More than £1 million has been awarded to voluntary organisations to help support and develop social and community care services in Scotland. The allocation is part of the Section 10 grants scheme and together with on-going grants, brings current Scottish Government investment in the scheme to £2.82 million. Continue reading £1 million for national social and community care organisations
“The squeeze will be felt most by families with children, young people and those who have already been hardest hit by continuing UK Government austerity” – Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman
Families with children will be among those worst affected by UK welfare changes coming into effect, Scotland’s Social Security Minister has said. A number of UK Government changes come in to force yesterday which will cut the benefits people in Scotland are entitled to.
Continue reading Scottish Government acts to protect families hit by welfare changes
As many as 4,800 people with health conditions and disabilities will receive help to get into work without the threat of sanctions in the first year of new Scottish employment services launched yesterday. Continue reading Help into work: Launch of devolved employment services.
All pregnant women in Scotland are to receive free vitamins. The move to provide universal access will improve parent and children’s health and has widespread support among healthcare professionals.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell confirmed the development at Edinburgh Royal Maternity Hospital last week, where she also launched the first Scotland-only Maternal and Infant Nutrition Survey.
Ms Campbell said: “We are committed to giving every child in Scotland the very best start in life and helping women to enjoy a healthy pregnancy is a key part of this.
“There is strong evidence that taking vitamins during pregnancy improves both the mother and baby’s health. By offering them to all pregnant women we can contribute towards giving every baby a fair and equal chance – a move that is widely supported by healthcare professionals.
“I’m also pleased that the Maternal and Infant Nutrition survey is now underway. Data will be gathered on nutrition, breastfeeding, formula feeding and weaning practices and help us strengthen the support we offer to new mothers. I would strongly encourage pregnant women and families with young infants who receive a survey pack to complete and return it.”
New arrangements to support people who receive benefits and the long term employed come into effect today. The devolution of powers through the Scotland Act 2016 now has employability services delivered by the Scottish Government with 12 month transitional arrangements set to launch on Monday. Continue reading Employability and social security legislation come into effect
A new scheme to decrease health inequalities connected to cervical cancer screening rates has been given £180,600 … but the Scottish Greens say that cancer targets have now been missed for four years running. Continue reading Concern as cancer targets missed four years running
More young people in Scotland will be at risk of homelessness due to UK Government changes to housing benefit, Social Security Secretary Angela Constance has warned. Continue reading UK housing benefits changes ‘shameful’
More than 1,500 young mothers have graduated from a pioneering programme that provides them with support and regular home visits from a specially trained nurse. Continue reading More help for young mums
Barnardo’s Scotland has welcomed a commitment by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to carry out a review of the referral and assessment process for children and young people to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Continue reading Charity welcomes youth mental health commitment
Parents will have more choice than ever before when accessing their child’s funded nursery provision the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald has announced. Continue reading Choice at the heart of new childcare proposals, says Minister
