Primary pupils across Scotland received a series of festive-themed maths puzzles to take home for the school holiday as part of a drive to encourage more positive attitudes towards numeracy and maths. The five puzzles are aimed at Primary Six pupils and their families to complete over the holidays as a fun way of exploring maths outside the classroom. Continue reading Making maths fun: John Swinney launches Christmas Maths Challenge
Help available for low mood, depression and anxiety
People experiencing depression, low mood or anxiety should be encouraged to seek help this Christmas, the Mental Health Minister has said. Maureen Watt also thanked those who provide help and support to those dealing with mental health problems associated with stress and loneliness at this time of year.
Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone line offering advice to people experiencing anxiety, depression or low mood. Also available is Living Life, which offers more in depth telephone-based and online therapy.
Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Ms Watt said: “I think our much greater awareness of mental health issues in recent years has highlighted that this can be a difficult time of year for many people. Hopefully that increased knowledge also means that people know that they do not need to suffer alone, that support is available and that no-one should ever feel afraid to speak up and ask for help if they feel depressed or anxious.
“I would urge anyone who is feeling low or anxious to reach out to Breathing Space, Samaritans or other services to make sure they get help. This time of year can be overwhelming and we should all aim to be more aware of the toll that can sometimes take and do what we need to reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety.
“I also want thank everyone across the country – in the NHS, social services, the third sector and in local communities – who is working to ensure that people in distress have someone to help them.”
There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce stress and anxiety over the festive period:
Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of Breathing Space, said: “Remember, if you are experiencing emotional distress during the festive season and feel you can’t talk to your family or friends, then call a phone line such as Breathing Space. Our advisors are available every day of the year to listen and offer you support. Call them in confidence on freephone 0800 83 85 87 to talk about what you’re going through.”
Executive Director of Samaritans in Scotland, James Jopling, said: “If you’re dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings, the festive season can make everything seem worse. Whether you’re on your own or feeling alone in a crowd, we don’t want anyone to struggle. So, remember you can call Samaritans for free from any phone and, if you’re expecting to have a good Christmas this year yourself, have a think about those around you who may not be as lucky and give them the gift of listening.”
Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.
A 28% funding increase will help deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament, as announced in the Draft Budget by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay. Communities Secretary Angela Constance said that, while the target is challenging, the government has shown that it can deliver. Continue reading Building a fairer Scotland?
Local MSP Ben Macpherson has welcomed latest figures on teacher numbers. Continue reading Macpherson hails government’s commitment to Edinburgh schools
Innovation and economic growth will be the focus of this week’s budget, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told business leaders at a conference in Edinburgh yesterday. Continue reading First Minister: Budget will focus on innovation and growth
The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People has yet again been delayed till Autumn 2018. The project, which was originally meant to open in the winter 2012, was delayed until Autumn 2017, further delayed to Spring 2018 and is now to expected to open in Autumn 2018. Continue reading Another New Sick Kids opening delay “unacceptable” says Tory MSP
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has said his priority is to build Scotland’s future as he prepares to present his second Draft Budget to Parliament on Thursday. Councils across the country are braced for further cuts and it’s a ‘make or break’ Budget for local services. Continue reading A make or break Budget for local services
Plans to introduce a modern system of registration and licensing for animal sanctuaries and rehoming activities have been unveiled. Ministers are now consulting on a commitment, made in the Programme for Government, which is designed to ensure the highest possible standards of welfare for rescued animals.
The consultation considers the need for registration and licensing of premises depending on the number of animals kept, how this may work for larger organisations with multiple premises, and whether to allow independent accreditation of applicants to reduce the burden on local authority inspectors.
It was launched by Roseanna Cunningham, the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for animal welfare, during a visit to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. She said: “Scotland’s animal rehoming centres and sanctuaries perform a vitally important job and standards of welfare are generally high. But we know that isolated problems persist and there is legitimate public concern about this important issue .
“It is also vital that those rehoming a pet can be confident they are adopting from a reputable rescue centre. That is why we plan to introduce a straightforward licensing system, which will deal effectively with cases where animal welfare is not being sufficiently protected, while not being overly burdensome for those already doing a good job.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in animal welfare to respond to this consultation by the end of February and help shape our plans on this important issue.”
The Registration and Licensing of Animal Sanctuaries and Rehoming Activities in Scotland consultation runs for 12 weeks and closes on 4 March 2018.
Communities to have their say on how more decisions can be taken at a local level
The Scottish Government and COSLA have jointly launched a Local Governance Review, which will make sure local communities have more say about how public services in their area are run. The review will involve hearing from communities all across the country to get a clear understanding of the type of changes that are needed, and how these can be made to happen. Continue reading Local Governance Review to ‘strengthen local decision-making’
Young people will lead an in-depth, 15-month study into child and adolescent mental health services to recommend improvements to Ministers. Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt has announced £95,000 to establish the Youth Commission on Mental Health Services – a partnership between the Scottish Government, Young Scot and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). Continue reading Young people to take the lead in mental health study
