SPECSAVERS’ new state-of-the-art audiology hub in Edinburgh city centre has officially opened.
Specsavers Shandwick Place, which is locally owned and run, launched the dedicated hearing care service at the start of January, with audiologist Kate Baxter, an experienced audiologist who has lots of experience in both the NHS & private sectors, at the helm alongside fellow directors Aly Uka and Susan McIntosh.
The new hub was in response to growing customer demand in Edinburgh, and is now open 7-days a week, making it easier for the local community to access much-needed hearing services.
Kate Baxter and the team will carry out in depth private assessments, including comprehensive hearing checks, hearing device fittings and maintenance, hearing protection, along with advice about looking after your ears.
Ear wax removal will also be available, and Specsavers Shandwick Place has also expanded its facilities to improve accessibility for customers.
Kate says: ‘Maintaining healthy hearing is vital for overall well-being, so we are delighted to be offering a dedicated hearing service for the people of Edinburgh, and the team and I are excited to grow the business and provide the very best care for our customers.’
Aly Uka, dispensing director and senior dispensing specialist at Specsavers Shandwick Place, says: ‘We’re delighted to have a dedicated hearing hub now open that can offer high-quality hearing care to local people.
‘We’re committed to expanding our services in the area to meet customer need, and to improving local health and wellness in any way we can.’
Specsavers Shandwick Place is located at 14-16 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH2 4RN, and is easily reachable on foot or public transport, including trams and buses.
For more information about the Specsavers Shandwick Place store, visit:
Call to maintain momentum to support healthier communities, create thriving local economies and to save lives on Scotland’s roads
68 organisations* from across Scotland have come together to urge all political parties to enable more people to walk, wheel or cycle, ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
The ‘Joint Active Travel Manifesto for 2026’ calls for parties to commit to multi-year budgets, link public transport and improve road safety, in order to build on ongoing success and bring the benefits of walking/wheeling and cycling to more people.
From helping to reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions to improving public health and supporting local economies, the manifesto highlights some of the many benefits that active travel brings, calling on parties to pledge to support five key commitments:
Investment: provide long term investment to transform our local high streets and communities, committing at least 10% of the transport budget to active travel funding.
Long-term commitment: Multi-year budgets to accelerate delivery of national strategies on walking/wheeling and cycling, offer better value for money and give more people access to active travel, regardless of income and background.
Infrastructure: Transform our communities, enabling anyone, especially younger people – to travel more safely on foot, by wheeling or by bike. Including through well maintained, accessible networks of walking or cycling routes and reorganised street space, creating better, greener local places.
Link active and public transport: Integrate walking and cycling infrastructure with public transport in rural areas especially, providing alternatives to the car. Reducing congestion for all and effortlessly linking longer journeys.
Safety: Reduce road danger by lowering traffic speeds in our communities, by taking dangerous drivers off the road and by creating more accessible streets for all: implementing the pavement parking ban, reinforcing the new Highway Code and making welcoming spaces everyone can use and enjoy.
Increased national investment in active travel was supported by all major parties at the 2021 Holyrood election, and has led to impressive increases in walking, wheeling and cycling where projects have been delivered.
Sadly, it’s not all good news as 12 people are killed or seriously injured while walking, wheeling or cycling every week in Scotland and more action is needed to keep people safe and reduce danger at source.
The Scottish Government’s 2026 budget has set out increased funding for active travel and bus infrastructure over the next four years – an extremely welcome development that will help to create safer streets, healthier communities, and support more thriving local economies.
The Joint Active Travel Manifesto calls on all political parties to commit to sustaining and building on this investment into the long term.
Devi Sridhar is Professor and Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh and author of ‘How Not to Die Too Soon’. In support of the manifesto, Professor Sridhar said:“A move towards active travel isn’t about banning cars, but rather increasing options and freedoms for people to choose how they want to go to school, work or city centre, whether it’s walking, cycling or public transport.
“Getting people moving in their daily life should be a high priority for governments given that sedentary behaviour is a major risk factor for chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and dementia. Exercise also contributes at a cellular level to better mental health.
“Scotland has made positive steps in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go to catch up with major European cities who have built active travel into urban design.”
Rose Marie Burke and John Newman, the parents of Emma Burke Newman who was killed while cycling in Glasgow City Centre in 2023, said: “Emma loved to cycle through her world, including her beloved Scotland.
“Unfortunately, careless driving and poor infrastructure took her away from us. Despite progress, let’s keep up the hard work to recognise and address the real issues in plain sight.”
Kay Corbett, owner of Outline Hair in the centre of Edinburgh, has supported customers to travel by bike by providing cycle parking inside her salon, and has advocated for further improvements for walking, wheeling and cycling on local shopping streets.
Kay said: “I’m lucky enough to have my commute to work pass through Holyrood Park, and seeing the changing seasons in the park, and wildlife up close every day is unreal, you really couldn’t convince me there’s a better way to travel.
“The safer and more enjoyable an experience we can make it is the best way to encourage people to make the leap onto a bike.
“I can do all I like to encourage cycling to my business, talking to clients about biking, providing bike parking in the salon, but the biggest concern my staff and customers have is safety. The want to cycle is there. The issues remain clear – that cycle lanes aren’t city wide yet.”
Jason Corbett, owner of Insider Tattoo, said as a small business owner: “I need to get about, my customers need to get about so the more people using active travel the more swiftly, safely and cleanly we will all move.
“It will give us both physical and mental health benefits and a cleaner environment for the future.”
Organisers of the Pedal on Parliament campaign, which is set to ride through the streets of Edinburgh on 30th May 2026, said: “We know cycling to be transformative – we can see that from the infrastructure local authorities have built in Scotland in recent years, and how everyday people then find themselves with a quick, healthy, low-cost and flexible way of moving around our villages, towns and cities.
“But we still see cycling being under-prioritised — not only under-budgeted, but more importantly those budgets being underspent. We see other European nations effecting huge changes like improving air quality, easing congestion, increasing local trade and raising citizens’ general quality of life by making travelling by bike a safer and easier choice.
“We wonder when Scotland will join them — because we’re falling behind, moving too slowly, and listening too closely to those who say ‘it can’t work here’ when all the evidence tells us otherwise. That’s why we’re organising our big ride on 30th May 2026 in Edinburgh – kids, teens, adults and elders cycling together to the Scottish Parliament to ask for better, faster.”
The full joint manifesto for active travel, with list of all signatories, is available here.
UK Government plans to crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut cancer risks to teenagers
Unsupervised sunbed use by young people to be banned as part of National Cancer Plan
Consultation to launch in Spring 2026, new rules could come into force as soon as 2027
Drive to tackle avoidable cancer and help make the NHS Fit for the Future
More young people will be better protected from skin cancer through a proposed crackdown on sunbed harms, clamping down on rogue businesses flouting the law and putting children’s health at risk by selling sessions to under-18s.
New proposals under the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.
Recent investigations have shown that teenagers as young as 14 are gaining access to tanning salons, routinely flouting the existing ban on under-18s using sunbeds.
Sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking.
Using them before 20 increases risk of melanoma by 47%, yet teens as young as 14 still do.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 25, 2026
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classed sunbeds to be as dangerous as smoking. Using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 47% compared to those who have never used one, according to the WHO.
Reducing avoidable cancer risks is a central action in the upcoming National Cancer Plan and will help make England a world leader for cancer survival.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Stronger protections on sunbeds are needed so people understand risks that could have deadly consequences.
“The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks.
“These proposals will crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced. Prevention saves lives, and we will do everything we can to protect people from avoidable cancers.”
There are inherent risks associated with exposure to UV radiation emitted from sunbeds. This is why the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 bans under 18s from using commercial sunbeds and requires businesses to prevent children from using them. Despite this, there is evidence that rogue operators are continuing to sell these services to teenagers.
Louise Dodds, who is living with melanoma, said: “My melanoma was found completely by chance during a private consultation for something unrelated, a mole that had become dark and itchy was removed quickly, and within a week I was told it was stage 1B melanoma.
“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ sent me into shock. I was rushed back into the NHS system for more surgery and lymph node tests, all within weeks. The procedures and the waits for results were brutal.
“Although some results were clear, others were inconclusive, leaving me living with constant uncertainty. If I’d known earlier how dangerous UV exposure and sunbeds were, I would never have taken the risk.”
Susanna Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma Focus, said: “We are delighted that the Government is taking real steps to tackle the use of sunbeds by those under 18, as well as planning to consult on the use of sunbeds more broadly.
“The need for action is clear, with 34% of UK 16-17 year olds using sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s. Additionally, the rates of melanoma in the UK have risen considerably.
“To protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers, we strongly advise against using sunbeds. Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. The time to act is now and we therefore support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing.”
The crackdown forms part of the government’s wider focus on prevention in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will set out our ambition to reduce lives lost to cancer.
By tackling avoidable risk factors before they lead to serious illness, the government is taking a proactive approach to reducing pressure on the NHS and improving outcomes for patients. Prevention is not just good for public health—it is essential to building a sustainable health service for the future.
In 2023, there were almost a quarter of a million new skin cancer diagnoses in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £750 million annually.
Despite these risks, public awareness remains dangerously low. Polling from Melanoma Focus shows that only 62% of adults know that sunbed use increases cancer risk, and nearly a quarter of 18-25 year olds wrongly believe sunbeds actually reduce their risk of cancer.
The consultation will also seek views from businesses, including the many small and medium-sized enterprises that operate in the tanning industry.
The government recognises the need to balance public health protections with the impact on businesses and will use the consultation to gather evidence on costs and practicalities. This will ensure that any new requirements are proportionate, enforceable, and deliver meaningful improvements to public safety.
Additionally, a call for evidence will also be launched to understand whether further action to reduce cases of melanoma is justified.
Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, said: “A sunbed tan might only last a few weeks, but the damage can last a lifetime.
“Sunbeds blast your skin with high levels of UV radiation raising the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly for young people.
“These proposals, as part of the National Cancer Plan, will help close dangerous loopholes, crack down on illegal sunbed use and keep people safe.”
The Scottish Government’s Mind to Mind mental wellbeing campaign is encouraging people across the country to look after their mental health.
Latest available data highlights the ongoing challenges many face in opening up about their mental health. The research from See Me reveals that more than a quarter of Scots feel that not talking about their mental health is better than having an awkward conversation, whilst one in five are held back from talking about how they feel by a fear of being judged.
The campaign aims to remind everyone that they are not alone and that help and support are available, especially for those who find it difficult to talk about how they are feeling.
Mind to Mind offers a helpful starting point for anyone struggling. The campaign directs people to a dedicated NHS Inform site, where they can explore resources in their own time and from spaces they feel comfortable in.
The Mind to Mind site features over thirty videos of people sharing their personal stories. These ‘lived experiences’ are especially important when considering that fear of being a burden prevents nearly a third of people from discussing their wellbeing.
By seeing others share their journeys, individuals are reminded that their feelings are valid. In addition, the site also provides practical advice from contributors on what has helped them, alongside commentary from a range of professionals and clear signposting to further help and support services.
These resources cover topics from dealing with anxiety and panic, coping with money worries and stress, to navigating loneliness and grief.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur, MSP, said: “With this campaign, we want to send a clear message to everyone in Scotland that support is always available and it’s okay not to be okay.
“We know that taking the first step and talking about things can be the hardest part. The Mind to Mind website helps bridge that gap by offering compassionate advice and powerful stories from people who have been through similar experiences.
“It is an invaluable resource that empowers people to find support in a way that works for them, reminding us all that we are not alone.”
The campaign acknowledges that mental health discussion and stigma can manifest differently across communities, and remains a highly stigmatised topic within many communities. Mind to Mind aims to support everyone, recognising the diversity of experiences to help reduce this stigma.
If you are going through a difficult time, you are not alone. Find out how others are taking care of their mental wellbeing at www.nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind.
A new national action plan setting out Scotland’s priorities for suicide prevention over the next three years has been backed by an increased budget of at least £3 million in 2026-27.
Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can increase risk, and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.
It’s the next phase of Scotland’s ambitious ten-year suicide prevention strategy, jointly led by the Scottish Government and COSLA, and focuses on four priorities:
supporting people at greatest risk of suicide, and creating safer environments
building understanding about suicide and capability to respond across communities
ensuring access to timely and compassionate support
strengthening foundations for effective delivery through improved data, evidence and collaboration
The latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11% compared to 2023 – the lowest number since 2017.
Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5 billion in 2026-27.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “Every person lost to suicide is a tragedy with far reaching impacts on families, friends and communities. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and I am determined that everyone has timely access to the right mental health support. While the latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.
“The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3 million in 2026–27, up from £2.8 million. The increased budget will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide, encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support for people affected by suicide.
“The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and reaching those who need support most, including young people and those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination. I want to thank Suicide Prevention Scotland and the many other local and national partners, especially those with lived experience, who helped shape this Plan.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: ““Suicide Prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos. We need to work across government – local and national – and with our communities to address the complex factors involved in creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.
“This new action plan is informed by learning from both national and local delivery and emerging practice. It builds on the ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can access the right support at the right time.”
Declan Harrigan – CEO – S.M.I.L.E. Counselling added: ““S.M.I.L.E. Counselling warmly welcomes the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 and is hopeful that its ambitions can be fully realised through strong partnership working across the third sector, statutory services and communities.
“The clear focus on children and young people, early intervention, and addressing inequalities reflects what we know is needed to prevent suicide and save lives.
“We strongly support the plan’s emphasis on community-based approaches and believe that increased training and development at a local level around suicide prevention, intervention and postvention is pivotal. By building confidence, reducing stigma and equipping communities with the right skills and compassion, we can work together to create suicide-safer environments and, wherever possible, prevent deaths by suicide.
“We look forward to continuing to play an active role alongside partners in supporting children, young people and families, and in helping to turn this shared vision into meaningful, life-saving action.”
The plan builds on the learning from delivering the first action plan, drawing on academic research, insights from Suicide Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners, and the voices of people with experience of suicide, including children, young people and their families.
Transport poverty is ‘a lack of transport of options that are: Available, Reliable, Affordable, Accessible and Safe that allow people to meet their daily needs and achieve a reasonable quality of life’.
This is a report of a review that aimed to assess whether selected national transport policies were likely to achieve a population level impact on dimensions of transport poverty in Scotland:
People in Edinburgh are encouraged to swap their slippers for their trainers this February and take part in Jog 28, a month-long challenge designed to boost physical health, mental wellbeing, and support vital mental health work.
Jog 28 runs throughout February and invites participants to complete 28 miles over 28 days. The challenge is free to join and open to all ages and abilities. Entrants are encouraged to register soon with the start of challenge just days away.
Participants can jog, walk, or run their miles at their own pace, making it an easy way to stay active and connected.
Fiona Halton, Head of Fundraising at Mental Health Foundation, said:“Whether you want to keep up the momentum of a great start to 2026, or like many of us, are getting through the gruelling first weeks of January and are primed to get up and moving; the Mental Health Foundation has got you covered with Jog 28, a challenge fundraiser that supports not just your physical health and mental wellbeing, but the vital work of the charity.
“We are inviting the people of Edinburgh to join us on Jog 28. This challenge is about turning up for yourselves; by moving, taking in your surroundings and taking care of your physical health, which will in turn boost your mental wellbeing.
Fiona adds: “Things are always easier when shared, and we know connection is key for good mental health.
“Jog 28 is a perfect opportunity to step out with a friend and catch up whilst improving your wellbeing. Plus, we know that it’s harder to talk past jogging pace – so keep it steady, and you’ll be able to jog and have a natter!
“Everyone deserves good mental health and every step you on take this challenge will help us build a society where everyone can thrive.
“We are not far away from February and the start of the challenge, so make sure you register in time to take part!”
Fundraising Target: Whatever you can raise – every contribution matters
There’s no registration fee, and participants can sign up at any time. Register now and receive a free Mental Health Foundation T-shirt (while stocks last). Anyone who raises at least £30 will get a free beanie.
Why take part in Jog 28?
Movement matters: Regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
Connecting with nature: Spending time outdoors, even in colder months, helps us feel grounded and more present.
Raise vital funds: Support good mental health for all and our work across the UK
Social connection: Walking with friends, family, or colleagues can strengthen relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
Kindness in action: Taking on a challenge to support others is a meaningful act of compassion, and kindness is proven to benefit our own mental health too.
Samaritans encouraged people across Scotland to check in on a friend yesterday for its annual Brew Monday campaign, which aims to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’.
The second last Monday in January is often referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, but at Samaritans Scotland, we know there’s no such thing. Feeling low isn’t something that just happens on a random Monday in January.
So, we decided it’s out with the blue, and in with the Brew. This Brew Monday, 19th January, Samaritans reminded everyone that having a chat over a cuppa is an easy way to make a big difference to someone who might be struggling.
The suicide prevention charity is centred on the power of human connection, and its awareness campaign encourages people to come together and have a conversation with someone they are worried about – because it could save a life.
Volunteers held pop-up events at train stations across the country, reaching out directly to anyone who is worried about someone or may be struggling themselves.
Volunteers handed out tea bags and chatted to passengers about how a conversation can be lifesaving.
Matt Hosgood, Regional Development Lead for Scotland, said: “Samaritans are proud to bring Brew Monday back again this year, with a number of events being held across Scotland. Brew Monday is the perfect excuse to reach out and reconnect with friends and loved ones.
“With the long winter days soon behind us, it’s important to check in and share a moment of genuine human connection. Talking can really help bring us together and less alone, so this Monday pop on the kettle and let’s turn small talk into big talk to ensure fewer people die by suicide.
“This year, events at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central have been sponsored by Network Rail as part of Samaritans Rail Programme, whilst events in Dumfries, Lockerbie, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Perth and Aberdeen have all been supported by ScotRail.”
Samaritans’ partner, Three UK, sponsored Brew Monday this year as part of their mission to make connections matter.
The winter months, particularly in Scotland, can be tough for many people. We hope you will join us in sharing our message, as we work towards seeing fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland.
Let’s remind everyone how good a catch-up with a friend feels, as well as a nice hot drink on a cold wintery day.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
Tackling harmful drinking was the focus of an event at Holyrood last week, sponsored by Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands.
MSPs and other stakeholders, the third sector, Police Scotland and representatives from the drinks industry, were given the chance to see for themselves the work supported by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) and delivered across the country to tackle harm and promote an increasingly moderate and responsible approach to alcohol.
Several of the organisations that the SAIP and its members work with were represented at the event, including Drinkaware, Community Alcohol Partnerships, Best Bar None and the Portman Group.
Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islandssaid: “ It was fantastic to get the opportunity to host the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership at Holyrood, bringing industry and partners together to tackle harmful drinking.
“Scotland has a complicated relationship with alcohol, and it’s important that we prevent its misuse and the damage that can be done by drinking too much, while recognising the importance of alcohol culturally, socially, and economically.
“As a Highlands and Islands MSP, I know how important whisky is locally, and we need to empower people to enjoy that without it negatively impacting their health and relationships.
“Alcohol-related hospital stays are on the decline, and last year saw a welcome decrease in alcohol deaths, but effort is needed to make sure that trajectory continues in the right direction – industry must be part of that effort.”
Paul Waterson, SAIP Chairsaid: “Our industry has an important role to play in encouraging moderate consumption and in tackling harmful drinking.
“The event highlighted the range of targeted interventions being taken forward in partnership across the industry, in addition to work that many companies also do individually.
“We want to have a prosperous, vibrant alcohol industry whilst at the same time driving down harmful consumption. Progress is being made but more work remains to be done.”
