‘Stretched to the Limit: Scotland’s Third Sector and the cost of living crisis‘ brings together findings from a survey of the ALLIANCE’s organisational membership in the spring, a detailed case study from one of our members, and a workshop at our annual conference. Taken together, these paint a picture of a sector which is under intense stress.
Amongst the findings of our survey were that 84% of member organisations responding had experienced increased demand for services, yet 61% reported reduction in funding via grants, 76% were facing higher bills, and 48% were unable to give their employees pay uplifts.
Despite these challenges the third sector continues to be a lifeline for many people across Scotland, responding flexibly to the changing needs of the people it supports.
With 88% of organisations saying that they would benefit from longer-term funding arrangements, and funding arising as the focus for discussion at our conference workshop, fair funding tops our list of recommendations, which include:
Ensuring the Fair Work agenda goes beyond funding the Real Living Wage, and instead to pay that is comparable to equivalent statutory sector roles
Tailored support for organisations operating in rural Scotland
Targeted support for energy bills, and in the longer term lower energy tariff arrangements for the third sector
Adopting a human rights based approach to procurement and grant funding
Investing in services that reduce demand for acute interventions from the public and third sectors
The HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ALLIANCE SCOTLAND is the national third sector intermediary for a range of health and social care organisations. We have a growing membership of over 3,000 national and local third sector organisations, associates in the statutory and private sectors, disabled people, people living with long term conditions and unpaid carers.
Novel holistic courses to enrich Capitals students
A DISTINCTIVE course is set to start in Edinburgh to give students the unique opportunity of gaining rare qualifications in complementary therapy.
The Complementary Therapy School is the first and sole private training provider authorised to offer University endorsed Clinical Reflexology and Swedish Massage Therapy qualifications.
The courses undergo a rigorous and thorough process of quality assurance, which is overseen by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and underpinned by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) principles.
The two unique part-time courses offer students the highest possible qualification levels in the UK through its credit rating partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, with students able to achieve qualifications at SCQF level 8.
The course has been spearheaded by one of the best-known names in the complementary therapy industry. Melanie Bell founded The Complementary Therapy School in 2006 and has since opened seven branches across the UK, training up therapists from Inverness to London.
Melanie said: “This a huge milestone for us and all of our trainers at The Complementary Therapy School. Teaching unique, valuable skills as part of the high-quality course across the UK is certainly a rewarding feeling.
“We’re very passionate about what we do here, and we not only want to offer students the opportunity to learn this skill but also the opportunity to follow a new career pathway at the highest level.
“People from across the country are due to start the course in September and we see a mix of backgrounds on our courses – with students like full-time athletes, nurses and lawyers looking towards a career in complementary therapy.
“The partnership with the University of the West of Scotland is extremely exciting and highlights the powerful nature of holistic treatments and how much they are growing across the UK.”
The Complementary Therapy School has been delivering university credit rated courses for 11 years, and now has credit rated provision endorsed by the University of the West of Scotland.
Complementary therapies take a holistic approach to care, and look at supporting patients as a whole person, incorporating physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
With an extensive 28-year background as a qualified massage therapist and 26 years as a reflexology practitioner, Melanie is a multi-award winning teacher who brings a wealth of expertise to the classroom.
University-educated in Biomedical Science, Melanie’s unique blend of skills and insights sets a new standard for holistic therapy education.
Designed to cater to anyone with an interest in Clinical Reflexology or Swedish Massage, the courses encompass not only the core therapies but essential subjects like Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology.
The courses span one academic year, and are designed to accommodate a range of schedules and preferences.
The Complementary Therapy School has six trainers working across the UK, with venues as far north as Inverness and as far south as London.
Founded in 2006, The Complementary Therapy School also provides courses in Indian Head Massage, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Sport and Remedial Massage and Diploma in Complementary Therapies.
For enrolment details, course information, and more, please visit:
Accessing adult mental health services in Scotland remains slow and complicated for many people. In particular, ethnic minority groups, people living in rural areas and those in poverty all face additional barriers.
There have been big funding increases for services since 2017, but a lack of data makes it hard for the Scottish Government to see the impact of that spending. Waiting times for psychological therapies have improved. But ministers do not measure the quality of wider mental healthcare services, or whether they are improving people’s health.
The mental healthcare system is fragmented. The Scottish Government, NHS boards, councils, Integration Joint Boards, Health and Social Care Partnerships and the third sector are all involved in funding, planning or providing services. This makes accountability complex. And it causes complications and delays in developing care focused on the needs of individuals.
The Scottish Government plans to increase its Mental Health Directorate budget by 25 per cent and ensure that ten per cent of the front-line NHS budget is spent on mental health by 2026.
They have also committed to giving all GP practices access to community based mental health and wellbeing services. These commitments are essential to improving access to services and relieving pressure on the mental health workforce. But ministers’ plans are not on track.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government needs much more information to understand the difference its investment in mental health services is making, from specialist services to community-based support.
“That planning must include moving beyond using waiting times as the sole measure of whether services are improving the lives of those in need. And it needs to include a costed delivery plan for the care that people can expect in their communities.”
Ronnie Hinds, Interim Chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “Councils and Integration Joint Boards have a vital role to play in improving the availability and quality of data needed to plan services and get the right levels of staffing in place.
“They also need urgently to develop shared goals and targets to improve how housing, welfare and other services work together in order to address and prevent the root causes of poor mental health.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Do you know your numbers?
This week is Know Your Numbers Week which encourages everyone to take ownership of their heart health numbers.
Cholesterol levels and blood pressure are two key markers to understanding your risk of heart disease. In this week’s healthy tip, we explain what these two markers are, give you the healthy ranges you should be aiming for and explain how you can get yours tested.
Cholesterol
There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes called ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes called ‘good cholesterol’. We need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful.
When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. Simply consuming more fibre can have a positive impact on your cholesterol reading.
Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures: 1) Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pumps blood out, 2) Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart is at rest, between pumps.
Systolic pressure is always shown on top, and diastolic pressure is always shown on the bottom. A simple lifestyle step like reducing your salt intake can help reduce your blood pressure.
Get a test
The only way to know if your blood pressure or cholesterol is high is to have it checked. Checks are quick and easy, and it could be lifesaving. Adults aged 40 years or over should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
You can ask your GP to check your blood pressure, or you may be able to have your blood pressure checked with your local pharmacy or gym.
You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor to keep track of your numbers – check out our ‘How to take your Bp video’ for a guide on measuring your blood pressure at home.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at
An announcement by the Lord Advocate, that it would not be in the public interest for people using a pilot Safer Drug Consumption room to face prosecution for possession within the facility, has been welcomed by the Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham.
Dorothy Bain KC’s indication that she would issue a public statement of prosecution policy removes an obstacle to establishing the first official Safer Drug Consumption Facility in the UK.
It follows her independent consideration of a detailed proposal for a pilot developed by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Police Scotland, facilitated by the Scottish Government.
Today’s news means Glasgow HSCP can take plans to establish the facility to the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board for approval.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “I welcome the position the Lord Advocate has taken.
“Glasgow authorities may now progress their proposal to set up a facility which can operate within the existing legal framework. While the service would still be limited to some extent, due to the reserved Misuse of Drugs Act, we are confident it would save lives.
“This is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities work. It is now time to see this approach piloted in Scotland.
“It’s vital this pilot has the full confidence of the general public as well as those who use the facility, and the leadership of Glasgow and Police Scotland will help ensure it is introduced as quickly as possible.
“Through our £250 million National Mission, we are doing everything within our powers to tackle drug deaths in Scotland. However, the number of deaths is still too high and we must use every means at our disposal as we face future challenges, including the increasing threat from synthetic opioids.”
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is committed to working in partnership to reduce the harm associated with problematic substance use and addiction.
“Our approach to any initiative aimed at tackling these harms will be to establish how best policing can support it within the confines of the law.
“It is important to note that existing legislation will not be changing and, while we may take an overall supportive policing approach, police officers will still be bound by their legal duty to uphold the law and will not be able to simply ignore acts of criminality which they see occurring.”
Susanne Millar, Chief Officer for Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We welcome the position from the Lord Advocate and the positive response on plans for a Safer Drug Consumption Facility to operate in Glasgow.
“A large body of evidence already exists from around the world which demonstrates that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities can save lives, as well as reducing the spread of blood-borne viruses and cutting levels of publicly discarded injecting equipment.”
Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala at Tynecastle on Saturday 9 September.
The Big Hearts Gala is one of the biggest fundraising events in the charity’s calendar, and this year they have raised more than ever before, with all money going towards helping them to support people in their community.
The amount raised at this year’s Gala is double the amount of than last year.
Guests at the glittering event got a valuable insight into Big Hearts’ vital work across the community.
They learned about the That’s Me! group, which aims to make a positive impact on teenagers and young adults, aged 12 to 18, who could benefit from wellbeing support.
On top of this, guests were in the presence of legends as Paul Hartley, Darren Barr and Mark de Vries were all present in the Gorgie Suite as guest speakers.
The Big Hearts Gala is a celebration of the power of the club’s badge in changing lives in communities across south west Edinburgh.
As well as the funds raised from over 250 tickets sold, there were live and silent auctions, in which signed Hearts shirts, golf days and hotel stays were auctioned.
Craig Wilson, CEO at Big Hearts, said: “We are over the moon to have raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala this year.
“It is one of our biggest fundraising efforts and I’m grateful to everyone who bought tickets and took part in our auctions.
“The money raised will go a long way in our mission to help improve the lives of people in our community.”
Fans at the Gala were delighted to meet three Hearts legends. Brian Chapman shared shared his excitement after hearing some of their stories.
“I am too young to have seen Mark de Vries play, but I was lucky enough to see Paul Hartley play. It was a really good moment to get a picture with him and actually see him in-front of my own eyes.
“I took part in the Hampden to Tynecastle charity walk and, along with three friends, raised £2500 for Big Hearts. I am here tonight to continue to show support after that.
“The charity does a lot of good work, and as we’ve heard tonight, poverty in Gorgie is among the highest in Edinburgh.”
Mark de Vries is fondly remembered by Hearts fans for his four goals on his debut against Hibs. He was glad to be back in Gorgie.
“It has been great to be back in Edinburgh and back at Tynecastle” he said.
“I loved my time here, so it has been an honour to come back as a guest of Big Hearts.
“I have been made to feel so welcome and it has been amazing to learn about the work of Big Hearts.”
Big Hearts is the only non-profit organisation based at the home of Heart of Midlothian FC.
The charity delivers free activities for adults and children to improve outcomes around mental health, social isolation and promote equal opportunities.
It costs Big Hearts over £600,000 each year to build and deliver programmes and services to the communities living in the surroundings of Tynecastle Park, one of the most disadvantaged wards of Edinburgh.
The MoonWalk Scotlandreturned to the streets of Edinburgh in a blaze of colour last night(Sat 9th Sept).
Women, men and young people wearing brightly decorated bras or colourful “bra t-shirts” set off from Holyrood Park in balmy, late summer temperatures at 11pm, to walk a half or full marathon through the capital.
Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, the first MoonWalk Scotland was staged in 2006. Since then, walkers have raised almost £22 million, which is granted across Scotland to help support those living with cancer.
Walk the Walk recently awarded £50,000 to the charity Cancer Support Scotland, to help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.
Many buildings and landmarks across Edinburgh lit up pink throughout the night in honour of Walk the Walk’s amazing walkers and volunteers.
These included Edinburgh Castle; Camera Obscura, Lloyds on the Mound; Royal Society; Edinburgh; Victoria Quay, Leith, Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Andrew’s House, Prestonfield House Hotel; Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Rachel Groves(59) from Edinburghcompleted the 26.2 miles Full Moon. Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023, having battled for almost a year to be examined in person by her GP.
Rachel said; “I’m chuffed to bits to have completed The MoonWalk with my daughter, sister, nieces and closest friend.
“It was quite an incredible experience: amazing volunteers, very non-traditional Edinburgh weather and a cause we all truly believe in.
“For me, personally, it was particularly humbling to be fundraising knowing that MoonWalk organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk funded the unit which treated me at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
“And here I am, less than five months after a mastectomy, walking the walk!“
Fiona Watson,(56) from Elgin, took part in her first Moonwalk, completing the 13.1 miles Half Moon. Fiona has been on constant treatment for secondary breast cancer since 2014.
She said: “Our team thoroughly enjoyed completing the Half Moon. It was uplifting and challenging, amongst many other emotions, and there was a tremendous feeling of unity throughout the night – the organisers and the volunteers were first class from start to finish.
“The warmth we experienced from the city of Edinburgh was immeasurable and we are also quite overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of all our sponsors.
“By taking part in The MoonWalk, I hope I’ve raised awareness that it is possible for anyone newly diagnosed with breast cancer (or indeed secondary breast cancer) to still lead a relatively normal life.”
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk,said: “What an incredible night! It was wonderful to see so many people taking part, including a large number who were totally new to MoonWalking.
“Together, everyone was uniting not only to raise awareness of breast cancer, but also valuable funds which will help improve the lives of people across Scotland living with the disease.
“The collective pink hug from so many iconic buildings across Edinburgh which had lit up pink for the occasion was such a huge boost for our Walkers and Volunteers, as was the unseasonably warm weather!
“Keep helping us make a difference by signing up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2024!”
Entries are already open for The MoonWalk Scotland on Saturday 7th September 2024. Sign up now www.walkthewalk.org
Scots severely underestimate the scale and seriousness of heart and circulatory diseases, according to a new survey by the British Heart Foundation.
While it’s estimated around half of people in this country will get a heart or circulatory condition during our lifetime, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of those surveyed in Scotland thought the likelihood of them developing a heart condition was just 1 in 10, while over a fifth (22 per cent) thought the chance was just 1 in 50.
Only three per cent of respondents knew the correct answer – which is 1 in 2.
When people were asked if they thought they would be directly affected, Gen Z (33 per cent) are most likely to think they will ever be affected by heart and circulatory diseases, whereas baby boomers are the least likely (22 per cent).
Despite heart and circulatory conditions affecting men and women almost equally, only 27 per cent of women thought they could be at risk compared to 33 per cent of men.
These perceptions stand in stark contrast to the fact that there are currently 700,000 people living with a heart or circulatory disease in Scotland.
Worryingly, the survey also found confusion among members of the public about the seriousness of a heart attack and cardiac arrest. While both are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical treatment, only 79 per cent of Scots would call 999 for an ambulance if they thought a person was having a heart attack, while only 60 per cent of people considered a cardiac arrest a medical emergency.
The BHF released the figures to coincide with the launch of a new campaign that aims to shine a spotlight on hidden heart conditions. The charity says that these conditions can often go undiagnosed for too long and that they often aren’t discovered until something goes wrong, or it becomes too late.
For mum-of-two, Hannah Kirkpatrick, from Dalbeattie, the impact heart conditions can have on the family, is something she knows all too well.
Her son Evan, now 10, was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition which causes the heart muscle to thicken, when he was just 11 months old. But it wasn’t until August last year that he underwent surgery – a septal myectomy – which has helped improve his life.
Hannah said: “He was only diagnosed with his heart condition by accident. When he was born, he had a bit of a flat head and, while it seemed to be getting better after a couple of months, his health visitor referred him to have a check over by his paediatrician.
“At the appointment they spent a long time listening to his heart and I could just tell something was wrong. Why else would they be listening for so long? He was referred to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for a scan where they detected a heart murmur. It was a huge shock.”
Doctors said they would closely monitor Evan’s condition and saw him every six-months for regular check-ups.
However, in March 2022 Evan started to become more breathless. His lips would also get a blue tinge after walking. Hannah, who is also mum to Caitlin, 22, and her husband, Christopher, took Evan back to his cardiologist and he was put on the waiting list for a septal myectomy – surgery which would remove some of the thickened muscle in his heart.
The self-employed domestic cleaner, 40, said: “His surgery was on August 13, 2022, in Glasgow. It was meant to take around four to five hours. It was the worst day of my life, waiting and not knowing if he was going to be OK.”
Thankfully Evan made a speedy recovery and within a few days the then nine year was back home. “He took everything in his stride and bounced back,” said Hannah. “It was a huge relief and we can look ahead to the future.”
An estimated 27,000 people in Scotland have an inherited heart condition. The charity say heart and circulatory conditions can affect almost anyone at any stage of life regardless of lifestyle choices and family history which contradicts common misconception we may have in our heads of them only affecting those who may be older with unhealthy lifestyles.
David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “It is deeply concerning to see that so many people are unaware of the scale and seriousness of heart and circulatory diseases.
“Decades of lifesaving medical advances have perhaps lulled people into believing that we’ve beaten heart and circulatory diseases when nothing could be further from the truth.
“These potentially deadly or life-limiting conditions continue to rob families of loved ones or blight the lives of people facing a future with an incurable disease.
“With this campaign we want to shine a spotlight on heart and circulatory diseases and help people understand that everyone can be affected.
“By funding groundbreaking research, we can get a step closer to breakthroughs that that can save outsmart heart disease for good.”
This September, the BHF is shining a spotlight on hidden heart conditions and urging the whole of the UK to get involved by supporting the charity however they can. Stories, stuff, time, or money: whatever you can give, please give.
