NHS Lothian is urging those who have not yet had their flu and/or COVID-19 vaccines to top up their protection ahead of the festive period, with maximum protection taking around 10 days following vaccination.
Last winter in Scotland, hospital admissions for flu and COVID-19 peaked on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day respectively.
Those who are most at risk from flu and COVID-19 are being invited for vaccination this winter. That includes people who are older, are pregnant, have an underlying health condition, provide vital face-to-face care for someone or who work in certain roles.
People can check which vaccinations they are eligible for, book online or rearrange an appointment by visiting NHS Inform or calling 0800 030 8013.
You can also drop-in to a clinic of your choice across Lothian, including Waverley Mall, The Gyle and Ocean Terminal, open 9am to 7pm seven days a week. More clinic details are available at NHS Lothian, including arrangements for school children and clinics for pre-schoolers.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “As people socialise with family and friends over the festive period, the chances of catching viruses increase. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu and COVID-19.
“We expect another challenging winter for the NHS, and getting vaccinated can also help to alleviate pressures on the system and keep our staff well.
“The flu virus is always changing and protection from the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time, so it’s important that those eligible keep their protection levels topped up by getting their vaccines now.
“To help make it as easy as possible for you to get your vaccine(s), you can drop-in to a number of clinics or book an appointment if preferable.”
Andy Burnham, Sadiq Khan, Steve Rotherham and Tracy Brabin – as well as 10 other mayors and council leaders – join forces to slam minimum service levels
Metro mayors and council leaders say they will “explore every possible option” to avoid issuing work notices
“Once in a generation” special Congress kicks off on Saturday – as unions debate how to step up campaigning against new laws
Metro mayors and council leaders from across the UK yesterday warned that Conservative anti-strike laws will “make disputes harder to solve” and “lead to more frequent and longer strikes”.
The mayors of London, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Bristol and North of Tyne, and council leaders of Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham and Sheffield, have joined forces to issue a scathing statement on minimum service levels.
The leaders of towns and cities pledge to “work with trades unions and employers to explore every possible option to avert any prospect of work notices being issued in our areas”.
The TUC has hailed the announcement as “hugely welcome”, particularly as the mayors and council leaders run services – such as transport – which could be subject to the legislation.
The mayors and council leaders also slam the new laws as “placing severe and unacceptable restrictions on the fundamental right of a worker to take industrial action to defend their pay and conditions”.
The statement comes after Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, have both said they will do everything in their power to avoid issuing work notices.
New laws restricting the right to strike and introducing minimum service levels in rail, border security and ambulance services are now on the statute book – after passing in parliament this week.
Ministers are also consulting on rules affecting workers in hospital settings, schools, universities and fire services.
The intervention comes as unions discussed how they take on the new anti-strike laws at a “once in a generation” special Congress yesterday.
Widespread criticism
The legislation gives ministers sweeping powers to impose strike restrictions in any service within health, education, fire, transport, border security and nuclear decommissioning – and has faced widespread criticism.
NHS Providers recently warned that the legislation could worsen industrial relations, harm patient care and lead to more disruption.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) wrote to the government to express “serious concerns” about its anti-strike legislation breaching international law.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) also warned that the legislation could see all striking workers in affected sectors lose their unfair dismissal protection, as whole strikes could be deemed illegal.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “I welcome today’s pledge from elected leaders across the UK to do all they can not to impose minimum service levels on striking workers.
“This statement from mayors and council leaders across Britain is the latest in a long list of scathing criticism for minimum service levels.
“Employers, politicians and civil society organisations have all condemned this legislation.
“And it’s little wonder so many are opposed these new laws. They are a deliberate attempt to restrict the right to strike – a fundamental British liberty.
“Make no mistake – they are undemocratic, unworkable and likely illegal.
“And crucially – as the leaders of our towns and cities say – they will poison industrial relations and drag out disputes.
“That’s why we are calling today’s once in a generation special Congress. Unions won’t stop fighting this spiteful legislation until it’s repealed.”
On the commitment of mayors and council leaders to do everything in their power to avoid issuing work notices, Paul added: “It’s hugely important and welcome that council leaders and mayors have joined the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister of Scotland in saying they will do everything they can to avoid issuing work notices.
“These politicians all run services which could be affected by the legislation.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The way for the government to resolve industrial disputes isn’t through draconian legislation, but to negotiate.
“Workers in our public services don’t take the decision to withdraw their labour and lose a day’s pay lightly, and strike action is always the last resort.
“Ministers threatening to sack workers for going on strike during a dispute is both wrong and likely to be counter-productive. This is why we have opposed minimum service levels every step of the way – and will do everything in our power not to issue work notices.
“It also undermines devolution, as services in Greater Manchester such as transport are devolved, with no role for government in decisions such as service levels.”
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Minimum service levels are a desperate attempt by a government that has run out of ideas to stop workers taking action to defend their pay and conditions.
“Disputes at work are only solved effectively when people sit down and negotiate.
“Strike action is a human right and provides a basis for workers and employers to find solutions together. Legislating away worker dis-satisfaction does nothing to promote good working conditions or positive relations”.
JOINT STATEMENT:
The government’s proposals for minimum service levels in the event of strike action would place severe and unacceptable restrictions on the fundamental right of a worker to take industrial action to defend their pay and conditions.
They are unfair, undemocratic, and likely to put the UK in breach of our international legal commitments.
Crucially, they would make disputes harder to solve and lead to more frequent and longer strikes.
The recent publication of a draft code of practice that would put impossible hurdles in the way of unions complying with this draconian legislation shows that it is intended to stoke conflict not resolve it.
As leaders in our towns and cities, we urge the government to abandon plans to minimum service levels in any service.
We will work with trades unions and employers to explore every possible option to avert any prospect of work notices being issued in our areas.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North of Tyne
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council
Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council
Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council
Cllr James Lewis. Leader of Leeds City Council
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council
Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council
A new approach aimed at reducing domestic abuse-related homicides and suicides has received overwhelming backing.
The proposals for a Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model would help identify what lessons can be learned and applied following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is suspected. Ministers hope that this will ultimately lead to fewer such deaths.
Nine out of 10 people who took part in a consultation – including those with direct experience of domestic abuse and bereavement – backed the Scottish Government’s plans.
There was also substantial support for the inclusion in the Model of cases involving violent-resistant homicide, where the victim kills the perpetrator of abuse.
The Model will now be developed by the Scottish Government’s Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce, Model Development Subgroup and Task and Finish Groups.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Nobody should die at the hands of a partner. While overall homicide rates are falling, there remains a significant number involving domestic abuse, where the vast majority of victims are women.
“Our plans would see agencies across justice, health and social care, the third sector and beyond work together to establish what could be done better. It is absolutely right that these reviews should also happen in cases of suicides, as well as homicides, where abuse has been a factor.
“By identifying areas for change and improvement, we can help to prevent further deaths and give a voice to those who have been killed.”
EmilyTest founder and CEO Fiona Drouet, who will chair the Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Task and Finish Group, said: “The decision for Scotland to include domestic abuse-related suicides in the new review model reflects a country that is progressive and recognises the extent of the harms caused by domestic abuse. This decision evidences that our Government values the voices of professionals and lived experience.
“After losing a loved one to suicide, families shouldn’t encounter obstacles when asking authorities to investigate further, regardless of whether the victim was known to domestic abuse services or not.
“These reviews will be absolutely pivotal in gaining valuable lessons and will go some way to helping us build a safer society. It signifies a positive move towards understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding domestic abuse and its consequences. I feel very privileged to be invited to chair the Task and Finish group and, after losing our daughter in these circumstances, I wholeheartedly commit to working with valued colleagues in the field to get this right for everyone.”
Head of the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh John Devaney, who chairs the Model Development Subgroup, said: “The findings from the consultation on the key elements of the new domestic homicide and suicide review process is an important milestone in the considerations of the Taskforce.
“It is positive to note the overwhelming support for the core purpose of the review process, and the key aspects that the Taskforce should ensure are covered by future reviews. I’m very grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute, particularly those with experience of losing a family member to fatal domestic abuse.”
The first-ever ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events launched last weekend, (2nd and 3rd of December) at The Centre, Livingston with proceeds going to the children’s charity CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
The breakfast events, which are a first for the shopping centre, are running over the first three weekends in December, on both Saturday’s and Sunday’s, in The Wintergarden, adjacent to Aerial Adventures.
Over 100 people attended the first weekend and enjoyed a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Santa and a story from his favourite festive book, and a hearty breakfast, followed by a personal chat with him in his Grotto, then presented with a special gift.
Families also had the chance to join in some festive fun activities, hosted by Santa’s elves, including party games, dancing, reindeer food making and designing their own Christmas tree decorations.
Tickets for the remaining ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events on the 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th of December are £14.95 for children, which includes a present from Santa, and £10.95 for adults, with £3 from every ticket sold going to CHAS. Bookings can be made on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “We are delighted our ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events got off to such a fantastic start at the weekend and will help us to raise even more money for the children’s charity, CHAS.
“It was great to see generations of families joining in all the activities and having such a fantastic time, and Santa too who really enjoyed taking part in the dancing games and reading his favourite Christmas story to the kids.”
The Centre, Livingston also organised it’s second Elf Toddle Walk this year with all funds going to CHAS once again and welcomed the charity into the shopping centre at the weekend to help raise money and awareness.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are very excited to be a part of yet another heart-warming initiative by The Centre, Livingston. ‘Breakfast with Santa’ is not just about bringing joy to families; it’s about creating a positive difference in the lives of those we care for at CHAS.
“It is wonderful that some of the CHAS families had the opportunity to join in the festive spirit and meet Santa.
“Our gratitude knows no bounds to The Centre, Livingston and the compassionate community whose generosity and unwavering dedication fuels our mission. Thank you!”
Another of Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms has had a major makeover, following hot on the heels of the recent one at the much-loved Leith Victoria gym.
Gracemount Leisure Centre’s gym has undergone a refurbishment and reopened today – Saturday, 9th December. This follows a huge renovation at another of their gyms, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, with it becoming the first gym in Scotland to get new high-tech SE4 consoles from Life Fitness, aimed at improving workouts.
New cardiovascular (CV) equipment is being upgraded to the latest model, SE4. This new CV kit gives the option of on-demand workouts, additional fitness testing and connectivity to apps such as Netflix and Spotify on a 24-inch HD screen, built in wireless charging and improved touch screen capacity. Some new bits of kit include an additional Powermill, a concept 2Ski-Erg, Watt Bike and Arc Trainer.
Resistance kit includes a new glute drive, Plate loaded Lateral row, and equipment upgrade on all their current models. Improvements to the free-weights areas is being made by the addition of another half rack and dumbbell benches and increasing the floor area. Dumbbells will increase up to 50kg, in addition to upgrading bars and weight plates, as well as functional equipment such as kettlebells.
There will be a new designated area for their Gym Based Circuit Classes, included as part of an Edinburgh Leisure full fitness or gym membership, and there will be brand-new flooring throughout the gym.
Gracemount have also introduced a new Boditrax body composition scanner. Others can be found in the gyms at Meadowbank Sports Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and Drumbrae Leisure Centre.
Boditrax is a quick, easy and accurate tool for measuring body metrics. By using it, customers will have a better understanding of body composition and overall fitness levels. Free for members to access whenever they visit the gym, they can easily monitor their progress.
Like Gracemount, Leith Victoria’s gym has also had a recent upgrade with the installation of the new cutting edge SE4 machines Additional racks for weight-lifters, new dumbbell benches, a Hammer Strength Air Bike and an Arc Trainer were also added, as were new stations in the gym for beginners looking to get started on their own personal fitness journey.
Studio 1, located off the gym, was also given a makeover, receiving a lick of paint as well as having the floors and stage sanded and varnished.
Leith Victoria previously underwent renovations in 2020 which included a refurbishment of the changing areas in the pool, updated lighting and heating to improve efficiency and works to restore damage to the outside of the property.
Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re really excited about being the first gyms in Scotland to get the new high-tech SE4 Life Fitness consoles, which will really improve and enhance the customers’ experience.
“Edinburgh Leisure is constantly reinvesting thousands of pounds in improving our venues and equipment to ensure that customers are guaranteed as good an experience as any they might have at a private gym, but with the added bonus of flexibility and choice. As the biggest club in town, we like to think that wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something to suit you, with a budget to match.”
Edinburgh Leisure is currently offering a Winter pass promotion. A short-term alternative to a full-time membership, the two-week pass costs just £20 for 14 days.
Available to buy online or in venue from to 18th December, the Winter Pass includes unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools, the Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, over 750+ fitness classes per week, and Europe’s largest climbing arena at Ratho, and represents excellent value for money.
Twenty-six people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences following bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November, 2023.
A further individual will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with two charges, meaning a total number of 27 people have been identified for 53 offences.
The ages of those range between 12 and 34 years of age, with the majority aged in their mid to late teens.
A total of 31 charges against 15 individuals relates specifically to the significant disorder seen in the Niddrie area.
Within this, two men, aged 29 and 27 have been charged in connection with inciting violence. They are alleged to have filmed the events on mobile phones while encouraging youths to be violent towards police.
A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were also charged in connection with supplying fireworks to youths.
The charges are a result of an extensive investigation which has been ongoing since bonfire night by a dedicated team of officers.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The events of bonfire night, especially in the East of the city, were wholly unacceptable.
“The scenes experienced are not reflective of the Niddrie community as a whole and were acts carried out by a minority.”
Sign-ups already flooding in for the much-loved fundraising event taking place on Sunday 15 September
GRATIS IMAGES
Pictures by Jamie Simpson/Kiltwalk
Pictured: Sir Tom Hunter sets of the first wave of the Mighty Stride
17 September 2023
Edinburgh goes Kiltwalk Crazy to Boost 710 Scottish Charities
Seven was Edinburgh’s lucky number today as a massive 7,000 Kiltwalkers took to the streets of the capital to fundraise for 710 different Scottish charities. 17th September goes into the history books as the city’s biggest ever Kiltwalk.
The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk and Sir Tom Hunter was at the Start Line and on the route to praise the walkers:
“The good people of Edinburgh and the East love Kiltwalk. We had 1,700 Kiltwalkers in our first Edinburgh Kiltwalk 7 years ago, today we have over 7,000 heroes walking for 710 charities.
It’s incredible and every penny raised here at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk will make such a difference to charities who really, really need a hand up, not a handout in these tough times.
“I’m proud of every single person who took part and crossed the finish line at Murrayfield; be they a Mighty Strider, a Big Stroller, or a Wee Wanderer. I am so grateful for their generosity.
I’d like to say to each one of them, thank you for your Kiltwalk Kindness.”
Among the famous faces taking part in Scotland’s favourite mass participation event were David Marshall, Hibs and Scotland goalkeeper who stepped out on behalf of the Hibernian Community Foundation, which was also the biggest fundraising team at today’s Kiltwalk. New manager, Nick Montgomery, was there as a late addition to the 330 strong squad.
An impressive 3,000 Kiltwalk heroes undertook the Mighty Stride from Bingham Medway taking the 21-mile route through Portobello Promenade, Leith Shore and Gypsy Brae before triumphantly crossing the finish line at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
The Big Stroll saw 2,000 Kiltwalkers walk 15 miles from Musselburgh to the home of rugby, while 2,000 Wee Wanderers walked five miles from Gypsy Brae to meet their fell
Registration has opened for the 2024 Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 15 September. Kiltwalkers can take part in one of three walks: the 21-mile Mighty Stride, the 11-mile Big Stroll, or the Wee Wander of just five miles.
A record 7,000 Edinburgh Kiltwalkers raised over £1.25 million for 713 Scottish charities at this year’s Edinburgh Kitwalk, it has been revealed. Overall the 2023 Kiltwalk campaign was the biggest ever attracting a total of 27,500 Kiltwalk heroes across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee who raised a phenomenal £5.1m for 1,550 charities.
Over the last eight years, Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event has raised a staggering £42.5 million for 3,300 Scottish charities.
Due to The Hunter Foundation underwriting Kiltwalk, entry fees have been frozen at 2023’s heavily discounted prices to make it as easy as possible for people to raise money for the charities they care about.
It’s just £20 for walkers taking on the Mighty Stride or Big Stroll. Adults doing the Wee Wander will pay £12.50 and children £6.50. Kiltwalkers can raise money for any charity they choose, with funding going directly to their chosen cause, plus Gift Aid. This means that charities will receive up to 125% of all funds raised at Kiltwalk.
In a recent video announcing this year’s fundraising total, philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, paid tribute to the event’s headline sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark.
He added: “What a year it has been for Kiltwalk. This has been the biggest ever. We had 27,500 walkers raising £5.1 million and most importantly for 1,550 Scottish charities.
“We know how tough it is out there with the cost of living crisis, and how hard it has hit the charity sector. So we have made the decision to keep the entry price at £20 – that’s the best value you will get anywhere in the world to raise funds for a charity you love and have some fun.
“Good luck to everyone – I will see you on a Kiltwalk.”
To sign up for Edinburgh (September 15), Glasgow (April 28), Aberdeen (June 2) or Dundee (August 11) Kiltwalks, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned pet owners of the risks posed by unsuitable food and other festive perils over the Christmas season.
Traditional treats, presents, decorations and chocolates will be arriving in many households this month. But these seemingly innocent pleasures must be stored securely by pet owners if they want to protect their pets and avoid an emergency trip to the vets this year.
Chocolate, raisins and other dried fruit – such as that in mince pies or Christmas puddings – onion, garlic, xylitol in sugar-free products and seasonal decorations like mistletoe and holly can all be dangerous, and even fatal, to dogs and cats if eaten. BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession research carried out last year revealed that four in five companion animal vets saw at least one case of toxic ingestion over the 2021/2022 festive period.
Our most recent stats showed that 76% of vets saw cases of chocolate poisoning and 69% saw dogs taken unwell after easing raisins or sultanas. Around a fifth (19%) reported cases caused by the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Foreign body ingestion in dogs was also common, with gifts for humans, being the most common cause (14%) while consumption of Christmas decorations and gifts for pets (12%) were also highlighted by vets as causing issues.
And dogs weren’t the only animals requiring emergency treatment: more than a quarter of vets (27%) also saw cases of toxic ingestion in cats, who were most likely to have ingested non-food items such as seasonal plants like holly or mistletoe (reported by 18% of vets) or antifreeze (seven per cent). Thirteen per cent of vets saw cats with foreign body ingestion.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Liz Mullineaux, said: “Vets across the country will be on call over Christmas but there’s nothing we’d like more than empty waiting rooms and all of our patients safe at home.
“Unfortunately, the fun human festivities include a lot of potential perils for pets. So we strongly recommend being vigilant and taking a few key precautions to keep your pets happy and healthy over the festive period.
“Keep all tempting treats, decorations and anything else a pet may mistake for food out of their reach to prevent an emergency visit to the vet. We also recommend keeping pets to their normal diets and avoiding feeding them any human food. But if you are concerned your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, please do contact your vet as soon as possible.”
Top tips for keeping Christmas hazard-free for pets
Protect your pet from poisons: A range of festive treats and traditions, such as chocolate in advent calendars and sweets, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free treats), nuts, grapes, liquorice, poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are toxic to cats and dogs.
Keep decorations out of reach: Ribbons, wrapping paper, baubles, tinsel and tree lights can seem like appealing playthings to cats and dogs but can be very dangerous if broken, chewed or swallowed. Batteries for Christmas gifts also need to be kept safe as, if ingested, they may cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.
Forget festive food for pets: We all enjoy a richer diet over Christmas, but fatty foods and Christmas dinners shouldn’t be shared with the animals of the household. They can trigger sickness and diarrhoea or other conditions from gastroenteritis to pancreatitis, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Too many treats can also lead to pet obesity.
Keep away the bones: Cooked bones, including turkey bones, should not be given to pets as they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract.
Know where to go: Even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by checking your vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours or, if you are away from home, use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet facility.
Amended UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Bill passed
A Bill to provide greater protection of children’s rights has been passed by the Scottish Parliament for a second time.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) Bill requires Scotland’s public authorities to protect children’s human rights in their decision-making when delivering functions conferred by Acts of the Scottish Parliament. It also allows for children, young people and their representatives to use the courts to enforce their rights.
Several sections of the original Bill, which was passed unanimously in 2021, were ruled by the Supreme Court to be outwith the Scottish Parliament’s legislative competence, following referral by the UK Government. MSPs have now backed an amended bill with reduced scope.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This Bill is an important milestone in ensuring that children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled under Scots law.
“Although Scotland will become the first devolved nation in the world to incorporate the convention into domestic law, we are limited in what we can achieve because of the nature of the devolution settlement.
“We’ve had to limit the scope of this Bill because of legal action taken by the UK Government. That is deeply disappointing. So, while this Bill is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it remains the case that the only way to protect children’s rights in the delivery of all public services in Scotland is for the UK Government to fully implement UNCRC. Unfortunately for Scotland’s children and young people, they remain firmly opposed to such action.”
Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament Mollie McGoran MSYP said: “The passing of the UNCRC Incorporation Bill is an important step in Scotland’s human rights journey.
“Whilst there has been challenges, this is a momentous day for the children and young people who have long campaigned for their rights to be respected in law and I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has worked for UNCRC incorporation.
“Decision makers and duty bearers in Scotland must now work towards embedding and respecting children and young people’s rights in every aspect of Scottish life. We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up and this is now an incredible opportunity to make that a reality.”
Member of Children’s Parliament Omima said: “I think the change is definitely going to be gradual.
“But I think if it is up there, and children know “all my rights do matter enough to be put into law” then they’re going to start valuing themselves more, and valuing the way that they’re treated and the way that adults especially treat them.
“I think that’s just to me a big pick up for our generation – to make us feel as if we are heard and valued as people not just as children.
On Wednesday (6 December), Foysol Choudhury MSP chaired the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Improving Scotland’s Health.
The CPG focuses on action which could be taken, such as reducing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods, to reduce illness and deaths in Scotland such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
Wednesday’s CPG saw a presentation from Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, about Public Health Scotland’s Economy and Poverty Programme, health trends and the importance of addressing health-harming commodities.
Following the meeting, Convener Foysol Choudhury MSP has also highlighted the concerning health disparities between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities.
Mr Choudhury said: “The concerning health trends we heard about at the meeting have raised alarm bells for me yet again about the disparity in life expectancy between Scotland’s richest and poorest communities.
“This is something I have raised before and will continue to raise until we see improvements in the quality of life for all in Scotland-until a time when where you are born will not affect your chance to live a long and healthy life.
“CEO of Public Health Scotland Paul Johnston noted in his presentation on Wednesday that change is possible, if we invest time, energy and resources into prevention now.
“That is why the work of this CPG is so vital, to ensure action is taken and preventative frameworks are put in place to support the future of Scotland’s health for the next generation.”
