Findings from the biggest listening exercise ever undertaken on Scottish education have been published.
The National Discussion asked the public for their views and reached 38,000 people, including 26,000 pupils and students. Key findings from the report All Learners in Scotland Matter: Our National Discussion include:
the views and needs of children and young people, parents, carers, families and communities should be listened to, heard, respected, represented, engaged, and valued
a regular curriculum review process should be established
the future education system should capitalise upon and harness the abilities, skills, and talents of all children and young people in Scotland
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: ““The National Discussion has prompted around 38,000 people across Scotland to make their voices heard about the future of education. The engagement was wide-ranging and encompassed views that can too often be overlooked.
“The central message of the report, that all learners in Scotland matter, will now be the guiding vision that underpins our programme of education reform.
“I am grateful to everyone who took part, including the schools, community groups, local authorities and third sector organisations that hosted events. This vision is the starting point as we look to the future. The challenge for all of us in Scottish education now is to work together to make this vision a reality.”
The independent report was commissioned by the Scottish Government and COSLA and facilitated by Professor Carol Campbell and Professor Alma Harris, who are both members of the International Council of Education Advisers.
Professor Campbell: “It has been a great privilege to facilitate the National Discussion.
“I am delighted that the vision for All Learners in Scotland Matter will be central to ensuring an ambitious, supportive, and inclusive Scottish education system.”
Professor Harris said: “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the National Discussion.
“Every single contribution has been hugely valuable and has enabled us to develop the vision, values, and Call to Action that will shape the future landscape of education in Scotland.”
Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson said: “I am delighted so many got involved in the discussion and would like to thank Professor Harris, Professor Campbell and all the children, young people, parents/carers and school staff who took part.
“COSLA’s Children and Young People Board are set to consider the findings of this discussion when they meet this week, and we are looking forward to working with our partners across the education system as we respond.”
“No animal exists for our entertainment, to suffer for the sake of a souvenir photograph, to live a life blighted by cruelty for the instant click of a camera. So, join us. Be a voice for the voiceless. Pledge not to take a ‘Selfish Selfie’ and be part of a movement toward a fairer, kinder world, for all living creatures.” – Dame Virginia McKenna, Born Free’s Co-Founder & Trustee
Thousands of wild animals are being held captive, abused and exploited for financial gain in the souvenir photo prop industry.
Holidaymakers & tourists are unknowingly risking their own health & safety due to potential spread of disease and attack from deeply distressed animals.
Born Free is calling on the public to act urgently to end this suffering and to pledge not to take ‘Selfish Selfies’.
Born Free’s powerful report, ‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’, is released today.
Today, 1st June 2023: As thousands of Britons prepare to head abroad on their holidays in the coming months, international wildlife charity Born Free is calling on holidaymakers to back its campaign to end the cruel, exploitative, and dangerous practice of using wild animals for souvenir photos, by pledging not to take ‘Selfish Selfies’ this summer.
Around the world, countless captive creatures are being abused and exploited for financial gain at tourist hotspots, attractions, and zoos. This exploitation is capitalising on the public’s ‘love’ of animals, their desire to get close to, and even touch, wild, exotic species, and to have that moment captured on camera.
However, many holidaymakers are unaware of the poor conditions and barbaric treatment these animals often experience. Distressingly, the rise of social media and the aspiration for the perfect selfie, or timeline shot, is now perpetuating this brutal, money-making industry.
The true extent of the cruelty behind the camera clicks in the captive animal photo industry is revealed in Born Free’s powerful report, ‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’, released today.
The study highlights the serious animal welfare issues, threats to species in the wild, and the public health and safety risks associated with the use of captive wild animals as living props.
While the cruelty may not be immediately evident, animals exploited as photo props may have been subject to any number of cruel practices, including:
Capture from the wild: Photo prop animals are often forcibly removed from their mothers and family groups as babies.
Mutilation: Many have their teeth and claws removed to stop them biting or scratching, and birds may have their wings clipped or pinioned to prevent them flying away.
Manipulation: Photo prop animals may be dressed up, chained, tethered or even sedated using drugs, often concealed in feeding bottles.
Distress: Constant handling and exposure to sun, noise, camera flashes and crowds can be extremely stressful.
Poor housing and care: Photo prop animals may be forced to live in cramped conditions, often suffer malnutrition, and lack medical treatment.
Many animals used for photo opportunities are the innocent victims of the illegal wildlife trade and are taken from the wild, often using cruel trapping methods, or torn from their family groups.
Their mothers and other group members may be killed or injured while trying to defend their babies. These terrified, defenceless animals are stuffed into sacks or cages and taken away to be sold. This horrific trade directly impacts the worrying decrease in populations of endangered, threatened and vulnerable species.
‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’ lays bare the danger and distress caused to the animals involved. But the report also highlights another, less apparent, danger: the potential harm to human health.
The high risk posed to people from contact with captive wild animals cannot be underestimated. Wild animals are naturally unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when they are stressed and kept in appalling conditions.
As a result, there have been incidents where direct contact with captive wild animals, including posing with animals for photos and selfies, has resulted in human injury and even death.
The report also underlines concerns about the spread of disease. Many animals are carriers of zoonotic pathogens, organisms that can spread from animals to people. These pathogens are most likely to spread in situations where the animals are distressed and in close contact with people, such as during photo prop sessions.
There are hundreds of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans, including rabies, hepatitis, botulism and salmonellosis, and close contact with an animal may cause infection or the disease to spread.
Born Free is determined to end this dangerous and exploitative industry and is asking the public to take a stand and not have a photo taken with, or pose for selfies with, captive wild animals.
To take action, the first, vital step is to go to www.bornfree.org.uk/selfish-selfies and pledge not to take or be involved in a ‘Selfish Selfie’ this summer. Then share that important message on social media.
There are other important actions the public can take, as tourists and consumers:
Don’t visit or book excursions to facilities that include close contact or photo opportunities with captive wild animals.
Don’t like or share social media posts showing your friends or celebrities posing with captive wild animals.
If you witness animals being used as photo props during an organised tour or excursion, express your disapproval directly to your tour guide or rep. If a hotel, restaurant or other business is involved, complain to the management.
Make a note of the location where photo prop animals were seen. If possible, and it is safe to do so, take a photo or video of the scene. Submit a report via Born Free’s ‘Raise the Red Flag’ online form at bornfree.org.uk/red-flag-report.
Born Free strongly believes the responsibility doesn’t lie only with the public. National governments need to develop, pass and enforce legislation to address animal welfare concerns and protect precious wildlife.
There needs to be better regulation of the global travel industry to prohibit the advertising and sale of activities that negatively impact animal welfare. Travel companies and tour operators need to ensure that they don’t promote or sell excursions that feature animal photo props and close contact activities with captive wild animals.
And social media corporations need to make the publishing of a ‘Selfish Selfie’ a reportable animal cruelty issue.
For decades Born Free has fought for the welfare and freedom from abuse for all captive wild creatures. The troubling prominence of the wild animal photo prop industry in the social media age is the modern face of this battle, one that that the organisation will continue to campaign to end at every level.
‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’ clearly shows that by working together, the public, holidaymakers, the tourism industry and social media companies can achieve transformative change and end this exploitative industry. Born Free believes the power is literally in all of our hands. Pledge not to take that picture and stop the suffering caused by ‘Selfish Selfies’ – for animals, for humans and for a kinder, fairer world.
Will Travers OBE, Born Free’s Co-Founder and Executive President said, “Selfish Selfies, the taking of selfie photos with captive live animals, has been one of the least understood forms of animal abuse, until now.
“It seems such an innocent activity and yet, as our report shows, the negative impacts on the health and welfare of the animals involved, and on the people taking part, who risk injury or the possibility of contracting a disease, and who, without realising it, are perpetuating a brutal and cruel activity that causes immense trauma and suffering, can no longer be ignored.
“I would urge everyone to read the report and to pledge never to have their photo taken with a captive wild animal, however tempting it may be. I also call on all social media platforms to make the publishing of a Selfish Selfie, a reportable animal cruelty issue.”
Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s Head of Policy added, “The chance to get as close as possible to wild animals, perhaps even touch and hold them, is often a strong temptation.
“This temptation is exploited by those wanting to profit at the expense of the animals involved and it has sadly become increasingly common for captive wild animals to be used as living props for souvenir photos and selfie opportunities at popular tourist destinations and attractions around the world.
“People might question what real harm that one quick ‘must have’ photo could cause, but it should be remembered that there are many other people handling or posing with the same animal, every single day, with serious health and welfare implications for the animals, health and safety risks for any people involved, and threats to species in the wild.”
Sarah Jefferson, Born Free’s Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator, concluded, “Born Free strongly advises people not to support the animal photo prop industry or pose for selfies with captive wild animals.
“We receive hundreds of tourist reports via our Raise the Red Flag platform concerning the use of animals for souvenir photos and we encourage people to speak out when they witness such exploitation and to voice their concerns further with their tour operator or travel agent, to any zoo or facility involved, and to the relevant tourism authorities in the country they are visiting. We need people to take action to bring this cruel exploitation to an end.”
LifeCare Edinburgh launches new dementia-friendly hairdressing service helping local older people “feel like themselves again”
COVID restrictions taught us all how much we value a visit to our local hairdresser to help us feel like ourselves, boost our self-esteem and to simply enjoy a chat and a catch-up with a friendly face.
Sadly, for people living with dementia this lockdown experience can be a permanent feature in life as visiting an everyday salon can be inaccessible, overwhelming, and without the right training, difficult for a hairdresser to deliver well.
However, things are changing in the capital as local charity LifeCare has launched the city’s first dedicated dementia-friendly hairdressing service providing essential haircare services for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers.
LifeCare’s new ‘Forget-Me-Not’ hair service involves an experienced, caring and dementia-trained mobile hairdresser visiting people in their homes so that they can continue to experience the joy of a haircut.
The benefits of a hairdressing experience for a person living with dementia can be significant. Haircare helps people to maintain their appearance but also impacts how they feel, their personal identity, and their overall self-esteem.
For a person living with dementia, hairdressing can be a unique multi-sensory experience providing a valuable opportunity for touch and physical contact which is often missing outside of practical interactions.
Regular visits and time for conversation can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Feelings of self-worth and positive self-image are boosted and this increased confidence can mean people are more likely to be motivated to attend other activities and stay engaged with their community.
Evidence shows haircare services support reminiscence activities as scents and experiences involved can be incredibly evocative and personal appearance can relate to people’s life stories and relationships.
James Wells, Chief Executive of LifeCare said“It’s sad and unfair that people living with dementia struggle to access ordinary haircare services that many of us take for granted.
“The typical busy, hot and noisy hair salon environment can just be too overwhelming for some and a lack of understanding amongst hairdressers can make the experience really difficult for everyone. Mobility issues and transport concerns also create problems.
“At Lifecare, we have a proud 80-year history of providing essential care services for local older people, ensuring no-one is left alone or isolated and that everyone can continue to enjoy the joy in their lives. So, we’re absolutely delighted that we are now able to launch this dedicated service which will make an immediate positive and life-changing difference to our older clients and their carers.
“We are already hearing from clients how they “feel like themselves again” and “can’t wait for their next appointment”. I’m looking forward to hearing more of these stories as the service continues to grow.”
Audrey McDonald, LifeCare’s dementia-friendly hairdresser said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be helping to deliver this fantastic service. From my own personal experience, I understand how frustrating it can be for a person to be shut-out of these important pleasurable activities.
“Even a small trim can cheer a person up for the day. In just a few short weeks, I have already seen how much joy the service is bringing for local people.
“Together we are enjoying a giggle, a chat about old times and everyone is left feeling a million dollars.”
The charity relies on support from its funders to deliver all of its essential services. The Forget-Me-Not Salon has been made possible thanks to financial support from Age Scotland’s About Dementia project in partnership with the Scottish Government.
Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, Dr Kainde Manji said “We are excited to support LifeCare in their delivery of a dedicated haircare service for people with lived experience of dementia, and we recognise the importance of this type of community-based support in enabling ordinary activities that make a big difference to individual wellbeing.
“We know that increasing wellbeing and tackling social isolation can empower people with lived experience of dementia to take a more active role in their communities.”
The “Forget-Me-Not” hair service has been initially set up as pilot project offering the service to clients for free to ensure that it is accessible to all.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and JustTransition Màiri McAllan, designates Wardie Bay as a Scottish bathing water.
Designation brings the total number of Bathing Waters in Scotland to 89.
Samples will be taken by SEPA to monitor water quality and the bathing water will receive an official classification for the 2024 season.
Locals and visitors encouraged to play their part in protecting and improving the quality of the new bathing water.
Wardie Bay in Edinburgh has become Scotland’s newest bathing water, following a decision by Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi McAllan to designate it for the 2023 season.
This decision, along with Fisherrow Sands in East Lothian becoming the first bathing water to be re-designated, is a real boost for the shore along the south of the Forth – and brings the total number of Scottish bathing waters to 89.
The Scottish bathing water season begins on 1st June and runs until 15th September, with 1,500 water samples taken by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) staff at bathing waters around the country. These are analysed in its accredited laboratories, and the results posted online. Once the season is finished each bathing water will receive an official classification for 2024.
Application for designation
The application for bathing water status was submitted by Wardie Bay Beachwatch and The Wild Ones who demonstrated that a large number of bathers use the water and there was community support for designation. The city council supported the designation, accepting required duties around signage and beach cleaning.
Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition said: “As a result of our investment in protecting and improving bathing waters across Scotland we now have the highest number of designated Bathing Water sites ever, with 98% passing bathing water quality standards and more rated as ‘excellent’ than ever before.
“However, we are not complacent. We continue to work closely with SEPA and Scottish Water to monitor and improve water quality on our designated beaches and in our designated lochs, to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy them throughout this summer and beyond.”
Ruth Stidson, SEPA’s Principal Scientist for bathing waters, said: “It’s great news, especially for the local community, that Wardie Bay has been designated for the 2023 season by the Cabinet Secretary – and with Fisherrow re-designated, Scotland now has 89 bathing waters, more than any previous year.
“Designation of waters large numbers of people use for bathing over the summer months means they can be monitored, protected and, if necessary, improved.
“We’ve seen huge improvements in water quality at bathing waters over the years, and SEPA will continue this journey – through targeted regulation and working with others to achieve significant investment. This way we’ll ensure that visitors to our bathing waters, especially the thousands that live within a short walk or bike ride of our urban bathing waters, can continue to enjoy Scotland’s stunning blue spaces.”
Win for Wardie Bay
During 2022, SEPA sampled and reported water quality at Wardie Bay due to high community usage of the beach and an active application for bathing water designation.
Our evidence indicates that Wardie Bay is expected to meet bathing water standards. Now designated by the Cabinet Secretary, the beach will be formally monitored and receive an official classification for 2024.
Karen Bates, Wardie Bay Beachwatch, said: “It has taken much time and effort to achieve this result for the #wardiebay4bathingwater campaign. We can finally be delighted that Wardie Bay is to be a protected bathing water.
“We are grateful to Cabinet Secretary Mairi McAllan for her progressive decision and for support from Council members who surmounted the obstacles to designation at this complex site. We are grateful too that SEPA published the essential information for Wardie swimmers in 2022. Thanks particularly to all those who help protect Wardie Bay, who signed the petition, took part in the campaign film and contributed to the applications.”
Cllr Scott Arthur Environment Convener, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is great news for the wellbeing of our residents and visitors who enjoy taking a dip in this great stretch of Edinburgh’s coastline. I’d like to thank the users of Wardie Bay for helping it join Portobello on Edinburgh’s riviera as a bathing water beach.
“The water will continue to be monitored by SEPA, and I’d encourage you all to do your bit to keep it and the beach clean and protect nature there by taking your litter home with you, or use a local bin. Please also, remember to pick up after dog too, if you have one.
“Of course, you can also enjoy the beaches and support local traders along our coast at Portobello, Silverknowes and Cramond.”
Local outdoor spaces are integral to our physical and mental health and managing them well can improve well-being and other social and cultural benefits for local communities and visitors alike.
SEPA takes water samples over the full three and half months of Scotland’s official bathing water season, and after analysis the results are posted online. Pre-season sampling is carried out during May.
Congratulations to Karen and all involved with the Wardie Bay campaign – you have worked so hard and so long for this success. Well done! – Ed.
A Penicuik dentist is reinforcing its commitment to local people living with dementia by providing all staff members with access to a specialist initiative. The nationally recognised initiative ensures people living with dementia are supported in the local community and continue to access much-needed oral healthcare.
This Dementia Awareness Week (22 May – 4 June) Penicuik Dental Centre, is supporting Alzheimer Scotland by becoming Dementia Friends, in its bid to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage Scotland to ‘see the person behind the diagnosis’ this campaigning week.
A number of clinical and support staff at the practice are Dementia Friends trained through an official partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. The on-site team has received specialist training and information about dementia and the varying ways it can affect an individual.
Measures that each practice has implemented to support people living with dementia include reassuring patients and making them comfortable within the practice, communicating in an accessible, jargon-free way, encouraging family members to attend appointments if preferable and encouraging self-directed care and decision making.
Kevin Dow, Associate Dentist, Penicuik Dental Centre said:“ As part of our commitment to providing sector-leading care at community level, we have partnered with Alzheimer Scotland to ensure all of our patient-facing team members are ‘Dementia Friends’.
“From the moment an appointment is required, through to the dental care they receive, communication with the patient and everything in between – we have a range of considerations that we take in to account to ensure that patient is cared for appropriately.”
Penicuik Dental Centre, is part of the Clyde Munro Group, Scotland’s leading dental group that provides NHS and private dental care for patients across the country.
Fiona Wood, Chief Operations Officer, Clyde Munro said:“Across the Clyde Munro Group, we have over 1,000 people who have become Dementia Friends. It’s imperative to the protection of accessible oral healthcare that we are appropriately trained at every local practice to support our patients living with dementia – and their families – in accessing dental care.
“We are incredibly proud of the partnership we have with Alzheimer Scotland and believe our role extends beyond the walls of our practices, we want to support people in their communities, at a local level, and being Dementia Friends allows us to do this.”
The dental group is committed to providing sector-leading care for NHS patients, as well as private patients. Currently the group provides services for over 600,000 patients, with the majority of patients being registered NHS patients.
Clyde Munro operates across Scotland providing routine and specialist dental services for NHS and private patients. The group employs over 250 clinicians and 600 support staff and is committed to the recruitment and retention of talented dental professionals across the sector.
Have you ever dreamt of growing your own Roses? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store to show customers how to grow and care for the classic Rose.
One of Dobbies’ best-selling plants, the retailer sold over 150,000 Roses across the UK in 2022. Favourite varieties included, Aromatique and Perfumed Passion from the Fragrant Rose Collection, Very Berry from the Edible Petals Range, and Wedding Wishes from the Celebration Rose Collection.
Suitable for both amateur and seasoned gardeners, this interactive Grow How session takes place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Saturday 3 June at 10:30am. Dobbies’ horticulture experts will showcase the different varieties of Roses ranging from shrubs to climbing and rambling Roses, and where they would best bloom in the garden.
Attendees will also learn how to take their gardens to the next level by incorporating Roses with complementary plants for maximum impact. They will also be shown how to care for Roses, including feeding them for growth, combatting diseases and pests in a sustainable way, and preventing pruning mistakes.
Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers in Edinburgh along to this special Grow How session.
“Roses are one of the most iconic flowers to grow because they come in so many different varieties, and anyone can grow them successfully with their right guidance.”
Marcus’s step-by-step guide on planting Roses:
· With a garden spade, dig a hole slightly deeper than your Rose’s growing container, add a little amount of fertiliser to the hole, and plant your Rose
· Fill in around the plant with a mixture of soil and farmyard manure
· Water and feed regularly with Dobbies Liquid Rose, Shrub and Tree Feed drenched onto the surrounding soil, then cover with mulch to help retain moisture
· Each winter, prune with secateurs to remove any dead, sick, or damaged stems and faded flowers to maintain the shape of the Roses and stimulate new shoots in the spring
Seventeen projects across Scotland have been awarded funds totalling £500,000 to help ex-service personnel access support for physical and mental health, financial, employment and cost of living challenges.
The grant awards for 2023-24 are from the Scottish Veterans Fund, which has now provided more than £2.8 million to nearly 220 projects since 2008.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced the funding awards while visiting Community Veterans Support in Glasgow. The organisation has been awarded £18,536 for its Warmer, Healthier, Safer Veterans project which is providing food, peer support and financial advice to veterans facing challenges as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Mr Dey said: “Scotland has a long and proud military tradition and we must ensure our veterans and their families continue to be supported during this cost of living crisis.
“I am grateful for the close-knit charity sector here in Scotland, and I’m continually impressed by the level, and quality, of support charities are providing. The excellent work of Community Veterans Support is a great example of what can be achieved.
“Each of the seventeen projects awarded funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund this year will make a real difference and will mean our veterans can get the help they need, when they need it.”
The Scottish Veterans Fund (SVF) was set up in 2008-2009 as the Scottish Government’s main means of directly supporting veterans in Scotland.
From 2022-2023 the fund has been increased to £500,000 annually, with organisations able to bid for up to £50,000 per project.
Below is a full list of projects which will receive SVF funding this year:
Organisation
Project Title
Amount
Project Overview
Community Veterans Support
Warmer, Healthier, Safer Veterans
£18,536
Extend “Warmer Spaces” provision for veterans into evenings and weekends, including food, peer support and financial advice.
Erskine
One-Stop-Shop
£13,450
Extend provision of tailored financial advocacy, guidance and support to veterans through Erskine’s One Stop Shop.
Fighting with Pride
The Journey Home Project in Scotland
£49,042
Fund the introduction and development of the Veterans Standard Manager role in Scotland to build the community of LGBT veterans in Scotland and support developing capacity in services that can support that community.
FirstLightTrust
Supporting the support
£25,000
Introduce a new support worker for the Hawick Hub to help develop support pathways for veterans impaired by physical or psychological trauma.
Forces Children Scotland
Future Transitions | Financial Education for Civilian Life
£38,624
Develop a bespoke financial education service to support children, young people and parents in making the transition from military to civilian life.
Forces Employment Charity
Early Service Leavers – Scotland Co-Ordinator
£50,000
Continue pilot scheme from 2022-23, which introduced an Early Service Leavers co-ordinator for Scotland to provide dedicated employment support for this vulnerable cadre.
Lothian Veterans Centre
Warm Welcome for veterans and their families
£22,572
Provide support in current cost of living crisis by opening warm hub for veterans and their families to provide food, heating and social interaction in a location that can provide onward access to other support.
Military Wives Choir
Supporting our Hidden Community
£40,000
Enhance level of support given to members in Scotland and to reach and recruit more members amongst women whose lives are currently impacted by their connection to the military.
On Course Foundation
Golf skills and employment programme
£16,344
Deliver a sustainable golf skills and employment programme with confidence building events, peer networking and employment experience and opportunities.
RAF Association
The Battle Ahead
£23,695
Provide programme of support to ensure that no member of the RAF veterans community is left cold, hungry or lonely as a result of the cost of living crisis.
RAF Benevolent Fund
Scottish Welfare Support Executive
£17,032
Provide welfare support to RAF veterans and their dependants with complex needs living in Scotland. Assess individual’s circumstances and create tailored support plans.
Salute my Job
Career Jumpstart Programme
£41,700
The Career Jumpstart Project aims to reskill jobseekers from the Armed Forces community for employment in roles in greatest demand in public, private and third sector.
Scotland Bravest Manufacturing Company
Enhanced Manufacturing Traineeship
£50,000
Provide opportunities for early service leavers and other veterans to obtain qualifications and sustainable employment with the support of a qualified trainer.
Scottish Veterans Residences
Occupational Therapy to Improve Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing
£43,150
Employ a full time occupational therapist to support Veterans’ physical and mental health recovery and rehabilitation through the use of a holistic and biophysical approach.
SSAFA
Professional Support to Relieve the Cost of Living Crisis
£10,000
Partly fund the employment of a Regional Casework manager to better manage workload of case workers in Scotland to provide a more agile and individualised response to veterans.
Thistle Health and Wellbeing
Meaningful Connections
£20,124
Support 150 veterans and their families across Scotland who have been severely impacted by long term conditions, particularly early service leavers, medically discharged veterans and those with mental health needs.
Veterans Housing Scotland
Tenancy Sustainment Service
£20,000
Expand pilot project to identify and support tenants at risk of tenancy failure.
HMRC has issued a warning to tax credits customers, who are renewing their tax credits claims, to be alert to scammers trying to steal their information
Tax credit claimants should be on their guard against fraudsters, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) warns of the latest tactics being employed by scammers.
HMRC has issued a new alert, providing details of a number of new scams reported that aim to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Criminals use deadlines – like the tax credits renewal deadline on 31 July – to target their victims and the department is warning around 1.5 million tax credits customers to be alert to scams that mimic government communications to make them appear genuine.
Typical scam examples include:
emails or texts claiming an individual’s details aren’t up to date and that they risk losing out on payments that are due to them
emails or texts claiming that a direct debit payment hasn’t ‘gone through’
phone calls threatening arrest if people don’t immediately pay fake tax owed
claims that the victim’s national insurance number has been used in fraud
emails or texts offering spurious tax rebates or bogus grants or support
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Tax scams come in many forms and we’re urging customers to be alert to the tactics used by fraudsters and never to let yourselves be rushed.
“If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC and asks you to give personal information or urgently transfer money, be on your guard. Search ‘HMRC scams’ advice on GOV.UK to find out how to report scams and help us fight these crimes.
“Scam messages can be convincing, and individuals may be pressured into make rushed decisions. HMRC will NEVER ring anyone out of the blue making threats or asking them to transfer money.”
According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was the third most spoofed government body in 2022, behind the NHS and TV Licensing. HMRC is also urging tax credits customers to be alert to misleading websites or adverts asking them to pay for government services which are free, often by charging for a connection to HMRC helplines.
HMRC is currently sending out tax credits renewal packs to customers and is reminding anyone who has not received theirs to wait until after 15 June before contacting HMRC.
HMRC has a video explaining how tax credits customers can use the HMRC app to view, manage and update their details:
By the end of 2024, tax credits will be replaced by Universal Credit. Customers who receive tax credits will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) telling them when to claim Universal Credit.
It is important that customers claim by the deadline shown in the letter to continue receiving financial support as their tax credits will end even if they decide not to claim Universal Credit.
The government is offering Help for Households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support individuals could be eligible for.
HMRC is also warning people not to share their HMRC login details with anyone else. Someone using these could steal from the account owner or make a fraudulent claim in their name and leave customers having to pay back the full value of any fraudulent repayment claim made on their behalf.
National Volunteer Week starts tomorrow (Thursday). Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager, tells us why National Volunteer Week is an important celebration for Edinburgh Leisure:
“This week is National Volunteer Week, celebrating the tremendous impact volunteers have on communities around the UK. Volunteers’ Week is a UK wide campaign that takes place from 1-7 June every year. The Volunteers’ Week campaign started in 1984 making this the 39th year.
Edinburgh Leisure is proud to be supported by 113 volunteers who run or support 91 Active Communities sessions each week. We thank all our volunteers for the continued support and effort they put into volunteering with us.
“Volunteers are crucial to helping Edinburgh Leisure achieve outcomes such as improving physical and mental health while making more people more active.
“Without them, our Active Communities programme would not be the same. I would also like to thank our volunteer managers who play an integral role to provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for our volunteers.
“In my new role working with volunteers, I am excited to bring the volunteer celebration event back for the first time since 2019. It will take place later in the month at Norton Park Conference Centre.
“The volunteer celebration is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community of volunteers together to thank them for their hard work, hear about the positive impact their volunteering has on Active Communities participants and provide a space for volunteers to spend time together to talk about their experiences.
“If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Edinburgh Leisure, we’d love to hear from you. There are lots of ways to get involved. However, you choose to donate your time, you’ll be making a difference to local people’s lives.”
