Tag: Children and Families

Over 837,000 winter heating payments made

Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK

Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. 

More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts. 

Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.  

Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits. 

This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week. 

Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.  

All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter. 

“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.  

“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”

Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.  

“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.” 

Keep warm in the cold weather  

 

♨️
  • Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can) 
  • Wear several layers of clothing 
  • Try move around every hour 

More info:

http://nhsinform.scot/cold-weather

Essential driving tips for safe journeys this festive season

Travelling home for Christmas or out and about visiting family can be a hectic and dangerous time on our roads.

Around Christmas, conditions are normally challenging with cold and wet weather making roads treacherous.

The evenings are also darker, with a larger volume of cars. Traffic experts estimate nearly 30 million journeys take place in the UK over the Christmas holidays, as people hunt for gifts, enjoy festive nights out and celebrate with friends and family.

Experts from Tiger.co.uk have named six important steps for drivers to take when travelling over the festive period, particularly if they have kids in the car.

The calendar is normally packed full of festivities that children often need to be driven to, from visiting Santa, to pantomimes, town Christmas light switch-ons and carol services – often driving long distances or through turbulent winter weather conditions.

It’s crucial for parents or guardians to be aware of potential issues to ensure a safe and responsible driving environment for little ones.

Crucially, parents should use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for their child’s age, height, and weight and make sure it’s installed properly, regularly cleaned and is compatible with the vehicle.

According to the Highway Code, children must use a car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 cm tall, and toddlers under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.

Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £500 and penalty points.

The Highway Code Rule 98 also warns drivers to make sure objects are secure when loading a car. Christmas presents, juice bottles and toys need to be stored properly before setting off, to reduce the risk of them hurting people inside the car in the event of an accident.

Busy parents or caregivers are also reminded to avoid multitasking while driving and avoid driving altogether if they are too tired over the festive break.

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Driving over the holiday season can bring a whole new set of challenges given the unpredictable weather, busy roads and hectic Christmas calendar.

“It also brings unfamiliar situations as more people do late night runs as designated drivers, usual routes can suffer additional congestion due to festive events and Christmas lights and festive spectacles can make for distractions.

“It’s important for drivers to be aware of these additional hazards and safety tips in the build up to Christmas, leaving time to prepare the car, the passengers and ensure they’re not too tired to drive.

“Careless driving can see motorists handed an unlimited fine with three to nine penalty points so it’s best to be aware of the dangers and plan ahead.”

Tiger’s tips for staying safe on the roads this Christmas: 

1. Avoid distractions and ensure visibility

It’s important that the driver can see out of the vehicle properly at all times, so presents need to be packed and stored safely in the boot – and not on the parcel shelf. If the car is decorated for Christmas, you need to be careful that it’s not a distraction to the driver and they can see clearly out of all of the windows.

2. Check you’re not too tired

The Christmas period can put a lot of stress on drivers. Organising, packing, wrapping and spending time visiting lots of family members can be exhausting but you should never drive when tired. Anyone experiencing festive fatigue should swap drivers, take a rest stop to recharge or consider public transport. 

3. Beware of bulky clothes

Although the winter chill means children are likely wrapped up warm before getting into the car, bulky coats should not be worn in car seats. They leave extra space under the harness, which could lead them to slip through the straps during an accident. To keep kids warm in the car, dress them in thin layers and use a blanket over the harness. 

4. Double-check child lock

When driving with children, child locks should also be in use. Children may open the door accidentally while moving – which is incredibly dangerous and could be seen as careless driving and result in a hefty fine and points on your licence. Without a child lock, children can also try to leave the vehicle in busy areas before the parents are ready to help.  

5. Car seats are a priority 

When driving with young children under 12 years or 135 cm tall, it is crucial to follow guidelines provided by car seat manufacturers and the law, to ensure children are properly restrained. Babies under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Refit and clean the seats regularly to ensure they are secure and free from debris that could hinder the buckles.

6. Be wary of multitasking

Passengers, especially children, can be very excitable when travelling at Christmas time, but it is important for drivers not to get distracted. Whether you are tending to their needs or trying to calm them down in the car, these distractions could lead to accidents. It is important to stay focused on the road in order to remain in control of the vehicle. If children in the car are becoming fussy on long journeys, it is better to pull over and take a break in a safe spot before taking to the road again. 

It’s also sensible to add breakdown cover to car insurance policies this Christmas or purchase a standalone product – drivers should check with their insurer to see if they have it already as standard, to avoid paying extra.

Coalition calls for greater support as the number of pupils with mental health problems increases by 526% over the past decade

Between 2015 and 2025, the number of pupils with:

  • Mental health problems has risen by 526 per cent.
  • Communication support needs has risen by 296 per cent.
  • Autistic spectrum disorder has risen by 252 per cent.
  • Interrupted learning has risen by 497 per cent. 

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns over massive increases in conditions contributing to additional support needs (ASN).

Noting that support is at breaking point, it has urged the public to put the political parties on the spot as to how they are going to address Scotland’s ASN crisis in the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary election next year.

The figures, based on an analysis of the latest annual Scottish Government pupil census,1 indicate that between 2015 and 2025 the number of pupils identified with a mental health problem, for which additional support is required, has increased by 526 per cent, those with communication support needs has risen by 296 per cent,  those with dyslexia by 129 per cent,  autistic spectrum disorder has increased by 252 per cent, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties by 144 per cent, those with a physical health problems by 142 per cent, interrupted learning by 497 per cent and those who are looked after by 42 per cent. (see table at end of the press release for full details).

This is against the background of a near doubling (95.5 per cent) between 2015 and 2025 in the overall number of pupils identified with ASN, from 153,143 to 299,445, representing 43.0 per cent of all pupils.2

The increase is in part due to better identification and diagnosis of these conditions, as well as the impacts of Covid-19, social media and the cost-of-living crisis.

While the level of need has increased dramatically, the level of support has not matched this, with cuts in the numbers of specialist ASN teachers and support staff.

The SCSC has repeated its call for greater resourcing by councils and the Scottish Government to support those with ASN, who disproportionately come from lower-income families and areas of deprivation.

The coalition also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, that all pupils be educated in a mainstream educational environment unless specific exceptional circumstances apply, without the necessary classroom support.

This lack of support for those with ASN is also seen as a key cause of increased classroom violence and disruption, with a resultant impact on fellow pupils and staff.

A spokesperson for the SCSC said: “Given an escalating number of children and young people with ASN, it is vital that those requiring it get the care and support that they need.

“This is clearly difficult in an environment of austerity and budget cuts, highlighted by reductions in, for example, the number of ASN teachers.

“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, that all children and young people be educated in a mainstream educational environment unless specific exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly for all those with ASN given a fall in specialist support and dramatic increases in the number of those identified with conditions such as mental health problems and autism.

“The current system of provision is at breaking point, and we are witnessing increasing levels of classroom disruption, a key cause of this being the increase in the number of those with ASN, who are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

“The Scottish Government and councils need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

“We would urge the public to put the political parties on the spot as we approach the Scottish Parliament election next year and understand how they are going to address Scotland’s ASN crisis.”

Reasons for support for pupils with ASN (pupils may have more than one reason for additional support):

Reason for support20252015% change on 2015
TotalTotal
Number of those with ASN299,445153,14395.5
Dyslexia39,03617,034+129
Other specific learning difficulty (e.g. numeric)30,72017,552+75
Other moderate learning difficulty30,48423,228+31
Visual impairment5,7393,839+49.5
Hearing impairment4,3762,736+60
Deafblind6447+36
Physical or motor impairment8,6187,528+14.5
Language or speech disorder20,75814,704+41
Autistic spectrum disorder41,28511,722+252
Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty77,40531,684+144
Physical health problem21,9619,059+142
Mental health problem14,6382,338+526
Interrupted learning15,9312,669+497
English as an additional language61,10721,997+178
Looked after10,6737,530+42
More able pupil3,0753,123-1.5
Communication Support Needs19,3744,894+296
Young Carer10,3021,653+623
Bereavement7,2611,304+523
Substance Misuse762221+245
Family Issues31,8859,700+229
Risk of Exclusion2,610925+182
Learning disability12,24115,324-20
Other25,40614,156+79.5

Care Workers’ children struggling while parents work 60-hour weeks for below minimum wage

CHARITY SINGLE SHINES LIGHT ON CRISIS

Nine care workers from across the UK joined the Homecare’s Got Talent Choir to release a charity single recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios to raise urgent awareness of the shocking levels of financial hardship within the care sector.

Several famous faces have also shared their talents for the project having joined the Home Care’s Got Talent judging panel earlier this year: musician Kuill from The Voice, Married at First Sight’s Matt Jameson as well as The Fizz star Jay Aston. The track, a cover of Robbie Williams’ Angels, launched on Friday 28th November and immediately hit Number 8 on the iTunes Download Chart.

But behind the music lies a far more serious issue.

According to The Care Workers’ Charity, food bank usage among care workers is five times the national average. Many carers are working 60 hours a week yet still cannot afford to heat their homes or provide Christmas presents for their children.

The charity warns that half a million UK care workers are in financially precarious situations, with some earning the equivalent of below minimum wage once unpaid travel time and personal costs are deducted.

This Christmas, while care workers are supporting the nation’s most vulnerable, many of their own children are going without basic essentials.

Dan Archer, Founder of Homecare’s Got Talent and CEO of Visiting Angels, explained, “It’s a nice story that care workers recorded at Abbey Road… but the reality is far from nice.

“If this were starving children, the country would be outraged. Well, it is starving children – the children of the people caring for everyone else. We made this single to raise money, yes, but also to force the nation to look again at how we treat the people we rely on most.

“When you listen to the lyrics, they speak to what carers do ‘and through it all, she offers me protection’. It’s high time our policy makers did more to protect this precious workforce.”

The caregivers travelled from as far away as Scotland and North Wales to take part in the recording, representing home care providers Caremark, Home Instead, Voyage Care, Visiting Angels, Mochridhe, Vitality Care and Calon Lan Community Care. With the support of the public, they believe they can surpass the original version’s chart success from 1997 and go all the way to No.1. 

All profits raised by the single’s downloads will be donated to the Care Workers’ Charity. The charity is dedicated to supporting the social care workforce, those providing care and support to the million+ people drawing on social care. 

The project’s message is simple: care workers deserve better and so do their families. Angels by the Homecare’s Got Talent Choir is available to download now:  

https://linktr.ee/HomeCaresGotTalent

Gillespie Macandrew donates £53,000 to Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has donated a record £53,000 to its charity partners, Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope, as part of the firm’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

The partnerships, announced in March, reflect the firm’s dedication to supporting charities nominated by staff through fundraising initiatives, volunteering, and financial contributions.

Richmond’s Hope provides children and young people aged 4-18 years old with the support, tools and space to process their grief after losing someone close to them.

Change Mental Health is a national mental health charity delivering non-clinical, person-centred support to people affected by mental illness in communities across Scotland.

Over the past nine years, Gillespie Macandrew has donated more than £350,000 to Scottish charities demonstrating the firm’s dedication to aligning with sustainable development goals that help strengthen communities and drive positive social change.

Amy McDowell, Partner and Head of Gillespie Macandrew’s ESG Committee said: “We are delighted to mark the first year of our partnership with Change Mental Health and Richmond’s Hope with a record donation.

“At Gillespie Macandrew, we believe it’s our responsibility to support organisations making a real difference in our communities. These charities provide vital services to people facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances, and we are proud to play a part in their work.

“Our charity partnerships are central to our award-winning ESG activities, which includes a strategic commitment to donate a percentage of pre-tax profits each year.

“The charities were chosen by our colleagues through a democratic process, ensuring the causes we support truly resonate with our team and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals we strive to advance.”

Alison Cairns, Chief Executive at Richmond’s Hope added: “We are excited to be working with Gillespie Macandrew as a charity partner for 2025-2027. This funding will help us reach more bereaved children and families and have a meaningful impact on their futures.

“Thank you to everyone at Gillespie Macandrew for the funding and the partnership over the next two years.

“We are also delighted to recognise the wider support shown through volunteering, the generous furniture donation towards our new Edinburgh base, and facilitating the online training session with the Gillespie Macandrew team which has strengthened our partnership and benefited the children and families we support.”

Jonny Cobbold, Director of Development at Change Mental Health said: “This first period of our partnership with Gillespie Macandrew, alongside Richmond’s Hope, has been incredibly fruitful in enabling us to change attitudes and tackle stigma around mental illness.

“Their keen interest in our work has been demonstrated through their participation in our new mental health training offer. We were also delighted to welcome colleagues from their team to our inaugural People First Summit in Edinburgh.

“This pre-tax profit donation is vital in ensuring we can support more people across Scotland and do more to raise awareness across Scottish communities.

“We cannot wait to see what’s in store for the remainder of the partnership over the next year or so, ensuring we can continue to fight for a future where no one faces mental illness alone.”

Gillespie Macandrew has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, advising clients on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, renewable energy, tax and disputes, combining a personal approach with industry-leading expertise.

With a strong emphasis on ESG and charity involvement, the firm actively supports its local communities through financial contributions, fundraising, and volunteer work.

Where Science Meets Santa: Dynamic Earth’s Winter Wonderland

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, will once again be bringing festive sparkle to the heart of Edinburgh with a programme of events that combines seasonal magic with science and storytelling.

From Santa’s Polar Grotto to festive family films, late-night Planetarium screenings, seasonal science clubs and the return of the Aurora Borealis show, the centre will be brimming with activities for all ages between 29 November and 23 December.

At the heart of the celebrations is Santa’s Polar Grotto, Edinburgh’s only grotto set beneath the Northern Lights. Families will be guided by Head Elf Polaris to the festive Arctic grotto, where they can meet Santa and his Polar Protectors, the arctic fox, polar bear, snowy owl and arctic hare. Alongside enchanting tales, each child will receive a token to exchange for a cuddly gift to take home, ensuring a magical keepsake from their visit.

Film fans are also in for a treat, with festive favourites returning to the big screen at Dynamic Earth selected weekend mornings at 10am. The line-up includes The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone and Elf, with additional screenings running in the days leading up to Christmas. 

Dynamic Earth’s younger visitors can join the popular Dynamites (0–4) and Dynamos (4–6) science clubs, which take on a seasonal flavour with “Reindeer Games” on 5, 12 and 19 December. C

hildren will discover how reindeer are specially adapted to survive the polar environment, handle real antlers, and get creative with themed crafts, all while enjoying access to the centre’s soft play area.

Adding to the atmosphere, the winter Planetarium show will once again showcase the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, immersing audiences in the science and spectacle of one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena.

Anastasia Rocke, Interim CEO at Dynamic Earth, said: “Christmas at Dynamic Earth is all about creating magical moments that also inspire curiosity about our planet.

“From meeting Santa set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights to learning about the amazing wildlife of the Arctic, we’re thrilled to offer families and visitors a truly unique festive experience in Edinburgh.”

Visitors to last year’s grotto agreed, with one parent commenting: “Wonderful experience! Very professionally done, great value for money, a real sense that everyone wanted to be there.

“Loved the fact that my daughter didn’t have to sit on Santa’s knee but could sit on a polar bear as well!”

Tickets for Santa’s Polar Grotto, films, Planetarium Lates and seasonal science sessions are available now at dynamicearth.org.uk. 

Advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.

DC Thomson family’s charitable trust donates £150,000 to support NSPCC to keep children safe online

A charitable trust, established by a family member of one of Scotland’s largest media companies, will help continue the NSPCC’s work to keep children safe online after pledging a donation of £150,000.

The Northwood Charitable Trust, which was set up by a member of the DC Thomson family in 1972, has pledged to donate £50k annually over the next three years to the children’s charity to support its campaign and research work on online safety.

DC Thomson is famous for publications such as the Beano, The Courier and the Sunday Post.

The core purpose of the Northwood Charitable Trust, which has supported the NSPCC for over a decade, is making communities better and more supportive places for people to live, work and prosper.

Their additional funding will be used for the NSPCC’s work to help protect children and young people online, including a youth-led project collaborating with the Scottish Youth Parliament which aims to ensure that young people’s voices are central to the development of a safer internet. 

The NSPCC continues to advocate for stronger protections in online gaming and digital platforms, trying to ensure children are protected from harm wherever they spend time online.

Blair Thomson, head of the Northwood Charitable Trust, said: “The Trust is proud to support the NSPCC’s pioneering work in online safety.

“In an increasingly digital world, we believe no child should ever feel unsafe or unheard. The NSPCC’s efforts give vulnerable young people a voice and safeguard the innocence every child deserves.”

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Northwood Charitable Trust for their continued support. This generous donation strengthens our work to keep children safe online and ensures that young people’s voices are heard where it will make the most impact.

“In a fast-changing digital world, it’s vital that we stay ahead of emerging risks and advocate for stronger protections across platforms- so that every child can explore and connect safely.

“With this support, we can continue pushing for meaningful change that protects children now and into the future.”

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.

If you are concerned about a child you can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or email: help@NSPCC.org.uk.

Flu cases on the rise: Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics across the city

With flu cases continuing to rise, NHS Lothian has organised a number of pop-up vaccinations in community facilities across the city:

TODAY (THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER)

HAYS COMMUNITY HUB, (PLACES FOR PEOPLE) HAY AVENUE

Tron Kirk Moredun-1-Vaccination 1 (1)Download

TOMORROW – FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER

TRON KIRK MOREDUN CHURCH, CRAIGOUR GARDENS

Royston Wardieburn-1-Vaccination 1 (1)Download

MONDAY 15 DECEMBER

ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, PILTON DRIVE NORTH

Craigentinny (1)-1-Vaccination 1 (2)Download

THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER

CRAIGENTINNY COMMUNITY CENTRE, LOANING ROAD

Gorgie Church-1-Vaccination 1 (1)Download

FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER

GORGIE CHURCH, GORGIE ROAD

Richmond Craigmillar Church (1)Download

TUESDAY 23 DECEMBER

RICHMOND CRAIGMILLAR CHURCH, NIDDRIE MAINS ROAD

TODAY: Something for everyone in a packed activities programme at North Edinburgh Arts

CREATIVITY, CONNECTION & FESTIVE FUN

✨ WHAT’S ON TODAY – Thursday 11 December at North Edinburgh Arts ✨

A full day of creativity, connection & festive fun, and most activities are free to join.

🎄 Winter Pop-Up Market | 11am–3pm

Handmade Christmas decorations, art and gifts by local artists & makers from Granton Art Collective, supported by NEA X NESSIE

🎬 Dementia-Friendly Film Club: Scrooge | 1.30–3.30pm

A relaxed, welcoming screening of the classic 1970s film

🌸 Garden Sessions for Adults | 1.30–4pm

Get active, learn new skills & meet new people in our Community Garden

🎨 Youth Arts Collective | 4–6pm

Creative challenges, fun games, snacks & chats for local young people

🥊 Women’s Wellbeing Workout | 6–7pm

BLAST Boxing for mental health, confidence & fitness (Pay What You Can)

🛸 Talk: Scottish UFOs | 6–7.15pm

A fascinating history of UFO culture with Dr Gavin Miller

🎲 Adult Social Club (16+) | 6–8pm

Board games, music, hot drinks & relaxed social time

🥊 Men’s Boxing Workout | 7–8pm

Fitness & wellbeing through boxing (Pay What You Can)

There’s something for everyone to enjoy so come and join the fun and make the most of it before the festive break!

More details can be found at: https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on

Planning Ahead for Christmas: The Silent Struggle of Scotland’s Unpaid  Carers

For Celia, Christmas isn’t about sparkle, it’s about survival

 For those who provide round the clock care to loved ones, the festive season  requires military level organisation around medication schedules, hospital  appointments and the unpredictable demands of caring. 

Carers Trust Scotland have heard from many unpaid carers that they started their  festive season shopping and planning many months ago. This kind of early planning  is common for many of Scotland’s 800,000 unpaid carers, who often have very little  free time and disposable income. These individuals provide care worth £15.9 billion  annually, yet their efforts often go unseen. 

“I started buying gifts last Christmas,” says Celia, who cares for her son Paul. “I can’t  just pop out when I want, so I plan ahead. When I see offers, I buy doubles and store  them away.

“By December, I’m juggling food, drink and all the little extras that add up,  it’s like paying double bills at this time of year.” 

But festive cheer comes with added challenges. Rising energy costs have hit unpaid carers hard: 

“Paul can’t regulate his body temperature, so the heating used to be on all the time,” Celia explains. “Now, with prices soaring, I’ve had to put it on a timer. This morning,  Paul came up and said, ‘Mum, my hands are cold.’

“When I do put the heating on, he  thanks me like I’ve given him an extra present. That’s heartbreaking.” 

Research from Carers Trust Scotland highlights the pressures carers face, even  during the holidays: 

• 41% of unpaid carers on Carer Support Payment are struggling financially. 

• 28% of unpaid carers living in a home with just one adult carer are in fuel  poverty. 

• Almost half (49%) of unpaid carers on Universal Credit and living alone are  fuel poor. 

• 74% worry about affording energy bills and 12% have used a food bank. • Only 30% say Carer Support Payment makes a meaningful difference.

Celia’s story reflects these realities. She’s not only managing the festive season on a  tight budget but also fighting to restore her son’s care package after it was stopped  without warning: 

“Paul has a rare brain disease. He could die at any time. I’ve had to remortgage my  house, and I’m thousands of pounds in debt just to keep his life as it was. If his  routine changes, his anxiety could trigger another collapse.” 

Despite these struggles, Celia remains determined to make the festive season special: 

“Paul is an absolute joy. Every day he brings light and life to our home. He even  makes his own Christmas cards, after six years of therapy just to hold a pencil.” 

Carers Trust Scotland works with a network of local carer organisations to provide  support, funding and advice to unpaid carers across the country. Reaching around  66,000 adult and young carers, the charity aims to ensure unpaid carers are  recognised and have access to the resources they need to live fulfilled lives. 

“Three out of five of us will become carers at some point in our lives,” says Becky  Duff, Carers Trust Scotland Director. “This Christmas, we want people to understand  the reality of caring and to celebrate the resilience and love that unpaid carers bring  to their families every day.” 

As Scotland approaches a new chapter in 2026, there’s an opportunity to ensure  unpaid carers are better supported and recognised. Carers Trust Scotland will  continue working closely with government and partners to shape policies that reflect  the realities of caring. 

A Little Help Goes a Long Way 

Since April 2025, our small grants programme has provided nearly £130,000 in direct  support to carers, funding essentials like heated blankets, tablets to reduce isolation,  and respite breaks. 

Every gift counts: £30 could keep a carer warm this winter, £100 could help an  isolated carer stay connected. 

Learn more about our work and how you can support unpaid carers at  Fundraising for Carers in Scotland | Carers Trust Scotland