RAINBOWS AND BROWNIES RAISE £3600 FOR MISSION CHRISTMAS
Huge well done to the Blackhall Rainbows and Brownies who raised more than £3,600 for Mission Christmas by ‘growing £1’.
This meant each girl was given £1 and had to come up with a fundraising idea to help “grow” it. They then took the money they had fundraised to B&M and spent it on gifts for children living in poverty, which they then donated to Mission Christmas with Cash for Kids.
Thanks to a 10% discount from B&M Edinburgh, the group was able to donate more than £4,500 worth of gifts – which equated to four jam-packed car loads!
‘a system under strain and a need for urgent change’
New data shows the need for support has rocketed over the past five years, revealing a growing crisis across schools, families, and workplaces
As Mindroom marks 25 years of championing neurodivergent children, young people, and adults in the workplace, new data exposes a sharp rise in need across the UK, and a system struggling to cope.
Over the past five years, demand for Mindroom’s support has soared by nearly 300%, with families waiting years for assessments, children missing school due to unmet needs, and parents describing a system “at breaking point.”
The charity’s latest Impact Report also shows a 62% rise in families seeking mental health support, a 240% increase in training for professionals, and 93% of young people saying they felt more confident after working with Mindroom – proof of both surging need and transformative impact.
“Everywhere we look – classrooms, GP surgeries, workplaces, kitchen tables – the pressure is mounting,” said Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Mindroom.
“Every week, more families come to us saying they simply can’t navigate the system alone. The good news is that public understanding of neurodiversity has grown hugely. The question now is whether our institutions can keep up.”
This comes amid a worsening national picture. A Scottish Parliament report (June 2025) * described a “concerning picture” of neurodivergent care in Scotland, with over 42,000 children and 23,000 adults now waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments, signalling increases of over 500% and 2,200% respectively since 2020.
Some families face waits of up tothree and a half years, while in England, reports show children waiting more than four years for an ADHD or autism diagnosis.
Mindroom’s 2024 Impact Report shows the charity handled 25,499 direct contacts on behalf of children and young people last year alone, providing vital one-to-one support and advocacy for families in crisis.
At the same time, its training and consultancy arm grew by 160%, equipping professionals in education, health, and business to create “neuroinclusive communities. But despite this progress, the gap between awareness and action remains wide.
A 2024 national workplace report** found that over half of neurodivergent employees had taken time off due to inadequate support or lack of reasonable adjustments. While neuroinclusion is rising up the corporate agenda, too many workplaces still fall short on psychological safety and practical understanding.
To mark its 25th anniversary, Mindroom is launching new initiatives to expand neuroinclusive practice from classrooms to boardrooms and, over the past three years, the charity has trained more than 10,000 people across sectors, a foundation it now plans to build on through national partnerships, policy advocacy, and expanded training.
“Behind every statistic is a person: a child finally getting the right support in school, a parent who no longer feels alone, or a workplace learning to value difference,” Alan Thornburrow added. “That’s what keeps us going.
“With neurodiversity finally gaining visibility in public life – from government policy to entertainment – we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn awareness into action. Neurodivergent young people are not a side issue; they are the future workforce.”
Founded in 2000 and inspired by the lived experience of Robin and Sophie Dow and their daughter Annie, Mindroom began as a small Edinburgh charity and now supports thousands of families every year. Its mission – to build a society that champions every kind of mind – is more relevant than ever.
To download the latest Impact Report created by Mindroom (2024), please visit: 2024 Impact Report
The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.
The Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of Christmas magic, featuring an appearance from the Big Man himself, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott.
Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens.
From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.
This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles guaranteed! Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing!
LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.
The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.
This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.
No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
As the evenings turn frosty, Christmas at the Botanics returns to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the 2025 festive season. Running for 36 nights on selected evenings from 20 November to 30 December, the trail will illuminate the beauty and resilience of nature during winter.
The popular after-dark trail will once again transform the Garden into a glowing wonderland of light and sound, showcasing both homegrown talent and international artists.
Visitors can enjoy an array of spectacular installations that explore the theme of transformation and renewal – paying homage to the natural cycles of change that sustain our planet. New installations for 2025 include:
Papillons: Making its UK debut on this year’s trail, the installation by French design studio Pitaya will see a breathtaking display of hundreds of multi-coloured butterflies taking flight among the trees, inviting visitors to step into a vision of springtime in the depths of winter. The installation serves as a joyful tribute to biodiversity.
The Seeds: These internally lit, stand-alone white sculptures are equally impressive during the day as they are when illuminated at night and are powerful symbols of restoration and new beginnings.
Water Lilies: Five large, self-illuminated water lily flowers gracefully float along the surface of the Pond. As their incandescent petals reflect off the water, these flowers serve as a reminder of growth and transformation.
Pic Phil Wilkinson
As well as the well-loved Christmas Cathedral, which has become a popular selfie spot over the years, visitors can also capture the love of Christmas under the new Heart Arches. Emitting a vibrant red glow, this installation adds another great location to capture picture-perfect moments with loved ones.
Designed to complement the Garden’s landscape, with 98% of the lights being energy-efficient LEDs, the trail combines art, sustainability and storytelling in the uniquely atmospheric setting of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Beyond being a visual treat, the trail plays a vital role in supporting the Garden’s important work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. Ticket sales help fund crucial plant research, conservation and education programmes, helping to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
Pic Phil Wilkinson
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail celebrates transformation – in nature, in art and in how we experience the winter season.
“We’ve refreshed much of the route to reflect the beauty and resilience that define both nature and our work at the Botanics – and the importance of protecting it.
“Christmas at the Botanics has become a highlight of Scotland’s winter tourism calendar, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Edinburgh at its most magical and celebrate the creativity that Scotland is known for.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now, with the addition of three quiet nights to offer a more relaxed and accessible experience. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland.
The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of £390.25.
The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or new clothes.
The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. It is available to young people who are in education, employed or out of work.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited @fifeyoungcarers to announce the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds.
Young Carer Grant is
✅ more than £390 for young carers aged 16 to 19 ✅ only available in Scotland
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that young carers make, and I’m proud that we’re able to extend eligibility further to include 19-year-olds.
“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other people their age – Young Carer Grant provides some support towards helping them do the things they like outside of their caring responsibilities.
“I would encourage young carers across the country to check their eligibility and to see what other support is available to them.”
Millie is 19 and cares for her mum and older sister in Fort William.
From today, our Young Carer Grant has been extended to 19 year olds!
Young carers aged 16 to 19 may be eligible for over £390 and can apply on an annual basis.
She said: “I was told about the Young Carer Grant through our community link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18 which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons and car insurance.
“It’s absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up to the age of 19 now. It will definitely benefit a lot of young adult carers who don’t receive any financial benefits.”
Young Carer Grant has been available to young carers in Scotland since 2019.
Applicants must have been caring for one or more people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last three months. If they care for more than one person, they can combine the hours of the people they care for to average 16 hours a week.
A total of 4,135 Young Carer Grant payments were made in the 2024/25 financial year. This is the highest number of payments in a financial year since the grant’s launch. (Young Carer Grant statistics 2024/25)
Young carers providing care for 35 hours a week or more may be entitled to Carer Support Payment. Young Carer Grant is not available to people who already receive Carer Support Payment.
To find out more about social security support for unpaid carers and to check eligibility, visit mygov.scot/carers
Information on other support, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot
It’s almost a year since The Pitt reopened its doors on the Granton Prom, opening up a huge and much-needed community space in North Edinburgh.
We just want to take a moment to say thank you — to everyone who’s stopped by for a quick pint, come along to one of our events, or supported us in any way.
Every visit, every dance, every bite, and every cheer helps us keep building something special here. You’re helping us grow a space that’s not just about great food and live music, but about connection, creativity, and community.
Come along to The Pitt for a Christmas lights switch-on and festive gathering, accompanied by live music from talented local artists, carol singing, free seasonal treats and hot drinks.
And, as always, The Pitt’s street food market and bar, huge indoor seating area with pool table and table tennis and an under 5s play area.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – our Christmas jumper workshops!
These were a huge hit last year so start getting excited now! On Saturday 22nd and 29th of November, we will be running drop-in craft sessions (2pm – 4pm).
We will provide wool, felt, pom-poms etc – please bring a spare old jumper or t-shirt if you have one! We will provide some old jumpers as well.
We can’t wait, and we look forward to seeing you all wearing your beautiful Christmas or festive jumpers throughout December!
St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Christmas Light Switch-on
St James Quarter has teamed up with Scottish children’s charity, Children First, to bring festive cheer to families who need it most this Christmas, with the launch of the Gifting Tree – a heartwarming initiative that gives guests the opportunity to donate gifts for children and young people across Scotland.
Located on Level 3 of the St James Quarter Galleria, the Gifting Tree invites visitors to help make Christmas a little brighter for children and families who may otherwise go without this festive season.
Shoppers can now donate a new, unwrapped gift at the Guest Services Desk within St James Quarter. In return, each donor will receive a blank tag, on which they can write a special message to hang on the Gifting Tree – a symbolic gesture of generosity and community spirit.
All gifts will be distributed by Children First to families across Scotland who are struggling to make ends meet this winter. For those who would prefer to make a monetary donation, they can do so online via the Gifting Tree Just Giving page.
With over 240,000 children living in poverty across Scotland, energy costs rising and families facing increasing financial pressure, Children First has seen more families than ever reaching out for help.
The charity offers vital emotional, practical, and financial support to ensure children can grow up safe, secure and happy – but it relies on the kindness of local communities to make this possible.
Donated gifts could include games, books, cosy clothing, toiletries, or vouchers for shops and experiences (a full list of suggested items can be found below). There is a particular need for gifts for teenagers and older children, who are often overlooked in festive giving campaigns.
Jennifer Laseen, Chair of the CSR Committee at St James Quarter, said: “Every child deserves to experience the joy and magic of Christmas. We’re proud to partner with Children First this year to bring the Gifting Tree to life at St James Quarter.
“The festive season is a time for giving, and this initiative allows our guests to make a real difference to children and young people who are finding things difficult right now. We’re constantly inspired by the generosity of our community here in Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the Gifting Tree filled with decorations that represent kindness and compassion.”
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First said:“For families already having a tough time, the added pressure and cost of Christmas can be overwhelming. By donating through the Gifting Tree, you can help bring joy to children in Edinburgh and across Scotland during the festive season.
“We’re incredibly grateful to St James Quarter for their generous support and we hope as many people as possible will get involved. This wonderful initiative has the power to brighten Christmas for countless children – and we can’t wait to see the difference it will make.”
To take part, visitors can simply bring their gift to the Guest Services Desk on level 1 of St James Quarter and then place their decoration on the Gifting Tree on Level 3 from now until 5 January 2026.
Suggested gifts for donation:
Vouchers for shops and experiences (cinemas, haircuts, Greggs, Starbucks, JD Sports, Primark, One4All vouchers)
Make-up sets, make-up brushes, jewellery, accessories, heatless curl set
Toiletries and personal hygiene items
Headphones
Games, puzzles and arts and crafts sets
Pyjamas, cosy socks, branded socks
Hats, gloves and scarves
Board games and arts and crafts activities
Journals, notebooks and stationery
Footballs
Guests can make the most of the festive season at St James Quarter with the extended opening hours outlined below:
Sunday 16th November – Sunday 14th December: 10am – 7pm
Friday 28th November (Black Friday): 9am – 9pm
Monday 15th December – Saturday 20th December: 9am – 9pm
Sunday 21st December: 9am – 7pm
Monday 22nd December – Tuesday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
