North Edinburgh News – Page 309 – The NEN

34,200 families in Scotland avoid the Hallowe’en chills by using Tax-Free Childcare

More than 34,200 families in Scotland received an average of £100 towards their monthly childcare bills in June 2025
Working families encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare as UK Government top-ups totalled £57.7 million
Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change

Working families are encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare ahead of the spooky school holidays to avoid tricky childcare bills as latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show 34,255 families in Scotland got a savings treat in June.

Paying childcare bills through a Tax-Free Childcare account can save working families up to £2,000 per year for each of their children up to the age of 11 or £4,000 per year up to the age of 16 if the child is disabled.

HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now to take advantage of savings on their half term childcare.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Hallowe’en doesn’t need to be a tricky time for childcare bills. Whether you’re working and have a child in a holiday club or taking time off and planning term-time care, paying your bills with Tax-Free Childcare can help. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”

Once a Tax-Free Childcare account is open, for every £8 parents deposit in their child’s account, the government tops it up by £2. Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.

In June, the government paid a total of £57.7 million in top-ups to Tax-Free Childcare accounts which means each family received, on average, more than £100 to be used towards their childcare bills.

Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay toward any approved childcare for their child – so that’s nursery for younger children or, for older children who are in school, wraparound childcare, after-school and holiday clubs.

Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:

have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11^th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16^th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility.

Dig, Create, Celebrate with Earth in Common this weekend

SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER from 10am – 1pm at VICTORIA PARK

Join us at our new crofts for a day of creativity, connection, and community spirit!

Meet the team behind the redevelopment of our urban space, get hands-on with soil investigations, hula-hoop making or simply come by for a chat with us and your neighbours.

Let’s shape the future of our space—together.

Victoria Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm

St Margaret’s Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm

Benefit Organ Recital in Honour of Nancy Blaik MBE, Co-Founder of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland

Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church will host a special Organ Recital on Friday, 17 October 2025, at 7:00 pm, honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of Nancy Blaik, MBE, a pioneering charity volunteer and co-founder of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Nancy Blaik, MBE (1936–2025), was a tireless Edinburgh charity volunteer and founding force behind CHAS.Blind from childhood and inspired by the needs of her so Daniel, Nancy dedicated her life to creating Scotland’s first children’s hospice, Rachel House in Kinross, which opened in 1996.

Awarded the MBE in 1997, Nancy’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and determination—ensuring that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone. She died from pneumonia, after living her final years with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Lewy Body Dementia.

The recital will feature renowned organist Dr John Kitchen, MBE – Edinburgh City Organist, University of Edinburgh scholar, and internationally recognised performer and recording artist.

Dr Kitchen will present a programme of organ music celebrating the power of music to inspire and uplift, while raising vital support for CHAS and LifeCare – a local charity which provides vital support to people within the local community.

Rev. Laurene M. Lafontaine, Minister, Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church said: “It is a privilege for Broughton St Mary’s to host this special recital in honour of Nancy Blaik, whose life was a remarkable witness to courage, compassion, and service.

“This evening will be both a celebration of music and a reminder of the power of community to carry forward her legacy of care for children, families, and neighbours in need.”

Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS: “We are so thrilled to have the support of Broughton St Marys Parish Church, while celebrating the remarkable lady that was one of our Founders.

“Nancy was and still is an inspiration to so many and it is wonderful to see her legacy continuing, helping CHAS flourish and support children and their families across Scotland, when they need it most.”

Sarah van Putten LifeCare CEO said “We are deeply grateful to be a beneficiary of this event alongside CHAS.

Nancy’s story embodies the very spirit of care and resilience that inspires our work with older people and families here in Edinburgh.

“This recital is not only a tribute to her, but also a vital source of support for those who rely on LifeCare’s services every day.”

Event Details

Benefit Organ Recital in Honour of Nancy Blaik, MBE
Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, 12 Bellevue Crescent, Edinburgh
Suggested donation: £10–15 (or more at your discretion) at the event or via the Broughton St. Mary’s Website
Beneficiaries: CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) (Registered charity no SC019724) and LifeCare, Edinburgh (Registered charity no SC012641)

https://www.justgiving.com/page/laurene-lafontaine-1759497198423?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

490 Scottish breakfast clubs receive funding boost

Hundreds of new and expanded breakfast clubs are supporting thousands of children start the day with a healthy meal and increased access to activities thanks to Scottish Government funding.

490 breakfast clubs are helping more than 20,000 children and their families across the whole country. The clubs combine access to a nutritious breakfast with before-school childcare and activities.

Supported by nearly £3 million from the Scottish Government’s Bright Start Breakfasts Fund, 142 new services have been introduced and a further 348 clubs have expanded their services offering additional hours of childcare, activities like loose parts and active play as well as places available for more children.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville visited one of the new services this morning (Friday 10 October) at Abbeyview Kids Club in Dunfermline.

The Cabinet Secretary met some of the families who are benefiting from the new club, as well as service managers, to hear about the difference it is making to the health and financial wellbeing of families in the local community.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms Somerville said: “The expansion of breakfast club services is an integral part of our mission to eradicate child poverty.

“Breakfast clubs are community staples and provide a warm, friendly place for children to start their day in the best possible way, while supporting parents to work or study.

“Alongside our free school meals programme, which is providing nutritious meals to more than 230,000 primary school pupils, we are ensuring that children, regardless of circumstances beyond their control, are afforded the opportunities they deserve.

“While we know that a good breakfast can improve school attendance, learning and health, these clubs also help to address food insecurity for families. That’s why we are putting more money in people’s pockets by delivering real savings and this is, in turn, is helping to build a fairer Scotland.”

Managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund has awarded £2,838,461.90 to clubs for primary-age children across the country.

Funding was prioritised for areas with low existing provision, high levels of poverty, and rural communities. The fund has reached all local authorities across Scotland, including remote communities across the Western Isles, Orkney, Argyll and Bute, and the Highlands.

Funding will allow 142 new breakfast clubs to be set up, and 348 clubs to expand their provision. The supported clubs include 261 run by Local Authorities, 109 run by third-sector organisations, 100 primary schools, and 20 are registered childcare providers or activity providers.

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said: “Breakfast clubs are a simple but powerful way to support children’s wellbeing and learning.

“By funding clubs across Scotland, we’re helping to reduce the impact of poverty and ensure more children start the day nourished, supported, and ready to learn.”

Cornton Out of School Care in Stirling was one of the successful organisations. Speaking about the funding, Treasurer Orla Bell said: “These funds are critical for our charity, so we can continue to offer a Breakfast Club for the children in our community in Cornton.

“The Club has been running for less than a year, and we are still finding our feet with it, but are in no doubt that it is a much needed and welcomed club.

“We’re extremely grateful.”

Funding will support breakfast clubs through to the end of the 2025-26 academic year, contributing to the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a year-round system of school-age childcare.

Two men arrested and charged following attempted murder in Prestonfield

Two men aged 28 have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder on Prestonfield AvenuE.

The incident happened around 9.40pm on Friday, 26 September, 2025, when a 29-year-old man was struck by a van. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Constable Joanne Roberston said: “Extensive enquiries were carried out to trace those involved and I would like to thank members of the public who got in touch.”

The men have appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Aldi rolls out in-store Reduction Zones in Edinburgh stores

Aldi is rolling out new dedicated reduction zones in stores across Edinburgh, making it even easier for shoppers to find fresh food bargains.

These clearly marked areas will feature discounted bread, fresh produce, and other perishable items nearing their use-by date – helping customers to save even more money while reducing food waste.

The move is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality food more affordable, while tackling unnecessary waste in its operations.

Items are discounted throughout the day, offering shoppers the chance to save on products that might otherwise go unsold.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our customers already know they can rely on us to provide unbeatable value, but our new reduction areas will make it even easier to pick up a last-minute bargain.

“By creating dedicated reduction zones in store we’re helping point shoppers towards quality food at cheaper prices, all while cutting down on food waste.”

Aldi separately partners with community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food from all its UK stores every day.

The supermarket also works with Too Good To Go to sell Surprise Bags that contain a range of Aldi products that are approaching their sell-by date.

Holyrood Staff Unite to Support Menopause Awareness

UK Parliaments Join Forces to Support Menopause Awareness

Staff from three UK parliaments – Holyrood, Westminster, and the Senedd – are coming together during World Menopause Month in a united commitment to supporting colleagues through every stage of life.

The three UK parliaments are hosting Menopause Cafés, supported by the Perth-based charity of the same name, and are backing its Menopause Awareness Ribbon campaign to spark open conversations about menopause and break down the stigma surrounding it.

Since forming in 2017, Menopause Café has sparked a global movement of informal ‘cafés’ worldwide, where people of all ages and genders get together either at work or in the community to discuss menopause. Since the first ever café in Perth that same year, the charity has supported over 1,800 Menopause Cafés worldwide, from the UK and the USA to Chile, Zambia, Bahrain and Portugal, empowering more than 18,000 participants to get talking.

The event at Holyrood today (Thursday 9 October 2025) was for all parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and hosted by MSPs Carol Mochan (South Scotland) and Monica Lennon (Central Scotland), representatives of the Cross-Party Women’s Health Group.

Carol Mochan MSP said, “The Menopause Café was a genuinely heartening event that gave lots of people the platform to put across their views on this vital issue.

“To be doing so in conjunction with colleagues in Cardiff and London offers hope that we can make significant progress on this issue in terms of substantial policy.”

Meanwhile, a bilingual Menopause Café for both English and Welsh speakers was held at the Senedd event on Friday 3 October and the Westminster event, hosted by the Scotland Office at Whitehall, will be held later this month on Tuesday 28 October.

Anna Daniel, Head of Strategic Transformation at the Senedd Commission, is one of the Welsh Parliament’s workplace Menopause Champions.

She said, “On World Menopause Day, 18 October 2023, the Senedd Commission proudly launched its ‘Peri/Menopause: Wellbeing in the Workplace Toolkit’, becoming the first organisation in Wales to adopt the British Standard – Menstruation, Menstrual Health, and Menopause in the Workplace: Guide.

“This October, in celebration of Menopause Awareness Month, we hosted two Menopause Cafés – an open, welcoming space to talk, listen, and learn. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to building a workplace culture that emphasises comfort, wellbeing and inclusivity.

“By raising awareness and creating space for honest, supportive conversations, we aim to make the Senedd a place where everyone is empowered to thrive.”

Rachel Weiss, Founder of Menopause Café, added, “We are thrilled that these Parliaments are holding Menopause Cafes and embracing the Menopause Awareness Ribbon campaign this month.

“Their eagerness to support both their parliamentarians and their staff sends a signal far beyond the walls of government, both symbolically and practically.

“By openly acknowledging and supporting menopause awareness, our Parliaments can help drive conversation across every workplace, inspiring a UK-wide commitment to improving workplace culture.

“This united front also sets the tone for future legislation and higher standards as, by embracing menopause awareness internally, they’re better placed to shape inclusive policies externally.”

Order a box of Menopause Awareness ribbons or single ribbons from:

www.menopausecafe.net

Thousands of carers’ benefits transferred

Scotland’s carers getting more financial support through Social Security Scotland

Around 118,000 unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance have had their benefit awards safely and securely transferred to Social Security Scotland’s Carer Support Payment.

Carer Support Payment began rolling out across Scotland in November 2023 to replace Carer’s Allowance delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Since the formation of Social Security Scotland in 2018, the Scottish Government has delivered more financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland under a very different social security system, rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement provides up to £587 a year while Young Carer Grant offers over £390 each year to carers aged 16-18 years. These payments are only available in Scotland.

Carer Support Payment has also been extended to enable more carers in full time education to access the payment.

Further improvements to carer benefits in Scotland are planned within the next six months. This includes extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and a new payment worth up to £520 a year for carers who are caring for more than one person.

Extending eligibility for financial support following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks is also amongst the plans.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We are supporting over 126,000 unpaid carers in Scotland through devolved carer benefits, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving social security, under a kinder system that treats people with dignity and respect.

“It was always our intention that once carers’ benefits had successfully transferred to Carer Support Payment, we’d deliver even more changes to help make a difference to carers’ lives.

“Unpaid carers make a huge contribution within our communities and I’m proud to be able to improve the financial support available to them in Scotland.”

World Mental Health Day

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – 10th OCTOBER 2025

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

This year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

TIPS TO MANAGE OVERWHELM

WMHD25_overwhelm_tips_EN_white Download

One week left to apply for Miller Homes Community Fund

Miller Homes Community Fund open for second round of 2025 applications
Funding pot of £10,000 available to support community projects across Scotland

Miller Homes, Scotland’s leading homebuilder, is inviting local groups and causes near its West Craigs Manor and Edgelaw View developments in Edinburgh to apply for the second round of its Community Fund in 2025, offering those in need within its development areas a share of £10,000.

Applications are open and will close on Wednesday 15 October 2025.

Since launching in 2022, the Community Fund has made a meaningful difference to local communities across Scotland, awarding £344,000 in grants to 538 organisations. The initiative has helped a wide range of projects, from supporting foodbanks, sports teams, music groups and creative spaces.

So far in 2025 Community Fund has supported eight groups across Scotland with a share of £10,000, with groups including Linlithgow Community First Responders, Clackmannan Community FC 2017’s, Bonnyrigg Rose Community Foodball Club, and more.

David McGrath, Executive Managing Director for Miller Homes Scotland and North said: “At Miller Homes, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities where we build.

“Through Community Fund, we’ve been able to support many groups across Scotland, whether that’s by helping them launch new initiatives or by ensuring they can continue their valuable work in the local community.

“We look forward to seeing the creative and impactful ways local organisations plan to use this round of funding.”

Applicants will be asked to outline how they plan to use the funding to benefit their local community. Grants will range from a minimum of £250 to a maximum of £2,000. Applications will be reviewed in November, with funding awarded in December 2025.

For more information on the Community Fund or how to apply, visit:

https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund

PICTURED: Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club General Manager Jim Wilson, Development Manager Trish Sime, and Miller Homes’ Development Sales Manager Jenna Fordyce (© Phil Wilkinson Photography)