Tag: charities

Campaigners call for doubling of Scottish Child Payment

More than 120 organisations from across Scotland are urging First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to double the Scottish Child Payment in this year’s Programme for Government.

The campaigners say the 1 in 4 children living in poverty in Scotland cannot wait.

In an open letter the End Child Poverty coalition is calling on The First Minister to “do the right thing” to help thousands of poverty-stricken children and families.

The letter in full:

Dear First Minister,

As a broad coalition of national organisations, community groups, academics, trade unions and faith groups, we are writing to you to urge you to use the upcoming Programme for Government to commit to doubling the Scottish Child Payment in this year’s budget.

We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, evidenced in the setting of statutory child poverty targets, introducing the Scottish Child Payment and the upcoming incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These steps have laid the foundation for tackling child poverty in Scotland and we have been delighted that they have been supported across Scotland’s political spectrum.

This cross-party agreement was also evident in May’s Holyrood elections, when all Scotland’s five main political parties committed to doubling the Scottish Child Payment. Such political consensus is welcome, and provides the opportunity for your government to act quickly and decisively in doubling the payment now.

To do so would provide a lifeline to families who are struggling to stay afloat. Even before Covid-19, people across Scotland were being swept up in a rising tide of poverty, with child poverty rising in every Scottish local authority. And the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in Scotland and pulled many more people – particularly women, disabled people, and Black and minority ethnic people – into hardship.

With women’s poverty being inextricably linked to child poverty, the pandemic’s impact has pulled children across Scotland ever deeper into poverty. It has hit lone parents – the overwhelming majority of whom are women – particularly hard, a group already disproportionately affected by years of social security cuts.

Unlocking people from this poverty requires long-term work to tackle the structural inequalities around the labour market – particularly for women, disabled people and Black and minority ethnic people – and it will also require action like further expanding childcare provision. But we also need action now to boost incomes in the short term.

Every level of government has a duty to boost incomes where it can, and we are clear that the UK Government must scrap its planned and unjust £20 Universal Credit cut. But just as the UK Government has a moral responsibility to do the right thing, so too does the Scottish Government have a moral responsibility to use all of the powers at its disposal to loosen the grip of poverty on people’s lives.

We have the powers, we have the urgent need, and we have the cross-party consensus to double the Scottish Child Payment. If your government is to truly make ending child poverty a ‘national mission’, and if we are to ensure that a more just Scotland emerges from the pandemic, then we must not delay. Children growing up in the grip of poverty right now – as well as their parents and care-givers – simply cannot endure until the end of this Parliament to be unlocked from poverty. Their lives and life chances are too important for this action to wait.

The evidence is clear that if it is doubled now, it will represent the single most impactful action that could be taken to help meet the interim child poverty targets in 2023, and would signal that ending child poverty will be a defining priority for this Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament. If it is not, more and more children will be pulled into poverty and the opportunity to meet the interim child poverty targets will be missed. Under the current roll out plan and value, the Scottish Child Payment will reduce poverty in Scotland by between 2 and 3 percentage points. This could leave child poverty rates as high as 26% in 2023/24, when the interim target in legislation for that year is 18%. We cannot allow that to happen.

We therefore urge your government to do the right thing, to capitalise on the cross-party consensus that already exists, and to commit to doubling the Scottish Child Payment in this year’s budget. We look forward to your response.

Kind regards,

Peter Kelly, Director, Poverty Alliance

Claire Telfer, Head of Scotland, Save the Children

Paul Carberry, Director for Scotland, Action for Children

SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Aberlour

John Dickie, Director, CPAG Scotland

Martin Crewe, Director, Barnardo’s Scotland

Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland

Satwat Rehman, Director, One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS)

Amy Woodhouse, Joint Interim CEO, Children in Scotland

Christine Carlin, Scotland Director, Home-Start UK

Clare Simpson, Manager, Parenting Across Scotland

Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap

Polly Jones, Head of Scotland, The Trussell Trust

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children 1st

Eilidh Dickson, Policy and Parliamentary Manager, Engender

Hugh Foy, Director, Xaverians UK Region

Russell Gunson, Director, IPPR Scotland

Dr Patrycja Kupiec, CEO, YWCA Scotland – The Young Women’s Movement

The Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC (Jim Wallace), Moderator of the General Assembly, The Church of Scotland

Emma Cormack, Chief Executive Officer, The Health Agency

Gillian Kirkwood, Chief Executive, Y sort it Youth Centre

Agnes Tolmie, Chair, Scottish Women’s Convention

Linda Tuthill, CEO, The Action Group

Steven McCluskey, CEO, Bikes for Refugees

Trishna Singh OBE, Director, Sikh Sanjog

Professor Adrian Sinfield, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, University of Edinburgh

Jimmy Wilson, CEO, FARE Scotland

Ian Bruce, Chief Executive, Glasgow CVS

Revd Gary Noonan, Minister, Houston and Killellan Kirk

Jacqui Reid, Project Lead, EBI Unites

Innes McMinn, Manager, Independent Living Support

Suzanne Slavin, CEO, Ayr Housing Aid Centre

Fiona Rae, Interim Chief Executive, Community Food Initiatives North East

Mhairi Snowden, Director, Human Rights Consortium Scotland

Juliet Harris, Director, Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights

Tressa Burke, CEO, Glasgow Disability Alliance

Martin Wilkie-McFarlane, Director, Wellhouse Housing Association

Morna Simpkins, Scotland Director, MS Society

Kara Batchelor, Operations Manager, Alexander’s Community Development

Murray Dawson, Chief Executive, Station House Media Unit

Ashli Mullen, Creative Director, Friends of Romano Lav

Professor John McKendrick, Co-Director of the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University

Justina Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol

Rob McDowall, Chair, Welfare Scotland

Karen Birch, Chief Officer, Abundant Borders

Liane Coia, Operations Manager, Maryhill Integration Network

Annie Tothill, Project Worker, Kairos Women+

Traci Kirkland, Head of Charity, Govan Community Project

Emma Jackson, National Director Scotland, Christians Against Poverty

Alison Bavidge, National Director, Scottish Association of Social Work

Mairi McCallum, Project Manager, Moray Food Plus

Zoe Jordan, Stepping Stones North Edinburgh

Chris Birt, Deputy Director Scotland, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Martin Dorchester, CEO, Includem

Bethany Biggar, Director, Edinburgh Food Project

Rachel MacDonnell, Bureau Manager, East & Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau

Larry Flanagan, General Secretary, EIS

Shona Blakeley, Executive Director, Women’s Fund for Scotland

Rhona Willder, Development Manager, Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance

Joan McClure, Manager, Easterhouse Citizens Advice Bureau

Roy O’Kane FRSA, Chief Officer, Kanzen Karate

Craig Samuel, Scotland Representative, National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers

Margaret Caldwell, Chairperson, Care for Carers

Louise Hunter, Chief Executive, Who Cares? Scotland

Derek Mitchell, CEO, Citizens Advice Scotland

Emma Walker, Director, Camphill Scotland

Claire Burns, Director, CELCIS (Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection)

Moira Tasker, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Scotland

David Nallaratnam, Director, Cross Ethnic

Professor Ian Welsh OBE, Chief Executive, Health and Social Care Alliance (the ALLIANCE)

Louise Morgan, Director for Scotland, Carers Trust Scotland

Teresa Sutherland, Interim Executive Manager, Community Help and Advice Initiative

Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association

Roz Foyer, General Secretary, STUC

Rachel Adamson, Co-Director, Zero Tolerance

Susan Capaldi, Manager, Home Start Cowdenbeath

Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator, Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN)

Pat Rafferty, Scottish Secretary, Unite Scotland

Gavin Yates, CEO, Homeless Action Scotland

Lorraine Kelly, Scottish Policy Officer, Magic Breakfast

Rosyn Neely, CEO, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity

Biddy Kelly, Managing Director, Fresh Start

Professor Annette Hastings, Professor of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow

Margo Uprichard, Chief Executive Officer, The Louise Project

Alison Watson, Director, Shelter Scotland

Frazer Scott, CEO, Energy Action Scotland

Jane Brumpton, Chief Executive, Early Years Scotland

Alan Thornburrow, Country Director, Business in the Community Scotland

Pete Ritchie, Executive Director, Nourish Scotland

Elaine Downie, Co-ordinator, Poverty Truth Community

Jen Broadhurst, Bureau Manager, Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau

David Walsh, Public Health Programme Manager, Glasgow Centre for Population Health

Ewan Aitken, CEO, Cyrenians

Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive, Scottish Women’s Aid

John McIntyre, Principal Trustee, Ferguslie Community Development Trust

Elodie Mignard, Programme Manager, Scottish Refugee Council

Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary, NASUWT

Genevieve Ileris, British Psychological Society

Tanveer Parnez, Director of National Development, BEMIS

Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive, VOCAL (Voices of Carers Across Lothian)

Professor Nick Bailey, Professor of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow

Professor Sharon Wright, Professor of Social Policy, University of Glasgow

Rami Okasha, Chief Executive, CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland)

Kate Polson, Chief Executive, Rock Trust

Jimmy Paul, Director, WEAll Scotland

Claire Cairns, Director, Coalition of Carers in Scotland

Jan Savage, Director of Campaigns and Membership, ENABLE Scotland

Alison Wright, CEO, Carers of West Lothian

Frank Mosson, Manager, Bridgeton Citizens Advice Bureau

Sharon McAulay, Chief Executive, STAR Project

Professor James Mitchell, Professor of Public Policy, University of Edinburgh

John Cassidy, Chair, Scottish Communities for Health and Wellbeing

Brian Reid, Manager, Scottish Christian Alliance

Lesley Ross, Project Manager Youth Work Services, Pilton Youth and Children’s Project

Sally Thomas, Chief Executive, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Duncan Cuthill, CEO, Edinburgh City Mission

Marguerite Hunter Blair, Chief Executive, Play Scotland

Sharon Colvin, CEO, 3D Drumchapel

Paul Stuart, Branch Secretary, UNISON Housing & Care Scotland Branch

Kelly McCann, Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid

New Digital Academy set to boost 10,000 small Scottish businesses

Bank of Scotland has launched a new digital academy to help people, businesses and charities across Scotland boost their essential skills.

The academy launches today (16th June) and includes live training sessions as well as videos, interactive webpages and guides that can be accessed on demand at any time, all for free. It is also committed to helping more than 10,000 Scottish businesses with their digital skills.

The online lessons are available to everyone, and will build a wide range of skills, from improving confidence online to developing a website for your business, managing your money and staying connected with friends and family. The academy also provides access to online events for small businesses and charities to network virtually and hear from expert speakers.

Bank of Scotland’s latest research revealed that 67% of people said they would improve their digital skills if they knew support was available.

The new data also found that almost two-thirds (63%) of people across Scotland are spending more time online. People are not only spending more time online but are also doing more online. For those who have tried new things for the first time during lockdown, more than nine in ten (94%) expect this to continue in the long-term and almost a fifth (17%) are concerned that their digital skills still aren’t good enough.

More than half (53%) of Scots rely on the internet for day-to-day life and 49% agreed being online helped them to find and get a job.

Philip Grant, chair of Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish Executive Committee, said: “During the pandemic, digital skills have been a lifeline for many, helping people stay in touch with friends and access services like banking and online shopping. 

“Being online has become part of everyday life for many more people and creating the Bank of Scotland Academy is all about helping people build the right digital skills.

“For small businesses digital confidence and capability have been crucially important. In the last year, 44% of small Scottish businesses wouldn’t have continued trading without digital facilities.[1]

“Having the right digital skills means that people can stay connected with loved ones, businesses can run more efficiently, and charities can raise more funds by reaching more people.

“The lessons are open to everyone, easy to follow and completely free, so my message is: get involved.”

Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, added: “Digital technology plays a key role in a great many aspects of our lives and is essential to our economic recovery. As many people also choose the convenience of digital banking services, industry led initiatives such as the Bank of Scotland Academy will ensure that our financial system remains inclusive and accessible.

“If people have access to devices and the skills and confidence to use them, it will have significant benefits in economic growth and ensuring services work for us all. I would encourage anyone who thinks they would benefit to make use of this excellent new resource.”

The live lessons and resources have been created by Bank of Scotland with the help of expert learning and technology partners. The number of lessons available will evolve over time to reflect changing needs.

Sessions can be booked through Eventbrite[2] and more bespoke sessions will also be available, built around the specific needs and objectives of organisations.

*Statistics taken from the Consumer Digital Index 2021.

Barratt Developments helps Edinburgh communities with charity donations

FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh) and Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre have each received a £1,000 donation inaugurating Barratt Developments East Scotland’s Community Fund giveaway for 2021.

Barratt Developments, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, celebrated a record-breaking 2020 after its charitable efforts topped more than £46,000 in donations across Scotland, including £14,000 in the east of Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder works with a wide range of local causes and has continued to step up its efforts through the Barratt and David Wilson Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its three Scottish divisions every month.

FACE is a charity based at Western General Hospital that supports patients and families who have been affected by cancer.

The housebuilder’s donation will go towards making hospital stays more comfortable and welcoming, such as camp beds for a relative to stay close to a loved one, refurbishment of wards and complementary therapies to promote wellbeing for those who are unwell.

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, based in Moredun, has worked throughout the pandemic to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for food and other essentials for local people in need.

To date the youth volunteers have delivered over 50,000 packed lunches, tens of thousands of hot meals and food parcels to families affected by poverty and the elderly and shielding across Liberton and Gilmerton.

Alison Condie, managing director at Barratt East Scotland, said: “FACE and Goodtrees carry out incredible work supporting those affected by cancer and those in need.

“We’re pleased to be able to help them and hope that our donation will allow them to continue to provide these crucial and important services through what continues to be difficult times for us all.”

Welcoming the donation John Macaulay, Convener at FACE added: “Through our fund raising we aim to provide ‘the little things’ that make a difference for patients and families affected by cancer.

“The donation from Barratt has gone towards a special shower reclining chair at the Western General Hospital, enabling us to shower patients with multiple care needs who otherwise may only be able to be washed in bed.

“The staff are delighted, and it is already making a difference for the ward and patients they care for, including those receiving treatment for cancer.”

John Beatson, Project Manager at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre said: “Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre were delighted to be chosen for Barratt Homes’ £1,000 donation. It came as a surprise and is particularly special to us, as being put forward for the fund by a Barratt employee shows that the work that our young people and staff carry out is valued within the wider community. 

“We plan to use part of the donation to fund a treat to the elderly community we support with the rest of the donation giving us the opportunity to give back to our incredible youth volunteers, the key driving force behind our service, when guidance allows.”

As part of the housebuilder’s ongoing charitable activities, Barratt East Scotland also took part in a virtual 500k challenge, raising over £16,000 for The Prince’s Trust, and walking a total combined distance of 1,721km over the three-week competition period.

The division’s Land team is also providing in-kind support to Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, a foodbank based in Leith which turns surplus food into free meals for those in need.

Now in its third year, the Barratt Homes Community Fund pledges to donate £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation in the east of Scotland. Charities are nominated by and voted for by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.

Interested charities can enquire about donation opportunities at 

charity.eastscotland@barratthomes.co.uk

Visit the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes websites for more information.

Charities urge SMC to approve treatment for life-limiting condition

A group of charities is urging for the approval of a drug that can treat an underlying genetic cause of a life-limiting muscle-wasting condition.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) primarily affects boys and causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, with most of those affected needing to use a wheelchair by the age of 12. The life-limiting condition also causes other severe health problems to the heart and breathing muscles.

The drug Translarna, however, can help treat cases of a version of Duchenne that is caused by nonsense mutations.

Today, Muscular Dystrophy UK, Action Duchenne, Duchenne Family Support Group and Duchenne UK are appearing before the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to represent patients who could benefit from Translarna and to seek its approval for use on the NHS in Scotland.

In its joint submission to the SMC ahead of today’s meeting, the charities outlined evidence from a survey conducted earlier this year.

They provided evidence that highlights clear improvements to quality of life reported by those receiving the drug. Significantly, many families of children receiving Translarna say they retained the ability to walk for longer than expected, and that this gave their child greater independence to complete daily tasks and take part in activities with friends.

Families also reported huge behaviour improvements at school and home, as well as positive mental health outcomes.

If SMC approves the submission, Translarna would be the first treatment routinely available through the NHS in Scotland that addresses an underlying genetic cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

One parent who took part in the survey, and whose thoughts were included as evidence in the submission, explained: “For our son knowing that he has a medication to help his muscles is a massive boost to him.

“We believe that every time we receive our Translarna it lifts his spirits in this fight. We never for a moment take for granted how lucky we are to be receiving this drug and feel it’s something in our corner as we face this battle head on.”

If approved, Translarna would be given in addition to the current standard treatments on the NHS in Scotland.

A spokesperson for the four charities said: “Every day is a race against time to slow down Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive condition that robs children of their ability to walk and their independence.

“Muscular Dystrophy UK, Action Duchenne, Duchenne Family Support Group and Duchenne UK are pleased to have represented the voices of patients in our joint submission to the SMC.

“We believe our submission highlights both the physical and mental health benefits of Translarna, a drug that has the potential to improve lives for so many families living with Duchenne. We very much look forward to hearing the SMC committee’s thoughts on our submission.”

UK Charities unite to boost vaccine drive

Sixteen frontline charities have formed a new partnership to encourage those with long-term health conditions and their carers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Sixteen charities will work together to help save lives through the vaccine roll out
  • Those with underlying health conditions and adult carers in cohort 6 encouraged to take up the jab
  • Organisations will help promote access to important advice and information on vaccines

Organisations including The British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support and Mencap are joining with the government and NHS to promote vaccine uptake among those the charities support every day.

Since 15 February those in cohort 6 – people with certain underlying health conditions and their carers – have been receiving invites from their GP practice to come forward for life saving vaccinations to protect them from COVID-19.

Working with the government on the UK’s largest ever medical deployment, the charities will use the combined strength of their networks to reassure people with long-term health conditions about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The incredible success of our vaccination programme has only been possible by working in partnership with the NHS, health and care professionals, local partners and our volunteers.

“Having the support of the charities who work every day to support the very people we are reaching out to in cohort 6 is a great boost for the rollout which continues to show what we can achieve when we pull together as one.

“Their help, encouragement and links with communities next in line for the jab will help make sure everyone can get access to the life-saving protection the vaccine provides and help protect those with underlying conditions and their carers.”

The organisations which have signed up so far to become members of the coalition are:

  • African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT)
  • Asthma UK
  • British Heart Foundation
  • British Liver Trust
  • British Lung Foundation
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Carers UK
  • Diabetes UK
  • Epilepsy Action
  • Kidney Care UK
  • Lupus UK
  • MacMillan Cancer Support
  • Mencap
  • MS Society
  • Sickle Cell Society
  • Terrence Higgins Trust

These charities support those included in priority vaccination categories, including cohort 6 which covers individuals aged 16 to 64 with certain long-term conditions identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation as being at higher clinical risk from COVID-19.

These conditions include chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver disease and neurological conditions, including MS and epilepsy, vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen, morbid obesity, severe mental illness, as well as sickle cell, lupus and those on GP learning disability registers.

Following the government meeting its target of offering a first dose vaccine to the top four priority groups by 15 February, all those in cohort 6 are now eligible to get the jab and should be receiving their invitation for their first dose.

Minister for Vaccines, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and offers the chance to protect yourself and others – that’s why it’s vital that people get their jab when called to come forward.

“The rollout is a truly UK wide effort which is why having the support of these fantastic and trusted charities as we work to ensure everyone eligible gets their vaccine is so important.

“I would like to thank them all for backing this life-saving campaign and offering their expertise and assistance to support the largest medical deployment in British history.”

Cohort 6 also includes carers who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of COVID-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable.

The charities will support the campaign by sharing content across their channels, including a new campaign video featuring people in cohort 6 getting their jab, and putting forward both those who represent the charities and those the charities work with to encourage others to take up the vaccine.

Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to be working with other leading voices in the charity sector to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

“People with diabetes have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they develop coronavirus.

“For people living with diabetes, the best protection against coronavirus is to get the vaccine and take whichever vaccine you are offered.”

People in group 6 who are at higher clinical risk from coronavirus and have not already been contacted will be invited for a vaccine by their local GP team.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive of ACLT, Orin Lewis, said: “The ACLT feels compelled to ensure we do all we can to guarantee any decisions made regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, is done with knowledge of the verified facts and the science behind the vaccine.

“Far too many lives have already been lost, however now there is a real opportunity for positive change especially on behalf of patients with immunosuppression systems linked to stem cell, blood and organ related disorders.

“We feel extremely passionately people should seriously consider protecting themselves, their loved ones and society at large.

When they do make that decision, they need to ensure it’s an informed one based upon verified facts and not myths, fears and taboos.”

Sixteen charities have already joined the campaign and more are welcome to help boost the vaccine drive and save lives.

‘Our Voice Our Rights’: Charities call for Autism Commissioner

ENABLE Scotland, National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism have today launched the ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ Campaign calling on the major political parties to commit to a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability at the forthcoming Holyrood election. 

The ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ campaign aims to make Scotland the best country in the world for the 56,000 autistic people, the 120,000 people with a learning disability and their families in Scotland. A country where human rights are respected and upheld; everyone has equal access to the services and support they need throughout their lives; and where autistic people and people with a learning disability are active citizens and fully supported to fulfil their potential.  

While there have been many ambitious and well-intentioned strategies over the years from Government and partners, and an extensive regulatory framework, the charities hear day in day out how too many people are struggling to access their human rights to education, work, a family life, healthcare, to high quality social care services, and to be free from discrimination in their communities. 

Many individuals and their families are exhausted from fighting tooth and nail to get the much-needed support and status as equal citizens. A fight that sadly, they often lose, leaving many in crisis, something brought into sharp focus by the pandemic and the pressures on the system. 

In the lead up to the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in May 2021 the three charities are standing together with autistic people and people who have a learning disability to say ‘enough is enough’ and calling on all the major political parties in Scotland to commit to a Commissioner to ensure real change. 

The Commissioner would be the first of its kind in the world, established in law to champion the human rights of autistic people and people with a learning disability.  

They would be a powerful voice, improving access to services and advocating on people’s behalf when they cannot and importantly helping people have the choice and control to live a good life, free from discrimination.   

They would close the current gap – between what the law says and what actually happens in reality. They would lead improvements and importantly people would also have recourse when the system falls short and fails to deliver for them.  

The charities have launched the campaign alongside autistic people, people with a learning disability and families including the broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove.   

A website is now live with a series of videos featuring people from across Scotland making the case for change. People are also being encouraged to get involved and to contact the party leaders to call for a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability to be included in their election manifestos.  

Peter McMahon who has a learning disability and is a member of ENABLE Scotland said: “We need a Commissioner for Learning Disability and Autism so that people who have a learning disability like me aren’t put on the back burner or forgotten about.

“With a Commissioner working with us we can improve access to services and speak up for people when they cannot. Most importantly we can help people live good lives with choice and control and free from discrimination. People with learning disabilities feel invisible, we don’t want to be the invisible people any more and feel a Commissioner would help us.”

Broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove who has an autistic son said: “This campaign has the capacity for real positive change – As a family we’ve been lucky in that Jack got his autism diagnosis early on as a child but like all parents I worry about what happens when he grows up and leaves school.  

“We of course want him to be independent, have his own place, a relationship, a job, all the usual things that parents hope for, but we also know those are likely to be challenging for him – he’s going to need that bit extra help and support.     

“I believe by and large Scotland has a caring culture but establishing a Commissioner at a national level with a legal obligation to look into the different aspects of public life would make a huge difference. It would help Scotland lead the way to creating a society that fully includes and values autistic people.” 

 

£3.3 million to help children’s charities this winter

Extra support for families on low incomes

Charities working with children and families on low incomes will receive a share of £3.3 million to help meet the needs of those affected by poverty at Christmas and in the new year.

The money forms part of the £100 million winter support package announced by the First Minister last month – of which £22 million is to specifically support low income families. The £3.3 million committed will support those most in need of help, including lone parents, families with a disabled child or young person, kinship carers, care leavers and families with a loved one in prison.

Nine charities will receive funding to support their work, or to distribute to grass-roots organisations. The money will go to help with essential items such as food, warm clothing and nappies, heating, bedding and furniture and white goods, and to support a scheme giving gifts to disadvantaged children who might otherwise go without a present on Christmas Day.

The charities benefiting are the STV Appeal, Cash for Kids, Aberlour, Barnardo’s, Action for Children, Family Fund, Families Outside, Who Cares? Scotland and One Parent Families Scotland.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Winter Plan for Social Protection, announced by the First Minister on 30 November 2020, already includes a one-off £100 per child payment for those in receipt of Free School Meals who are on low incomes, to be paid by Christmas.

“Whilst this is an important boost to family incomes we also want to help families with children of pre-school age.

“This funding will strengthen the help available to families across Scotland – supporting people during the festive period and throughout the winter months.

“We have taken unprecedented action to support people affected by the impact of COVID, with over £500 million committed for social protection since the onset of the pandemic. This latest investment is part of wider support available to people including increased funding for the Scottish Welfare Fund, Discretionary Housing Payments, and through wider third sector and councils action.”

Margaret Ford, Chair of STV and STV Children’s Appeal, said: “Amidst the seasonal festivities, it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of the fact that winter is one of the most difficult times of the year for so many families across Scotland, and the economic impact of Covid-19 will be an additional issue this year.

“We work closely with dozens of charities and projects across the country to help the most vulnerable in society, and this new support package will go some way in doing that. We’re pleased to be helping to distribute these funds, so that essential food, clothing, shelter and heating can be provided to those who need it most in this particularly challenging period between now and the spring.”

The charities to be supported by this funding include:

Aberlour£220,000
Action for Children£300,000
Barnardo’s£300,000
Cash for Kids£500,000
Families Outside£50,000
Family Fund£162,000
One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS)£200,000
STV Appeal£1,200,000
Who Cares? Scotland£360,000

Three Scottish charities share £30,000 from Scottish Power Foundation Awards

Charities across the country split prize fund awarded for work to transform communities

Three charities with bases in Scotland have been named among the winners and runners-up of this year’s ScottishPower Foundation Awards, taking home their share of a £30,000 prize fund.

The Awards celebrate benevolent work in local communities throughout the UK, with organisations judged in four categories for the Innovation Award, the Education Award, the Community Engagement Award and the Charity Champion Award, which gives special recognition to the outstanding contribution made by an exceptional employee or volunteer who exemplifies what their organisation stands for.

Winners in each category receive an additional £5,000 funding boost, with runners-up receiving £2,500.

The Education Award was won by Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, based in Glasgow, for its work to help children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus be fully included in education and the learning experience.

The judges recognised the charity’s work to support each child individually and to tailor its support to their bespoke needs. For example, it worked with partner organisations to ensure one child who required crutches to get around was able to fully participate in sporting activities at his school.

The charity was also praised for its work to celebrate what makes the children it supports unique and ensure they all have the best possible start in life.

Donna Mackey, from The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland, based in East Lothian, was crowned the Charity Champion for her work with isolated older people during the pandemic.

Donna mapped out bespoke exercise programmes that were originally to be carried out in person, but due to the virus had to be taken online through Zoom meetings. Donna single-handedly produced videos to encourage members to carry out physical activities at home.

As well as this, she created a new ‘Keep in Touch’ bag, which contained physical equipment to help people participate and DVDs of exercises for those who don’t have access to online video calls. The judges noted Donna’s ability to adapt to what was needed and tailor her work to individuals, putting on quizzes or catch-up chats for those who didn’t want to participate in exercise.

Lucy Abbeels, 12, from Edinburgh, was named runner-up in the Charity Champion category for raising over £6,000 for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland while receiving ongoing support from the charity herself. 

Lucy’s fundraising journey began with the Cumbernauld Victory Mile in 2012. Since then, she has completed numerous Kiltwalks – “go Team Lucy!” Even lockdown couldn’t stop her; in May, Lucy took part in the 2.6 Challenge, raising £1,000 for the charity.

Starcatchers Productions was named runner-up in the Community Engagement Award category for supporting families who are most negatively impacted by the pandemic and more likely to experience greater levels of isolation.

The charity set up a menu of digital creative play activities and helped deliver over 2,000 creative play parcels for families living in poverty.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee of the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Huge congratulations to the winners and runners-up of this year’s ScottishPower Foundation Awards, who are all real beacons of light in these challenging times. We’re so proud of their achievements and pleased to further recognise their tremendous efforts to change lives for the better.

“What’s especially pleasing is the wide range of activities and support services these Awards celebrate – whether keeping older people connected, supporting disabled young people to live full and fulfilling lives, providing key support to children affected by domestic abuse, or taking a whole community approach to addressing homelessness and hardship. However, the one thing they all have in common is the incredible difference they make to the lives of others.   

“We’re honoured to recognise all our winners, runners-up and finalists who bring the values of the ScottishPower Foundation Awards to life every day.”

The awards are open to recipients of this year’s ScottishPower Foundation funding, which saw £1.2m awarded to 21 charities delivering projects across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Due to social distancing restrictions, the winners were announced on ScottishPower’s Twitter channel – @ScottishPower.

This year’s judging panel was made up of a host of experts from ScottishPower, the third sector, education and communications including Arthur McIvor, Senior Client Manager for Energy & Utility Skills; Juliet Simpson, Founder and CEO of Stripe Communications; Sheila Duncan, Human Resources Director for ScottishPower; and Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee of the ScottishPower Foundation.

The ScottishPower Foundation was established in 2013 to make a significant and lasting contribution to society, enhancing the lives of people living in communities throughout the UK. It provides funding to help support the advancement of education, environmental protection, arts and culture and citizenship. It also supports charities who aim to provide relief from poverty, disability, or other disadvantages.

The winners and runners up this year are outlined below:

Innovation Award

WINNER – Acorns Project

Based in North Tyneside and Northumberland, the Acorns Project offers a range of services to support families affected by domestic abuse such as counselling, first response and adult support services.

RUNNER-UP – Whizz-Kidz

Whizz-Kidz aims to transform the lives of disabled children across the UK, supporting them to become confident and independent young adults by providing the equipment, support, and life skills they need in order to develop their full potential.

Education Award

WINNER – Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of individuals with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and allied conditions. It aims to support all those affected to identify their needs and to empower them to make informed choices and decisions.

RUNNER-UP – Bangor University (Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales Partnership)

Bangor University (Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales Partnership) works alongside primary and secondary school pupils as well as adults with no formal qualifications to increase higher education participation among lower socio-economic groups.

Community Engagement Award

WINNER – South Tyneside Churches KEY Project

South Tyneside Churches KEY Project works with young people and their families to help develop the skills they need to live independently, become good citizens, and reach their full potential.

RUNNER-UP – Starcatchers Productions Ltd

Starcatchers is Scotland’s National Arts and Early Years organisation specialising in creating performances and exploring creative activity for babies, toddlers and young children aged 0-5 and the adults who care for them.

Charity Champion Award

WINNER – Donna Mackey The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Donna sprang to action to ensure that support for the elderly participants, many of whom living with long-term conditions such as dementia and depression, would continue. Donna set up weekly Zoom session and single-handedly produced exercise videos featuring her own grandmother for the participants to follow at home. Sporting Memories Foundation tackles dementia, depression, and loneliness through the power of sports reminiscence by bringing together older adults, as well as providing social and physical activities.

RUNNER-UP – Lucy Abbeels, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland

Lucy has been raising money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland since she was 4 years old, and to-date has raised over £6000 while receiving support from the charity herself. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotlandseeks to increase public awareness and understanding of individuals with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and allied conditions. It aims to support all those affected to identify their needs and to empower them to make informed choices and decisions.

Scottish charities struggle to meet demand as donations almost halve due to Covid

  • 48% of Scottish charities reported a decrease in income this year, as a result of the pandemic
  • Almost two thirds (61%) of Scottish charities experienced an increase in demand this year, more than the UK average of 55% 
  • Almost a half (47%) of Scottish charities anticipate further demand over Christmas
  • Across the UK, homelessness/refuge charities saw an 81% increase in demand since the pandemic, followed closed by mental health service charities (77%)

According to the latest report by leading match-funding charity, the Big Give, half of Scotland’s charities would usually secure more than a quarter of their voluntary income during the Christmas period, while a staggering 22% would typically raise between 50 – 75%. 

But this year, it’s a very different story as demand will outweigh donations, as almost half (49%) expect donations this year, and over the next 12-months, to be lower than usual. 

“We run a Giving Tree at Christmas, ensuring that children who ordinarily would not get a gift do. Last year we handed out over 10,000 gifts to children in the North East of Scotland, we expect demand for this [charity service] to increase this year, as more people are pushed into poverty and having to make real choices, do we eat, do we pay bills or do we buy our children gifts.” – reported one of the Scottish charities which took part in the survey

Christmas is a critical time for charity fundraising, this year more than ever before.

The Big Give saw a 24% increase in applications for their annual match funding campaign, the Christmas Challenge, which offers the public the opportunity to have their donations matched between 1-8 December. 

This year charity income was badly impacted by Coronavirus, as high street charity shops have been closed and fundraising events cancelled. The report, in which over 1,000 UK charities were surveyed, reveals that almost half (48%) of Scottish charities reported an income decrease. 

“During Lockdown, we had to close our shops, which is our source of income, in order to support our charitable work and the foodbank …” – reported one of the charities which took part in the survey.

Christmas has always been a critical point in the year for vital fundraising, as 50% of the Scottish charities who participated in the survey said that they usually raise a quarter of their annual voluntary income in December, while 22% raise a staggering 50-75% of their income.

Donations aren’t meeting demand

During the year, almost two thirds (61%) of Scottish charities saw an increased demand in their services. And sadly, it’s only predicted to get worse, as the pandemic puts a further strain on charity resources; almost half (47%)  anticipate an increase in demand for their services during the Christmas period.

“Our foodbank remained open and we delivered food parcels to those who were isolating. The demand has grown hugely. In order to reopen we had to spend money on ensuring that our shops were safe for customers to return to and for our staff and volunteers to work in. We have reduced the amount of stock in the shops so that we can make them safe, therefore reducing our income.” – reported one of the charities which took part in the survey

Charities are using a variety of tactics to cope but thousands could close

More than one in 10 (13%) of Scottish charities have had to make staff redundancies, while over a quarter (26%) will be restructuring the charity, as preservation measures. 

In the UK, 60 of the 1,000 surveyed (6%), are considering mothballing or closing completely. Extrapolated across the sector, this could mean the closure of around 10,000 charities. Smaller charities are particularly vulnerable. 

“We are teetering on the edge of collapse if we can’t raise enough funds this Christmas.” – Reported a London-based child welfare charity

James Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive of recruitment company REED, and Trustee of The Big Give, commented: “The disruption caused by Covid-19 is hugely challenging for the charity sector. We are approaching an alarming crunch point where many worthwhile organizations might fail for lack of funds. Now, more than ever, both charities and their beneficiaries need and deserve our support. 

Reed added: “Charitable campaigns, such as The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge, provide a vital lifeline for charities and this report clearly highlights why giving this year, no matter how small your donation, is more important than ever.”

Homelessness and refuge charities, and those supporting people’s mental health are particularly vulnerable this Christmas.

While almost a third (31%) of charities across the sector in the UK have already experienced a “double whammy” of decreased voluntary income and increased demand for services since the pandemic, homelessness/refuge charities saw the greatest demand, up 81% since the pandemic hit, followed closed by mental health service charities (77%)

Tom Kerridge, Michelin-starred chef, author and TV presenter, who is backing this year’s campaign, through the charity Only a Pavement Away, commented: “Christmas highlights how important friends and family are and this year more than ever, the idea of not being able to spend it with your loved ones is sad for everyone.

“So imagine being homeless, having no close friends or family to spend it with and that sense of loneliness on what should be a day surrounded by love. This year more than ever, the plight of homeless people is so important and charity is key at this time of year.”

The net effect of Coronavirus has been a decrease in volunteering

Almost half (43%) of Scottish charities reported a decrease in volunteering since the pandemic, likely linked to the lockdown and the social distancing measures put in place. Only 13% of charities have reported an increase, despite community morale being at an all time high, the circumstances of the year has made physical support extremely difficult. 

Volunteering at Christmas is likely to be affected as well. The worst-affected sector across the UK this year is Cancer, with charities reporting an 82% reduction in income), followed by hospitals/hospices (79%), animal welfare (67%) and older people (64%). 

“As our schemes require face-to-face contact with volunteers, approximately two-thirds of our current volunteers have been unable to volunteer over this period. Our greatest need at present is for new volunteers without underlying health conditions who will be able to volunteer and meet the increasing demand for our services.” – reported Open Homes Nottingham, who provide accommodation for homeless 16 – 25-year-olds

Smaller charities are hardest hit

The decrease in income has hit smaller charities hardest, with the smallest (income under £100k) reporting an average decrease of around half (51%) of their total income. With those charitable cause sectors experiencing the largest drops in income so far, being Armed Forces/veterans causes, sports/recreation, cancer and older people.

Some areas have been worse affected than others, with charities in the South West (76%), East Midlands (69%) and Wales (69%) reporting the greatest reduction in income.

The report was compiled following a survey of 1,011 UK charities was conducted as part of research for the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s largest online match funding campaign. Since 2008, the Big Give has raised over £135m for charities through match funding. At a critical time for the sector, the 2020 campaign will support over 750 charities across a broad range of sectors, geographies and size.

A number of Scottish charities are participating in the campaign including:

Alzheimer Scotland – Action On Dementia,

Children 1st

Haemophilia Scotland

Simpsons Special Care Babies

Horseback Uk

Aberdeen Cyrenians

This year, the Big Give Christmas Challenge has been endorsed by more than 20 celebrities, including Jo Brand, Sue Perkins, Sir Michael Palin, Tom Kerridge and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, to name a few, all of whom feature in the campaign’s official video – https://youtu.be/nTO-NsK__Gc 

For further information on the Big Give Christmas Challenge, or to donate, visit:   theBigGive.org.uk

Aldi is donating food to charities in Edinburgh and the Lothians over Christmas

Here’s how to apply …

Aldi is once again embracing the season of goodwill by calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Edinburgh and the Lothians to register now to receive surplus food donations this Christmas Eve.  

Last Christmas, Aldi donated nearly 48,000 meals to good causes throughout Scotland, and expects to increase this number for Christmas 2020. The meals will support those in need at a time when more households are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.  

Thanks to Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to food banks and charities, all of Aldi’s 92 Scottish stores now donate surplus food seven days a week, all year round.  

Christmas provides an opportunity for even more charities to benefit from the initiative, and any charities and community groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians with the resource to help can get in touch to register for a festive food donation from Britain’s fifth largest supermarket.  

Charities will be paired with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food products that are near the end of their shelf life – including fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish and bread – ahead of stores closing on Christmas Eve.  

Luke Peech, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Our Christmas food donations scheme plays a big role in supporting those in need during the festive period and is something we are very passionate about. This is our fourth year running the initiative and we look forward to working with local charities in Edinburgh and the Lothians once again.  

“Last year we were able to help thousands of people across Scotland, and this year we’re hoping to extend this even further in what has been a challenging year for so many.”  

Steve Butterworth from Neighbourly, added: “Sadly, charities and local causes are expecting record demand for their services this Christmas because of the pandemic and its impact on communities up and down the country. 

“We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could put the food to good use, so we’d encourage them to get in touch.” 

Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply but must: 

  • Have a level two hygiene certificate gained in the last two years 
  • Be able to transport and store chilled food products after collecting them on Christmas Eve at 5pm 

Those interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas@neighbourly before 7th December 2020.