An additional £18 million will be available this year to help householders install energy efficient measures and reduce their heating bills, bringing the total support available through Home Energy Scotland to £50 million in 2021-2022.
People in Edinburgh and across the country are being urged to seek support and advice from Home Energy Scotland to help make their homes warmer and reduce their heating bills, on average by up to £300 per year.
Financial support worth up to £5,000 is also available to make homes more energy efficient through improvements like home insulation or a new heating system.
Home Energy Scotland also supports households with practical advice and, where appropriate, install energy efficient measures – making homes more energy efficient and saving householders money.
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings Patrick Harvie, said:“As the colder weather returns and given the concern around rising energy bills, we want to ensure people living in Edinburgh and around Scotland are aware of the support available to keep their homes warm this winter.
“Home Energy Scotland offers advice, support and funding to help people make energy saving improvements, helping them reduce their energy costs.
“The free impartial advice and support is available for anyone concerned about paying their energy bills and we would urge people struggling with their fuel bills to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland.”
Recent research by Home Energy Scotland shows that 70% of people in Scotland feel concerned about energy bills rising, with almost two thirds using more energy than usual during the first 12 months of the pandemic. The research also found that 59% of Scots have noticed a worrying rise in their energy bills already.
Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland said:“24,000 households across the country including Edinburgh have already benefited from new energy efficient measures, like a new heating system or insulation, by getting in contact with Home Energy Scotland.
“But with people spending more time at home over the past 18 months due to coronavirus, energy usage has been greater than ever. We therefore want to be able to help even more people to make energy saving improvements to their home.
“A home that isn’t well insulated can lose more than 50% of its heat through its roof and walls so making improvements can help your finances and make your home more energy efficient, comfortable and cheaper to heat while helping lower emissions in Scotland”.
The next steps in creating a circular economy in Scotland have been announced today, as Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater provided an update to parliament.
Actions include the appointment of waste and sustainability expert Dr Colin Church as the independent chair of the review into the role of incineration in the waste hierarchy in Scotland.
To support the review, which forms part of the cooperation deal with the Scottish Green Party, the Minister announced that planning authorities must now notify Scottish Ministers of any applications or decisions involving incineration facilities, until the end of the review period.
The Minister also announced the first round of funding through the Scottish Government’s £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund.
Over £7 million has been awarded to seven local authorities to increase recycling, while preparing for future developments, including Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
The Minister provided an update on the delivery of the scheme, noting the challenges posed by Brexit, the pandemic, and a lack of clarity from UK Government on the VAT treatment of deposits.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “A circular economy is at the heart of Scotland’s response to the climate emergency and will help dramatically reduce the amount of waste generated in Scotland.
“We must also find better ways to deal with the waste our economy is currently creating. That’s why I’m pleased that Dr Colin Church will bring his wealth of experience from across the waste and environmental sectors to our review on the role of incineration.
“To make sure that any plans are closely monitored while the review is ongoing, we have issued a temporary notification direction today. This will ensure that Ministers are abreast of any new planning applications or planning decisions relating to incinerators. It is temporary and does not in any way pre-empt the outcome of the review.
“We’re also taking action to transform recycling in Scotland. Our Recycling Improvement Fund will deliver one of the biggest investments in recycling in Scotland in a generation. It will make it easier for households to recycle more, and help to deliver the rates of recycling needed to meet Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.
“We are committed to introducing the UK’s first deposit return scheme, helping to increase recycling, reduce littering, and meet our climate targets. While the scheme has been impacted by Brexit and a global pandemic, we are working intensively with Circularity Scotland and industry to make sure it is delivered effectively.”
An expert group is to be established to advise the Scottish Government on the banning of conversion practices, which aim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The group will include people with personal experience of conversion practices as well as representatives from LGBTI organisations, faith and belief communities, mental health professionals and academics.
The Scottish Government has committed to introducing legislation to end conversion practices as comprehensively as possible within devolved powers by the end of 2023.
It is anticipated the expert advisory group will begin its work early next year and this, alongside recommendations from the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee and other evidence and research, will inform the Scottish Government’s approach.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We are clear about the need to end conversion practices in Scotland – ensuring that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is safe from them. These practices are harmful, discriminatory, and have no place in our society.
“Work is now underway to establish an expert advisory group on banning conversion therapy and its remit will include recommending an agreed definition of conversion practices.
“We will explore how legislation can best protect and support those who need it, while ensuring that freedoms – including freedoms of speech, religion, and belief – are safeguarded.
“We are also considering what non-legislative steps we can take to end conversion practices, and support survivors.”
The 2021-22 Programme for Government commitment to end conversion practices is also part of the shared policy programme between the Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party.
The remit of the new expert advisory group will include:
recommending an agreed definition of conversion practices;
drawing together existing data and evidence on conversion practices, including international practice;
advising on potential actions to ban, end, or reduce conversion practices;
advising on support for victims and survivors;
advising on aligning any ban with commitments to protect freedom of expression and freedom of religion, in line with existing legislation;
advising on how mental health services, religious bodies and other professionals should be supported to provide appropriate services to people seeking help and advice in relation to their sexual orientation or gender identity
From three hundred applicants to three appointments – apprentices join world’s top communications firm here in Scotland
Three Modern Apprentices have joined the 50-strong team at Weber Shandwick in Scotland as the consultancy signs up to the Young Person’s Guarantee and commits to supporting more young people into a career in communications.
Erin Butler, Olivia Yeneka and Ewan Bruce were selected from over 300 applicants to the programme, which is being delivered in partnership with Kelvin College.
Over the next year they will enjoy a mix of classroom and on-the-job training, which will see them develop skills in media relations, social media, creative, public affairs and insights.
Natalie Buxton, Managing Director of Weber Shandwick in Scotland is also a member of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board and a Chair of its Gender Commission.
She said:“Our industry is growing and we need more people from more diverse backgrounds to consider a career in communications. In addition to offering excellent career opportunities for our apprentices I believe they will make us better at delivering for our clients.
“Erin, Olivia and Ewan have joined a fast-paced and exciting working environment and are already learning from some of the communications industry’s best talent, not just here in Scotland, but with colleagues across the UK and globally. I am really excited to see how they develop over the next year and beyond.”
Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “The Young Person’s Guarantee is a joint commitment to provide opportunities for all 16-24 year olds in Scotland through jobs, apprenticeships, further and higher education, training programmes and volunteering.
“I’m delighted that Weber Shandwick have signed up to the Guarantee and are creating such valuable work-based learning opportunities. I would encourage all employers to think about how they can help our young people at this time.”
The apprentices are full-time, paid employees who are earning a Living Wage while they learn. They can expect to gain an SVQ Level 7 Qualification at the end of their 12-month contract. Weber Shandwick has committed to delivering a combination of formal and on-the-job training including strategic planning, creative, media relations and digital strategy across a range of sectors, including consumer, tech and energy.
Weber Shandwick has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry; in 2020 it was named to Ad Age’s Agency A-List and honoured as PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Decade. The agency was also nominated as one of the Best Places to Work in 2019.
Senior Associate Rebecca Halligan, who joined Weber Shandwick through the apprentice scheme in 2017, said: “Becoming an apprentice at Weber Shandwick was an excellent way to join the world of PR.
“I was allowed the opportunity to develop my skills in the areas I enjoyed and have been able to maximise my potential since joining the team.
“From working on big brands since day one, training in offices across Europe, and being welcomed with open arms into the team, Weber Shandwick’s apprenticeship programme is an unbeatable start to a career in communications.”
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 16 November 2021:
Presiding Officer,
I will give an update today on the latest Covid situation and also provide an assessment of the current course of the pandemic.
First, though, today’s statistics. 2,771 positive cases were reported yesterday – 12.8% of all the tests that were carried out. 779 people are currently in hospital with Covid – which is 8 more than yesterday.
And 57 people are receiving intensive care, which is the same number as yesterday. Sadly, a further 17 deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours and that takes the total number of deaths registered under this daily definition, to 9,406. And again, I want to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.
More positively, the vaccination programme continues to make very good progress.
I can confirm that 4,331,574 people have received a first dose and 3,930,317 have now had both doses.
In total, 88% of all those over 18 are now fully vaccinated with two doses.
In addition, 76% of 16 & 17 year olds, and 56% of 12 to 15 year olds, have had a first dose. Until now, of course only a single dose has been recommended for these age groups.
But, following yesterday’s updated advice from the JCVI, we are now preparing to offer second doses to 16 & 17 year olds.
I will say a bit more about the progress of the booster programme later.
However, it is worth pointing out that on first, second and booster and third doses, Scotland is currently the most vaccinated part of the UK.
That is down of course to the incredible hard work of everyone involved in organising and delivering the programme and I want to record my thanks to each and every one of them.
Today’s weekly update of course coincides with the latest three-week review point for the remaining Covid regulations.
And so I can confirm that at our meeting earlier today the Cabinet agreed to keep the current regulations in place, with no immediate changes.
However, we also considered – though we have not yet reached final decisions on – the possibility of future changes to the Covid certification scheme and I will say more about that shortly as well.
The numbers reported in recent days here in Scotland – which I’ll come on to talk about in more detail – illustrate the need for continued precautions.
So too does the challenging situation being experienced again across Europe.
Several European countries are currently dealing with a sharp increase in cases.
Infection rates in Germany have reached their highest level since the pandemic started. The Netherlands reintroduced some Covid measures last week. Ireland has done so today. And Austria has just introduced extremely tough restrictions on people who are not fully vaccinated.
All of this is a reminder that governments everywhere are grappling with the same issues and dilemmas that we are.
The threats posed by Covid are very much still with us – even though they have been mitigated by vaccination – and the race between the virus and the vaccines has not yet been won. The situation here in Scotland also bears that out.
However, before I give an update on the overall trends in Scotland, I want to say a few words about the impact of recent events in Glasgow.
I will reflect more generally on COP26 in a further statement to parliament later this afternoon..
However, while we can’t yet draw final conclusions, I can confirm now that there is no sign so far of any significant spike in cases associated with COP26.
Rigorous measures were put in place to minimise the risks of transmission.
For example anyone entering the main summit site – the Blue Zone – had to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test result.
Information published earlier today by Public Health Scotland suggests that of the people officially affiliated with COP26, approximately 4 in every 1,000 tested positive for Covid through routine lateral flow testing.
This contrasts with survey data for the Scottish population as a whole which suggests that last week 12 people in every 1,000 had Covid.
And in total, since 15 October, 291 people with Covid across Scotland reported attending a COP-related event – that includes satellite meetings and demonstrations, as well as the main summit itself. That represents less than half of one per cent of all those who tested positive for Covid over the past month and reported through Test and Protect.
All of this at this stage, Presiding Officer, suggests that the mitigations that were put in place for COP were effective.
And I want to put on record my thanks to delegates for their compliance and indeed to everyone who worked so hard in the run up to and during COP 26 to secure the safest possible environment.
More generally across Scotland, we have seen a gradual increase in cases over the past two weeks – from just over 2,500 new cases a day, to approximately 3,000 cases a day as this stage.
It is important to note though that this headline figure masks some distinct variations between different age groups.
For example, cases amongst under 60s increased by 14% during the past week.
And much of this increase was in people under the age of 20.
By contrast, cases in the over 60 age group fell over the past week – by 11%.
Now this is likely to be due, at least in part, to the success of the booster programme, which of course is prioritised amongst the older population and I’ll say more about that shortly.
The decline in cases amongst older people may also explain why – despite the overall increase in cases – the numbers in hospital with Covid have reduced slightly in recent weeks.
Three weeks ago, 917 patients were in hospital with Covid. Today, there are 779. And the number of people in intensive care has fallen although very slightly during that time – from 59 to 57.
However all of that said the number of patients in hospital with Covid is still extremely high. If cases continue to increase then, notwithstanding the age profile, we are likely to see hospital admissions and occupancy start to rise again.
In addition, the NHS is currently treating people who are in hospital for care which had to be delayed by earlier Covid countermeasures.
And of course as we go further into winter, we can expect other seasonal pressures – for example, flu – to increase.
All of this means that the NHS is under extreme pressure. And we continue to work closely with health boards to address and mitigate these pressures as far as we can.
The vaccination programme, of course, continues to be critical in reducing the direct health harm caused by the virus.
I mentioned a moment ago that the decline in Covid rates in older age groups – and the fall in hospital admissions – may well reflect the impact of the vaccine booster campaign.
I can confirm that more than one million booster jags have now been administered.
And over 70% of the over 70s have now had a booster.
We know that a booster jag significantly increases the effectiveness of the vaccine – so this high level of uptake is extremely important, and we will continue to push it up as far as possible.
The programme took a further step forward yesterday with the launch of the online booking portal.
Everyone aged 50 to 59 – together with unpaid carers and household contacts of the immunosuppressed and anyone eligible for a vaccine who has not yet had an appointment – can now book online at NHS Inform.
Since yesterday morning, more than 54,000 people have made online bookings.
And more than 8,000 people have made bookings through the national helpline, which can be called on 0800 030 8013. That’s 0800 030 8013.
It is of course important to remember that boosters can only be given 24 weeks after someone’s 2nd jab.
Therefore, for many in the 50 to 59 age group, appointments will only be possible from December onwards.
It is also worth pointing out that people living in Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and the NHS Highland health board areas will not use the online booking system, but instead receive information direct from their health board about local appointment arrangements.
As I mentioned earlier, the JCVI updated its advice yesterday.
In addition to recommending second doses for 16 & 17 year olds, it also recommended booster jags for people in their 40s.
I very much welcome this and the Scottish Government will now move to implement this new advice as quickly as we can. And we continue to work with health boards to ensure that the overall programme is delivered as rapidly as possible.
However it is worth taking stock of the situation as of now.
This winter vaccination programme is the largest and the most complex ever undertaken in Scotland.
However, since the first week in September more than 3 million flu and booster jags have been administered.
Take up rates have been encouraging. And this is providing vital protection as we head into winter. So, once again, I am hugely grateful to everyone helping get jags into people’s arms as quickly as possible.
And I also want to take this opportunity again to urge every single person who is eligible for vaccination – whether for a first or second jag, or a booster or 3rd jag – to take up the offer without delay. And get the flu jag too if you are eligible.
Getting vaccinated remains the single most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
It is impossible to overstate how important it is to get vaccinated – so if you haven’t already, please do so now.
You could be saving your own life or the lives of your loved ones.
You will be reassuring others, including those most at risk – some of whom have clinical conditions that mean that they cannot get vaccinated themselves.
You will be helping those working in the NHS.
And you will be maximising our collective chances of getting through this winter without the need to re-introduce any restrictions.
Presiding Officer, in my view, choosing, without good reason, not to be vaccinated is deeply irresponsible. Getting vaccinated, on the other hand, is a civic duty and it is the most precious gift we can give to others at this time.
The vaccine programme is and will continue to be the bedrock of our efforts to control Covid.
However, other baseline mitigations remain in place and they are also important.
Lateral flow testing, as I mentioned earlier, appears to have been effective in limiting transmission during COP.
That should remind all of us that these tests are a really important way of detecting infection particularly in those without symptoms and therefore preventing onward spread.
So I would again encourage everyone to do a lateral flow test at least twice a week – and especially if you are attending events or mixing with people in other households.
The tests can be ordered free through NHS Inform, or collected from test sites and local pharmacies.
Face coverings also continue to be a simple and important mitigation – and remain a legal requirement on public transport, in shops and when moving around in hospitality settings.
Please also continue to work from home when that is practical.
I am today asking all employers to look again at whether more workers could be supported to do more work from home over the winter period.
Lastly, good ventilation is vital.
If any of us are having people visit our homes, we should open a window, even slightly, to let some air flow through the room.
Within the public sector we have taken significant steps to improve ventilation – for example funding for carbon dioxide monitors in schools.
And in September we announced the establishment of a £25million fund to help businesses improve ventilation.
This fund opens for applications next week. Businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms will be able to claim back costs of up to £2,500 for measures like the installation of carbon dioxide monitors or improvements to windows and vents.
More information on eligibility has been published today on the Find Business Support website.
All of these basic mitigation measures are really important at this stage.
But of course, some of them are also valuable long-term investments.
For example, better ventilation won’t just reduce the spread of Covid – it will also help reduce the spread of other airborne viruses, now and in the future.
And there’s an important point here which is worth stressing.
When we talk – as many do these days – about ‘living with COVID’, it is important that we don’t think of this as simply giving in to the virus.
Instead, it is about making sensible changes that allow us to return both to greater normality and to better health.
Presiding Officer,
The final mitigation measure I want to talk about today is the Covid certification scheme.
It is the strong view of the Scottish Government that this – together with the other measures still in place – makes an important and proportionate contribution to stemming Covid transmission.
The value of certification is also recognised in other countries, many of which require certification for access to a much wider range of services than is currently the case in Scotland.
Wales, for example, expanded the scope of its own scheme yesterday. It now applies to theatres, cinemas and concert halls, in addition to the same range of venues as in Scotland.
The Cabinet discussed possible changes to the current certification scheme at our meeting this morning. We intend to take a final decision next Tuesday in light of the most up to date data.
In the meantime, later this week, we will publish an evidence paper and consult businesses on the practicalities of implementation should changes be made.
However, while final decisions have not yet been reached, I want to provide an update on the issues under consideration.
I should also say that we would provisionally intend for any changes we do decide to make to the scheme to take effect from December 6.
When the scheme launched on 1 October, we judged that it was not appropriate at that time – given the imperative to drive up vaccination rates – to include testing as an alternative to proof of vaccination. But we indicated that this would be kept under review.
So we will be assessing in the coming days whether, on the basis of current and projected vaccination uptake rates, we are now in a position to amend the scheme so that in addition to showing evidence of vaccination to access a venue, there will also be the option of providing evidence of a recent negative test result.
That is already a feature of many other countries’ certification schemes.
We are also considering whether an expansion of the scheme to cover more settings would be justified and prudent given the current state of the pandemic. Again let me stress that we have not at this stage taken a decision to extend the reach of the scheme.
However, to allow us to engage openly with businesses in the coming days about the pros, cons and practicalities, I can confirm that the kinds of settings that might be in scope would be indoor cinemas, theatres, and some other licensed and hospitality premises.
We would, of course, retain exemptions for those under 18; for those who cannot be vaccinated or tested for medical reasons; for people on clinical trials; and for those who work at events or in venues subject to the scheme. Exceptions would also be retained for worship, weddings, funerals and related gatherings.
I will give a further update on this in next week’s statement. And if we decide to propose any amendments to the regulations on certification, Parliament will have the opportunity to discuss and debate these amendments.
Presiding Officer,
I am acutely aware that many businesses want us to remove mitigations – including certification – not extend or tighten them.
I understand that. But all of our decisions are and must be motivated by a desire to keep people safe but also to get through what will be a challenging winter without having to re-introduce any restrictions on trade. We want if possible businesses to stay fully open over Christmas and through the winter, while also keeping Covid under control.
If an expansion of Covid certification can help us do that, it would be irresponsible not to consider it.
Presiding Officer
As the detail of this statement makes clear – and as the situation across Europe also shows – the need to carefully manage this pandemic still deprives us of any easy options.
While we hope very much to get through winter without re-introducing any further restrictions, as some other countries are now starting to do, we do have a duty to keep proportionate options under review and we will do so.
To assist with and give an insight into the factors guiding our considerations, we are also publishing an updated strategic framework today.
This covers in more detail many of the issues I have already summarized.
One of the points it reiterates is that all of us across society – individuals, businesses and other organisations – must continue to play our part in helping curb the spread of the virus.
For that reason, Cabinet Secretaries are continuing to work with COSLA, individual local authorities and businesses on the actions we need to take to reduce transmission – preferably without additional restrictions.
And I will close again by reiterating what we can all do to protect ourselves and each other.
So firstly, please do get vaccinated if you are eligible and haven’t yet done so. As I mentioned earlier, that includes going for a booster jag when you are invited.
It is never too late to get vaccinated. And it remains the single most important thing any of us can do right now.
Second, please test regularly with lateral flow devices. These, of course, can be ordered through the NHS Inform website, or collected from a local test site or pharmacies.
If you test positive, or are identified as a close contact, or have symptoms of the virus, please self-isolate and book a PCR test.
And third, please comply with the mitigations still in place.
Work from home when that is possible, wear face coverings in indoor public places – shops and public transport and when moving about in hospitality.
Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly.
And meet outdoors if that is possible. That obviously gets harder through the winter – but it is the case that outdoor environments are safer than indoors.
And when you are meeting indoors, try to open windows – anything to improve ventilation will help.
All of these precautions do still make a difference. They will protect us and those around us, and they will help to ease the burden on our NHS.
So I ask everyone to continue to stick with them and thank everyone for doing so.
Innovative projects to reopen some of the libraries that closed during the pandemic, set up wellbeing cafes or provide home library services have received more than £1 million in funding.
The Scottish Government’s £1.25 million Public Library COVID Relief Fund will support 23 projects around the country to re-connect communities with their libraries.
Applications were made through the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and allocations will also support reading and STEM education programmes.
While priority was given to applications which support deprived areas and communities, all library services across Scotland were invited to apply for the fund.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “These funding allocations will support public libraries across Scotland. Libraries that closed because of the pandemic will re-open and others will be able to widen the services that they offer their local communities.
“Libraries are so much more than a place to borrow books. This fund will see the provision of community-centred projects aimed at, among other things, reducing social isolation, promoting mental wellbeing and reducing the poverty-related attainment gap.
“This funding is part of the Government’s wider aspiration to drive a cultural recovery for our communities. I look forward to seeing how libraries use this support to benefit their local area and to working with the library sector on our future recovery plans”.
Scottish Library and Information Council Chair Ian Ruthven said: “Public libraries are an essential part of Scotland’s social fabric, supporting and inspiring people to fulfil their potential for over 150 years.
“Improving mental wellbeing, tackling social isolation and closing the digital divide are some of the key aims of public libraries. The Public Library COVID Relief Fund will allow local public libraries to reconnect with their communities and offer these much-valued services.”
The Public Library COVID Relief Fund was announced as part of the Programme for Government and all local authority library services were able to apply for funding.
Edinburgh receives £33,100 for a co-creation project with young adults in collaboration with a number of key stakeholders. Activities will focus on STEM and digital projects but will be driven by the young people themselves within the 20% most deprived Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) areas.
A new anonymous phone service will see trained staff stay on the line while people are using drugs to ensure they remain safe.
The “Never Use Alone” phone line will be run by the charity “We Are With You” backed by £100,000 funding from the Scottish Government.
The service is the first of its kind in Europe and will initially be trialled in Glasgow and North and South Ayrshire. These areas have been chosen so the system can be assessed in both urban and rural areas.
“Never Use Alone” will begin this month and will eventually be rolled out across the country.
Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said: “I welcome this phone line which will be operated by We Are With You and which will undoubtedly play a part in tackling Scotland’s drug deaths crisis.
“Many of those people who have lost their life while using drugs were alone at the time and I encourage people to take advantage of this service – the first of its kind in Europe – to help them stay safe.
“While backing this service, we are also continuing to work to overcome existing legal barriers to implement safe consumption rooms in Scotland.”
“We Are With You” Executive Director Andrew Horne said: “The scale of the problem we’re facing in Scotland demands urgent, radical action and we want to do everything we can to help tackle this crisis.
“This phone line is about keeping people safe. Our staff will ensure they are aware what substances an individual has taken and what they are intending to take. They will also find out exactly where they are in case the emergency services are required.
“We hope that we can provide people with the support they need at the time they call in but also that we can take the opportunity to encourage them to seek help from services which provide the support which is right for them in the longer term.”
The “Never Use Alone” free phone line number is 0808 801 0690
Funding of £7 million will improve GP surgeries, expanding the level of care to patients across Scotland.
Vacant high street units will be taken over by Integration Authorities to expand the primary care estate, with the funding also used to support GP practices, including digitising records to free up more space.
The Scottish Government has set aside £5 million from the Primary Care Fund in 2021/22 to make improvements to existing GP premises. An additional £2 million will obtain new sites to accommodate multi-disciplinary teams including those administering vaccines, mental health nurses and audiology specialists.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “GP surgeries provide a wide range of services, supporting both the physical and mental health of patients. So it’s vital they get the space they need to allow primary care multi-disciplinary teams to do their jobs.
“As we recover from the most challenging time in NHS history, our work is not only about providing access to services, but ensuring those services are high quality and inclusive for all of our communities. This funding will give GP practices the space they need to serve patients in the safest and most effective way.”
The £5 million from the Primary Care Fund will cover:
Premises Improvement Grants to GP contractors who own or lease from private landlords
digitisation of paper GP records to release space
improved ventilation
increased space in NHS-owned or leased premises to support multi-disciplinary teams
The Scottish Government will monitor how Health Boards spend the further £2 million to acquire vacant high street units to inform how the £10 billion available for capital investment in healthcare supports primary care.
Health and Social Care Secretary accepts independent advice to extend booster programme to people aged 40 and over, and offer a second dose to people aged 16 – 17.
Scotland will follow suit
The UK Government has accepted updated JCVI advice on COVID-19 vaccination programme. Scotland will also ‘follow the science’.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination roll-out has been a phenomenal success, saving countless lives, reducing pressure on the NHS and helping us stop the spread of the virus.
“All 4 parts of the UK intend to follow the JCVI’s advice.
“I have asked the NHS to prepare to offer those eligible a vaccine as soon as possible.
“We know immunity to COVID-19 begins to wane after 6 months and new data published today shows a third dose boosts protection against symptomatic infection to more than 90% – this highlights just how important it is that everyone eligible gets their top-up jabs as soon as possible.
“The JCVI will keep under review whether the booster programme should be extended to all people under the age of 40 and I look forward to receiving their advice in due course.
“This is a national mission – the vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and I urge everybody to get your jabs as soon as you can.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.
Anti-bullying week (Nov 15th – 19th) is an annual event in the UK that aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people, and highlights ways of preventing and responding to it.
The year’s campaign theme, One Kind Word, has been co-designed with young people before being adapted by the UK’s leading anti-bullying organisations, including respectme in Scotland.
Childline data – Scotland
In 2020/21, Childline delivered 334 counselling sessions about bullying to children living in Scotland.
More than a quarter (29%) of these were about online bullying.
In 2019/20, Childline delivered 558 counselling sessions about bullying (in person and online) to children living in Scotland.
The data shows that there was a 40% reduction in total counselling sessions about this issue in the year of the pandemic, which included lockdowns and children not attending school for months. However, there was only a fall in counselling sessions about bullying in person (464 sessions in 2019/20 and 238 in 2020/21). There was no reduction in the number of sessions for online bullying (94 sessions in 2019/20 and 96 sessions in 2020/21).
Childline data – UK wide
In 2020/21, Childline delivered 6,654 counselling sessions about bullying.
One teenage girl who contacted Childline about bullying said: “School was not great today. Due to the coronavirus there are new rules, and I have to sit next to the most horrible boy ever in almost every class.
“He tells me to do stuff, calls me names, spreads rumours and tells me I should hurt myself. I am so fed up with it and I can’t get away from him.” (Girl, aged 14, from Scotland)
Adeniyi Alade, Head of Childline in Scotland, said: “Each year, we hear from hundreds of children in Scotland who are being bullied. We know that the pandemic has been extremely tough for children as they have grappled with home schooling, being isolated from family and friends and worries about the virus. On top of this, some children were also being bullied.
“Children experiencing bullying online have told our counsellors that during lockdowns it felt even more overwhelming. The extra time they were spending online for their education, entertainment and to keep in contact with friends and family was making the bullying feel inescapable.
“Although for other children, the lockdowns provided some respite from the bullying they had previously experienced. But this meant that they felt anxious at the thought of returning to school.
“As we continue to move out of the pandemic and adjust to the new normal, it is essential that children know where to turn to for support. Our trained counsellors are always here for children and believe that no child should have to deal with bullying alone.”
Advice from NSPCC and Childline
For children
Share how you are feeling with other young people. Childline’s online message board is a non-judgemental space where you can speak to other children who are in a similar situation to you about your experiences and feelings. This can help you feel less alone and will give you an online support network that you can turn to.
Talk to an adult you trust about the bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and so that adult can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk
Take a break from your device if you are being bullied online and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
Remember the bullying is not your fault.
Get into a healthy routine and make sure you look after yourself by eating healthily, getting enough sleep and taking time out for yourself.
Report and block someone if they are sending you messages online that upset you.
Not wanting to go to school or take part in normal activities.
Getting anxious or angry if you go near their device.
Feeling withdrawn, upset or angry at home.
Problems sleeping or eating.
Having angry outbursts that seem out of character.
Spending more or less time online than normal.
Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied in person
Belongings are getting lost or damaged.
Physical injuries such as unexplained bruises.
Being afraid to go to school.
Not doing as well at school.
Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
Problems with eating or sleeping.
Bullying others.
What to do if you think your child is being bullied
Talk to your child and remind them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad. If your child speaks to you about an experience of bullying that they’ve had online or in person, try to remain calm and don’t overwhelm them with questions and reassure them that it will be ok, and that you’re always there for them.
Show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them.
Don’t take their device away if they’ve had a negative experience online. Although you may want to do this if they are upset, this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault. Instead, suggest they take some time away from the app they received the messages on and do another online activity they enjoy like playing a game.
Know where you can get further support. Adults can call the NSPCC helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. There is also further advice on the NSPCC website.
