A few months ago, we were lucky enough to receive a Scotmid coop Community Grant to improve our Sensory room. We are pleased to announce that our Sensory Room is now complete and available to book!
Designed to support those with sensory processing disorders, this is a great place to relax and relieve stress in a safe space
We also have ear defenders available if required
Contact the centre for full details or to book your time slot:
Telephone: 0131 552 5700
Local Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater is calling on Edinburgh to bid to be one of the first councils to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for thousands more S1 – S3 pupils.
The Scottish Greens have recently secured money for the expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas in August 2025.
This builds on the ongoing rollout to P6 and P7 pupils who receive SCP and the previous extension to all P4 and P5 pupils, both of which were secured by Green MSPs during past rounds of budget negotiations.
Edinburgh currently has a child poverty rate of 20.4% and around 4,500 of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, a support payment for families on low incomes.
By signing up to be one of the first councils to receive more free meals for pupils, thousands of local children and families will benefit.
Eight councils will be chosen for the initial rollout and the Scottish Greens will be pushing the Scottish Government to extend the project to all 32 council areas as soon as possible.
Lorna Slater the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian said: “Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland.
“As a result of this work by Green MSPs, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now get a free school meal. I hope Edinburgh will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these lunches.
“The Scottish Greens have always championed free school meals. This high school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.
“No pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch. Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy lunch.”
Last week, the Scottish Government launched their adult mental health campaign aimed at continuing the conversation around mental health and raising awareness of the free resources available through the Mind to Mind site on NHS inform.
Mental health concerns affect an estimated one in three people in Scotland*, with research indicating a direct correlation between poverty, social exclusion, and poor mental health. Additionally, those from marginalised minority backgrounds are often less likely to seek or find support.
This campaign aims to address these disparities across communities in Scotland to encourage those struggling with their mental health to get the help they need.
To mark the start of this phase of the campaign, a group of Scottish personalities and community advocates came together at the iconic Hampden Park to share their experiences of mental health, emphasising the importance of staying ‘onside’ by supporting others to access support and resources available to them.
Attendees included media personality Gail Porter, viral content creator Howey Ejegi (@HoweyDon), former professional footballer Zander Murray, Founder of Diversity Scotland Tony McCaffery, and David Duke, Founder of the social initiative Street Soccer Scotland.
Their standout advice focused on the importance of talking to someone they trust about their struggles and making use of resources like the Mind to Mind site (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind).
If you’re going through a difficult patch or are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or lonely, you are not alone and support is available.
Mind to Mind (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind) is a dedicated NHS Inform resource that aims to help people who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing.
The site helps people look after their mental wellbeing in ways that suit them, featuring over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to show others who may be going through the same that they’re not alone.
Mind to Mind aims to contribute to the national conversation around normalising mental health and wellbeing, giving people the courage and skills to open up and encouraging them to share their stories in a bid towards reducing stigma.
The website also provides practical advice on how to deal with life’s ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support.
Gail Porter, TV personality, said: “Mental health struggles affect so many of us, and it can be difficult to start those conversations around accessing support.
“I know that any time I’ve felt like I needed support, my first inclination is to keep it to myself and not burden anyone else – but the truth is there are so many resources out there like the Mind to Mind site, to start your journey.”
David Duke, founder of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland has never been more important, and at Street Soccer Scotland we do that through our shared love of football.
“We believe that by engaging in sport and physical activity, our players can create positive habits through our weekly football sessions.
“With dedicated mental health and wellbeing sessions across Scotland, we provide a safe space to socialise for players as well as offering an accessible environment for one-to-one counselling, but we’re not the only resource out there.
“Sites like Mind to Mind are such a great first port of call for anyone looking to start that mental health support journey.”
Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, said: “When you, a friend or relative is struggling with their mental health, it can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to understand and make use of the resources out there – help is available.
“One of the key elements of the Mind to Mind campaign is asking us to think differently about mental health, and how we approach these conversations with each other. Visiting nhsinform.scot/mindtomind can be a really important first step, and there are so many resources that we can take advantage of to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives.”
The Mind to Mind multi-channel campaign is live across radio, press, social and digital channels, and out of home advertising, supported by a PR campaign.
For more information around supporting someone living with mental health struggles, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/MindtoMind
There is no doubt that 2024 was a challenging year for farming in the UK and, given the added stress farmers are currently experiencing, ensuring farmers and farm workers prioritise both their physical and mental wellbeing has never been more important.
A recent study by leading rural charity, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), revealed that poor mental health among farmers and agricultural workers continues to be a major concern. In the sample of over 750 farmers, 9 out of 10 respondents (91%) agreed that poor mental health is the ‘biggest hidden problem’ facing the industry today.
The reality of a farmer’s life is that there are multiple reasons identified as contributing to poor mental health in the industry. The known pressures on farmers – including traditional farm stressors, contextual stressors and barriers to support, coupled with the impact of measures announced in the Autumn budget – are leading to increased levels of stress and uncertainty in the farming community.
Recent months have seen farmers travel from their fields to the front of the Houses of Parliament and supermarket car parks to show their frustration at the new wave of tax measures being introduced in April 2026. Measures that are increasing levels of uncertainty and anxiety and adding serious concerns about an uncertain future for the industry and food production in the country.
The charity’s research showed that, on average, farmers worked longer hours in 2024 than they did in 2023. The average number of hours a full-time worker in the UK works per week is 36.4 hours***, however UK farmers work an average of 60 hours a week with an alarming 44% of those aged between 41 and 60 years working more than 81 hours a week.
1 in 3 farmers (33%) who work more than 9 hours a day admit to having had an accident or a near miss in the past 12 months demonstrating the link between long hours and working safely.
When mental wellbeing is factored in, the evidence revealed that farmers with lower mental wellbeing scores were significantly more likely to admit to working unsafely and risk-taking, something that raises alarm bells with the Farm Safety Foundation, especially as their research shows that the levels of mental wellbeing in those working in the industry have been steadily deteriorating over the past four years.
In the industry with the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, making sure farmers are prioritising their physical and mental wellbeing can be a matter of life or death. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 23 farm workers lost their lives in farm accidents in GB in 2023/2024. There were also 44 suicides registered in England and Wales among the farming and agricultural industry in 2022 (Office of National Statistics).
This week (10-14 February 2025), the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) will be running its eighth annual Mind Your Head campaign.
The campaign will continue to raise awareness of the various challenges facing the UK’s farming industry, break down the stigma attached to poor mental health, and sow the seeds of wellbeing and resilience in the sector.
Stephanie observed: “Farming has always been one of the most demanding industries, but the added strain of long hours, rural isolation and financial insecurity is putting farmers at risk.
“For us to change the cultural reluctance to discuss mental health, we need to listen and learn what farmers are feeling, what their attitudes are and what they are doing to address it themselves.“
To do this, the Farm Safety Foundation travelled to Carnoustie to launch ‘In Discussion With…’ a new series of roundtable events devised to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of various groups to both farming safely and looking after their mental wellbeing.
The event was the first of four roundtables planned across the UK in 2025 and gathered together some members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs to learn about the challenges of loneliness and rural isolation in advance of the Mind Your Head campaign.
The young farmers from the Angus area were, however, royally surprised when, during the discussions, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Rothesay popped in to join the conversation.
During his visit, His Royal Highness met with five members of local young farmers clubs and SAYFC National Chair Ally Brunton at the roundtable hosted by Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation.
When Stephanie asked him why he was interested in what they were doing, he said: “I love the countryside and I love farming as well. And I am conscious that it’s an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding that there is access and support out there for young farmers.”
He added: “Because I think in the farming world it’s maybe not talked about as much as in other sectors – and yet we know it exists”
His Royal Highness then asked the young farmers what they do to look after their wellbeing…
William Grant (22) past chair of Strathmore JAC and from a family mixed arable and beef farm beside Auchterhouse commented: “It’s a constant cycle of work work work, but then if there’s a Young Farmers meeting you might just go to that.”
Vikki Johnston (25), who farms with her family on the Glamis Castle estate and also works on a farm near Forfar, added: “Hard work is kind of ingrained in you.”
Alistair McCarthy (22) originally from Caithness but now splitting his time between home and a livestock farm near Glamis highlighted: “It’s easy to be your own critic, but you need to look for the light ahead.
When asked what they would do if they noticed someone was struggling or if they were struggling themselves, Lois Scott (26) a Primary School teacher and member of Forfar JAC commented: “You sometimes don’t realise you need help until you’ve had it.
“Sometimes it takes someone saying to you ‘are you okay’? We (SAYFC) have the ‘Are Ewe OK?’ campaign and Yellow Wellies can give you a lot of help.”
The roundtable took place at East Scryne Fruit Farm run by James and Kate Porter, His Royal Highness was also shown some of the polytunnels damaged by the recent Storm Eowyn. Something that James pointed out was just one more thing adding stress and challenge to farming life but this was farming was all about. Starting again, constantly learning and staying optimistic.
As Ally Brunton, National Chair SAYFC and member of East Fife JAC put it: “If we weren’t all optimistic about the future in agriculture, we wouldn’t have a career in the industry.”
Stephanie reflected: “It was an absolute honour to have His Royal Highness join our roundtable. We are a small charity and have been running this campaign for eight years now so, to have such a high-profile guest interested in what we are doing gives the issue greater visibility.
“This week we will release two new hero films, our traditional launch day hero film and a second one – on Valentine’s Day – featuring some very familiar farming faces which will hopefully end the campaign on a positive note. After all, positivity is something I think we could all do with a bit more of at this time.”
For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign please visit:
or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Facebook, Instagram and X using the hashtag #MindYourHead.
A formal NHS Scotland partner has welcomed the prospect of eyecare waiting times being cut thanks to new artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, calling it ‘a real showcase of homegrown expertise’.
Edinburgh-based Eye to the Future’s clinical software support tools are designed to help optometrists optimise referrals to hospital eye services during a critical period which has seen NHS ophthalmology waiting lists grow by 138% since 2012.
The company’s innovative, collaboration-driven technology – incorporating background technology developed by the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee – analyses images from routine eye examinations to help identify early signs of conditions like glaucoma and reduce blindness.
It has also commanded widespread interest which has led to strong support – from universities and eye care professionals to Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Edge, Innovate UK, and more.
InnoScot Health’s Innovation Manager Frances Ramsay believes that Eye to the Future, a culmination of 20 years of collaborative research, represents an important Scottish success story.
She said: “Harnessing the potential of software like this could be a game-changer for both NHS Scotland staff and patients by optimising existing resources and adopting a more efficient approach to tackling backlogs.
“Eye to the Future has benefited from a package of support to transform academic research into commercial technology. This very much mirrors our approach at InnoScot Health – tapping into the vast knowledge and expertise across NHS Scotland, before collaborating further to turn ideas into commercial reality, and importantly, improving patient outcomes.
“It shows how just one individual’s moment of inspiration can lead to a big impact when the knowledge and support of others is drawn upon to catalyse great ideas, echoing our own assistance for pressured ophthalmology through the encouragement of Scotland’s next generation of clinical entrepreneurs.”
Professor Emanuele Trucco, co-founder of Eye to the Future said: “Only 24% of NHS eye units currently believe they have enough consultants to meet demand.
“By using sophisticated analytics tools to help optometrists make more accurate referral decisions, we can ensure the right patients get specialist care at the right time, while reducing unnecessary hospital appointments. This is crucial as every delay risks worsening eye conditions and ultimately irreversible sight loss.”
Eye to the Future was named runner-up in the Converge Challenge category of the 2022 Converge Awards, which works in close partnership with universities to encourage academic entrepreneurs.
Through Converge, the company received funding – part of a broader package of support – to help accelerate, what Professor Trucco called, “academic research towards real commercial impact,” while benefitting from “valuable insights into how our technology could make a meaningful difference to patients and clinicians”.
Frances continued: “We wish Eye to the Future well as it prepares to launch its product this year, with a pilot currently underway at Glasgow Caledonian University’s School of Optometry.”
More innovative solutions are needed to tackle growing pressure on NHS eye care across Scotland with ideas welcomed through InnoScot Health’s ophthalmology innovation call. It offers a package of support for NHS Scotland staff including advice and guidance in areas of intellectual property protection, regulation, funding, project management, and commercialisation.
The organisation has supported and worked with innovators on solutions including Peekaboo Vision, an app created by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the iGrading platform, a diabetic retinopathy screening tool developed alongside NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen.
New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions shows that nearly half (44%) of people with a mental health condition expect to be able to work in future if their health improves.
This comes as the number of young people (aged 16 to 34) who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness and have a mental condition reaches 270,000. This number has been rising consistently over the past decade and has increased by 60,000 (26%) in the last year alone. The equivalent figure for all people of working-age (16 to 64) is 790,000 – an increase of 140,000 (22%) over the last year.
The Work Aspirations of Health and Disability Claimants survey also finds that a third (32%) of those claiming health and disability benefits believe they can work now or in future. (5%) say that they would be ready now if the right job or support were available. This equates to around 200,000 individuals.
The survey also finds that those out of jobs overwhelmingly see work as a key part of their identity and a route to higher self-esteem, happiness and security.
In further evidence that the current system pushes people away from work, the survey revealed that 50% of people who are on health and disability benefits and are not currently in work said they were worried they would not get their benefits back if they tried paid employment and it did not work out.
It comes as the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall visited Workbridge charity which offers support to people who are unable to work due to mental ill health, to hear how they’re supporting people with mental health conditions into work.
Responding to the stark survey results, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said the report demonstrates the need to reform the current welfare system, so that it offers better, meaningful support to give disabled people and people with long-term health conditions a real opportunity to find work.
The upcoming reforms will be a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to boost employment by breaking down barriers to opportunity – creating a welfare system that promotes tailored pathways into work and accommodates the complex nature of disabilities and health conditions – and consequently, improving people’s living standards.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said: “Today’s report shows that the broken benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work.
“People claiming Health and Disability benefits have been classed by the system as “can’t work” and shut out of jobs and have been ignored – when they’ve been crying out for support.
“That is a serious failure. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy.
“For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime.
“On Time to Talk day, it’s time to change how we support people with long-term health conditions, such as a mental health condition, so that they have a fair chance and choice to work.”
On her visit to Workbridge, Kendall spoke to experts to hear their insights on how government and employers can better accommodate the fluctuating nature of people’s mental health – ensuring that people’s views and voices are at the heart of changes that affect them.
Being in work has a positive effect on people’s mental and physical health – providing people with confidence and independence, as well as financial benefits.
The UK remains the only G7 country that has higher levels of economic inactivity now than before the pandemic, with the benefits bill spiralling – largely driven by the increase in people claiming incapacity benefits for mental health conditions, who had not received the care and treatment they deserve.
The reforms to the health & disability benefit system due to be unveiled in a Green Paper in Spring will consider these issues and how the government can tackle these barriers to employment, and the government will work closely alongside charities, organisations and disabled people to ensure their voices help shape any proposals for reform.
The Green Paper will set key ambitions for creating a system that is fairer on disabled people – offering support into work which takes into consideration the realities of their health condition and life circumstances, and fairness for the taxpayer by bringing down the benefits bill.
The reforms are expected to build on the Get Britain Working White Paper, which set out the first steps to achieving the government’s target 80% employment rate, driving up growth and driving down poverty in every corner of our country.
Successful steps have already been taken to offer work and life-changing support, with a record number of people with mental health conditions receiving employment advice through the NHS Talking Therapies programme.
Alongside this support, the Laobur Government has settled record funding for the NHS – so that all people can get the care they need – and have pledged:
The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has delivered products worth £2,500 to Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The Scot Baby Box Appeal supports families with newborns in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes filled with essential items, alongside supplies for relief efforts and other critical necessities, helping to ensure that every newborn has a safe and nurturing start.
A group of 92 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline packed and delivered the sorted pallets to the charity’s hub in Coatbridge. The donation included essential items such as toiletries, clothing and drinks.
Alongside the delivery of pallets, seven employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline volunteered at the charity’s warehouse to support with the team’s sortation and space management support to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The charity has been supported by Amazon since 2022, with the fulfilment centre team in Dunfermline making donations and volunteering for almost three years.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The team at Scot Baby Box Appeal provides excellent support to families across Scotland and Ukraine.
“Amazon in Dunfermline has a longstanding relationship with the team at Scot Baby Box Appeal and we’re pleased to contribute once again to the efforts of the staff and volunteers with this donation.”
Christina Watson, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “I’m pleased that I can take part in supporting the charity for a second time this year and I can’t wait to see the relationship between Amazon Dunfermline and Scot Baby Box grow even further.”
Gail Maguire, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “Thank you to Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their continued support with this donation. Their help is always greatly appreciated, especially on the run up to Christmas.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.
The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
Women can expect improved miscarriage care Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto has pledged, after unveiling a new framework, backed by £1.5 million funding.
The framework sets out a range of actions for Scotland’s NHS boards to implement, including ensuring that women going through miscarriage have a separate, private space. It will introduce a graded model of miscarriage care across the country. This means all women can receive tailored support and services, and won’t have to wait until a third miscarriage. This will include access to progesterone prescriptions – where clinically appropriate – both for threatened and recurrent miscarriage.
These changes will be supported by £1.5 million Scottish Government funding and aim to ensure that early pregnancy care is equitable so that no women are disadvantaged, regardless of where they access and receive care.
The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said: “The loss of a baby, no matter at what stage of pregnancy, has a profound and lasting impact on women and their families.
“To all who have experienced such a tragedy, I offer my deepest sympathy. The Scottish Government recognises this impact and is clear that women and families who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss must be provided with the right information, care and support, tailored to their individual circumstances.
“I am very grateful to everyone in Scotland’s NHS who works to provide miscarriage care and support.
“I know there is already a lot of good work underway within NHS Boards to improve miscarriage care services. The 2025-26 Budget, if approved by Parliament, will provide £1.5 million to support NHS Boards to improve delivery of sensitive and compassionate miscarriage care.”
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of pregnancy charity Tommy’s commented: “We are delighted to see the Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland launching today.
“The Framework is a real milestone on the path to excellent care for women and families in Scotland and Tommy’s has been pleased to work closely with our colleagues in Scottish Government as they have developed the Framework, which aims to ensure the right support and care for parents after every tragic loss.
“With compassionate care at its heart, we are looking forward to continuing to support our Scottish colleagues as they oversee the rollout.”
The Miscarriage Association’s Chief Executive Vicki Robinson said: “We are extremely pleased to see the publication of this important Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland, which represents a significant step forward in ensuring that those experiencing miscarriage receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve during such a heart-breaking time.
“This framework is a vital step in providing evidence-based care and offering women additional support in early pregnancy. We are proud to have contributed to its development and look forward to seeing it bring positive change. This is a crucial milestone in ensuring that miscarriage care is accessible, equitable, and compassionate across Scotland.”
Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplaces Policy at Acas (The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), said: “Time To Talk Day is a great opportunity for employers to raise awareness of well-being at work and to be approachable and available for workers that want to talk about their mental health.
“Taking the time to talk openly about mental health can avoid problems building up and lead to improved morale at work. It might be difficult for someone to talk about their mental health so it’s important for managers to be respectful, supportive and reassuring.”
Acas has some top tips for employers on talking about mental health at work:
Nina’s new tips for making walking a habit:-
1. Put a walk in your diary!
Having a routine, no matter how small, makes it easier to turn going for a walk into a habit. Pick a time of day which suits you best and add it into your diary as an appointment.
2. Plan several walking routes for different distances and times
Whether you have time for a quick ten- minute walk or a longer session, having different routes planned means you will always know where you are going, how far and for how long
3. Have suitable comfortable clothing and shoes for any weather
Never let the weather stop you walking. The weather doesn’t change the impact a walk can have – some of the worst weather days can deliver the best walks!
4. Invest in a tracking device or app
A device or app which can track your walking steps and distance each day can be really motivating, tracking how far you go each day and helping you watch your progress.
5. Every step counts!
Whether you walk one mile, or the distance from your desk to the kettle to make a tea – engage your core, allow your shoulders to relax and think about your posture!
Nina’s tips are backed up by Public health expert Prof Nick Cavill, who is a huge advocate for physical activity including walking:-
“I’m often asked about what I think is the best exercise. My reply is that it’s the exercise you will do every day and keep doing for life. For most people that is walking – for fun, for relaxation, for exercise or for transport.
“Walking for half an hour a day is associated with improvements in over 20 health conditions, from reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers to improving mental health and wellbeing.
“So, if you’ve ditched the New Year’s fitness resolutions, try the most natural exercise around – walking!”
*YouGov 2017
