Tag: Children and Families

New research reveals nearly a quarter of Scottish children have NEVER had an eye test

SPECSAVERS has launched its first ever ‘eye screen’ van to put children’s eye health and eye tests at the top of parents’ agendas.

Popping up at The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, the van was not only equipped with ice lollies, but also visual screeners, to help identify any potential eyesight problems in children and alert their parents if they required a more thorough eye test. 

The activity comes as new research conducted by Specsavers among parents in Scotland with kids aged 4-16, revealed that almost a quarter (22%) of children of this age have never had an eye test, and a further 12% haven’t had one in two years or longer.

This is despite 15% of parents in Scotland saying their child had experienced problems at school which could be linked to vision. The most common issues raised includes struggling to see the whiteboard (43%), experiencing discomfort because they are straining to see (36%) or having to move to the front of the classroom to see (21%).

Little progress has been in the last 15 years as research carried out by Specsavers in 2009, showed just under a quarter (23%) of UK children aged between 3-12 had never had an eye test.[1]

The latest survey found the most common reasons parents across Scotland haven’t taken their child for an eye test is because they don’t know how frequently they need to go (33%) or they have no visible problems (17%). Other reasons include parents not being advised that their child needs an eye test (17%) or knowing at what age they should have one (17%).

Specsavers clinical services director Giles Edmonds said: ‘A lot of parents assume that because their child doesn’t display any signs of a vision problem, there’s no need to have their eyes tested.

‘However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ensuring your child has regular eye examinations from an early age is incredibly important for several reasons. Given more than 80 per cent of our learning, cognitive and social abilities are facilitated through our sight, it’s extremely important to your child’s overall development.

‘Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems. Conditions such as squinting and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier, which could make a huge difference to your child. An eye test doesn’t just check vision. It can also detect other underlying health conditions.’

The research also found that during school holidays, parents across Scotland have a back-to-school list of around 10 to 11 tasks, including everything from buying new school unforms (55%), shoe fittings (52%) and labelling personal items (45%). However, eye tests ranked lower (42%) alongside dental checks (42%).

Giles adds: “We understand how many things parents have to think about, especially during the summer holidays and before the new school year starts. 

“By showing up with our eye screen van, we hope we’ve put eye tests on parents’ radars as they play a significant role in setting children up for a happy and fulfilling school life.”

The research also found children in Scotland are reluctant to get their eyes tested. Nearly a half (48%) think it will hurt and nearly one in five just don’t want glasses (19%).

To combat this, Specsavers is looking at ways to make a visit to the opticians more fun with the launch of its friendly ‘Optomonsters’. Customers will start to notice the Optomonsters popping up in stores nationwide soon.

REVEALED: 2 in 3 parents in Edinburgh are feeling the strain of back-to-school shopping

The back-to-school period can be a stressful time for parents and carers, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is only adding to this stress.

Looking to understand the situation parents face this September, UK affordable footwear retailer, Wynsors, has carried out their annual survey of 1,000 parents to understand exactly how much the cost of school uniform is affecting their finances.

The results do not paint a positive picture for households across Edinburgh:

  • Nearly 2/3 of parents (65%) in Edinburgh agree that the cost of buying school uniform and supplies puts a strain on their household budget.
  • Almost 4/5 of parents (79%) in Edinburgh feel that the financial pressure on parents has increased over the last 12 months.
  • More than 1/3 (37%) of Edinburgh’s parents do not receive any financial support with the cost of new school uniform, but state they need it.

With 29% of Edinburgh’s parents are spending over £200 each year on school uniform, households across the country are having to make cutbacks elsewhere to afford it.

More than three quarters (78%) are spending less on new things for themselves (such as clothing) so they can stretch their household budget to cover the cost of buying new school uniform, and 30% only shop at discount supermarkets and shops to do so.

The cost of school uniform has even made it onto the new government’s agenda with King Charles outlining a new bill to help level the playing field for families from different economic backgrounds.

In a speech to the new government, King Charles announced legislation aimed at reducing rising costs for parents by limiting the number of branded uniform and PE kit items that schools can require.

But does this go far enough? Almost half of Edinburgh’s (47%) agree that abolishing school uniforms altogether would help to save money.

Adam Foster, Retail Director from Wynsors, comments: “As highlighted by the research we commissioned both this year and last, the back-to-school period is a stressful time for parents and things do not appear to be getting any easier on their wallets.

“But as the UK’s most affordable family footwear retailer, we want to take the stress out of the shopping experience by making school uniform accessible to all. Our commitment to high quality products for low prices has helped parents over the last 50 years get their kids equipped and ready for school.”

The full study, including more information on parents’ attitudes to school uniform and tips for saving money on the back-to-school shop, can be found on-site here: https://www.wynsors.com/blog/true-cost-of-school-uniform/

Helping children understand and cope with disasters

Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist

Paediatric First Aid Course

In recent times, our communities have faced challenges that can be difficult for anyone to process, particularly children (writes SARAH JEFFERIES, Paediatric Health Specialist).

As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to help our young ones navigate these unsettling events with care, understanding, and reassurance. Children often turn to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to respond to and understand the world around them, especially during times of crisis.

Here are some key ways to talk to children about disasters while providing them with the support they need:

Create a Safe Environment

First and foremost, ensure that children feel safe. This means being present, both physically and emotionally, and reassuring them that their immediate environment is secure. Children need to know that they are protected and that their caregivers are there to support them.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate

When discussing difficult events, it is important to be honest but mindful of the child’s age and developmental stage. Use simple, clear language and avoid overloading them with information. For younger children, brief explanations are often sufficient, while older children might seek more detailed information.

Encourage Questions

Children are naturally curious, and they may have many questions about what they hear or see. Encourage them to ask questions and listen attentively to their concerns. This will help them process their feelings and understand the situation better.

Validate Their Feelings

Children may express a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to confusion and anger. It is important to validate their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel upset. Share your own feelings in a way that is appropriate and demonstrates empathy, showing them that they are not alone.

Focus on the Helpers

In times of crisis, it is beneficial to focus on the positive actions being taken by individuals and communities. Highlight the efforts of emergency responders, healthcare workers, and community volunteers. This can provide a sense of hope and demonstrate the power of people coming together to help one another.

Limit Media Exposure

Continuous exposure to news and media reports can be overwhelming and distressing for children. Monitor their media consumption and be available to discuss any content they may have seen. Encourage activities that offer a positive distraction, such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors.

Promote a Routine

Maintaining a regular routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability for children. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities can help them feel more secure and less anxious about the uncertainty around them.

Encourage Expression Through Play and Art

Children often express their feelings through play, drawing, and storytelling. Encourage these activities as a way for them to process their emotions and experiences. Offer them tools such as crayons, paper, or toys to facilitate this form of expression.

Be Patient and Available

Children may need time to process their emotions and may revisit their questions and concerns repeatedly. Be patient and make yourself available for ongoing discussions. Let them know that they can come to you anytime they need to talk.

Seek Professional Support if Needed

If you notice that a child is struggling to cope, exhibiting changes in behaviour, or showing signs of distress that do not improve over time, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. Early intervention can be beneficial in supporting a child’s emotional well-being.

Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist from Paediatric First Aid Course, says: “By approaching these conversations with sensitivity and care, we can help children build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

“As adults, it is our responsibility to guide our young ones through challenging times, empowering them with the strength to face the future with confidence.

“Together, we can create an environment of support and understanding that helps children thrive despite the difficulties they may encounter.

“Let’s commit to being the reassuring presence they need as they navigate the complexities of the world around them.”

Scottish Government: Supporting parents with children in care

£900,000 for organisations working with birth parents

Parents who have had a child taken into care will receive support from community services through £900,000 of Scottish Government funding this year.

The annual investment, delivered through the Corra Foundation, will be shared in 2024-25 by 11 organisations who work closely with birth parents who see their mental health decline following the loss of their child.

Many of these parents have dealt with multiple traumatic life events, such as childhood trauma, substance misuse, mental health issues or experience of domestic abuse.

The community organisations work to help empower birth parents to take control of their lives, develop new skills and build their self-confidence.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Government is committed to keeping The Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so. Taking a child into care should only be done in the best interests of the wellbeing of that child. It is a hugely traumatic experience that impacts on the whole family, and doesn’t just stop.

“Sadly it is often the case that birth parents are left with little support after their child is taken into care – leaving them isolated having to deal with the situation alone, often when they are at their lowest point. However, much evidence and positive outcomes have been gathered by those working with birth parents as part of this programme.

“Feedback from birth parents involved in the programme to date has been extremely positive, with some calling it ‘life changing’. I am pleased we can continue this and show our appreciation for the Corra Foundation and all the groups they work with and the parents they support.”

Carolyn Sawers, Corra CEO said: “The funded services provide vital support to birth mums and dads. The relational, compassionate support the organisations provide means birth parents feel safe, valued and cared for.”

The list of funded projects is online here https://corra.scot/grants/supporting-birth-parents/…

PM sets out support package for Southport

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with local leaders in Southport today to confirm a package of support for the local community, following the appalling killings and violent disorder that rocked the area earlier this week.

The package will equip local leaders and agencies so that the right support is in place for victims, ensure the needs of bereaved families are at the heart of the response, and drive longer term efforts to bring the community together. 

During his visit to Southport the prime minister took part in a meeting with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and other leaders drawn from local policing, faith groups, healthcare providers and voluntary and education sectors, where they discussed next steps and the importance of working together to help Southport recover from these horrific events. The Prime Minister also travelled to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to thank staff for their hard work and enduring professionalism.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport, which ripped through the very fabric of this community and left us all in shock.

“It is truly inspiring to hear of all the ways in which people have come together in the face of such horrors to demonstrate true bravery, resilience and solidarity.

“I cannot begin to imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I am determined to make sure that Southport and its leaders have all the support they need to preserve and nurture this strength of community spirit – not just in the immediate aftermath, but also in the years to come.”

Government and local partners are working together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-agency support offer for bereaved families and all those affected across Southport – this could include access to vital mental health and psychological services; effective communication with those affected; and a programme of engagement with the community on how to best recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the horrific events.

In order to support the long term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience, including by setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “The horrendous events of Tuesday have caused untold shock and horror across the whole country but has left Southport struggling to come to terms with such a tragedy on its doorstep.

“Once the glare of the national media has moved on, it leaves behind a community that needs to come together and rebuild. This is a tight knit area and we have already seen that inclusivity and community on full display in the town’s response to the mindless violence on Tuesday night.

I”t will not happen overnight, but we are determined to restore trust, build on that remarkable resilience – and, above all, ensure that Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the victims and those traumatised, are never forgotten.

“On behalf of the Liverpool City Region, I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for the personal commitment he has given to supporting Southport through this extraordinarily difficult time.”

The package will also help support local leaders’ efforts to honour the memory of those tragically killed or injured, working with schools and others affected to commemorate them in line with the local community’s wishes. 

It comes alongside extensive care delivered through the NHS for anyone affected by the terrible incidents, including specialist psychological and bereavement support services tailored to individuals’ needs and access to 24/7 crisis support.

Local hospitals and healthcare services delivering support to victims, bereaved families and other people affected are also being provided with advice in order to make sure staff are best equipped to give people the help and expert care they need.

Today’s measures follow wider efforts by government to prevent further violence and unrest on our streets through a new National Violent Disorder Programme. This will bring together expert policing capabilities from across the country, drive better intelligence sharing and deploy innovative technologies more effectively to stamp out criminal behaviour and bring those responsible for violence to justice.

Government will continue to work closely with community leaders over the weeks and months ahead to ensure people, businesses and the local economy all receive ongoing support in order to drive recovery and local growth, including sustaining Southport’s thriving tourism sector and cultural attractions.

Children learn about keeping safe during Pantosaurus visit to Zoo

Families learned about keeping children safe from harm when our fun-loving dinosaur visited Edinburgh Zoo recently.

Pantosaurus, the friendly dinosaur character which fronts the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign, was joined by more than 370 people at the zoo for colouring activities and sharing the Talk PANTS messages.

This event was part of a campaign which launched in Edinburgh last October to help protect children across the city from sexual abuse.

EdinburghTalkPANTS is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland in partnership with the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and a wide range of partners across the city. to spread the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.

Talk PANTS was developed with children, parents, carers and teachers to help protect young children by giving parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children.

Key messages are delivered to children, with help from Pantosaurus, so they understand that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

Lauren Engall, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Officer, said: “It was amazing to take Pantosaurus and Talk PANTS to Edinburgh Zoo. Many of the families recognised Pantosaurus and knew the PANTS song, so it was great to see that the message of Talk PANTS is spreading.

“Many thanks to staff from Edinburgh Zoo for having us and Pantosaurus there. The children really enjoyed spending the afternoon with our friendly and colourful dinosaur.

“Talk PANTS lets us speak to children about their rights and how to keep safe in an age-appropriate way and it was brilliant to see so many families turn up for the event. A simple conversation can make a big difference and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about.”

Other upcoming Talk PANTS events in Edinburgh include appearances at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on August 20th, the Primary School Gala Day at the Book Festival on August 22nd, and a family day at Sighthill Library on August 30th which will include a reading by popular children’s author Bruna De Luca, from her book I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous.

For more information about Talk PANTS, visit the , and to find out about other events taking place in Edinburgh, visit EdinburghTalkPANTS

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk for advice.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them by calling 0800 1111 or by visiting: www.childline.org.uk

Social Security Scotland: Financial help for families 

During the school summer holidays families can face increased costs for everything from childcare and extra activities to food bills.

We are asking our partners and stakeholders to help spread the word about financial support available and ask people to check if they are eligible for any of our family payments.
 
 People can apply for payments for all of their children using a single form.

  • Scottish Child Payment –£106.80 every four weeks to help towards the costs of looking after each child under 16
  • Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment – one-off payment of up to £754.65 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months
  • Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment – one-off payment of £314.45 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months
  • Best Start Grant School Age Payment – one-off payment of £314.45 to help with the costs of starting school available between 1 June and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one
  • Best Start Foods – up to £42.40 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government extended eligibility by removing income limits for Best Start Foods. Now, anyone who gets a qualifying benefit, and is pregnant or has a child under 3, is eligible, regardless of their other income.
 
Some people might not think they are eligible for payments because they are working. However, people in work, whether part-time or full-time, can also receive many of the payments delivered by us, including those designed to help families on low incomes.

In Scotland, around one in three people getting Universal Credit are in work, and Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits for getting Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Foods and the three Best Start Grant payments.
 
Parents, carers and guardians can get more information at Children and family – mygov.scot or by calling us free on 0800 182 2222.

Enhanced back to school support from Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has taken another step forward in addressing the needs of children facing poverty by including stationery items in every clothing crisis pack.

This initiative comes in response to feedback from the Child Poverty Action Group Report on the cost of the school day.

By ensuring that children not only have access to proper school uniforms but also essential stationery, ESUB is helping to create a more level playing field.

This move will aid in reducing the stigma associated with poverty and enable children to focus on their education without the added worry of lacking basic school supplies, crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

This would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters! Thank you!

Drumbrae Library Hub: Summer events continue next week

THIS week Drumbrae library saw a lot of great gaming, including some cool creations like a powered beacon in Minecraft and a spectacular volcano!

Next week we have some crafty events which are so popular they’ve already been booked up, but our usual Friday Craft and Lego Time will still be on and open to everyone of suitable age.

Keep an eye out for our updates on food delivered to the sharing shelf and any extra news we’ve got to share.