Gas distribution company SGN is supporting a new campaign urging people to be prepared for bad weather this winter and to know what to do if they have a power cut or gas emergency. The launch comes as it’s revealed almost one in five (17%) people in Scotland admit they aren’t prepared for winter weather as colder conditions roll in. Continue reading Are you winter ready?
A survey of those with direct experience of the benefit system has shown that three out of five respondents rate the current UK welfare system as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. The ‘About Your Benefits and You’ survey sought the views of social security experience panels members – individuals who are giving their views on the design of Scotland’s new welfare system. Continue reading Social Security Experience Panel survey results published
Police have confirmed that a man has been arrested and charged following a fire-raising incident at an address in Wester Drylaw Place. The incident happened at around 8pm on Thursday 26 October. Continue reading Drylaw fire-raising: man faces court
Edinburgh College Development Trust has announced Scottish artist Professor Richard Demarco CBE as its first patron. Continue reading Richard Demarco is Edinburgh College Development Trust patron
West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Monday 27 November at 6pm
Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have returned to the stage with their most audacious and thrilling show yet, Tango Moderno. The production opened at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury in September and Vincent and Flavia bring their fiery new show to the Edinburgh Playhouse from Thursday 23rd – Saturday 25th November as part of a major UK Tour. Continue reading Coming soon to Edinburgh Playhouse: Vincent and Flavia’s Tango Moderno
Plans for investment and reform to give GPs more time with patients most in need of their skills have been published by the Scottish Government. A new GP contract, jointly designed and agreed with the British Medical Association, will be the biggest reform of GPs services in over a decade. The proposals have been welcomed by the Scottish Greens, who say the plan is a step in the right direction in tackling health inequality. Continue reading GPs offered new contract
How to keep your child safe online
According to the NSPCC, there were over 12,000 counselling sessions with young people who talked to Childline about online issues last year, with an 87% increase in sessions over the past three years. Enigma Digital Limited works with families all across the UK to restore peace of mind to parents that are worried about their children being bullied by providing Enigma Recovery, the number one smartphone data recovery solution provider that allows users to retrieve stolen or deleted data. Continue reading A parents’ guide to cyberbullying
Year of Young People launched today
A major programme of events and activities to celebrate Scotland’s young people will take place in 2018, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will announce today. A global first, the Year of Young People 2018 will provide a platform to showcase the personalities, talents and achievements of Scotland’s young people.
It will give young people, aged 8 to 26, new opportunities to influence decision making on issues affecting their lives and be involved in cultural and sporting opportunities across the country.
Young people have been involved in designing the programme, with more than 500 signed up to volunteer as Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors.
EventScotland will deliver a programme of events for all ages, and Young Scot, Children in Scotland, the Scottish Youth Parliament and YouthLink Scotland will lead youth participation and involvement in the Year.
Ahead of meeting young people in Dumfries the First Minister said: “This is an opportunity to shine a light on the fantastic contribution young people make to life in Scotland. The Year of Young People will give young people a new platform and new opportunities for their voices to be heard in all parts of our society and hopefully help to foster a better understanding, co-operation and respect between generations.
“The talents of our young people span the length and breadth of the country – evident in the great programme they have helped to put together. I want to thank all of the partners involved in supporting this initiative, who have helped to put together what I am sure will be a wonderful celebration of young people in 2018.”
To support the Year, a group of young leaders called Communic18, will work with organisations throughout 2018.
Communic18 member Lauren Asher, 18, from Dumfries, said: “I wanted to be involved in the Year to help challenge the perceptions of young people. I have suffered from mental health issues and as part of my role, I hope to give more young people a voice on this issue so that we can change attitudes and ensure young people are having their say on issues which affect their lives.”
Other partners involved in delivering the Year of Young People 2018 include Creative Scotland and Glasgow European Championships 2018.
Visit the Year of Young People 2018 website for more information about the year.
The EventScotland events programme can also be viewed online. It includes:
The Year of Young People 2018 is focused around six core themes: Culture, Education, Health and Wellbeing, Enterprise and Regeneration, Equality and Diversity and Participation.
Scottish Government activity will focus on giving young people a stronger voice in policy making across education, mental health services and children’s rights. They will also be involved in the European Championships 2018.
It is part of the Programme for Government 2017-18, which committed to: strengthening the voice of children and young people in their education and learning; promoting and protecting children’s wellbeing and rights; and improving their life experiences and life chances.
The YoYP 2018 Ambassadors initiative, led by Young Scot, Children in Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament, will see young people working with their peers and older generations to challenge negative stereotypes of young people within communities.
Continue reading Scotland’s youth to take centre stage in 2018
