Tag: Children and Families

Free music lessons coming to Edinburgh this weekend

‘Learn to Play’ is back this weekend and offers free music taster sessions to encourage new and lapsed music makers to experience the joys and benefits of making music. 

The initiative, by the charity Music for All, will take place at the Music Room Edinburgh will offer free 10-15 minute music lessons.

A number of tutorials will also be available to subscribers of Music for All’s YouTube channel from the 25th September.  These will feature the likes of the band Skunk Anansie, David Tench the musical director of The Voice UK, jazz multi-instrumentalist Orphy Robinson, and more.

By offering free music lessons at venues across the county, in person or, for the first time, online, allows all ages and abilities to gain easy access to a wide range of musical instruments and fulfil their dreams of learning to play an instrument. 

Some of Music for All Ambassadors and supporters include Ace from Skunk Anansie, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Jools Holland, Chi-chi Nwanoku and Jamie Cullum.

Learn to Play ’21 has been growing in popularity. A record 10,000 people picked up and played a musical instrument during the last event in 2019.

To see video messages of support from Orphy, Ace, David, Sheku and Chi-chi subscribe here Music for All UK charity – YouTube.

Jools Holland commented, “Making music is very important to me. It’s my work, my pleasure, my friend, companion and therapist. The charity Music for All believes passionately in the unique power of music to change lives, and that’s why it runs Learn to Play, which last time provided over 10,000 free introductory lessons in 120 venues across the UK.

“So, if you’re a budding or lapsed musician, or you’d like to be a venue that holds a Learn to Play event on September 25th and 26th, please visit the Music for All website and sign up. Thank you.”

Tony Followell, Chair of Trustees at Music for All, said: “Being able to offer free music taster sessions to everyone is so very important. People may not have had the opportunity to pick up an instrument in the past and experience what joy can be found in making music.

“We encourage the people of Edinburgh to book their places today to discover what could be a new hobby or even career. Spaces are booking up fast so act now to avoid disappointment. We look forward to meeting and teaching as many people as possible.” 

Learn to Play ’21 is generously supported by the NAMM Foundation and partners include Music Industries Association, Musicians Union, Making Music and Music Mark.

To find a free music lesson close to you visit 

https://musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday/

and click on the interactive map.

Vaccination drive accelerated

– Covid-19 booster vaccinations get underway today

– Lothian launches drop-in clinics for 12 to 15-year-olds

Residents in care homes for older people are the first to be offered coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccinations from today (Monday).

This group will be offered both flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised that they could be given alongside one another.

From tomorrow (Tuesday 21 September) frontline health and social care workers are able to book an appointment for a booster jab online at NHS Inform. The portal can be used by all health and social care workers to book a flu vaccine.

Adults aged 70 years and over and those 16 years and over who are on the highest risk list (previously known as the shielding list) will begin to be contacted by letter or by their GP from the end of September.  

People on the highest risk list who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their last COVID-19 vaccination will be offered a third primary dose instead. 

Other eligible groups – including all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions, adult carers, unpaid and young carers, adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals and all adults over 50 – will be able to book an appointment online from October.

Meanwhile, also from today (Monday) children and young people aged 12 -15 years old can go to drop-in clinics for a vaccination if they wish to get their jab before they receive their letter inviting them for a scheduled appointment. Everyone in this age group will be invited for vaccination at a community based clinic or a school delivery session from 27 September.

Heath Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased to see the booster programme getting underway for residents in care homes for older people, offering longer lasting protection against severe COVID-19 illness.

“The booster programme will run alongside our biggest ever flu vaccine programme as both of these programmes are important for individual and for public health and wherever possible, those eligible will be offered COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines together.

“We are also starting vaccination of 12-15 year olds after Scottish Ministers accepted advice from the four UK Chief Medical Officers. This group can now head to drop-in clinics for their jabs or wait for a letter offering them a scheduled appointment.”

NHS Lothian launches drop-in clinics for 12 to 15-year-olds

Young people aged 12 to 15 will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine at drop-in clinics across Lothian from today (September 20).

Mass clinics in West Lothian, Edinburgh and Midlothian will open their doors to young people as part of the latest phase of the national vaccination programme.

Pyramids, Gorebridge and Lowland Hall vaccination clinics will be the first in Lothian to administer the lifesaving vaccine, before more clinics are added to the list over coming days.

Pat Wynne, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian said: “We are delighted to offer drop-in clinics for young people aged 12-15.

“These clinics will enable young people to attend, without a prior appointment to receive their vaccination.

“We recognise that young people, as well as their parents and guardians may have questions regarding the COVID vaccination and we encourage them to visit the pages on NHS Inform where there is a range of information available.

“Alongside this, our teams at Pyramids, Gorebridge and Lowland Hall are one hand to answer any questions people may have.

“Vaccination remains critically important in the continued fight against COVID-19 and we welcome the further expansion of the vaccination programme across Lothian.”

The clinics are opening their doors following the publication and government acceptance of the advice of the four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to offer a single dose of the COVID vaccine to all healthy 12-15-year-olds.

Young people do not need to be registered with a GP to attend, however it is requested that they are accompanied by their parent or guardian.

As well as the drop-in clinics for 12-15’s, NHS Lothian continues to operate a range of COVID vaccination clinics in locations across Lothian.

Mr Wynne added: “We continue to offer vaccination clinics across Lothian for anyone who requires a first dose of the vaccine, or who is now due their second dose. I would urge anyone who has still to be vaccinated to pop along.”

More information on the 12-15 vaccination programme is available on NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/12to15

Information on clinic locations and opening times is also available on NHS Lothian’s website – https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx

Halloween Adventures at Blair Drummond Safari Park

It’s all treats and no tricks at Blair Drummond Safari Park this Autumn as the award-winning family destination is gearing up for a roar-some season packed with pumpkins, firepits, hay-bale spiders, and of course … the incredible safari animals roaming the park’s expansive plains.

From 8th – 31st October, marvel at the antics of the cheeky meerkats, look up to the towering giraffes and say hello to the lions. And when you’ve filled your boots with animal magic, take a trip to the dinosaur forest before taking in the special Autumn attractions.

Wrap up warm and skip along to the pretty picket fence-enclosed pumpkin patch to choose your favourite pumpkin before toasting some GIANT marshmallows on the firepits. It’s insta-perfect and great fun!

Feeling peckish? Blair Drummond Safari Park has introduced a new food offering including a wood fired pizza oven, tacos, freshly made donuts, and a seasonal hot chocolate shack.  

Speaking about Halloween Adventures, Blair Drummond’s Liz Gunn said: “For us it’s about bringing the season to life in a way that families will love! We have a magic formula of incredible animals, new and exciting things to see and lots of outdoor space so little ones can run freely and enjoy the great outdoors.

“As we are an established visitor attraction, we have a great infrastructure of plentiful parking, accessible toilets and adventure playgrounds designed to delight little ones. This makes for a stress-free, fun filled day out no matter the weather.”

Entry numbers are strictly limited so book now on:

https://www.blairdrummond.com/visiting-us/

Prices:  Adult £16.50, Child (3-15yrs) £13.50, Senior (60 yrs) £13.50. Pumpkins £3 each

Opening times: 9:30am – 5:30pm

Children spend half a life at home with the parents

One in eight adult children who live with their parents could spend half their life living with mum and dad

One in eight (13%) adults that have always lived with their parents are aged 35-55+. That means people are spending almost half of their expected lifespans (81 years) if not longer living with their parents

Of those aged 35+ that live with their parents, 40% have never moved out

Over a third (37%) of adult children living at home don’t expect to move out in the near future

This could be costing parents a fortune – over half (55%) of parents with adult children living at home said they cover additional costs because of this. On average parents are spending £117 per child each month

It’s well documented that more grown-up children are now choosing to live at home with their parents for longer4. Now, new research from SpareRoom reveals just how much longer that could be: almost half of their lives – if not more.

One in eight (13%) of those who have always lived with their parents are aged 35 to 55+. Currently the average life expectancy in the UK is 81 years. That means people in their mid-to-late thirties have lived with their parents for nearly half of their expected lifespans – while those over 55 have spent more than two thirds (68%) of their lives under their parents rooves.

Furthermore, of all of those surveyed aged 35 – 55+, 40% have never moved out of the family home5.

Astonishingly, one in two (50%) adult children who currently live at home have never moved out. What’s more, 37% don’t expect to move out within the next six months, with the likelihood of moving out decreasing after the age of 25.

Whilst living at home and spending time with family is seen (by most) as a positive bonding experience, it has an impact on important milestones outside of the family home for children, not to mention the cost implications for parents.

The majority (55%) of parents with adult children living at home cover extra expenses because of this, with the average parent being out of pocket by £117 per child each month.

The bank of mum and dad, now also known as the hotel of mum and dad, helps pay for their adult children’s food (64%), clothes (36%), fuel (25%) and even ‘pocket money’ for them to socialise with their friends (25%) while they’re living at home.

Many parents also paid for their subscriptions (20%) and holidays (23%). Covering mental health and therapy (12%) costs were also on the list of expenditures for parents.

Miriam Tierney, SpareRoom spokesperson comments: “We’ve known for some time that the number of adults living at home with their parents has been rising. The main factor driving that is how expensive housing is, regardless of whether you’re renting or buying. What hasn’t been clear, until now, is just how much of their lives people could be spending in the family home.

“There are, of course, plenty of positives to multi-generational living and in many countries and cultures it’s the norm. However, in the UK the trend is clearly being driven by the housing crisis rather than choice and it’s restricting career and social opportunities for a whole generation.”

‘World class’ child cancer care strategy launched

A strategy to deliver world class cancer care for children and young people has been published by the Scottish Government.

Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, the Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People in Scotland 2021-2026, was launched by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf during an online event yesterday.

The strategy highlights 10 priorities for the next five years, supported by almost £6 million investment, which include:

  • working towards funding genetic testing to provide personally targeted treatment
  • expanding Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell therapy (CAR-T) to teenagers and young adults
  • setting up a national molecular radiotherapy service for children
  • funding a dedicated health workforce to care for teenagers and young adults 
  • raising the profile of supported care services and holistic care
  • developing a single centre of excellence to provide radiotherapy treatment to improve survival among children with cancer

Mr Yousaf said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy, but receiving one at such a young age is especially difficult.

“We know that diagnosis has come a long way, with survival rates remaining stable for children and young people. However there is still more we can do to support this age group to live long, healthy and happy lives.

“This strategy, backed by almost £6 million, marks an exciting time for children and young people’s cancer services as the first strategy for this age group. It outlines our 10 ambitions to build on previous successes so that, by 2026, we will see improved and enhanced outcomes for patients and ensure equal access to care across Scotland.”

Medical Director of NHS Forth Valley Andrew Murray said: “I am delighted to see the launch of Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, after such a challenging period in the NHS Scotland’s history, and I look forward to working with our clinicians and families to deliver its ambitious objectives over the next five years, improving experiences and outcomes.”

The strategy can be read in full here.

The launch was somewhat overshadowed by news that the Scottish Government is calling in the army to help tackle a crisis in the ambulance service – and a Twitter post of a film of Health Minister Humza Yousaf’s unfortunate accident on a scooter.

Council welcomes Scottish Government’s support for capital’s poorest families

City of Edinburgh Council finance leaders have welcomed yesterday’s Scottish Government announcement that around 8,000 Edinburgh children from low-income families will benefit from a £320 uplift before Christmas.

As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, children that are entitled to free school meals will receive payments of £160 per child in October and December.

This follows three payments that were made late in 2020 and early this year to eligible families by the Council, taking the total to £620 received by each child.

In Edinburgh, these were:

a Winter Support Fund payment of £100 per child in December 2020;

a Spring Hardship Payment of £100 per child in March 2021; and

a Summer Family Pandemic Payment of £100 per child in June 2021. This was issued along with the Summer holiday Free School Meals Payment of £92.50 per child.

This will take the total money distributed to children in low-income families by the end of 2021, over these five payments, to around £4.8 million.

In 2022, the Council also will deliver £520 payments per child in 4 instalments on behalf of the Scottish Government.

As detailed by the Scottish Government, this cash is equivalent to the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), a £10-a-week benefit which provides regular, additional financial support for families in receipt of qualifying benefits to assist with the costs of caring for a child aged under six years old.

Finance Convener Councillor Rob Munn said: “Many families are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and it’s more important than ever that we continue to support those most in need, particularly at a time of year when household bills are increasing. So we welcome this additional money from the Scottish Government, that will be administered through the Council, to give some added relief.

“As a Council we are committed to ending poverty and supporting the wellbeing of our residents and through building a better foundation for our young people we hope that we can create a better future for all.”

Finance Vice Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths said: “Direct support must go hand in hand with the ongoing financial support to ensure that no child is left behind as a result of these unprecedented times.

“Our teams from across Children’s Services have worked tirelessly to put in place a series of measures across the city to continue to support and monitor the effects the pandemic is having on our children. Thanks must go to all our hard-working staff and third sector partners who are providing these vital services.”

Cyrenians’ Keeping Families Together project advisory board holds first meeting

Cyrenians Keeping Families Together with Cashback for Communities project works alongside Scotland’s secure centres to support children to escape the cycle of homelessness and residential care. The first cross-sector advisory board meeting was held yesterday.  

The Promise Scotland, published in February 2020, is responsible for driving the work of change demanded by the findings of the Independent Care Review and sets out an ambition for Scotland ‘to be the best place in the world to grow up’ so that children are ‘loved, safe and respected, able to realise their full potential’. 

However, at any one time in Scotland, up to 84 children can be in secure accommodation. The aim of such secure care centres is ‘to provide intensive support and safe boundaries to help these highly vulnerable children re-engage and move forward positively in their communities’. 

Yesterday, experts from across the sector, including Cyrenians, The Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice, Scottish Government, Aid and Abet, Police Scotland Violence Reduction Unit, University of Strathclyde, East Lothian Council, the Care Inspectorate and Good Shepherd Centre joined the first ever Keeping Families Together Advisory Board meeting to share best practice and ensure whole family support for those currently residing in Scotland’s secure centres, to help #KeepThePromise. 

The focus of the ‘Keeping Families Together’ Project is to support children and their families to rebuild relationships and return to the family home where possible.

Family contact has been highlighted as a specific area where more attention is needed for those in secure care and without support, the issues affecting families and children – whether the impact of earlier ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), low income and related stresses – can be left unchecked.

Communication can break down, and relationships can fracture, with devastating consequences for the child and the wider community.  

Kerry Watson, Service Manager at Cyrenians, said “At what can only be an enormously stressful and difficult period in a child’s life, it is only right that both the child and the rest of the family receive the support they need to maintain those relationships, and for the child, where possible, to return home with a positive route forward. 

“Bringing together experts from across the sector ensures that we are able to provide whole family support, meaning that any decisions made are in the best interest of the child, including returning home.”  

Dr Cara Jardine Chair of Keeping Families Together Advisory Group added: “The past year has added additional pressures with COVID impacting on family’s ability to visit and stay connected.

“It is imperative that as restrictions ease we focus on providing meaningful support that ensures the rights of the children we support are upheld and advocated for. By putting the child’s needs at the centre of any decision making process we will be able to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma, homelessness and disadvantage, ensuring more positive outcomes for all.”  

To find out more about Keeping Families Together, visit www.cyrenians.scot 

Broadcasters unite to support The Daily Mile campaign

ITV, STV, Sky, and Channel 4 have joined together in a national campaign to encourage millions of children to get back to being fit and active with The Daily Mile. 

Launching today, the TV advertising campaign highlights the powerful impact that The Daily Mile has on children’s physical and mental wellbeing. This campaign is part of a £10m commitment from broadcasters, and INEOS’ ongoing support to improve children’s physical and mental health. 

The fast-growing initiative for primary schools has been a huge success with children, parents and teachers worldwide. It has been particularly effective in getting children moving again after the disruption caused by Covid and school closures.

The Daily Mile recently reported that the number of children running a mile a day has skyrocketed to more than 3 million (3,175,461) in over 13,000 schools and nurseries, spanning 85 countries now taking part. 

The Daily Mile is inclusive and accessible to all. It encourages children to run, jog, wheel or walk at their own pace outdoors for 15 minutes every day, and has also been proven to improve concentration and attainment in class. 

The Daily Mile was first developed in 2012 by Scottish headteacher Elaine Wyllie MBE. Since 2016 it has been supported by INEOS, who funded the creation of the advert.

ITV formed a partnership with The Daily Mile in 2018, helping the campaign to generate over 7,000 additional schools sign ups and nearly 2 million more children participating since the partnership began. 

ITV’s Senior Manager of Social Purpose, Annabel Barratt, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the success of our partnership with the Daily Mile so far. After the last school year was so difficult, ITV wants to use our platform and reach to encourage more healthy choices, and we’re so pleased Sky and Channel 4 are on board too.

“We know The Daily Mile boosts children’s mental wellbeing, concentration and self-esteem as well as their physical health so we’re excited to be helping as many schools as possible take part” 

Verica Djurdjevic, Chief Revenue Officer, Channel 4 said: “The past school year has been really tough and means this initiative is more important than ever for the growing number of children benefiting from the boost to both their physical and mental health.

“It’s a great example of the positive impact broadcaster collaboration is delivering.” 

Fiona Ball, Group Director, Bigger Picture, Sky said: “We’re delighted to partner with ITV, STV and Channel 4 once again to support The Daily Mile’s work to encourage children across the country to make choices that will support their physical and mental health.

“At Sky, we believe in using our reach for good and want to provide young people of all backgrounds a voice and support a better future for themselves and society.” 

Founder of The Daily Mile, Elaine Wyllie MBE, said: “Thank you to ITV, STV, Sky, Channel 4. Their help to raise awareness of the benefits of The Daily Mile is so important. It’s been brilliant to see children returning to school and back to The Daily Mile.

“They are all having fun together outdoors and staying fit in a way that comes naturally to them. We want to help schools as they do a great job of supporting children to be happier and more physically active – this has never been as important as it is now.” 

Teachers and parents are encouraged to visit www.thedailymile.co.uk for further information on how they can participate in The Daily Mile safely and in accordance with the latest Government guidelines. 

ITV’s investment in the importance of children’s mental and physical health extends across other initiatives including Britain Get Talking and Eat Them To Defeat Them.

Memorial Music Garden unveiled at Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital

Children and young people at Edinburgh’s Children’s Hospital are to benefit from a new multisensory musical garden which has been created in loving memory of East Lothian teenager Jess Mackie.

Thought to be the only one of its kind in a UK children’s hospital setting, The Jess Mackie Music Garden is a vibrant, interactive outdoor space which ensures children don’t miss out on the joy of creative play and music-making while in hospital.

Featuring five large, free-standing musical instruments – the Congas, Tembos, Rainbow Trio Chimes, Harmony Bells and Marimba – the garden pays tribute to Jess’ love of music and encourages children and young people to have fun making melodies together in a relaxing, non-clinical setting away from the wards.

The sensory space has been fully funded by the Jess Mackie Memorial Fund (JMMF), a tribute fund of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC).

The fund was set up by the Mackie family to support therapeutic music projects within the hospital in loving memory of their daughter Jess who passed away in 2018 aged 14.

Jess was a member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland and sang with Aberlady and Gullane Parish Churches, at care homes and for charities, and at school concerts.

Parents Michael and Jackie said: “Jess was a caring and compassionate girl who always sought to help others. At only 14, she had a sense of how powerful music could be in helping people when they were in need.

“Many children and young people in hospital feel vulnerable because they lack control over what’s happening to them. Music can have an enormous and positive impact, helping ignite a spark and give back a sense of control.

“It also gives children and young people a means of expressing themselves, making friends and building confidence. Jess knew this and would have loved to know she was a part of making this happen.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the wonderful music garden which is such a fitting tribute to our beautiful daughter. We hope lots of children, young people, families and hospital staff will enjoy it for many years to come.”

When Covid restrictions allow, the music garden will also be used as an outdoor performance space, where ECHC’s visiting musicians – also funded by JMMF – and artists will perform and do music making activities with children and young people all year round.

Rachel Baxter, Director of Fundraising at ECHC, said: “Music-making is a large part of the ECHC Arts Programme as it has such a positive impact on children and young people’s wellbeing. It’s fantastic to now have this brand new space in which we can do even more music, performance and arts activities and ensure children don’t miss out on the magic of music while in hospital.

“The Mackie family are incredible and we are enormously grateful to them and their family, friends and supporters for funding the wonderful Jess Mackie Music Garden and all music-making activities within the hospital. Thanks to their support, we can bring Jess’ passion for music and singing to so many more children and young people on the wards.”

To make a donation to the Jess Mackie Memorial Fund, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/JessMackieMemorialFund

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, as well as other children’s healthcare settings across the Lothians.

To donate, visit www.echcharity.org/donate

More funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Support for children and young people with mental health issues

Funding of £10.83 million has been allocated for the remainder of this year to help improve access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

The investment will also increase the numbers of trained professionals to support children and young people with neurodevelopmental support needs.

The allocation is part the of £120 million Mental Health Recovery and Renewal Fund announced in February 2021, and will help to deliver a number of improvements, including:
· improve access to CAMHS assessments out of hours
· help to put in place specialist regional CAMHS services including those with learning disabilities and those requiring secure care
· Help provide access to CAMHS Intensive Home Treatment Teams
· Support mental health liaison teams within paediatric services.

The Recovery and Renewal Fund supports many mental health measures contained in the Programme for Government.

Other policies include extra support for health and care staff, completion of the commitment to recruit 800 additional mental health workers this year and a pledge that at least 10% of frontline NHS spending will go towards mental health over this parliament.

Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart, who announced the allocation during a visit to the Young People’s Inpatient Unit at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh said: “I am pleased to announce the allocation of £10.83 million health boards to support children and young people with mental health issues, and those with neurodevelopmental support needs.

“This funding will lead to substantial improvements in the mental health care that children and young people receive in Scotland, ensuring that the right support is available in the right place at the right time.

“We know the pandemic has had a negative impact on many people’s mental health – whatever their age or circumstances. That is why we committed £120 million to the recovery and renewal of mental health services in this year’s Programme for Government. I hope that the allocation I have announced today makes a real and lasting difference to children, young people and their families.”

Joanna Barrett, Associate Head of Policy for the Devolved Nations, NSPCC Scotland, said: “Before the pandemic hit, thousands of children referred to mental health services in Scotland were having to wait unacceptable periods of time for treatment to begin.

“The profound impact of the conditions of the past 18 months on children has compounded this by increasing the need. Our Childline counsellors have heard from children struggling with loneliness and isolation, worries about education, abusive home environments and suicidal feelings.

“This funding by the Scottish Government to address young people’s mental health is therefore crucial. However, this investment must go alongside more preventative efforts, including the provision of mental health support in schools, to ensure children get the help they need before reaching crisis point.”