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As children across Edinburgh head back to school this week, Children First is reminding parents and carers that support is available now and all year round for families facing challenges.
The start of a new school year can be an exciting time, but it can also bring additional pressures for children and families. For some, returning to routines, managing anxiety, navigating friendships, dealing with financial worries or accessing the right support can feel overwhelming.
Children First’s support line offers free and confidential practical, emotional and financial support to families across Scotland. Parents and carers can contact the team at any time on 08000 28 22 33 or through webchat.
The charity’s support line has seen increasing demand, with close to 14,000 people* benefiting from support over the past year with concerns including mental health, money worries, family relationships and online harm.
Mum Laura and her son Sean** recently received support from Children First after facing challenges at home. Laura described the service as a “lifeline during a very difficult time”.
She said: “From the beginning, the support I received made a significant difference. My support line worker, Jenny, immediately understood our situation and provided advice that was practical, relevant and completely tailored to what was actually happening at home.
“For the first time in many years of seeking help, I felt truly listened to and supported with guidance I could realistically put into practice.
“I genuinely cannot say enough about how much this support has helped. The support has been consistent, thoughtful and effective and has made a lasting difference to both my life and my son’s.”
Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow, added: “Children First’s support line regularly hears from parents and carers from across Edinburgh that are finding raising their babies, children and teenagers harder than ever.
“The return to school can bring a mix of emotions for children and families. While some children look forward to seeing friends and getting back into a routine, others may feel anxious, worried or unsure about the months ahead.
“Whatever challenges families are facing, Children First are here to help. Our support line team provides compassionate, expert support on a wide range of issues, including financial worries, mental health, family relationships and accessing practical support.
“You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. If you’re unsure where to turn, we’re here for you.”
Children First helps children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support in their homes, communities and through its national support line.
Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a webchat with one of the team and find out more.
As kids prepare to go back to class after the summer holidays, schools across Edinburgh are being encouraged to launch foreign currency collections and turn leftover coins and notes into meals for hungry children.
Through Mary’s Meals, even the smallest amount can have a life-changing impact on hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. It costs just 10p to provide a nutritious meal in a place of education, while only £19.15 provides meals for a child for a whole school year.
The school feeding charity is calling on schools to start foreign currency fundraisers and asking parents to check pockets, purses and wallets for forgotten holiday money that can be sent into school with their children for the start of the new term.
St Richard’s Catholic College in East Sussex has run foreign currency collections since 2024, generating £733 for Mary’s Meals, enough to feed 38 hungry children for a full school year.
Lidia Mead, Subject Leader for RE at St Richard’s, says: “I am always blown away by the amount we collect through foreign currency collections. We all have some leftover money from our holidays, and what better way to get rid of it than to help feed children – an amazing, simple idea.”
As well as raising vital funds for Mary’s Meals, Mrs Mead believes the collections have a lasting impact on her students.
She adds: “They do a huge amount of charity work through the likes of cake sales and raffles, but this way of fundraising is different. Pupils know the money is turned into meals for children, which helps them realise the great work they are doing. Being able to feed a child for under £20 a year really puts things into perspective for them too.”
Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides school meals to more than three million children in 16 countries, including Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, every school day. The promise of a daily meal encourages children into the classroom, where they gain an education and hope for a better tomorrow.
Funds generated through a foreign currency fundraiser can help the charity reach children like seven-year-old Sitraka, a pupil at Sahafy Primary School in Madagascar. Like many in his community, Sitraka’s household faces hunger.
The introduction of daily school meals has transformed Sitraka’s life, as the meal he receives at school is sometimes the only meal he has all day. “The food at school is delicious,” he says, “but at home, we never have anything that tastes this good.”
This reliable access to food has significantly improved both Sitraka’s attendance and academic performance. Education is vital for Sitraka’s future; it paves the way for a stable job when he grows up, provides a ladder out of poverty for him and his family, and the prospect of a brighter future.
Schools can start making a difference today simply by requesting a free foreign currency pack on the Mary’s Meals website and galvanising parents and pupils to get involved.
Regional Development Officer at Mary’s Meals, Gerrard McMahon, says: “We’d love for your school to set up its own foreign currency collection! We’ll provide everything you need, including envelopes, a collection box and clear instructions. We accept coins and notes from any country, as well as old UK currency no longer in circulation.
“If you have old coins and notes sitting in drawers and wallets, don’t let them go to waste. Too often, hunger holds a child back from the future they deserve, keeping them out of school and communities stuck in a cycle of poverty… year after year. With the promise of a daily school meal, we can overcome this barrier and allow a child to unleash their full potential.”
For more information, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/foreign-currency
It costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a year with Mary’s Meals. But a donation of any value can set a child up for life, with their success being the true legacy of your gift. It’s one school meal today – a teacher, community leader, or business owner tomorrow.
Nationwide, which has the UK’s largest branch network, has installed the publicly accessible equipment at 15 branches across Scotland, giving communities access to emergency equipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The installations form part of Nationwide’s commitment to equip all 605 of its branches across the UK with defibrillators and bleed control kits by the end of the year, with Virgin Money branches set to follow.
The initiative is thought to be the UK’s largest-ever combined rollout of its kind and is being done in partnership with Visa, with St John Ambulance working alongside Nationwide to offer life-saving training for colleagues and local communities.
The need for the equipment, and training to use it, is highlighted by Nationwide’s research, which shows that 88 per cent of people in Scotland say they would feel safer knowing life-saving equipment is available in their local area. However, just 18 per cent say they would feel very confident using a defibrillator in an emergency.
The research also highlights that 90 per cent believe there should be more public access to defibrillators and 89 per cent support greater public access to bleed control kits.
Everyone who works at a Nationwide branch in Scotland also has access to the opportunity to complete specialist training developed by St John Ambulance – ensuring colleagues understand how to use a defibrillator, can respond to a severe bleeding incident and carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
First aid advice on how to respond to a severe bleed, cardiac arrest, and how to use a defibrillator and what to do in the event of a severe bleed, is available on St John Ambulance’s website.
To help build public confidence, Nationwide is also working with St John Ambulance to deliver ‘Heart of Community’ volunteer-led sessions sharing life-saving skills to provide local people with the knowledge and confidence to use a defibrillator, treat a severe bleed in an emergency with and without using a bleed control kit, and carry out CPR.
Since the UK-wide rollout began in June, 48 defibrillators have already been activated demonstrating the importance of the initiative.
Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide, said: “Our research shows people in Scotland value having local access to life-saving equipment, but many wouldn’t feel confident using it in an emergency.
That’s why we’re not just installing defibrillators and bleed kits. Every Nationwide branch colleague in Scotland has the opportunity to receive first-aid training, and we’re working with St John Scotland to help more people gain the skills that could help save a life.”
Professor Andrew Hartle, Chief Medical Officer at St John Ambulance, said: “Every minute counts in an emergency, and having access to a defibrillator or bleed control kit can make a vital difference before the ambulance service arrives.
“By increasing the availability of this life-saving equipment and giving more people the confidence to use it, we can help communities be better prepared to respond when it matters most.
“We’re proud to be working with Nationwide and Visa on an initiative that is helping put the power of first aid into more people’s hands.”
Jenny Young, MSP for Central and Scotland Lothians West, said: “Following my recent visit to Nationwide Livingston, I’ve been really impressed by the ways James and his branch team are supporting people in the local community
“The installation of defibrillators and bleed kits at the branch can only be a good thing for the area and I am sure it will help increase people’s awareness of their purpose, and their life-saving potential.”
Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun or increase the risk of dehydration without you realising it. The MHRA is encouraging people to know the risks and stay protected this summer.
People taking certain prescription or over‑the‑counter medicines are being reminded to take extra care in warmer weather, as some treatments can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or cope with sun exposure.
The advice is part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) ‘Summer-proof your health’ campaign, which highlights practical steps people can take to use medicines and medical devices safely during warmer months.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “Some commonly used medicines can affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or protect itself from sun exposure.
For example, diuretics, often prescribed for blood pressure or heart conditions, can increase fluid loss and make dehydration more likely. Some antidepressants and antipsychotics can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and medicines such as beta blockers may reduce the body’s response to heat stress.
“Other treatments can increase sensitivity to sunlight, meaning skin can burn faster or more severely than expected. These include certain antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline, acne treatments like isotretinoin and topical retinoids; and antifungal medicines such as voriconazole.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and azathioprine, often used to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus, can also increase photosensitivity.
“Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, have also been linked to a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction triggered by sun exposure, and common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also increase sun sensitivity.”
“Simple precautions can make a significant difference. Staying hydrated, avoiding the strongest sun during the middle of the day, and using protective clothing and sunscreen can all help reduce risk.
To reduce the risk of medicine-related problems during the summer, people are encouraged to:
Through the “Summer proof your health” campaign, the MHRA is encouraging people to be aware of the potential risks associated with medicines in warmer weather and to take straightforward steps to stay safe throughout the summer.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse about it.
People can also report the side effect directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, to help improve the safety of medicines for everyone. You can now use NHS login to create a new Yellow Card account or access an existing one, providing a secure and convenient way to sign in using credentials you may already use across NHS services.
Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process.
The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September.
While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants.
Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.
“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students.
“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support.
“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.”
During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar.
In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.
It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates.
“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.”
Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.
They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages.
Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university.
Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses.
As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information.
Teams across NHS Lothian are preparing for the annual influx of visitors during Edinburgh’s world-famous Festivals.
The city’s population doubles to around a million throughout August as people from across the world enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and more.
NHS Lothian has a number of arrangements in place to make sure visitors can access healthcare if they need it, while continuing to provide routine and planned care for local residents.
Visitors are being urged to take the same route as locals and call 111 if they have an urgent injury or illness.
Experienced NHS 24 advisors will direct them to the most appropriate service to make sure they get the right care in the right place. NHS 24 also has an interpretation service for those whose first language is not English.
Depending on a patient’s circumstances, they may be given an appointment for a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), be asked to attend a local pharmacy, or be given an appointment at a GP Practice which provides care and treatment for visitors who are not registered with a GP in the city.
Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We want everyone visiting Edinburgh during the Festivals to enjoy their time here, but if they become unwell or suffer an urgent injury, the best thing to do is call NHS 24 on 111. They should not turn up at a hospital.
“It’s important to stress that there is no walk-in service for visitors, but by calling 111 they will be able to access necessary healthcare 24/7.
“They will also be seen sooner than walking into a busy hospital A&E department that will prioritise patients and work in order of clinical urgency.
“The message is the same for visitors and local residents alike. If you need urgent healthcare, call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.”
The Scottish Government must make tackling Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding a political priority – as hospitals continue to take a battering in summer.
That’s the message from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine following the publication of Public Health Scotland’s latest ED performance statistics.
The figures, covering June 2026, showed that almost one in 20 patients (or a total of 6,023) waited in a major ED more than 12 hours before being discharged, admitted or transferred.
Meanwhile, the proportion of patients entering and exiting the ED within four hours was the lowest of any June on record.
Dr Fiona Hunter, Scotland Vice President at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The pressure facing Scottish Emergency Departments this summer is unsustainable. We are seeing overcrowding in the month of June which would have previously been unthinkable.
“Across the country, record numbers of patients are stuck in our departments for hours upon hours because the entire system is clogged.
“The human cost of this must not be ignored: these are extremely sick and injured people who have come to us at a vulnerable time of need. Many of them need a hospital bed, but what they instead receive is a 12-hour stint on a trolley in a crowded, bright and noisy ED.
“Our staff have to look patients in the eye every day and explain that they are in for a long stay. It’s an unacceptable and, frankly, embarrassing state of affairs and a far cry from what was promised by the new Scottish Government in its first 100 days in power.”
The stats also showed that across June, there was a daily average of 1,946 beds being occupied in hospital wards by patients who were medically fit to leave – but who had not been discharged. This represents a lack of improvement on summer 2025, where delayed discharge figures broke records.
RCEM set out, in its State of Emergency Medicine in Scotland report earlier this year, the links between delayed discharges, ED overcrowding and, ultimately, excess patient deaths.
“Delayed discharge is crucial to tackling this crisis. If wards could move medically fit patients out of beds in good time, it would significantly ease congestion in A&E.
“This should be a priority among policymakers but, to date, they have let us down.
“It’s been almost three months since the election and the government has had plenty of time to act on this year-round crisis in our EDs. Today’s numbers are further proof that the current approach is not working.
“I call on Angela Constance, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, to engage with us – and other Royal Colleges – to reform the ‘back door’ of our hospitals and, ultimately, save lives.”
On Friday (7th August) from 2.30pm – 3.30pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be dusting off their dancing shoes, leg warmers and glowsticks for the launch of their new Dementia Disco initiative which will take place very aptly during Dementia Action Week.
Knowing how much their residents living with dementia love to dance and sing, the activities team at Queens Manor care home came up with the genius idea of a dementia-friendly disco. The team is also inviting along relatives and loved ones, members of the local community and friends of the home to the first official dementia-friendly disco.
If you and your loved ones or community group would like to attend, please contact the home to book a place, email QueensManor@barchester.com /call 0131 339 9653.
The first Dementia Disco will take place on Friday 7th August from 2.30pm within the home’s dementia community and everyone is welcome to attend.
General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson comments: “The Dementia Disco will be a fantastic way to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.
“We know the power of music brings joy and reminiscence for those living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Everyone is welcome – we’re really looking forward to making more friends in our local community.
“If anyone is unable to make it on the day but would like to pop in for a chat and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor Care Home provides residential and dementia care for 60 of residents from respite breaks to long term stays.
SCOTLAND’s adult social care workforce will be boosted to deliver up to 45,000 extra hours of care every month through ongoing investment.
The Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme has reopened to new applications to help expand the number of care workers, increasing the sector’s resilience and capacity to deliver additional care each month.
The initiative, which helps social care employers to recruit international workers who are already in the UK but are without sponsored employment through no fault of their own, has already helped 37 employers recruit 120 workers.
First Minister John Swinney said “meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it” as he pressed the UK Government to ensure that international recruitment into the sector can resume.
Ahead of a visit to The Bughties care home in Dundee, where he will meet workers recruited through the scheme, Mr Swinney added: “We are all too familiar with the challenges facing our adult social care sector, especially given our ageing population, and it’s why we must ensure services meet our growing demand for care.
“I committed to provide an extra 45,000 hours of care each month and we have begun to deliver that increase within the first 100 days of the new government.
“UK Government decisions on immigration have inflicted pain on our social care sector at a time when demand for care is increasing and its choices on tax have heaped an £84 million bill on the sector by increasing Employers’ National Insurance contributions.
“The Prime Minister has spoken about reforming social care services, but meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it. I urge him to reconsider and to reverse the harm done by the UK Government over the past two years.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to hear first-hand the positive impact our scheme has had and how we can – and must – explore every option available to ensure we continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives and to a service which we all may one day need.”
