Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers’ Conference in Glasgow, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December.
The union has submitted motions on tackling gender-based violence against disabled workers, along with building a movement of protest against poverty.
Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland says:“The number of disabled people living in poverty in Scotland has increased in recent years with more than half of all people in poverty living in a household with at least one disabled worker.
“We reject any suggestion that this is inevitable, poverty and the failure to tackle inequality are political decisions. The disability employment gap in Scotland remains high with disabled women facing even greater discrimination, larger pay gaps and higher unemployment.
“As well as taking action to offset the immediate impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people and their families; the Scottish and Westminster governments must also act to address the underlying historical inequalities experienced by disabled people including the disproportionate impact of austerity policies.”
Usdaw welcomesthe important role the Disabled Workers Committee play setting the record straight and is asking the STUC to:
Support the efforts of unions and disabled people’s organisations to tackle disability discrimination and change the way disabled people are viewed, valued and included in Scottish and wider UK society.
Campaign for improvements to social security so that as well as protecting disabled workers from poverty, it also prevents poverty; takes into account the significant and additional costs of being disabled; and fully supports independent living.
Continue to build a movement of protest against the current cost of living crisis that highlights the specific impact of the current crisis on disabled people and puts their voices centre stage.
Tracy Gilbert continues: “Studies show that disabled women are disproportionately likely to experience gender-based violence but are far less likely to report it.
“Workplace trade union reps have a vital role in supporting women workers to recognise and recover from abuse and this is particularly the case for disabled women who are often less able to access appropriate support and to have their voices heard.
“Changes to domestic violence legislation to include coercive control are important in understanding how specific abuse against disabled women may manifest itself in a variety of ways, for example where the abuser controls someone through their impairment or support needs.
“We commend the work union reps are doing to support disabled survivors of domestic abuse.”
Usdaw is seekinggreater recognition by employers of the challenges disabled women face in escaping abuse and is calling on the STUC to:
Support affiliated unions to negotiate domestic abuse policies with employers that recognise the specific needs of disabled women workers.
Involve disabled women in developing the trade union and labour movement’s work on gender-based violence.
· Aberlour Children’s Charity is launching a national ‘Poverty Relief Appeal’ to secure donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund
· The Fund, which provides emergency funding to families for essentials, is in desperate need of money to support a rise in applicants due to the cost-of-living crisis
Aberlour Children’s Charity, one of Scotland’s largest children’s charities, is launching a national fundraising drive, to secure critical donations for its Urgent Assistance Fund which is set to run out by Christmas.
The Fund provides poverty relief to families in crisis, where they receive emergency grants, often within 48 hours, to help pay for essentials such as food, clothing, bedding, heating and lighting costs.
In the last year, the Fund has donated over £33k to people in Edinburgh and the Lothians helping almost 500 people in critical conditions.
This winter will see the highest cost of living in decades for Scots, and in many communities around the country, children are going without the basics required to feed, clothe, and heat them.
The latest research suggests that almost half of families who apply to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund do not know where their next meal is coming from, and a fifth of families who apply don’t have beds for their children.
Worryingly, around 50% of those who apply do not have the funds to purchase their children new clothing adequate for Scottish weather, which could have serious health implications as the colder months set in.
One support worker in Edinburgh said:“The cost of living crisis is a real issue. Everything has gone up in price for families who were already living in poverty. I am seeing children that have unclean bedding or sometimes no bedding. Some have broken beds. Some have no storage or anywhere to keep their clothes, because of the terrible housing problems in Edinburgh right now.
“Families have only just got enough money to pay rent and by the time they’ve paid their bills, especially with the rising costs and buying food, they don’t have money for anything else. So, if their kids need winter clothes, they have no way of buying them warm stuff.
“Families are so grateful for the financial support. If I tell them I’ve had an email through from Aberlour, so they will have money soon, they are so relieved.”
This year Aberlour has provided grants via the Urgent Assistance Fund to more than 6,986 people in Scotland, including 4,275 children, totalling over £580k. It is a vital lifetime to thousands of people for items which many of us take for granted.
The charity’s Poverty Relief Appeal launches this week across national TV, radio, press and digital. Those who can are being asked to donate to support families trapped in poverty and struggling to survive the toughest conditions faced by Scots in many years.
SallyAnn Kelly OBE, Chief Executive at Aberlour Children’s Charity, said:“This winter, as we continue to face the biggest cost of living crisis in recent memory, more and more families are turning to the charity for help. Because of this soaring demand, the emergency fund is going to run out of money by Christmas when it is needed most.
“Too many children are going without and for many families it is a constant worry of where the next meal is coming from, and if there’ll be enough money to heat their home.
“Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is a lifeline to disadvantaged families all over Scotland and every penny of cash donated goes directly to those who need it most. If you are in a position to donate – however big or small the amount – we would be infinitely grateful for your support.”
Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund is designed to provide immediate relief to families with children (aged 21 and under) who are suffering extreme hardship. It is a critical lifeline with money paid straight to families who apply via a sponsor (health professional, social worker, teacher, third sector organisation, clergy or other professional) to ensure that the lights stay on, homes are warm, and their children have the essentials they need.
Donations to Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund via:
Research from national charity Family Action reveals the stark reality many families face this Christmas
Families across the UK are facing increasing financial hardship and new research from Family Action reveals that 1 in 7 parents/carers surveyed, said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children this Christmas due to financial constraints.
In addition, a quarter of parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children’s grandparents, and almost a quarter of parents / carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their partner this Christmas, due to financial constraints.
1 in 7 (14%) parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children this Christmas due to financial constraints.
A quarter (25%) of parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their parents (their child/children’s grandparents), and almost a quarter (24%) of parents/carers surveyed said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their partner this Christmas due to financial constraints.
1 in 5 (20%) parents/carers surveyed said they will go without heating their house this Christmas.
Over half (54%) of parents/carers surveyed agree* that Christmas is going to negatively affect their mental health this year because of worry about finances, with just over a third (34%) of parents/carers surveyed agree* that they will need to seek external support with finances.
Almost half of parents/carers (47%) surveyed agree* they expect to be in debt after Christmas 2023, while almost 3 in 10 (29%) parents/carers surveyed agree* they are still paying off debt from spending on Christmas 2022.
Family Action is launching its annual ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign to support families facing hard times this Christmas.
The charity provides emotional and practical support to over 60,000 families across the country and this Christmas it is looking once again to distribute thousands of toys to families through the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal.
Mum, Hayley, said: “I’ve been handling Christmas a bit differently this year. I’ve even bought some presents in the January sales. I’ve got no idea how Christmas is going to look at the moment.
“I’ve cut back, but I don’t know where we’ll find the money and I don’t think we’re seeing family at Christmas. It’s still a special day, it’s a home day for us.”
David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action, said: “Every family deserves comfort and joy at Christmas, but with the high costs of food and utilities, many will find their holiday season stressful and difficult.
“We work with thousands of families across the country, and from the research findings and feedback from our frontline staff, we know only too well the challenges families are facing.
“It is a stark reality that one in seven parents won’t be able to afford gifts for their children this Christmas, and that for over half of parents/carers, they expect that their mental health and wellbeing will be negatively affected, due to the worry of financial constraints.”
Mum, Cathryne, said: “At the moment I can’t work so I could never afford the gifts my children were given by people donating to the Toy Appeal.
“It takes away the guilt I feel as no parent wants to be in that position.”
David Holmes CBE adds: “It does seem, this year, that Christmas magic is in short supply, but this is where Family Action comes in. This Christmas we’re offering a sleigh load of practical and emotional support to families through our FOOD clubs, financial grants, FamilyLine, and our Christmas Toy Appeal.
“By supporting our ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign, people can help with a special gift that could bring Christmas cheer to a child and their family. Together, we can keep the magic of Christmas alive. Thank you.”
“Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.“
A campaign to boost the number of businesses which become real Living Wage accredited has led to 12,000 Edinburgh workers receiving a direct, guaranteed uplift in pay over the past decade.
Since the Scottish Real Living Wage campaign was first launched in 2013, over 700 Edinburgh businesses have made the voluntary commitment to pay the only wage rate designed to rise in line with the cost of living in the UK.
Those commitments have meant total pay increases to the value of almost £100m over the last 10 years for the lowest paid workers in Scotland’s capital city.
Speaking at an event in Edinburgh on Wednesday to mark Living Wage Week Scotland, Councillor Jane Meagher welcomed the achievement but said fair pay must go further.
As Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group and Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, she said: “We’ve had a record-breaking few years in Edinburgh for Living Wage sign ups and it feels like we’re witnessing a real movement.
“This year alone we have seen more than 100 businesses sign up as real Living Wage employers, and eight Edinburgh employers committing to the new Living Hours standard. This needs to be celebrated, but we cannot be complacent.
“The next few months and years will be critical because we know that poverty in Edinburgh is rising. Just last week, we declared a housing emergency because we simply do not have enough adequate affordable housing in the city to meet demand. With households facing financial insecurity and Edinburgh’s rents some of the highest in the UK, secure wages are as important as ever.
“We know Edinburgh-based businesses want to help tackle low pay and insecure work, but we know that employers are under increasing pressure. They too face a cost of living crisis, high bills and recruitment challenges.
“As the rate of the Real Living Wage rises to £12 an hour, Living Wage Week and the events hosted here in Edinburgh and across the country provide an opportunity to showcase how far we’ve come, while acknowledging that more work is needed. We need to help employers to make the Real Living Wage the norm.
“Everyone deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”
Kat Brogan, Managing Director of Mercat Tours and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group, said: “To any employer who is not there yet but wants to sign up to the Real Living Wage, now has never been a more crucial time. The cost of living – particularly in Edinburgh – remains high.
“As a powerful advocate for Living Wage businesses, our Action Group can provide advice and guide you towards becoming a Real Living Wage employer. It will benefit your team, your business and Edinburgh as a thriving city which offers a fair experience for all.
“The Real Living Wage is a crucial element of ‘Real Living’ – a happy, healthy, fulfilling life – and it’s so important to highlight its importance this Living Wage Week.”
Earlier this year, over 70 delegates from 16 UK towns, boroughs and cities joined the City of Edinburgh Council to call for employers to offer ‘a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work’ at Scotland’s first Living Wage Places Network event. Edinburgh’s selection followed the Scottish Capital’s recognition as a Living Wage City in 2021.
Christine McCaig, Projects Coordinator at Living Wage Scotland, added: “We are celebrating the continued progress toward ‘Making Edinburgh a Living Wage City’ this Living Wage Week.
“Around one fifth of the 3400 accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland are based in Edinburgh, signalling Scotland’s capital city as a significant contributor to the continued growth of the Living Wage employer movement.
“Despite the challenges facing many businesses, more employers are showing their commitment to tackling in-work poverty and demonstrating leadership and resilience at a time when workers need it most.”
The Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group was established in 2021 with the aim of building the living wage movement in Scotland’s capital city.
Employers who would like to know more about the group, or would like information and advice on becoming accredited can contact policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk.
New figures released today by the Trussell Trust reveal that 1.5 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September 2023 by food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network. This is the most parcels that the network has ever distributed at this point in the year and represents a 16% increase from the same period in 2022.
Low incomes, especially from social security, debt, health conditions and issues with social security payments such as delays or sanctions were the main reasons people were left with no option but to turn to a food bank for help.
A record 540,000 food parcels were provided for more than 265,000 children living in families who could not afford the essentials. This is an 11% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the continuing rise in need for the support provided by food banks.
The new data also revealed that 65% of all the parcels provided by Trussell Trust food banks between April and September this year were for families with children.
Furthermore, the charity has reported that an alarming 320,000 people have needed to use a food bank for the first time in the past six months, warning that food banks are at ‘breaking point’ as more and more people in communities across the UK find themselves unable afford the essentials.
The Trussell Trust believes that the situation is unlikely to change in the coming months with this stark new data leading them to forecast that food banks in their network will distribute more than a million emergency food parcels between December 2023 and February 2024 – the equivalent of providing a parcel every eight seconds this winter.
Jess Holliday, Deputy CEO at Eastbourne Foodbank said: “At Eastbourne Foodbank, our donations are down even as need remains very high. We are deeply concerned about the alarming rise in the number of children needing our support.
“Last month, 633 of the food parcels we provided were for children. Day after day, people tell us they simply don’t have enough money to buy the basics. A client told me, ‘I have sold my car. I have sold everything and cut everything out. But that’s still not enough. All I want is enough money to pay the basic bills and have some left to buy my own food.’”
In order to reduce these relentless levels of need, the Trussell Trust is calling on the UK Government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to build on its work to protect households on the lowest incomes.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust said: “These statistics are extremely alarming. An increasing number of children are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive. A generation is growing up believing that it’s normal to see a food bank in every community. This is not right.
“Rising hunger and hardship have devastating consequences for individuals and our communities, damage the nation’s health and hold back our economy. People in work, as well as people who cannot work, are increasingly being pushed into debt and forced to turn to a food bank to survive.
“That’s why the UK Government must build on its work to protect people from increasingly severe hardship and commit to putting an Essentials Guarantee into legislation, to embed in our social security system the widely supported principle that, at a minimum, Universal Credit should protect people from going without essentials.
“We recognise this change cannot happen overnight, which is why we are also calling on the Government to urgently confirm in the Autumn Statement that benefits will rise in line with inflation next April, and to reduce the burden of debt deductions which drive unacceptable levels of hardship.”
The Trussell Trust is encouraging people to show their support for people facing hardship by signing a petition urging UK political party leaders to support the introduction of an Essentials Guarantee to ensure that the basic rate of Universal Credit at least covers life’s essentials, such as food and bills. Find out more
Our End Poverty in Edinburgh Annual Progress Report has been published on the Council website ahead of Committee today, 24th October 2023. We would also like to share with you an opinion piece written by our End Poverty in Edinburgh group members, in response to the report:
End Poverty Edinburgh (EPE) welcomes this third annual report on the progress of ending poverty in our city. Despite there still being a great deal of work yet to be done, we would like to begin by acknowledging areas of progress.
Firstly, we see early signs of a change in attitudes regarding user-led services and seeking the advice of those with lived experience of poverty. One example of this can be shown through the Edinburgh Partnership meetings; bringing together third and private sectors, public agencies, and local communities to talk about community planning. We have contributed to several of these and similar meetings; there seems to be a real desire to involve people living on a low income in how the council does its business, and we very much welcome this.
We have also been encouraged by new and developing services and schemes, such as the Regenerative Futures Fund, which sought out the views of people with lived experience early on while developing their intervention, as opposed to improving what they do later. We believe that including those with real-life experience is key when attempting to develop new or better services, whether that be improving housing conditions or tackling food poverty. Those with experience have already identified several cracks and gaps, so why not involve them in further adapting whatever the service or intervention may be? We are hopeful this change in attitudes will take root.
Regarding attitudes, End Poverty Edinburgh members have had much more positive experiences with frontline staff; those who speak to us face to face or on the other end of the phone. Treating people with dignity and respect should be the very least expected of staff on the frontline, and we are pleased to not only see efforts being made to ensure this is the case through implementation of training, but also in the delivery of services themselves.
We also welcome steps taken to implement the Living Hours Scheme in Edinburgh. This scheme is committed to providing at least 4 weeks’ notice for every shift, with guaranteed payment if shifts are canceled within this notice period.
This would also guarantee a minimum of 16 working hours every week (unless the worker requests otherwise) and a contract that accurately reflects the hours worked. We acknowledge that these are steps in the right direction in order to tackle in-work poverty, however we are looking forward to a wide and broad implementation of Fair Work principles (Effective voice, Respect, Security, Fulfillment and Opportunities) in all workplaces in Edinburgh.
Similarly, we understand the significance of Edinburgh becoming a Living Wage City. Although this is a long-term commitment, we understand that especially in the current cost-of-living crisis, more and more people are pulled into the cycle of poverty, whether they are in work or not; the importance of paying a real living wage is more crucial than ever. Although we understand there is much more work to be done, we believe it is important to highlight and celebrate this area of progress as it is perhaps a key step in the right direction.
Despite there being progress to celebrate, there are many areas we have still to make an impact on. Though we acknowledge a nationwide housing problem, we believe Edinburgh’s housing situation has an identity of its own.
With a high volume of short term lets and student accommodation, coupled with a severe lack of social housing, Edindex wait times are long and private rent prices are sky high, driving up poverty rates in the city.
There are still far too many families in temporary accommodation. It is just unacceptable that around 5,000 households and 9,000 people are in limbo living in temporary accommodation. It is not just the insufficient number of homes that is the problem, however, but also the quality.
Be it damage, mold or out of order elevators; repair times can be long, and communication often lacking. We have much experience of this and have heard many more examples.
We have been encouraged by what we have seen by working with the council in recent months, however, but we still feel the pace needs to step up as more and more people are struggling.
Edinburgh desperately needs an increase in quality social housing, accessible social housing, and genuinely affordable housing. We believe the housing situation in Edinburgh is crucial to tackle, and that more support is needed from the Scottish Government. Improving the housing situation in Edinburgh would undoubtedly have one of the biggest impacts on those experiencing poverty, so this must remain a priority.
Another suggestion we believe could have positive impact regards the Council Advice Line. The frontline staff on the advice line are very helpful and knowledgeable, but the limited opening hours of this service are a major barrier people in need. The line is only open on the mornings of Monday to Thursday, which is absolutely no good for those who work during these times.
Having the advice line available at more accessible times, such as some afternoons or evenings perhaps, would enable more people to utilise this extremely useful service and potentially make a big difference to their lives.
Despite initial difficulties in signing up, one scheme that seems to have made a big difference to some people’s lives is free bus travel for everyone under 22 years of age. We would like to see this scheme extended to everyone struggling on a low income.
Free travel would immediately eliminate barriers stopping many from getting around the city, whether that be related to getting to and from work, seeking help and advice services, or simply enjoying leisure time in places that would not have been possible without. We believe this could greatly improve our lives, financially, emotionally, and mentally, whilst supporting our journey to net zero.
Mental health is such an important factor in relation to combating poverty. Every barrier people on low-income face, be that food insecurity, fuel related worries, rent and housing issues, damages and repairs, bills, debt, unforeseen costs, childcare, travel – every barrier impacts mental health, adding to the immense pressure that people experience.
Those caught in the tight grasp of poverty are not living, they are surviving, if lucky, and that is truly unacceptable in our society.
So, as we welcome and celebrate the aforementioned areas of progress towards eradicating poverty from our city, we call to capitalize on this emerging momentum and step up our efforts for the years ahead.
Efforts to tackle poverty in Edinburgh have put more than £20 million into the pockets of residents who need it most, according to a report considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee.
The third annual end poverty report looks at how Edinburgh is responding to the recommendations put to the city by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission in 2020.
Alongside ramped up work to help local people access grants and national welfare advice services, this year’s report details positive collaboration between the council and partners which has led to:
Supporting 4,150 people into work or learning
Recording an improvement in positive destinations from schools and a reduction in the poverty related attainment gap
Increasing the number of young people supported through Free School Meal and Uniform Grant programmes by 61%
Delivering £2.2m of Scottish Welfare Fund payments for people in crisis, alongside £300k of council support for local foodbanks
Introducing a new tenant hardship fund, alongside wider support like benefits checks, to support council tenants who are struggling to pay their rent
Securing £206k in savings for council tenants through Energy Advice Support
Investing over £119m in new affordable homes and improving existing homes and neighbourhoods; delivering 54 new homes for social rent plus 148 for mid market rent
Delivering poverty and homelessness prevention training to housing officers, community centre workers, librarians, parent and family support workers, health visitors, police officers, midwives, family nurses and other public sector employees
Working with employers to encourage take up of the real living wage, exceeding target to see 677 employers signed up in Edinburgh.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We have shown in the last three years that when we come together as a city, we can make a real difference. And this difference really can be life changing.
“We’ve achieved a lot, and we’re committed to carrying on this work with our partners. But these last few years have also been a time of financial crisis. The cost of living remains high, we’re hurtling towards another winter where households will face money worries and we’re at risk of the city’s wealth divide growing.
“For all our combined efforts I remain concerned that poverty in Edinburgh could rise again. Without additional urgent action, one in five children in this city – Scotland’s most affluent city – will continue to grow up in poverty.
“I’ll be calling on the Scottish Government to join us in taking action to eradicate poverty, and to support our efforts to create the additional affordable housing we desperately need. We must work together to deliver the great deal of work that is needed, to ensure the very best future for Edinburgh’s children and young people.”
Acknowledging areas of progress and calling for efforts to be stepped up, the End Poverty Edinburgh group added:“We see early signs of a change in attitudes regarding user-led services and seeking the advice of those with lived experience of poverty. There seems to be a real desire to involve people living on a low income in how the council does its business, and we very much welcome this.
“We have also been encouraged by new and developing services and schemes, such as the Regenerative Futures Fund, which sought out the views of people with lived experience early on. We believe that including those with real-life experience is key when attempting to develop new or better services, whether that be improving housing conditions or tackling food poverty.
“Treating people with dignity and respect should be the very least expected of staff on the frontline, and we are pleased to not only see efforts being made to ensure this is the case through implementation of training, but also in the delivery of services themselves. We also welcome steps taken to implement the Living Hours Scheme in Edinburgh.
“Despite there being progress to celebrate, there are many areas we have still to make an impact on. Edinburgh desperately needs an increase in quality social housing, accessible social housing, and genuinely affordable housing. We believe the housing situation in Edinburgh is crucial to tackle, and that more support is needed from the Scottish Government. Improving the housing situation in Edinburgh would undoubtedly have one of the biggest impacts on those experiencing poverty, so this must remain a priority.
“So, as we welcome and celebrate the areas of progress towards eradicating poverty from our city, we call to capitalise on this emerging momentum and step up our efforts for the years ahead.”
One year on from the merger that created Home-Start Edinburgh, 17% more families have been supported thanks to increased reach and efficiency within the charity.
Home-Start Edinburgh is Edinburgh’s family charity. It was formed one year ago through the merger of two well-established charities, Home-Start Leith & North East Edinburgh and Home-Start Edinburgh West and South West. The merger has expanded the volunteer-based charity’s services to cover all of Edinburgh. Meanwhile, demand for its services has increased.
Home-Start Edinburgh’s team of dedicated volunteers support families with young children who are struggling to cope for a variety of reasons. This can include isolation, mental or physical illness, crisis or bereavement, post-natal depression, and poverty.
Volunteers often have parenting skills themselves and can offer peer support. They listen to the problems a family is facing, provide practical help, and put in place plans to build family resilience, helping to ensure the child or children have the best start in life.
In addition to in-home support, Home-Start Edinburgh runs regular groups and social events for the parents and children it supports, which help them build wider support networks. The charity also helps families purchase essential items when they are facing hardship.
The merger has expanded the reach of the charity to cover the South East of the city, and demand for its services has increased across all areas of Edinburgh. Throughout the last year, it has supported 313 families and 404 children.
Commenting on the first year of operation, Home-Start Edinburgh CEO Eliza Waye said: “I am pleased that one year on we have already seen a substantial increase in the number of families we are able to support, thanks to our dedicated and compassionate volunteer community.
“However, the need continues to outstrip our capacity, particularly as we now service the entire city.
“We have seen more families who need our services because low employment, increased financial pressures, and the lack of suitable housing options, which leads to additional stress and difficulty when you have young children.
“We have also seen an increase in needs from the growing refugee and migrant community, and more families with complex needs. As the needs continue to grow, so must we as a charity. In the coming year we are focused on growing our volunteer community and increasing our funding, helping us meet this critical need.”
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith attended the launch of the charity, which is headquartered in his constituency, one year ago. He said: “As the local MSP, I know from my casework how Home-Start Edinburgh is able to offer a helping hand with its range of services and support for those who need it.
“During a difficult period with the cost-of-living crisis, in the first year of their merger and re-launch, it is good that Home-Start Edinburgh has been able to help more families in our communities.
“Home-Start began its Edinburgh presence in Leith in 1986 and I am glad that the charity has expanded, so that families in all parts of the city can now benefit from their services. Please get in touch with them if you think you may be able to help. Also, thank you to all donors and volunteers for supporting Home-Start’s impactful work.”
Ester Mateo received support from Home-Start Edinburgh and is now training as a volunteer. Ester said: “Home-Start supported me when I moved into a new area with young children. They helped me find activities for my kids so they could make new friends and feel less impact from the change.
“I knew that my volunteer would always be there when I needed help or advice. I’ve now applied to become a volunteer – this has given me a sense of purpose and achievement and I hope to help others.”
More parents have been able to start work or progress their careers thanks to an initiative to expand access to school-age childcare, according to a new report.
Eight childcare providers across Scotland received a share of almost £600,000 from the Scottish Government to help 650 children from low-income families access school-age childcare.
The funding helped to make school-age childcare more accessible, affordable and flexible for parents and carers from low-income families, or those most at risk of experiencing poverty.
The Access to Childcare Fund Phase 2 Evaluation report also highlights the positive impact the projects had on the health and wellbeing of the children and parents. It found the projects increased opportunities for children to develop social skills and strengthen relationships with both adults and peers, especially for those with additional support needs.
Children and Young People Minister Natalie Don said: “As we mark Challenge Poverty Week this report highlights the impact our support continues to make for children, young people and their families who are most in need, and how childcare providers can be key in supporting these families.
“Improving access to childcare not only brings wide ranging benefits for the children, it also helps parents to get back into work, engage in training or progress their careers. Quality childcare provision is both an anti-poverty and a pro-growth measure.
“This report follows our commitment in the Programme for Government to expand our childcare offering, and sets out the difference that funded school-age childcare can make to support families to enter and sustain employment.”
Currently, all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds are able to take up 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare in Scotland.
Work is underway with local authorities and other partners to phase in an expanded national provision for families with two-year-olds, as well as targeted early delivery of all-age childcare for low income families.
The full report was carried out independently by Ipsos Scotland.
Pupils and staff at Braes High School in Falkirk have been highlighting their innovate approaches to help cut the cost of the school day for families, as part of Challenge Poverty Week.
Cost-saving initiatives include the creation of ‘Take What You Need’ trolleys with essential school items, toiletries and snacks. S1 pupils also receive a Braes Backpack which contains a school starter kit.
The school has received more than £369,000 of Scottish Government Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) in recent years, supporting a range of work including these latest initiatives.
Scotland has the most generous universal free school meal offer of any nation in the UK – saving families an average of £400 per eligible child per year – while the School Clothing Grant has been increased so that those who are eligible receive at least £120 per child of primary school age and £150 per secondary pupil.
The 2023-24 Programme for Government set out commitments to further support reductions in the cost of the school day by funding the removal of core curriculum charges, further expanding free school meals and increasing the school clothing grant for the next academic year.
On a visit to the school, the Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “It was hugely encouraging to visit Braes High School during Challenge Poverty Week and to witness the innovative approaches pupils and staff have adopted to deal with the challenges that, sadly, too many of our young people and their families are facing.
“This work has been supported by the Scottish Government’s Pupil Equity Funding scheme – with more than £520 million this parliamentary term empowering headteachers to take creative and innovative approaches to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap.
“We are determined to do everything in our power to support families out of poverty, including investing in the game-changing Scottish Child Payment – part of a package of measures taken by this government which will help lift 90,000 children out of poverty in Scotland this year.
“We know that many families are still struggling, particularly as a result of the cost of living crisis. Tackling the cost of the school day is a key priority for the Scottish Government.”
Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager at Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland: “We have been delighted to work with Braes High School and their Cost of the School Day Pupil Group and see all of the meaningful ways young people have involved their school community and designed supports that help to make sure everyone can take part and feel included.
“Cost of the School Day at Braes is an inspiring example of what can happen when young people take the lead on equity in their own schools and a reminder of the impact that a poverty aware school culture and a clear focus on reducing the cost of the school day can have.”
Braes HS Head teacher Iain Livingstone said: “Our young people, staff, parents, carers and the wider community work well together to challenge poverty and support all learners. Pupil Equity Funding has helped us take forward a number of projects and support to help our young people get the most out of their education.
“We enjoyed being able to speak with the Cabinet Secretary, and seeing our young people discuss the many developments and ideas they lead.”
Braes High School worked with the Child Poverty Action Group to develop these initiatives. They are part of the new Cost of the School Day Voice network of children and young people.
Schools in Falkirk Council have received more than £26 million from the Scottish Government between 2015-16 and 2022-23 to close the poverty related attainment gap.
As the UK gets ready for Challenge Poverty Week (Monday, 2nd October to Sunday, 8th October), Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city, is working in local communities to support more people living in poverty and affected by inequalities to be active and well.
Poverty and poor health are inextricably linked. Despite Edinburgh being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces some of the greatest levels of inequality. The Edinburgh Poverty Commission estimates that almost 82,000 people are living in poverty. And in terms of life expectancy, a boy born in in the New Town, Edinburgh can expect to live 21 years longer, than a boy born in Niddrie.
Forty-four percent of adults living in the most deprived communities in Scotland do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared with twenty-eight percent of adults living in the least deprived areas.
Helen Macfarlane, Director of Wellbeing at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Being active is one of the best things we can do for our health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Yet many people living in poverty can face barriers to being active, such as cost, lack of confidence and knowledge of what support is available.
“As part of Challenge Poverty Week, we’d love more adults experiencing poverty and inequalities to take out our £10 Get Active Pass and enjoy the life changing benefits of being active with Edinburgh Leisure. The card is not available to buy online but anyone eligible can pop into any Edinburgh Leisure venue and sign up. It really is making a huge difference to people’s lives.”
One participant explained the positive impact it is having on their life: “I don’t often leave the house but since I’ve taken out a £10 Get Active Pass, I’ve been going swimming regularly which makes a huge difference to my mental health.
“I couldn’t afford a membership, so the £10 Get Active pass has been a godsend. It’s helping me both mentally and physically and encouraged me to meet new people.”
The Edinburgh Leisure £10 Get Active Card is aimed at people on a very low income and offers off-peak access to the gym, swim, saunas and steam rooms and group fitness classes, up to 4pm, 7 days a week. Fitness classes can be booked on the day of use.
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to keep people active and well. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues across the city and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to be active and stay active.
Each year Edinburgh Leisure’s’ Active Communities team support more than 10,000 people who face the greatest barriers to being active, including those affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to improve their health and wellbeing. They deliver over 20 different programmes city wide, which aim to break down barriers to physical activity and help people to lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.
Each year, they raise over £800,000 from external funders to provide a range of targeted projects and activities which enable people on low incomes and those living with long term health conditions to be active to protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of live.
The funding is an investment into health and wellbeing, providing a significant return by reducing the need for people to access more expensive health and social care services.
