If you are worried about heating bills and the cost of living this winter, the Citizens Advice network is here to help.
Continued high living costs and months of unaffordable energy bills means many of us are worried about managing payments again this winter. Sadly, too many of us are switching off the heating, turning to credit to cover essential livings costs, or feeling like there is no solution to unmanageable bills.
But the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is here for you with free, impartial and confidential advice.
Find your local CAB
Your first port of call should be contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau to get free, confidential and impartial advice. One of our specialist advisers will be able to talk to you face-to-face, go through your situation and work out the next steps. They will be able to help communicate with your energy supplier, set up a manageable repayment plan or find out if you are eligible for any grants or discounts.
Our Money Map tool is a great online resource, finding ways to make the most of your money, decrease your bills and help meet the costs of daily living.
You might be able to save money on monthly bills. Our Council Tax tooltells you quickly if you’re entitled to a discount, reduction or exemption.
Specialist services
If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the first time, we can help. Our Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone (0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) and can guide you through the process, whether you’re looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim.
The Money Talk Team at your local Citizens Advice Bureau helps you maximise your income, look at options to reduce costs and offers specialist debt advice. To find out more, start a webchat here.
If you are elderly, have certain health conditions, are pregnant or have young children, you may be eligible for additional support from your supplier. Check if you are eligible for the Priority Services Register here.
You can also call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for help with your home energy this winter.
Scotland’s party leaders are being urged to unite and take bold, immediate action to overhaul the devolved tax system, to build a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all.
In an open letter, Tax Justice Scotland, a newly formed campaign group which represents over 50 Scottish civil society organisations, trade unions, economists, and academics, says that Scotland’s existing tax system is undermining public services while exacerbating economic and wider inequalities. They say it’s time to break free from short-termist tax policymaking.
Campaigners say that a fairer, more effective devolved tax system is needed if the Scottish Government is to deliver on its legal commitments to cut child poverty and tackle climate change, while avoiding damaging cyclical emergency budget cuts.
Ahead of the publication of Scotland’s new Tax Strategy and the 2025/26 Scottish Budget, the Tax Justice Scotland campaign is warning Scotland’s finances are “beyond breaking point”, while urging leaders to “stop dodging the hard but necessary decisions” on tax reform for future stability.
The letter says:
“Scotland’s finances are beyond breaking point. Tweaking the status quo on tax is not working; it’s failing our communities, our economy, and our planet. Inaction will condemn current and future generations to deepening inequality, crumbling public services and environmental collapse.
But you have the power to choose a different future.
To do so, you must choose to move beyond inadequate tweaks to our flawed tax system. It’s time to think beyond the narrow constraints of budget and electoral cycles to deliver a better and fairer tax system while ensuring those with the broadest shoulders carry the greatest weight of change.”
While the recent UK Budget will boost public spending and somewhat ease immediate finance pressures in Scotland, this won’t put Scotland’s public finances on a sustainable path.
The campaign is urging the Scottish Government to leverage the upcoming Tax Strategy as a catalyst for overdue and essential long-term reform.
Tax Justice Scotland also sets out a series of immediate steps the Scottish Government should take, using devolved powers, to make progress towards a fairer tax system:
Launch an immediate nationwide property revaluation, the first critical step to finally scrapping the outdated and unfair Council Tax. At the same time, Ministers must start the search for fairer, more equitable alternatives.
Kick-start a bold plan to tax wealth more fairly, ensuring those with the most contribute their share to Scotland’s future.
Make polluters pay for the damage they cause while encouraging greener, fairer business practices, including through reforms of existing Non-Domestic Rates and tax breaks.
On behalf of Tax Justice Scotland, Lewis Ryder-Jones, Oxfam Scotland’s Advocacy Adviser, said:“Scotland’s finances are perpetually teetering on the edge of a perilous precipice. Poverty and inequality are rampant, public services are badly stretched, and the climate crisis is escalating. Fairer taxes, alongside a fairer economy, and ensuring public money is well spent, can and must do more to secure a fairer, greener future for everyone.”
Tax Justice Scotland has been established to build public and political pressure for tax reforms in Scotland, as part of improved UK and global tax systems.
The letter coincides with growing global momentum on tax, with the leaders of G20 governments making a ground-breaking commitment to cooperate on taxing the world’s super-rich at a summit in Brazil last week.
Bold, well-designed changes to devolved taxes could build on this global momentum, unleashing more resources to invest in healthcare, education, social security and climate action while reducing the widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of society in Scotland.
Lewis Ryder-Jones added:“Scotland can lead the way in the UK and internationally. It’s time for our leaders to stop dodging the hard but necessary decisions, and instead start making the case that fairer taxes are good for the economy.
“We need grown-up tax governance that takes Scotland’s future seriously; moving beyond piecemeal, patchwork fixes and instead delivering a tax system that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”
With your help we can support survivors this Christmas
We are collecting donations to provide vouchers to the women and children we support throughout the festive period. The provision of vouchers allows those we support to celebrate Christmas however they would like without the financial burden this time of year often brings.
£10 would contribute to the cost of a Christmas meal for a woman and her children living in refuge.
£25 would contribute to the cost of presents, activities, and trips over the holiday period to ensure that a child in refuge has a more enjoyable Christmas.
£50 would contribute to the cost of food, presents, and essentials for a woman and her children living in refuge over the Christmas holidays.
£75 would contribute to the cost of food and essentials over the holidays and beyond for women and children who have access to no other funds.
We have had extraordinary success in providing those we support with vouchers at Christmas for the past three years. The women who received these vouchers were thrilled that they were able to make choices about what gifts they and their children most needed or wanted.
Women told us:
‘Today I am going shopping and am excited to be able to choose presents for my children.
“I want to say a big thank you for your kindness, love, and the gift vouchers we received. I cannot express our joy and gratitude to you all.
“From our hearts we say a big thank you and know that we appreciate all your love and care so much.“
We’re also happy to support you in your own fundraising campaign for EWA. We’ve been so honoured by the heartfelt fundraisers our supporters have organised in the past.
An initiative to provide free after school and holiday clubs for families on low incomes has helped more than 3,500 children to attend football and other sport sessions, increasing access to sports and improving their mental health during its first year.
An impact report published by the Scottish FA shows a £4 million investment from the Scottish Government is helping efforts to end child poverty by supporting parents and carers to increase their working hours, thereby maximising the effect of any financial savings, and has been especially successful in supporting lone parent families.
The report also shows that the number of parents and carers benefitting from the Extra Time initiative rose by 80% in the first six months of the programme, with increased funding helping thousands of children attend regular services which provide childcare options for their parents.
Extra Time is a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA that provides funding for 31 local football clubs and trusts to provide free access to before school, after school and holiday clubs for targeted primary school children from families on low incomes.
Attending the first anniversary celebration of the launch of the project at Hampden Park, with Extra Time Ambassadors and former professional players Stephen O’Donnell and Suzanne Winters, Minister for Sport Maree Todd said: “Extra Time is having a positive impact right across Scotland by providing affordable and accessible childcare options in local communities for thousands of families.
“The First Minister has made clear we will continue to prioritise action to end child poverty by removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare. This initiative will contribute to this.
”We know it is working for those most at risk of living in poverty, supporting parents to maintain their current employment or gain new employment.
“It is making a real difference for children and young people too, with mental health benefits for participants – improved confidence, happiness, and social skills – and the provision of food at sessions is helping to tackle food insecurity and to promote healthy food choices.”
Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “At the Scottish FA we regularly speak of the power that football has to positively benefit society and the Extra Time programme is a shining example of the social benefits that football is able to provide off the pitch.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for their support in delivering this programme over the past twelve months and look forward to continuing our work on the programme to deliver tangible benefits to families and communities across the nation.”
Former Scotland Women’s International and Extra Time Ambassador Suzanne Winters said: “Through my work with Queens Park Football Club I have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact that this programme has had on the families involved with it.
“It is a fantastic example of football making a difference off the pitch.”
Former Scotland Men’s International and Extra Time Ambassador Stephen O’Donnell said: “It is heart warming to see the children in this programme enjoying their access to football through this programme while also benefitting them and their families through the free childcare.”
The NSPCC Helpline fielded almost 4,000 contacts about concerns for children experiencing domestic abuse in the first six months of 24/25.
There has been a 19% increase about the issue compared to the same period in 23/24.
Coercive or controlling behaviour, emotional domestic abuse and post-separation domestic abuse were concerns repeatedly raised in contacts the adult helpline received about domestic abuse.
Childline is reminding all children that the service is ready to support them if they have concerns about domestic abuse, or any other issues, this festive season.
The NSPCC is dealing with an increase in contacts to its Helpline from adults with concerns about children who are experiencing domestic abuse.
In the first six months of 2024/25, the charity received 3,879 contacts relating to the issue, a 19% rise compared to the previous year.
A deeper dive into the domestic abuse data reveals mentions of coercive or controlling behaviour (1,279 contacts) and emotional domestic abuse (1,451) increased by a half, while post-separation domestic abuse more than doubled.
A 12-year-old girl from Scotland told a Childline counsellor: “I can’t handle living around my dad; he puts us all on edge. You never know what he’s going to do next or over what.
“Mum thought she’d lost her phone weeks ago, but really dad hid it to punish her. Mum doesn’t even argue back anymore, it’s like he’s made her give up.”
Children are also directly contacting the charity about this issue, with Childline delivering over 500 counselling sessions on domestic abuse in the same 6-month period.
As we move towards Christmas and into the winter months, the concern now is that these numbers will continue to rise with longer, darker nights seeing children spending more time at home and having several weeks away from school over the festive period.
In response, the NSPCC is launching its annual Christmas campaign designed to remind young people that Childline is available throughout the festive season to support on all concerns, including domestic abuse.
Sadly, there will be thousands of children this Christmas across the UK in search of free and confidential help for a range of worries and concerns. These include how to stay safe from abuse and about feeling completely alone. This Christmas, Childline is ready for every call and contact throughout the festive period.
In the charity’s Christmas TV advert, a young girl who has been neglected during the festive period contacts Childline for help. She speaks to a trained counsellor who listens to what is happening to her and provides support.
The issue can still persist after a relationship is over. An adult in Scotland who had concerns for a relative’s safety in a domestic abuse setting told the NSPCC Helpline that they saw signs of controlling behaviour after a relationship had ended.
They said: “My sister recently left an abusive situation with her six-month old baby, but her ex-partner is still in control of their finances and emotionally abusing her. Her ex has drained their accounts so she can’t buy what she needs for my niece.
“The ex is bombarding her with threats over text, even saying they will kill themselves if she doesn’t go back or let them see the baby. Where can we get support and protection for my sister and niece?”
Adeniyi Alade, head of NSPCC helplines in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of wonder and excitement for children, but sadly this is not always the case. For some it can be a time in the year when problems at home come to a head and trigger issues like domestic abuse.
“Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse have been on the rise this year and the concern now is that this will continue over Christmas and into 2025.
“Our mission is to ensure that no child is left to suffer in silence. Our Childline service is open in December and throughout the year to provide free, confidential advice and support.”
This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
Any adult can contact the NSPCC Helpline if they have a concern about a child on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. For more information on DART (Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together), visit the NSPCC website.
Fringe Society publishes its review of the year 2024
Today, Tuesday 26 November 2024, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society publishes its review of the year 2024, outlining its activities over the past 12 months. These include the Society’s core services to artists, as well as the work it undertakes year-round to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat.
This year the Fringe maintained its unique position in the world as one of the most important performing arts expos on the planet. Over 1,800 arts industry delegates came to the festival to see, book and buy work for opportunities such as onward touring and broadcast potential.
Artists from 60 countries performed across 3,746 shows in 262 venues and some 900 accredited media wrote about the festival and reviewed work.
Along with the success of this year’s festival there continue to be significant concerns regarding the cost and availability of affordable accommodation in Edinburgh, pressures on the supply chain, and an unhelpful policy environment; all exacerbating the already fragile cultural economy of the Fringe.
At the close of this year’s Fringe, Fringe Society Chief Executive Shona McCarthy penned an open letter outlining the many challenges faced by the sector and its thousands of artists, supporting the no art without artists campaign by Scottish creatives.
The Fringe Society also supports the current #InvestInCulture campaign from Scotland’s cultural sector, which seeks to increase the Scottish Government’s budget contributions of national spend on culture from 0.5% to match or exceed the European average investment in culture of 1.5%.
The challenges facing the Fringe Society, the Festival Fringe and the Scottish arts sector can only be overcome with long-term collaborative, sustainable action and investment.
As such, in a new development for this annual publication, the 2024 review of the year has been designed as a launchpad for further discussion.
In Shona McCarthy’s last review of the year before stepping down as Chief Executive, the Fringe Society invites potential funders, partners, sponsors and those who benefit from the economics of the Fringe to engage with them now and help ensure the sustainability of this unique event into the next 77 years.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Societysaid: ‘This year’s review is an invitation for discussion and to find solutions for the future of this amazing festival and expo.
“The whole sector needs action and investment and so does the Fringe. As the most influential and important performing arts marketplace in the world, the Fringe is crucial for the whole cultural ecosystem, not only for local, UK and international artists, but for the thousands of arts industry and media delegates who come here every year to view work, and source content for their own theatres, festivals and platforms.
“Warm words do not support our vital cultural life and creativity. Warm words do not provide platforms for Fringe artists on a global stage. Warm words do not help communities and audiences experience an event of global significance, on an Olympic scale, on their own doorstep.
“Now is the time to step up and work collaboratively to secure the future of this signature event for Scotland. After nearly ten years at the helm of the Fringe Society, I urge our public funders, our potential sponsors and partners, and those who have the influence, to turn words into action and sustainability for the sector and for this iconic event for the next decade.’
Benny Higgins, Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Societysaid: ‘Against an increasingly difficult policy environment and ongoing financial pressures, I congratulate Shona and the entire Fringe Society team on all that they have achieved this year.
“Artist support remains at the core of the work of the Fringe Society and the team work tirelessly to ensure this festival can continue.
“This isn’t easy work but is vital to ensure artists can continue to create and share their creativity that we all benefit from.’
Votes on the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill will move the UK one step closer to becoming smoke-free
Vote will move the UK one step closer to becoming smoke-free, shielding the next generation from the harms of smoking.
Ambitious plans to protect children from vaping, including ban on vape advertising and sale of vapes in vending machines, in addition to restricting vape flavours, packaging and shop display.
Bill bolstered by additional £10m of support for enforcement and £70m for stop smoking services.
MPs will today (26 November) vote on the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, moving the UK one step closer to protecting future generations from the harms of smoking and vaping.
The ambitious Bill includes plans to clamp down on youth vaping with many of the measures specifically aimed at protecting children.
Subject to consultation, the sale of vape flavours that overtly appeal to children – such as bubble gum, gummy bear and cotton candy – could be brought to an end, alongside restrictions on vape packaging that is designed to appeal to young people.
The Bill will bring in a total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship which will include displays that will likely be seen by children and young people such as on buses, in cinemas, and in shop windows, bringing this in line with current tobacco restrictions.
All vaping and nicotine products will be banned from being sold to under 18s – closing loopholes on non-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches. Vapes will also be banned in vending machines, where they can be easily accessed by children. The free distribution of these products will also be banned.
If passed, the Bill will progress to the next parliamentary stage, bringing the UK one step closer to creating the first smoke-free generation.
The Bill will help achieve one of the three key shifts in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, to move from sickness to prevention.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction.
“It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like ‘gummy bear’ and ‘rainbow burst’.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction. That’s why it’s so incredibly important it is voted through.”
To support current smokers to quit smoking, the government will provide £70 million for stop smoking services. This is in addition to all hospitals integrating ‘opt-out’ smoking cessation interventions into routine care, making every clinical consultation count.
To bolster enforcement, the government will provide an additional £10 million for Trading Standards to crack down on illicit trade. This comes off the back of new data from National Trading Standards (NTS) that show over 1 million illicit vapes were seized inland by Trading Standards in 2023-24, a 59% increase compared to the previous year.
In a separate programme coordinated by NTS, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 5.2 tonnes of illicit hand-rolled tobacco were seized by Trading Standards in 2023-24. This is on top of the over 1 billion illicit cigarettes and 92.4 tonnes of illicit hand-rolled tobacco seized by HMRC and Border Force.
The Bill will also include powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will introduce on the spot fines of £200 to retailers found to be selling these products to people underage.
Expanding the use of highly effective standardised packaging to all tobacco products will also be explored.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said: “If this major piece of legislation is passed, it will accelerate a smokefree generation and lead to children never being trapped by addiction to cigarettes with lifelong harms to their health.
“The rising number of children vaping is a significant concern, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will help prevent marketing vapes to children, which is utterly unacceptable. Smoking results in direct harm across a person’s life course but also causes harms to others around them, including children, pregnant women and the medically vulnerable.
“Reducing the number of vulnerable people exposed to second-hand smoke, as well as preventing non-smokers taking up vaping is important and will improve the health of the nation.”
NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “Vaping among young people is a significant and growing concern and we wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s commitment to tackle this as part of the measures outlined in this bill.
“Smoking also remains the leading cause of preventable deaths and has a huge impact on the NHS, costing billions every year and we look forward to working with the government and partners to ensure the next generation grow up smoke and vape free.”
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will give government the powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces: with children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all being considered in England, subject to consultation. These powers will also allow places that are currently smoke-free to be made vape-free, subject to consultation.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “The announcement of additional funding for smoking cessations services is desperately needed to help the tens of thousands of existing smokers who want to quit, which is incredibly difficult to do without support.
“Stop smoking services have suffered drastic cuts in recent years, but when they are appropriately funded they do a fantastic job of supporting people to stop smoking for good.
“Today’s vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is the crucial next step towards protecting younger generations from the harms of smoking, by stopping them from ever taking up cigarettes.
“However, it’s only by tackling the whole problem that we can truly begin to put a stop to the devasting effects this deadly addiction has on the health of the nation, and the huge burden it places on the NHS.”
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health said: “Every day around 350 young people start smoking, and two thirds of long-term smokers will die due to smoking.
“Passing this Bill is a vital way the Government can start to end the unprecedented harm caused by tobacco, protecting the health of the next generation by ensuring they won’t become addicted to smoking.
“Alongside the legislation funding is necessary to help the millions who currently smoke to quit and accelerate the creation of a smokefree country and the announcement today is welcome.”
Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said: “Tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases every day in the UK. But with strong political will and bold action, these staggering numbers can be turned around.
“By voting in favour of this historic legislation, MPs have the power to help save lives and make the UK a world leader in tobacco control.
“Raising the age of sale of tobacco products and funding cessation support will save people from a deadly and costly addiction. I urge politicians to prioritise the health of the nation and help end cancers caused by smoking for good.”
In England, the Health and Social Care Secretary launched Change.NHS.UK to encourage the biggest conversation ever about the NHS to help inform the plan.
Tracker urges drivers not to leave their vehicles vulnerable
As the UK prepares for a drop in temperatures, stolen vehicle recovery expert, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, is urging motorists to be on their guard from unscrupulous thieves when de-icing their windscreens and warming up their cars.
Over £4 million worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by Tracker between November 2023 and January 2024, the peak months for vehicles to be ‘frost jacked.’
‘Frost jacking’ is usually an opportunist crime when thieves see an unattended unlocked car, typically with the keys in the ignition, as drivers wait elsewhere to thaw out frosted windows and warm up cars on cold days.
Not only does leaving vehicles unattended make them an easy theft target, but motorists also run the risk of invalidating their insurance or facing fines.
“Whilst it can be very tempting to leave your car running on these cold and dark mornings, the wider risk of theft if just too strong,” warns Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker.
“It is always best to just wrap up warm and stay with your car whilst you are defrosting the windows, whether it is on your driveway or parked in the road. Using a combination of new and traditional methods to keep cars safe from thieves is always recommended, especially in the winter when there are less daylight hours.”
As well as being vulnerable to theft, additional legal matters come into play when leaving a vehicle unattended. Unnecessarily leaving the engine running on a vehicle parked on the public road is an offence under regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which reinforces rule 123 of the Highway Code.
Contrary to the Road Traffic Act, engine quitting, where a person leaves their vehicles’ engine running whilst not actually in the vehicle, is also an offence. Drivers caught engine quitting could be fined anywhere between £20-£80. Not correctly defrosting a windscreen and leaving it dangerous to drive can also result in a potential fine and three penalty points.
“Although it isn’t always the nicest option, staying with your vehicle in frosty conditions can help to prevent theft, invalid insurance, fines and penalty points,” continues Clive Wain. “One of the best ways to protect cars in the winter is to fit a tracking unit, which can significantly increase the chances of a vehicle been recovered if it is stolen.”
Tracker is the only SVR provider supported nationwide by U.K. police services that track, locate and recover stolen assets. More than 2,000 police patrol vehicles and all police helicopters are fitted with Tracker detection units. Confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves, Tracker boasts a 95% success rate, 50% of which are recovered within 4 hours and 80% are returned to their owners within 24 hours, undamaged.
Tracker’s Winter Security Advice
At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside
Never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are just stopping quickly
Never leave your car running unattended when de-icing
Always lock and secure your vehicle
Don’t leave belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you
Do not leave technology items on display, such as satnavs or mobile telephones. Take them with you or lock them in the boot.
Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car – this only makes it easier for thieves to sell it on
Park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras
If you have a garage, use it to park your car
Consider fitting a tracking device to help police recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.
Engagement to tackle gendered violence highlighted at start of 16 Days
More than 27,000 young people have benefited from education and awareness-raising sessions on tackling gender-based violence over six months, thanks to 45 grassroots organisations across Scotland.
The latest Delivering Equally Safe impact report, published by Inspiring Scotland, shows that the number of young people accessing sessions on issues including consent and gender equality through these organisations is increasing. The report also includes data on the number of people who have received frontline support, and the type of support provided.
The report publication comes as the global 16 Days of Activism campaign gets underway. To mark the start of the campaign, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart visited Monklands Women’s Aid in Airdrie to hear about their vital work to support women, children and young people.
Ms Stewart said: “Preventing violence against women and girls is key to creating a society where women and girls can live safely. I am proud to be supporting the 16 Days of Activism campaign to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls.
“Thanks to organisations supported by our Delivering Equally Safe fund, workshops supporting young people to understand consent, healthy relationships and the signs of abusive behaviour have reached more than 27,000 young people.
“In the two years since Delivering Equally Safe started, nearly 17,000 children and young people have engaged in frontline funded support.
“Among the organisations providing frontline support is Monklands Women’s Aid, whose work to address both traditional and emerging forms of violence against women and girls is vital and innovative.”
Monklands Women’s Aid Chairperson, Christine Buckel said: “Grassroots organisations like Monkland’s Women’s Aid are the backbone of community support for those facing the trauma of domestic abuse.
“Our integrated approach ensures women, children, and young people receive tailored support when they need it most. Most importantly, we listen to and respond to those we serve, ensuring that their voices shape the services that make a real difference in their lives.
“The Delivering Equally Safe programme fund provides vital funding that enabled the organisation to deliver frontline domestic abuse interventions to 1,571 people since October 2021.”
Edinburgh Libraries are among the thirteen services to receive a grant from the 2024/25 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports initiatives designed to inspire engagement across areas such as digital upskilling, sustainability and inclusivity.
Delivered in partnership with community repair hub The Edinburgh Remakery, this new project will promote sustainability through the provision of tech donation boxes in all 28 libraries in the city. Visitors will be able to donate their old devices, which will be repaired and given a new home if possible and recycled responsibly if not.
Other projects to receive a share of the 2024/25 fund include an interactive flora trail in Orkney, equality, diversity and inclusion training in Glasgow and workshops for young people facing digital exclusion in East Dunbartonshire.
As one of few open-access spaces left in our local communities, the remit of libraries is ever-evolving and service delivery teams maintain a sharp focus on meeting the needs of modern users. The PLIF 24/25 grant, launched in August this year, prioritised applications seeking to strengthen digital inclusion and sustainability efforts, as well as Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages initiatives.
The projects awarded PLIF 24/25 funding include:
‘Innovation Station’, a new teaching hub in Aberdeen City Library
‘Sensory Library Services’, for library users with additional support needs in Angus
‘Cultural Connections’, expanding the collections of Gaelic and Ukrainian language books in Dumfries and Galloway
‘Creating Social Engagement through Digital Activities’ with children and young people in East Dunbartonshire
‘Libraries and Remakery Partnership Project’, hosting tech donation boxes throughout Edinburgh
‘EDI: Change-making Leadership and Practice Development in Public Libraries’, management training in Glasgow
‘Library Digital Learning Stations’, promoting accessible, self-paced learning opportunities in Midlothian
‘Tech Trolley: Outreach for Inclusive Futures’, facilitating intergenerational learning in Moray
‘Beyond Ramps: Creating Safe and Supportive Library Spaces For All’, tackling barriers for physically disabled library users in North Lanarkshire
‘Interactive Orcadian Flora Trail’, tackling social isolation in Orkney
‘Inclusive Libraries’, in partnership with Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) in the Scottish Borders
‘Libraries Empower Connections’, taking on child poverty and digital exclusion in West Dunbartonshire
‘Fèis Ghàidhlig Leabharlainn’ (Libraries Gaelic Festival), literary arts workshops and events celebrating Gaelic language in the Western Isles
Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of (SLIC), said:“Public libraries offer truly diverse value to their communities. They provide access to vital services and resources, a wealth of social activities and are hubs for expression and creativity.
“Investment is so important for the continued provision of these services, and the Public Library Improvement Fund is one of the ways in which we bolster our public libraries.
“People, place and partnership are the pillars of our strategy for Scotland’s libraries, and this year’s winners captured the spirit of that vision. These thirteen projects expand on the vision of a library as solely a centre of literacy – they encourage civil engagement, expand people’s skillsets and celebrate the richness of local heritage.”
Culture Minister, Angus Robertson, added: “Libraries are at the heart of our communities, offering inclusive and accessible spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, create, and connect.
“The Public Library Improvement Fund brings important projects to life, which will make a positive impact on people. This year’s 13 innovative projects show the difference libraries can make to communities and how they can help to unlock people’s potential, increase employability and improve wellbeing.”
The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) is an annual £450,000 administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council on behalf of the Scottish Government that sees £200,000 given to support creative, sustainable and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.
