300% surge in demand for neurodiversity support

‘a system under strain and a need for urgent change’

New data shows the need for support has rocketed over the past five years, revealing a growing crisis across schools, families, and workplaces

As Mindroom marks 25 years of championing neurodivergent children, young people, and adults in the workplace, new data exposes a sharp rise in need across the UK, and a system struggling to cope.

Over the past five years, demand for Mindroom’s support has soared by nearly 300%, with families waiting years for assessments, children missing school due to unmet needs, and parents describing a system “at breaking point.” 

The charity’s latest Impact Report also shows a 62% rise in families seeking mental health support, a 240% increase in training for professionals, and 93% of young people saying they felt more confident after working with Mindroom – proof of both surging need and transformative impact.

“Everywhere we look – classrooms, GP surgeries, workplaces, kitchen tables – the pressure is mounting,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom.

“Every week, more families come to us saying they simply can’t navigate the system alone. The good news is that public understanding of neurodiversity has grown hugely. The question now is whether our institutions can keep up.”

This comes amid a worsening national picture. A Scottish Parliament report (June 2025) * described a “concerning picture” of neurodivergent care in Scotland, with over 42,000 children and 23,000 adults now waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments, signalling increases of over 500% and 2,200% respectively since 2020.

Some families face waits of up to three and a half years, while in England, reports show children waiting more than four years for an ADHD or autism diagnosis.

Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report shows the charity handled 25,499 direct contacts on behalf of children and young people last year alone, providing vital one-to-one support and advocacy for families in crisis.

At the same time, its training and consultancy arm grew by 160%, equipping professionals in education, health, and business to create “neuroinclusive communities. But despite this progress, the gap between awareness and action remains wide.

A 2024 national workplace report** found that over half of neurodivergent employees had taken time off due to inadequate support or lack of reasonable adjustments. While neuroinclusion is rising up the corporate agenda, too many workplaces still fall short on psychological safety and practical understanding.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Mindroom is launching new initiatives to expand neuroinclusive practice from classrooms to boardrooms and, over the past three years, the charity has trained more than 10,000 people across sectors, a foundation it now plans to build on through national partnerships, policy advocacy, and expanded training.

“Behind every statistic is a person: a child finally getting the right support in school, a parent who no longer feels alone, or a workplace learning to value difference,” Alan Thornburrow added. “That’s what keeps us going.

“With neurodiversity finally gaining visibility in public life – from government policy to entertainment – we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn awareness into action. Neurodivergent young people are not a side issue; they are the future workforce.”

Founded in 2000 and inspired by the lived experience of Robin and Sophie Dow and their daughter Annie, Mindroom began as a small Edinburgh charity and now supports thousands of families every year. Its mission – to build a society that champions every kind of mind – is more relevant than ever.

To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report

For more information or to access Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report, visit: https://www.mindroom.org

* Neurodevelopmental Pathways and Waiting Times in Scotland

** The City & Guilds Foundation “Neurodiversity Index 2024” finds that 50% of neurodivergent employees say they have taken time off work due to their neurodivergence.

Penicuik Community First Responders celebrate 20 years of lifesaving service

A group of lifesaving volunteers from Penicuik have recently celebrated their 20th anniversary at Penicuik Rugby Club.

Penicuik Community First Responders (CFRs) are volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to respond to a potential life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives. 

The group covers the EH26 post code area and responds to emergencies such as cardiac arrests, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes. The group also maintain and manage eight publicly accessible external defibrillators (AED) in the area.

In addition to their lifesaving emergency response work and AED management, over the past 20 years, the Penicuik CFRs have delivered CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions to 1,128 people, helping residents gain the confidence and skills to act in a medical emergency.

Bill Lawson, Penicuik Community First Responder, said: “I have been a Community First Responder for nearly 20 years and what has struck me most is that the basic premise behind the CFR role and the aspirations of those who undertake the role is the same now as it has always been.

“The CFR role is a challenging one, but it has given me much more than it has taken. Being able to help people in times of stress has given me a profound sense of appreciation.

“Penicuik’s CFRs have come from a range of background and experiences but all of them have been dedicated volunteers, wanting to give something back to their community. It has been a delight and a privilege to be part of this group.”

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to the Penicuik Community First Responder Group on achieving this fantastic milestone. It was great to celebrate with them at their event, and this milestone is a testament to their dedication as volunteers.

“Our Community First Responders play a vital role in their communities and we are thankful to each and every one of them.”

For more information on the group and how to join as a volunteer: 

www.penicuikcfr.com

Healthcare support over winter

Campaign to ensure people know how to get help

Advice on how to get the right healthcare in the right setting this winter is the focus of an annual campaign launching today (Monday).

This year’s Right Care Right Place Campaign will run across TV, radio, press and digital platforms. It aims to ensure people can get the right care, while also reducing pressures on frontline health services.

As the weather turns colder, Scotland’s NHS and social care services get busier and the awareness campaign helps the public decide whether they should contact their GP or pharmacy, call NHS 24 on 111 or use self-help guides on the NHS Inform website. It reminds everyone that hospital emergency departments should only be visited for critical emergencies.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Pressure on the healthcare system increases in winter months, and the Right Care Right Place campaign helps everyone know where they can go for advice or care for any health concerns during this busy period.

“Of course, people can also help by making sure they receive their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if they’re eligible. This is even more important this year, as early evidence suggests it could be a particularly challenging flu season.

“We are taking a range of measures to ensure our health service is as resilient as possible over the next few months and that our committed health and social care staff are supported.

“We know that staff members work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it and as always, I’d like to thank them for their continued dedication.”

Right care right place | NHS inform

Self-help guides on NHS inform include advice on the most common winter illnesses.

Edinburgh tram extension: Cockburn Association’s Consultation Response

‘Evidence remains insufficient to justify years of disruption‘

The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s oldest civic society, is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s heritage, landscape, and quality of life. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the City of Edinburgh Council’s consultation on the proposed tram extension, and we appreciate the constructive dialogue with the Future Trams Team throughout this process, as well as their commitment to public consultation.

The Cockburn Association remains committed to supporting a transport future that is sustainable, inclusive, affordable, efficient, and sensitive to Edinburgh’s unique historic environment.

As the City faces the challenges of the housing crisis and increasing congestion and works towards the laudable ambition of Net Zero by 2030, it is vital that any transport solution alleviates these pressures and complements the city’s existing asset base of spectacular heritage, civic amenities, existing transport networks and public green space.

As both a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh deserves a bold vision for the future, and one which seeks to address the City’s challenges.

Though we understand that the Future Trams Team have undertaken much detailed work in preparation of this consultation, we consider that the evidence base is, as yet, insufficient to explain and justify why an investment of such magnitude, and the inevitable years of disruption to resident and commercial communities is the best option for the City.

Given the far-reaching and multigenerational impact of this development, we have sought the views of our members on the proposed tram extension. Of those who responded, respondents supported the general principle of extending Edinburgh’s transport network; however, concerns were expressed about the execution and governance of tram projects to date, with particular reference to the multiyear disruption on Leith Walk.

Any transport extension must be developed in close alignment with the City Mobility Plan, City Plan 2030, the Active Travel Action Plan, the 2030 Climate Strategy and the Local Place Plans. Together, these frameworks set out a shared vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred city, which capitalises on its historic and natural assets, and preserves and enhances them for future generations.

At this strategic stage, detailed design information, including street-level treatments, traffic management, pedestrian and cycling provision, and heritage impact assessments have yet to emerge. We therefore reserve detailed comment until these plans are available. Nonetheless, we emphasise that heritage, landscape quality, and local character must remain central to the design process.

We are aware of concerns about the capacity of South Bridge to carry modern trams and the need for independent assurance of its ability to accommodate such loads without risk to this Category A-listed structure within the World Heritage Site.

These issues reinforce the importance of thorough engineering and heritage assessments before finalising any proposed routes.

The Cockburn Association is committed to engaging constructively as the proposals develop. We offer our expertise in heritage, planning, and civic matters to help shape a transport system that enhances Edinburgh’s sustainability, accessibility, and distinctive sense of place.

We look forward to contributing to future stages of consultation and to continuing to advocate for a transport network that supports residents and local businesses while respecting the historic fabric of our city.

The Cockburn Association thanks the City of Edinburgh Council and the Future Trams Team for the opportunity to participate in this important consultation and welcomes further dialogue to ensure that future proposals deliver lasting benefits for Edinburgh’s people, heritage, and urban environment.

Want to know more?

Readers interested in exploring the Cockburn Association’s long-standing engagement with Edinburgh’s transport landscape in greater depth are encouraged to purchase our 150th Anniversary publication, Campaigning for Edinburgh.

This richly illustrated volume traces the Association’s historic role in shaping the city’s civic and infrastructural development, including its sustained involvement in debates around city-wide transport and urban mobility.

The publication is available to order here:

Campaigning for Edinburgh

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public, drawing crowds from across the country for an action-packed  launch filled with elemental wonder.

Fusing Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty, Edinburgh and Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie, Adelle Ferrie and Merryn Gunderson took centre stage on the esplanade to ignite this year’s walking trail, triggering a dramatic eruption of light across the Castle walls.

Marking the start of a seven-week run for the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will now transform the iconic fortress into an immersive world where ancient stories blaze to life after-dark, on select evenings until 4 January.

Matt Currie said: “It’s genuinely a massive honour to be here tonight and to play a small part in officially switching on the lights for Castle of Light. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and seeing it lit up with these spectacular projections and stories is truly special.”

Adelle Ferrie said: “Being up here on the esplanade tonight, seeing the buzz and excitement, really brings home how much this event means to Edinburgh. For us as players, getting to be part of such a great event that connects with the wider community is fantastic.

“It’s an amazing way to shine a light on what makes Edinburgh so unique. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in launching something that adds so much magic to the city’s winter calendar.”

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, drawing families, friends and visitors eager to see the Castle in a breathtaking new light.

Returning for its sixth spectacular season, guests are invited to wander through an awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, with dazzling installations and atmospheric sound displays shaped by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.

From a dragon sweeping across the night sky to the Ice Queen gliding through the Great Hall, audiences will be captivated by mythical creatures, powerful storytelling and cutting-edge visual artistry.

One of this year’s most innovative moments is the dramatic reimagining of the ancient epic poem, Y Gododdin. Rather than using animation, the creative team collaborated with renowned Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud, who painted her interpretation of the tale live in real time.

With every brushstroke projected onto the rock face, Maria’s hands — and even her hair — become part of the artwork, making the creation as mesmerising as the story itself. The result is a raw, expressive performance that brings the ancient warriors of Y Gododdin vividly to life while providing a striking contrast to the high-tech digital installations seen throughout the Castle elsewhere on the trail, making it an early standout of the 2025 show.

Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “This year’s story celebrates Scotland’s resilience, forged in fire, shaped by ice, and to see audiences respond with such awe and excitement has been hugely rewarding.

“Whether people joined us for the very first time or returned for another adventure, the reaction so far has been phenomenal.”

While taking in the spectacular light and sound displays, guests savoured winter drinks, indulged in treats from the street food vendors and toasted marshmallows by the fire pit, adding to the atmosphere of the crisp November weekend.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has arrived with extraordinary energy this year.

“Watching the Castle come alive as thousands of visitors explored its fiery origins and icy transformations has been incredible. The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be our most atmospheric and enchanting trail yet.”

The event runs on select evenings from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with ticketed entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The last entry is between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, with the event closing at 9pm.

A special reduced-capacity ‘quiet night’ will also take place on Sunday 7 December, offering a calmer experience with softer lighting, lower sound levels and no smoke effects.

To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available for entry on Sunday 30 November, with pre-booking encouraged as tickets are selling fast.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.com. Advance booking required.

Reeves: £550 boost for millions of pensioners next year

MORE BUDGET DETAILS ANNOUNCED

  • The Chancellor is expected to announce that 13 million pensioners are set to benefit from an above inflation rise to the State Pension next April.
  • Those on the full rate of the new State Pension are set to receive over £550 a year more.
  • Pensions boost comes ahead of the Budget where the Chancellor will take the fair choices to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.  

13 million pensioners are set to see their State Pension increase faster than inflation next April thanks to the Government’s commitment to the Triple Lock.

From next April the rate of the full new State Pension is expected to increase to just over £240 a week.

This is an increase worth over £550 a year, an extra £120 compared to what it would have been if it had been uprated only by inflation. The full basic State Pension is expected to rise by around an extra £440 a year.

Tackling the cost of living is at the centre of this week’s Budget, and this announcement comes following government action to freeze rail fares and prescription fees next year saving working families millions of pounds.  Government is also cracking down on ticket touts that will cut costs for music lovers across Britain.

At the Budget the Chancellor will go even further to bring down bills, tackle inflation, and grip the cost of living.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Whether it’s our commitment to the Triple Lock or to rebuilding our NHS to cut waiting lists, we’re supporting pensioners to give them the security in retirement they deserve.  

“At the Budget this week I will set out how we will take the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.”

The government ‘is committed to supporting pensioners’, and this boost will ensure the State Pension remains the foundation of a secure retirement. The Triple Lock guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.

This comes alongside other support for the most vulnerable pensioners through Pension Credit, worth on average £4,300 a year, and Winter Fuel Payments for nine million pensioners in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year.

Three new stores open in Livingston next week

The countdown is on to the opening of three new stores at one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, The Centre, Livingston next week, The Works on Thursday, 27th, Flying Tiger Copenhagen on the 28th, which is Black Friday and MINISO on Saturday, 29th November.

The three new arrivals follow on from the recent opening of Wingstop and the jewellers, F.Hinds at The Centre, Livingston, which has over 150 shops and restaurants, including M&S, Flannels, River Island, JD Sports, wagamama and Nando’s, welcoming over 14.8m visitors a year.

The Works, which sells a wide range of books, art and craft supplies, stationery, toys and games, including stocking filler essentials, will open at 9am on Thursday, 27th November. Visitors can enjoy live product demonstrations and free activity sheets and stickers for children.

The opening of Flying Tiger Copenhagen the following day at 9am, will be marked with an official, celebratory ribbon ceremony, with the first 200 customers receiving a complimentary goody bag.

The global Danish brand, which specialises in creating modern, seasonal items and contemporary, colourful everyday essentials, from homeware and stationery to toys and decorations, will also be running various promotions on the day and a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win prizes. The brand’s mascot will also be making an appearance to entertain shoppers.

Opening just in time for Christmas, visitors to the store will be able to pick up everything they need for the festive season, including stocking fillers, gadgets, games and sweet treats. 

Pic Greg Macvean 03/07/2025 The Centre, Livingston – Style Squad and Miniso

The pop culture retailer, MINISO, will open the day after Flying Tiger Copenhagen, on Saturday, 29th November at 12noon, with goody bags for the first 200 shoppers who spend £5, which are worth £25. There will also be a special visit from MINISO’s mascot, Penpen.

The brand is known for its fun, colourful and trendy design-led lifestyle products, including unique collectables, plush toys and figurines from brands like Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Friends, and its beauty and homeware range.

The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has welcomed various other brands this year including Starbucks, Aunty Anne’s, XXXTra and the country’s first darts store, ArrowHeadz.

Pizza Dawgz and Cake Box is expected to open early next year and Marble Buffet in the summer, which will be their first site in a Scottish shopping centre.

The company is also planning to expand into the leisure sector with the opening of Hollywood Bowl in 2026, featuring 22 lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner.

Michael Burke, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Managing Director UK and Ireland, said: ‘‘We’re thrilled to be opening our new store at The Centre, Livingston, just in time for the festive season. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring our unique mix of fun, creative and affordable products to even more shoppers. 

“We look forward to welcoming customers in to explore the range and find everything they need to make this Christmas that bit more magical.’’

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming three new brands to The Centre, Livingston, The Works, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and MINISO which is great timing, just ahead of Christmas.

“Alongside our existing mix of great places to shop and dine out, which has been enhanced even more this year with many exciting new arrivals, we are confident all three new openings will be a big hit with our shoppers.”

Chancellor expected to further protect those on the National Minimum Wage at Budget

  • Government to crackdown on those not paying employees National Minimum Wage
  • Set for more regular public naming and shaming employers breaking the rules
  • This comes after Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation

The Chancellor is expected to announce reforms to protect those on the National Minimum Wage, ensuring that no employer can exploit vulnerable workers.

As part of these plans, the Government will introduce more regular naming and shaming rounds – publicly naming employers found to have broken minimum wage rules and clearing the case backlog inherited by the previous government.

These changes will mean businesses breaking the rules will have no place to hide, and those on the minimum wage will be further protected by this Government.

This comes as the Chancellor is set to deliver a Budget that makes the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.

Last month 500 employers failed to pay the minimum wage to around 42,000 of the country’s lowest-paid workers. Big name brands were among those forced to reimburse employees and faced fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.

The Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.

This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay, which is set to directly benefit around 15 million workers – half of all UK employees.

An HMT source said: “This Government is cracking down on unscrupulous employers to protect the country’s lowest paid workers and ensure fair pay for hard work.

“We are sending a clear message – those who short-change their staff will not be allowed to hide.”

Improving the lives of people with diabetes

Increased access to technologies

A further 2,500 people living with type 1 diabetes are receiving “life changing” access to the latest technologies to help prevent serious health complications.

An additional £6.9 million Scottish Government funding this year is expanding access to closed loop systems, prioritising children and adults who health boards believe will benefit the most.

Closed loop systems use a blood glucose sensor linked to a pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – reducing the need to work out dosages and take injections.

Training, education and support is given remotely by health professionals including specialist nurses and dietitians.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Expanding access to closed loop systems will have a life changing impact on those living with type 1 diabetes. These technologies greatly reduce the risk of long term complications and removes much of the burden of managing the condition on a day to day basis.

“More than a century since insulin was first discovered, technology continues to change lives for the better. I hope all children and adults who benefit from these technologies go on to lead healthy and active lives with the support of treatment advances such as this.

“We are harnessing innovation, in line with our ten-year Service Renewal Framework, to help people better manage their own treatment. This will shape an efficient health and social care system which delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place.”

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects more than 35,000 people, including around 3,340 children.  

Some 70% of NHS diabetes spend is on preventable complications including treating kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and foot amputations.

During the programme’s first year in 2024-25, the Scottish Government invested £8.8 million and around 2,100 people received closed loop systems; including approximately 77% of under 18s with type 1 diabetes.

In 2025-2026 health boards will receive £7.5 million ongoing funding for consumables used by the systems and £6.9 million to support adding 2,500 more people.

Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework – gov.scot

STUC Disabled Workers Conference: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

STUC Disabled Workers Conference 2025: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers Conference in Glasgow this weekend, 22 and 23 November.

The union is raising the impact of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on disabled workers; along with seeking action to address and prevent disabled people’s poverty.

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “New technologies are dramatically changing the world of work and the daily lives of workers.

“The pace and scale of change is accelerating and disabled workers are disproportionately affected by technological advancement.

“The Scottish Government’s response remains a significant factor in disabled people’s inequality. Unless unions, and specifically disabled workers, are properly consulted about the development, application and implementation of new technologies in the workplace, including AI, disabled workers will continue to be discriminated against and excluded.”

Usdaw is calling on the STUC to work with all key stakeholders including governments to:

·         Ensure conversations and decisions regarding the introduction of new technologies in the workplace include disabled workers, to improve their access to and experiences of paid work.

·         Introduce a statutory duty requiring employers in both the public and private sectors to conduct and publish equality impact assessments specifically on the introduction of new technologies at work.

Tony Doonan continued: “Disabled people are already more likely to be living in poverty, with the continuing cost of living crisis adding to the extra costs that come with living as a disabled person.

“Disabled people also continue to face discrimination in the labour market and are more likely to be employed on short-hours contracts in low-paid work. The Adult Disability Payment in Scotland is key to enabling disabled people to meet the additional costs of being disabled, including costs associated with work.

“The recent publication of an independent review calls for a simplified and more accessible application process. Significantly, the review urges the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to ADP, advising them against restricting eligibility or introducing further barriers to application.

“We urge the Scottish Government to adopt the recommendations, including investing in sustainable funding for welfare advice services and more inclusive communication.”

Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to take a strategic and preventative approach to disabled people’s poverty by dealing with the long-term drivers including:

·         Reviewing the adequacy of all disability benefits and disability-related premiums.

·         Working with the UK Government to fully implement the disability pay gap reporting proposals in the UK’s draft Equality Bill.

·         Raising awareness of the crucial role the social model plays in disability equality, and ensuring that they lead by example, embedding it in their approach to policy and decision making.