Tag: advice

NSPCC calls for all children in Scotland to have access to relationships and sex education

  • Relevant and consistent relationships and sex education is fundamental to encouraging positive behaviour and helps protect children from abuse
  • Provision of this education in Scotland is patchy and inconsistent
  • NSPCC calls for statutory duty to provide, more detailed guidance and greater prioritisation in the curriculum

The NSPCC is calling for all schools in Scotland to provide age-appropriate, consistent and relevant relationships and sex education to children and young people, as it reveals that over two-thirds of adults (67%) in Scotland believe it should be compulsory.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by the NSPCC, of over 1,000 adults across Scotland, also found that at least 90% of adults think it is important that relationships and sex education should include children and young people being taught about healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships (90%); the types of abuse and how to seek help (94%); and online risks including risks of sending and sharing nude images of someone under the age of 18 (93%).

Despite the public backing for all schools in Scotland to teach relationships and sex education, the NSPCC has found from its campaigns work across the country that young people consider the delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education patchy and insufficient. The charity believes that without a stronger statutory foundation, many children will miss out on vital knowledge that could protect them from harm.

NSPCC research and international studies show that consistent, relevant, inclusive and age-appropriate relationships and sex education helps children and young people:

  • Understand healthy and unhealthy relationships
  • Develop empathy, respect and responsibility in relationships
  • Recognise inappropriate behaviour and abuse
  • Speak up and seek help when something is wrong
  • Navigate online risks and pressures

There is also evidence to show it plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and taboos, giving young people the language to express their experiences, and fosters a positive school culture, helping to tackle poor behaviour.

While RSHP is part of the health and wellbeing area of Curriculum for Excellence, local areas have discretion about what is taught and when. National guidance on RSHP is currently being redeveloped following a consultation carried out by the Scottish Government in 2023.

To ensure every child in Scotland receives appropriate, high-quality relationships and sex education, the NSPCC Scotland is calling for:

  • Statutory duty for education authorities to provide it
  • Stronger recognition of children and young people’s right to this education, and their right to be involved in its delivery, in line with the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Clear and practical guidance for schools with examples of how RSHP should be delivered and tools to track and measure children’s learning
  • Adequate funding, professional training, time and resources for teachers to deliver effective RSHP
  • Regular monitoring and review by Education Scotland

Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy, said: “We believe it’s crucial that every child and young person in Scotland has access to high-quality, inclusive, relevant and age-appropriate RSHP education.

“It is essential to preventing abuse, and teaches young people about how to recognise healthy, unhealthy and abusive behaviours in others and themselves. However, we know from our work with young people that not all pupils in Scotland receive consistent education in this area.

“All other countries in the UK have recognised the importance of this education and have placed it on a statutory footing. It is critical that the Scottish Government shows it truly values RSHP education by upholding the rights of every child to receive it and ensuring teachers and schools are adequately resourced to deliver it.”

Bold Girls Ken, delivered in partnership with NSPCC Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council and the Young Women’s Movement, saw young women from Perthshire campaign for greater awareness of healthy relationships and consent, on and offline.

Fatima Ishaq, a participant of Young Women Know, said: “Better quality RSHP education is vital. From my experience, and so many other young people across the country, RSHP education is inconsistent and fails to reflect the diverse lived experiences of young people.

“By creating safe and non-judgemental spaces for young people to speak openly about topics like healthy relationships, we can empower them and build their knowledge and confidence.

“High quality RSHP means young people can better understand their bodies, feelings, rights and the experiences of others; reducing stigma and supporting young people to make informed choices.”

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

Vets issue urgent heatstroke advice for pet owners as temperatures soar

With hot weather conditions in Scotland this week, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke. 

Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, some of which can sadly be fatal. 

Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.

Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal. Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk. 

Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.  

 British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn.

“Unfortunately, these can often be fatal. With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.

“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don’t take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal. 

“It’s important to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pets’ lives. In dogs, signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.

“Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.

“If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.” 

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness. Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions reported by 51% of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%). 

BVA has shared the following top tips to keep pets safe in this heat: 

  • Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits’ ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn’t stress them. 
  • Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks. 
  • Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. 
  • Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999. 
  • Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures. 
  • If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet. 
  • Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.

Age Scotland: Feeling Lonely?

NEW GUIDE LAUNCHED AHEAD OF LONELINESS AWARENESS WEEK

Ahead of #LonelinessAwarenessWeek, we’re launching a brand new loneliness guide resource, explaining some of the common causes of loneliness and providing practical advice about building more, and more fulfilling, social connection.

Get your copy today:

GEN10_Feeling_Lonely_Jun_2025_originalDownload

RNIB spotlights assistive technology at event in Edinburgh

Blind and partially sighted residents in Edinburgh will be able to try out assistive technology at an upcoming local event with a leading sight loss charity. 

RNIB Scotland will be speaking to visitors and offering support at a ‘Low Vision Solutions Open Day’ on Wednesday 11 June, 10am – 2pm at RNIB’s Hillside office on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh.

The event will be an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people, and their friends and family, to meet with RNIB to receive advice and support. 

A range of trusted experts on-hand to talk through live demonstrations on a 1-1 basis and also a chance to meet local support services to find out information about technology products and services that are available.  

There are multiple barriers to the digital world for people living with sight loss that include cost, confidence, access to training opportunities, as well as accessibility and safety concerns.  

Derek Rutherford, RNIB’s Product Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Low Vision Solutions event taking place this week.

“One of RNIB’s priorities is to equip blind and partially sighted people to thrive and live independently, and accessible technology plays a vital role in this.” 

Women on “skinny jabs” must use effective contraception, MHRA urges

Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to their weight loss or diabetes medicine or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA. 

Women taking popular medicines for weight loss and diabetes, sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs”, are being reminded to use effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant.  

These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby. 

Effective contraception includes oral (the pill) and non-oral (the implant, coil or condoms) forms of contraception. However, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight. Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception. This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase. 
 
This advice, which is already in the patient leaflets that come with the medicine, is just one of the reminders in the latest guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the safe use of “GLP-1 medicines” known by the brand names Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Victoza.  

The full advice can be found on the regulator’s website. It comes after concerns from the UK regulator that some people are not using these medicines for weight loss and diabetes safely.  

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: “Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way. 

“Our guidance offers patients a “one stop shop” for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely.  

“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process. ” 

Alongside advice on contraceptive use, the MHRA reminds patients that these medicines should not be bought from unregulated sellers such as beauty salons or via social media, or taken without a prior consultation with a healthcare professional.

Not only does this expose people wanting to lose weight to serious health risks, it is also against the law to sell these medicines in this way. 

The only way to guarantee receiving a genuine GLP-1 medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy.  

The guidance also reminds patients of the symptoms to look out for in the event of acute pancreatitis which, although uncommon, can be serious.

The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and doesn’t go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help. 

Summary of advice to patients

  • You should only take GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.   
  • Always have a conversation with your prescriber about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medicines before you start taking them.   
  • Do not take GLP-1 medicines if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you get pregnant while using them, you speak to a healthcare professional and stop them as soon as possible.
  • If you are prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide), use a barrier form of contraception and do not rely on oral contraception.   
  • Understand the potential side effects and have a conversation with a healthcare professional if you are concerned.   
  • Tell your doctor you take a GLP-1 medicine if you are about to have surgery.   
  • Report any adverse reactions to the Yellow Card scheme.   
  • After taking the recommended four doses in each syringe, any medicine left in the syringe should not be extracted and the syringe should be disposed of in the bin.  
  • Use of these medicines is not a quick fix to lose weight and the MHRA has not assessed the safety and effectiveness of these medicines when used by people who do not meet the medical requirements.   

Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to a GLP-1 medicine,  or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.   

Tomorrow: Housing Drop-In at Royston Wardieburn

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY from 10am – 12 noon at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Housing information drop in this Wednesday at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 10am-12noon ☺️

Staff/advisors are coming from:

City of Edinburgh Council Housing

LIFT

Granton Information Centre

Changeworks

RIGHT THERE

Grab a cuppa and get some advice!

All of Scotland now at some level of water scarcity

Most of mainland Scotland’s east coast has now moved to Moderate Scarcity, according to the latest Water Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

River catchments across the Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeen), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed and Esk (Dumfriesshire) are now at Moderate.

There has been no recovery elsewhere and most of the rest of Scotland is now at Alert, with only the Inner and Outer Hebrides remaining at Early Warning.

​This follows on from a drier than normal autumn and winter with some areas of the east now having 11 months of below average rainfall. With no significant rainfall currently forecast, it is likely that river and ground conditions will remain very dry over the next week.

All businesses with licences to take water from the environment have a responsibility to use water economically.

Record-breaking dryness

Groundwater levels in Fife and Angus were at their lowest April averages on record, with Newton of Falkland recording the lowest level for April in 28 years. Soil moisture deficits are continuing to increase, and soils are becoming drier than would be expected for the time of year.

In the River Dee in Aberdeenshire records going back 97 years show flows are at their second lowest this early in the year, only 1938 was drier. Typically, the lowest river flows in the Dee occur in July, August or September.

Some parts of Fife have now gone nearly four weeks without measurable rainfall. Across the east river flows are well below normal for this time of year and without significant rain conditions are unlikely to recover soon.

Water scarcity levels

  • Early Warning: Conditions are drying. No action required, but abstractors should start preparing.
  • Alert: Water levels are falling. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use for abstractors.
  • Moderate Scarcity: Environmental impact is clear. Action from abstractors is expected to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.
  • Significant Scarcity: Critical river levels. Restrictions on abstraction licences may be imposed.

Advice to abstractors

SEPA have been contacting abstractors directly to understand more about their water use and provide targeted advice. These conversations are showing that many have already put measures in place to use water more efficiently. As well as direct contact with individuals, all those with a licence in an area at Alert or Moderate Scarcity are receiving messages to remind them of their responsibilities.

Active consultation is ongoing with organisations across Scotland, including NFU Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland, Golf Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Water to help share important information and ensure that advice and support is available.

If your business abstracts water from the environment, here’s what you need to do:

At Alert:

  • Check and maintain abstraction equipment
  • Review your water use plans
  • Reduce non-essential water use
  • Consider low-water irrigation techniques or alternative scheduling

At Moderate Scarcity:

  • Actively reduce water use, particularly during peak daylight hours
  • Coordinate with neighbours to optimise shared use
  • Consider alternative sources or reduced production if possible

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said: “We’re seeing the kind of conditions we normally associate with late summer in some places – and it’s only May.

“Groundwater and river levels across the east are already hitting record lows. In Fife and Aberdeenshire, we’re seeing some of the driest conditions in living memory for this time of year. With parts of Scotland now at 11 months of below average rainfall it will take above-average rainfall over an extended period to recover to normal levels, especially for groundwater levels.

“Our message is clear: if you abstract water from our environment – whether you work in agriculture, energy, industry, distilling, food and drink or the leisure sector – you must take action now to help protect your operations and help safeguard Scotland’s rivers and wildlife in the weeks ahead.”

Everyone can use water more efficiently

Scottish Water is calling on people to use water as efficiently as possible in homes and gardens and help the utility protect resources and maintain normal supplies across the country.

The public water supply is resilient, and Scottish Water is continuously monitoring the levels of storage throughout the country to maintain supplies, but there has been an increase in water use by customers in the past weeks. The amount of water the company put into the network across Scotland has had to be increased from mid-April by 150 million litres per day.

Scottish Water is urging people to help save water by:

  • using water efficiently in the garden and outdoor spaces by using a watering can instead of a garden hose where possible and avoiding using sprinklers
  • taking shorter showers
  • turning the tap off when brushing teeth
  • using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded
  • using a bucket and sponge rather than a hose to wash the car.

Utilita Energy Hub in Leith set to host Hope 4U takeover day this weekend!

High street hub welcomes financial support experts to its free Community Room

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub, and her dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming financial support experts from Hope 4U to the hub’s Community Room on Saturday, 17 May. 

The Utilita Energy Experts are joining forces with Hope 4U to help hub visitors check if they are on the best energy tariff, with hints and top tips on how to significantly lower energy bills. 

Advice will also be available for those who are eligible for the Attendance Allowance – a disability benefit for people aged 65 or over, who have a long-term illness or disability and need frequent help with personal care or need regular supervision.

Looking forward to the weekend’s takeover day, Natasha said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Hope 4U team in support of the vital work they do to improve financial sustainability and to offer advice to those who may not be able to afford their bills, or who may be struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their head.

“Depending on your situation, you may also qualify to apply for Warm Home Discount or be eligible to apply for grants from other organisations.

“We’re all too aware that the rising costs of living and reduced public funding have made food and fuel poverty worse. That’s why we are proud to collaborate with Hope 4U to provide the local community with the tools they need to help alleviate the hardship caused by rising costs.

“No matter what you need, our friendly team in Leith are on hand to help with your energy queries, whether you want to learn about smart meters, get energy efficiency advice, or just want a chat in a welcoming environment.

“Plus, you can top-up your energy in store with PayPoint and Payzone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Utilita customer or not – our top-ups include many other energy suppliers too.”

The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk. 

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.