Tag: Children and Families

Children First call for national roll out of life-saving family support alternative to CAMHS

Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling for investment in a national rollout of a ‘life-saving’ approach to improve children’s mental health. The call comes following the publication of an independent evaluation showing that the charity’s family wellbeing model has reduced repeat child mental health visits to GPs by more than 86%.

The evaluation of the Children First family wellbeing service, by Iconic Consulting, found that it has made a “significant difference for children, families and the overall support system” and strongly supports its replication across Scotland.
The call has been backed by young people, their families and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, said: “Despite good intentions and a continued spotlight on children’s mental health, many children and young people in Scotland are still suffering for far too long before help is available.

“Not every child referred to CAMHS has a clinical condition, many are overwhelmed by the pressures of growing up today. The challenges they face have never been higher and the expectations on them are greater than ever.

“The evaluation of the Children First family wellbeing service shows that supporting children and their families to understand and tackle what’s causing their distress rather than just treating their symptoms can save lives.”

Between June 2019 and September 2024, 723 families were referred to the family wellbeing service in East Renfrewshire. It was developed with funding from the Robertson Trust, which aimed to support charities and the public sector to innovate and put more resources towards prevention.

Key findings from the independent evaluation of the service include:

  • Improved mental health for children, young people and their parents.
  • Strengthened family relationships and communication.
  • Better support for neurodivergent children and young people.
  • Increased engagement by children with education.
  • Reduced pressure on GP services and CAMHS.

While CAMHS waiting times remain lengthy, 90% of children referred to the family wellbeing service began getting support within two weeks over a three-year funding period.

Eighteen-year-old Lily started getting support from the Children First family wellbeing service three years ago. She said: “When I met Children First I couldn’t go to school. My anxiety was constant. I saw danger everywhere and reason to fear to everything. I couldn’t cross the road because I thought I’d be hit by a car. I couldn’t even answer the door.

“Now I’ve started my dream course at my dream university – I couldn’t have done it without Children First.

“Children First’s family wellbeing service has given me a second chance and set me up for the future. Every child who needs it should be able to get support from the family wellbeing service. It is absolutely, genuinely life changing.”

Helen, a parent, interviewed for the evaluation said: “If it wasn’t for Children First I don’t think me or my son would be here. He was feeling suicidal. It is a lot better now.”

Despite its success and the best efforts of partners, funding for the Children First family wellbeing service in East Renfrewshire is precarious.

The Scotland-wide pressure on public finances has resulted in a reduction in funding from £670,000 annually to just £320,000 in 2024/25.

Staff have had to be reduced, resulting in a drop in referrals from between 12 and 14 to less than three per month.

Mary Glasgow said: ““Children urgently need this model to be rolled out, with long-term, sustainable funding across Scotland direct to the third sector. The family wellbeing service is a clear example of how Scotland can deliver on its promise to prevent problems before they escalate.

“With public finances contracting, we need to make sure that CAMHS is available quickly for children with acute mental health needs and that other children who would benefit from an alternative, such as the Children First family wellbeing service, get rapid support to avoid more serious and costly interventions later.

“It eases pressure on the NHS and most importantly, it helps children recover and thrive.”

The call has been backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Dr Mairi Stark, RCPCH officer for Scotland said: “Every child deserves the highest standard of physical and mental health. That means ensuring they receive the right support, at the right time.

“Scotland is facing a mental health crisis, with childhood mental health problems becoming increasingly common. There is a real need for greater investment in community services to tackle the unmet need and prioritise the wellbeing of our children and young people.

“RCPCH Scotland has long called for the expansion and sustained investment in community-based mental health services, and I welcome this pilot service developed by Children First.

“The Scottish Government must not only act on the evidence of the independent evaluation, but it must also listen to the voices of children and families who have benefited from Children First’s Family Wellbeing Service.

“Their experiences are compelling evidence of what works and should help shape the future of mental health support for children and young people in Scotland.”

Children First unveiled its manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections earlier this week, urging the next Scottish Government to take action to tackle the national childhood emergency, protect children and safeguard childhood.

Find out more here:

https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/media/4r3p44uh/manifesto-2025.pdf

Aldi invites children in Edinburgh to get creative for Recycle Week

To mark Recycle Week (22nd – 28th September), Aldi is calling on children in Edinburgh & The Lothians to get creative by designing a poster to inspire people to recycle.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting children aged 5–14 to submit their designs for the chance to see them showcased on Aldi’s digital screens in stores nationwide.

Three winning designs – one from England, one from Scotland and one from Wales – will be chosen by a panel of Aldi’s sustainability experts and displayed in their local store.

The competition is part of Aldi’s ongoing drive to support sustainable shopping behaviours, including reducing single-use plastic and increasing recycled content in packaging.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi, said: “At Aldi, we are always looking for ways to reduce waste and make recycling easier for customers. This competition is a fun way to spark children’s imagination and show that small actions can have a big impact.

“Recycling is something we can all do, but sometimes it takes a spark of creativity to bring the message to life. By asking children to share their own ideas and artwork, we hope to inspire families and communities to think differently about the choices they make every day.”

Entries open Monday 22nd September 2025 and close Friday 31st October 2025. Parents and teachers can submit a copy of children’s designs on A4 paper, alongside the name and age of the entrant, via email to recycleweek@aldi.co.uk.For more information and T&Cs, visit: LINK.

1001 Critical Days Foundation funding boost for Bump Start programme

STEPPING STONES NORTH EDINBURGH and HOME-START EDINBURGH AWARDED £226,000 TO EXTEND EARLY YEARS SUPPORT SERVICE

The 1001 Critical Days Foundation has awarded its first £1m in grants to charities supporting babies and families across the UK.

Following a rigorous application process, six charities have been awarded a combined total of £1m in multi-year funding to deliver frontline services to families in community-based family hubs or similar settings. Up to 1,800 babies and their families are expected to benefit from this support.

Home-Start Edinburgh and Stepping Stones North Edinburgh have been awarded £226k over three years, and are the only Scottish recipeints of the fund. The funding will support and extend a collaborative support service, Bump Start.

Bump Start provides holistic, relationship-based support from pregnancy throughout early childhood, with the aim of reducing isolation, improving parental confidence, increasing capacity to provide nurturing care, and supporting positive mental health.

Eliza Waye, CEO of Home-Start Edinburgh, said: “We know the time from conception onwards is critical. With this funding, we can extend our partnership to deliver Bump Start with Stepping Stones North Edinburgh and reach even more families.”

The funding is expected to support around 320 babies through the project.

Morag Wilson, CEO of Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, said: “Bump Start has been a vital part of our organisation for over a decade, making a real difference in the lives of babies and their families.

“With support from the 1001 Critical Days Fund and a strengthened partnership with Home-Start Edinburgh, we’re excited to expand our reach and deepen our impact where it’s needed most.”

Founder of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and Executive Chair of the Trustees, the Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for the 1001 Critical Days Foundation.

“These are our very first grant awards, and each of the six charities chosen has shown outstanding commitment to supporting babies and their families.

“Their applications were impressive, their impact is tangible, and I cannot wait to see the difference they will make in communities across the country. Together, we are determined that every baby should experience the best start in life.”

Speaking at the recent launch of the Foundation, its Patron, Lord David Blunkett, highlighted the integral role played by community-based charities.

Lord Blunkett said: “We’re not talking about professionals coming in and offering support – important as this is. But rather, mobilising the talent and strength of the community, no matter how deprived, to become part of the solution, not the problem.”

The six charities awarded funding represent geographies across the whole of the UK and offer a full spectrum of services to help give every baby the best start in life.

Home-Start Edinburgh will celebrate it’s 40th year as charity next year. It’s needs-based preventative work is delivered by highly skilled volunteers, supporting families with children under five years old.

Stepping Stones North Edinburgh is a voluntary organisation that provides support services to young parent families and pregnant women living in the north Edinburgh area.

The two organisations began partnering on the Bump Start programme in 2024. 

The five other charities that received funding are:

Literacy Volunteers

Nottinghamshire-based Literacy Volunteers delivers early language and literacy programmes in deprived communities, helping babies and young children build confidence, communication skills and a love of books alongside their parents.

They will use the grant funding to expand their “Learning to Love Books” programme in two family hubs based in communities where around 75% of families speak English as an additional language.

The For Baby’s Sake Trust

London-based charity, The For Baby’s Sake Trust, works with families to break the cycle of domestic abuse through long-term therapeutic, trauma-informed support, ensuring babies grow up in safe and nurturing environments.

The Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP)

Based in Oxfordshire, OXPIP offers specialist parent-infant psychotherapy to strengthen the bond between parents and babies, supporting families facing trauma, postnatal depression, or disrupted attachment.

Thrive at Five

Thrive at Five is a national charity working to improve outcomes for children under five, ensuring they have the strong foundations needed for life and learning.

As a place-based charity working with communities facing hardship, Thrive at Five has been working alongside families and partners in Stoke-on Trent for just under five years. They will be using their funding to roll-out a pilot for Video Interaction Guidance with the goal of improving school readiness and long-term outcomes.

Morning family films at Dynamic Earth this October

October Family Films! 🎃

Start your morning with monsters, myths and movies!

This October, we’re bringing you early-morning screenings of family favourite films.

Enjoy your favourite monstrous movies in our state-of-the-art Planetarium for only £6 per person.

✨How to Train Your Dragon

✨Monsters Inc.

✨ Brave

✨ Shrek

✨ Scooby Doo! Frankencreepy

Films are showing at 10am on selected dates in October.

Find out more and book your ticket:

https://dynamicearth.org.uk/halloween-at-dynamic-earth/

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and Wooden Spoon launch Junior Regional Academies to fuel the future of Wheelchair Rugby

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby has partnered with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of Rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies, an initiative that will expand inclusive playing and training opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels.

Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive.

Building Tomorrow’s Champions: Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Regional Academies

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies; a transformative initiative set to redefine the landscape of junior wheelchair rugby across the UK.

This exciting collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s development, creating a structured and inclusive pathway for young athletes and expanding opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels.

A Game-Changer for Junior Wheelchair Rugby

The new academies will provide increased playing and training opportunities for junior athletes in both wheelchair rugby (Paralympic discipline) and Wheelchair Rugby fives, while also welcoming young people who are not currently affiliated with local clubs. Wooden Spoon’s sponsorship is instrumental in supporting this growth, helping to build a vibrant and sustainable junior community.

Why Junior Academies Matter

Many junior players currently train within senior clubs under “Safe to Play” rules. While this has enabled participation, it often limits peer-to-peer engagement. The new academies will offer a dedicated space for juniors to connect, compete, and grow alongside athletes their own age; fostering personal development, confidence, and a shared passion for the sport.

Aligned with GBWR’s Performance Pathway

The academies will serve as the first step in GBWR’s performance pathway, offering consistent, high-quality coaching and a clear route for talented young athletes to progress. This structured environment is designed to nurture the next generation of Paralympians.

Key Pillars of the Junior Academies

  • Talent Development: A structured environment aligned with GBWR’s talent pathway.
  • Inclusivity: Open to all junior players, including wheelchair ruby fives athletes.
  • Accessibility: Welcoming juniors regardless of club affiliation.
  • Competition: Regional teams will compete in tournaments, starting with the inaugural Junior Tournament on Saturday, 7th February 2026.
  • Academy Identity: Each academy will choose its name and design bespoke kit.
  • Geographic Boundaries: Players will join their nearest academy, with flexibility for border regions.
  • Regularity: A minimum of five sessions per year, complementing club commitments.
  • Junior Voice: Each academy will elect a player representative to a Junior Panel.
  • Coaching Excellence: Led by passionate GBWR club coaches, supported with CPD and a structured syllabus.

Launch Details

The first academy sessions will take place on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025, with initial locations in:

North – Galashiels (Coaches: Adam Robson & Aaron Kilpatrick)
Midlands – Corby (Coaches: Jamie Higgins & Kascie Higgins)
London & South – Reading (Coaches: Sally Sycha & Omar Foster)
Wales – Location TBC (Coaches: Byron White & Dominic Evans)

Following the launch, regular sessions will be held in November, January, and March, leading up to the Junior Tournament in February 2026.

GBWR and Wooden Spoon Launch Junior Regional Academies to Fuel the Future of Wheelchair Rugby

Contact Jamie Higgins to find out more information or register your child jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk

Voices from the Community

Jason Brisbane, GBWR CEO, said: “This partnership with Wooden Spoon is a powerful step forward in our mission to grow the sport from the ground up.

“Junior athletes deserve a space where they can thrive, connect and dream big. These academies will be the launchpad for future Paralympians and community leaders.”

Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO, said: “Every child deserves the joy, confidence, and sense of belonging that sport brings.

“That’s why this partnership is so important, it opens the door for more young people to discover wheelchair rugby, to fulfil their dream of representing their country at the Paralympics, and to build lifelong friendships along the way.

“Together, we’re not just creating opportunities to play; we’re building a future where every child with a disability can see themselves as an athlete”

Jamie Higgins, Junior Programme Development Officer and Midlands Coach, added: “These academies will not only provide consistent, high-quality coaching through links with the Talent pathway, but also create a sense of community and competition among young players.

“We are confident this will lead to increased participation and pave the way for future wheelchair rugby stars.”

A 9-year-old junior player from the North Academy shared: “I can’t wait to play with other kids like me!

“It’s gonna be so fun making new friends and learning new stuff together.”

A Shared Mission for Inclusion and Empowerment

Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive.

🔗 Learn more about Wooden Spoon at woodenspoon.org.uk

NSPCC programme helps children manage their ‘big feelings’ 

Children can better recognise and manage their emotions following an NSPCC programme delivered to hundreds of primary school pupils in Govan, researchers have found. 

The Emotional Resilience programme was created by NSPCC’s Together for Childhood (TfC) Govan project after teachers told them that children were struggling with their ‘big feelings’ when they returned to classrooms after the Covid-19 lockdowns. 

The sessions, which include mindfulness, fun games and songs, are designed to increase children’s confidence in recognising and managing their emotions – to improve their wellbeing, behaviour and emotional development. 

The programme was delivered by the TfC team in seven Govan primary schools from 2021 to 2024, reaching approximately 799 pupils. Since the evaluation of the programme, sessions for early learning and childcare settings – co-created with Kirktonholme Nursery – have been delivered to three nurseries in Govan.  

The Emotional Resilience resources are now being rolled out to schools in Govan so that teachers can continue to deliver the programme. 

A deeper dive into the results of the programme by staff in the NSPCC’s research and evidence team revealed that children who took part have benefitted by being emotionally supported. 

The findings, summarised in a report1, showed that children learned how to identify different feelings and gained a better ability to recognise the emotions of others and empathise with them. Many children had learned and practiced self-care techniques to manage their emotions, and some had even shared what they had been taught with members of their families. They were also able to name trusted adults and felt more confident to seek support. 

Prajapa Seneviratne, Research and Evaluation Officer with TfC Govan, said: “We found that The Emotional Resilience programme has clear benefits for children and schools.  

“It has helped children to feel nurtured in their learning environment, giving them confidence to form trusting relationships that can aid them to learn and achieve.  

“The findings show that there is a need for emotional resilience programmes in primary and nursery schools in Govan, and more widely across Scotland, as the benefits of the programme align with the Health and Wellbeing goals of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. 

“Improving children’s awareness of and skills in emotional resilience at the earliest point, in a supportive school environment, can lay a strong foundation upon which they can achieve and thrive.”   

The evaluation of the programme’s results also revealed that teachers had improved connection with pupils and understanding of their lives, helping them to better support the children and respond promptly to safeguarding concerns.  

Kirsty Aitken, Assistant Director NSPCC Scotland, said: “This report powerfully underscores the importance of nurturing emotional resilience in children from the earliest stages of life.  

“Emotional resilience is crucial to a child’s development and ability to cope, adapt and thrive as they grow up – even in the face of adversity. It is key for managing stress, coping with change and transitions, and maintaining healthy mental wellbeing throughout life.  

“By fostering confidence in recognising and expressing ‘big feelings’ we lay the groundwork for stronger wellbeing and resilience as children navigate the complexities of growing up. 

“The report’s findings offer clear, compelling insights into what children need to thrive emotionally. It is imperative that we create intentional space to truly listen to their voices – and respond with care and commitment.” 

A facilitator’s guide for the programme has been given to all primary schools in Govan. Teachers have said they plan to use the session plans with their ‘nurture classes’ and with children who need additional support with ‘big feelings’.

A guide for early years education settings in Scotland is also being developed, following a successful pilot of an adapted version of the programme delivered by early learning and childcare staff. 

For a copy of either facilitator guide or more information, please email: Scotland1@nspcc.org.uk 

Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or go to www.childline.org.uk about any worries or concerns they may have.  

Parenting advice and support is available by contacting the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk or visit the NSPCC website.  

This project was made possible by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, and we would like to thank National Lottery players for their support.

We would also like to thank Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, our local partner, Govan HELP, and everyone else who has supported this project. 

Back-to-school moments ‘a heartbreaking reminder’ for families affected by pregnancy and baby loss

Amanda Holden joins bereaved parents backing charity campaign

As thousands of parents share back-to-school snaps of their children, pregnancy research charity Tommy’s is highlighting the heartbreak of ‘missing milestones’ for those who live with the shadow of baby loss. 

Tommy’s supports families affected by pregnancy complications and loss, and its groundbreaking research has helped many bereaved parents go on to bring home a baby after loss.  

Its new campaign features the image of a shadow on a front door, in memory of children who are not here to start the school year. 

Tommy’s Ambassador Amanda Holden is among those sharing the image on social media.

Amanda’s son, Theo, was stillborn in 2011 when she was 28 weeks pregnant. She has previously marked on social media what would have been his milestone moments, including a tribute last year which said: “You would have become a teenager today”. 

Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said: “The start of a new school year is a proud milestone for so many families, and celebrated quite rightly with shared photos and stories. 

“But it’s important to remember that for those affected by pregnancy or baby loss – including parents, grandparents and siblings – this time of year can be intensely difficult. There is a gap that can never be filled. 

“Our research into pregnancy complications and loss is already saving babies’ lives but our goal is to make pregnancy and birth safe for everyone, so that more families are spared the lifelong sadness of asking ‘what if?’

In a report published earlier this year, the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit estimated that at least 2,500 fewer babies would have been lost since 2018 if the government had achieved its ambition of halving the 2010 rates of stillbirth, neonatal and maternal deaths in England.

That equates to around 100 primary school classrooms left unfilled in England since 2018 because of pregnancy losses that would not have happened if targets had been met. 

Across the UK, half of all adults have either experienced pregnancy or baby loss themselves or know someone who has.

Further Info: https://www.tommys.org/change-lifetime-of-loss

tommys.org

Spin into September this weekend at National Museum of Flight’s 360 Fest

Visitors can spin into September at the National Museum of Flight’s family fun day this weekend. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands-on activities at 360 Fest, returning to East Lothian this Saturday (6th September). 

The one-day event offers full-circle family fun for all ages. Visitors can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Think Circus will also pop up around the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield with spectacular circus performances. 

The Ultimate Extreme Sports Show will showcase cycle and sport skills, including BMX stunts, mountain bike trials and bike parkour. Visitors who fancy having a go themselves can also choose a bike and zoom round The Dirt Factory’s bike pump track. Family crafts, demos, and STEM activities a complete the packed programme. 

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We’re delighted that 360 Fest is returning to the National Museum of Flight for a second year.

“This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together. Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.” 

Visitors can explore the National Museum of Flight and discover iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde. Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly.

There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.    

360 Fest takes place on Saturday 6 September. Activities run from 11:00-16:00 and the museum is open 10:00-17:00.  

Pictured: Kat Borrowdale from Think Circus practices ahead of 360 Fest, a day of family fun celebrating all things circular at the National Museum of Flight.

Photo © Andy Catlin