As festive bills start to arrive, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh not to suffer in silence and get in touch with their support line.
January is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s national children’s charity. The new year can be extremely tough for families who face worries about Christmas spending and increased living costs during the colder weather.
Getting advice early can make a huge difference to families and can help address any issues before they escalate and help them back to financial health.
To get on the front foot for 2025, Children First’s expert support line team have put together some handy hints for healthier finances.
Children First support line is here to help families with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. They work with parents and carers by listening to any worries they may have about their finances and then put a plan in place to navigate their difficulties.
Sinead Haddow, service manager at Children First said, “Talking about your finances can be really daunting and we understand it can cause lots of anxiety for families.
“Our friendly support line team will listen to your worries, free of judgement, and start to help you put together a plan to get back to financial health.
“When families speak to us, it may be the first time they have had a good night’s sleep in months.
“Pick up the phone to our support line today, by calling 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
“Whatever way families want to contact to us, we’re here to listen.”
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Children First said: “January can be a tough time for many children and families.
“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Children First support line can offer free, confidential, support to any family anywhere in Scotland, which many families tell us can feel like a lifeline.”
Last year, Children First helped almost 1,000 families to put £1.9 million back into their pockets through unclaimed benefits, grants and budgeting.
The charity can also provide expert support on debit and helped double the number of families in 2023-2024 to manage over £813,000 in debt.
Children First support line is here to help families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. From mental health, money worries and online harm to struggles at school the charity’s support line can offer free help and advice thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Children Trust.
Blue Monday sparks call for Scots to embrace walking
SCOTLAND’S national walking charity is calling on Scots to walk and wheel to beat the winter blues this Blue Monday.
Blue Monday (Monday, 20th January) is often considered the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of financial pressure, broken New Year’s resolutions, and limited daylight.
Walking has proven to be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing, with national walking charity, Paths for All reporting 84% of Scots say they walk to improve their health and wellbeing, up from 78% in 2019 according to the 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland.
As well as releasing feel-good endorphins, walking and wheeling offers a chance to clear the mind, alleviate stress, and improve concentration. These benefits are especially vital during the darker winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can take hold.
Beyond the individual benefits, walking and wheeling also play a vital role in addressing broader societal issues such as loneliness and isolation. Qualitative feedback highlights how walking fosters a sense of connection and combats feelings of loneliness, particularly for individuals who live alone or work remotely.
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mental health, but walking and wheeling are free, accessible, and effective ways to support your wellbeing.
“Taking a walk during daylight hours not only helps to boost our mood, but also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and others, both of which are vital for our mental resilience.”
Walking offers a multitude of benefits, including opportunities to enjoy local greenspaces, parks, and beaches, which can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature while incorporating physical activity into daily routines, whether walking to school, work or the shops.
Joining a local walking group or walking with friends and family can strengthen social connections, further enhancing the benefits of this simple yet powerful activity.
Encouraging more Scots to walk during winter, particularly in natural outdoor settings, is a timely reminder of how small lifestyle changes can yield big mental health benefits as well as physical.
One survey participant described walking as their “lifeline during the winter,” while another shared how a daily walk helped them better manage stress and feel more grounded.
This activity also supports Scotland’s ambition to improve overall health outcomes and reduce pressures on public services. Walking is a free and accessible activity, making it a viable solution for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances.
Paths for All supports local projects to deliver over 850 Health Walks across Scotland. These are free, short group walks led by friendly volunteers and you can find your nearest on the paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walks
Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.
For more information and resources on making walking a part of your routine, visit:
TODAY, the third Monday in January, has been designated the most depressing day of the year.
Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, people can find themselves suffering from low mood, sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety which experts blame on a combination of factors like poor weather, the festivities behind us and concerns over money.
But according to wellbeing expert and author Lynn Crilly, a few simple steps can banish the Blue Monday lows, boost your mood and help focus your mind in a more positive direction.
She said: “Whilst it can be normal to feel low after the excitement of the run up to Christmas and enjoying time away from work, January can leave us feeling like everything is rather grey,” she says.
“Mondays in particular are most people’s least favourite day of the week, and with a long month stretching ahead it does feel like there are far too many in January.
“January blues are not the same as clinical depression or a mental health disorder and they don’t interfere with everyday life,” she says.
“But you might feel low and like you want to hide away and hibernate. You could lack the motivation for usual tasks, or feel disappointed in yourself if New Year’s resolutions haven’t gone to plan.
“It’s normal to feel sluggish after the holidays, particularly if you’ve overindulged, but a particularly low mood in January can become overwhelming if you don’t address it.
“From years of experience as well as clinical research, I know there are simple steps you can take to turn a low mood into a more positive outlook.
“If you are struggling with low mood, try not to be too hard on yourself. It is not your fault you are feeling this way and you are not the only one. If you don’t make it to the gym or that social event and you spend the odd day in front of the television, embrace it and enjoy that time to yourself.”
Forever Edinburgh Winter Campaign
Here, Lynn shares her five steps to help beat the January blues this winter
1.See the winter light
The days are shorter, and the miserable cold weather may have deterred you from leaving your house, but the natural daylight is an effective mood booster. Remind yourself that now the Winter Solstice is over, the days are getting longer. Getting outside for walks, letting natural light into your house or sitting outside when having your lunch break will all help to top up your vitamin D which the body craves.
2.Embrace winter
By the third week in January the novelty of snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a film has worn off and you’re wondering how long it will be before you can leave the house without a coat. But be persistent and shake up the ‘warm and cosy’ routine.
Try making your home or at least your bedroom feel cosy and warm, with candles and extra blankets or even leaving up a set of fairy lights after Christmas . You can experiment with seasonal cooking or baking or try your hand at new creative hobbies such as knitting, painting or even jigsaw puzzles can be very therapeutic for some. These things help to focus the mind as well, which is a good tool in combating negative thought patterns.
3.Make self-care a priority
It can be very easy to let the simple everyday things go out of the window but incorporating daily wins into your routine are all things we can let slip when we are feeling low. Make your bed everyday, eat healthy meals and making time for some exercise all show that you care about yourself and your home. You could also set an intention for the day which doesn’t need to be anything dramatic, but can provide a sense of accomplishment and make a difference to your mood.
4. Trick your mind and body
Research shows that watching a feel-good film or listening to upbeat music can help your brain to release happy hormones called endorphins. These are also released when you exercise and help to reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing. Make yourself a playlist of your favourite tunes and if you find mornings the hardest, have it to hand for when you get up. Plan some nights with television and some good films with yourself or better still share with friends and family.
5. Plan your social life
It can be all too easy to hibernate at this time of year but try to resist it and get in touch with friends and family to socialise. It doesn’t need to cost anything: going for a walk, an exercise class or starting a new hobby together are all things which can help combat the blues.
It is so important for your mental health not to isolate yourself but to find a balance between enjoying your own company and time and that with others.
Workplace expert, Acas, is urging bosses to check in on their staff as its helpline statistics revealed a rise in mental health related calls in Autumn / Winter compared to Spring / Summer.
The Acas helpline saw an almost 20% rise in calls on mental health in the Autumn and Winter months combined compared to the Spring and Summer months in 2024.
Blue Monday has been marked by some to be the most depressing day of the year but Acas advice is for employers to prioritise mental health throughout the year.
Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Awareness days are a great way to raise the profile of mental health at work but bosses should be prioritising staff mental health throughout the year.
“Employers that create an environment where staff can openly talk about their mental health are better equipped to support them at work.
“Employees should also take steps to look after their own mental health and have coping strategies in place. Acas has advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”
Acas advice for employers on managing staff mental health include:
Be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems;
Keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping;
Respect confidentiality and be calm, patient, supportive and reassuring if a staff member wants to have a chat about their mental health;
Consider whether someone may need workplace adjustments, for example working more flexibly;
Look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual. This support could be a colleague at work, a mental health network or a counsellor; and
Clearly communicate the internal and external support available to staff. This can include offering practical help such as signposting to financial advice or bringing advice providers into work.
Acas advice for workers to support their own mental health and wellbeing include:
Talk to people you work with or friends about how you’re feeling;
Speak to your manager about how you’re doing, your situation, and ask what support is available;
Reflect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not;
Acas has a range of training courses to help employers manage mental health at work.
Psychotherapist sends Blue Monday warning
AN EDINBURGH based mental health expert has warned that the concept of Blue Monday trivialises mental wellbeing – and may do more harm than good.
As a consultant psychotherapist and co-founder of The Anchor Practice, Paul Bell and the 13-strong team of clinicians form the largest private practice of its kind in Scotland, working with children, adolescents, young adults and families.
Paul said: “I find myself increasingly concerned about how this well-meaning but misguided concept of ‘Blue Monday’ impacts our understanding of mental health.
“While the day ostensibly aims to raise awareness about mental wellness, it actually risks trivialising the complex reality of depression and mental illness.”
“The notion that depression can be predicted by a specific date on the calendar not only promotes harmful pseudoscience but potentially undermines the gravity of mental health struggles known to be increasing in Scotland – particularly among our youth.”
The Anchor Practice team witness on a daily basis the profound challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues.
He added: “Scotland currently faces unprecedented challenges in child and adolescent mental health, with waiting lists for specialist services at record levels.Against this backdrop, the commercialisation of mental health through concepts like Blue Monday is particularly tone-deaf.
“When major brands use this pseudo-event for marketing campaigns – whether selling holidays, gym memberships, or wellness products – they can inadvertently contribute to a superficial understanding of mental health.
“The fundamental issue with Blue Monday lies in its oversimplification of depression.”
The original concept for Blue Monday, originally created for a travel company’s PR campaign, claimed to use a mathematical formula considering factors like weather, debt levels, and time since Christmas.
Paul said: “This pseudo-scientific approach misrepresents both seasonal and clinical depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognised condition that deserves proper understanding and treatment.
“The reality is that mental health support requires sustained, long-term commitment – both at a societal and individual level.
“This means securing long term funding for Scotland’s mental health services; improving access to professional support for children and adults and promoting genuine mental health education in schools and workplaces.”
The Anchor Practice is a multi-disciplinary clinic, offering a range of evidence-based treatments, but also specialises in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – a well-researched treatment for a variety of common mental disorders in children and adults.
Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy is firmly rooted in high quality research and informed by contemporary understandings of neuroscience and developmental psychology.
Delivered by highly trained and regulated clinicians, psychodynamic therapy can provide sustained results, promoting deep, lasting change beyond symptom management.
Are you looking to get out and about and meet new people? Then we hope you will join us 11am – 1pm on Monday 13th January at LifeCare’s warm and welcoming community cafe, CafeLife (2 Cheyne Street), as we celebrate the 1st birthday of our Chatty Cafe and help turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday.
Enjoy coffee, tea, cake and conversation as we bring the community together round our Chatter and Natter Table.
We’re incredibly proud of all we have achieved this year and hope you can join us to celebrate!
Chatty Cafe is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
The myth that the third Monday of January is the ‘most depressing day of the year’ seems to pop up every year and we’ve honestly had enough of it. It’s just a completely made up marketing gimmick – there’s no science to back it up!
Our bad days aren’t for the calendar to decide and people can feel low any time of the year, but checking in with our friends and having a proper chat can make a real difference. It’s a small but mighty way we can all look out for each other
Get your cuppas at the ready, and help us kick the myth of ‘Blue Monday’ to the curb where it belongs by joining us for Brew Monday instead.
Some of the most iconic comedies and cheerful musical choruses are set to return to the big screen at Vue this month to help film fans feel a little less blue this January.
With darker nights, colder days and Blue Monday (January 15) just around the corner, Vue is aiming to spread some joy and laughter by screenings some of the nation’s most-loved comedies and feel-good musicals to help alleviate the January blues.
Each week, for four weeks, hilarious hi-jinks will be heading to the big screen at Vue, starting with Robin Williams’s iconic Mrs Doubtfire on Friday 12 January.
Also making a cheerful comeback will be Anne Hathaway’s fantastic fashion flick The Devil Wears Prada, the deja vu-ings of Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day and Heath Ledger’s much-loved 10 Things I Hate About You. Fans of something a bit more tuneful can also enjoy the comedy musicals Sister Act and Mamma Mia.
Toby Bradon, General Manager of Vue UK & Ireland, said: ‘With January 15 marking Blue Monday this year, we wanted to brighten up the lives of film fans across the country by inviting them to revisit some of our favourite feel good big screen moments.
‘Vue is the perfect place to escape from the pressures of everyday life, providing an entertaining way to enjoy the start the year by experiencing a great story back on the big screen, where it belongs.’
Back on the Big Screen for Blue Monday:
Mrs Doubtfire – From 12 January
The Devil Wears Prada – From 19 January
Mamma Mia! – From 26 January
Sister Act – From 26 January
Groundhog Day – From 2 February
10 Things I Hate About You – From 2 February
Tickets are available online from just £4.99 at select venues. Terms and conditions apply, visit myvue.com/legal for more info.
This week always feels like a bit of a transition every year – it starts to feel a bit late to say “Happy New Year”, and the start of the week is dubbed “Blue Monday” as people realise that those well-meaning new year resolutions have already been broken (writes Fraser of Allander Director MAIRI SPOWAGE).
One of mine was to think hard to find the optimistic news in what can sometimes feel like the unrelentingly negative economic situation we are in, which is likely to remain tricky throughout the year. I was tested hard this week as new inflation data was released on Wednesday.
Inflation falls to 10.5% – but let’s not get too excited
The ONS released the official inflation data for December, which showed CPI inflation had fallen from 10.7% in November to 10.5% in December.
The main items driving the fall in inflation are petrol and diesel prices, and prices for clothing in footwear. Prices at the pump have been falling since their peak in July, and in December they were back to roughly the levels they were at before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Clothing and footwear has fallen really due to a lack of discounting in December 2021, so when compared to December 2022 it appears that prices have fallen.
Obviously, energy prices are still contributing hugely to this very high inflation rate (which, let’s not forget represents a 40 year high of inflation apart from the preceding three months in 2022). That increase is currently stable in the figures due to the UK Government’s Energy Price Guarantee – but this cap on unit prices is only in place until end March, when it increases to £3,000 for a household with typical use. The ONS estimate that this will add 1 percentage point to inflation when it comes into effect.
Worryingly for those on the lowest incomes, food prices continue to increase faster than the headline rate. The inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased to 16.9% in December from 16.5% in November.
We were asked two main questions when the data came out on Wednesday.
The first was, of course – what is the outlook for inflation for the rest of 2023? The expectation by the OBR is that inflation is likely to fall to under 4% by the end of the year. But remember, this does not mean that prices will start to fall at this point – just that they will grow less quickly.
This is somewhat simply due to the definition of inflation – it compares prices now to prices a year earlier, so as we move into October, we will be comparing to the much higher energy costs from October 2022. It was therefore inevitable that growth was likely to slow down – a point to bear in mind when some try to take credit for the fall in inflation.
The second is whether we are likely to see further increases in the Bank of England’s base rate at their next meeting on 2nd February – especially given that inflation has come down a bit. Unfortunately for mortgage payers, it is still very likely that we will see further increases in the base rate.
Why? Because inflation is not just been driven by food and energy costs. CPI excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco (often referred to as core CPI) is at 6.3%, and has been around this level since July 2022. This is being generated by domestic factors, including the tight labour market, which means the Bank is likely to take the view that they need to continue to cool demand in the economy.
Scottish unemployment remains at 3.3%
We also got updated figures on the labour market on Tuesday, covering the three months to November. Scottish unemployment remained at 3.3%, slightly below the UK rate of 3.7%. Employment remains high, at 76.1%, with inactivity at 21.3%.
Changes in inactivity over the period of the pandemic have been a focus of much analysis – because although the level is now similar to before the pandemic, the underlying reasons why people are inactive seem to have changed – with an increasing number saying that they are not in work or seeking work because of ill health or disability.
See a great Twitter thread on this by our colleague Professor Stuart Mcintyre – as part of his monthly analysis of the labour market.
Alongside the headline labour market numbers, there is also information ONS publishes monthly on earnings and vacancies.
The vacancy level alongside the labour market data helps us understand how tight the labour market continues to be. The total number of vacancies has been falling in recent months, since the record highs in Q2 2022. However, the number of vacancies remains historically very high, with 1.0 unemployed people for each vacancy – a rate which remains indicative of a tight labour market.
Earnings (ex bonuses) grew by 6.4% in the year to the three-month period Sept-Nov. Given the inflation rate over this period, this means that earnings are continuing to fall in real terms. In the face of continuing public sector pay disputes across the UK, the split between the public and private sectors is particularly interesting. Private sector pay grew by 7.2% compared to 3.3% for the public sector.
Health Foundation publishes important research into health and health inequalities in Scotland
This week the Health Foundation published a report to provide a picture of health and health inequalities in Scotland, in order to inform future efforts to improve both.
An independent review underpins their report, and we were delighted to work with the Health Foundation on this programme of work, as one of four independent organisations to carry out supporting research. See our research here.
And finally, I don’t care if it’s too late – Happy New Year everyone! But that is the last time I’ll say it this year.
Research by leading animal charity PDSA has revealed that 84% of owners believe their pet improves their mental health, which is unlikely to come as a surprise if you are an animal lover.
Four-legged friends can have a positive impact on our life in many ways, both mentally and physically. This Blue Monday (16 January 2023), PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, shares her top five reasons why owning a pet is beneficial for our overall health.
The power of companionship
“Spending quality time with your pet is beneficial to the wellbeing of both you and your four-legged family member. Humans and animals are social creatures, so this companionship can go a long way in reducing loneliness. Giving your furry friend love and attention, as well as receiving it in return, can significantly boost mental wellbeing – particularly for those who are socially isolated and may not see other people during the day.
“As well as being a great bonding activity, and essential for their own wellbeing, walking with your pooch can also be a social experience for you, allowing you to meet other dog walkers while out and about.
“Having a two-minute chat with neighbours as you pass each other in the park or conversing in a pet shop can make all the difference to your mood. These human connections are also easier to form, as you already have an established common interest – the love for your pets.
Animals and stress-busting
“For many, pets are calming figures in our lives and can offer solace in our darkest moments. In 2022, Google searches for emotional support dogs rose by 50% – indicative of the positive impact animals can have on our mental health.
“Whether you find comfort in petting your pup or confiding in your cat’s ear for a chat about your troubles, this stress relief plays an important part in maintaining wellbeing.
“In fact, research shows that spending just 10 minutes interacting with your pet each day can lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. As well as reducing stress, receiving an animal’s unconditional love without fear of judgement can help build self-confidence.
Thriving on routine
“Like people, most pets benefit from an established routine. From feeding and grooming, through to playing games and taking them out for a walk, the responsibility of caring for a pet can provide a clear day-to-day purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. These actions also help establish structure in your day and are excellent habits for your own wellbeing, as well as your pets.
Finding the fun in everyday
“Sometimes the monotony of everyday life can feel overwhelming, which is where our furry friends come into play – literally!
“A good game of tug, chase, or fetch can get you up, moving, and having fun, and brings lots of benefits for our pets as well. Activities like this not only encourage you to get more active but can help you feel less overwhelmed by stressors in your life, too. When you engage in regular play or exercise sessions, a chemical called dopamine – a feel-good hormone – is released by the body, helping you feel positive and motivated.”
Knowing they need us too
“Having a pet means they are reliant on you to meet their welfare needs and, for many, this responsibility can stimulate positive feelings such as a sense of belonging, added security, and being in control.
“The accountability and structure that comes with pet ownership can be highly motivating and encourage you to create the very best life for them and, in turn, for you! That’s why so many people make sure they are doing everything they can to give their pets a happy and comfortable life.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver vital treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.
To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.
Samaritans Scotland will host an event at Glasgow Central Station today (Monday 16 January) in a bid to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’.
The third Monday of each year is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year and falls on January 16 in 2023.
To debunk the idea of ‘Blue Monday’, Samaritans runs an annual Brew Monday campaign throughout the UK which emphasises the importance of talking and encourages people to reach out to family and friends and have chat over a cuppa.
This Brew Monday, Samaritans Scotland has teamed up with Scotland’s Railway to hold an event at Glasgow Central Station. Volunteers and staff will be on hand from 8am to 2pm offering tea, coffee and biscuits to commuters and passers-by.
AG Barr has kindly donated cans of Irn Bru for the event, meaning visitors can cheers to ‘Bru Monday’ too! There will also be a selection of sweet treats thanks to Lees of Scotland.
Danielle Rowley, Influencing Manager at Samaritans Scotland, said: “At Samaritans, we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. We all have our good days and our bad days, these aren’t for the calendar to decide.
“Our dedicated listening volunteers all over Scotland are consistently busy 24/7, 365 days a year, picking up a call for help every 10 seconds.
“The simple act of having a chat with someone over a coffee can have a huge impact – it could even save a life.
“It’s time to stop the myth about this Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew – or Bru!”
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
Brew Monday 
instead.
