Scotland’s first legal drug consumption room in Glasgow is a “crucial milestone” and a “big step forward” in tackling drug misuse in Scotland, but it’s only the beginning, says Green MSP for Lothian LORNA SLATER.
At the new Thistle unit, those with medical training operate the facility and can intervene should something go wrong for a user, as well as providing support and advice for people who are giving up drugs.
There are health rooms where treatments are available too, for testing for diseases or having wounds checked and cleaned. The facility also has a recovery area, a shower room and a clothing and book bank.
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Ms Slater said:“Stigmatising and shunning drug users is wrong, and it does not work. It has contributed to Scotland having the highest number of drug deaths in Europe. Instead, we should be supporting people through addiction and treating them as the human beings they are.
“Safe consumption rooms alone will not solve all the issues associated with drug addiction and misuse. To start to truly tackle the crisis we also need to address poverty and inequality and invest in rehab services, mental health provision and safe housing.
“I urge all related bodies to learn from Glasgow’s experiences and look to implement a service in Edinburgh that remains non-judgemental, supportive, and focused on harm reduction. We need this and other measures quickly.”
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The City of Edinburgh Council has previously published a report that looks at opening a drug consumption room in the city after months of delay. The latest feasibility study can be found here:
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggshas accused the SNP of presiding over “horrifying” A&E waiting times in Lothian.
Mr. Briggs’ remarks come after monthly A&E waiting times for November showed that only 58.5% of patients across Lothian were seen within the SNP’s four-hour target waiting time.
In the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the figure is at a shockingly low 44.1%.
This was below the average for Scotland which sits at 65.8%.
The SNP’s own target is for 95% of patients to be seen within that time after arriving at A&E.
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says these waits are “unacceptable” and “undoubtedly put lives at risk” and insists that the SNP have failed to give dedicated staff the resources they need to see patients quickly enough.
Mr. Briggs says that the SNP’s failures mean A&E services in Lothian are in “permanent crisis” mode and that this could “spiral out of control” over winter.
Mr. Briggs has urged SNP health secretary Neil Gray to come up with a proper plan for the health service, which ensures money gets to the frontline, rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Miles Briggs said:“A&E waiting times in Lothian are absolutely horrifying, and this is mirrored across Scotland.
“Far too many patients are waiting too long to be seen in Lothian and that undoubtedly puts lives at risk.
“These waits are unacceptable and successive SNP health secretaries have left Lothian and the rest of Scotland without the resources to meet the demands of patients turning up in A&E.
“My constituents in Lothian are at even greater risk than other Scots – and the buck stops with the SNP government.
“A&E departments are in permanent crisis mode and as winter continues there is a real danger the waits will spiral out of control.
“These waiting times must finally be the wake-up call for Neil Gray to deliver a proper plan to support Scotland’s NHS.
“This must prioritise getting money to the frontline in Lothian and across Scotland rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.”
Scottish Opera brings its pioneering health and arts initiative, Breath Cycle, to the stage with two special evenings of live performance at The Beacon, Greenock (31 January), and Glasgow’s Tron Theatre (1 February).
These intimate performances showcase the transformative powers of daily practice in breath control and vocal training for individuals suffering from a range of lung conditions, as well as supporting them to share their lived experience of coping with often life limiting lung conditions, through a series of song writing workshops.
The intention is to support people in their journey to reclaim their physical and mental resilience.
Award-winning composer Gareth Williams and writer Martin O’Connor lead an exceptional ensemble featuring Admiral Fallow’s Louis Abbott, operatic tenor David Douglas (pictured above), and actor-songwriter Frances Thorburn, accompanied by violin, cello, and piano who will perform their renditions of a selection of the songs that have been created during the workshops over the past three years.
Breath Cycle was originally developedin 2013 by Scottish Opera and Glasgow’s Gartnavel General Hospital West of Scotland Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, to explore whether building lung capacity and developing breath control as part of a daily vocal routine could prove beneficial to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of patients.
Scottish Opera repurposed the project during lockdown to offer support to people struggling with the debilitating effects of Long COVID. Since Autumn 2021, nearly 500 people from Scotland and across the world have taken part in the Breath Cycle sessions mentored by Scottish Opera artists, and over 3000 individuals have accessed the online resources freely available from the Company’s website to use at home at their own convenience.
Last year, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and Scottish Opera joined forces to develop online singing classes for people living with aphasia. These built on the Breath Cycle project, to unlock the therapeutic benefits of singing and song writing to people living with aphasia, which is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls language, and in some cases leaves some unable to speak at all.
Jane DavidsonMBE, Director of Outreach and Education at Scottish Opera said: ‘As we expand the Breath Cycle II programme in 2025, we’re excited to bring these remarkable stories to the stage for the first time.
‘Our ensemble will bring to life the experiences of Breath Cycle participants through songs crafted by Gareth Williams and Martin O’Connor. These performances not only showcase personal journeys, but also raise awareness about respiratory health challenges facing many Scots. Audiences will even have the opportunity to experience some of our proven breathing exercises and vocal techniques firsthand.’
Breath Cycle: A Story of Healing is supported by The Scottish Government, Cruach Trust, The Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels.
Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry examining the pilot Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF) which opened in Glasgow’s East End yesterday.
The facility, on Hunter Street, is the UK’s first official consumption room for illegal drugs. Known as ‘the Thistle,’ the facility will enable people to consume illegal drugs under medical supervision.
By doing so, the facility aims to reduce overdoses and associated public disorder, whilst also offering health reduction services to people who do not receive other health and social supports.
The inquiry will focus specifically on the legal and policy challenges faced in setting up and running the facility, its current legal position and the challenges this presents, as well as the facility’s effectiveness in reducing drug-related deaths in Scotland.
The inquiry will consider what legal changes at UK level might be necessary to enable the facility to operate sustainably beyond its three-year pilot.
The inquiry will also follow up on relevant aspects of the Scottish Affairs Committee’s previous work on this issue in the 2017-19 Parliament.
Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, Patricia Ferguson MP, said: “Scotland has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe, and Glasgow is at the centre of this crisis. It’s vital that things change and that both Governments work together to tackle problem drug use and stop people dying.
“In 2019, a predecessor Scottish Affairs Committee recommended that the UK Government should support a pilot drug consumption room like this in Glasgow. Since then, policy and legal developments have made the facility a reality.
“This new inquiry is an important opportunity for us to look closely at how the facility reduces the harm caused by problem drug use, and what legal changes might be needed if the facility is to be made permanent.”
Terms of reference
The Committee welcomes written submissions on some or all of the following points by 13th February 2025:
1. Why is a pilot Safer Drugs Consumption Facility (SDCF) being opened in Glasgow, and how is it intended to reduce harm from problem drug use in the area?
What were the key legal, policy and political barriers to opening the pilot facility?
How can the medical effectiveness or impacts of the pilot facility be measured, and what does ‘success’ look like?
What lessons can be learned from international contexts, when considering the medical effectiveness of the facility?
2. What is the current legal position of the SDCF in Glasgow?
Is the SDCF’s current legal position sustainable to enable the effective operation of the facility in the long-term?
How would the Lord Advocate’s decision that it would “not be in the public interest” to prosecute users or facilitators of Glasgow’s SDCF operate in practice?
What issues could be presented by the facility’s current legal position, including in respect of civil liability?
What implications does the facility have for local policing?
3. What does a long-term, sustainable legal framework for a SDCF look like?
What legal and/or policy changes would be required from the UK Government to implement such a model?
What lessons can be learned from international contexts, when considering a sustainable legal model for a SDCF.
Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s leading sports and leisure provider, is expanding its swim programme by creating 750 additional swimming lesson spaces for participants ranging from pre-school children to adults.
The expansion comes at a critical time. While learning to swim remains a vital life skill with significant benefits for social development, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted swimming coaching, causing many teachers to leave the profession.
In response, Edinburgh Leisure has strategically focused on recruiting and training new coaches to restore and enhance its swimming programme.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful waterways safely and with confidence,” says Angela McCowan, Coaching Programme Manager. “Our Learn to Swim programme gives children and adults the opportunity to develop critical water skills in a supportive environment.”
As part of the Learn to Swim Framework—a collaborative initiative between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming—Edinburgh Leisure is dedicated to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where individuals of all abilities can learn alongside their peers.
Key highlights of the programme include:
750 new swimming lesson spaces across multiple venues
Fully accredited swim teachers following the Scottish Swimming Learn to Swim Programme
Focus on building water confidence for all age groups
More spaces and lessons are now available across the city, with the largest increases at Ainslie Park, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Warrender Swim Centre, and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
“Our recent coaching customer survey confirmed the high demand for swimming lessons,” McCowan adds. “These additional spaces will make it easier for participants to progress through our programme levels.”
Spaces are expected to fill quickly, particularly at entry levels. Interested individuals are encouraged to book their lessons promptly.
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January. Stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active Edinburgh. With wall-to-wall trampolines and climbing walls galore, there’s plenty to entertain all the family, whatever the weather!
After the indulgences of Christmas, January is a traditional time to think about wellbeing and fitness for the year ahead. At Gravity Active this is easy, as bouncing around on a plethora of trampolines makes physical activity fun, all while improving heart health and cholesterol levels.
For kids who have been cooped up over the festive period, unleash them at Gravity Active to use up that excess energy in a safe and entertaining environment.
From the trampolines to the climbing walls, which are great for developing stamina and muscle strength, kids and adults alike will love the challenge and the satisfaction of reaching the top!
Harvey Jenkinson, co-founder and CEO of Gravity, commented:“January is a tricky time when the excitement of Christmas is over and the weather outside is still generally frightful!
“Gravity Active offers an escape from the January blues, with a bright, fun atmosphere and plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
“For anyone looking for a great family day out in the new year, a session at Gravity Active will keep spirits high and energy levels met.”
It has been revealed that in the UK, people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. This is particularly significant during January, when shorter days and gloomy weather can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Spending so much time inside can take a toll on mental health, but there are ways to counteract these effects. According to research, spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (nature.com) – and there’s no need to feel excluded if you’re indoors a lot, as simply looking at greenery within the home can provide similar benefits.
Research has linked houseplants to reduced stress, lower blood pressure and an improved state of mind. In light of this, the house plant experts, Beards & Daisies have provided expert advice on the benefits of indoor plants:
The Benefits of Plants
They’re purifying
You might not think of pollution as a problem in your home, but toxins at home are caused by factors like home heating and chemicals in household products.
Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of the houseplant guide ‘The Unkillables’, notes that “common household toxins include formaldehyde, ammonia, and carbon monoxide.
Fortunately, houseplants can remove these toxins, increase oxygen levels, and reduce airborne dust for healthier air”. Some of these plants include The Kentia Palm (our favourite) or the Peace Lily.
They boost your mood
The presence of plants can enhance the visual appeal of a space, making it more inviting and comforting. This can create a more positive environment, contributing to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Research has shown that interacting with plants can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of anxiety, and increase feelings of calmness and satisfaction.
They’re calming
Benefits of plants include lower blood pressure, heart rate and a reduction of that dreaded stress hormone, cortisol. Caring for plants is a calming process too which requires attention and patience, which can encourage mindfulness.
The act of watering, pruning, and nurturing plants can be meditative, helping to slow down the mind and reduce anxiety.
They make you more productive
Beat procrastination with a plant!
Adding colour and greenery to your desk space can increase your productivity and creativity by serving you with a source of inspiration. This is because plants are proven to enhance focus. Impressive studies have shown that attentiveness is increased by 70% when houseplants are present in a room.
They boost your immune system
Jo reveals that plants contribute to a stronger immune system in several ways:
“By improving air quality, they reduce respiratory issues and help maintain overall health. Many plants release antimicrobial compounds that can support immune function. Additionally, their ability to lower stress levels indirectly strengthens immunity.”
For those that bear edible fruits or vegetables, they also provide nutrient-rich foods that further boost your immune system.
They promote healing
Studies have shown that houseplants can aid in the recovery of sick individuals. Research from Kansas State University suggests that plants serve as a “non-invasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.” The findings revealed that when patients recovering from surgery have plants in view, they experience less anxiety and fatigue compared to those in rooms without plants.
Welcome in the New Year with a fresh breath! Join Jules on Monday morning for Breathing Space; a 30 minute deeply relaxing class that honours the #Seasons and helps you cultivate DEEP REST.
Winter is not the time for strenuous exercise or diets, give your body and mind what it wants… R E S T.
Learn to be in tune with #Nature and enjoy the stillness, the quiet, giving yourself permission to be present for each and every breath.
Women Only. Comfortable clothing, just bring yourself and breathe with me.
Due to the nature of this class, late arrivals will not be able to attend.
First Minister says harm reduction approach will help save lives
Scotland’s First Minister has welcomed the opening of the UK’s first safer drugs consumption facility in Glasgow.
The First Minister and Health Secretary Neil Gray received a tour of the Thistle Centre, ahead of it supporting its first service users on Monday 13 January.
The facility will provide a supervised healthcare setting where people can inject drugs in the presence of trained health and social care professionals in a clean, hygienic environment.
The facility is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
The centre aims to reduce the harms associated with injecting drugs, including the risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, support people to get help to improve their lives and reduce the negative impact of outdoors injecting on those using substances, local residents, communities and businesses.
Speaking during the visit, First Minister John Swinney said: “The Thistle Centre in Glasgow is the first facility of its kind in the UK and it is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
“Every death related to drug misuse is one too many, and drug deaths in Scotland remain far too high.
“There has been lot of encouraging progress since we launched our National Mission, and while this facility is not a silver bullet, it is another significant step forward and will complement other efforts to reduce harms and deaths.
“Scotland’s public health and human rights-based approach to tackling drug misuse means we’re focused on ensuring our healthcare services are not only listening to people but also drawing on their experiences as we work to support them.
“Families and those with lived experience have been pivotal in bringing change and helping shape our response to drugs misuse in Scotland. Of course, my sincere condolences go to anyone in Scotland who has lost a loved one to drugs.
“Those with lived experience have been involved in the designing the service and had input on staff recruitment. Indeed, people with lived experience, who know what it’s like to see people injecting drugs in unsafe conditions, have joined the workforce at the facility.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Worldwide evidence demonstrates that drug consumption facilities can help save and improve lives.
“The Scottish Government wants every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able access the support they need and record levels of funding have been protected in next year’s budget.
“We’ve maintained £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for local treatment and support services in 2024-25 – including £28.1 million to Greater Glasgow and Clyde ADP – and will continue to invest in residential rehabilitation.
“A recent PHS report suggests that, in 2022-23, the Scottish Government reached its target of 1,000 individuals a year being publicly funded to go to residential rehabilitation and that the number of individuals starting a placement which was publicly funded is likely to have almost doubled between 2019-20 and 2022-23.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in getting this life-saving service up and running for their hard work.”
The Scottish Lib-Dems responded: “When almost 100 Scots are dying every month from drugs the priority must be saving lives.
“These centres are proven to keep people safe and support them into recovery.That is why this pilot should herald the first of many more consumption facilities across the country.”
THE grooming gangs scandal has raised fears among many parents and carers about the safety of children and young people.
Even as calls grow for a national enquiry, it appears unlikely new measures will be rolled out anytime soon to safeguard those at risk.
It means parents and carers will be increasingly concerned about the risks children may be left exposed to by groomers preying on the vulnerable.
With this in mind author, counsellor and wellbeing expert Lynn Crilly has issued advice around how to spot the signs of grooming.
Lynn says: “In a recent survey I did with my thousands Instagram followers 71% of people said they were worried about their children or grandchildren being groomed. These figures show that more needs to be done to raise awareness and educate people on the dark side of the online and real world.
“There are two types of grooming and each case is different, as is the time scale grooming can take place over.”
Outlining the different types of grooming, Lynn continued: “Grooming can take place in person but a groomer can be a total stranger or someone the victim already knows. It might be a family member, friend, or someone at a club they go to. The connection makes it easier and quicker to build up trust.
“Groomers are very good at disguising and being deceitful as to who they really are. They are good at hiding behind a keyboard, where they can take on any identity they desire, making it easier to befriend a child or young adult. The internet has a very dark side to it and this can be infiltrated in text messages, social media networks, emails, voice and video chats, forums, gaming, sadly the list is endless.
The groomers themselves are also very clever at manipulating the child or young person, so it can be really hard to detect and difficult to spot.”
Here, Lynn outlines the signs that might indicate that a child is being groomed:
Secretive behaviour: It could be a red flag if your child starts to become secretive about their online or offline activities. This also includes being protective of their devices including their phones.
Talks a lot about a specific older child or adult: Or they suddenly wants to spend more time with them, maybe meeting them alone.
Inappropriate knowledge: If a child displays knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age, such as sexualized language or understanding as this indicate exposure to adult situations
Avoidance of certain people: if a child is ill at ease around certain adults and is not keen to be in their company this should also be explored as to why they do.
Isolating themselves: If a child spends more time alone in their room, or declines invites to be with friends or family, becoming withdrawn and isolated.
Unexplained gifts: Unexplained gifts and presents appearing without any real explanations to where they have come from. They do not want to talk about where they have come from and openly lies about it.
Stop talking to their trusted adult: As the child withdraws from their normal safe, secure everyday life they will also start to not talk to their trusted adult, lie about where they have been and who with so making it harder for the adult to keep track of where they are.
Physical signs: Look for unexplained injuries or changes in physical appearance that may indicate abuse.
Lynn added: “There are many reasons a child or young person can change their behaviour, and in my experience, no one knows their young person better than their parent, grandparent, or a loving carer.
“So if you think something is amiss, then you are probably right. Please do not leave it, talk to your child and arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can so you can find the appropriate help and support your child or loved one.”
BREATHING SPACE
