Category: Uncategorized

More than 3,000 child sexual abuse image crimes recorded by Police Scotland in past five years

  • NSPCC sends letter to Home Secretary and DSIT Secretary of State urging action to strengthen Ofcom’s current approach to private messaging.
  • Other signatories include Barnardo’s and the Marie Collins Foundation

The NSPCC is urging the UK Government to ensure children are better protected in private messaging environments, as Scottish Government data reveals that 3,419 child sexual abuse crimes have been recorded by Police Scotland since 2019.

In the last two years they have reached record levels, with more than 700 offences being logged each year (748 in 2023/24 and 765 in 2022/23).

A separate Freedom of Information request submitted to police forces across the UK by the NSPCC showed that where law enforcement recorded the platform used by perpetrators, exactly half (50%) took place on Snapchat and a quarter on Meta products – 11% on Instagram, 7% on Facebook and 6% on WhatsApp[1]. 

In response, a joint letter from charities, including the NSPCC, Marie Collins Foundation, Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse, and Barnardo’s, has been sent to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle.

The letter expresses collective concern regarding Ofcom’s final Illegal Harms Code of Practice published in December 2024. The charities argue that as it stands, children will not be protected from the worst forms of abuse on private messaging services under Ofcom’s plans, despite this being a core aim of the Online Safety Act.

Ofcom has stated that user-to-user services are only required to remove illegal content where it is ‘technically feasible’. This exception creates an unacceptable loophole, allowing some services to avoid delivering the most basic protections for children.

Data from police forces on the number of recorded offences where the platform was known indicates private messaging sites are involved in more crimes than any other type of platform, with perpetrators exploiting the secrecy offered by these spaces to harm children and go undetected.

The NSPCC wants the UK Government to push Ofcom to review and strengthen their most recent codes of practice on tackling this threat to children’s safety online.

The charity is also calling for private messaging services, including those using end-to-end encryption, to make sure there are robust safeguards in place to ensure their platforms do not act as a ‘safe haven’ for perpetrators of child sexual abuse.  

End-to-end encryption is a secure communication system where only communicating users can participate. This means that service providers can be blinded to child sexual abuse material being shared through their platform.

Aoife, 21, from East Kilbride, an NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, has shared her advice to any children who experience online harms.

Aoife was exploited online when she was 15 by a man, she met online on Yubo. He pretended to be a teenager around her age and convinced her to download another app, Telegram, and then asked her to send him images of herself. Then he blackmailed her with these, threatening to share them with all her friends and family on Facebook, to control her behaviour.

When his demands became increasingly intense and frightening, Aoife recalled being told about the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) at school and reported the images. Through this, her school and then her parents were informed and supported her with reporting what happened to the police. The perpetrator was eventually sentenced in 2022 following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

She said: “If a young person is asked to share an explicit image of themselves with someone online, I would say don’t do it! You might want to and think you know what you are doing, and that you’ll be safe but if you met them online you don’t know who that person is. For all you know they could be the opposite of who they say they are, so I would say – just don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.

“If a young person has shared an image and they are being threatened tell someone you trust whether that’s a parent, teacher or neighbour because they will look out for you and help.

“I would also say to anyone who experiences this – it’s not your fault. You are the victim. You might be thinking how could I be so silly and put myself in this position but when you are young it’s perfectly normal to make mistakes – you’re still learning – so don’t be hard on yourself. You have been taken advantage of, and they are to blame, not you.”

Insight from NSPCC counselling service, Childline, provides further evidence of how young people are being targeted or blackmailed to share child abuse images via the calculated use of private messaging apps.

Last year, Childline delivered 903 counselling sessions to children and young people relating to blackmail or threats to expose or share sexual images online. This was a 7% increase compared to 2022/23.

Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “It is deeply alarming to see thousands of child sexual abuse image crimes recorded by Police Scotland in the past five years. These offences cause tremendous harm and distress to children, with much of this illegal material being repeatedly shared and viewed online. It is an outrage that in 2025 we are still seeing a blatant disregard from tech companies to prevent this illegal content from proliferating on their sites.

“Having separate rules for private messaging services lets tech bosses off the hook from putting robust protections for children in place.

“This enables crimes to continue to flourish on their platforms even though we now have the Online Safety Act.

“The Government must set out how they will take a bold stand against abuse on private messaging services and hold tech companies accountable for keeping children safe, even if it requires changes to the platform’s design – there can be no excuse for inaction or delay. “

Community Hub morning at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY from 10am – 12.30pm

Need advice, support, or just a friendly chat? Drop into our Community Hub Morning this Friday 10am – 12:30pm for a cuppa and connect with local organisations that can help.

Meet experts from:

✅Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – money, benefits & housing advice

✅ Manor Estates & Tenants Federation – tenant support & housing help

✅ Community Police – safety & local issues

✅ Energy Advice & Home Energy Scotland – energy-saving tips

…and more!

You can also find out about how you can support your local community by becoming a Community Councillor.

Community Council recruitment is underway across the capital and Drylaw Telford’s returning officer Cllr Vicky Nicholson – who was a member of the local community council before becoming a city councillor – will be available to provide information and answer your questions

No appointments needed – just drop in! Come along, bring a friend, and let’s build a stronger community together!

Jeanette crowned Great British Grandparent 2024

Doting grandmother Jeanette Townsend from West Sussex has been named the Great British Grandparent 2024, following an extensive nationwide search which received over 650 entries from loved ones nominating a family member or friend for the prestigious title.

Grandmother to eight grandchildren and another eight great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way), Jeanette, who is affectionately known as ‘Nan’, is overjoyed (if not a little overwhelmed) with the news.

On National Grandparents Day in October, Ambassador Cruise Line launched its search for the UK’s Grandparent of the Year. The initiative was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who give so much of their time, consideration, emotional and, in some cases, financial support to their nearest and dearest, day in, day out.

Jeanette was nominated for the title of Great British Grandparent by her granddaughter, Chloe.

Chloe’s submission included details outlining the incredible support Jeanette has provided to all generations of her family, notably during a difficult time when Chloe’s mother fell ill before sadly passing away.

The entry also included fond memories of how Jeanette has actively contributed to quality family time over the years, including teaching those close to her how to bake, go fishing or spending hours with the children while they played games in the back garden. Chloe also described how Jeanette is unconditionally ‘always there’ and come what may – both during times of need and in day-to-day life.

Despite facing extremely tough competition from other nominees, many of whom would have proved worthy winners of the title, Chloe’s nomination truly moved Ambassador’s expert judging panel headed-up by Ambassador’s CEO, Christian Verhounig, and the decision was unanimous in voting Jeanette the Grandparent of the Year.

After being named Great British Grandparent 2024, Jeanette said: “I was shocked by the news, because everything that I do I simply do because that’s what you do for your family.

“I always love having the grandchildren at my place, whether that’s playing in the garden, going down the beach, or cooking together. I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing family.”  

Granddaughter Chloe said: “I didn’t really believe it when we found out the news. I’ve never nominated someone for an award like this before, but everything that I said is true – I don’t know any grandparent more deserving than her.

“Nan is the ‘hub’ of the family, she gets us together and we all cherish the family moments we have at her place. She has gone through so much over the years that most people should never have to. Thanks so much to Ambassador for hearing her story and recognising our incredible Nan in this way. She really deserves this.”

In recognition of her achievement, Jeanette will be treated to a complimentary week-long, full-board Ambassador sailing for two to enjoy at a time of her choosing.

Jeanette said: “I’ve never been on a cruise – I’ve never been that fortunate!

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line and Head Judge of the voting panel, says: “On behalf of all of us at Ambassador, heartfelt congratulations go to Great British Grandparent 2024: Jeanette Townsend.

“The dedication and ongoing support you provide to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren is truly incredible, and you are a wonderful example of just how important grandparents are to the family unit.

“Ambassador is proud to champion the Silver Generation, whose support, friendship and companionship plays such a key role in bringing families the length and breadth of the country together. On behalf of all those friends and relatives who benefit from the unconditional love you provide, we wish to thank grandparents across the country for all that you do, every day of the year.”

As part of the campaign, the over 50’s cruise line commissioned a survey that looked at the intergenerational dynamic, with findings suggesting that grandparents remain the backbone of the family unit.

Research revealed that grandparents are viewed as both generous and reliable, providing an average of 24.6 hours a month of childcare to their grandchildren, even if over a third (38%) receive nothing in return.

Grandparents are also considered the most trustworthy people to look after children, with almost two in three (62%) of people saying they trust them most with childcare duties.

Grandparents are stepping in with financial support too – the research shows that two in five (40%) Brits have turned to their grandparents for money, and that grandparents are understood to be sacrificing on their own lives – including giving up on holidays (16%), holding back on doing things with friends (12%) and remortgaging their home (8%) – to ensure their grandchildren thrive.

Ambassador Cruise Line will begin its search for the Great British Grandparent 2025 later this year on National Grandparents Day, which falls on Sunday 5 October.

Now Casting: New BBC One quiz show The Inner Circle

NEW BBC SHOW NOW CASTING ⭐ 

The Inner Circle is a brand-new BBC One quiz show where getting the answers right is only half the battle. Taking place under the watchful eye of our mischievous host, Amanda Holden, contestants also need to decide who they trust enough to keep in the game!      

We’re looking for fun, charismatic and daring players to take on this unique challenge.      

Email theinnercircle@terntv.com OR follow the information in the flyer    

New quiz show The Inner Circle hosted by Amanda Holden is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Across each episode, contestants will battle to win the cash prize and will be tested not just on what they know – but which of their fellow players they can trust?

Made by multi-award-winning TV production company Tern, production is now underway in Glasgow for this compelling new quiz format coming to BBC One and iPlayer.

Hosted by TV and Radio presenter Amanda Holden, a BBC favourite who is currently appearing in the hugely popular Alan & Amanda’s Spanish Job, this innovative and exciting new quiz show will have a cash prize on the line as contestants compete in a series of rounds designed to test their general knowledge and strategic thinking.

Across each episode, contestants will battle to win the cash prize and will be tested not just on what they know – but which of their fellow players they can trust. As the contestants make their way through a series of games and challenges they’ll need to decide which of their opponents they’d be prepared to join forces with in order to take home the prize…but in a gripping finale, could each of the final two face the ultimate betrayal?

25 Daytime/Early Peak episodes of The Inner Circle will see members of the public taking part in each edition with a further 6 celebrity specials for Saturday nights set to feature famous faces joining forces with a member of the public, bringing together star power and fresh energy to these prime time episodes.

This brand-new commission is the result of the BBC’s Entertainment and Daytime commissioning teams joining forces to identify and develop fresh and modern quiz and gameshow formats for BBC One and iPlayer for Saturday early evenings and Daytime/Early Peak. The Inner Circle will be produced in Scotland by Tern.

Amanda Holden said: “I’m so excited to be part of this thrilling new quiz that challenges contestants and entertains viewers in equal measure.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring something fresh and fabulous to weekday afternoons and Saturday night TV, and I can’t wait to see the audience reactions!”

Rob Unsworth Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces to bring viewers a gripping new quiz that, for the first time, they’ll be able to play along with not only during the week, but on a Saturday tea time too.

“Getting the answers right on this show is only half the battle – contestants also need to decide who they trust enough to keep in the game, all under the watchful eye of the brilliantly mischievous Amanda Holden.”

David Marshall, Head of Entertainment at Tern said: “Saturday night and quiz is a new frontier for us at Tern, and we’re delighted that the BBC has entrusted us with this exciting opportunity.

“Our team here in Scotland is geared up to deliver a show that will captivate audiences with its unique blend of strategy, drama, and fun.”

Harry Bell, Managing Director at Tern said: “This is a classic David and Goliath success story for Tern, the Nations and the BBC. The development process has been the hardest imaginable but the BBC and BBC Studios have been truly magical partners. Sometimes dreams come true!”

The Inner Circle will be filmed at BBC Studiowork’s Kelvin Hall facility in Glasgow with post production taking place at Tern’s newly established Bumblebee Glasgow facility.

Applications are now open for contestants to take part in The Inner Circle. Applicants can contact theinnercircle@terntv.com for more information.

Broadcast details for The Inner Circle will be announced in due course.

Produced and filmed in Glasgow, The Inner Circle (25 x 45’) and celebrity episodes of The Inner Circle (6 x 45’) have been commissioned by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment, as part of a competitive initiative to find innovative new quiz formats made in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The Executive Producer for Tern is David Marshall the Series Producer is Nick Gunaydin and the Development Executive for Tern is David Kerr.

The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Alex McLeod and Neil McCallum.

 #tvcasting #uktv #beontv #bbc   #amandaholden #uktvcasting #gameshow   @bbciplayer @terntv #castingcall #ukcasting @noholdenback

Terence Reilly sentenced for attempted murder in Restalrig

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced after an attempted murder in Edinburgh in 2023.

Terence Reilly was arrested and charged after the attack on a 63-year-old man in Loaning Road on Sunday, 6 August, 2023.

He was jailed for eight years at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday – Thursday, 13 February, 2025.

He was found guilty of assault to severe injury, endangerment to life and attempted murder at the same court on Thursday, 16 January, 2025.

Detective Sergeant Sophie McWhinnie said: “This was a random attack on a stranger and Reilly now faces the consequences of his violent actions.

“His victim played a vital role in achieving this outcome and I would like to thank him for his support and hope that he can now begin to move on from this experience.

“Violence and endangering the lives of others will not be tolerated and we will rigorously pursue those responsible of such crimes and ensure they are brought to justice.

“We would like to thank the community for their assistance with this enquiry, particularly those who stopped at the time to help.”

Infant formula: CMA outlines clear path forward to help parents save hundreds of pounds a year

The Competition & Markets Authority has set out comprehensive proposals to deliver better outcomes for parents in the infant formula market – both in terms of the choices they make and the prices they pay

  • CMA infant formula study finds that a combination of factors is leading to poor outcomes for parents, who could be saving around £300 a year by switching to a lower priced brand
  • Issues include the design and operation of current regulations and the responses of consumers to advertising which emphasises branding when, in fact, all infant formula will meet babies’ full nutritional needs
  • CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are disproportionately affected due to higher rates of formula feeding
  • CMA final recommendations cover standardised packaging in hospitals; providing clear information to parents in healthcare and retail settings on the nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula; making it easier to compare prices of different brands; extending the ban on advertising to include follow-on formula; and allowing parents to use vouchers and loyalty points to buy infant formula
  • Given the steer from governments that regulatory restrictions on price promotions of infant formula support breastfeeding, the CMA is not recommending removing this ban at this stage, but stands ready to support further consideration of this option if asked

Following a market study into the infant formula and follow-on formula market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued its final recommendations.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “Every parent wants to give their baby the best possible start in life. Many whom need, or choose, to formula feed, pick a brand at a vulnerable moment, based on incomplete information, often believing that higher prices must mean better quality. This is despite NHS advice stating that all brands will meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of brand or price.

“Governments across the UK are committed to the tight regulation of infant formula for public health reasons. So, our proposals are designed to help parents make the best choices for them and their babies, with access to better information, while sharpening the effectiveness of the existing rules.

“Our proposals will also make it easier for regulations to be properly enforced, while ensuring manufacturers and retailers can be more confident in what they can and can’t do according to law.

“We strongly encourage governments to act on the recommendations to stop well-intended regulation driving poor outcomes for consumers. We’re ready to help implement the changes and support thinking around further measures, including removing the ban on price promotions, should governments consider it necessary at a later stage.”

CMA findings

Advertising and labelling of infant formula is strictly regulated. For example, advertisement and promotion, including price reductions or deals, is restricted so as not to discourage breastfeeding.

Many parents choose a brand for the first time in vulnerable circumstances – often in hospital immediately after birth – and frequently without the clear, accurate and impartial information needed to make informed decisions. People often feel under pressure, naturally wanting to do what is best for their baby. Many actively choose a more expensive product, assuming this means better quality.

However, NHS advice makes clear: “It does not matter which brand you choose, they’ll all meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of price”.

Against this backdrop, rather than competing strongly on price, manufacturers place significant emphasis on building brand awareness to secure customers. For example, some regularly supply the NHS with below cost formula to reach new parents – and once parents have found a brand that works for their baby, they rarely switch.

Regulation states that the labelling and presentation of infant and follow-on formulas should be ‘clearly distinct’. Despite this, manufacturers use similar branding and labelling – including similar colour palettes, fonts and imagery – across infant and follow-on formulas. When combined with large marketing budgets, this approach indirectly supports the sale of infant formula, with CMA evidence indicating that parents are disproportionately influenced by such branding practices (be it in hospitals, online or in store).

The CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are more likely to formula feed so are disproportionately impacted by infant formula pricing. While some government support is available to those eligible, most infant formulas exceed the weekly value of benefits available through schemes such as the Healthy Start and Best Start Food. This can lead to parents foregoing food in order to provide for their babies.

On pricing, differences between brands can have a sizeable impact on parents’ finances. Evidence reviewed by the CMA shows that they could make a saving of around £300 over a baby’s first year of life by switching from a popular mid-priced product to a low-priced brand.

Recommendations

The 4 recommendations from the CMA are:

  1. Removing brand influence in healthcare settings: Parents should be provided with timely, clear, accurate and impartial information on nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula products as early as possible. Where parents are given infant formula in healthcare settings, labelling should be standardised to reduce the influence of branding on their decision making. For example, branded formula could be put into non-branded containers, or the NHS could have a white-label formula.
  2. Equipping parents with the right information when they are shopping: Information about nutritional sufficiency should be displayed clearly and prominently on shelves and when buying online. In store, all brands of infant formula should be displayed together and in a separate cluster from other formula milks to enable quick and easy price comparisons.
  3. Strengthening labelling and advertising rules: All packaging should clearly display information on nutritional sufficiency. Claims that are intangible, or cannot be easily checked by parents, should be banned. Like infant formula, advertising (including price promotions and deals) for follow-on milks should be banned. To help shops, manufacturers and enforcers, government should clarify what constitutes ‘advertising’, outlining exactly what shops and manufacturers can and cannot do regarding formula milks. Parents should be allowed to use gift cards, vouchers, loyalty points, and coupons to purchase infant formula.
  4. Effectively enforce current and future rules: Strengthen the roles played by relevant authorities so they must approve the packaging of all infant formula products before sale. At present, companies can put products onto the market before the relevant authority has reviewed the label.

Public Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, said: “I welcome this report and would like to thank the Competition and Markets Authority for their thorough investigation.

“There are many benefits of breastfeeding but for those families that cannot or choose not to breastfeed, it is vital that they can access formula that is affordable and high quality. Families should not be paying over the odds to feed their babies because of outdated regulation.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re determined to ensure every child has the best start to life. We will carefully consider these recommendations and respond fully in due course.”

Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders said: “The government has been clear through our new Strategic Steer to the CMA that competition and consumer protection will drive economic growth.

“That work to drive better outcomes for consumers across the infant formula market delivers on this priority. We look forward to working closely with the CMA across government to continue to deliver growth as part of our Plan for Change.”

Next steps

Recommendations are made to UK, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh governments, working in collaboration with other organisations, where appropriate. The CMA will now engage to explain these measures and support their implementation.

For more information on the CMA’s market study, visit the Infant formula and follow-on formula market study.  

Leather workshops at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Join us for hands-on leather-making workshops at the centre, guided by our volunteer leather crafter, Bence! Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about crafting with leather.

🎨

 Thursday 20th February 6-8pm: Create your very own leather card holder – a practical and stylish first project.

🎨

 Thursday 27th February 6-8pm: Build on your skills with a simple leather wallet, ideal for those who’ve attended Workshop 1 (but not required!)

📅

 Details:

Cost: £5 per workshop
Capacity: a few spaces still available for each session!
Important: We’ll be working with sharp tools and needles. Participants must feel comfortable and confident using these.

💌

 Booking is essential – spaces are limited! Message or call us to reserve your spot.

Edinburgh runner Archie nears 20th marathon to support sight loss charity

For the past two decades, Archie MacGregor (64) has laced up his running shoes with a purpose that goes far beyond the finish line. He is soon to complete his 20th marathon in 20 years, to raise vital funds for sight loss charity, RNIB.  

With the London Marathon approaching in April, Archie is close to reaching his lifetime fundraising target of £26,200- a sum mirroring the traditional 26.2 mile marathon distance.  

Archie’s son, now 33, was supported by RNIB Scotland’s Youth Group as a child, taking part in various activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, and water sports, all made accessible for the group.  

“The youth group was brilliant for my son and helping him build confidence and independence,” says Archie. “The team were so supportive of all the kids there and the impact they’ve made has really stayed with us over the years.” 

After sustaining an injury during his first marathon in Edinburgh in 2005, Archie took a break from running before returning to complete the New York Marathon in 2007. That race sparked a new challenge- taking on the World Marathon Majors. Over the years, he has completed marathons in London, Berlin, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Tokyo after it was added to the series. 

“Since then, I’ve added many more cities to my list including Stockholm, Zagreb, Paris, Bucharest, and Milwaukee- it’s a great way to see the world,” says Archie. “In 2012, I ran Boston and London within six days of each other- and learned the hard way to stick to my training programme!

“The experience is different every time though- in Tokyo, we were all at the starting line shivering at 0°C, whereas Boston was 29°C and people were being treated for heat exhaustion! It can be a real test of your will and endurance.”  

As he prepares to take on London once again, Archie is looking forward to celebrating the milestone of 20 marathons in 20 years. “The RNIB cheer squad always give us a boost- you can’t miss them! We always have a celebration together at the end.

“This is my way of giving back for their support they gave my son, and thanks to unbelievable generosity from family, friends and colleagues I’m now really close to my goal.” 

To donate to Archie’s 20/20 challenge, visit his JustGiving page:  

https://www.justgiving.com/page/archie-macgregor-1728228093908

Edinburgh dance school triumphs at Global Dance Open qualifier

EDA celebrates as dancer Megan and 67 acts triumph at Scottish qualifiers event

Pupils from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) have secured several places at the Global Dance Open (GDO), an international dance competition being held later this year. The EDA winners included Megan Hannah, who recorded the highest score at the GDO Scottish finals competition staged last weekend.

A total of 68 EDA performances triumphed at the event held at Broughty Ferry’s Gardyne Theatre which featured 434 acts from across Scotland. Among the host of successful EDA entrants, Megan’s individual dance score of 97 out of a maximum 100 points was highest ranked solo performance of the competition.

Judges at the Scotland event included Lucy Banfield, a former professional dance who is now Head of Jazz at Laine Theatre Arts dance college. Fellow judges were professional dancer Matthew Banks and Hayley Monaghan, a choreographer and professional performer.

The qualifying EDA performers will now represent Team Scotland in their respective categories at the GDO international finals event being staged in Birmingham between 16 – 20 July.

Securing places at the GDO finals follows EDA success at last year’s British Isles Dance Inspirations event in Blackpool where its pupils won a number of titles and the school was named as the ‘Highest Ranked Dance Studio in the UK and Ireland’ for the third year running. EDA dancers also secured a total of 15 medals, including four golds, at the 2023 Dance World Cup finals held in Portugal.

Julie Mitchell, Principal and Founder at EDA, said: “We are so pleased with the success of our all our pupils, including Megan (above) for her outstanding solo performance, and delighted they will now have the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Global Dance Open finals this summer in Birmingham.

“This is another fantastic achievement for EDA building on our successes at both UK and global competitions over recent years.

“Our dancers and teachers have worked tirelessly to create and perfect their routines and we are all delighted they have secured this great opportunity to showcase their talents at this international event.”

Mind Your Head: More Hours, More Risk

UK FARMING’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DEEPENS

  • 91% of all UK farmers* rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden dangers facing farmers today, a recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation reveals
  • The charity’s latest research also revealed that levels of mental wellbeing among young farmers have been steadily decreasing over the past four years.
  • 44% of farmers* between the ages of 41-60 yrs work more than 81 hours a week – which is longer than they did in 2023 – and longer working hours impacts on the farmers levels of mental wellbeing
  • 61% of farmers* still say poor mental health can be seen as a weakness in these challenging times
  • The latest Office of National Statistics** figures showed 44 suicides were registered in England & Wales among the farming and agricultural industry in 2022

There is no doubt that 2024 was a challenging year for farming in the UK and, given the added stress farmers are currently experiencing, ensuring farmers and farm workers prioritise both their physical and mental wellbeing has never been more important.

A recent study by leading rural charity, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), revealed that poor mental health among farmers and agricultural workers continues to be a major concern. In the sample of over 750 farmers, 9 out of 10 respondents (91%) agreed that poor mental health is the ‘biggest hidden problem’ facing the industry today.

The reality of a farmer’s life is that there are multiple reasons identified as contributing to poor mental health in the industry. The known pressures on farmers – including traditional farm stressors, contextual stressors and barriers to support, coupled with the impact of measures announced in the Autumn budget – are leading to increased levels of stress and uncertainty in the farming community. 

Recent months have seen farmers travel from their fields to the front of the Houses of Parliament and supermarket car parks to show their frustration at the new wave of tax measures being introduced in April 2026. Measures that are increasing levels of uncertainty and anxiety and adding serious concerns about an uncertain future for the industry and food production in the country.

The charity’s research showed that, on average, farmers worked longer hours in 2024 than they did in 2023. The average number of hours a full-time worker in the UK works per week is 36.4 hours***, however UK farmers work an average of 60 hours a week with an alarming 44% of those aged between 41 and 60 years working more than 81 hours a week.

1 in 3 farmers (33%) who work more than 9 hours a day admit to having had an accident or a near miss in the past 12 months demonstrating the link between long hours and working safely.

When mental wellbeing is factored in, the evidence revealed that farmers with lower mental wellbeing scores were significantly more likely to admit to working unsafely and risk-taking, something that raises alarm bells with the Farm Safety Foundation, especially as their research shows that the levels of mental wellbeing in those working in the industry have been steadily deteriorating over the past four years.

In the industry with the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, making sure farmers are prioritising their physical and mental wellbeing can be a matter of life or death. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 23 farm workers lost their lives in farm accidents in GB in 2023/2024. There were also 44 suicides registered in England and Wales among the farming and agricultural industry in 2022 (Office of National Statistics).

This week (10-14 February 2025), the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) will be running its eighth annual Mind Your Head campaign.

The campaign will continue to raise awareness of the various challenges facing the UK’s farming industry, break down the stigma attached to poor mental health, and sow the seeds of wellbeing and resilience in the sector.

Stephanie observed: “Farming has always been one of the most demanding industries, but the added strain of long hours, rural isolation and financial insecurity is putting farmers at risk.

“For us to change the cultural reluctance to discuss mental health, we need to listen and learn what farmers are feeling, what their attitudes are and what they are doing to address it themselves.“

To do this, the Farm Safety Foundation travelled to Carnoustie to launch ‘In Discussion With…’ a new series of roundtable events devised to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of various groups to both farming safely and looking after their mental wellbeing.

The event was the first of four roundtables planned across the UK in 2025 and gathered together some members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs to learn about the challenges of loneliness and rural isolation in advance of the Mind Your Head campaign.

The young farmers from the Angus area were, however, royally surprised when, during the discussions, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Rothesay popped in to join the conversation.

During his visit, His Royal Highness met with five members of local young farmers clubs and SAYFC National Chair Ally Brunton at the roundtable hosted by Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation.

When Stephanie asked him why he was interested in what they were doing, he said: “I love the countryside and I love farming as well. And I am conscious that it’s an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding that there is access and support out there for young farmers.”

He added: “Because I think in the farming world it’s maybe not talked about as much as in other sectors – and yet we know it exists”

His Royal Highness then asked the young farmers what they do to look after their wellbeing…

William Grant (22) past chair of Strathmore JAC and from a family mixed arable and beef farm beside Auchterhouse commented: “It’s a constant cycle of work work work, but then if there’s a Young Farmers meeting you might just go to that.”

Vikki Johnston (25), who farms with her family on the Glamis Castle estate and also works on a farm near Forfar, added: “Hard work is kind of ingrained in you.”

Alistair McCarthy (22) originally from Caithness but now splitting his time between home and a livestock farm near Glamis highlighted: “It’s easy to be your own critic, but you need to look for the light ahead.

When asked what they would do if they noticed someone was struggling or if they were struggling themselves, Lois Scott (26) a Primary School teacher and member of Forfar JAC commented: “You sometimes don’t realise you need help until you’ve had it.

“Sometimes it takes someone saying to you ‘are you okay’? We (SAYFC) have the ‘Are Ewe OK?’ campaign and Yellow Wellies can give you a lot of help.”

The roundtable took place at East Scryne Fruit Farm run by James and Kate Porter, His Royal Highness was also shown some of the polytunnels damaged by the recent Storm Eowyn. Something that James pointed out was just one more thing adding stress and challenge to farming life but this was farming was all about. Starting again, constantly learning and staying optimistic.

As Ally Brunton, National Chair SAYFC and member of East Fife JAC put it: “If we weren’t all optimistic about the future in agriculture, we wouldn’t have a career in the industry.”

Stephanie reflected: “It was an absolute honour to have His Royal Highness join our roundtable. We are a small charity and have been running this campaign for eight years now so, to have such a high-profile guest interested in what we are doing gives the issue greater visibility.

“This week we will release two new hero films, our traditional launch day hero film and a second one – on Valentine’s Day – featuring some very familiar farming faces which will hopefully end the campaign on a positive note. After all, positivity is something I think we could all do with a bit more of at this time.”

For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign please visit:

www.yellowwellies.org 

or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Facebook, Instagram and X using the hashtag #MindYourHead.