Autism: Supporting and celebrating different minds

£250,000 funding to support new service for people with autism.

A new national support service will help children and adults diagnosed with autism to understand and embrace their identity.

The service will provide online support on a range of issues, offer practical help and connect autistic people and their families with peers.

Backed by £250,000 Scottish Government funding, the pilot National Post Diagnostic Support Programme will be led by Scottish Autism, in partnership with the National Autistic Society, Autism Initiatives and Autistic People’s Organisations.

A new awareness campaign, which aims to challenge stigma and myths to give the general public a clearer understanding of autism, is also being launched.

Speaking at the national Scottish Strategy for Autism’s annual conference, held virtually this year, Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: “We know that the restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have been particularly hard for autistic people and their families, with normal routines changed dramatically. 

“This new programme will allow autistic people across Scotland to access vital support, building on the excellent services already provided by third sector organisations, which have been well adapted to continue throughout the pandemic.

“We also know that there is sadly still a stigma associated with autism, and that’s why we today we are also launching our ‘Different minds. One Scotland’ campaign.

“Crucially, the campaign has been developed with autistic people. It aims to help the public understand autism, to be more accepting of the different qualities and attributes of autistic people.”

Autistic spokesperson Jasmine said: “The way I view the world is shaped by me being autistic, and my experiences have been shaped by me being autistic.

“I want to ensure that there is at least one autistic child who feels a little bit less alone – a little bit less like the world is against them –  then I’d feel like the campaign has accomplished everything it set out to.”

Charlene Tait, Deputy CEO at Scottish Autism said: “The delivery of a national post diagnostic service is a much needed and welcome step forward in Scotland. This new service brings the collective knowledge and experience of several charity partners that will work collaboratively to provide a wide range of information and support for autistic people of all ages and their families.

“This new service will focus on ensuring families are better informed and empowered after a diagnosis whilst also supporting autistic individuals to embrace their identity and widen their peer group.”                                          

Protecting Scotland’s Future: the Government’s Programme for Scotland 2019 – 20 committed to develop an online autism support service to help people live positively with autism, while reducing the demand for services through CAMHS, Psychological Therapies and other public services.

https://youtu.be/0TAuQUlpdvU

Find out more about the campaign at http://differentminds.scot.

A Scottish Government omnibus survey from September 2020 found that just 42% of people feel they have a good understanding of autism, over half (50.75%) think that autism is a mental health condition. In addition, 86% of respondents feel that there is value in learning from autistic people.

‘Simple but far-reaching’: RNIB launches Holyrood manifesto

National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is calling on all political parties to build on the greater social cohesiveness that the coronavirus crisis has engendered.

Launching its manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, the charity’s director James Adams said: “The next Scottish Parliament will convene in a changed world. A world forced to re-evaluate things previously taken for granted, in which everyone has been made more aware of how dependent we are on each other.

“‘A Vision for the 2020s’ sets out simple but far-reaching steps that can create a more inclusive Scotland for blind and partially sighted people. Let’s seize this opportunity.”

The manifesto is calling on the next Scottish Government to launch a new campaign to emphasise the importance of regular eye examinations in preventing sight loss. Over 178,000 people in Scotland currently live with significant sight loss but this could potentially double if steps aren’t taken to contain it.

The manifesto also wants Ministers to report annually on the attainment figures for blind and partially sighted school pupils and train more specialist teachers as a matter of urgency. It highlights that only one in four blind and partially sighted adults are currently in paid employment.

‘Shared spaces’ schemes – where pedestrians and vehicles occupy the same level area – should be scrapped, the manifesto says, and a nationwide ban on pavement parking and advertising boards implemented.

People with sight loss claiming the new disability benefits devolved to Scotland should not have to undergo periodic reassessed if there is no realistic prospect of their condition improving. Any benefits awarded should cover the, often significant, additional costs of living with a visual impairment.

The manifesto is also calling for all public information to be available in accessible formats such as braille, large-print and audio, and for alternative voting methods to ensure people can cast their ballot independently and in secret.

Mr Adams said: “We want a health service that prevents avoidable sight loss and helps people come to terms with it when it isn’t.

“Education that helps every child reach their full potential, and employers who better understand what people with sight loss are capable of.

“Information that’s always available in alternative formats and public transport that’s always accessible.

“And we want our streets and thoroughfares to allow pedestrians to walk safely and without obstacles.

“Today’s coronavirus crisis has exacerbated many of the problems blind and partially sighted people face. But it’s brought to the fore, too, some of the best instincts of our society. That generosity of spirit can be the spur for a new deal for people with sight loss and other disabilities.

“Let’s make that one lasting legacy of the parliamentary term ahead.”

* www.rnib.org.uk/scotland

EVOC Round Table events

We are holding a series of ‘Round table’ events in partnership with Third Sector Strategy Group (TSSG) and would like to invite you to attend and contribute to what we believe will be informative and actionable sessions. 

Our first event will take place on Wednesday 14th October (10.00am – 11.30am)

‘People’s Story’

Using information from the Poverty Commission, Food Fund Work and the Mind the Craic report as a basis for the discussions, we will discuss and highlight the experience of inequality and the urgent need first, coming up with some ideas about how these could be addressed.

To book a place at this session visit here

Our second event will take place on Wednesday 28th October (9.30am – 11.00am)
‘An Urban Commons’

This session will focus on how we increase participation, create purposeful partnerships, and continue to develop community wealth building.

To book a place at this session visit here

As a reminder: our AGM will take place on Tuesday 3rd November 2020. More details to follow.

All sessions will take place virtually, we would invite you to book your place asap!

https://www.evoc.org.uk/childen-and-young-people/evoc-round-table-events-book-your-place-now/

Construction: A plan for recovery

The Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) has published a plan for the sector’s recovery from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The plan, which has been created following extensive consultation, focuses on the joint action required between the industry and the public sector to respond to the pandemic.

The plan will work towards maximising support for employers and employees and establishing new ways of working to manage infection control, health and safety and shared learning opportunities.

A range of immediate actions in the plan are almost complete, with remaining ones now moving into implementation. Short and medium term initiatives include work to help apprentices into trades and preparing the industry to deliver a net-zero built environment.

The recovery plan will be flexible and able to respond to industry needs and economic conditions going forward.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “This recovery plan has been developed through unprecedented levels of collaboration across industry and with Government. We will now also work with the sector to help implement the plan’s actions.

“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on construction. It is absolutely vital for the economic recovery, and to protect jobs, that we get the sector back up to speed as quickly and as safely as possible.

“This plan sets out practical actions for how this can be achieved and we thank everyone who has taken part.”

Ken Gillespie, chair of Construction Scotland, said: “A huge amount of thought, energy and commitment from participants across Government and the Construction Industry has allowed us to prepare and publish this plan at pace and we are grateful to all those who have contributed.

“The hard work required to implement the plan and find the solutions to the challenges we face continues.

“We are indebted to the Minister for the leadership and support he has provided to the sector through this pandemic in his role as Chair of the CLF.”

Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “Endorsement by Scottish Government shows testimony to the sector’s shared vision of an industry that promotes a safe, productive, profitable, innovative, sustainable and socially responsible construction industry, offering quality jobs and fair work to a highly skilled and diverse workforce and a quality and life-time value product to its customers.”

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum is a collaborative initiative of Construction Scotland and the Scottish Government. It was established in March 2019 to develop and implement an action plan of improvements.

The Recovery Plan is available online.

Stockbridge and McDonald Road among libraries to reopen today

The first phase of reopening Edinburgh’s libraries will see six branches opening today (Tuesday 6 October).

The six branches are:

•  Central Library

•  Kirkliston Library

•  McDonald Road Library

•  Fountainbridge Library

•  Stockbridge Library

•  Newington Library

Initially at least, services will be restricted. As you might expect, numbers within buildings will be limited and social distancing measures will be in place. Face coverings are mandatory in Libraries.

From Tuesday 6 October you can:

  • return your books
  • pick up Hey Girls sanitary products

You will have to book a slot to:

  • browse and borrow books
  • use a public computer
  • apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass)
  • collect hearing aid batteries

You can make your booking online here.

Or by phoning one of the six branches above.

Read our reopening frequently asked questions for further details of how services will work in our reopened libraries.

We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back!

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s a really positive step forward that these six libraries are opening to the public ahead of schedule as they are invaluable resources for our local communities.

“This phased reopening, which will also see community access to sports facilities in secondary schools start up again next month, is an important step in our plans for a phased reopening of community assets across the city.

“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and also centres for strengthening local communities.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually reopen our libraries, welcoming people back into their local spaces.

“Although services will be limited initially due to current restrictions, with an online booking service for some such as browsing and borrowing, I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our residents and library colleagues.

“This cautious approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”

Climate changing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sites drop 57% in a decade

  • Climate changing carbon dioxide emissions from SEPA regulated industrial sites drop 57% in a decade – down 5% in the last year.
  • 2019 Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) contains data from 1,327 regulated sites published by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) 2019 data – this year experimental official statistics – was published today 29 September 2020 by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. This year’s data covers annual mass releases of specified pollutants to air and water and information on off-site waste transfers from 1,327 SEPA regulated industrial sites.

Greenhouse gases

The two largest contributing pollutants in terms of emissions are carbon dioxide and methane which drive the overall greenhouse gas trend. 

While carbon dioxide continues to drive the overall emissions trend and remains the largest contributing pollutant in terms of the emissions for 2019, the data shows Scotland’s carbon dioxide emissions have reduced significantly in the last 10 years. Emissions of the gas are down 57 per cent in the decade and 5 per cent annually to around 11,293,146,000 kg since 2018.

Whilst overall carbon dioxide emissions fell by 5% in the last year, direct emissions from those waste and waste-water management sector facilities required to report under SPRI increased by 76% over the last decade, partly driven by a move towards waste incineration instead of landfill for residual waste management. However, their emissions of greenhouses gases remain small relative to the energy sector.

The shift away from landfill towards recycling and incineration has resulted in further reductions in direct Methane emissions. While methane does not remain in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide it is initially far more impactful on the climate because of how effectively it absorbs heat. Methane emissions decreased significantly – by 44% – over the decade to 2019, and by 4% between 2018 and 2019 to 26,777,357 kg.

 201020182019% change 2010-2019% change 2018-2019
Carbon dioxide26,384,456,67811,849,079,76011,293,145,941Down 57%Down 5%
Methane47,912,44227,878,36826,777,357Down 44%Down 4%
Nitrous Oxide250,91289,84696,543Down 61%Up 8%
Hydrofluorocarbons1,4653,5131,263Down 14%Down 64%
Perfluorocarbons1,6044,4183,945Up 146%Up 11%
Sulphur Hexafluoride207107221Up 7%Up 106%

All measurements in kilogrammes.

Energy transition

A number of variables influence SPRI emissions. In the long term, the shift away from use of coal as a fuel is a significant factor. Carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector have fallen by around 70% since 2010, largely due to the closure of coal fired power stations. As emissions from the energy sector have fallen, releases from other sectors now form a greater proportion of the greenhouse gas emissions reported to SPRI.

Some of the decreases observed for these gases can be accounted for by investment in new technologies and renewables, and landfill gas recovery systems.

Wider economic drivers and the weather are other factors identified as affecting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from SPRI sites.

Circular economy

Scotland’s progress towards a circular economy is also highlighted in both SPRI and separate ‘2019 Waste landfilled in Scotland’ and ‘2019 Waste incinerated in Scotland’ Official Statistics released today by SEPA.

As Scotland reduces, reuses and recycles more than ever before, waste which cannot be recycled is now being diverted from landfill as new energy from waste (incineration) infrastructure comes online. As a consequence methane emissions from the waste sector decreased by 47% over the decade, from a high ceiling of 40,868,900 kg in 2010, to 21,575,000 kg in 2019. Capture of gas at landfill sites has also contributed to the reduction. 

Consequently, as methane emissions from landfill have reduced, carbon dioxide from incineration sites have increased 83% over the last decade from a low base of 1,090,000,000 kg to 2,000,000,000 kg in 2019. Emissions from this sector are small compared to that of the energy sector.

These trends represent direct emissions of greenhouse gases from specific parts of the waste management sector. They do not take into account efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste. Scotland’s Carbon Metric shows that in 2018, the overall impact of Scotland’s waste management system – taking into account reduction, recycling, incineration and landfill – was 30% less than in 2011.

Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive of SEPA, said: “These experimental official statistics chart the progress we’ve made as a nation with our globally ambitious climate change targets, with some pollutants emitted from regulated businesses falling in the last decade.  They also reflect the realism of a modern, Western European economy in transition.

“The successful businesses of tomorrow will be those that are sustainable.  As Scotland’s environmental regulator, our firm focus remains to helping Scottish businesses innovate and emerge stronger and more sustainably from the current public health pandemic, enabling leadership in a decade of climate emergency.”

Minor year-to-year fluctuations in pollutants can often be attributed to changes at a few sites, due to increases or decreases in production, changing source products and new sites opening. All pollutants have a reporting threshold, below which sites do not need to report a value to SPRI. An increase in production can move a site’s releases above the threshold, giving the appearance of a larger increase.

Douglas Ross: stump up the cash to save football clubs

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has proposed a new Fans Fighting Fund to help keep football clubs afloat.

Douglas, who is also an assistant referee, is calling for the Scottish Government to match the money that fans raise to save their local teams, as many clubs warn that they will struggle to get through the next few months without funding support.

On Friday, Douglas held a discussion with 24 clubs across each of Scotland’s top divisions to hear about their concerns.

Douglas has previously held similar Roundtable Scotland events with teaching unions, drug recovery organisations and business groups.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “On Friday, I spoke with representatives of 24 clubs across Scotland to hear about the perilous state of the game. Clubs told me that they’re on the brink without paying punters in the stadium.

“I’ve taken away a range of issues from the meeting that I want to look at further but this initial suggestion could provide some immediate help.  

“I’m proposing that we help clubs out, especially those smaller clubs embedded in communities, with a Fans Fighting Fund. I’d like to see the government commit to matching what fans raise to keep their clubs alive.

“The money from the UK Government is there. The SNP received £97 million to protect culture venues from the impact of Covid and haven’t spent at least £10 million of it. And we all know in Scotland that football is our culture, even more than comedy clubs or theatres.

“As long as clubs commit to paying the living wage and those who can chip in too, this is a fair deal to support football.”

 Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “Many clubs throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians are in real financial difficulty without any income from supporters.

“This initial proposal would go along way in keeping clubs afloat during what is going to be a very challenging season.

“SNP Ministers must take this proposal seriously to ensure that clubs throughout the region have a fighting change of making it to next season.”

SAC Consulting set to support Covid-hit charity in virtual Tour D’Office challenge

Throughout October, staff from SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), will walk, cycle, and run nearly 2000 miles as part of a virtual Tour D’Office challenge to raise money for RSABI.

David Ross, Regional Development Manager with SAC Consulting who initiated the event, said the aim of the Tour D’Office is to boost morale amongst the 130-strong consulting staff, build camaraderie and, most importantly, raise money for RSABI.

“For the past couple of years, we’ve entered teams into RSABI’s Great Glen Challenge, and it’s always been a highlight for staff”, David explained.

“This year, due to the current circumstances and cancellation of the Great Glen event, we decided to try and do something different. The concept of virtually racing around all 24 SAC Consulting offices has come up before and we decided this year is the perfect opportunity to make it happen.

“Previous fundraising challenges have been a fantastic opportunity for staff across the organisation to get to know each other. This year, teams are based on regional locations with specialists and office staff coming together to raise money for a great cause that is crucial to our industry, particularly in times of crisis.”

Head of SAC Consulting, Andrew Lacey, said: “In the current situation, charities have had to cancel their premier fundraising events which will have a major impact on their future ability to support vulnerable communities.

“RSABI provides a vital service to rural people throughout Scotland and we felt it was important to be able to continue our fundraising efforts for them despite the restrictions.

“The Tour D’Office challenge is bringing together staff, no matter where they live, with a goal to support this important charity, and ultimately each other, during this challenging time.”

Chief Executive of RSABI, Nina Clancy, said: “So many charities have been adversely impacted by lockdown and the subsequent restrictions. It’s fantastic to see SAC Consulting think outside the box regarding fundraising and I am grateful the team have decided to donate the funds to RSABI – it will really make a difference to people in the agricultural sector who are struggling.”

The full route around each of the SAC Consulting offices is 1,953.6 miles and teams are challenged to walk, cycle, or run the equivalent during October. The virtual circuit will visit all the SAC Consulting offices across Scotland and the North of England kicking off in Edinburgh before moving up the east coast, through the north east and Highlands and Islands offices, before coming down the west coast to Kendal and then back up the east coast to finish in Edinburgh.

“No doubt there will be a healthy dose of competition between the teams and some great banter too. It’s a way to inject a bit of fun into life when things aren’t very easy for lots of people”, said David.

“We will be awarding prizes for the region with the most money raised, region that has completed the most miles, individual that has completed the most miles in each category, most impressive fancy dress and the most likes on a social media post.”

Predicting what region will be first across the finish line, David Ross who heads up the North East Regional Team, said: “Even though the south east and south west have some fairly strong runners and cyclists in their team, my money is on north east taking the title of inaugural winner of the Tour D’Office!”

Those wishing to support the fundraising efforts of a specific region, or follow their progress, can do so by clicking here.

Men’s Shed Covid-19 Poster Resource Pack now available

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has released a Covid-19 poster resource pack for Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

The Association is still advising Men’s Sheds to remain closed in Phase 3 however, a recent SMSA poll – on the reopening of Sheds in Scotland – identified that 15% of the Sheds that responded are already open within the Scottish Government’s Guidelines for Phase 3.

The resource pack – currently containing 25 individual posters – will allow Sheds that are open to print off and prominently display the posters that they require for their Shed premises but also help those Sheds considering opening in the future to prepare in advance.

The SMSA is in ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the closure of Sheds and the health and safety of Shedders during the pandemic.

SMSA is currently working on the guidance (including risk assessments) for Sheds which will be issued at the appropriate time in line with Scottish Government guidance.

Download the Poster Resource Pack

Over £2.8m for Creative Freelancers and Organisations

Latest National Lottery awards made through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development 

Fund receives additional £3.5m Scottish Government boost 

Fund threshold to rise to £100,000

Thanks to National Lottery players, a total of over £2.8million has reached creative freelancers and organisations between May and August 2020 through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development.

From online youth poetry events, to debut album recordings and digital presentations of visual art, the 173 funding awards – 113 of which to individuals (£1.4million) and 60 to organisations (£1.4million) – are supporting creative development across the breadth of Scotland, helping the creative and culture sector adapt and respond to current challenging circumstances. 

Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: “The Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development is all about helping to ensure that Scotland’s creative workforce and organisations have opportunities to continue to develop creative practice in a challenging context.  

“Thanks to £7.5million from National Lottery and the recently announced additional £3.5million boost from the Scottish Government, we’re able to support creative people who are addressing the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on their creative practice. 

“People are thinking about new ways of working, how to reach audiences in different ways, taking creative risks or looking at ways to stabilise existing activity.  

“Even in these challenging circumstances, these awards announced today are a positive reflection of Scotland’s resilient and innovative creative sector.” 

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website. 

An additional £3.5m funding from the Scottish Government was announced on Friday 28 August as part of £59million emergency funding for culture and heritage. 

In addition, the threshold of funding that can be applied for will increase from £50,000 to £100,000 for individuals and organisations, from next week. Full details will be made available @CreativeScots / www.creativescotland.com, during w/c 5 Oct.   

The fund has no deadlines, and full eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found on the Creative Scotland website.