COMPASSION AND JUSTICE
Challenge Poverty Week: Sunday
Tag: Children and Families
ZOO Tales at Granton Library
TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 3.30 – 4.30pm
Zoo Tails is back next week!
We’re so excited to have Jaima from Edinburgh Zoo back with us on Tuesday to share all about our creepy crawly friends!
Will you be there?…
This is a free event and there is no need to sign up.
Support for bereaved families
Raising awareness of help available this Baby Loss Awareness Week
Social Security Scotland is highlighting the financial support available to families that have lost a baby this Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October 2026).
Families that already receive qualifying benefits can apply for additional support if they have experienced a stillbirth or have lost their baby after being born.
Bereaved families may be able to access Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment to help relieve financial pressures if their baby has died. In addition, Funeral Support Payment is available to help cover the costs of a baby’s funeral.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Losing a baby can have a devastating impact on families. During a time where parents should be able to grieve the loss of their infant, many are faced with added financial pressures that can make their loss even harder to process.
“This Baby Loss Awareness Week, I am letting families know about the package of financial help the Scottish Government offers to help ease some of those strains, giving parents the chance to mourn without added financial worries.”
An estimated 1 in 4 people in the UK experience pregnancy or baby loss. Social Security Scotland recognises the profound impact loss can have on families and is committed to providing support to clients and colleagues.
Social Security Scotland’s Deputy Director of People and Place, Nicola Rudnicki, added: “We understand that losing a baby is one of the hardest experiences a family can face.
“For families looking to apply for support, our teams are specially trained to manage bereavement cases with compassion and respect, meaning our clients can speak to our colleagues knowing they will be treated with dignity.
“We are also proud to have signed Miscarriage UK’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge, recognising that every loss matters and reaffirming our commitment to creating a supportive and understanding environment for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.”
Rowena Pailing, Director of Bereavement Support Services, Community and Volunteering, Sands commented: “Baby loss has a huge emotional impact. It can also have a financial impact.
“At Sands, we hear from families who may be struggling because of their employment situations, or who are concerned about funeral costs. We would encourage anyone who loses a baby to check whether they are eligible for financial help from Social Security Scotland.”
Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October 2026) brings people together to create a supportive space to share their experiences about pregnancy and baby loss. The awareness week also marks the annual Wave of Light memorial on 15 October where families around the work are invited to light a candle at 7pm in remembrance of all babies that have died too soon.
Sands is the charity speaking up about pregnancy and baby loss, saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families.
Miscarriage UK’s latest figures from March 2026 estimate that 1 in 4 pregnancies in the UK end in loss. To find out more about the research, visit: Miscarriage UK research report – March 2026 | Miscarriage UK
Family adventures take over the big screen at Vue Edinburgh this October half-term
Families looking for ways to make the most of the October half-term can enjoy a packed programme of animated adventures, familiar favourites and big screen fun at Vue Edinburgh from TODAY (Friday 9 October).
Causing plenty of mischief on the big screen is Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the latest feature-length adventure from Aardman.
With Halloween approaching, Shaun and the Flock are looking forward to some spooky celebrations at Mossy Bottom Farm, that is until the Farmer accidentally destroys their prized pumpkin patch. Shaun’s attempts to fix things with a spot of mad science soon spiral out of control, leaving a mysterious beast roaming the woods of Mossingham.
Packed with Aardman’s trademark slapstick humour and playful takes on classic horror, it’s a fitting family watch as spooky season gets underway.
Families can also catch a recent big screen favourite for a low price of £2.49 when booked online with Vue’s Mighty Mornings, taking place throughout the school holidays. Among the films returning is animated adventure David, which brings the famous story of David and Goliath to life, following a young shepherd whose courage is put to the ultimate test when he steps forward to face a fearsome giant.
Also joining the Mighty Mornings line-up is Coyote vs. Acme, which sees legendary Looney Tunes character Wile E. Coyote finally fight back after years of malfunctioning ACME products. Teaming up with a down-on-his-luck lawyer, Wile E. takes the company responsible for his countless cartoon catastrophes to court in an adventure combining live action with classic Looney Tunes chaos.
For younger guests, Vue’s Big Shorts offers the opportunity to experience some much-loved stories on the big screen in a relaxed environment.
Join in the adventure with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the animated adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s much-loved children’s story, alongside The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which brings Judith Kerr’s classic tale of an unexpected teatime guest to life.
Families at Vue Edinburgh can also enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seat, the Ultra Lux. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and drinks and a state-of-the-art beverage cooler – making it the most luxurious way to immerse yourself in a great story.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “The October half-term is a great opportunity for families to spend some quality time together, and there are plenty of adventures to discover on the big screen at Vue.
“Whether it’s joining Shaun and the Flock for some spooky fun, catching up with recent family favourites through Mini Mornings or introducing younger children to the big screen with Big Shorts, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy together this half-term.”
Tickets are available at www.myvue.com
October Half Term at Vue
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom – Showing this October half-term
Mini Mornings: David – Showing this October half-term
Mini Mornings: Coyote vs. Acme – Showing this October half-term
Big Shorts: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt & The Tiger Who Came to Tea – Showing this October half-term
Challenge Poverty Week: Thursday
TACKLING CHILD POVERTY
Challenge Poverty Week: Wednesday
FAIR WORK
‘Child Poverty remains a key priority for Local Government’
Child poverty remains a key priority for Local Government. Read more from COSLA’S Children and Young People Spokesperson, speaking on Challenge Poverty Week 2026:
Child poverty continues to be a key priority for Local Government. Despite unprecedented financial challenges, local authorities remain firmly committed to our shared goal under the Verity House Agreement: tackling poverty — particularly child poverty — and delivering vital services and support to children and families in need.
Commenting, Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, said: “On Challenge Poverty Week, I would like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues across Local Government for the vital work they do every day to support our children – it is important that we can continue to recognise their dedication.
Child poverty is a cross-cutting issue that pervades across all council areas with latest figures estimating around 2 in 5 people in Scotland live in very deep poverty, meanwhile relative child poverty remains at 21%.
Local Government is at the frontline of tackling poverty. Every day, our councils work to boost incomes, provide vital services such as housing and transport, and deliver key interventions such as free school meals, and the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
However, we know we have more to do. COSLA will continue to call for evidence based whole‑family, community‑centred support, a balance between universal and targeted provision, and flexible and sustainable long-term funding so councils can build on and accelerate the vital work they already undertake to tackle poverty in their communities. COSLA will also continue to lobby for meaningful multi-year settlements for local government and our partners that enable preventative investment for children and families.​
Despite the financial pressures facing councils, local authorities remain strongly committed to our shared priority under the Verity House Agreement to tackle poverty, particularly child poverty, and to deliver a range of services and support children and their families in need.
A holistic approach must be taken at the local and national level to ensure our approach is person-centred and utilises the lived experiences of local families, particularly those in priority groups, to overcome barriers and address specific challenges faced by those families within their community context. This requires adequate funding for local authorities, who are best placed to target provision for their local contexts.
Earlier this year COSLA published a white paper COSLA-White-Paper-Strengthening-Scotlands-Approach-To-Tackling-Poverty.pdf.
The paper sets out how Local Government is already helping to address the impacts of poverty through action on the housing emergency, delivering free school meals and funded early learning and childcare, supporting households affected by in-work poverty, and helping people overcome barriers such as a lack of affordable transport
Challenge Poverty Week 2026 runs from Monday 6th – Sunday 11th October with events taking place across Scotland.  Including an Elected Members Seminar on Wednesday 7th October at 2pm hosted by Cllr Chalmers, Community Wellbeing Spokesperson.
250 NHS jobs for parents
Supporting work to help tackle child poverty
More than 250 paid NHS placements will be made available to parents across Scotland as part of Scottish Government efforts to eradicate child poverty.
The paid placements, covering roles such as porters, caterers, healthcare support workers, administration assistants, and assistant technical officers, will be available across 18 health boards.
With paid placements typically lasting between 6-18 months, the project is targeted at those facing the greatest risk of poverty – helping more parents to access employment in Scotland’s NHS.
On a visit to Kirklands HQ, NHS Lanarkshire, to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met Mairead Doyle, who joined a similar employability programme with NHS Lanarkshire in 2024.
Since then, Ms Doyle has been promoted twice and is now employed in the Band 4 position of Management Secretary.
Ms Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we know that fair work in the NHS will offer a real route out of poverty for families.
“We are equipping parents with the skills and experience needed to have a long and successful career, with the opportunity for real progression, while strengthening the NHS workforce of the future.
“This project scales existing successful models already delivered by NHS boards and I’m pleased that we’re able to extend this opportunity to hundreds more families across the country.”
Commenting on the employability programme, past participant Ms Doyle said: “The Parental Employability Programme gave me the confidence and support I needed to return to work after several years away from employment.
“Through the programme I secured a role with NHS Lanarkshire and have since progressed to a Band 4 position. It has had a positive impact on both my career and my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity it provided.’’
Since launching the NHS Lanarkshire Demonstrator Programme has supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment, with more than 77% progressing into positive destinations, including directly into NHS employment. Outcomes have improved year on year, with their most recent programme achieving almost 88% positive destinations.
Jacqui Jones, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of HR at NHS Lanarkshire said: “The NHS is one of the largest employers in Scotland and employment is one of the strongest drivers of good health by creating opportunities for local parents and families to gain skills, experience and jobs.
“We are helping people thrive, building a workforce that reflects our communities, and making a positive difference to the health of Lanarkshire.”
Challenge Poverty Week: Children First encourages Edinburgh families to call them for help
Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First, has revealed new figures showing that financial difficulties remain the top reason for families to call its support line, as it urged families who are struggling to get in touch for support.Â
Over half of Edinburgh families (56%) who got in touch with the charity’s support line between July and September were experiencing money worries, with callers seeking help and advice when rising costs, household bills and unexpected expenses become difficult to manage.
Children First’s support line provides practical, emotional and financial support, including debt support, to parents and carers 365 days a year.
Last year, the charity worked with nearly 1,500 families to provide financial wellbeing support and advice that helped put ÂŁ1.8 million in financial gains back in their pockets and manage over ÂŁ1 million in debts.
Kerry* recently contacted Children First as she was experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and a difficult financial situation that was affecting her whole family.
Describing the immediate impact of speaking to Children First, she said she felt:
“Overwhelmed in a good way as I have been listened to and told that food can be on the table tonight.
“Children First’s support line saved me – held me and gave me hope for the first time that there was light at the end of the tunnel.”
Children First was able to provide immediate hardship funding so the family could buy groceries. The family was also referred for ongoing support with energy debt and income maximisation, helping them develop a plan for their financial situation and allowing Kerry to focus on parenting and meeting her children’s needs.
Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “When a parent or carer is worrying about whether there will be food on the table, it can be incredibly difficult to focus on anything else. It’s so important that families can access support before financial pressures become a crisis.Â
“Our support line provides a place for families to talk, be listened to and access practical, emotional and financial help without judgement.
“This Challenge Poverty Week and beyond, we’re urging families in Edinburgh not to struggle alone. If money worries or other pressures are making family life difficult, please reach out to Children First. We’re here for you.”
With around 210,000 children in Scotland living in poverty, the gap between current child poverty levels and the targets for 2030/31 is significant. As part of efforts to address this challenge, Children First has received a ÂŁ2 million investment from the Scottish Government to expand its support line and help even more families.
Any family worried about their financial situation can call the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33.
Independent review of maternity services begins
Improving care for women and babies across Scotland
A nationwide review of Scotland’s maternity services begins today, examining how care can be improved for women, babies and families.
Chaired by maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt, the independent review will take a whole-system approach, drawing on data, evidence and the direct experiences of women, families and staff at every level of care.
The review will pay particular attention to how care is provided in rural and island communities, with specific focus on services in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire. It will also examine disparities in maternal outcomes, including higher rates of maternal mortality by Black and Asian women.
The review will run for nine months and will also take account of the unannounced inspections of all 18 of Scotland’s acute maternity units currently being carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Prof McCourt is due to submit her findings and recommendations in July 2027.
Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “I want every woman and baby to receive the high-quality care they deserve.
“That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already underway of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.
“While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.
“While the vital work of the review is underway, we will continue to take action to improve services, through implementation of the Miscarriage Framework and HIS Maternity Standards, the Scottish Patient Safety Perinatal Programme, improved bereavement care through the National Bereavement Care Pathway, and new work to improve triage services.
“HIS will also continue its programme of maternity inspections, driving improvement locally in every acute maternity unit in Scotland, and informing the review.”
Professor Christine McCourt said: “The review team is committed to engaging with women, families, healthcare staff and organisations across Scotland to understand both the challenges facing maternity services and the examples of excellent care that can inform future improvements.
“We want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. We encourage anyone with relevant insights to visit the website, learn more about the review and engage with the process as our work progresses.”
www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/scotland-maternity-review