Tag: Children and Families

Jeanette crowned Great British Grandparent 2024

Doting grandmother Jeanette Townsend from West Sussex has been named the Great British Grandparent 2024, following an extensive nationwide search which received over 650 entries from loved ones nominating a family member or friend for the prestigious title.

Grandmother to eight grandchildren and another eight great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way), Jeanette, who is affectionately known as ‘Nan’, is overjoyed (if not a little overwhelmed) with the news.

On National Grandparents Day in October, Ambassador Cruise Line launched its search for the UK’s Grandparent of the Year. The initiative was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who give so much of their time, consideration, emotional and, in some cases, financial support to their nearest and dearest, day in, day out.

Jeanette was nominated for the title of Great British Grandparent by her granddaughter, Chloe.

Chloe’s submission included details outlining the incredible support Jeanette has provided to all generations of her family, notably during a difficult time when Chloe’s mother fell ill before sadly passing away.

The entry also included fond memories of how Jeanette has actively contributed to quality family time over the years, including teaching those close to her how to bake, go fishing or spending hours with the children while they played games in the back garden. Chloe also described how Jeanette is unconditionally ‘always there’ and come what may – both during times of need and in day-to-day life.

Despite facing extremely tough competition from other nominees, many of whom would have proved worthy winners of the title, Chloe’s nomination truly moved Ambassador’s expert judging panel headed-up by Ambassador’s CEO, Christian Verhounig, and the decision was unanimous in voting Jeanette the Grandparent of the Year.

After being named Great British Grandparent 2024, Jeanette said: “I was shocked by the news, because everything that I do I simply do because that’s what you do for your family.

“I always love having the grandchildren at my place, whether that’s playing in the garden, going down the beach, or cooking together. I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing family.”  

Granddaughter Chloe said: “I didn’t really believe it when we found out the news. I’ve never nominated someone for an award like this before, but everything that I said is true – I don’t know any grandparent more deserving than her.

“Nan is the ‘hub’ of the family, she gets us together and we all cherish the family moments we have at her place. She has gone through so much over the years that most people should never have to. Thanks so much to Ambassador for hearing her story and recognising our incredible Nan in this way. She really deserves this.”

In recognition of her achievement, Jeanette will be treated to a complimentary week-long, full-board Ambassador sailing for two to enjoy at a time of her choosing.

Jeanette said: “I’ve never been on a cruise – I’ve never been that fortunate!

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line and Head Judge of the voting panel, says: “On behalf of all of us at Ambassador, heartfelt congratulations go to Great British Grandparent 2024: Jeanette Townsend.

“The dedication and ongoing support you provide to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren is truly incredible, and you are a wonderful example of just how important grandparents are to the family unit.

“Ambassador is proud to champion the Silver Generation, whose support, friendship and companionship plays such a key role in bringing families the length and breadth of the country together. On behalf of all those friends and relatives who benefit from the unconditional love you provide, we wish to thank grandparents across the country for all that you do, every day of the year.”

As part of the campaign, the over 50’s cruise line commissioned a survey that looked at the intergenerational dynamic, with findings suggesting that grandparents remain the backbone of the family unit.

Research revealed that grandparents are viewed as both generous and reliable, providing an average of 24.6 hours a month of childcare to their grandchildren, even if over a third (38%) receive nothing in return.

Grandparents are also considered the most trustworthy people to look after children, with almost two in three (62%) of people saying they trust them most with childcare duties.

Grandparents are stepping in with financial support too – the research shows that two in five (40%) Brits have turned to their grandparents for money, and that grandparents are understood to be sacrificing on their own lives – including giving up on holidays (16%), holding back on doing things with friends (12%) and remortgaging their home (8%) – to ensure their grandchildren thrive.

Ambassador Cruise Line will begin its search for the Great British Grandparent 2025 later this year on National Grandparents Day, which falls on Sunday 5 October.

New report reveals long-term outcomes for UK care-experienced children

NatCen has published a report in collaboration with ADR UK exploring children and young people’s experiences with social care

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has published a report in collaboration with Administrative Data Research (ADR) UK exploring children and young people’s experiences with social care. 

The report pulls together administrative data from the four UK nations for the first time and the combined data reveals insights into the care experiences of children. It looks across systems and services showcasing valuable long-term data analysis across inequalities, regional variation, evolving care practices and long-term impacts.

The report explored factors that lead children into care: 

  • A child’s postcode in Northern Ireland can affect their chances of entering care: in 2010, children from the most deprived 10% of areas were four times more likely to end in care than those from the least deprived 10%. By 2020 this disparity doubled. 

As well as their journeys through care: 

  • Data from Wales found that 63% of voluntary arrangements became compulsory within two years, a trend occurring more frequently and rapidly over time. In around 1 in 2 cases, care proceedings were issued within four weeks of initial voluntary arrangements.
  • Placement stability is a concern with 30% of infants experiencing three or more placements within two years.
    • Infants entering care through voluntary arrangements experienced fewer placements than those subject to care orders.
  • Data from Scotland found kinship care has become the most common arrangement with 34% living in kinship care in 2023 compared to 13% in 2006.
    • Children with experience of kinship care continue to experience lower attendance rates, higher exclusion rates, and lower qualification attainment compared to the general population.
  • Of those with youth justice involvement, care experienced children, on average, had four times the number of cautions or convictions than non-care experienced children. 

The report examines long-term outcomes for those who have had contact with social services:

  • In the eight years after leaving school, 25% of care experienced children in England had never been in employment or education compared to 4% among all school leavers.
  • In Northern Ireland, young adults with a history of care had almost 9 times the risk of death by suicide compared to those who had no social services contact in childhood.

Sarah Cheesbrough, Director of the Policy Research Centre at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) said: “This vital report showcases the transformative potential of administrative data in generating critical insights to improve the lives of care-experienced children and young people. 

“It highlights why policymakers should demand more from their evidence base—using data to pinpoint system shortfalls, assess long-term service impacts, and identify successful practices.”

ADR_UK_NatCen_report_infographicDownload

Professor Karen Broadhurst of Lancaster University and ADR UK Ambassador said: “By linking data from different parts of government, and opening up secure access to the de-identified, population-level linked datasets,

“ADR UK is creating unprecedented opportunities for researchers to advance our knowledge. For the first time, we can look across systems and services using datasets where every child is counted. 

“The studies included in this report published today, provide robust empirical evidence of pathways into care, care experience, and life beyond care. As a society, we must ensure we have the conditions in place for every child to have the opportunity to flourish, including those in the care of the State.”  

Care_experience_Research_insights_from_administrative_dataDownload

Sensory Room available at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

A few months ago, we were lucky enough to receive a Scotmid coop Community Grant to improve our Sensory room. We are pleased to announce that our Sensory Room is now complete and available to book!

Designed to support those with sensory processing disorders, this is a great place to relax and relieve stress in a safe space

We also have ear defenders available if required

Contact the centre for full details or to book your time slot:

Telephone: 0131 552 5700

Email: CLD-RoystonWardieburn@ea.edin.sch.uk

Infant formula: CMA outlines clear path forward to help parents save hundreds of pounds a year

The Competition & Markets Authority has set out comprehensive proposals to deliver better outcomes for parents in the infant formula market – both in terms of the choices they make and the prices they pay

  • CMA infant formula study finds that a combination of factors is leading to poor outcomes for parents, who could be saving around £300 a year by switching to a lower priced brand
  • Issues include the design and operation of current regulations and the responses of consumers to advertising which emphasises branding when, in fact, all infant formula will meet babies’ full nutritional needs
  • CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are disproportionately affected due to higher rates of formula feeding
  • CMA final recommendations cover standardised packaging in hospitals; providing clear information to parents in healthcare and retail settings on the nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula; making it easier to compare prices of different brands; extending the ban on advertising to include follow-on formula; and allowing parents to use vouchers and loyalty points to buy infant formula
  • Given the steer from governments that regulatory restrictions on price promotions of infant formula support breastfeeding, the CMA is not recommending removing this ban at this stage, but stands ready to support further consideration of this option if asked

Following a market study into the infant formula and follow-on formula market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued its final recommendations.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “Every parent wants to give their baby the best possible start in life. Many whom need, or choose, to formula feed, pick a brand at a vulnerable moment, based on incomplete information, often believing that higher prices must mean better quality. This is despite NHS advice stating that all brands will meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of brand or price.

“Governments across the UK are committed to the tight regulation of infant formula for public health reasons. So, our proposals are designed to help parents make the best choices for them and their babies, with access to better information, while sharpening the effectiveness of the existing rules.

“Our proposals will also make it easier for regulations to be properly enforced, while ensuring manufacturers and retailers can be more confident in what they can and can’t do according to law.

“We strongly encourage governments to act on the recommendations to stop well-intended regulation driving poor outcomes for consumers. We’re ready to help implement the changes and support thinking around further measures, including removing the ban on price promotions, should governments consider it necessary at a later stage.”

CMA findings

Advertising and labelling of infant formula is strictly regulated. For example, advertisement and promotion, including price reductions or deals, is restricted so as not to discourage breastfeeding.

Many parents choose a brand for the first time in vulnerable circumstances – often in hospital immediately after birth – and frequently without the clear, accurate and impartial information needed to make informed decisions. People often feel under pressure, naturally wanting to do what is best for their baby. Many actively choose a more expensive product, assuming this means better quality.

However, NHS advice makes clear: “It does not matter which brand you choose, they’ll all meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of price”.

Against this backdrop, rather than competing strongly on price, manufacturers place significant emphasis on building brand awareness to secure customers. For example, some regularly supply the NHS with below cost formula to reach new parents – and once parents have found a brand that works for their baby, they rarely switch.

Regulation states that the labelling and presentation of infant and follow-on formulas should be ‘clearly distinct’. Despite this, manufacturers use similar branding and labelling – including similar colour palettes, fonts and imagery – across infant and follow-on formulas. When combined with large marketing budgets, this approach indirectly supports the sale of infant formula, with CMA evidence indicating that parents are disproportionately influenced by such branding practices (be it in hospitals, online or in store).

The CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are more likely to formula feed so are disproportionately impacted by infant formula pricing. While some government support is available to those eligible, most infant formulas exceed the weekly value of benefits available through schemes such as the Healthy Start and Best Start Food. This can lead to parents foregoing food in order to provide for their babies.

On pricing, differences between brands can have a sizeable impact on parents’ finances. Evidence reviewed by the CMA shows that they could make a saving of around £300 over a baby’s first year of life by switching from a popular mid-priced product to a low-priced brand.

Recommendations

The 4 recommendations from the CMA are:

  1. Removing brand influence in healthcare settings: Parents should be provided with timely, clear, accurate and impartial information on nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula products as early as possible. Where parents are given infant formula in healthcare settings, labelling should be standardised to reduce the influence of branding on their decision making. For example, branded formula could be put into non-branded containers, or the NHS could have a white-label formula.
  2. Equipping parents with the right information when they are shopping: Information about nutritional sufficiency should be displayed clearly and prominently on shelves and when buying online. In store, all brands of infant formula should be displayed together and in a separate cluster from other formula milks to enable quick and easy price comparisons.
  3. Strengthening labelling and advertising rules: All packaging should clearly display information on nutritional sufficiency. Claims that are intangible, or cannot be easily checked by parents, should be banned. Like infant formula, advertising (including price promotions and deals) for follow-on milks should be banned. To help shops, manufacturers and enforcers, government should clarify what constitutes ‘advertising’, outlining exactly what shops and manufacturers can and cannot do regarding formula milks. Parents should be allowed to use gift cards, vouchers, loyalty points, and coupons to purchase infant formula.
  4. Effectively enforce current and future rules: Strengthen the roles played by relevant authorities so they must approve the packaging of all infant formula products before sale. At present, companies can put products onto the market before the relevant authority has reviewed the label.

Public Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, said: “I welcome this report and would like to thank the Competition and Markets Authority for their thorough investigation.

“There are many benefits of breastfeeding but for those families that cannot or choose not to breastfeed, it is vital that they can access formula that is affordable and high quality. Families should not be paying over the odds to feed their babies because of outdated regulation.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re determined to ensure every child has the best start to life. We will carefully consider these recommendations and respond fully in due course.”

Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders said: “The government has been clear through our new Strategic Steer to the CMA that competition and consumer protection will drive economic growth.

“That work to drive better outcomes for consumers across the infant formula market delivers on this priority. We look forward to working closely with the CMA across government to continue to deliver growth as part of our Plan for Change.”

Next steps

Recommendations are made to UK, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh governments, working in collaboration with other organisations, where appropriate. The CMA will now engage to explain these measures and support their implementation.

For more information on the CMA’s market study, visit the Infant formula and follow-on formula market study.  

Scottish Budget: Edinburgh urged to bid for free school meals extension 

 Local Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater is calling on Edinburgh to bid to be one of the first councils to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for thousands more S1 – S3 pupils.  

The Scottish Greens have recently secured money for the expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas in August 2025.

This builds on the ongoing rollout to P6 and P7 pupils who receive SCP and the previous extension to all P4 and P5 pupils, both of which were secured by Green MSPs during past rounds of budget negotiations. 

Edinburgh currently has a child poverty rate of 20.4% and around 4,500 of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, a support payment for families on low incomes. 

By signing up to be one of the first councils to receive more free meals for pupils, thousands of local children and families will benefit. 

Eight councils will be chosen for the initial rollout and the Scottish Greens will be pushing the Scottish Government to extend the project to all 32 council areas as soon as possible. 

Lorna Slater the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian said: “Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland. 

“As a result of this work by Green MSPs, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now get a free school meal. I hope Edinburgh will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these lunches. 

“The Scottish Greens have always championed free school meals. This high school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.  

“No pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch. Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy lunch.” 

Amazon Dunfermline provides support to Scot Baby Box Appeal

The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has delivered products worth £2,500 to Scot Baby Box Appeal.

The Scot Baby Box Appeal supports families with newborns in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes filled with essential items, alongside supplies for relief efforts and other critical necessities, helping to ensure that every newborn has a safe and nurturing start.

A group of 92 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline packed and delivered the sorted pallets to the charity’s hub in Coatbridge. The donation included essential items such as toiletries, clothing and drinks.

Alongside the delivery of pallets, seven employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline volunteered at the charity’s warehouse to support with the team’s sortation and space management support to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.

The charity has been supported by Amazon since 2022, with the fulfilment centre team in Dunfermline making donations and volunteering for almost three years.

Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The team at Scot Baby Box Appeal provides excellent support to families across Scotland and Ukraine.

“Amazon in Dunfermline has a longstanding relationship with the team at Scot Baby Box Appeal and we’re pleased to contribute once again to the efforts of the staff and volunteers with this donation.”

Christina Watson, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “I’m pleased that I can take part in supporting the charity for a second time this year and I can’t wait to see the relationship between Amazon Dunfermline and Scot Baby Box grow even further.”

Gail Maguire, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “Thank you to Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their continued support with this donation. Their help is always greatly appreciated, especially on the run up to Christmas.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.

The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.

Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

Jumpstart Your Child’s Fitness Journey

Edinburgh Leisure’s Taster Week for Under 5s

Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing up for Play & Try coached activities. As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.

Edinburgh Leisure is offering a taster week from 17th February – 21st February where new and existing customers can come and try coached activities for under 5s for £3.00 per session.

Tailored for little ones, from babies to pre-schoolers, these fun and engaging sessions are all about having a blast while exploring the first steps into various sports.

Classes include Gym and Jump, Gym Nippers, Swim Baby, Swim Nippers, Swim Toddler, Jump & Dive Skills, Jump Into Sport, Football Mini Kickers and Kick Starters.

Sessions will be offered at Ainslie Park, Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Kirkliston Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Warrender Swim Centre and are suitable for babies and toddlers.

For those that loved the taster sessions, parents can sign up their child/children for a coaching course at the venue on the same day, with the February fee waived.*

Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.

Book your spot today for just £3.00 per session:

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/under5s-sports-tasters

Jump into February Half Term Fun at Gravity Active Edinburgh

It’s officially time to put down the screens and jump into a world of excitement at Gravity Active Edinburgh.

From February 15th to 23rd, Gravity Active are offering a jam-packed lineup of activities that promise non-stop fun for all ages, perfect for letting kids blow off steam after completing the first term of the year.

Whether you’re bouncing through the air, tackling climbing walls, or dancing under neon lights, there’s truly something for everyone.

Action-packed adventures for all ages

Get ready for thrilling Open Jump sessions, high-energy Daytime Discos, inflatable obstacle courses, and challenging climbing walls. Better yet, with so many activities on offer, parents will never hear “I’m bored” again! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep children fit and active over the break.

The Open Jump sessions give you full access to all activity areas—perfect for showing off your moves or just jumping for fun. For a high-energy twist, the Daytime Discos mix trampolining with a dance party atmosphere. Music, lights, and plenty of bouncing make for a perfect family outing.

Climbing, inflatables and more!

Scale new heights on the Gravity Rocks climbing walls, or race through the inflatable adventure zones for guaranteed laughs and thrills. When the sun sets, the fun continues with After Dark sessions—glow sticks, neon lights, and even more jumping and dancing.

Refuel and relax

To fuel all that energy, the Gravity Active Café offers a selection of delicious snacks, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, giving you the perfect place to refuel and relax during your adventure, while keeping you close to all the fun.

Book your half-term adventure today!

Don’t miss out on the action – book your spot today and get ready to jump, climb, and dance your way through an unforgettable half term.

For more information or to book your session, visit:

 https://gravity-global.com/blog/february-half-term-fun-at-gravity-active.

Homelessness : 350% increase in families in temporary accomodation

  • A shocking freedom of information request from Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%. 
  • The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh. There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.  
  • Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters. Capital Letters has revealed that families in temporary accommodation with four children have experienced the sharpest rise, with a 350% increase, followed by couples with three children at 123.81%.
  • The freedom of information request from Capital Letters also revealed a 219.3% rise in temporary homelessness overall in Edinburgh.
  • There has been a 118.1% increase in couples with children in temporary accommodation, including council-owned housing, B&Bs, and hostels.
  • Expert advice and comment from Capital Letters.

4,935 individuals were in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh at the start of the New Year according to a freedom of information request submitted by Capital Letters.

Temporary accommodation is often a last resort for society’s most vulnerable people who lack a place to call home.

They may be fleeing domestic violence, leaving care or being victims of a no-fault eviction, unable to locate suitable housing in time.

There has been a 219.36% increase in people being placed in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh between 2019 and 2024 according to a freedom of information request by Capital Letters.

Temporary accommodation in Edinburgh includes local authority housing as well as hostels and B&Bs.

There has been a 291% increase in individuals being placed in B&Bs from 2019 to 2024.

Heartbreakingly, many residents of temporary accommodation are children.

There were 397 couples with children in temporary accommodation in December 2024, a 118.1% increase from January 2019.

Families with four children saw the largest increase in temporary accommodation occupancy since 2019, rising by 350%.

Couples with three children came second with a 123.81% increase.

Couples with five children came third with 80%.

In fourth place came couples with two children who had a 56.10% increase.

Families with one child experienced a 59.9% increase since 2019.

Finally, families with 5 children stayed consistent between both periods.

Steven Strachan from Capital Letters who submitted the freedom of information request revealing the shocking data commented: “Facing eviction can be a stressful and overwhelming experience especially when there are children involved.

“There are steps you can take to manage the situation and protect your rights. Here are some tips if you find yourself facing eviction.”:

Understand the Eviction Notice

“There are different types of eviction notices (e.g., section 21, section 8, or notice to quit). Make sure you understand what the notice is for and whether it is valid. Ensure it follows legal procedures, including the proper notice period.”

Seek professional advice

“If you are unsure about the notice, seek legal advice from organisations like Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor who specialises in housing law who can clarify your rights and options.”

Communicate with Your Landlord

“If you’re able, speak to your landlord as soon as possible. Sometimes, an agreement can be reached, such as extending your tenancy, negotiating payment plans, or allowing you to stay while you find alternative housing.”

Document everything

“Keep a record of all communications with your landlord, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This could be helpful if there are any disputes later.”

Know Your Rights

“In the United Kingdom, tenants have protection from eviction in most cases, especially if they have lived in the property for more than six months. In certain circumstances, eviction may not be possible unless the landlord has obtained a court order. Legal aid may be available for those who are eligible.”

Check for Illegal Eviction

“Landlords cannot evict tenants without following proper legal procedures. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order or changes the locks without notice, this is considered an illegal eviction. If this happens, you can contact the authorities for help.”

Start Looking for new Accommodation

“It’s wise to start looking for a new place to live as soon as possible. Start searching online or contact local housing associations and letting agents.”