Tag: Children and Families

Edinburgh & Lothian families to receive free storm‑safety storybook from SP Energy Networks

SP ENERGY NETWORKS BRINGS STORM SAFETY TO STORYTIME

Meet the tiny puppies taking on Britain’s wildest weather by teaching kids how to stay safe in a power cut, as top kids author-illustrator Emily MacKenzie reveals the exciting Stormy Night children’s book every family needs this winter.

Two fearless puppies are taking on storm season in a new bedtime story that could save the day in a power cut – Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night.

Award‑winning children’s author‑illustrator Emily MacKenzie has partnered with distribution network operator SP Energy Networks to create a new playbook for power cuts. Released at the height of the UK’s storm season, this new storybook helps families stay cosy and safe if the lights go out.

Perfect for children under five, the story is tailormade for bedtime or nursery reading. The wind howls, the lights flicker and heroic puppies Walter and Skye start their new adventure as a storm blows in. The brother‑and‑sister duo will face their fear of the dark and take on a power cut – thanks to a special storm kit they prepared before the weather turned.

The new book will hit nurseries, libraries and playgroups across Central & Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire over the course of this winter. Over 2,000 print copies are being shared across SP Energy Networks’ patch, with a free online version available through the company’s website.

Author Emily MacKenzie has twice been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize and is known for her colourful illustrations made using coloured pencils, pens, gouache, inks and rubber stamps.

Her books include Wanted! Ralfy, Rabbit Book Burglar, Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat, Eric Makes a Splash! and Help! Ralfy Rabbit and the Great Library Rescue.

Emily MacKenzie said: “I loved the idea of turning a wild, windy night into something exciting rather than scary. Walter and Skye are the kind of friends you’d want by your side when the lights go out – curious, brave and ready to spring into action!

“As I painted each page, I thought about the families who might read it together, wrapped up in blankets, learning these simple tips without even realising they’re learning. My hope is that children will remember the characters and when a storm comes along, SP Energy Networks makes them feel ready and safe.”

The book packs in SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe, warm and prepared during storm season – from keeping a wind-up torch within reach and a power bank fully charged, to knowing the emergency helpline number and signing up for the free Priority Services Register if you need extra support.

Kendal Morris, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re always looking for innovative ways to help our customers prepare for bad weather so partnering with the incredible Emily MacKenzie to create a children’s story felt like a great way to engage families.

“While power cuts are rare, it’s really important that parents and all our customers know what to do if the lights go out. Our teams are working round the clock this winter to keep the power flowing.”

The book is part of a partnership with Scottish Book Trust to help the story reach as many families as possible. On Thursday 5 February, SP Energy Networks teamed up with Bookbug for a special family‑friendly live reading at Central Children’s Library in Edinburgh.

Children, parents and carers joined author Emily MacKenzie in person at a Bookbug Session, heard the story come to life and took home a signed copy to treasure. Scottish Book Trust also shared the story through its Bookbug network and free app, helping it reach thousands of families nationwide.

Marc Lambert, CEO at Scottish Book Trust, said: “Stories are a wonderful way for children and families to bond, and Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night does just that. It’s a charming story with beautiful illustrations that will help families to be prepared for stormy winter weather.

“We’re proud to share this adventure through Bookbug, and help the book to reach families across the country.”

Families can get their hands on the new book for free on the SP Energy Networks website: 

https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/walters_skyes_stormy_night.aspx

PYCP: Community Chat & Chill Cafe

STARTS THIS THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY: 12 – 2PM

To all our local neighbours:

For the next 7 weeks we are trialling a warm safe space for our Chat & Chill Cafe. Our first one is this Thursday 12 February midday to 2pm.

Whether you have children attending PYCP or not, EVERYONE in our community is welcome to join us.

Pop in, chill out and enjoy a warm space filled with good vibes and good company.

We will be serving up free homemade soup, tasty sandwiches and some extra treats to brighten your day.

Each session comes with giveaway goodies and a lively round of prize bingo (no cost to you).

We will also have our Pop up shop of affordable clothing if you want to browse and pick up some bargains (cash and card payments taken for this). Any money raised goes staight back in to the running of the clubs and groups.

If you think you can make it for our first Chat & Chill then it would be great if you can give us a quick message or send an email to info@pycp.co.uk

Thanks

PY Team

PS> If you can’t make this week, then plenty of other dates in the flyer!

Children First urges families living in poverty in Edinburgh to contact them for help

This winter, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh struggling to make ends meet to call its national support line. 

The charity’s experienced team can give confidential assistance with money worries, and thanks to extra funding from the Scottish Government, can provide emergency support to families living in poverty.   

As well as immediate help, every family that contacts the charity’s support line will be offered expert debt management advice, support to access benefits, and guidance to help families build a more secure financial future. 

Thanks to partners British Gas Energy Trust, the charity is also able to offer eligible families new white goods ranging from fridges to washing machines – but only until the end of February. 

In 2025, the charity’s support line helped nearly 1,500 families with money worries. The team put £1.8 million back into household budgets and supported families to manage over £1 million pounds in debts.  

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We know it can feel hard to talk about money worries, but getting help early can make an enormous difference. Our friendly team listens without judgement and helps parents and carers get the support they need to make life better for their children. 

“As well as immediate financial help to alleviate a crisis, we can offer practical, down-to-earth help with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. And thanks to British Gas Energy Trust, until the end of February we can provide white goods like washing machines and fridges to families living without these essentials. 

“We want parents and carers to know they don’t need to face their money worries alone. If you’re struggling, please get in touch. We can help you straight away. 

“Call the support line team free on 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday or start a webchat with the team on our website at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.” 

When Amy* first called Children First’s support line, she was at breaking point. Trapped in a damp flat with two young children, suffering from postnatal depression and £190 short every month, she felt invisible and hopeless. 

Children First’s support line arranged immediate food and heating support so Amy’s children could stay warm and fed. They secured £1,500 from the Home Heating Fund and negotiated lower bills, cutting Amy’s broadband by £38 per month. The team also secured £180 per month in child maintenance and connected Amy to housing, mental health and local family support services. 

Amy’s financial situation improved by more than £4,500, lifting a weight off her shoulders and helping give her and her children a brighter, more secure future. 

Amy said: “I felt invisible before I called. Now I feel like someone is on my side. My kids are happy, and I can breathe again.” 

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the family. 

In January 2026, Children First was awarded £1.5m in funding from the Scottish Government to provide extra emergency support to families in crisis as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.

Find out more here: £10m emergency support for families – gov.scot 

Charity calls on policy makers to address the financial cost of having a child in inpatient or outpatient care

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity says the Young Patients Family Fund is failing the families who need it most

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has launched its manifesto – Families on the brink – ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections calling for an overhaul of the Young Patients Family Fund. 

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC said: “The current system, while well intentioned, is failing the families who need it most. Parents already stretched to the limit are being pushed into a deeper financial crisis by reimbursement policies that ignore the realities of everyday life.”

The charity has outlined measures in its manifesto to change the system to a cash-first approach over reimbursement as well as expanding the criteria to cover families attending regular outpatient appointments, rather than just inpatient care. 

ECHC provides seriously ill children and their families with the extra support they need when facing a potentially life-changing hospital visit. It sees first hand the number of families who  simply can’t afford to pay upfront for travel, food, or accommodation – let alone wait weeks to be reimbursed. 

For some families, even when they have been reimbursed the money doesn’t reach them as it can be swallowed by overdrafts or used to repay public debts the moment it hits their account. The fund also doesn’t support families who don’t have a bank account or are unable to navigate the complex claims process. 

ECHC believes the eligibility criteria should be expanded beyond inpatient appointments as outpatient appointments can be just as costly for families. Children who need frequent outpatient care – like chemotherapy or treatments for chronic conditions such as Crohn’s – often attend more than five appointments a year.  That results in five days of missed work. Five days of travel costs. And, five days of disruption to school, siblings, and family life.

Roslyn Neely added: “Ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections we want policymakers to show families who have a young person regularly visiting or staying in hospital that they understand their reality. They understand that families who are already exhausted and stretched to their limits, feeling unsupported by the system, don’t have to be financially drained as well. 

“Simple changes to the Young Patients Family Fund would ease the pressure on families who are struggling, and make what could be a potentially life changing or life threatening experience, just a little bit more manageable.” 

The Scottish Government budget for 2026/27 has allocated £3.2 million to the fund, a reduction from £5 million from when it was introduced in 2021. 

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity – Scottish Election 2026 – ManifestoDownload

Stepping Stones to deliver third Circle of Security parenting programme

STEPPING Stones North Edinburgh are pleased to share that we are partnering with PAIRS (Perinatal and Infant Relationship Service) NHS to deliver our third run of the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) programme, starting in February after building on positive feedback and outcomes from previous groups.

Our Family Wellbeing Practitioner, Anna, will be teaming up with clinicians from PAIRS NHS to co-facilitate the group. This partnership brings together Stepping Stones’ relationship-based, community-focused approach with PAIRS’ specialist expertise in perinatal and infant mental health.

Circle of Security Parenting is an evidence-based programme that helps parents and carers understand their child’s emotional needs and behaviours. It focuses on learning about attachment in a way that is supportive and respectful, without blame or judgment.

The group offers a safe and welcoming space where parents can reflect on their experiences, learn alongside others, and develop confidence in building strong, secure relationships with their children.

We are now accepting referrals for parents and carers who may benefit from this kind of support.

Referrals are welcome from professionals, and parents can also get in touch directly to find out more.

Granton Youth Clubs are running over the February break

All our Youth Clubs are still running in February Break with the exception of The Pitt on Tuesday 17th BUT we made some extra plans so you (and us, honestly) can get rid of those Winter Blues!

Sign-up for these in any of our youth clubs between now and 12th February or by email to Ryan@grantonyouth.com if you can’t make it til then!

As always our trips are free, and transport to and from is provided! Confirmation of spaces will be sent on Friday 13th February!

Please be aware though newcomers are welcome, priority is given to those who do regularly attend our youth clubs!

GY x

#grantonyouth

#grantonyouthclubs

#grantonyouthfebbreak2026

#youthworkworks

#youthworkchangeslives

Holyrood Committee calls for urgent national action to improve ADHD and autism assessment and support

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee published its report today into Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism pathways and support.

The Committee calls for urgent action to deliver a national plan that ensures autistic people and people with ADHD can access clear, consistent pathways to support across every health board in Scotland.

The Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to accept the recommendations in the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways report.

It also notes the Scottish Government’s intention to review implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification for Children and Young People through its new task force.

The Committee expresses concern that many people wait years for neurodevelopmental assessments and that some health board areas have closed waiting lists. It emphasises that long waits harm individuals and may prevent people from making a full contribution to society.

The unprecedented demand for neurodevelopmental assessment is recognised by the Committee and the need to put certain thresholds in place before a referral is made. But the Committee warns that this approach can be seen as gatekeeping and can cause delays to accessing assessments and support.

The report further highlights evidence that long waiting times can push people into crisis, which can increase complexity of the support needed and put additional pressure on services. It calls on the Scottish Government to work with health boards to deliver a shift towards early, progressive support, in line with the principles of the Population Health Framework.

The Committee also heard evidence that long NHS waiting times can push people towards private diagnosis at significant cost, risking a two-tier system.

The Committee calls for a comprehensive review of assessment processes across all areas, leading to a National Standard that guarantees consistency, responsiveness and support across Scotland.

Given current waiting times, the Committee calls for consistent high-quality communication with people on waiting lists, including accurate, supportive, up-to-date and neuro-affirming information that meets the needs of each individual.

Countering claims that neurodevelopmental conditions are subject to over-diagnosis, the report instead notes evidence that rising demand for assessments reflects historic under-diagnosis and improved understanding of these conditions. The report recognises that diagnosis can validate lived experience and help people access adjustments, support and medication if needed.

While the Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment that diagnosis should not be a prerequisite for support, it remains concerned that, for many individuals, the lack of a formal diagnosis can create a barrier to accessing support. The Committee calls on the Scottish Government to set out actions to prevent diagnosis status becoming an artificial barrier to receiving support.

To improve fairness and consistency, the Committee calls for a plan to deliver mandatory training for everyone involved in making referrals to neurodevelopmental pathways and all health and social care staff in patient-facing roles.

The Committee supports a whole systems approach across health, social care, education and other sectors to improve awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support for those with neurodevelopmental conditions.

It calls on the Scottish Government to set out what it is doing to advance whole society action, including workforce planning, funding distribution that supports integration, inclusive education, support for families with multiple neurodivergent members, and stronger collaboration across public services.

On publication of the report, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee said: “Our inquiry has shone a light on the myriad issues those with neurodevelopmental conditions face in accessing and receiving support from Scotland’s NHS.

“We acknowledge the huge rise in demand for assessment and diagnosis and the huge pressure this places on services. But we are concerned that inconsistent care pathways and a lack of support can leave some feeling isolated and unable to access the support they need.

“We are concerned to have heard evidence of long waits for assessments or closed waiting lists, meaning some individuals are unable to access support due to where they live or because they haven’t been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition. It’s clear things need to improve.

“We’re calling for urgent delivery of a national plan so that autistic people and/or people with ADHD are able to access clear, consistent pathways to support regardless of where they live in Scotland.

“We’re also calling on the Scottish Government and health boards to work together to undertake a comprehensive review of the assessment process in order to introduce a National Standard for assessments that guarantees consistency and quality of access throughout Scotland.

“Our Committee wants to see a whole systems and whole society approach to ensure autistic people and/or people with ADHD can access equitable and timely pathways to assessment, treatment and support across Scotland.

“Thank you to all of the individuals who shared their personal experiences of ADHD and autism with us and helped inform our inquiry.”

Other findings in the report:

  • The report also stresses the need for consistent national data on referrals and waiting times. The Committee calls for steps to enable routine quarterly reporting of data on referrals and waiting times for autism and ADHD, underpinned by national guidance, and for longer-term work to culminate in a comprehensive dashboard.
  • The Committee pays tribute to third sector organisations that support people who have not received, or are waiting for, diagnosis. It welcomes ongoing commitments such as the Autistic Adult Support Fund and calls for clearer plans to place third sector funding on a sustainable long-term footing.

Both ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions.

ADHD is characterised by a group of symptoms that includes difficulty in concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It affects around 5% of school-aged children, and between 2.5% and 4% of adults.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information.

It is often characterised by social and communication difficulties and by repetitive behaviours. Current estimates indicate about 1 in 34 people are autistic, just under 3% of the population.

Additional investment for neurodevelopmental support

Increased funding to support children and families

Children, young people and their families will benefit from £3.4 million of additional investment to improve access to neurodevelopmental support.

This brings investment in neurodevelopmental supports and services this year to more than £5 million, providing earlier help for families and ensuring people can access support that meets their needs.

More than £1 million is intended to directly support families, including providing access to digital support on neurodevelopmental conditions – including autism and ADHD. A successful hub model developed in Edinburgh will also be expanded to Tayside, bringing together health, education and third sector support for families in one place.

The investment will also help improve services, including testing new approaches to neurodevelopmental assessment and ADHD support for young adults.

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “I am determined to drive real, meaningful improvements and deliver the best possible outcomes for neurodivergent people. Demand for neurodevelopmental support and diagnosis has increased significantly in recent years, both in Scotland and globally.

“This additional £3.4 million will improve the help available to families – providing better information, practical support and access to services in their communities. This funding will create the groundwork for additional investment in the future – as proposed in our Budget for next year. 

“We want to ensure that children, young people and their families can access the support they need, regardless of where they are on their neurodevelopmental journey.

“A diagnosis is just one part of someone’s experience. What matters most is that people get the right support at the right time, and this funding will help make that happen.”

The investment builds on the additional £500,000 funding announced in June 2025, bringing the total additional investment to £3.9 million in 2025-26.

Funding is being made available for a range of projects, including:

  • supplementing health board assessment capacity, particularly for young people approaching transition to adult services
  • providing digital support to 1,000 families through the EPIC Think Learn platform
  • extending the Yard’s Edinburgh Disability and Neurodevelopment Hub model to Tayside, bringing together support from health, education and third sector services
  • testing holistic approaches to assessment and support with a new neurodevelopmental research clinic with the University of Glasgow
  • work to develop and test digital support tools for ADHD for young adults
  • continuing the Fife children and young people’s neurodevelopmental test of change
  • and work to better understand support needs of children and young people on health board waiting lists and assist connection of families with local support

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD.

UK loses measles elimination status

THE UK has lost its measles elimination status

At its 14th meeting, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) emphasized that measles and rubella elimination and verification remain priorities for the WHO European Region and globally.

Based on reports submitted for 2024 and previous years, the RVC concluded that: 

  • 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence to demonstrate the elimination of endemic measles (interruption for at least 36 months) and 49 (92%) to demonstrate the elimination of endemic rubella, and 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence of the elimination of both measles and rubella; 
  • one Member State interrupted measles transmission for 12 months;  
  • 13 (25%) Member States were considered endemic for measles; 
  • 6 (11%) Member States were considered to have re-established measles transmission; and
  • the rubella elimination status of 3 (6%) Member States is subject to the provision of additional data. 

The RVC noted with concern the loss of measles elimination status in some Member States, including some with high-performing immunization programmes. The situation in 2024 highlighted the urgent need for increased political and financial commitment from countries and international organizations.

Considering the vast majority of reported cases were among unimmunized individuals, the RVC reiterated that to achieve measles and rubella elimination, as recommended by WHO, sustained coverage of at least 95% with 2 doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccines is needed.

The RVC encouraged all Member States to increase activities to achieve sufficient immunization coverage and close all remaining immunity gaps, focusing especially on vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. The RVC also encouraged all Member States to enhance surveillance systems to improve case detection and capture more epidemiological and laboratory data to allow adequate analysis and the identification of transmission chains and outbreak sources.

The RVC is also concerned with the absence of the timely detection of and adequate immunization response to measles outbreaks, which are critical to stop measles virus transmission once the virus has been imported into a population with susceptible individuals.

The further building of response capacities, and understanding of the consequences if adequate response measures, including immunization, are not taken on time, must be priorities for health systems and decision-makers in all Member States. 

The 14th RVC meeting report, including the full text of conclusions and recommendations, is pending publication.

Table: RVC conclusions on measles and rubella elimination status per Member State for 2024

Member StateMeaslesRubella
AlbaniaEliminatedEliminated
AndorraEliminatedEliminated
ArmeniaRe-establishedEliminated
AustriaRe-establishedEliminated
AzerbaijanRe-establishedEliminated
BelarusEliminatedEliminated
BelgiumEliminatedEliminated
Bosnia and HerzegovinaEndemicSubject to provision of additional data
BulgariaEliminatedEliminated
CroatiaEliminatedEliminated
CyprusEliminatedEliminated
CzechiaEliminatedEliminated
DenmarkEliminatedEliminated
EstoniaEliminatedEliminated
FinlandEliminatedEliminated
FranceEndemicEliminated
GeorgiaEndemicEliminated
GermanyEndemicEliminated
GreeceEliminatedEliminated
HungaryEliminatedEliminated
IcelandEliminatedEliminated
IrelandEliminatedEliminated
IsraelNo reportNo report
ItalyEndemicEliminated
KazakhstanEndemicEliminated
KyrgyzstanEndemicEliminated
LatviaEliminatedEliminated
LithuaniaEliminatedEliminated
LuxembourgEliminatedEliminated
MaltaEliminatedEliminated
MonacoEliminatedEliminated
MontenegroEliminatedEliminated
Netherlands (Kingdom of the)EliminatedEliminated
North MacedoniaEliminatedEliminated
NorwayEliminatedEliminated
PolandEndemicSubject to provision of additional data
PortugalEliminatedEliminated
Republic of MoldovaEliminatedEliminated
RomaniaEndemicEliminated
Russian FederationEndemicEliminated
San MarinoEliminatedEliminated
SerbiaEndemicEliminated
SlovakiaEliminatedEliminated
SloveniaEliminatedEliminated
SpainRe-establishedEliminated
SwedenEliminatedEliminated
SwitzerlandEliminatedEliminated
TajikistanInterrupted 12 monthsEliminated
TürkiyeEndemicEliminated
TurkmenistanEliminatedEliminated
UkraineEndemicSubject to provision of additional data
United KingdomRe-establishedEliminated
UzbekistanRe-establishedEliminated

UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status: