Our spook-tacular Halloween Trail is in full swing!
Caley, the good garden witch, has turned her cat, Miàgh, into a toad!
Join the trail from 17th – 20th & 24 – 27th October to find the plant potion ingredients to turn her back into a cat!
The Scottish Parliament has announced the launch of a ‘people’s panel’ which will consider the question: ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’
The people’s panel, made up of 25 people from across Scotland who are broadly representative of the Scottish population, will work together to scrutinise the issue. The final report will help inform the cross-Committee scrutiny of matters related to reducing drug deaths and tackling problem drug use by the Criminal Justice Committee, the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.
Last month, 5000 invitation letters were sent to residential households across Scotland, selected at random from the Royal Mail’s address database. 25 people were then chosen to form the panel.
The people’s panel will meet over two weekends – on October 25 -27 and November 15 – 17 – where they will hear testimony from those with lived experience of the issue, from academics and researchers, and from stakeholders who work in this area.
Organisations the panel shall hear from include Community Justice Scotland, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and the Scottish Drugs Forum.
The panel will deliberate on the evidence they gather before a final report is produced which will identify what they see as the key issues and provide recommendations for action to tackle these issues.
Audrey Nicoll, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “The issue of how to tackle drug deaths and drug related harms is one of great and urgent national importance.
“This people’s panel can offer a fresh perspective on this issue.
“It is vital that the Scottish Parliament is proactive in involving the people of Scotland in its work. This is a unique opportunity for MSPs on our Committees to hear grassroots views which can help in holding the government to account.”
Clare Haughey, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee said: “The number of drug related deaths and the impact of drug related harms has been a cause for concern for many years.
“It is an issue which deserves national attention and that’s why it’s so important a range of views from across Scotland are heard.
“Holding a people’s panel on this topic is an opportunity for a broad section of Scotland’s society to shape political discourse, to consider this matter in detail and to make recommendations which can help tackle this issue.”
Collette Stevenson, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee said: “The findings of the people’s panel report will be vital in informing our cross-Committee scrutiny of this issue.
“We know that drug related deaths and the myriad harms of drug use cause pain and distress to people and families across Scotland.
“Our Committees look forward to engaging with the panel and hearing their recommendations on what more they feel can and should be done to tackle this issue.”
Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond died of a suspected heart attack yesterday while on a speaking engagement in North Macedonia. The Alba Party leader, the man who lead the independence movement for many years, was 69.
Mr Salmond was a political giant, by far the foremost politician of his generation in Scotland, and while his fallout with the Scottish National Party in recent years is well documented his death is a massive loss to the independence movement.
As often happens in the sometimes grubby world of politics, former political opponents and colleagues – many of whom had latterly plotted and briefed against Mr Salmond – have come forward with words of praise for the former leader.
In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, King Charles said: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.
“His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.
“We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”
Commenting on news that the former First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond has died, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.
“Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.
“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.
“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government I offer them our condolences today.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We disagreed about many things, but there is no doubt that Alex Salmond was a giant of Scottish and British politics.
“Hugely passionate about the causes he championed, he was one of those rare politicians with both enormous charisma and genuine conviction, who always held the room.
“No matter your own point of view, you couldn’t help but stop and listen to his every word. He might have had his faults, but he was as sharp as a button with a strategic mind – I once said you had to count your fingers on the way out of a meeting with Alex! He has been taken far too young; my thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family.”
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of @ScotParl, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
“Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”
Nicola Sturgeon has also paid tribute to her former SNP colleague and political mentor Alex Salmond.
The pair were almost inseperable for more than three decades as they helped transform the Nationalists from a noisy fringe movement into what became an impressive election-winning machine.
The pair were also the driving force behind the 2014 independence referendum and the campaign for a Yes vote.
But there was a dramatic parting of the ways for the Indy ‘dream team’ after allegations of sexual assault were made against Salmond by several women, which led to a criminal trial in 2020. Alex Salmond was cleared on all charges, and questions remain over some aspects of the case against Salmond.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death. “Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.
“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.
“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.
“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”
Former Westminster colleague Joanna Cherry said: “I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.
“Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him.”
City of Edinburgh Council leader Cllr Cammy Day said:
ALBA Party MSP Ash Regan tweeted: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself.
“My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream. ”
Journalist and independence campaigner Lesley Riddoch commented: “Maybe naysayers will think Alex Salmond’s death marks an end to the campaign for independence. I’d suggest it’s quite the opposite.
“The responsibility has been handed on to everyone who would now vote Yes. And the baton has been handed over to new generations.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Dancing for heart health
Strictly Come Dancing is now back on your screens and regularly being watched by around 10 million people. Dancing is a fun and enjoyable form of exercise that is great for your heart, but only 17% of adults in the UK engage in it.
Whether you’re dancing at home in the kitchen, in a dance class or out with your friends, it is a great way to keep your heart, body and mind healthy.
Dance is an accessible sport that can be cheap and fun to do at your own desired intensity and has an added social benefit of bringing people together.
This healthy tip shares the benefits of dancing for your health:
Heart health benefits
Dancing is an endurance activity that increases your heart rate and improves your cardiovascular fitness.
When carried out regularly it increases your heart’s strength and helps you to maintain a healthy body weight, which supports healthy blood pressure. Dancing is also great for keeping your arteries clear from plaque build-up through increasing your HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Other health benefits
There are many other benefits to dancing too. The physical benefits include increasing muscle mass, energy, balance and flexibility.
Other health benefits include improvements in mental health such as reducing depression, decreasing anxiety levels and enhancing both sleep and stress.
Recent studies have found an association between dancing and improved brain health through reductions in the risk of dementia.
Socialising
Dancing is a great way to socialise with your friends and family, whilst being able to meet new people.
Why not make an evening of it?
Put on some music and de-stress from life allowing the music to take control.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre, a charity championing all forms of neurodiversity, is marking ADHD Awareness Month by presenting in-depth research on female Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
“The neurodevelopmental condition affects approximately 2-7% of people worldwide but is less likely to be identified, diagnosed and treated in women and girls”, says pioneering global expert on the subject, Lotta Borg Skoglund.
The distinguished Swedish psychiatrist will deliver her findings at the annual Salvesen Lecture in Edinburgh this month (October 30). She believes symptoms are being misinterpreted and that a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is required to reduce stigma, relieve suffering and improve the lives of females with ADHD.
She will present her inspiring research challenging outdated views on female ADHD and highlight the knowledge gaps in ADHD for women and girls – reflecting the theme of this year’s ADHD Awareness Month “Awareness is the Key!”
Lotta Borg Skoglund says: “Most of what is known about the challenges of living with a neurodivergent brain comes from research conducted around boys and men. Neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, ADD and autism are less likely to be diagnosed and treated in females, due to a difference in symptom display, co-occurrence, and societal gender expectations.
“Girls and young women with these conditions mask their difficulties and compensate with energy-consuming strategies. They are not invisible if we know what to ask for and listen to.”
Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre said: “We are dealing year-round with unprecedented levels of people seeking help for neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD. In the Edinburgh region alone, ten adults are being referred for diagnosis every day.
“ADHD Awareness Month provides a vital opportunity to raise the profile of these conditions – and the support available – across wider society. Anyone with undiagnosed ADHD can face significant difficulties in various aspects of their lives yet it can also enormously validate and enable understanding more about how we are “wired”, our inherent strengths and our ability to contribute. That’s why it is so vital to raise awareness to move from a deficit model which is all about what’s difficult or challenging towards a more positive and hopeful message about strengths.
“Lotta is an internationally acknowledged expert in her field and we’re delighted she has agreed to share her expertise. This is an important opportunity to learn about the neuroscience and epidemiology behind female ADHD and to discover how we can address the gaps in knowledge to improve life for women and girls experiencing this condition which can impact lives so significantly.”
A senior consultant physician trained in general medicine and psychiatry, Lotta Borg Skoglund is also an associate professor in psychiatry at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Uppsala University and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet.
The free-to-attend event is being hosted by the Salvesen Mindroom Centre in collaboration with the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre at Edinburgh University, a longstanding partnership that seeks to combine research and practical approaches to improve the lives of neurodivergent people and their families.
In addition to this, research conducted by Salvesen Mindroom Centre also highlighted that, while ADHD comes with its challenges, it may confer certain strengths that make life more enjoyable.
Some individuals with ADHD – male and female -have the ability to achieve intense, immersive, and long-lasting states of concentration when doing things that they particularly enjoy. In the ADHD community, this mental state is known as hyperfocus.
Researchers are only starting to look into the cognitive and neural underpinnings of this phenomenon, but those who have discussed their personal experiences with hyperfocus have emphasised the cognitive energy and boost in creativity that tend to accompany this state.
Many people with ADHD explain that they use these periodic states of intense focus to cope with the demands of modern working life and compensate for their general difficulties with attention.
The Salvesen Lecture is open to the public both in person and online and will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Salvesen Mindroom Centre’s CEO, Alan Thornburrow. It takes place between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at The Larch Lecture Theatre, The Nucleus Building, University of Edinburgh.
For more information and to book a place in-person visit:
To join online visit:
For more information on Salvesen Mindroom Centre go to:
100 years ago this weekend, a group of young men took to the muddy Wardie Playing Fields for their inaugural outing as Former Pupils of @BroHighOfficial against United Colleges.
FORWARD a century & today celebrates a historic moment with Broughton Men playing Forrester RFC at 3pm.
This Challenge Poverty Week, Public Health Scotland’s CEO, Paul Johnston explains how PHS are advocating for a Scotland where everyone has access to an adequate income to enable a healthy standard of living:
Living in poverty is detrimental to health and one of the main causes of poor health and health inequalities, with negative consequences for children and adults. Policy changes which impact on the drivers of poverty (income from employment, income from social security and the cost of living) have the potential to impact on population health and health inequalities.
Since 2010 a series of changes have been implemented to the UK (reserved) social security system. An intention of The Welfare Reform Act 2012 which triggered these changes was to help people into work and reduce poverty for adults and children, which in turn would lead to improvements in health.
Policies included reduced financial support to low-income families with three or more children and increased conditionality for lone parents. These are families who already have an increased risk of living in poverty.
Since 2013, Public Health in Scotland (PHS) has been monitoring the economic and health trends associated with Welfare Reform. Our latest report Improving Lives? highlights that the anticipated improvements to income and health from Welfare Reform have not been realised for people in Scotland.
Aspects of health have worsened or remained unchanged since 2010 and importantly, many of these trends pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic. These trends were also observed for the rest of the UK. A forthcoming PHS systematic review found that for people exposed to the changes, UK Welfare Reform made mental health worse, and had no positive effect on physical health.
While some working-age families and children benefitted from Welfare Reform (through increased employment), these gains were offset by those who were harmed by the changes.
This is concerning, especially as our report shows that population groups most likely to be affected by these changes are the groups who are already more likely to be at risk of or experiencing poverty. We know from 2013 that the relative child poverty rates in Scotland increased after a period of decline.
Evidence also tells us that mental health problems became more prevalent, especially after 2015, while health inequalities have risen. The period also saw stalled improvement or worsening trends in financial insecurity and long-term sickness.
This Challenge Poverty Week, we are advocating for a Scotland where everyone has access to an adequate income to enable a healthy standard of living. This will help to create a Scotland where everybody thrives.
A number of changes are needed to make this happen. These include promoting quality employment which supports good health. Almost 19% of employees in Scotland aged 18-55 are in poor quality work, and most working-age adults and children in poverty live in a household where someone works.
We also need to ensure our social security system protects people’s mental health and wellbeing. This could include an Essentials Guarantee to protect people from hardship, supported by 72% of the population.
It could also include improved support for working-age adults with health problems, especially mental health problems.
We know that change is possible.
During 1997–2010 policy choices by the UK government directed financial support at children and pensioners and as a result poverty fell for both of these groups. This period also saw increased employment rates translate into improved mental health for lone parents. This proves that we can make a difference to people’s lives through social security and employment policies.
In Scotland, child poverty rates are lower than many other UK nations. In Scotland, we are doing things differently to tackle child poverty.
The Scottish Government estimates that around 100,000 children will be kept out of poverty as a result of the Scottish Child Payment this year and low-income families are being further supported with the costs of pregnancy and looking after children through Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods payments.
Scotland is delivering a strengthened employment offer to parents, to provide holistic support and address specific barriers to enable more parents to gain and progress in work. This along with focussed action to create a Fair Work Nation, which includes supporting more employers to pay the living wage, provides a platform to build on, to support more parents to escape poverty.
Learning and evidence from past UK policy approaches and Scotland’s actions to tackle child poverty should be used to inform further policy changes to address poverty and improve health.
It is imperative that providing an effective social security safety net for when families need it and creating high quality, flexible employment opportunities for parents, will be central to the UK’s child poverty strategy going forward.
The Economy and Fair Work Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a clear and measurable action plan that focuses on the needs of people with a learning disability and neurodiverse people, if the ambition to halve the disability employment gap by 2038 is to become a reality.
The call comes as the Committee publishes a report following an inquiry into the disability employment gap.
During evidence, the Committee heard that the current strategy does not contain enough detail on how the target will be achieved. The Committee says that the Scottish Government must now listen to voices of people with lived experience to understand where improvements are needed to help disabled people into employment, particularly those who are the furthest from the workplace.
The Committee’s report considers the specific barriers disabled people face, what help is available for them to access the labour market, and the support available for employers for more inclusive recruitment practices and workplaces.
As part of its work, the Committee took evidence from, and engaged with, disabled people seeking employment as well as those who support them. It repeatedly heard that the way society views disabled people needs to change if they are to gain qualifications, access suitable jobs and thrive in the workplace.
The Committee also heard how most business owners want to employ disabled people, but that the fear of “getting things wrong” often stops them from doing so and that current guidance for employers is often too long and inaccessible.
The report now calls on government, local authorities, businesses, and employability services to work together to reduce the disability employment gap. This will require changes to be made across the different sectors to help prepare all young people for work, as well as finding work and staying in employment.
The Committee also asks that the Scottish Government provides an update on progress around its fair work resource for employers, which should address employers’ concerns and be easily accessible.
Claire Baker MSP, Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee, said: “Progress has been made in reducing the disability employment gap, but this is at risk of stalling unless the Scottish Government focuses on the needs of people with learning disabilities and neurodiverse people. They are the furthest from the workplace and supporting them into employment is crucial if the gap is to be halved by 2038.
“Today we have shone a light on the barriers that disabled people face in actively looking for employment. By hearing directly from people with lived experience, our inquiry has made it clearer what actions needs to be taken, and by whom, to help more people into fulfilling, long-term work.
“We know that in some workplaces everyone, regardless of their background, is able to get and keep a job. But disabled people everywhere who are actively looking for employment should have an equitable experience.
“Policymakers, together with public, private and third sectors, can all help by working together across the sectors. This starts at school, by building confidence, resilience, aspiration in all young people, with support on transitioning to adulthood and entering further education or work. If disabled people want to work, they should be offered support to both find and sustain it.
“The Committee is concerned that unless we see action on our recommendations, the target will not be met.”
Other findings and recommendations include:
Aldi Scotland is bringing the excitement of Oktoberfest to its customers with its latest release of Scottish beers, featuring a Bavarian-inspired brew from Cold Town.
As thousands around the world raise a toast to celebrate the annual German festival, Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival range promises to put a tartan tint on proceedings and showcase the diversity of the nation’s brewers with an exciting lineup of delicious beers.
Edinburgh brewers Cold Town are leading the party with their new Bavarian Pilsner (£1.89, 440ml, 5.2% ABV), putting their own unique take on the traditional festival tipple with a clean and malty brew. This will be joined by the re-release of their Topic Thunder (£2.15, 440ml, 7.0% ABV), a full-bodied stout packed with caramel, dark chocolate and hazelnut flavours.
Peterhead’s Brew Toon are also on the guestlist with re-releases of their El Juicy (£2.15, 440ml, 7.1% ABV), a double dry hopped New England IPA, and The J’Ale (£1.89, 440ml, 5.5% ABV), a punchy riot red ale bringing an earthy, hoppy character.
Black Isle are also joining the party, making a welcome return to Aldi Scotland after five years with their Red Kite (£1.89, 440ml, 4.2% ABV) organic red ale, bringing a rich but malty character and their flagship Blonde (£1.79, 440ml, 4.5% ABV) organic lager, providing its unique crisp refreshment.
Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Putting a uniquely Scottish twist on Oktoberfest gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the brilliant local brewers we have at our doorstep.
“We’re fortunate to have developed strong relationships with some of Scotland’s most innovative suppliers and this gives us a fantastic platform to provide our customers with new and exciting products at affordable prices.”
You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
Don’t worry if you are struggling to come up with ideas on how to keep your kids entertained this October break.
We have lots of fun tips to help – for wee ones, older kids & even teenagers!
Check out our autumn activities hub:
http://parentclub.scot/articles/things-do-autumn…
