The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.
Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December– the Scottish Government standard is 90%.
The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.
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Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.
“We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.
“However, we are on the right path and the £123 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”
Responding to the latest CAMHS referral figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “While the progress on meeting CAMHS waiting times should be applauded, it shouldn’t deflect attention from the still growing mental health crisis among Scotland’s children and young people.
“Numbers of referrals to CAMHS have risen by almost a fifth and our teams across Scotland are seeing rapidly rising levels of worry and anxiety among the children and young people who come to us for support.
“The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.
“The Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.”
New research commissioned by Shelter Scotland reveals that over ten thousand children living in temporary accommodation are at risk of severe impacts on their health, education, and social lives.
Professor Nadzeya Svirydzenka of De Montfort University and Professor Monica Lakhanpaul of University College London interviewed twenty-three children and parents from four Scottish local authorities.
The report titled “IN THEIR OWN WORDS: CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCES IN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION” shows that children living in temporary accommodation face safety issues such as overcrowding, dampness, mould, antisocial behaviour, pest-infestations and more.
Temporary accommodation has also been found to impact the mental health of children and parents, leading to anxiety, depression, increased aggression, and disturbed sleep. Children in these situations were also found to be socially isolated and their school attendance disrupted.
This research is published following a significant increase in the number of children in temporary accommodation in Scotland. Scottish Government figures show there are 10,360 children in temporary accommodation, a 149% increase in the last ten years.
On average, single people spend 240 days in temporary accommodation, a single parent with children 355 days, and a couple with children 565 days. The number of children in bed and breakfasts has risen by 223% (290 children) between September 2023 and 2024 (Scottish Government, 2025)
In Edinburgh, the number of children in temporary accommodation has grown by 74% since 2020 to a backdrop of rapidly increasing homelessness in the capital.
Shelter Scotland’s report calls for an increased supply of family homes, more work towards homelessness prevention, addressing the poor quality of temporary accommodation, and taking a ‘children’s rights-based approach’ to the allocation of temporary accommodation.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian Miles Briggs attended the launch event for this research in Edinburgh and said: ““It is completely unacceptable that so many children are left languishing in temporary accommodation for so long across Scotland. They should be living in safe, clean, and permanent houses of their own.
“The situation in Edinburgh is particularly concerning. Housing here has been in a state of emergency for years now. We cannot allow this to continue.
“This report is a shocking indictment of the SNP’s record on housing and makes important recommendations on housing, health, and education which will require cross-sector and cross-government reform and actions.”
@Miles4Lothian (Miles Briggs) will ask @scotgov for its response to the @shelterscotland‘s report ‘In Their Own Words: Children’s Experiences in Temporary Accommodation’ at Holyrood this afternoon.
If you are aged 12 – 25 and are looking for support then get in touch with ourselves or find the contact information for your area in the poster attached.
A Cancer Research UK-funded scheme aims to tackle a waiting list of people at higher risk of developing bowel cancer.
The project, which aims to improve patient access to vital colonoscopies, has launched in the Scottish Borders and, if successful, could change NHS practice across the UK.
The initiative is part of a UK-wide programme from the charity, with additional support from the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, called Test, Evidence, Transition (TET) which aims to accelerate the adoption of best practice in the early diagnosis of bowel cancer.
Cancer waiting times in Scotland are currently amongst the worst on record. In April-June 2024, only 73 per cent of patients who were referred urgently with a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days, with the Borders region performing above the national average at 77.9 per cent. This is still below the 95 per cent standard and nationally is the third worst performance on record since 2012.*
However, patients regarded as being at a higher risk of developing bowel cancer – usually because of pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by this target.
Instead, they are put on ‘surveillance’ lists because they need tests at regular intervals and do not have a current suspicion of cancer based on symptoms.
Stretched resources can mean those with symptoms of suspected cancer take priority, leaving some of those who may have a similar risk, waiting for long periods of time for a colonoscopy with no NHS target in place for them.
To tackle this issue NHS Borders, with the support of Cancer Research UK and research partners at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, has developed a new nurse-led surveillance pathway to improve access to colonoscopies.
Dr Jonathan Fletcher, Consultant Physician and NHS Borders Lead Clinician for the project, said:“With the support of Cancer Research UK and the Bowelbabe Fund, we are excited to be overhauling the colonoscopy follow up arrangements for Borders patients with a variety of conditions that increase their risk of colorectal cancer.
“There will be a range of benefits to patients and the endoscopy service that we hope to examine and measure with this initiative.”
A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy, a non-surgical procedure using a flexible camera to examine the inside of the colon.
In the new pathway in the Borders, patients will receive a new reminder phone call 4-5 days prior to their colonoscopy appointment to reduce missed appointments and carry out a pre-assessment to note any changes in their health.
It will also offer services advising patients on steps they can take to reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer and will improve the use of IT systems to make management of the waiting list more efficient and effective.
Julieann Brennan, Strategic Lead and Board Coordinator for Public Health National Screening Programmes in Scotland, said:“This is an exciting opportunity to work with Cancer Research UK to improve access to our colonoscopy services, particularly for those who may be at higher risk of developing bowel cancer.
“We also want to make improvements in communications with those patients who may be at higher risk.”
TET is a major Cancer Research UK programme which aims to accelerate the adoption of innovation in the health system while reducing inequalities in access to best practice cancer care. Previously, the scheme has focused on reducing waiting times for people with suspected breast and prostate cancer.
Naser Turabi, Director of Evidence and Implementation at Cancer Research UK, said:“There is a relatively less well-known group of people who are at a higher risk of bowel cancer, waiting too long for crucial colonoscopy tests. It has no official target and so can get less attention and resource.
“We are delighted to support this exciting initiative undertaken by NHS Borders who are keen to reduce the wait and improve outcomes for patients in their region.
“If patients in this pilot scheme can be tested at the right frequency, we have a better chance of diagnosing cancer earlier, when treatment is much more likely to be successful. We hope the learning from this work will be adopted elsewhere in Scotland and across the UK.”
TET has received £2m from Cancer Research UK and the Bowelbabe Fund for projects across the UK, with each project delivered by local NHS teams in conjunction with academics to find new ways to improve both patient experience and cancer outcomes.
The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was created to continue the inspiring legacy of Dame Deborah James who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35.
Launched in the last few weeks of her life and now stewarded by her family, together with Cancer Research UK it works to fund cutting-edge research, raise awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer with the aim of helping more people affected by cancer have more time with the people they love.
Edinburgh’s streets are alive with history and heart, but behind the scenes, our city—like much of the UK—has been quietly facing a challenge: a worsening shortage of NHS dentists.
For too many residents, finding affordable dental care has become a struggle. That’s where *103 Dental and Implant Practice comes in*. As Edinburgh’s newest clinic, opening in early 2025 at 103 East London Street, we’re here with a mission to ease the strain and bring quality care back to our community.
The UK’s dental crisis has made headlines for a reason. Across the nation, nine in ten NHS dental practices aren’t taking new adult patients, and in some areas, people have turned to drastic measures like DIY tooth fixes.
Here in Edinburgh, the story’s similar—three-quarters of local NHS dentists are closed to new adult registrations, with waits stretching up to two years. Years of underfunding and a shrinking workforce have left gaps that hit hard, especially for families and those on tight budgets.
At 103 Dental and Implant Practice, we’re stepping up to meet this need. Led by Dr. Adam Wright, a dedicated dentist with a knack for putting patients at ease, and Practice Manager Lucas, whose experience keeps everything running smoothly, we’ve built a clinic that’s all about accessibility and care. We offer both NHS and private options, so whether it’s a routine check-up for the kids or a cosmetic touch-up like teeth whitening, we’ve got you covered in a modern, welcoming space.
Scotland’s dental landscape is stretched thin, from rural towns to bustling cities like ours. While efforts like the new Moffat surgery—adding 2,000 NHS slots—show progress, demand still outpaces supply. In Edinburgh, long waits and closed lists have pushed some to travel far for care or skip it entirely. We’re here to change that, starting right in the city’s heart. Our doors are open to help lighten the load, one appointment at a time.
We believe dental care is about more than just teeth—it’s about health, confidence, and feeling good. When access slips, it’s the community that feels it most. That’s why we’re not just treating patients; we’re connecting with them. Nervous about the dentist? Our team’s here to listen and make it easy. From the moment you step in, you’ll find a friendly approach that puts you first.
As the Capital’s freshest face in dentistry, we’re proud to tackle a UK-wide problem right here at home. The challenges—recruiting dentists, fixing the NHS system—won’t vanish overnight, but we’re in it for the long haul. So, if you’ve been hunting for a dentist, swing by 103 Dental and Implant Practice. Let’s turn the tide on this shortage together, one smile at a time.
*Drop in at 103 East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BF, or call 0131 608 3219 to book your spot today.*
Urgent Government action needed to improve education for young people and healthcare practitioners
Launch of Endometriosis Action Month (March 2025)
Only 50% of young adults in the UK know what endometriosis is, and many health practitioners including GPs and A&E doctors don’t recognise the symptoms, resulting in missed opportunities to stop suffering and the disease progressing, as well as wasting NHS resources.
This is despite it being one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause in the UK – although the impact may be felt for life.
The shocking lack of awareness and education is leaving those with the condition facing an average of almost 9 years for a diagnosis, leading to loss of education and work productivity, often impacting both physical and mental health.
Endometriosis UK is kicking off Action Month (1-31 March 2025) – Endometriosis Explained, by calling on Governments across the UKto commit to ensuring menstrual wellbeing education is implemented in all schools as well as improving education for all healthcare practitioners, including GPs, pharmacists, nurses and A&E doctors. Without this education, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in accessing the right care at the right time.
Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis UK says:“The simple fact is that not enough people know what endometriosis is. Such a common and often debilitating disease deserves the same level of recognition as conditions like diabetes and asthma.
“A recent poll for Endometriosis UK has found that only 50% of 16 – 24-year-olds know what the condition is and 47% of people surveyed last year reported seeing a GP 10 or more times before being diagnosed.
“Not getting a diagnosis can have a significantly negative effect on every aspect of someone’s life – including education, employment, and physical as well as mental health. Governments must ensure that all young people and healthcare practitioners receive the appropriate level of education and recognise the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, so those with symptoms can seek help, and are supported to access care when they do.
“We hope Governments across the UK will build on their commitments to support women’s health, including ensuring menstrual health education is being properly delivered across all schools, as well as improvements in mandatory training for all health professionals, as a matter of priority.
“Without this, the next generation of those with endometriosis will continue to be let down.”
Endometriosis UK – the UK’s leading charity offering support for those with endometriosis is calling on all UK Governments to:
ensure that menstrual health education is being delivered as a compulsory part of the curriculum in all schools, and that teachers have the training and resources they need to deliver it confidently and age appropriately. Too many young people are leaving school not knowing what is and isn’t normal for an average period, nor the signs of a menstrual health condition such as endometriosis. This is leading to young people missing school and education and impacting on the start of their careers.
ensure that every healthcare practitioner receives effective education on menstrual health conditions including endometriosis, so that every healthcare practitioner recognises the signs and symptoms of endometriosis and follows the NICE Guideline on Endometriosis that sets a baseline of how endometriosis should be diagnosed, managed and treated.
Endometriosis UK wants to see a future where women and those assigned female at birth can better recognise the signs of endometriosis and feel empowered to seek help. And when they seek that help, healthcare practitioners are better equipped to put them on the right pathway for treatment and support in accordance with the NICE guidelines.
A survey for Endometriosis UK last year found that 78% of respondents who later went on to receive a diagnosis had experienced one or more doctor telling them they were making a ‘fuss about nothing’ or similar comments.
Not everyone with the disease will experience severe symptoms, but for those who do, it is hard enough living with endometriosis, juggling the symptoms during daily life, let alone having to battle for understanding and support.
The continued lack of awareness around the condition is really a national scandal and now is the time to make the change and better educate the public and healthcare practitioners about endometriosis.
Pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s brought its Projecting Life campaign to London yesterday, highlighting the impact of pregnancy loss and the need for more research to save babies’ lives.
The campaign features children and their shadows in different scenarios, always with at least one more shadow than there are living children.
Millions in the UK are touched every year by pregnancy complications and baby loss.
But in a recent YouGov survey for Tommy’s, 53% of respondents said either they ‘would not know what to say’ or ‘would worry about saying the wrong thing’ to a friend, family member or colleague who had experienced a loss.2
Only 12% were ‘very confident’ they would know what to say to someone whose pregnancy ended in loss, or who had a premature baby in need of hospital care.
Tommy’s – the UK’s leading charitable funder of pregnancy research – has developed a guide to help people begin conversations with others who have been affected.
Dr Jyotsna Vohra, Director of Research, Programmes and Impact at Tommy’s, said: “The trauma of pregnancy loss or giving birth prematurely is too often compounded by a sense of isolation and even shame.
“We must end the silence around these experiences, and move further and faster towards our goal of making pregnancy and birth safe for everyone.
“Projecting Life shows very powerfully that children who are lost are never forgotten. It encourages us all to recognise that and to talk about it without fear. Through those conversations and by raising awareness, together we can drive the change needed to save more babies’ lives.”
The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland launches plans this week to bring about significant change to reduce health inequalities in three of Scotland’s local authority areas.
This collaboration brings together Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (IHE) with councils and health boards in Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Over the next two years, this partnership will help local areas and Community Planning Partners to strengthen their local plans to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing in their communities. It will support local partners to understand the actions which will have the greatest impact on health inequalities locally and help to overcome the barriers to implementing these.
The ultimate goal is to enable people to live longer, healthier lives by addressing the root causes of health inequalities and preventing illness before it starts. By creating conditions where communities can thrive, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change.
A key element of the collaboration is its role in bridging the gap between national policies and local implementation. The insights and learning from the collaboration will be shared across Scotland through a dedicated learning system, ensuring that communities nationwide can benefit from the knowledge gained.
To mark the beginning of the partnerships, each of the three local areas host launch events this week. These events will serve as a platform to engage with the community, share the vision of the collaboration, and kickstart this ambitious project to build a healthier, more equitable Scotland.
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, said: “Our mission in Public Health Scotland is to see life expectancy increase and health inequalities reduced. The circumstances in which we are born, live and work have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives. People born in the most deprived areas are dying, on average, a decade earlier than their wealthier neighbours.
“It’s possible to change this by taking action across the range of factors that impact on health and wellbeing. That is what this new partnership is all about. We’re determined to see an improvement in Scotland’s long-term health outcomes, and we can do this by uniting partners from across the system including the NHS, local government, community and voluntary sectors, and businesses.
“The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland will bring together national expertise, informed by the success of ‘Marmot Places’ across England and Wales, with local knowledge to agree priority actions and support meaningful change.
“We’re looking forward to working and learning together with a determined focus to see improvement in health, wellbeing and life expectancy across Scotland.”
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the IHE said: “Research in Scotland has demonstrated dramatic differences in health and life expectancy within and between areas in Scotland. Progress in improving health stalled after 2010, in Scotland as in other parts of the UK, and health inequalities increased.
“We have been working with places in England and Wales to implement change at local level to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We are inspired by the commitment of communities and local leaders to improve the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
“We are now delighted to launch programmes of work in three places in Scotland. Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of people’s lives thereby tackling health inequalities within their area.
“This local action will also inform national system leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.”
Doctors urged to provide clear fasting guidance to protect kidney health ahead of Ramadan
Leading charity Kidney Research UK has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) to use their combined expertise to launch new guidance ahead of Ramadan to help patients make informed decisions to protect their health and fast safely.
Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a month of fasting, spiritually reconnecting, and doing charitable acts. For some Muslims living with kidney disease fasting may pose risks to their health, but knowing if one should fast on account of their health can be difficult.
The new guidelines, produced with the aid of academics, medical and religious professionals, aim to equip doctors with the information they need to support kidney patients mark the holy month safely.
Dr Sahira Dar, a GP and President of the British Islamic Medical Association said: “Islamic teachings provide exemptions in Ramadan for those whose health might be harmed by fasting, including certain kidney patients.
“This can be complex as kidney health varies considerably. Some higher risk people may be able to safely fast with the right advice. Some patients may also find they can improve their health by adopting healthier practices as part of Ramadan.
“We hope this guidance will enable doctors and patients to have these conversations and stay safe.”
The guidance explains the impact of fasting on kidney function and outlines tailored recommendations for different patients, including practical advice for patients on dialysis, transplant recipients, and those managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.
It encourages patients to talk to their healthcare team well before Ramadan starts and outlines key advice, including:
· Discussing fasting plans with your doctor to understand any risks.
· If appropriate, trying a short practice fast, to see how your body responds.
· Drinking plenty of water between sunset and sunrise, mindful of medical advice on personal fluid requirements .
· Being aware that kidney disease and medications like diuretics or immunosuppressants may make fasting unsafe.
· How, when breaking fast, to mainatain a balanced diet mindful of portion control, calories and potassium content
· Alternatives to fasting, if fasting isn’t safe and cause ill health.
Neerja Jain, health equalities programme manager at Kidney Research UK, said “We want kidney patients to be empowered and able to approach Ramadan with confidence.
This is why we have consulted with religious and medical experts, and we urge health professionals to make use of this guidance to support conversations with patients so that people can protect their health while still feeling connected to their faith.”
For Blackburn mum Amina Lorgat, clear guidance has been crucial. Her 17-year-old son Rayhan received a kidney transplant last year after his kidneys failed due to IgA nephropathy, and he remains in the high-risk category for fasting.
“We didn’t know how we were going to navigate dialysis and Ramadan last year. It was very raw, new, and stressful for us, but we successfully made the most of the blessed month alongside home dialysis” she explained.
“Post-transplant, there is still a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to fasting. It’s important that there is clear guidance from health professionals about how to safely observe Ramadan at different stages of kidney health.”
Fasting remains too dangerous for Rayhan whilst the anti-rejection medication he takes to protect his new kidney is still being adjusted and his kidney function still needs to stabilise. He also needs to drink at least three litres of water a day.
For Rayhan, this Ramadan will still be meaningful. His family plans to spend time together reflecting on their faith, reading the Qur’an, and helping others in their community.
Amina said. “A lack of awareness from others about your inability to fast for reasons beyond your control can be challenging. That’s why medical advice needs to be clear for Muslims.
“I remember being unable to participate because of chronic asthma and, even as an adult, feeling a sense of wanting to fit in with others who were fasting. Thankfully it is still possible to join the spiritual aspects of Ramadan which are just as important.”
The guidance, aimed at both patients and doctors, can be downloaded at:
Legends of the game unite to raise £20k for inclusive play and social spaces
A HIGHLY anticipated charity football match is set to bring together property professionals and football legends in a bid to raise £20,000 for an inclusive outdoor space.
The Big Match will take place on March 7th at Spartans Football Club in Edinburgh, with two rival teams – Residential United and Commercial City – going head-to-head to support Capability Scotland’s YouthZone project.
The event, organised by Steve Currie of estate agents Murray & Currie, will see former football stars Gordon Smith and Billy Davies manage the teams, with big-name player Darren Dods and former Hearts striker Gary Wales also taking part.
Funds raised from the match will go towards creating an outdoor play area for YouthZone, a lifeline service for disabled children and young people in Riccarton, Edinburgh. The group offers a safe space for socialisation, skills development, and play at weekends.
Steve Currie, Director at Murray & Currie, said: “The Big Match is all about bringing people together for a fantastic cause. The property sector is a competitive industry, so putting that energy into a friendly football rivalry makes for a great event.
“Knowing that every goal and every donation made helps build a safer, more inclusive space for children and young people at YouthZone is a huge motivator. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone supporting this initiative.”
The £20,000 target has the potential to benefit 65 children and 30 adults, helping them feel more included in their community while providing a safe and enjoyable space to gather.
Costs for the project have doubled due to unexpected issues, and so this funding will allow YouthZone to build a safer and more accessible outdoor space, complete with accessible play equipment and protective fencing.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “This event will make an incredible difference to the lives of disabled children and young people.
“YouthZone is a place where they can relax, socialise, and have fun in a supportive environment, and the funds raised from The Big Match will help us enhance and protect this vital space.
“We’re hugely grateful to The Big Match for choosing us as their charity partner and to all the sponsors, players, and supporters making this event possible.”
Now in its third year, the match is backed by headline sponsors Shepherds and Graham & Sibbald, with Hummel donating kits and The Spartans Community Foundation providing the stadium, changing rooms, and referee, thanks to the generosity of Chris Kirby at Hummel and Dan Gerrard at Spartans.
Edinburgh’s property industry has rallied behind the event, with teams made up of players from Murray & Currie Property, Simpson Marwick, Ralph Sayer, Murray Developments, S1 Developments, VALTTI Paints, Hampden Bank, Handelsbanken, Thistle Property, AH&Co Accountants, Redpath Bruce, Square & Crescent, Melville Independent, Turcan Connell, Square Foot Media, and AMA Developments.
With excitement building, the event is expected to draw a strong crowd of supporters keen to cheer on their teams while making a meaningful difference.
Capability Scotland is a leading charity providing care, support and education to children and young people living with physical and intellectual disabilities, while supporting parents and caregivers through respite.
The charity has multiple outreaches all over Scotland to ensure young disabled people get the opportunities to grow and thrive.
To support The Big Match, and for more details, visit:
