Our hospitals are under extreme pressure. If your loved one is coming home from hospital, please collect them as soon as they are able to be discharged.
Make sure their house is warm and if you can stock up on some essentials.
This frees up beds for those that need them most.
Two charities, Christian Aid and Tearfund, are to receive £125,000 each from the Scottish Government to help people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following two major earthquakes in 2025.
The funding is being delivered through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) and will allow the two charities to distribute money, warm blankets and clothes and hygiene kits to those living in areas affected by the earthquakes to help them live through harsh winter conditions. The funding will also provide psychological support to those worst affected.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The earthquakes struck at a time when Afghanistan was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by prolonged economic downturn and shrinking international assistance. They caused severe loss of life and entire villages were destroyed. The humanitarian situation is dire and evolving rapidly.
“To lose everything is unimaginable for us, but for those in Afghanistan it is real life. With a harsh winter season approaching I am pleased that we can deliver this money to help the two charities deliver life-saving assistance, in ways that are dignified and locally rooted.”
Head of Christian Aid Scotland, Val Brown, said: “Women and children are bearing the brunt of Afghanistan’s overlapping crises, made worse by the recent earthquake in Kunar province. As winter approaches, the risk of illness, trauma, acute hunger and further displacement is growing.
“Thanks to the support from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, Christian Aid will be able to support some of the most vulnerable households in Nurgal and Chawkay district. Our partner, NGO Afghans 4 Tomorrow, will deliver cash assistance, the provision of essential winter items, hygiene kits and psychosocial care.
“Our community-led approach will help the health and wellbeing of thousands of people, restore dignity, and enable people to make choices that are right for them.”
Tearfund Afghanistan Country Manager, Solomon Cornelius, said: “Families affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan are facing an exceptionally harsh winter. Many are still living in tents or damaged shelters, with little income and few ways to meet even their most basic needs.
“This funding from the Scottish Government comes at a critical time. It will enable Tearfund, working with our trusted local partner, to provide life-saving cash assistance, winter survival kits such as blankets, tarpaulins, and hygiene items for families most in need.
“We will also equip local staff with training in Psychological First Aid, helping women, children, and people with disabilities to stay warm, meet their essential needs with dignity, and begin to recover from the crisis and trauma they have experienced.”
The Humanitarian Emergency Fund provides aid in the aftermath of a crisis through a panel of eight leading humanitarian aid organisations in Scotland who advise and access the fund: Mercy Corps, Oxfam, British Red Cross, Islamic Relief, SCIAF, Christian Aid, Tearfund and Save the Children.
People with profound disabilities and complex needs will have greater freedom and independence with the development of 59 new Changing Places Toilets across Scotland.
Backed by a total Scottish Government investment of £10 million into The Changing Places Scotland Fund between 2025-27, £4.7 million has been allocated this year to help individuals, families and carers across the country to take part in everyday activities and community life.
Further awards being considered from this first applications round will be confirmed early in the New Year and a second applications round of funding open in 2026-27.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “For people with profound disabilities and complex care needs, everyday activities like visiting a cafe, going to the shops, or attending a community event can be a challenge – especially when suitable toilet facilities are not available.
“Thanks to the development of 59 new Changing Places Toilets across Scotland, people who use these facilities will now have greater freedom, dignity, and independence.
“Awards will ensure that more people can take part in everyday life and enjoy shared community spaces with facilities being developed on the Isle of Lewis, in Clackmannanshire where there are currently no Changing Places Toilets and in a range of other venues, such as community and leisure centres, outdoor spaces and well-known venues like Knockhill Racing Circuit, Dynamic Earth and the National Theatre of Scotland.
“With a total £10 million investment over 2025–2027, the Scottish Government is helping to break down barriers and make communities more inclusive and I encourage more communities to apply for future funding.”
Jill Clark, a user of Changing Places Toilets who also campaigns for more facilities said: “As a Changing Places Toilet user, I am delighted about the announcement of this funding for organisations and look forward to seeing many more toilets being installed next year and beyond.
“This will mean I can visit new places and travel will be so much easier for me.”
Jenny Miller, CEO of PAMIS and chair of the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium said: “We are delighted with the response to the Scottish Government Changing Places Toilet Fund and that so many gaps in provision of this life changing resource in Scotland will be filled.
“I am really pleased that the fund prioritised areas where provision was currently low, including rural and remote communities.
“There are some very exciting venues that will promote inclusion of some of our most marginalised people within their communities and provide access to activities that most of us take for granted.
“This is a tremendous boost towards Scottish inclusion agenda and PAMIS as the Scottish Changing Places Toilet lead will continue to provide support and advice to successful applicants to ensure that all new facilities meet the highest standards of access.”
Changing Places Toilets (CPT) offer a vital facility for disabled people and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision.
This includes people with profound or multiple disabilities, people with muscular dystrophy, older people, veterans, people who require the use of a larger wheelchair and people who require a calm and quiet environment.
CPTs have key features which distinguish them from standard accessible toilets. They:
There are currently around 270 of these specially equipped facilities in Scotland.
Successful projects include:
Almond Valley Heritage Trust, West Lothian – £108,612. Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and social enterprise, welcoming over 157,000 visitors annually. Regularly used by community groups, schools, and charities supporting people with complex needs.
Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd, Fife – £45,000. A Changing Places Toilet at Knockhill Racing Circuit, enabling individuals and families to enjoy the facilities and entertainment.
Eden Court Highlands – £55,200. Eden Court is a multi-arts venue with two theatres, two cinemas, two dance & drama studios and gallery space. They offer a diverse programme of live performance, film and creative activities for all ages, abilities and interests.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, City of Edinburgh – £10,000. Located at the Fringe Central which will be the year-round office and artist support hub for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. It will provide rehearsal, meeting, and training spaces, artist resources, and public facilities, supporting accessibility, creativity, and community engagement at the heart of the world’s largest arts festival.
Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path, Isle of Lewis – £95,344. A purpose-built bespoke amenity beside Bayble Beach and near Bayble harbour which is a community owned mooring used by small inshore fishery vessels and recreational sea fishing.
Further information on the fund and Inspiring Scotland, who administer the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Full list of successful applicants.
Wishing all NEN readers a happy and peaceful Christmas.
I’m taking a day off today, but normal posting will resume tomorrow.
Hope Santa is good to you!
Season’s Greetings
DAVE (Editor)
Jet2 is making it even easier for holidaymakers to enjoy that “Nothing beats a just-booked holiday” feeling, by launching an unmissable sale that offers customers huge savings across all award-winning flights and holidays.
The UK’s largest tour operator is also helping customers lock in that much-deserved holiday, by announcing a super-low £25 per person deposit across Summer 26 holidays, which will run for a limited time between now and 23.59 on 12th January 2026.
Launched in perfect time for the peak holiday booking season, the award-winning tour operator and airline is helping spread the joy of having some sunshine booked in the diary, by announcing £100 off per person om ALL holidays booked with Jet2holidays, as well as 20% off ALL Jet2.com flights (including one-way flights).
The sale means that a family of four can enjoy a saving of £400 and a couple can save £200 when booking the best rooms in the best accommodation in the best destinations before they are gone.
It applies to ALL holidays across ALL seasons booked through Jet2holidays, Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays, Indulgent Escapes and Jet2Villas, meaning that whatever type of getaway a holidaymaker is looking for, fantastic savings are guaranteed when booking with the UK’s favourite tour operator.
The award-winning Jet2holidays experience includes VIP customer service from start to finish, 22kg baggage, 10kg hand luggage, under-seat bag, return transfers, ABTA and ATOL protection and flights with Jet2.com.
Customers can also take advantage of Pay Monthly plans and infants under two travelling for free, with millions of Free Child Place holidays also available.
The news comes as Jet2holidays celebrates being named a Which? Recommend Provider for another year across five holiday categories – Beach and Resort Holiday Providers, Family Holiday Providers, Tailor-Made Holiday Providers, Solo Holiday Providers and City Break Providers in recognition of providing customers with industry-leading customer service and products.
Jet2.com and Jet2Villas also hold Which? Recommended Provider status, meaning the Jet2 brands continue to receive this recognition across seven categories.
As well as enjoying savings on award-winning holidays and flights through this sale, customers can also choose from a huge programme with millions of seats and thousands of hotels available across more than 75 destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Canary Islands.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Nothing beats the joy of booking a holiday and we are spreading that joy far and wide through the launch of this fantastic sale, making it easier for customers to getaway for less.
“Launched in time for the busy holiday booking season, Jet2 is offering holidaymakers fantastic savings on their holidays and flights, and we know that this, alongside our industry-leading customer service, will be a huge hit.
“With so much value and choice available, we look forward to welcoming even more new and existing customers, whilst showcasing what makes us the UK’s favourite tour operator and airline.”
To view terms and conditions please visit: https://www.jet2holidays.com/promotions
To take advantage of this unmissable sale, visit:
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, raised concerns in Parliament on Thursday about the way Rockstar Games has benefited from substantial UK tax relief while facing allegations about its treatment of staff.
The company behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise has reportedly claimed more than £70 million through the UK Government’s Video Games Tax Relief scheme, a policy designed to support the games industry by significantly reducing companies’ tax bills.
Gilbert’s intervention follows allegations from constituents that workers at Rockstar were dismissed after exercising their legal right to organise in the workplace.
The claims raise serious questions about whether companies receiving large-scale tax breaks from the UK Government are meeting basic expectations around fair treatment and workplace rights.
Several constituents have contacted Gilbert, believing they were unfairly dismissed by Rockstar after engaging in lawful workplace organising activity. She has since met with the company alongside fellow Edinburgh MPs Chris Murray and Scott Arthur, and has committed to continuing her support for the affected workers.
Speaking after raising the issue, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “When a company benefits from tens of millions of pounds in government-backed tax relief, what many would describe as Grand Theft Tax, it is reasonable to expect that it upholds basic standards of fairness and respects workers’ rights.
“I have been contacted by constituents who believe they were dismissed for exercising their legal right to organise at work. These are serious allegations, and it is right that they are properly scrutinised, particularly when a company is receiving such substantial tax advantages.”
Ms Gilbert asked Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, whether he shared her concerns about the reported dismissals and that the issue should be raised with the Chancellor, given the scale of tax relief Rockstar Games has received through the Video Games Tax Relief scheme.
She was reassured that ministers were looking into the matter and that he would be happy to arrange a meeting with ministers regarding the tax relief.
A Jet2 Cabin Crew member from East Lothian has found new fame after appearing on ITV’s brand-new prime time series called The Great Escapers.
The series, which sees ITV and Jet2holidays team up together to whisk celebrities away on an unforgettable award-winningholidaywith a twist, involved 24-year-old Georgio Michalakis, known as Gio, being cast as a Jet2holidays Overseas Customer Helper.
As part of his role, Gio jetted off to Rhodes, Spain, Portugal and Malta earlier this year to help guide famous faces from Coronation Street, I’m A Celebrity…, The Chase and Loose Women to create the VIP Jet2holidays experience. Tasked with assisting the stars decide the day’s itinerary so that they could be crowned The Great Escaper at the end of the trip, Gio had to aid the celebrities in deciding their activity choices to ensure that they had the perfect getaway throughout.
Gio explains what it was like filming the TV series throughout the summer and lifted the lid on his experience of working with the celebrities.
Gio explained: “My family couldn’t believe it when I was cast in the show, and neither could I – the whole process has been so exciting. It’s still a bizarre feeling as it’s my first time stepping in front of the camera! My mum has always been my number one fan so her unwavering support has been wonderful, and my whole family is super excited to finally be able to watch the show.”
Gio is half-Greek, with his father hailing from Rhodes – the very place he met Gio’s mother before moving to Scotland together, so it meant that he was able to speak the local lingo, but Catalan was a whole different story. “I was back-to-back filming, so I wasn’t able to pick up the local language. That being said, with me being half-Greek I’m OK in that department but Catalan was really hard.”
Having grown up travelling to the Greek island each summer, Gio’s highlight was having his family join him for the final week of filming in Rhodes. Gio shared: “The wrap party at the end of filming will definitely stick with me forever. My family hosted a big Greek night with plenty of food and dancing to thank the amazing Jet2 and ITV production teams, seeing us party into the early hours!”
As a big fan of The Chase, Gio was particularly excited to meet the Chasers including Jenny Ryan, Mark Labbett and Shaun Wallace to help arrange their activities. Gio said: “It was so surreal to meet them all, but Jenny Ryan in particular was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She was so down to earth, and it was lovely to look over and see her chatting away to my mum during the wrap party.”
Although Rhodes holds a special place in his heart, Gio fell in love with the culture-packed towns and golden sandy beaches of Malta when filming with the Coronation Street stars. “It was amazing to uncover Malta’s rich history and explore the beautiful destination for the first time. I’ll definitely be back as I am keen to see even more of the stunning Mediterranean island.”
With the celebrities each taking it in turns to plan the ultimate holiday day trip, assisted by Gio, each episode sees the stars get involved with an array of excursions, from glass blowing to cooking classes. Having worked closely with each of the famous faces,
Gio said: “Oti Mabuse definitely surprised me the most. With her being the first person I interviewed, I was really nervous to meet her, but I needn’t have worried – she was so lovely. Being a ballroom dancer, I always associated her with glamour and luxury, so it was great to see her get stuck in with her co-stars and take them on a muddy buggy ride around The Algarve!”
Out of the 12 competing celebrities, Gio would crown Loose Women’s Katie Piper as his Greatest Escaper, thanks to the luxurious catamaran trip which he helped to arrange for the group in Tossa de Mar. “I’d never been on a catamaran before – the boat was really impressive. Next time I’m abroad, I’m definitely going to look into hiring one for an incredible day trip!”
After stepping into the role of Overseas Customer Helper for the show, Gio is telling holidaymakers: “Don’t be scared to talk to your Jet2holidays overseas customer helper, as they are there to advise and make sure you have the best holiday experience!
“I would definitely speak to them either at the airport or at the hotel, when visiting somewhere new to get their take on the destination and all their insider tips on where to go and what to see.
“Although there’s some great advice available online, nothing beats speaking to a local who knows the destination and can recommend some incredible things to do. So, next time you are on a Jet2holiday, go and meet your Customer Helper – whether it’s just to say hello or to get their advice on where to go.”
Following a summer filled with adventure, Gio is already planning his travel itinerary for next year, thanks to the UK’s largest tour operator’s biggest programme yet for Summer 2026.
Gio said: “I want to travel everywhere next year, there’s so many fantastic Jet2holidays destinations to choose from! The Jet2CityBreaks programme particularly excites me. I have plans to visit Marrakech with my partner for the first time as it’s a brand-new culture that I’d love to experience.
“A mini break to Prague is also calling my name! My own ‘Great Escape’ includes lots of food, nice drinks and restaurants. All the best bits that you can’t get at home!”
The series is currently airing every Sunday at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
For further information and to book visit www.jet2holidays.com
Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest ever drugs recoveries in Scotland, worth more than £8 million.
On Thursday, 11 December, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a premises on Melford Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £8m was recovered.
The men, aged 29, 46 and 65, were arrested and charged in connection and they are due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 15 December, 2025.
Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This was a sizeable recovery – one of the most significant we’ve seen in Scotland.
“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.
“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.
“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
People who care for more than one disabled person may be eligible for a new Scotland-only payment.
Carer Additional Person Payment, worth up to £520 a year, will be available from March 2026.
Carers may be eligible for more than one Carer Additional Person Payment if they are caring for more than one additional person.
This is the latest in a series of improvements being made to support for carers from Social Security Scotland, which will come into effect in March.
The time Carer Support Payment is paid following the death of the cared-for person will also be extended from 8 to 12 weeks, while Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be replaced by Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid weekly alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We’re making changes to benefits for carers to recognise the important contribution they make and to help ease some of the pressures that can come with a caring role.
“Scotland’s carers are better off than anywhere else in the UK, and the upcoming improvements will make sure that this remains the case.”
The Cabinet Secretary met with a group of carers from Lanarkshire Carers in Hamilton to mark the December payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement and upcoming changes to social security support.
Barbara McAuley, Chief Executive Officer at Lanarkshire Carers said: “We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Lanarkshire Carers Centre for an engaging visit with carers and staff.
“During the session, the Cabinet Secretary listened to carers’ experiences and participated in meaningful discussions on key issues, including social security benefits, working carers, older carers and carers’ rights.
“We are grateful for this chance to ensure carers’ voices are heard at the highest level.”
From March 2026, in addition to Carer Support Payment, eligible carers will be able to receive:
The switch from Carer’s Allowance Supplement to Scottish Carer Supplement will happen automatically for current recipients. Information on accessing the Carer Additional Person Payment will be provided in the new year.
In November, Young Carer Grant was extended to include 19-year-olds – potentially benefiting an additional 1,200 carers next year and allowing young carers to get up to four payments from the age of 16.
Over 95,000 carers received Carer’s Allowance Supplement in December with a payment of £293.50.
School Shouldn’t Cost: Young People’s Poverty and Education Manifesto 2025-31 was published on Tusday and over the coming weeks will be presented to MSPs and candidates ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election in May 2026.
This manifesto sets out what thousands of young people across Scotland say should happen to reduce the impact of poverty in their schools.
Young people say the next Scottish government must:
In a letter to Scottish party leaders the young people, members of the Cost of the School Day Voice network shared why this work needs to happen:
“There are great things happening in lots of our schools to help with costs and support us. But poverty is still affecting our education in so many ways. Poverty can affect how ready we feel to learn, what equipment we have for classes, basics like uniform and food and access to school trips that spark passion for subjects. Poverty can have a detrimental effect on our learning and can hold us back.”
Network members stressed the urgency of taking action on poverty in schools:
“The cost of the school day is such an important matter that we think it needs to be fixed everywhere for everyone as soon as possible. It’s important that you listen to the calls we are making because your decisions affect our lives. This can help us have equal opportunities and equal chances and a better future.”
Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager at Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland reflects on what’s happening in Scotland’s schools and local authorities: “There has been so much progress when it comes to reducing costs and poverty-related barriers at school, but there’s more we can do.
“Politicians across the political spectrum need to pay attention to the calls young people are making loud and clear because these are the things young people say will help support them to thrive and achieve at school, no matter how much money they have at home.
“Investment in equity has been making a difference to young people’s experiences at school but while young people are still experiencing poverty and while financial barriers to education remain, we can’t afford to lose focus.”
Throughout “School Shouldn’t Cost” young people are clear that further change is needed in schools, and that it needs to be happening in all parts of the country.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Sierra (S6) from Levenmouth Academy in Fife describes why this manifesto is important: “When we talk about child poverty, we’re not talking about numbers on a page. We’re talking about the child who pretends they’re not hungry because there’s no food left at home.
“We’re talking about the young person who avoids school trips because their family can’t afford it and they’re too embarrassed to say why. We’re talking about parents who go without meals so their children can eat and about the silent worry that sits in so many homes every single day. The cost of the school day should never cost a child their confidence, dignity or dreams.”
