CRUSE SCOTLAND AND GRIEVING FAMILY COLLABORATE TO OFFER FREE SUPPORT
Cruse Scotland, the Nation’s leading bereavement support experts, have joined forces with a family-run charity, Lewis Leap, to launch a new support service for children, young people and adults bereaved by a sudden and traumatic death.
Lewis Leap was founded following the tragic death of 13-year-old Lewis Johnson on a family holiday in 2019. The family from Edinburgh wanted to honour the life and spirit of Lewis and help others who unfortunately find themselves facing such a devastating loss under challenging circumstances.
The Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service has been shaped by those with lived experience, including some of Lewis’ family members.
This new service was launched at the charity’s annual fundraising event in the Cammo Estate yesterday (Sunday 24 August 2025), surrounded by Lewis’ family, friends and community as well as members of the Cruse Scotland staff and volunteer team.
Lewis’ mum, Elizabeth Johnson, said, “The impact of Lewis’ death on our family and friends was overwhelming, and we struggled to process what had happened and why it had happened to us.
“The support we so desperately wanted didn’t seem to be available. We committed to work with Cruse Scotland to shape a specialist support service for others to access in the early stages of grief who had experienced a sudden and traumatic death.”
“I’m so proud that the service is named after Lewis, as he was always so kind and generous to friends and strangers alike. Through this service, his selfless spirit lives on.”
Specialist support can be accessed via any of the existing Cruse Scotland routes:
Fiona Arnott-Barron,Cruse Scotland Chief Executive, said, “We are delighted to launch this vital service after three years of hard work and collaboration with Lewis Leap.
“Having members of the Johnson family and many other bereaved people help us shape this support service, which has been extremely valuable in ensuring it will provide the most appropriate support at the right time.
“Although Cruse Scotland had already taken some steps to address the gap in support for people struggling in the early days and weeks following a death, we knew there were still significant gaps for those who had been catapulted into a new and unwelcomed reality following an unexpected and traumatic death.
“For those requiring support with their grief after such a sudden loss, Cruse Scotland is here, and I would like to thank the Johnson family sincerely for their support in making it possible.”
If you need support with your grief, no matter how recent or long ago the death occurred, or your relationship to them, you can find the support that’s right for you at www.crusescotland.org.uk
Deaf children across Scotland are still falling through the cracks and missing out on vital support despite two years passing since a damning report laid bare the inadequacies of NHS Scotland’s audiology services, the National Deaf Children’s Society is warning.
Today marks two years to the day that the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland (IRASS), identified “multiple systemic problems” in NHS Scotland’s hearing services for both children and adults.
The most urgent recommendations were around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, carried out to identify deafness in very young children. Issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland. This is particularly concerning for young children, where delays or inaccuracies in testing can have lifelong impacts.
Other issues flagged by IRASS were audiology services facing barriers with recruiting new staff and addressing long waiting times.
Information obtained by the National Deaf Children’s Society reveals waiting times to be referred to audiology services in Scotland are unacceptably long. In some cases, children who should be seen within 42 days were waiting up to 600 days, posing a serious risk to early identification and intervention.
One mother shared with the National Deaf Children’s Society the “heartbreaking” impact that her son’s unidentified deafness, coupled with a lack of support and intervention, has had on their family.
Melanie Wright suspected her son Dawson was deaf when he was six, despite him having recently had a hearing test, which revealed no deafness. Dawson, from Dunbar, East Lothian, then had to wait three years before his deafness was finally identified, aged nine, despite Melanie’s repeated calls for a follow-up hearing test.
Dawson’s family were told he required grommets surgery but there would be a two-year wait unless they paid to go privately, which was not an option.
Melanie recalled how exhausting it was for Dawson to keep up with conversations at home and his frustration when he couldn’t join in.
At school, Dawson missed key parts of lessons because he could not hear what was said, which made learning harder and knocked his confidence.
Melanie said: “It’s heartbreaking watching your child work twice as hard just to keep up, knowing it didn’t have to be this way.”
Dawson’s deafness also impacted on friendships, and he often felt excluded.
When the Scottish Government committed to accept all the IRASS recommendations in December 2023, it was hoped there would be a root and branch reform of Scotland’s struggling audiology services.
But progress has been painfully slow, and despite the Scottish Government previously pledging to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are “front and centre” these individuals have since been sidelined, as have deaf charities, despite their direct experience on the frontline.
Melanie continued: “This isn’t about special treatment, it’s about making sure children get the care and support they were promised, when they need it.
“This delay is costing children their education, their confidence, and their future — and no one is taking responsibility.
“I’m exhausted and totally broken by the experience.”
A coalition of charities, spearheaded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, has written an open letter to Scotland’s Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto MSP, expressing concern at the lack of progress made by the Scottish Government since the publication of IRASS.
The charities warn the Minister that delayed hearing tests and inadequate care means that countless other babies and young children, like Dawson, will have unidentified deafness and lack support during this crucial period of their life. This can “severely impact a child’s ability to acquire language – whether spoken, signed or a combination of both”, the letter reads.
IRASS also found an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years.
In their letter to the Minister the charities express their disappointment that action taken by the Scottish Government since the publication of IRASS is “yet to deliver the transformative change so urgently needed” while other recommendations “remain partially or completely incomplete”.
The charities urge the Minister to “equip audiology services with the resources, workforce, and leadership necessary to deliver the best possible outcomes for deaf children and adults”.
The Minister is warned by the charities that without “more ambitious and decisive action…we fear the current system will continue to fall short”.
The charities urge action in three key areas:
Evidence of independent safety checks.
Clear accountability for workforce planning.
Transparent reporting on waiting times.
“When every moment counts, it is time for action – not words” the letter to the Minster concludes.
IRASS was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some children suffered life-changing consequences, including developmental delays in their communication, learning and social skills.
This was because their deafness was identified too late for them to receive cochlear implant surgery, or the communications support they needed.
A groundbreaking genetic test that reduces the risk of deafness in newborn babies is being introduced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) as part of a national rollout funded by the Scottish Government.
The rapid point-of-care test, which will launch in September, identifies a genetic variant that can cause permanent hearing loss when babies are treated with the common antibiotic Gentamicin.
It allows for more tailored care, with babies identified to have the variant provided with an alternative antibiotic.
The Genedrive test will start being used for babies requiring antibiotic treatment for infections within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow next month, with the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Princess Royal Maternity Hospital to follow soon after.
It will be rolled out to all territorial health boards with neonatal units over the next 18 months.
The initiative follows an assessment by the Chief Scientist Office-funded Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway, led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), and a Programme for Government commitment from the Scottish Government to provide £800,000 to support national adoption.
NHSGGC, through the West of Scotland Innovation Hub (WoSIH), recommended the test for consideration by ANIA.
It follows the ongoing UK-wide PALOH (Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing) programme and an assessment by the Scottish Health Technologies Group.
Last week, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited the RHC neonatal unit to meet clinicians and representatives from the WoSIH, who have played a leading role in bringing the innovation to Scotland.
Ms Minto also discussed the planned national rollout with members of the CfSD.
Once fully implemented, it is anticipated that more than 3,000 newborn babies would be tested during the first year.
The test was developed by the company Genedrive, in collaboration with researchers from Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester.
It is currently being used in 14 neonatal units across the UK, contributing to the PALOH-UK study.
NHSGGC is progressing staff training at the RHC, with the first tests scheduled for September.
Neonatal teams will be equipped to manage the testing process, adjust antibiotic treatment where necessary, and support families with confirmatory genetic testing if a positive result is found.
NHSGGC is also providing real-world data from the rollout and study to support the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)’s evidence generation recommendations, helping to refine national guidance and inform future adoption.
The rollout reflects NHSGGC’s broader commitment to harnessing digital innovation, improving access to personalised care, and shifting the balance of care to prevent harm before it occurs through its Transforming Together programme.
Dr Helen McDevitt, Consultant Neonatologist with NHSGGC and clinical lead for the PALOH-UK study at the RHC, said: “The introduction of this point-of-care genetic testing for newborn babies requiring antibiotic treatment for bacterial infection is a landmark moment for neonatal care in Scotland.
“By introducing this test, we are taking a vital step in preventing avoidable hearing loss in newborns and ensuring safer, more personalised treatment.
“We were pleased to meet Public Health Minister Jenni Minto today to discuss the rollout of this test, which will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of many people.
“Through our adoption of this test, NHSGGC will also be able to provide real-work data to support NICE in order to help inform its national guidance.”
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government is funding the rollout of this test across all of Scotland’s neonatal units over the next 18 months.
“I want to thank the hardworking staff at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Glasgow who I met yesterday and who showed me a demonstration of the genetic test for newborn babies.
“NHS reform in Scotland will be accelerated by scientific and technological innovation, and this Government is committed to supporting Scotland’s excellent research base and adopting novel, evidence-proven approaches to drive further improvements for patients.”
Katie Cuthbertson, National Associate Director of the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, said: “We are delighted to support the rapid adoption of this pioneering genetic test through the ANIA pathway.
“This test will help prevent avoidable hearing loss and improved outcomes for families across Scotland, and represents a major step forward in delivering safer, more personalised care for newborns.
“We are excited to continue to collaborate with Boards and clinicians across NHS Scotland, to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovative, precision medicine and sustainable healthcare transformation.”
Gino Miele, Genedrive Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud that NHS Scotland has sought to implement our interventional rapid genetic test nationally, ensuring over time that it is available to neonates across Scotland who might otherwise be at risk of hearing loss.
“We look forward to working closely with CfSD, ANIA and individual sites to implement this into standard clinical practice throughout Scotland.”
Israel is deliberately depriving people of water in Gaza, Palestine.
Organisations like MSF would be able to increase the amount of safe water in the Strip, however, Israel is blocking imports of critical water treatment items.
The Israeli military must stop its destruction of water infrastructure and allow the immediate repair of water systems that have been damaged.
Israel is deliberately depriving people of water in Gaza, Palestine, as part of its genocidal campaign – denying Palestinians of life’s necessities, including food, water and healthcare, says Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
After 22 months of Israel destroying and restricting access to critical water infrastructure, the amount of water available in Gaza is wholly insufficient.
Organisations like MSF would be able to increase the amount of safe water in the Strip, however, Israel is blocking imports of critical water treatment items.
Since June 2024, for every 10 import requests of items for water desalination, MSF has had only one approved.
Israel must begin allowing the importation of critical equipment for water supply and distribution, at scale. The Israeli military must stop its destruction of water infrastructure and allow the immediate repair of water systems that have been damaged to ensure people have life-sustaining access to water. Water and other necessities of life must not be used as weapons of war.
Not only is there insufficient water overall for people in Gaza, but the reliance on water trucking means they do not have predictable methods to obtain what is available.
Eighty-six per cent of Gaza is under forced displacement order by the Israeli military, making it unsafe for water trucks to attempt to reach people in those areas. The lack of adequate storage methods in households compounds the problems people face.
The reduction of clean water in Gaza has resulted in an increase of disease, with MSF medical teams conducting over 1,000 consultations for acute watery diarrhoea a week for the past month. Without sufficient water for hygiene, people have been suffering from skin conditions, such as scabies.
Clean water is also essential for hospitals; to reduce the spread of infection and to keep patients hydrated so their bodies can heal from their injuries and illnesses.
An MSF water distribution point operates next to our Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Mawasi. Clean water is essential not just for drinking, but for preventing infection in medical facilities. However, Israel’s restrictions mean only 11% of MSF’s requests for critical desalination equipment are approved, severely limiting the scale of this lifesaving work.
“There’s too little water for too many people,” says Mohammed Nsier, a water and sanitation officer for MSF in Gaza. “The amount we can provide is very small compared to the need, and conditions are extremely difficult.”
Israel is creating difficult conditions for the delivery of safe water to people. It has always controlled much of the flow of water into Gaza. There is no naturally available drinking water in Gaza because of salination and contamination of sewage and chemicals, making people reliant on pipelines coming from Israel and desalination plants in Gaza. This infrastructure has been subjected to continuous Israeli attacks.
Israel has repeatedly damaged two out of the three water pipelines into Gaza since October 2023. It is estimated that 70 per cent of the water that goes through these pipes is lost because of leaks in the broader pipeline network, from the damage caused by bombardment. As a result, water must be distributed by water trucking, coming from desalination plants. Of the 196 desalination plants that are publicly- and NGO-run, over 60 per cent are non-functional because of their location or damage.
There’s too little water for too many people. The amount we can provide is very small compared to the need, and conditions are extremely difficult.
Mohammed Nsier, a water and sanitation officer for MSF in Gaza
Humanitarian organisations are willing to repair the damaged pipes and plants of the water infrastructure that existed before October 2023, but Israel has repeatedly hindered these efforts by denying access to these sites.
For locations that are reachable, repair efforts use “Frankenstein” techniques, salvaging parts from one generator or broken sites to fix another, and desperate attempts to source parts locally. Such actions are necessary as the supplies required to repair this infrastructure are impeded from entering Gaza by Israel.
When items do come in, they arrive months late because of deliberate blockages.
Seven MSF water treatment units produce enough water for 65,000 people to receive 7.5 litres per day,1 a fraction of what is needed. For months, MSF has been trying to get nine new treatment units into Gaza – which would significantly increase MSF’s water production capacity – but these efforts have remained unsuccessful as Israel has not issued approvals or allowed the units to enter.
When water trucks can reach desalination plants, the next step of distributing it to people also means contending with major obstacles. Reaching people safely is near impossible, as the expansion of military activities and bombardments in so-called safe zones mean distribution points have to be continually re-located.
In 2025, MSF has had to stop providing water at at least 137 water distribution points. To reach distributions, people must walk long distances carrying their heavy jerry cans.
You see how people are struggling, everyone is desperate for water… I don’t know what to tell you—it’s torture.
– A woman waiting for a water distribution in Gaza city
“You see how people are struggling, everyone is desperate for water,” says a woman waiting for an MSF distribution in Gaza city. “Honestly, [it’s] very, very hard to get water, even walking a little bit is very difficult. I don’t know what to tell you—it’s torture.”
The dangers of collecting water are compounded by its limitation, with the scarcity creating tension at distributions. People have told MSF staff that they fear collecting water. Our teams see children who get lost after a distribution site has been forced to move by a displacement order or an airstrike, or because extensive damage has made their surroundings unrecognisable.
“As with food, supplies, and healthcare, the Israeli military is restricting access to water to minimal levels,” says Ozan Agbas, MSF emergency manager. “By refraining from cutting off water entirely, they allow plausible deniability while choking Palestinians of their means of survival.”
7.5 litres is the minimum amount of water a person needs per day during a humanitarian emergency, according to the WHO
Problem debt affects many people, and the impact on mental health can’t be ignored. Debt problems can cause anxiety, stress, and sleep problems – and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.
As well as seeking mental health support, it’s important to get help with debt.
Free, impartial advice is available – and it’s never too late to get help.
Read more about debt and mental health on our website:
General Practice will receive an initial additional investment of £15 million this year to ease recruitment pressures and boost capacity.
The new investment will support workforce retention and recruitment, build service capacity and support the day to day running of GP services.
The funding comes after discussions with the sector about the sustainability of GP services – negotiations will continue around further support to help shift care from acute to community.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We have been listening carefully to the views of Scotland’s GPs and as a result, I am pleased to confirm an initial additional investment of £15 million for the current financial year.
“This new funding will help support capacity and ensure GPs and services in the community have the resources they need for their essential role in our health system.
“We remain in negotiations with the sector on the provision of further support in the future, but this initial instalment demonstrates this Government’s commitment to supporting primary care and alleviating current pressures on the system.
We want to make it easier for people to see their GP and to achieve this we are working towards ensuring a greater proportion of new NHS funding goes to primary and community care.
“We have already increased investment in general practice by over £100 million in the last two years to meet recommended pay increases and to support practices with sustainability.”
Commenting on the funding announcement, RCGP Scotland Chair Dr Chris Provan said: “GPs and their teams strive to deliver a high quality of care, but they are increasingly struggling to meet the demand from a growing population with more complex needs – all while the GP workforce continues to shrink.
“RCGP Scotland welcomes the investment of £15 million in this financial year as a positive step. However, this funding alone will not transform general practice or undo years of underinvestment.
“It must be seen as the beginning of a sustained commitment to properly resource general practice – stabilising services, supporting the recruitment of more GPs, and expanding capacity to improve patient access.
“The Scottish Government has pledged to shift the balance of care and funding towards primary and community care. Investing in general practice delivers better health outcomes and offers significant value to patients, the wider NHS, the economy, and society.
“Today’s announcement must mark the start of that shift, which now needs to be accelerated to ensure general practice is strengthened and supported to deliver the high-quality care patients deserve.”
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:
Root vegetables and split pea soup
Chicken with creamy sundried tomatoes
Creamy sundried tomatoes pasta (Vegetarian)
Both served with herby vegetables
Bread and butter pudding
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
