More than £17.1 million has been paid to support children and young people since Child Disability Payment launched.
These payments are designed to mitigate some of the additional costs of caring for a disabled or terminally ill child or young person.
It is estimated that as of 30 June 2022, 13,200 children and young people are in receipt of Child Disability Payment.
£11.3 million was issued to new applicants and a further £5.8 million was issued to children and young people who have had their payment transferred to Child Disability Payment.
The total number of people receiving payments includes 7,230 who had their Disability Living Allowance for children transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security Scotland.
Figures for 26 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 include an initial pilot period where Child Disability Payment was only available in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles local authority areas.
Child Disability Payment became available to people making new applications across Scotland in November 2021. Payments for children and young people whose awards transferred from DWP began in February this year.
Almost three quarters (74%) of applications were made online, with 16% by phone.
Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.
Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children from the DWP do not need to make a new application for Child Disability Payment as Social Security Scotland will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.
Social Security & Local Government Minister Ben Macpherson said: “I’m proud to be working to further develop our Scottish social security system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.
“We want people to get the support they need and are entitled to”.
The Heart of Newhaven Community (HoNC) has finally received the keys to the front door!
The charity, formed four years ago to purchase Newhaven’s old Victoria Primary School for use as a community hub, has faced a long battle to get all the legal documentation with the City of Edinburgh Council signed, sealed and delivered but has finally been given legal possession of the site.
The original Steering Group was set up after public consultation and eventually converted into a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered with OSCR the charity overseer in 2020.
They won the right to purchase the site under the Community Asset Transfer scheme in July 2020 and secured funding for the purchase from the Scottish Land Fund in June 2021.
The school pupils and teachers moved out of what was then the oldest working primary school in the city in December 2021, but delays originally caused by Covid 19 and last minute legal hurdles meant that the final transfer could not take place until this week.
Current HoNC Chair Judy Crabb and former, and very first Chair, Rodney Matthews led the way in and now it’s all systems go, with volunteers tidying and cleaning and potential users and tenants queuing up to move in and get started.
First though, there are some necessary health and safety measures to install, IT equipment and communications must be set up and the most urgent repairs to the structure need to be completed.
Once open to the public, the community hub will be offering spaces for intergenerational activities of all kinds, including space for such as theatre groups, choirs and performances, rooms for rent for meetings or parties, artists’ studios and small business rooms for rent, a Heritage Suite including the Victorian Schoolroom run by the History of Education Centre, much needed early years’ provision in the modern Anchor Building, rooms for the Men’s Shed to carry on their activities in the Creel Building and of course a community cafe.
Current Chair, Judy Crabb has been involved since even before the first public consultations and is now celebrating with the rest of the Board.
“It’s a well known phrase ‘ If it is worth having, it is worth waiting for’ and how true that is as of today,” she says. “Finally, we are thrilled to announce that HoNC now owns the former Victoria Primary School that from now on will be known as ‘The Heart’.
“A huge thank you to everybody who has helped over the years to bring about this day, volunteers, supporters, members of the community, our funders, trustees and consultants. Every contribution, big and small, has made a difference.
“Over the next few months we will begin to open up the buildings to all the services and activities that support our themes of culture and heritage, learning and enterprise and improvement in well being.
“Watch this space as we offer opportunities for people of all ages, from all walks of life and interests, to come together in an accessible and welcoming environment and The Heart comes to life.”
Cara Gillespie, Chair of the Scottish Land Fund, said: “The Scottish Land Fund is committed to helping urban and rural communities across the country to unlock assets on their doorstep and to put them to work for local people, so we are delighted that Heart of Newhaven Community has now taken ownership of Victoria Primary School.
“We wish them every success with their plans to turn the school into a thriving community hub.”
People aged 65 and over as well as frontline health and social care staff will be first in line for a winter booster jab to protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19 and ease the pressure on hospitals.
Letters with appointment times for those aged 65 and over will begin landing on doormats this week so the NHS can get ahead of any potential surge in infections.
The booster jabs will be given at the same time as the flu vaccine to those eligible where possible – evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.
From 22 August the online portal will be available for health and social care workers to book their appointments. Staff should book on the portal or follow advice from their boards on any local arrangements.
Appointments for all other priority groups will be made available as the programme progresses – people in those groups should wait until they are contacted or called forward.
The programme follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI) which recommended vaccinating people as soon as possible to have the best chance of mitigating the impact of COVID-19 over the winter.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “As was the case in previous rounds of the vaccination programme, spring/summer boosters have enjoyed very high uptake among eligible groups with 86% of older adult care home residents and 93% of those aged 75 and over gaining an important additional layer of protection at a time when Covid cases rose sharply.
“I’d like to thank all those who have worked so hard to ensure that Scotland still has the highest overall uptake of first, second and third doses in the UK.
“Following the JCVI’s recommendations, we will roll out the winter booster programme getting jabs in arms from early September to ensure those most at risk are protected over winter.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect your health and those around you – I strongly encourage everyone to take up the offer of a booster jab when they get the call up.”
You will never cross the street in the same way again!
DON GNU digs into the tediousness of everyday routines in search of poetry and humour in a performance with muscular physicality and edgy stunt tricks.
One ordinary day, four ordinary men take a walk through a city. They readily follow unwritten and strict rules of good behaviour and norms of social etiquette until one of them suddenly decides to rebel …
With trademark DON GNU “everyday stunts” and raw physicality, WALK-MAN is a performance in which the ground is literally swept away from under the feet of four men walking. In a world where rules, norms and routines no longer apply, a pedestrian is not simply a person crossing the street and common understanding of “good behaviour” falls apart. You will never cross the street in the same way again!
WALK-MAN is the first performance of a trilogy about the extraordinary experiences of ordinary life.
DON GNU guarantees physical action theatre and dance combined in a playful and poetic man-power universe!
The company was founded in 2010 by the two choreographers Jannik Elkær and Kristoffer Louis Andrup Pedersen, who also constitute the artistic duo at the helm of DON GNU. Today the company is one of the most touring companies in Denmark.
In addition to extensive tour activities in Denmark, DON GNU has also toured in all the Nordic Countries, South Korea, Canada, big parts of Europe and Cuba.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Habits for Summer Holidays
The summer holidays can be a stressful time for many families. Whilst they are a lovely opportunity to enjoy the summer together as a family, parents and carers can find it hard to juggle having the children at home with work, household and general life commitments. Naturally, during busy periods one of the first things to be pushed aside is healthy eating and taking time for ourselves to recoup and recharge.
We’ve put together some tips to help you get through the summer holidays and keep providing nourishing meals for the family – without going crazy:
Consider an early start
If you have older children who sleep well, you could try getting up an hour before they rise. This gives you an hour of calm before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, you can use this time to get on top of the household chores, get ahead of the day’s work commitments, do some meditation to set you up for the day or just have your breakfast in peace! Of course, this means going to bed an hour earlier to make sure you are getting enough sleep (seven to nine hours per night is ideal).
Meal plan
If you don’t already meal plan, now is the time to start. Having a comprehensive meal plan over the summer holidays will really take the stress out of eating well. We recommend planning for every single meal, including snacks, and have the plan pinned on the fridge for all to see. To make it easier still, use the same meal plan for every week of the holidays, as long as you have varied meals throughout the week, there’s no reason why you can’t eat the same and it makes shopping easier, as it’s the same list each week.
Write a diary/plan
Writing a diary or a day planner the night before each day can really help lessen those feelings of overwhelm we can experience when life is busy. It can also help calm and quieten your mind before going to sleep. You could group things into ‘urgent’ – those things that are priority and can’t wait and ‘can wait’ – those things you want to get done at some point, but if they don’t happen tomorrow that’s ok.
Above all, remember to not take on too much, and try to let the small things go as children can be demanding and take up lots of our energy.
There is plenty of information available online about free and local things to do during the holidays, so be sure to have a look and get out and about in nature everyday where possible.
The number of 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas being offered a place at university is at a record high – up 32% since 2019, the last year there were exams.
The latest UCAS data also shows 29,630 Scottish domiciled students have been offered a place at a Scottish university on SQA results day – up 6% compared to 2019 and the second highest on record.
The number of students accepting places to study nursing at Scottish providers also increased, up 17% to 2,940 compared to 2019.
Separate statistics published yesterday by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) show that in the first quarter of 2022-2023, the number of Modern Apprenticeship starts is up 16% to 3,946 compared to last year.
Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “Congratulations to everyone receiving results today after what has been another extremely challenging year. Whether you are now heading to university, college or taking part in a Modern Apprenticeship, I wish you the very best for the future.
“These statistics are encouraging, particularly the fact we have a record number of 18-year-olds – the closest measure to school leavers – from the most deprived areas being offered a place at university. We want every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstances.
“The number of students accepting places to study nursing has also increased compared to 2019, demonstrating that Scotland continues to be a popular location to undertake medical education and training.
“EU students enrich our campuses, and make a vital contribution to our economy and society. It is bitterly disappointing to see another sharp drop in the number of EU students coming to study in Scotland – a direct result of Brexit.
“The SQA’s appeals process is now open for anyone who needs it. The clearing process is also now live and places are still available for those who want to study in Scotland.”
Scottish domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 6% to 29,630 (since 2019) This is the second highest at SQA results day. In 2021 there was a record 31,070 Scottish domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers
the number of 18-year-old acceptances from the most deprived areas has increased by 410 to 1,680, since 2019 (as at SQA results day)
the number of EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers decreased by 77% to 720 (as at SQA results day 2019)
the number of Non-EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 15% to 2,670 (since 2019) This is the second highest at SQA results day
Scottish domiciled acceptances to study nursing at Scottish providers increased by 17% to 2,940, since 2019 cycle (as at SQA results day)
Scottish domiciled acceptances to study medicine and dentistry at UK providers increased by 23% to 920, since 2019 (as at SQA results day)
With over 100 sites across the country, ensure the last few days of summer holidays are memorable with the National Trust for Scotland
With just a week left of the school holidays this summer you can make the most of it by exploring the nature, beauty and heritage of Scotland at National Trust for Scotland sites across the country.
Summer holidays will come to a close soon but there is still plenty of time to try some of the fun-packed summer activities available at National Trust for Scotland locations. From outdoor theatre experiences, opportunities to learn with the Ben Lomond ranger service and a festival for the whole family to enjoy at Brodie Castle from the 12th to the 14th of August, there are lots of activities choose from this summer.
New and existing members of the conservation charity can visit its 129 sites for as little as £5.25 for adults and £9.80 per month for families, equating to just 17p or 32p per day, making it a great value option for excitement-filled days, all while contributing towards the conservation of Scottish heritage.
Combine nature with the arts with outdoor theatre performances taking place across National Trust for Scotland sites. From Pride and Prejudice at Greenbank Garden in Glasgow to Much Ado About Murder at the House of Dun in Montrose, audiences across Scotland will be enthralled with these special productions. Toes will be tapping in Aberdeen’s Pitmedden Gardens as Abba, Cher and Dolly Parton Tributes play and the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra performs at events throughout August.
The Trust also recently relaunched its initiative with Young Scot which offers anyone aged 11-25 with a Young Scot National Entitlement Card the chance to visit National Trust for Scotland properties for just £1, to encourage young people to experience the very best of Scotland’s nature and History on their doorstep.
Family friendly activities will keep youngsters busy including wildlife spotting, outdoor survival skills and identifying nature.
There is the chance to observe the amazing spectacle of hundreds of bats returning to their maternity roost at dawn in Haddo House Courtyard, which is just under an hour’s drive from Aberdeen. Families also can learn Wildlife survival skills like making a fire and tracking animals at Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire.
Whether you’re looking for beautiful gardens or jaw dropping scenery there’s no shortage of options across the entire country. Take a guided walk around Ben Lomond with one of the rangers and learn to interpret the subtle archaeological traces to reveal a rich story of the past. Or if you’re looking for something easier on the legs, Pitmedden’s newly designed gardens have recently opened, designed by Chris Beardshaw, a 14-time RHS Chelsea flower show gold medallist.
Established in 1931, the National Trust for Scotland cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage. Membership, which provides funding for Scotland’s largest conservation charity, can be purchased online from just £9.80 per month for families, £5.25 for adults and £3 for children.
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and to plan your summer itinerary, visit: www.nts.org.uk.
Fitness experts at BreakingMuscle.com have given their top tips for maintaining fitness goals whilst drinking alcohol by making smart, simple changes.
Every fitness journey, whether it’s increased muscle mass, fat loss or a sustained healthy lifestyle, requires a level of dedication and perseverance.
That’s why it can be difficult to see alcohol consumption as part of a fitness regime due to its side effects, however, drinking socially is certainly achievable without sabotaging personal health goals.
With a bit of forward planning and a few simple hacks, having a good time and staying in shape can go together hand in hand.
A spokesperson for BreakingMuscle.com said: “For those looking to enjoy a drink in the hot weather with friends whilst maintaining the body they desire, it can feel like an impossible task.
“However this is not the case, with a few smarter choices we can limit the effects of hangovers, control calories and plan workouts that fit around social events.
“Of course, there are some types of alcohol that have a higher caloric value than others. But it doesn’t have to be a chore to make drinking fit in with a healthy lifestyle. Staying on track with fitness goals does have its importance, but enjoying time with friends and family shouldn’t have to be sacrificed because of this.”
Staying hydrated throughout the night is just as important as staying hydrated during a workout. Keeping water intake up whilst drinking can help to prevent any negative side effects the next day. Try drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, if this isn’t possible ensure to drink plenty of water before heading off to bed.
Take a day off
It can be tempting to get straight back into the gym the day after a few drinks but this isn’t always the best idea. It’s more than okay to have a day off and relax, trying to smash a workout whilst not feeling a hundred percent can actually do more harm than good.
Fill up on macros
Unfortunately, alcoholic drinks aren’t known for the vitamins and minerals they provide, they actually deplete the body’s supply. In the hours pre and post drinking, try to eat fruits and veg that are rich in macronutrients. Smoothies, nuts and bananas are just a few examples of quick foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to fit in before or after a night out.
Choose wisely
It may feel as though alcoholic beverages have no calories in them but many drinks can be very deceiving. Be wary of cocktails and mixed drinks as they will contain a higher number of calories than beer and wines.
Light over dark
When choosing a tipple, try picking light spirits like gin or vodka over whiskey and spiced rum. This is because darker spirits contain toxic compounds that can contribute to a nastier hangover.Set a limitIt can be easy to overindulge when out socialising with friends. However, for those who may find it difficult to get back on track after a heavy night out, setting a limit can help provide clarity moving forward in the gym. Setting higher limits should not induce guilt, but should be used to inform healthy amendments to that week’s training routine.
Steer clear of sugar
Where possible try and swap sugary mixers and cocktails for diet or sugar-free alternatives. For example, try swapping a gin and tonic for a gin and soda water, the taste might not be quite the same but it can make sticking to a calorie goal much easier.
Post-drink snack
Kebabs, burgers and pizzas are often the most popular post drinking snack but the calories can start to add up after a few drinks. Preparing food at home after a night out can be a great way to not overspend on calories at the end of the night.
As kids across the UK enjoy the summer holidays, new research carried out by Micro Scooters suggests that the majority of the 6 weeks will be spent indoors with as little as2 hours per week being spent outdoors.
Micro Scooters is committed to reintroducing the delight in the great outdoors, and encouraging children to find the fun in spending their summer holidays outdoors; playing, joking and having unforgettable adventures.
Wholly invested in making a positive impact on the planet, Micro Scooters, with its range of scooters for all ages and easily transportable, have invested in thorough research ahead of kids’ summer holidays, which is the prime time for children to take part in outdoor activities.
The alarming findings reveal that when those surveyed were asked about how parents spent their free time as a child, more than 3 in 4 say that they spent most of their time outdoors playing. This is in comparison to their own kids and how they spend their time now in 2022. 1 in 2 (50%) of those surveyed said most of the activities take place indoors during the school holidays and throughout the year.
Close to all (90%) of the over 65s surveyed, stated that the majority of their time was spent outdoors, but only 1 in 3 of the 18-24s surveyed said they spent most of their time outside, highlighting the gradual change in habits amongst children. However, the alarming decrease may lead to the young population ditching the outdoors altogether in the next 10 years.
Yorkshire ranked the worst with only a third spending most of their time outdoors, as Greater London ranked the best with over half of kids spending most of their time outdoors.
Micro Scooters is encouraging kids to go outdoors this Summer. After so long being forced to keep our children indoors, Micro Scooter’s mission is to get kids out, laughing, playing and being kids once again. Their mission is to keep children entertained and active but, most importantly, full of fun, laughter and joy during the summer holidays, whilst helping them to lead an active lifestyle which is good for mind, body and soul.
Ben Gibson, Managing Director of Micro Scooters commented “It feels like fun has been somewhat on the back burner for the last few years and kids have struggled with school closures, constant hand washing and video lessons so this summer feels like the perfect time for them to break free and remember how to have fun.
“There are so many benefits to getting outside to play, from health and fitness, to mental health and even helping sleep so we hope that we will see these figures go up as kids start to spend more time outside this summer.”
Scooting provides many benefits across all ages, including core conditioning with the activity strengthening the core and engaging the stabilising muscles, as well as endurance building which builds muscle strength along with cardiovascular fitness to help you go further.
The correlating data shows that 80% of children only spend 2-3 hours a week outside playing, cycling or scooting, with a number of the cities surveyed showing just one hour a week, including Manchester.
The UK is in agreement that lack of outdoor activities such as scooting is the main cause of a rise in child obesity, two thirds stated inactivity for being responsible for the rise in obesity, with a half of children spending the majority of their time indoors.
The Government’s obesity strategy seeks to halve the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2030, with a focus on encouraging individual behaviour change, product reformulation and restricting unhealthy food marketing, however the UK isn’t in agreement with this approach, with only 5% stating that a poor education on health is the main contribution to the concerning rise.
Micro Scooters was founded in 2006 by two mums, Anna Gibson and Philippa Gogarty, after they discovered how much easier it was to get from A to B with their young children using tough, lightweight scooters instead of buggies.
The product range, which offers something for kids of all ages and abilities, starts with Ride On Scooters that are perfect for helping children from 12 months onward to get mobile, then moves on to the Mini Micro range which has been engineered around the specific needs and proportions of 2 to 5 year olds.
For those ready to embrace riding on two wheels, Micro Scooters’ innovative range of ultra lightweight balance bikes are designed to help young children build balance, coordination and confidence.
As they continue to thrive, kids can move up to the Maxi Micro and Deluxe products and finally try out a stunt scooter. These are non folding scooters that can be used for tricks and jumps at the skatepark. Thanks to their lightweight design, they are equally at home on everyday journeys as they are performing tricks.
Micro Scooters encourages all children to start or continue to scoot, with the activity providing many benefits for children. Micro Scooters has launched the Play For Life campaign to provide guidance on how to support children in building confidence in their physical ability that will last a lifetime.
