4 out of 5 Students Give Grief Support a Failing Grade – Young Local Calls for Change with New Ask Me Campaign
Edinburgh studentMiranda Kidman (19) is sharing her story of grief to help launch a groundbreaking new campaign, Ask Me: Education, a new initiative which seeks to place bereaved students at the heart of the decisions surrounding what support they need to make a success of their school experience.
Members of the Winston’s Wish Youth Team will be launching Ask Me: Education today (17th November), at the start of National Children’s Grief Awareness Week.
The campaign calls on education settings and professionals throughout the UK to sign the Ask Me Education Manifesto, implement the new bereavement plan, and most importantly, give bereaved students the right to be asked how they would like to be supported after the death of someone important to them.
Surprisingly, despite estimates highlighting that there is a bereaved pupil in every classroom, there is no mandatory bereavement training for education professionals. Where bereavement policies do exist, often they foster a one-size-fits-all all approach which doesn’t allow for the student’s individual needs and requirements.
Miranda’s father passed away in the summer between Year 12 and Year 13, when she was just 17. Returning to school after his death, a school where her dad had also worked as assistant headteacher, was an especially emotional challenge.
“On my first day back, I felt extremely vulnerable. The whole school knew that my Dad had died, so I felt like all eyes were on me,” said Miranda.
“I was extremely fortunate to have many wonderful teachers, one in particular who had looked after me for years even though that wasn’t her official job title, and she allowed me to wait in her office until the assemblies mentioning my Dad’s death were over.
“Throughout the day and the weeks and months following, she was always available when I needed someone to talk to, and was not afraid to listen to me and have open and honest conversations about grief.
“My Dad’s funeral was the same week that I returned to school, and a lot of my teachers attended the funeral – my whole family have been very fortunate to have a very loving and supportive school community who tried their best to help when it was hard for me to complete schoolwork or manage during the school day.”
Miranda, who is from Harrogate, and her family first came across Winston’s Wish through resources provided by her mum’s local hospice.
Miranda has since become a Youth Ambassador for the charity. As part of this role, she contributed to the creation of Ask Me: Education, helping to shape the campaign’s message and ensure that the voices of bereaved young people are at its heart.
“Creating Ask Me: Education has been incredibly rewarding,” Miranda explains. “I was shocked to learn how many other bereaved young people didn’t get the same support I did.
“Hearing their stories made me realise how vital it is that every student has the chance to be listened to and asked what would help them.”
Miranda, who is now a student in Edinburgh, highlights the importance of individualised support. “Every young person grieves differently,” she comments. “Teachers and staff shouldn’t make assumptions about what a bereaved student needs. The most important thing is to ask, to have open, honest conversations that give the student control over how they’re supported.
“I really hope that people could benefit from an open conversation about their own needs – others I know, for example, would not have liked such an official meeting, and therefore it can be really harmful to make assumptions about what a young person needs.
“I think it’s very important to check in with them and ask and be specific about what they need, without skirting around the topic of grief. I also hope that trigger warnings can be made readily available for all students in classes discussing death.”
The Ask Me: Education campaign aims to change the culture of grief support in schools, colleges, and universities by empowering educators with practical guidance and encouraging them to implement bereavement support plans for every student affected by grief.
“My life would look very different if I hadn’t had such patient, understanding teachers,” Miranda added. “Everyone deserves to be listened to like I was. That’s what Ask Me: Education is all about.”
Winston’s Wish is encouraging education settings and professionals to find out more about the Ask Me: Education and sign the manifesto and implement the bereavement plan to support bereaved students.
For further information about the Ask Me: Education please visit:
winstonswish.org/askme
About Ask Me: Education
Why is it important?
In a recent survey of over 300 bereaved students (aged 8 to 25):
72% said they did not feel adequately supported during education
79% rated the support they received as 5 or less out of 10
72% said they were never asked what support they needed
Ask Me: Education is a new campaign created by the Winston’s Wish Youth Team, it will launch during Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2025. The campaign invites education settings and professionals to:
Sign the Ask Me Education Manifesto to commit to improving bereavement support.
Implement the bereavement plan to give each bereaved student a voice in how they would like to be supported.
Give bereaved students the space to be asked how they would like to be supported.
Nature is not a “blocker” to delivering new housing, but rather a necessity for building resilient towns and neighbourhoods, MPs argue in a new report.
In its report on ‘Environmental sustainability and housing growth’, Westminster’s cross-party Environmental Audit Committee challenges the “lazy narrative” that nature is a blocker or an inconvenience to delivering housing.
The Committee finds that the measures contained in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, passing through final stages in Parliament, are not enough to allow the Government to meet its targets on both the environment and housing.
MPs also find that without further action, severe skills shortages in ecology, planning and construction will make it impossible for the Government to deliver on its housebuilding ambitions.
A full summary of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations is included below.
Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Toby Perkins MP said: “The Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament is incredibly ambitious.
“Achieving it alongside our existing targets on climate and sustainability – which are set in law – will require effort on a scale not seen before.
“That certainly will not be achieved by scapegoating nature, claiming that it is a “blocker” to housing delivery. We are clear in our report: a healthy environment is essential to building resilient towns and cities. It must not be sidelined.
“There are certainly issues standing in the way of meeting both our housebuilding and environmental targets.
“For instance, the skills we need in construction, planning and ecology simply do not exist at the scale we need right now. The Government has made welcome investments in construction skills, but it may not be enough, and staff at local authorities and regulators are already stretched to their limit.
“We also need much better incentives for people to construct and live in carbon-friendly homes, or to retrofit existing ones. That’s why this report suggests innovative approaches to boost manufacturing viability of climate friendly construction products and alter the tax burden in favour of climate friendly homes.
“It is possible to build the homes we need while protecting a resilient and healthy environment and allowing nature to thrive. Some major changes might be needed, but nature is not the enemy.”
Nature must not be a “scapegoat” for housebuilding issues
While the Committee acknowledges and welcomes the Government’s amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB) it says these changes are not enough on their own to ensure the Government can meet its environmental targets alongside housing targets.
“The Government must not veer down the path of viewing nature as an inconvenience or blocker to housebuilding,” the Committee says. “At worst, this approach could lead to the degradation of the natural world, preventing the achievement of legally binding climate and nature targets, upon which our society and economy depend.”
Skills shortages put targets in question
The Committee finds that local planning authorities are severely under-resourced in ecological skills. It heard evidence that staff at Natural England are “stretched to their limits”, that the skills needed to deliver the ecological aspects of planning reforms “simply do not exist at the scale, quality or capacity that is needed”.
The Committee recommends the Government establish a pilot programme for local ecological resource hubs, available to local authorities facing acute resources challenges, by July 2026.
It also recommends that the Government set out a realistic analysis of the construction workforce required to deliver housing targets and the skills that will be needed, and to clearly lay out how Natural England will operate amid staffing cuts and the additional responsibilities that will apply when the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is enacted.
Planning rule changes prioritise growth over the environment
Throughout its inquiry, the Committee heard repeated concerns that the Government’s changes to the presumption in favour of sustainable development, made in the 2024 review of the National Planning Policy Framework, would lead to the environment being “sidelined”.
The Committee finds that the present form of the presumption could result in unsustainable and speculative development. The Committee recommends that the Government amend the current definition of the presumption, to give greater weight to sustainability. It should also strengthen safeguards against environmentally unsustainable, unplanned and speculative development.
More incentives for greener homes
The Committee concludes that the Government must accelerate policies to decrease the carbon emissions of the built environment. MPs recommend the Government should consider steps it could take to incentivise homeowners, housebuilders, landlords and tenants to favour homes with lower levels of embodied carbon.
The Committee also recommends the Government review tax policies such as Council Tax and Stamp Duty to consider the merit of offering lower bands of taxation for homes with lower levels of embodied carbon.
Biodiversity net gain needs more time to succeed
The Committee offers support for the government’s Biodiversity net gain policy. It says it is too early to assess the overall success of BNG but warns against introducing new wide-ranging exemptions to BNG. Whilst accepting minor alterations to the policy, MPs say the Government should not exempt all small sites to ensure that the effectiveness of the policy is maintained.
The Committee also recommends that the Government should:
Incentivise the use of sustainable building materials such as timber or hemp, e.g. by introducing eco-labelling to identify materials with lower embodied carbon and offer support to further expansion of manufacturers in these fields.
Consult on incentives to develop houses with lower full lifecycle carbon, such as a levy on new build properties containing higher levels of lifecycle carbon.
Prioritise retrofitting over demolition by reducing VAT on retrofit projects from 20% and confirm that a property brought back into use would count towards housebuilding targets.
Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC has been appointed to lead an independent review of laws on public order and hate crime.
Following the terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October, the Home Secretary announced an independent review of existing public order and hate crime legislation.
This resulted from concerns around community tensions and the impact of disruptive and intimidating protests and hate crime on the cohesion and safety of society.
The government will always protect the right to lawful protest and free speech, but we will not tolerate individuals or groups who intimidate others, incite hatred, or create disorder.
The review will therefore look at the powers police have to manage protests and the current hate crime laws, including offences for aggravated behaviour and “stirring up” hatred.
It will examine whether existing legislation is effective and proportionate, and whether it protects communities from hate and intimidation.
It will also consider if the law protects free speech and peaceful protest, while also preventing disorder and keeping people safe.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October shocked the nation and showed how hatred and division can fuel violence. It happened at a time of growing concern about protests and hate crime in this country.
“Our laws must protect the public, while upholding the right to protest and free speech. That is why we have asked Lord Macdonald to lead this review. His experience will ensure it is thorough and independent.
“Lawful protest and free speech are fundamental rights, but we cannot allow them to be abused to spread hate or cause disorder. The law must be fit for purpose and consistently applied.”
This review follows recent changes to the Crime and Policing Bill, which will require police to consider the overall impact of protests in one place before setting conditions on future demonstrations.
Lord Macdonald is the former Director of Public Prosecutions and brings extensive legal expertise and independence to this work.
He will be supported by Owen Weatherill, a senior policing expert who brings operational experience from his role as the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Civil Contingencies and National Mobilisation.
The terms of reference for the review will be confirmed in the coming weeks with the review expected to commence imminently and conclude by February 2026.
The Scottish Government is on track to issue its first bonds in 2026/27, First Minister John Swinney has announced after international ratings agencies set a credit rating matching the UK and better than other major industrial nations.
The issuance will be the first in a £1.5 billion bond programme over the life of the next parliament, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election, in-year borrowing requirements and market conditions.
Credit rating agencies Moody’s and S&P Global have each rated the Scottish Government the same level as the UK Government – and above several major European and global economies such as Spain, Italy and Japan.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government’s high credit ratings are testament to Scotland’s strong institutions, track record of responsible fiscal management and pro-business environment.
“We are therefore now on track to commence the bond programme from 2026/27, with the proceeds used to fund capital investment in key infrastructure.
“This is about using the powers we have to borrow better – not more – and reflects the maturity of Scotland’s public finances after more than 25 years of devolution.
“And, it is the latest step in building the institutions and tools Scotland needs for a prosperous future where our country takes responsibility for its own decisions.
“Whilst specific issuance plans will be subject to market conditions closer to the time, we will shortly commence engagement with banks to act as joint lead managers to enable the next Scottish Government to proceed without delay.”
In 2023 the Scottish Government’s Investor Panel recommended making bonds available to market as a means of raising Scotland’s profile and attracting investment.
Angus Macpherson, Chairman of financial advisory firm Noble and Co, and former co-chair of the Investor Panel, said: “I am greatly encouraged by the progress the Scottish Government is making in achieving a credit rating to raise Scotland’s profile in the international capital markets.
“This is a positive step forward and demonstrates they are serious about becoming a more investor friendly destination.”
Bonds are a standard form of borrowing for governments around the world and support spending including on major infrastructure projects, with buyers owed the value of the bond plus interest over a specific period of time.
The Scotland Act 2016 devolved powers to Scotland to allow the issuing of government bonds for capital investment.
All proceeds from a future bond issuance would be used exclusively for capital investment in line with the capital borrowing powers outlined in the Fiscal Framework agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments.
Forever Edinburgh is inviting residents to enjoy the next instalments of Resident Days,with dedicated rewards and experiences to mark Carers Rights Day on Thursday 20 November and St Andrew’s Day on Sunday 30 November.
These dates form part of the ongoing Resident Rewards programme, which thanks local people for their contribution to Edinburgh’s visitor economy by giving them exclusive access to free or discounted attractions, tours and cultural experiences across the city.
The upcoming Carers Rights Day Resident Day will recognise and support the city’s unpaid carers, delivered in partnership with Shared Care Scotland and VOCAL Carers Hub. A range of free and discounted offers will give carers the chance to take a well deserved break, unwind and reconnect with their city.
Later in the month, the St Andrew’s Day Resident Day will celebrate Scotland’s national day, with local businesses offering special rates and unique experiences for Edinburgh residents.
Together, these events encourage communities to rediscover the world class culture, hospitality and heritage on their doorstep.
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:““Resident Days put our residents at the heart of the city’s visitor economy.
“Edinburgh is known across the world for its history and culture, but it is the people who live here who make it truly special. These rewards are a way of saying thank you and encouraging everyone to rediscover what makes our city so remarkable.”
Looking ahead, the programme will continue into the new year with a final date celebrating Burns Night on Sunday 25 January 2026.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – our Christmas jumper workshops!
These were a huge hit last year so start getting excited now! On Saturday 22nd and 29th of November, we will be running drop-in craft sessions (2pm – 4pm).
We will provide wool, felt, pom-poms etc – please bring a spare old jumper or t-shirt if you have one! We will provide some old jumpers as well.
We can’t wait, and we look forward to seeing you all wearing your beautiful Christmas or festive jumpers throughout December!
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for the help of the public after two males were seriously injured in a hit and run by a quad bike.
The incident happened around 3pm yesterday (Saturday, 15 November) in the Niddrie Mains Road area, near to the Jack Kane Community Centre.
The males, aged 15 and 20, were taken to hospital for treatment.
Detective Sergeant Alex Johnston said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the Niddrie area on the afternoon of Saturday and saw a quad bike being driven around, or who witnessed the crash, to get in touch with us by contacting 101 and quoting incident 2026 of the 15 November.
“Similarly, anyone with dashcam footage or private CCTV which may have captured what happened should contact us.”
St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Christmas Light Switch-on
St James Quarter has teamed up with Scottish children’s charity, Children First, to bring festive cheer to families who need it most this Christmas, with the launch of the Gifting Tree – a heartwarming initiative that gives guests the opportunity to donate gifts for children and young people across Scotland.
Located on Level 3 of the St James Quarter Galleria, the Gifting Tree invites visitors to help make Christmas a little brighter for children and families who may otherwise go without this festive season.
Shoppers can now donate a new, unwrapped gift at the Guest Services Desk within St James Quarter. In return, each donor will receive a blank tag, on which they can write a special message to hang on the Gifting Tree – a symbolic gesture of generosity and community spirit.
All gifts will be distributed by Children First to families across Scotland who are struggling to make ends meet this winter. For those who would prefer to make a monetary donation, they can do so online via the Gifting Tree Just Giving page.
With over 240,000 children living in poverty across Scotland, energy costs rising and families facing increasing financial pressure, Children First has seen more families than ever reaching out for help.
The charity offers vital emotional, practical, and financial support to ensure children can grow up safe, secure and happy – but it relies on the kindness of local communities to make this possible.
Donated gifts could include games, books, cosy clothing, toiletries, or vouchers for shops and experiences (a full list of suggested items can be found below). There is a particular need for gifts for teenagers and older children, who are often overlooked in festive giving campaigns.
Jennifer Laseen, Chair of the CSR Committee at St James Quarter, said: “Every child deserves to experience the joy and magic of Christmas. We’re proud to partner with Children First this year to bring the Gifting Tree to life at St James Quarter.
“The festive season is a time for giving, and this initiative allows our guests to make a real difference to children and young people who are finding things difficult right now. We’re constantly inspired by the generosity of our community here in Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the Gifting Tree filled with decorations that represent kindness and compassion.”
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First said:“For families already having a tough time, the added pressure and cost of Christmas can be overwhelming. By donating through the Gifting Tree, you can help bring joy to children in Edinburgh and across Scotland during the festive season.
“We’re incredibly grateful to St James Quarter for their generous support and we hope as many people as possible will get involved. This wonderful initiative has the power to brighten Christmas for countless children – and we can’t wait to see the difference it will make.”
To take part, visitors can simply bring their gift to the Guest Services Desk on level 1 of St James Quarter and then place their decoration on the Gifting Tree on Level 3 from now until 5 January 2026.
Suggested gifts for donation:
Vouchers for shops and experiences (cinemas, haircuts, Greggs, Starbucks, JD Sports, Primark, One4All vouchers)
Make-up sets, make-up brushes, jewellery, accessories, heatless curl set
Toiletries and personal hygiene items
Headphones
Games, puzzles and arts and crafts sets
Pyjamas, cosy socks, branded socks
Hats, gloves and scarves
Board games and arts and crafts activities
Journals, notebooks and stationery
Footballs
Guests can make the most of the festive season at St James Quarter with the extended opening hours outlined below:
Sunday 16th November – Sunday 14th December: 10am – 7pm
Friday 28th November (Black Friday): 9am – 9pm
Monday 15th December – Saturday 20th December: 9am – 9pm
Sunday 21st December: 9am – 7pm
Monday 22nd December – Tuesday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East today at a star-studded award ceremony which saw Amy Macdonald, Wet Wet Wet, Connor Burns, Claire Richards and more recognised alongside local heroes.
With all performers kept under wraps until on the day itself, a sold out Usher Hall audience were treated to surprise sets from superstar singer Amy Macdonald, Scots icons Wet Wet Wet, Claire Richards of Steps fame, Highland folk pop band Tide Lines and more.
Forth 1 presenters handed out awards to local heroes as well as celebrities, with Boogie and Arlene, Garry Spence, Callum Gallacher and Steven Mill making appearances onstage, as well as a charity auction to raise money for Forth 1’s Cash for Kids, helping to make a difference for kids across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.
10 awards were handed out across the jam-packed show, recognising hometown heroes across Best Teacher, Best Restaurant, Best Workplace and the all important Forth Local Hero Award.
One of Scotland’s most successful touring comedians, local boy Connor Burns took to the stage to perform a hilarious set before picking up the Forth Fringe Award, recognising his completely sold out run in August. Connor’s hometown set at the Forth Awards proved why he’s one of comedy’s fastest rising stars.
Pic Greg Macvean 13/11/2025
Forth Awards, Usher Hall
Connor Burns said: “I can’t believe it. It’s such an honour to know it was voted for by the listeners. Forth 1 have always looked after me as they do with new talent. This is my first award.
“I’m a many time runner up, so I’ve finally got something to hang on my wall!”
South Queensferry’s family-run seafood restaurant The Crab and Lobster Shack was voted Forth’s Best Restaurant, run by the Coghill family and offering up high-quality seafood.
Plus, Mr David Barrett, of Preston Tower Primary School was voted the Forth Best Teacher, hailing originally from Canada and gaining experience working in Thailand, David’s pupils and colleagues said he turned lessons into adventures and took genuine care in helping every child see their own potential.
Pic Greg Macvean 13/11/2025
Forth Awards, Usher Hall
He said, “I’m one of a team and really we’re all winning this right now.”
Next up, iconic Scots band Wet Wet Wet were honoured with the Forth Music Recognition Award, as founding member Graeme Clark, guitarist Graeme Duffin and lead singer Kevin Simm performed hits ‘Love Is All Around’ and ‘Goodnight Girl’.
With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Wet Wet Wet are one of Scotland’s most successful musical exports and said: “Scotland has been a big part of Wet Wet Wet’s life and so have the people of Scotland who took us into their hearts. It’s lovely to be in Edinburgh again at the Forth Awards – they’re a big supporter…we love them and they love us!”
The top talent continued into early evening as Scots superstar singer Amy Macdonald was named the Forth Best Artist, entertaining the crowd with huge hits ‘Mr Rock & Roll’, ‘Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For?’, and ‘This Is The Life’ . With her latest album release and two upcoming dates at Glasgow’s Hydro, Amy Macdonald continues to sell out shows around the world since catapulting onto the music scene in 2007.
Pic Greg Macvean 13/11/2025
Forth Awards, Usher Hall
Onstage accepting her award, Amy Macdonald said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be here this afternoon. It’s such a nice venue, I remember performing here on tour a few years ago and really enjoying it.
“Thank you so much to Radio Forth for having me and giving me nice prizes and playing all my songs on the radio. I hope you have an amazing rest of your day – don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do, which is… absolutely nothing, so do whatever you want! It’s been a pleasure to be here.”
A heartwarming moment in the afternoon came when Pawel Zakrzewski won the Forth Cash for Kids Award for co-founding the Edinburgh Combat Project, Edinburgh’s first martial arts charity, helping children facing mental and physical health challenges and offering a lifeline for kids facing tough circumstances.
The Forth Best Workplace award went to Free Agent, for their commitment to well being, learning, sustainability and empowering their community of small businesses, whilst Dunbar adventure park East Links Family Park took home the Forth Visitor Attraction Award.
One of the most emotional moments of the show, the Forth Local Hero Award went to Lisa Fleming, recognising her work in founding The House of Hope with her husband Euan after her own diagnosis with incurable secondary breast cancer in 2017.
Pic Greg Macvean 13/11/2025 Forth Awards, Usher Hall
Lisa has raised over £2 million for research, support and education after identifying a gap in wellbeing and support provision within her hometown of Edinburgh. The House of Hope has become a sanctuary for those impacted by breast cancer, with fully funded, tailored workshops, classes and support groups and holistic therapies.
Next up, Claire Richards, of Steps fame, took to the stage to perform an electric set including 00s Steps hits ‘Tragedy’ ‘One For Sorrow’ and more, before Boogie and Arlene presented the singer with the Forth Icon Award.
Claire Richards said:“It’s really exciting I never win anything so it’s really lovely to be recognised in that way!
“I haven’t spent that much time in Edinburgh – we’ve been here since last night and it’s beautiful here, absolutely beautiful. Everybody in Edinburgh needs to come and see The Steps Musical. It’s the perfect medicine to everything. It’s just joyful.”
The 2025 Forth Awards came to a dance-fuelled end with performances from Angie Brown, Oceanic and Robin S ensuring the crowd danced the remainder of the evening away to 80s and 90s hits.
Recognising everything from small acts of kindness from teachers and care workers, to achievements in the world of entertainment, The Forth Awards were once again a celebration of inspiring stories from Forth 1’s local heroes and performances to remember.
Richie Jeffrey, Head of Events said: “The 20th edition of the Forth Awards was just as special as ever, as we shone the spotlight on local listeners making a difference in their communities.
“The sold out Usher Hall crowd enjoyed an afternoon of music, comedy and theatre performances as well as learning more about our inspiring winners and the work they do.
“It’s an honour for Forth 1 to be able to celebrate our community across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk – huge congrats to all of today’s winners and thanks to our incredible performers.”
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
FORTH AWARDS 2025 – WINNERS INFO
THE FORTH BEST RESTAURANT AWARD WITH SALTIRE HOSPITALITY
WINNER: THE CRAB AND LOBSTER SHACK – SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
The Crab and Lobster Fish Shack is a seafood restaurant in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh. It serves a variety of seafood, from high-end fish and chips to dishes like crab nachos, lobster thermidor, and West Coast mussels. It features an open kitchen, a nautical theme inspired by the Hamptons, and offers a range of drinks and desserts
Pawel’s journey is one rooted in deep personal loss, resilience, and a commitment to changing lives. He tragically lost his father at the age of five, a loss that left him feeling directionless and emotionally disconnected, despite being surrounded by family. As a young boy, Pawel struggled to cope without a father figure. He rebelled against rules, disengaged from school, and got into trouble, behaviours that reflected a child in pain, searching for purpose. That purpose eventually came through martial arts.
What began as an outlet for his anger and confusion became a lifeline. He later discovered that his late father had not only been a boxer, but a multiple-time boxing champion who had used martial arts to support others in his community, something that deeply inspired Pawel. Martial arts became his path forward, and he went on to compete at the highest levels in Thailand before a spinal injury brought his competitive career to an end.
Returning to the UK during and after COVID-19, Pawel recognised a growing need among young people in his community, especially those facing mental health challenges or showing the same rebellious behaviours he once had. It was then that his priorities shifted. Inspired by his father’s dream of creating a first-class facility for all children in need, Pawel co-founded the Edinburgh Combat Project.
THE FORTH BEST TEACHER AWARD WITH OMNI CENTRE
WINNER: MR DAVID BARRETT – PRESTON TOWER PRIMARY SCHOOL
David Barrett is an amazing, inspiring teacher who brings a unique energy to Preston Tower Primary School. In a profession largely staffed by women, he stands out, not just for being different, but for all the right reasons. His humour, warmth, and intelligence make him a favourite with students, parents, and colleagues alike. Originally from Canada and enriched by his time in Thailand, David brings a global perspective into the classroom, turning lessons into adventures. He combines knowledge, humour, and genuine care to help every child see their own potential.
Free Agent is a company that truly lives its values through everyone’s every day actions. It’s a place for innovation, collaboration, inclusivity and on one of the office walls, they quote Bill and Ted’s mantra – “Be excellent to each other” – and that is truly the standard from the CEO down.
The company supports well being, learning and are committed to sustainability and to empowering their community of small businesses, accountants and bookkeepers.
East Links Family Park is a 20-acre farm-themed adventure park in Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland, offering a variety of activities for all ages, including a train safari, animal handling, and a large play fortress. It is a family-friendly attraction with options like go-karts, trampolines, crazy golf, a hay barn, and indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as an on-site café
The House of Hope was founded by Lisa Fleming and her husband Euan, following Lisa’s own diagnosis with incurable secondary breast cancer in 2017. Over the last 6.5 years, Lisa has immersed herself within the cancer community, along with Euan and the support of friends and family, successfully raising over £2 million for secondary breast cancer research, support, and education.
Over the last few years, through public speaking across the UK, forging relationships on and offline with other patients living with or impacted by breast cancer, Lisa identified a gap in wellbeing and support provision within her hometown of Edinburgh.
As a service user of Future Dreams House in London, which is currently the only dedicated breast cancer support centre in the UK, Lisa has experienced first-hand as a patient the positive impact that such a service can have on the emotional and physical wellbeing of someone living with breast cancer.
THE FORTH BEST ARTIST AWARD WITH VICTOR PARIS
WINNER: AMY MACDONALD
THE FORTH MUSIC RECOGNITION AWARD WITH THE LIQUID ROOM
