Too grand! STV Appeal support for PYCP

Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP) has received £2000 from the STV Appeal 2014. The funding is welcome news for the local project and will support PY’s clubs and groups throughout the year.

The STV Appeal team’s Natalie Wright called in at The Greenhouse last week to present the cheque and met children from PY’s P5 – P7 Club.

PYCP provides a wide range of services and activities – from open clubs and groups to community and school-based individual support in North Edinburgh. Each provision is designed to meet the needs of a particular age and peer group, and activities are tailored to meet these needs in consultation with the children and young people involved.

PYCP carry out open access youth work plus promotion of good health and well being. The project offers targeted and referred support work to children and young people in need. There is also a Preventative Opportunities Programme which supports young people by engaging their whole family in activities, outings and workshops together.

The STV Appeal is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and young people living in poverty in Scotland. Across the country, 220,000 children live in poverty and figures from the Campaign to End Child Poverty show that in Edinburgh it’s actually 21.1% of children. Pilton Youth and Children’s Project is one of the projects the STV Appeal is supporting in Edinburgh.

Since launch in 2011, the STV Appeal has raised over £8.2 million with 297 big and small grants distributed to projects across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, providing much needed support to over 37,000 children. The money raised is distributed to provide practical help like food and warm clothes; create opportunities for training and employability; and enable social and emotional support for those who need it most.

PYCP youth and children’s worker Mark Hunter said: “As someone who has been part of PYCP for the past ten years, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the project has made in the lives of so many young people, their families and the community around them.

“I think PYCP is unique in the way that it is there for children when they start their school career aged five and continues to be there for them until they are 18 and beyond. It is really important that we can provide opportunities for all children and young people in Pilton to have fun with their friends and take part in organised activities, all free of charge.

“Because of that we are ideally placed to offer additional support to those who want it and support all young people to reach their potential. Being part of PYCP has been immensely rewarding for me and I’m excited to see how the next ten years pans out too.”

Rob Woodward, STV CEO and trustee of the STV Appeal, said: “The money donated to the STV Appeal remains in Scotland and will help bring about a positive change to the lives of vulnerable children and young people on our doorstep. With the help of the extraordinary fundraising efforts taking place in communities across the country we have raised an incredible £2.6m in 2014 allowing us to make grants to 297 projects. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported this year’s Appeal.”

Sir Tom Hunter, trustee of the STV Appeal, said: “Yet again the people of Scotland have cast their vote – end child poverty. Through the STV Appeal we are attempting to deliver sustainable solutions to do just that. It is simply unacceptable in modern Scotland to still have young people debilitated by poverty, through this project and many more the people of Scotland are doing their level best to combat poverty.”

Sir Ian Wood, trustee of the STV Appeal, said: “The generosity of the people in Scotland who provide such great support to the STV Appeal is incredibly encouraging and heart-warming. However, it is deeply concerning that there continues to be a significant requirement across Scotland for financial support for child poverty.

“Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, a commission I chaired recently, has the overarching aim to enable Scotland’s young people to move into sustainable employment upon leaving education. But how can they achieve positive destinations if they have a less than adequate start in life?

“I sincerely believe that the grants donated by the STV Appeal can have a significant impact on the lives of Scotland’s young people and make a real contribution to eradicating child poverty in Scotland.”

The STV Appeal 2015 is now well underway with an exciting line-up of fundraising activities planned. Watch this space!

Children and families charities to receive £14.7 million

“Our parents often refer to our family sessions as a real lifeline, and we are very grateful for this support.” – Celine Sinclair, The Yard

Children and families across Scotland are set to benefit from funding awards totalling almost £15 million, announced by the Acting Children’s Minister today.

The funding has been awarded to 132 voluntary organisations which aim to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities for children and young people across Scotland and their families and communities that support them.

Confirming the funding allocations for 2015-16, Acting Minister for Children and Young People Fiona McLeod said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to creating a fairer Scotland and reducing inequalities, and supporting families is key to achieving that aim. I’m pleased we can invest further funding in these organisations to continue their fantastic work supporting children and families across Scotland.

“From vital childcare and youth work projects, to counselling and learning support, the work of these organisations is wide ranging, helping ensure our children get the best start in life. I’ve visited the Yard Adventure Centre in Edinburgh and have seen first hand the excellent work they do to support families.”

The funding is allocated through both the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund (TSEIF) and Strategic Funding Partnerships which began in 2013.

In the first year of the TSEIF alone, more than 3,500 families facing challenges were supported through project work.

The Yard Adventure Centre in Edinburgh is one organisation which has received funding through the TSEIF. It provides supported play and recreational activities for children with multiple and complex additional support needs.

Since the TSEIF grant began, there has been an increase in the number of new families using the centre and the funding has enabled them to increase their opening hours at the weekend.

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of Scotland Yard Adventure Centre said: “We are delighted to receive funding from the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund for a further year. The funds will support our weekend and holiday family sessions which provide both emotional and practical support to families with children with additional support needs. The sessions run every weekend and throughout the school holidays and give children and young people a safe and dynamic play space that meets their needs.

“Our parents often refer to our family sessions as a real lifeline, and we are very grateful for this support.”

Earlier this year the Scottish Government established a short-term working group to advise it on how the current funding arrangements supporting the Third Sector could be refined in the future.

The Third Sector Early Intervention Fund was launched in December 2012 with awards beginning from May 2013. It was originally intended to operate for two years, but has been extended to March 2016.

A Strategic Funding Partnership (SFP) is an agreement between the Scottish Government and a third sector organisation. The agreement is focused on the delivery of one or more Scottish Government outcomes, where the organisation is uniquely placed to assist with delivery and improve outcomes for children, young people, adults, families and communities. SFPs were also extended until March 2016 earlier this year.

Organisations receiving funding under the SFPs are:

Birthlink

British Association for Adoption and Fostering, Scotland

The Mentor Foundation UK (Mentor)

Genetic Alliance UK

Hearts and Minds

Article 12 in Scotland

Capability Scotland

The Alliance Scotland

Sense Scotland

Sleep Scotland

Scottish Youth Parliament

Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens

Dyslexia Scotland

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)

Lead Scotland

Learning Link Scotland

Scotland’s Learning Partnership

Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC)

Scottish Community Development Network

Workers’ Educational Association

Girlguiding Scotland

John Muir Trust

LGBT Youth Scotland

Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Scottish Environmental & Outdoor Education Centres Association

The Boys’ Brigade

The Girls Brigade in Scotland

The Iona Community

The Princes Trust

The Scout Association

Woodcraft Folk

YWCA Scotland

Care and Learning Alliance (CALA)

National Day Nurseries Association

Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta)

Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland

Families Need Fathers Scotland

Fathers Network Scotland (FNS)

Parent Network Scotland

Working On Wheels

Family Service Unit Scotland (Circle)

Relationships Scotland

The Spark (Previously Scottish Marriage Care)

Asthma UK Scotland

Partners in Advocacy

Organisations receiving funding under the TSEIF are:

Action for Sick Children Scotland

Adoption UK in Scotland

Afasic Scotland

Befriending Networks

Black & Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland – BEMIS Scotland

Child Bereavement UK

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland

Children in Scotland – Working for Children and their Families (CiS)

Community Care Providers Scotland – Coalition Of Care And Support Providers In Scotland

Community Law Advice Network

Contact a Family Scotland

Down’s Syndrome Scotland

Edinburgh Cyrenians

Enable Scotland

Families Outside

Fast Forward

Govan Law Centre (Education Law Unit)

Home-Start UK

Mellow Parenting – Fathers & Parents with Learning disabilities

Mellow Parenting Very Early Intervention Project for Parents to Be

NSPCC

One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS)

Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP)

Play Scotland

Quarriers

Rape Crisis Scotland

Re-Solv

Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Children 1st)

Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children RSSPCC – Parenting across Scotland (Children 1st)

Save the Children

Scottish Child Law Centre

Scottish Childminding Association

Scottish Families Affected by Drugs- Strand 1

Scottish Mentoring Network

Scottish Out of School Care Network

Scottish Pre-School Play Association

Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum (STAF)

Scottish Women’s Aid

Smart Play Network

Stepping Stones for Families

The Breastfeeding Network (BfN)

The Children’s Parliament

The Church Of Scotland CrossReach – Children, Young People and Families Directorate

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Fostering Network (Fosterline Scotland: Early Intervention through Advice, Advocacy and Mediation)

The Fostering Network Scotland

The National Autistic Society

The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance

Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights)

Who Cares? Scotland

YMCA Scotland

Youth Scotland

YouthLink Scotland

3D Drumchapel

Aberlour and Quarriers: Growing2gether – Early Years/Early Intervention Service

Aberlour Child Care Trust (Aberlour Bridges Glasgow: evidence-based early-intervention model)

Action for Children (Family support volunteering project)

Action for Sick Children Scotland

Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis

Barnardo’s Scotland – You First

Care and Learning Alliance (CALA)

Childcare First Limited – Ready, Steady, Restore

Drugs Action – Families First

Edinburgh Young Carers Project

Families Outside – Addiewell Prison Visitors’ Centre

Kindred Advocacy

Midlothian Sure Start

MindMosaic Counselling and Therapy – Providing Therapeutic support for children and young people.

One Parent Families Scotland (Supporting Scotland’s Children and Fathers)

Open Secret

Play Alloa: STEP UP Project

Positive Help-Children & Young people’s (C&YP) Services

Quarriers (Opt-In Early Years Project)

Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre Perth & Kinross

Saheliya

Scotland Yard Adventure Centre (The Yard – Families Project)

Scottish Childminding Association

Scottish Spina Bifida Association (“Be All You Can Be” Project)

Sense Scotland (Early Years Advisory Service)

St Andrew’s Children’s Society (SACS) – SafeBase Parenting Programme

The Butterfly Trust – Social Support for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis

The Church of Scotland Social Care Council – Daisy Chain Early Years Project

The Church of Scotland Social Care Council – Postnatal Depression Services, Lothian

The Moira Anderson Foundation

The National Deaf Children’s Society (Your Child Your Choices)

Tourette Scotland

Waverley Care (African Health Project Children and Families)

Caledonia Youth to close in Spring

Charity to close after 46 years – eleven staff face redundancy

Castle Terrace based charity Caledonia Youth Services is to close in the New Year due to ongoing funding difficulties.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, a spokesperson said:

“It is with great regret that we must announce the forthcoming closure of Caledonia Youth. Our Edinburgh-based charity provides a variety of specialist preventative interventions to support young people under 25 in Scotland through challenges associated with their transition to adulthood, helping them develop their social and emotional capabilities and reduce negative risk taking behaviour.

“Now, after 46 years, we find ourselves unable to sustain our charity following an erosion of funding in recent years. While the team have worked hard to secure new sources of income and been successful in doing so for many years, like other colleagues in the third sector we have faced a constant reduction in statutory funding. For us, this culminated in the termination of our contract with NHS Lothian earlier this year to deliver a specialist clinic in Edinburgh, which had served young people in the region since 1968, along with our school-based programme to help increase knowledge.

“Having exhausted alternative funding avenues vital to the sustainability of our charity, the Board of Trustees have made the difficult decision to wind up Caledonia Youth. We are in the process of applying to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) to formally do so and the last day of operation will be 31 March 2015. Obviously we are hugely disappointed to be faced with what is the only option left open to us, which will bring redundancy for 11 highly skilled people.

“We would like to take this opportunity to say how very proud we are of our extremely dedicated team here at Caledonia Youth who have developed and delivered many ground breaking programmes. They have proved great advocates for tens of thousands of young people, particularly the more vulnerable, disadvantaged and disengaged in our society today.

“Caledonia Youth’s enterprising and adaptable approach has impacted upon our young clients by helping to change long term behaviour, giving rise to both direct and indirect positive outcomes including their enhanced employability and opportunities to enjoy full and rewarding lives.

“While we wish we could do more, the focus now is on ensuring our young clients are supported through the closure, as there is a dearth of service provision. We too experience waiting lists for our services. We will do our utmost to ensure they are connected with an appropriate organisation, although that will possibly mean a different level of assistance.

“On top of this, we will be doing everything in our power to help our team secure alternative employment as quickly as possible.

“Our thanks go to those who have helped us sustain Caledonia Youth – funders, partner organisations and those who make referrals to us – and to all the young people we have connected with and supported over the years.”

Caledonia Youth corporate_brochure

The Edinburgh Budget Crisis

Balancing Edinburgh’s budget isn’t a game, writes Granton and District Community Council secretary DAVE MACNAB:

The council is on record that it needs to save £67 million from the budget over the next three years.

Whilst they have been encouraging citizens to complete the ‘budget challenge’ – the real information is not in the ‘playing’ of the budget game (this just shows that difficult decisions are sometimes needed) but within the proposals that are on the ‘table’.

This is where the reality sits. This is what could be in store for the citizens of Edinburgh if we sit back and wait for it to happen.

The cuts are real.

There will be reductions in the service. Things will stop being done.

A brief glimpse at what could happen – based on information taken from the Council budget web site and meetings:

Education Welfare Officers cut from 18 to 16 (jobs lost)
Community Centres – the budget proposals states:

“redesign the service to meet local needs using co-production models”.

Now you may be wondering just what that means.

At a meeting for Community Centre management boards on 20 November we were told that this could mean setting up social enterprise models that need to make a profit, owned and managed by the community or other self-financing models.

Do the current management boards have the capacity and capability to undertake these roles? The audience at the meeting was not convinced.

There is no point talking about empowerment if there is no investment in the people within the communities who will be asked to undertake this type of ‘work’. And it is work – it is no longer volunteering – it becomes a business model that needs accountancy skills so that the books are balanced, people who know employment law if they are to employ staff directly, business managers to project plan the activities.

What would be the role of the current staff in the Centres if it was decided to go down a particular business model route? I don’t know – so many unanswered questions.

Leisure Centres (e.g. Ainslie Park) the report highlights “It is likely that the scale of the reductions identified may lead to facility closure”.
Staff – there is a hope to reduce sickness absence across the council workforce. There is an irony here. As posts are not filled and a recruitment freeze – this of course puts pressure on those in jobs, thus increasing their levels of stress and of course increasing levels of sickness absence!
Parking charges – increase in permit and on street charges
Increase in charges for allotments
Close public toilets – Granton Square to close?
“Proposed to accelerate and extend the development of the ‘Living Landscapes’ approach” – or put another way – let grass areas grow wild.
“Five libraries recategorised leading to a reduction in opening hours in Piershill, Corstorphine (from 51 to 42 hours) and Sighthill, Granton and Kirkliston (from 42 hours to 32 hours).” Cut in library hours.

This is the reality of the situation.

Spending on public services in Britain is set to fall to the lowest share of national income since 1938 which is a sign of how dramatically the UK government’s austerity programme is reshaping the state. The Child Poverty Action Group stated in August of this year that “more people are income-deprived in Edinburgh than in any other local authority area except Glasgow and North Lanarkshire”.

Two-fifths of adults aged 45 to 64 with below-average incomes have a limiting long- term illness, more than twice the rate for adults of the same age with above-average incomes in areas of economic deprivation – of which north Edinburgh has its share.

To mitigate some of the worst excesses of the impact of poverty and exclusion the council advocates that Community Learning and Development (CLD) will play a “pivotal role” (a direct quote from a council paper). Yet at the same time this part of the organisation is hit with a budget cut of over £2million. So how do you square this with the intention towards getting rid of poverty?

It is all very well suggesting that there can be an increase in volunteering opportunities – but do the volunteers have the necessary skills to deal with and help break down social isolation amongst adults and young people – it’s not just a case of turning up.

We need to be clear on what we want to save. What is worth preserving.

We can sit back, have fun playing the ‘budget’ game and hope for the best. Or decide that these services are our services. That the libraries are our libraries. The Community Centres and Leisure Centres are ours. That we will do something about it.

We will be campaigning to raise awareness on what is at stake and giving you an opportunity of having your say. Tell your councillor. Go to your respective Community Council meetings, go to public meetings and get your voice heard.

Dave Macnab

Community Councillor – Granton and District Community Council

www.grantonanddistrictcommunitycouncil.com

Contact nabs89@blueyonder.co.uk

Spartans net share of social enterprise funding

The Spartans are among 67 enterprising third sector organisations to be awarded a share of £2.3 million social enterprise funding, Finance Secretary John Swinney confirmed today.

Spartans will receive almost £16,000 from the Enterprise Ready Fund and eight other city-based charities and voluntary organisations will also be supported.

The £6 million Enterprise Ready Fund, which opened to applications last September, builds on a number of current initiatives the Scottish Government has in place to continue to support a sustainable, capable and enterprising third sector.

The Finance Secretary’s announcement comes ahead of a trip to Oslo where he will plans to highlight the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting the third sector at a conference on Social Entrepreneurship. It’s estimated that there are now between 3,000 – 4,000 social enterprises across Scotland and that that number is growing.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth said: “I would like to congratulate the 67 organisations which have been successful in securing grants from the Enterprise Ready Fund, ensuring the impact of these investments will be felt across Scotland.

“We believe that an enterprising third sector is a vital partner in our economy, in civic society and in the creation of a fairer and more inclusive Scotland. That is why we have invested heavily to help the sector develop.

“We have had a great response to the fund so far and I am keen to remind new, emerging and established third sector organisations that they have until 16 June to apply for funding. I hope that by investing in the third sector and enhancing its self-sufficiency we can look forward to a future where these organisations play a full role in public sector reform.

“Speaking at the Ferd conference provides an opportunity to share the experience of building a strong social enterprise sector, with our friends in Norway. Scotland has an excellent reputation for our work with the third sector. It is regarded as the best place in the world to start a social enterprise and there is increasing international interest in what some are calling the ‘Scottish Model’.”

The Enterprise Ready Fund will help organisations to develop, become more efficient and self-sustaining, or diversify into new markets. Priority is being given to activities that contribute towards the Scottish Government’s Prevention and Welfare Reform agendas. The fund is being delivered by a consortium of third sector organisations led by Foundation Scotland in partnership with Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEiS), Developing Strathclyde Ltd (DSL) and the Social Value Lab.

Foundation Scotland’s Chief Executive Giles Ruck said: “We are delighted with the wide variety of applications we have received so far, which showcase the innovative ways organisations plan to use their awards to make a real difference to the people and communities they serve. We hope this initial announcement will encourage new or developing third sector organisations to apply to the Enterprise Ready Fund before it closes on 16 June.”

Other Edinburgh-based organisations to receive Enterprise Ready funding include Children in Scotland (£24,840), Comas (£37,833), Grassmarket Community Project (£69,963), Greetings from Leith Ltd (£14,287), Nourish (Scotland) (£50,000), Power of Youth (£21,000), Spartans (£15,804), The Melting Pot (£25,000) and Transform Scotland (£49,544).

Further information and full details of the Enterprise Ready Fund can be found at:http://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/grants-and-funding-for-organisations/what-grants-are-available/enterprise-ready-fund.aspx

Even more funders to meet on Thursday

The funders list just grows and grows! More names have been added to an already impressive list of organisations who will be participating in Thursday’s ‘Meet the Funders’ event in St Serf’s Church Hall between midday to 3pm.

The list now reads:

Big Lottery Fund

The Melting Pot

Community Sports Hubs

Community Grants Fund

General Enquiries

Youth Business Scotland

Pass It On

Edinburgh4Community

SCVO

Bank of Scotland Foundation

Royal Bank of Scotland Foundation

Waste Aware Grants

Recycling

Business Gateway

Climate Challenge Fund

Activcity

Tenants Grants

In Kind Direct

The Big Lunch

Prime

Sported

Sportscotland

Scottish Government 2014 Commonwealth Games Legacy

Edinburgh Airport Community Fund

CSV Action Earth Grab a Grant

Royal Bank of Scotland Inspiring Enterprise

Youth Employment Scotland Fund

Voluntary Action Fund

So if you are a small organisation looking for a grant to help your work, this drop-in event is not to be missed – it’s free, informal and no booking necessary.

You’ll find St Serf’s (pictured) at the junction of Ferry Road and Clark Road.

Scottish Government announces more support for students

College bursaries and undergraduate student loans will increase and support for postgraduate students on eligible courses will be made available as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to put more money in students’ pockets.

Investment of over £100 million in college bursaries will deliver an increase in line with inflation. Undergraduate student loans will increase by £250 a year, bringing the minimum income for those from the lowest income households to £7,500.

Scottish domiciled postgraduate students undertaking eligible supported courses, a majority of which cover STEM subjects which are in demand from employers, will be able to apply for a loan of up to £4,500 a year to help with living costs from 2015-16. This is in addition to the current loan available as a contribution towards the cost of tuition.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell said: “Providing protection from inflation for further education student support in the next academic year was a key priority for students. Our response will see the value of the total college bursaries package rise to around £105 million.

“For higher education students, we scrapped tuition fees, introduced a minimum income of £7,250 – which will now rise to £7,500 – for students from the lowest-income households and have provided what NUS describe as ‘the best package of student support in the UK.

“Today’s announcement to increase bursaries and loans builds on these commitments. College students will be better off while undergraduate students at university will have access to an extra £250 per year. Scottish domiciled postgraduate students on eligible courses will now be able to apply for a loan of up to £4,500 to help meet the cost of their living expenses.

“We want students in Scotland to be able to study for the qualification that suits their ability and ambition. These changes will help make that a reality and improve the life chances and employability of young Scots delivering real benefits to the Scottish economy in future.”

Government cash to support families in need

The work being carried out by Pilton-based Circle Scotland was praised by Aileen Campbell, the Minister for Children and Young People, during a visit to the project yesterday. Ms Campbell also announced details of £10 million Strategic Partnership Funding for voluntary sector organisations working with children and families.

Families across Scotland will benefit from better support services with 45 third sector organisations receiving a funding boost from the Scottish Government. This £10 million of Strategic Partnership Funding will strengthen the work of young people’s organisations working across Scotland, in areas such as adoption, vulnerable families, child health, literacy, bereavement counselling and parental support.

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell (pictured below, right) said: “We are working to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up, including increasing the level of free early learning and childcare through the Children and Young People Bill, which will save families equivalent to around £700 per child. Scottish families already benefit from a wide range of support and the organisations receiving a share of this £10 million will help to improve what is on offer. Thanks to our investment, great organisations like Circle, which I am visiting today, will be able to take their work further into the community, helping families in need across Scotland get access to the right information and resources.”

Funding of £20 million through the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and £10 million through Strategic Funding Partnerships was announced last month.

The following 45 organisations will receive support through the Strategic Funding Partnerships to enhance or develop work focussed on supporting the needs of young people and their families:

Article 12 in Scotland, Asthma UK Scotland, Birthlink, British Association for Adoption and Fostering Scotland, Capability Scotland, Care and Learning Alliance, Comann nam Pàrant (Nàiseanta), Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland, Dyslexia Scotland, Families Need Fathers Scotland, Family Service Unit Scotland (Circle), Fathers Network Scotland (FNS), Genetic Alliance UK, Girlguiding Scotland, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, Hearts and Minds, John Muir Trust, Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, Lead Scotland, Learning Link Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland, National Day Nurseries Association, Parent Network Scotland, Partners in Advocacy, Relationships Scotland Core, Relationships Scotland Project, Scotland’s Learning Partnership, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, Scottish Community Development Centre, Scottish Environmental & Outdoor Education Centres Association, Scottish Marriage Care, Scottish Trades Union Congress, Scottish Youth Parliament, Sense Scotland, Sleep Scotland, The Boys’ Brigade, The Girls Brigade in Scotland, The Iona Community, The Mentor Foundation UK (Mentor), Working On Wheels , The Princes Trust, The Scout Association, Woodcraft Folk , Workers’ Educational Association and YWCA Scotland.

Blogging lite as countdown begins

Blogging will be less frequent over the next couple of weeks as we go off chasing advertising for our summer edition. Don’t want to over-dramatise but it really is a race against time … !

Holyrood Bill will support families

Charities have welcomed news that three and four year old children will, for the first time in Scotland, be entitled to 600 hours of funded early learning and childcare through the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill, published today. Third sector organisations will also receive an additional £10 million.

The Bill proposes a range of measures which also include:

Looked after two year olds and those with a kinship care order will receive the same entitlement as three and four year olds
A named person for every child and young person from birth to safeguard and support their wellbeing, working with other bodies as required
Providing kinship carers with more support from local authorities to increase family stability.

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell (pictured above) also announced an extra £10 million on top of the £20 million third sector fund to be shared between 45 organisations working closely with children, young people and families, as part of wider investment in prevention and early intervention. This lifts the total budget for the fund to £30 million over two years, an increase on the funding available over the previous two years.

Ms Campbell said: “There is excellent work being done across Scotland to support parents, carers, children and young people. This Bill will improve levels of care and support to children and families across the country through an increase in free and more flexible early learning and childcare from 475 to 600 hours, as well as more joined up services to support the wellbeing of all children and young people through a named person. Further measures will also add stability to kinship care arrangements. The level of investment the Scottish Government is putting into ensuring the Bill works for Scotland’s young people also demonstrates our commitment to investing in our children from the very start.

“We must also recognise the important role of the third sector in reaching out to families and children in inventive and inspirational ways, which is why I am providing an additional £10 million on top of the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund for groups working directly with children, young people and their families. The £20 million Third Sector Early Intervention Fund captured the imagination of many key organisations that work with children and young people. This additional funding means that even more organisations will be able to work with the Scottish Government and each other, as they continue to improve the lives of Scotland’s children, young people and their families.

“Together with the publication of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill, today is the biggest step forward so far on the path towards making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”

Anne Houston, Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST, said: “The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill has a key role to play in achieving the Scottish Government’s ambition of making Scotland the best place for children to grow up. For CHILDREN 1ST, that means a place where every child and young person has a happy, healthy, safe and secure childhood. We support the Bill’s intentions and must all now maximise the opportunity before us to achieve the Scottish Government’s vision.

“We are heartened by the proposals to provide 600 hours of flexible early learning and childcare for children in kinship care aged two and to provide a statutory definition of well-being.”

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Barnardo’s Scotland is pleased to see the introduction of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill in Parliament. This Bill will be an important step forward in improving the lives of Scotland’s most vulnerable children and young people. We are particularly pleased to see more support for those young people leaving care, many of whom are not getting the help they need to make a successful transition into adulthood.

“We are looking forward to scrutinising the Bill and working with the Scottish Parliament to ensure that it delivers on the Scottish Government’s aim to make Scotland the best place in the world to bring up children.”

A 12 week consultation on the Bill was launched in July 2012 and was accompanied by extensive stakeholder communication, including national engagement events with over 800 stakeholders and activities with nearly 2,400 children and young people.

The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will also increase the powers of Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People as well as improving support for kinship carers, families and care leavers

Provisions relating to a ‘named person’ will:

Place a duty on NHS Boards to allocate every child with a named person from birth to school age
Place a duty on local authorities to allocate every child with a named person until they are 18 or leave school, whichever is later.
Oblige all relevant authorities to share information with the named person if it is necessary to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of the child.

The £10 million will go towards Strategic Funding Partnerships for children and youth organisations.

The Third Sector Early Intervention Fund is managed by the BIG Lottery on behalf of the Scottish Government.