Tag: Health and wellbeing

Have your say on Welfare Foods Scheme proposals

Low-income families with young children will receive increased payments, digital smartcards and access to a wider range of foods under new proposals. The Scottish Government is consulting on plans to reshape the Welfare Foods Scheme, which aims to help families access a healthy diet. Continue reading Have your say on Welfare Foods Scheme proposals

TV Doctor encourages Edinburgh smokers to quit in ‘Vapril’

TV doctor Dr Christian Jessen has launched an awareness and education campaign taking place in Edinburgh and other UK cities to encourage the city’s smokers to quit by switching to vaping. In Edinburgh, 17% of the population are smokers, approximately 2% above the average in the UK. Continue reading TV Doctor encourages Edinburgh smokers to quit in ‘Vapril’

Landmark new rights for unpaid carers

Improved access to support and advice

Significant new rights improving support and recognition for unpaid cares have come into force. Under the Carers (Scotland) Act, all people who provide unpaid care for friends, family, and neighbours will now have the right to a personalised plan. This will identify their needs and help them access information, advice and support, before reaching a crisis point. Continue reading Landmark new rights for unpaid carers

Theft-hit Temple Gifted New Buddha Statue

A Thai Temple left devastated after a giant Buddha statue was stolen from its grounds in Edinburgh have been given a weighty solution to the problem – in the shape of a 250kg replacement! Continue reading Theft-hit Temple Gifted New Buddha Statue

Credit where it’s due: new support to help reduce the cost of borrowing

Low income families will have greater access to affordable credit through a new £2 million fund. Announced as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the Scottish Government will provide £1 million to the Carnegie Trust’s Affordable Credit Loan Fund, doubling the size of the fund. Continue reading Credit where it’s due: new support to help reduce the cost of borrowing

Patient care strengthened as new GP contract introduced

The new GP contract for Scotland comes into force today. Backed by investment of £110 million in 2018-19 and jointly developed with the BMA, it will ensure GPs can spend more time with the patients who need them most by ensuring patients can access the right person at the right time. Continue reading Patient care strengthened as new GP contract introduced

Neonatal Fund will support families through “hugely testing and emotional time”

Parents of premature and sick newborn babies will receive help meeting the additional costs they face as a result of their baby being in hospital with the introduction of a new £1.5 million fund. From 1 April, the Neonatal Expenses Fund will be available to all parents to support them to spend as much time with their babies as possible, while they are receiving care within a neonatal unit. Continue reading Neonatal Fund will support families through “hugely testing and emotional time”