An inquiry has been launched into the impact of Part 2 of the Community Empowerment Act (2015) (“the Act”) on community planning and how Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) can respond to significant events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.
The Committee is seeking views from organisations directly involved in Community Planning Partnerships as well as communities and individuals about the impact the Partnerships have had.
Community Planning aims to improve how organisations such as local government, health boards, and the police work together with other partners to improve local outcomes in an area.
Commenting, Committee Convener Ariane Burgess MSP said: “The Community Empowerment Act recognised in 2015 how important community planning is to improving people’s lives across Scotland and our inquiry will seek to understand how successful the Act has been in bringing partners together to deliver better services that make a real difference to people’s lives.
“We want to understand how effectively Scotland’s Community Planning Partnerships have been able to respond to challenges such as the current cost crisis and unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By hearing directly from organisations involved in Community Planning Partnerships as well as from communities and individuals about the impact the Partnerships have had we can understand what further improvements may be required to truly empower communities, tackle inequalities and bring about real change.”
A forward thinking national charity scheme which aims to improve quality of life and independence for young disabled adults aged 18-24, is calling for families to apply for the much-needed support.
Faced with three times higher costs to raise a disabled child or young adult, the current cost-of-living crisis is deeply challenging for families – now finding it even harder to afford the things their disabled young person needs to transition to adulthood- including technology, training and leisure activities.
National charity Family Fund is urging families with an 18-24 year old young adult to apply for wide-ranging grants through its Your Opportunity scheme, set up three years ago to help young disabled adults lead more fulfilling lives and realise ambitions.
The scheme has so far supported over 2,000 families and funds are available to help over 1,000 more young adults by next spring.
Family Fund, is the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families living on a low income, raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people.
Cheryl Ward, Family Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Raising a disabled or seriously ill child is three times more expensive than raising other children .When a child reaches 18, we know they lose an average of 57% of the support and benefits they had before they reached adulthood so costs are even higher for families.
“This financial cliff-edge can be very tough for parents and carers of young adults, but when the cost of living is rising ever higher, and families are having to cut down on essentials like food and heating, there is little room for the extras which improve a young person’s quality of life.”
Your Opportunity grants include:
· computer or tablet grants to support young people with further education, online hobbies and the overall building of independence;
· transport costs for bus fares for appointments, or to support independent travel to clubs or hobbies;
· help with the cost of membership fees, season tickets, computer games, and music systems to promote recreation and days out;
· help with the costs of buying a provisional driving licence, and other learning materials to support driving ambitions;
· white goods to help with independence, or help make mealtimes easier for carers;
· sports, or lightweight, wheelchair to enable participation in sport activities, or access to activities that would not be possible with a day-to-day wheelchair.
The Your Opportunity scheme was initially set up in 2019 by Family Fund with a donation of £500,000 over five years from the Edward Gostling Foundation. The Foundation has committed to continue the funding for the next ten years.
The success of the scheme has also led to the Pears Foundation providing grants of £600,000 over two years.
Cheryl Wardadded: “We are extremely grateful to The Edward Gostling Foundation and the Pears Foundation for recognising the need to plug the gap in support and we are proud to be working with them to improve the lives of so many young people.
“We are committed to continue to grow this income further.”
Families are eligible to apply if the young person lives at home with their parent or main carer.
Families interested in making an application for a young person should go to:
POLICE are appealing for information following disorder in Niddrie on Bonfire Night.
Throughout the evening officers responded to numerous calls of reckless behaviour in the area and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.
Around 8.40pm, on Saturday, 5 November, a police vehicle was attacked with bricks in the area resulting in a window being smashed and an officer sustaining a minor cut to their lip.
Chief Inspector Neil Wilson said : “The actions of those responsible could have had much more serious consequences and our investigation is under-way.
“Officers are carrying out door to door-to door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to identify those involved.
“I would appeal to motorists who were in the Niddrie area and who may have dash-cam footage to come forward. You may have captured something that could assist our enquiries.
“I would also appeal to anyone with mobile phone footage of any of the incident to get in touch with Police Scotland as a matter of urgency on 101.”
National charity Scottish Book Trust has unveiled plans to give free books to children and families visiting food banks this winter, as the country faces the cost of living crisis.
With overwhelming demand to help children and families living in increasingly challenging circumstances, the charity has launched an urgent Christmas fundraising appeal. The rising cost of living means more children do not have books at home, with over half of parents saying books are too expensive.1
Research has also shown one in five households on low incomes in Scotland have already gone hungry and cold this year, with over a quarter of families with children cutting back on their child needs such as food or childcare, rising to almost 30% for low-income families.
Marc Lambert, CEO Scottish Book Trust, commented: “This Christmas is looking very stark for so many families across Scotland. Access to books is essential for a child’s development.
“Without books at home children are missing out and we know the impact of this lasts a lifetime. The simple pleasure of owning a book can make a huge difference in children’s lives, bringing comfort, escapism and togetherness in families.
“Every family deserves a little magic at Christmas and donations to our appeal will be helping Scottish Book Trust deliver more vital work to support those most in need this Christmas.”
Books help families bond, bring joy and comfort, give children a sense of escapism and, importantly, improve their mental health and wellbeing. Research conducted by Scottish Book Trust revealed that 85% of parents from Scotland’s most deprived areas said that reading helps them bond with their child and that reading makes their children happy, while 95% of all parents in Scotland said they think it is important for children to own their own books.
Scottish Book Trust also surveyed education and early years practitioners and over two thirds stated some children they work with only own books gifted to them by Scottish Book Trust.
Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat will feature in the charity’s appeal, underlining the nostalgia, magic and escapism that books can give children. Scottish Book Trust is very grateful to Judith Kerr’s family and publisher HarperCollins for use of an illustration from the children’s classic Mog’s Christmas.
Funds raised from the appeal will enable Scottish Book Trust to give books to families via food banks and community hubs and deliver more of its life-changing work. Some examples of its programmes include specialist outreach support for young families through Bookbug for the Home, providing tactile books for children with additional support needs and supporting those living with dementia and the people who care for them.
To learn more about Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas appeal, visit :
The spectacular Beecraigs Festive Forest is back bigger and brighter than ever with even more extravagant lighting effects and one of the UK’s most powerful laser shows.
This year the team behind the awesome illuminations deep in the woods near Linlithgow is 21CC Group, one of the UK’s leading light and production companies. And their unrivalled expertise has created the perfect Christmas treat – a magical experience for all the family.
Beecraigs, the original festive forest event, broke all records last year and already has sold-out nights for their 2022 event run.
Located in Beecraigs Country Park, with panoramic views of the Forth bridges, Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, the Festive Forest is not only the ultimate Christmas family feelgood event but those attending will also be helping Maggie’s cancer support charity, Beecraigs’ charity partner.
The illuminated trail is a spectacular 1.8m walk through woodland, packed with stunning visuals and sound effects. It opens on December 2 and runs until December 23, 4 pm to 10 pm (the first entry is from 4 pm with the last entry at 8:30 pm) and is suitable for everyone and all age groups, including those with Additional Support Needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder. All carers’ tickets are free.
The event also features the delightful Santa’s Grotto and Storytelling Experience, not included in the Trail ticket and required to be booked separately in advance.
And there is a host of other attractions: The longest light tunnel in Scotland, Radio Forth’s Silent Disco, Cala Homes’ live music stage with DJ, musicians, choirs and carol singers; fire performers, stilt walkers and jugglers, some favourite festive characters, market stalls, children’s amusements and fair rides including a carousel, helter-skelter, Candy Cane bungee jumps, Crazy Elf cars and a new mini polar express!
A wide variety of festive food and drink is available in the new Santa village too, including all the seasonal favourites from hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to mulled wine, hot cider, tea and coffee, Scottish street food as well as festive fizz and beers.
Roy Snedden, Director of Rowen Events, said: This year we’ve really pulled out all the stops for a fabulous festive treat and made it bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before.
“It’s always the most magical time of the year but we want to make it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone – that’s why we are working with 21CC Group and supporting the wonderful Maggie’s who deserve a really significant gift for the tremendous work they do all year round.
“We’re hoping all our visitors will be as generous as they can and help us spread the real spirit of Christmas.”
For more information on the Festive Forest and to book tickets, visit:
With all the favourite stalls, and Santa back in his grotto, the stage is set for this year’s bumper Christmas Fair in Cramond Kirk Halls on Saturday 3 December (11.30am-2pm).
From Cake & Candy and Crafts to Collectors Corner, Toys and Toiletries to Tombola, there will be something for everyone. Other stalls include Books, CDs/Vinyl, Stocking Fillers, Children’s Tombola, Quiz …. and of course our renowned array of Christmas Hampers stuffed with festive goodies.
Lots to eat too! Teas, coffees and delicious light refreshments will be available indoors, while in an outdoor tent the Scouts will provide an al-fresco option featuring burgers and hot dogs with lashings of ketchup.
Fair organiser Louise Campbell said: “The Kirk will share this year’s proceeds with homeless support charity Fresh Start, and also Ukrainian Families in Edinburgh, because it is a country very close to our hearts at the moment.
“We look forward to seeing you and all your friends and family at the Fair.”
Edinburgh’s Childline Christmas Concert returns this year for the first time since Covid-19 hit the country.
The event has not been held for the past two years due to social distancing and this year will mark 26 years since the festive service began in the city.
Over the years, the concert has raised tens of thousands of pounds to help children and young people across Scotland.
The event, being held in Central Hall on Friday, November 25, from 7pm to 9.30pm, will feature performances by hundreds of young musicians from across the city’s schools.
All ticket and raffle sales from the night will go to the NSPCC-run Childline service in Scotland. The service provides 24-hour support for children and young people, providing them with a safe and confidential place to talk about whatever may be worrying them.
It is the only service there for children 24/7 during the upcoming festive period.
The last concert in 2019 raised more than £4,000 for the charity, and the hope is to reach an even higher target this year.
“Many people look forward to this event each year so it’s wonderful to welcome it back again.
“As well as a great night of entertainment, the concert supports our vital Childline service which is a genuine lifeline for children and young people around the country.
“At the NSPCC, we know that for children suffering abuse and neglect, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time and we want to be there for them through their darkest hours.
“We can only provide this support at Christmas and the rest of the year with the aid of public donations, so this concert is hugely important to ensuring children in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland can receive support when they need it most.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener for Education, Children & Families, at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Childline is a vital service which provides help and support to children and young people from all over the country.
“I am delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council are continuing to support The NSPCC through our Instrumental Music Service Childline Christmas Concert on 25 November.
“Now in its 26th year this concert is one of our festive highlights and will have over 200 young people perform in orchestras, bands and ensembles from schools across Edinburgh.”
Tickets for the 2022 Childline Christmas Concert cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. They can be bought here:
Since 6 April 2022, almost 21,600 Self Assessment customers, who were unable to pay their tax bill in full, have set up a payment plan to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments – an increase of around 3,900 customers on the previous year – HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
The deadline for customers to submit their tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2023 and HMRC is encouraging anyone yet to complete their return to do it early. Those who have already completed their Self Assessment know what they owe and can budget to make payments on time.
Filing early also means customers, who are unable to pay their tax bill in full by the deadline, will have plenty of time to access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan.
In the 12 months to 5 April 2022, almost 142,000 customers chose to use self-serve Time to Pay to pay any tax owed for the 2020 to 2021 tax year, spreading the cost of around £475 million into monthly instalments.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We’re here to help customers get their tax right and if you are worried about how to pay your Self Assessment bill, help and support is available. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘help pay Self Assessment’ to find out more.”
Using HMRC’s self-serve Time to Pay facility means customers benefit from a tailored payment plan via monthly direct debits.
This means they can spread the cost of their tax bill based on how much is owed and the length of time they need to pay. Self Assessment customers can apply on GOV.UK if they:
· have filed their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year
· owe less than £30,000
· can pay in full within 12 months
If customers owe more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, they should call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.
Help and support is available on GOV.UK for those completing their Self Assessment tax returns. There is also a series of videos on YouTube.
All Self Assessment customers need to be alert to the risk of criminals emailing, calling or texting claiming to be from HMRC. Scams come in many forms – some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a tax rebate.
Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing and HMRC advises customers to take their time and check scams advice by searching for ‘HMRC scams’ on GOV.UK. HMRC also urges customers never to share their HMRC login details. Someone using them could steal from the customer or make a fraudulent claim in their name.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at St James Quarter! The festive season kicks off with the official ‘Christmas Light Switch On’, hosted by Forth One’s Boogie and Arlene tomorrow (Thursday, 10 November) from 6pm.
Taking place on Register Square, the dazzling event is open to the public and free to attend, with representatives from charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action, set to push the big red button and light up The Quarter for Christmas.
St James Quarter’s retailers are also getting involved by revealing their glitzy Christmas window displays to accompany the 40 glowing star sculptures that will give an explosion of gold sparkle throughout the galleria for shoppers to admire. The Edinburgh Rock Choir will also be spreading Christmas cheer by taking to the stage and singing loud for all to hear.
This Christmas St James Quarter has donated over £6,000 worth of prizes to the Forth One Boogie in the Morning Supervan campaign which raises vital funds to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.
The contents of the Supervan will mean the winner’s Christmas shopping is complete with a variety of experiences and goodies from businesses across Scotland.
The donations from The Quarter include a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki Ramen, a year’s membership at Everyman plus many more.
The text lines to enter will be open from 06:00 – 10:00 on Friday 11th November, for further details tune into Forth One Boogie in the Morning.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “There is no better way to mark the beginning of the festive season than joining our charity partners to switch on the shimmering stars throughout the Galleria.
“This year we are also joined by Boogie and Arlene who will no doubt be singing along to the Edinburgh Rock Choir. As the past few years have shown, this time of year is about bringing people together and enjoying the Christmas spirit. We look forward to welcoming our guests and filling St James Quarter with festive joy”.
