing, and, even with current pledges on emissions reductions, such extremes could be taking place every 15 years in the climate of 2100.”
A recent Met Office study found that summers which see days above 40°C somewhere in the UK have a return time of 100-300 years at present, even with current pledges on emissions reductions this can decrease to 15 years by 2100.
Extreme heat events do occur within natural climate variation due to changes in global weather patterns. However, the increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of these events over recent decades is clearly linked to the observed warming of the planet and can be attributed to human activity.
The chances of seeing 40°C days in the UK could be as much as 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a natural climate unaffected by human influence. The likelihood of exceeding 40°C anywhere in the UK in a given year has also been rapidly increasing
Whilst a 1°C background temperature increase may not seem significant, the resulting increase in the severity of extreme heat events is already evident in the observed record. This has widespread and significant impacts.
Advice
A Level 4 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert has been issued for Monday and Tuesday. This is level of alert is used when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system. At this level, illness may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of the weekend and the start of next week.
“It is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.
“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’
Peter Jenkins, Director of Campaigns, Water UK said: “Water companies are seeing substantial demand during this extremely hot weather. We can all help ensure there’s enough to go around by being mindful of the amount of water we use while ensuring we stay hydrated and safe.
“By making just small changes indoors or in the garden you can have a big impact on our water consumption. Our Water’s Worth Saving campaign has a host of helpful top-tips showing the simple things we can all do to save this precious resource, so it remains readily available now and in the future.”
Mel Clarke, Customer Service Director for Operations at National Highways, said: “It is always important to plan ahead for your journey and this advice is no different during periods of hot weather. Our advice is that everyone should check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out.”
Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.
Anonymity guaranteed to those who pass on information to Crimestoppers
The charity Crimestoppers – in partnership with Network Rail – is today launching a new campaign encouraging people to speak up about those causing harm and damage to Scotland’s countryside and their vital communities.
The initiative comes as the international tourist season returns following years of pandemic restriction.
Crimestoppers is independent of the police and gives the public an alternative option, namely, to pass on what they know about crime whilst never giving any personal details.
With many people planning trips to the countryside, the anticipated impact of large visitor numbers and effects of rural crime can be devastating to the environment.
Over 95% of Scotland is classed as rural and NFU Mutual estimate that rural crime costs Scotland around £1.8 million annually, with levels reportedly increasing.
Whilst the volume of crime in rural areas is lower than in urban locations, the consequences within a rural community or environment often has a much deeper and far-reaching impact, both on the victim and community as a whole.
Crimestoppers, together with Police Scotland and wider rural and environmental organisations, are asking the public to spot the signs of rural crime and give information 100% anonymously.
The key crimes that Scotland’s rural areas experience are:
• House-breaking
• Theft of farm equipment, vehicles and machinery
• Livestock-related crimes: theft and dog attacks
• Fly-tipping and industrial waste dumping
• Hare coursing and badger baiting
• Fuel theft – domestic and commercial
• Heritage & cultural property crime including illegal metal detecting
• Wildlife crime
• Wilful fire-raising
Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “‘Many of us will be enjoying the stunning scenery, events and activities Scotland has to offer.
“Our campaign is encouraging the public to be aware of the harm rural crime and anti-social behaviour can inflict on the environment and the economy, from heritage crime, to wilful fire-raising and theft, these crimes often go unreported and can ruin lives, livelihoods and the rural environment.”
Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: ““Scotland’s Railway plays a vital role in connecting people with communities and attractions across the country, so it’s hugely important to us to help our partners protect rural areas from crime.
“We will be sharing the campaign’s message with passengers and railway staff will also be equipped with information on what to look out for.”
Inspector Alan Dron, Rural & Acquisitive Crime Coordinator for Police Scotland, added: “The majority of individuals wanting to experience Scotland’s stunning cultural, historic and natural environments have a desire to do so responsibly and in accordance with the law.
“Unfortunately, the consequences of a rural incident or crime often has a deeper and far-reaching impact plus access rights are not an excuse for anti-social or illegal behaviour. Please respect our rural communities and countryside, leave no trace of your visit and don’t let any individuals spoil your experience.”
Postcards and posters will be shared across Scotland, coupled with a social media campaign highlighting the key crimes affecting rural areas.
A Drumbrae children’s nursery have been so inspired by one of their children that they decided to organise a sponsored walk and obstacle course to raise funds for specialist disability charity, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.
One year old Arthur MacDonald, a pupil at the local nursery, has spina bifida myelomeningocele. He was the first baby in Edinburgh to have his spina bifida lesion operated on whilst still in his mother’s womb through a pioneering in-utero surgery in Brussels. Despite the eventful start to his life, he continues to amaze his family every day with his progress.
It’s this inspirational story, as well as his cheery disposition, that was the trigger for the Drumbrae Edinburgh nursery to organise a sponsored walk around the outskirts of Fauldburn Park, raising funds for SBH Scotland, who offer support to children and families affected by these disabilities.
The sun shone and over 50 children, siblings, parents and pooches set off on their walk and raising an amazing £2,293.60 in the process.
Gayle Sim, Administrator at the nursery said:“Arthur is a lovely wee boy, and we are delighted he and his parents chose us as his nursery. We could think of no better charity to choose as our nominated charity for the year than SBH Scotland and this seemed the perfect way to start our fundraising.
She continued: “We’re overwhelmed at having raised such a phenomenal amount and we can’t wait to raise more for this amazing charity throughout the year. A massive thank you to everyone who got involved.”
SBH Scotland provide a lifetime commitment of support and information to anyone affected by the rare, complex disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. They offer a range of services across Scotland including 1-2-1 support in home, hospital and nurseries/schools, a helpline, an adapted holiday cottage, health and wellness clinics and support groups.
Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland said:“We’re incredibly grateful to the nursery as their generous donation will go towards our family support service which provides key workers, who can offer personalised support and run activities and clubs for families like the MacDonald/Milligan’s.
“Each year we need to raise £1million pounds and without donations like this, we wouldn’t be there for families at a time when they need us the most.” If you are affected by spina bifida and would like support or information, please visit www.sbhscotland.org.uk.
If you’d like to create your own fundraising challenge or take part in a sponsored activity please contact Lynsey Hamilton, Fundraising Manager, on 03455 211 600 or email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk
The city council wants to know your thoughts on Community Payback Orders (CPO). These alternatives to custodial sentences are given out by the Court as a way for people to pay for their crimes.
In particular, it wants to know what you think about the unpaid work part of a CPO, which replaced community service in 2011. This is when an individual who has committed an offence does unpaid work within the community.
Have you experienced people doing unpaid work in your community?
Do you believe unpaid work gives people the opportunity to repay the community for their offences?
Do you have any thoughts about residents, community projects or organisations who could benefit from unpaid work support by individuals completing CPOs?
These questions and a desire to improve service delivery is why the city council has launched it’s annual consultation in line with their commitments to the Scottish Government.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Committee Convener, said: “We are taking a dynamic and evaluative approach to Community Payback Orders and the views of our citizens are crucial to this process.
“One major goal of the consultation is to find new areas and opportunities in the capital for unpaid work to be undertaken. Past examples of this work include community clear-ups, repainting community centres and the ‘Brake The Cycle’ scheme, wherein individuals serving CPOs are involved in renovating bicycles, learning new skills and gaining confidence in themselves and their wider community.
“These along with other activities allow key organisations such as charities to receive support whilst simultaneously allowing individuals serving CPOs to give back to their communities.
“Through this consultation and collection of information we want to promote more discussion with communities about unpaid work opportunities. These processes are key to properly understanding how CPOs help not only the individuals serving them in terms of reoffending, but the tangible benefits these brings to communities across our capital city.”
This consultation is open now and will run until 25 September 2022.
First Minister: ‘Independence can strengthen and embed democracy in Scotland’
The only way Scotland can ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of its people is with independence, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday, as new analysis was published showing the extent to which the UK Government can override decisions taken by the Scottish Parliament.
The second paper in the Building a New Scotland series, Renewing Democracy through Independence, outlines how under the current system it is still only the UK’s Government and Parliament that can make decisions about certain issues that impact significantly on people’s daily lives in areas such as:
whether Scotland should be in the EU; devolution did not protect Scotland from being taken out of the EU against the clear views of the majority (62%) of Scottish voters in the 2016 referendum, nor from the “hard” form of Brexit imposed by the UK Government
key energy policies, such as levels of support for renewable projects, and an overall energy strategy that reflects Scotland’s net zero targets
on cutting or increasing taxes, pensions and benefits like Universal Credit; the Scottish Government spent £100 million to mitigate the effects of UK Government austerity policies in 2019 alone and protect low-income families in Scotland
powers over migration – despite Scotland being the only part of the UK where the number of people of working age is expected to fall over the next 25 years, meaning we need to attract talent from overseas.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today’s paper focusses on democracy and democratic renewal. It exposes the significant and increasing democratic deficit that Scotland suffers as part of the Union.
“It shows that, far from being abstract, this inbuilt deficit has real life consequences for individuals, families and businesses across Scotland – from the impact of austerity to the implications of a Brexit we did not vote for.
“And it argues that only independence can both strengthen and embed democracy in Scotland – and provide a secure foundation from which to overcome challenges and fulfil our potential.
“This discussion could not be more timely or urgent. The democratic deficit Scotland faces is not a recent phenomenon – it has been there throughout devolution – but the evidence of it now is starker than ever.
“The fact is independence is not just the best route to renewing and securing democracy in Scotland – which is, in turn, so essential to building the economic and social future we want. Independence is the only credible route.
“That is why offering Scotland the choice of independence – a policy mandated by the Scottish people – is so essential.”
The Scottish Tories are clear in their opposition to Ms Sturgeon”s priorites:
Scottish Liberal Democrats deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “This week we saw the worst ever waiting times in our A&E departments and soaring demand for foodbanks in Scotland.
“Energy bills are sky rocketing and families are struggling to put food on the table.
“It is clear that the cost of living crisis and the A&E crisis require our governments to focus on the problems affecting people now and get to work on fixing them.
“Yet today, Nicola Sturgeon instead decided to announce the latest entry in her series of papers for an unwanted independence referendum.
“Rather than spending taxpayers’ money on this series of vanity publishing exercises, the Scottish Government should be putting every penny to work to help people with the cost-of-living crisis.
“That’s where the energies of every minister should be focused, not on independence.”
AN Edinburgh Labour MSP has lambasted the Scottish Government’s record on the health service.
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s response to A&E waiting times, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Scottish Government’s announcement of £50 million to address A&E waiting lists is both inadequate and poorly targeted for the scale of the crisis the NHS is now in. We are told it includes ‘alternatives to hospital-based treatment’ but given little detail about how this will be implemented or fit in to our existing care system.
“The crisis in the NHS is not limited to just A&E departments – it is systemic. I now regularly hear from constituents who cannot get NHS GP, dentist, or audiology appointments. When people are increasingly struggling to access primary care, it is no surprise that A&E departments are feeling the strain. Earlier this year I raised with the First Minister the fact that almost two fifths of cancers in Scotland are only being diagnosed at A&E, which is a sad indictment of the state of primary care in our country.
“I recently wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care about the inaccessibility of GP appointments, with many of my constituents frustrated at what they feel is a morning telephone lottery for appointments. I was very disappointed by the response I got back, which suggested that my constituents should complain to their GP’s practice manager, as if this were not a systemic problem repeated in GP services across Lothian and indeed Scotland.
“It is simply not good enough for the Scottish Government to pass the buck to NHS staff on these issues, particularly when there is already poor morale within the health service as patients are increasingly frustrated by waiting times. The crisis of access across the NHS is putting lives at risk. The Scottish Government must now act to remedy it.”
This month, two world leaders in gender equality will join forces to further support women’s and girls’ health and rights.
Together these two organizations will form one of the largest networks for women’s empowerment in the world. Following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the right to an abortion in the US, it is imperative strong activists and advocacy groups come together than ever before.
“Women’s March Global is honored to find a new home as part of the White Ribbon Alliance,” says Betsy Scolnik, former board chair of Women’s March Global. “Our organizations are deeply aligned in our beliefs and in the fight for women, girls and gender diverse people’s equality.”
“We are both very excited to enter this new chapter of our work,” says Kristy Kade, CEO of White Ribbon Alliance. “We look forward to the day that every woman, girl, and gender-diverse person has the respect, equality, dignity, and autonomy they deserve.”
Women’s March Global began in 2017 when millions of women and allies around the world took to the streets to have their voices heard. The global movement is now a network with thousands of members around the world who continue to take action and advance women’s human rights.
White Ribbon Alliance and Women’s March Global will work closely with chapters and partners in the coming months to build a stronger community.
A town hall meeting will also be taking place in the near future that will further amplify the incredible work this shared community will be doing.
