Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.
Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:
https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/…/how-to-make-a…/…
Children First has uncovered a staggering 85% of parents in Scotland feel they have nowhere to turn when bringing up children becomes tough. The charity is urging parents and carers to get in touch with their free support line and webchat service which provides emotional, practical and financial help for families.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, who recently declared a childhood emergency in Scotland, described the findings as ‘extremely troubling’.
Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said, “The fact that almost nine out of ten parents in Scotland don’t know where to seek advice and support when bringing up children gets tough is extremely troubling.
“Every day our teams hear from parents and carers from across Scotland that raising their babies, children and teenagers is harder than ever. Many are at a loss, not knowing where to turn for support. Children do well when families do well, so this must change.
“We are urging parents who are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, have a feeling that something isn’t quite right or who just need to hear a friendly voice to get in touch with our support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk.
“All stages of growing up bring their own unique challenges. Whatever you are worried about we’re here for you. We know being a parent can be tough. Whether you’re concerned about baby milestones, toddler tantrums, social media, bullying, exam stress or mental health you are not alone. Children First is here for children and here for families.”
For over 140 years Children First have been trusted by thousands of parents and carers to help keep young people safe and well. Every year the charity puts millions of pounds back into the pockets of families by helping them claim the benefits and entitlements they are due.
Mary Glasgow continued: “With one in four children living in poverty in Scotland and around 100 referrals a day being made to child and adolescent mental health services, bringing up children is harder than ever.
“Our support line is a lifeline for families who desperately need advice. No child should suffer because the adults in their life don’t have anyone to turn to.”
Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”
Mum Lucy* shared that she “received fantastic support both online and via phone, regarding a concern for my son’s emotional wellbeing.”
Young person Ollie* said: “My Children First recovery worker saved my life quite a few times. Without her I would have been lost. She helped me believe I could get through it.”
The support line is also available for anyone who is concerned a child in their community may be at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.
Ms Glasgow explained, “We all need to look out for children who can’t protect themselves and they need our help to stay safe. If you have concerns about a child’s wellbeing it can be difficult to know what to do.
“Please don’t leave it to chance. Our support line will listen and help you work through what’s best for the child.”
If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999.
Families can call the Children First support line for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
Last year, more than two thirds of families contacting the support line were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half rang with concerns about family relationships.
New analysis from anti-poverty charity Trussell has found that 15,000 people in disabled households across Scotland will be forced into severe hardship and at risk of needing a food bank in 2029/30, if the UK government goes ahead with planned cuts to social security.
The report – produced by economic and public policy experts WPI Economics for Trussell – models the projected impact of proposed changes to social security for disabled people on the number of people facing hunger and hardship in Scotland, a measure of deep poverty which captures people at risk of needing to use a food bank now or in the future.
This new analysis comes just weeks after it was revealed that almost 240,000 emergency food parcels were distributed by the Trussell community across Scotland during the past year. This is equivalent to one parcel every two minutes and a 101% increase compared to a decade ago.
Across the UK, it is projected that 440,000 people in disabled households will be forced into severe hardship. It also shows that the UK government’s planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit will move 95,000 people out of severe hardship – which Trussell says is clear evidence this welcome step cannot possibly make up for the sheer scale of the damage of cuts. The net impact of reforms will still be around 340,000 more people in disabled households facing hunger and hardship.
Trussell warns that UK government’s proposed £7 billion cuts to support for disabled people are likely to undermine its goal of increasing employment and will drive higher costs for public services.
Trussell and WPI Economics have shown that even before these cuts, the ongoing failure to tackle hunger and hardship leads to the Scottish government spending an additional £860m a year on public services alone, like the NHS, schools and children’s social care.
As MPs prepare to vote on legislation to introduce the cuts, Trussell is urging the UK government to think again and halt these damaging cuts to support for disabled people. They will be condemning hundreds of thousands of people to severe hardship and piling the pressure on food banks across the country, which are already stretched to breaking point.
As well as axing the proposed cuts, Trussell is calling on the UK government to bring forward the planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit so it comes into full effect from April 2026, rather than April 2029.
Cara Hilton, senior policy manager for Scotland at Trussell, said: “This UK government was elected on a promise of change, and with a commitment to end the need for food banks. If the government goes ahead with these ill-considered and cruel cuts to social security, this promise will not be kept – and instead, they will risk leaving behind a legacy of rising poverty and hunger.
“Tackling fiscal challenges should not be done at the expense of people already facing hunger and hardship. These cuts will force 440,000 people in disabled households into severe hardship and leave them at risk of needing a food bank. We urge the government not to continue down this damaging path.
“We support the plan to reform employment support and help more people into work, where their health allows this and accessible jobs are available, but these proposed cuts will utterly undermine this goal. Slashing support will damage people’s health and reduce their ability to engage in training and work.”
Craig Crosthwaite, manager at North Ayrshire Foodbank, said: “Most days we see people coming to the food bank who have a disability or are caring for someone with a disability in their household.
“Social security payments do not allow people to afford the essentials, and this is amplified when you are also dealing with the extra costs of managing a disability. Life simply costs more for disabled people. We fear that should these cuts be forced through Parliament, we will see many more people being forced to access our help.”
You can find out how many emergency food parcels were distributed in your area, and write to your MP to express your concerns at these cruel cuts, on the Trussell website: https://campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode
The latest version of Ready, Steady, Baby! is now available.
Everyone who is pregnant and lives in Scotland will receive a free printed copy from their midwife (also available in other formats and languages). It’s also available on NHS inform.
Dear Editor,
Our charity recently released a new Index into the financial wellbeing of older Scots. Across the country, the results were stark, and closer to home they reveal the tough choices many in later life in the Lothian region are being forced to make.
Our data has shown that, shockingly, in the region, 22% of older people have skipped meals in the last year. Just 20% say that the State Pension is enough to cover basic living expenses.
The Scottish Government recently put forward its Programme for Government, and again, despite rising levels of pensioner poverty, there was no proposed plan to tackle this.
At Independent Age, we know urgent action is needed. A pensioner poverty strategy should include a Pension Credit awareness campaign, which is a vital source of support for older people on a low income that a significant number in the region – 18% – do not even know about.
The results of our Index show the unacceptable financial difficulties many older people in the Lothian are experiencing. This must change. Both the UK and Scottish Government must act.
Debbie Horne
Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity supporting older people facing financial hardship. You can access advice on money, housing, health and care at independentage.org or through a free helpline on 0800 319 6789.
The majority of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under believe their own childhood was safer (61%), easier (52%) and full of better experiences (51%) than their own children’s.
A YouGov survey of 4,017 parents and carers – including 339 in Scotland – commissioned by the NSPCC to analyse children’s playing habits also found that 54% of participants want their children to play more in person.
Nearly a third of parents in Scotland (31%) believe the biggest barrier to their child playing more in person is concerns over their safety. Other barriers identified include:
Overall, findings across the UK showed that 38% of parents believe their child plays online every day or multiple times a day. Once children reach their teens, this increases, with 53% of parents of 12–16-year-olds saying their children within that age group play online at least once a day.
In person play also decreases as a child ages. While 40% of total participants agreed that their children played in person once a day or more, for parents of 12–16-year-olds this decreases to just 27%, and 16% for those with 17–18-year-olds.
As the NSPCC prepares for its fourth annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 6th) it has issued calls for families to come together and celebrate the joys of childhood, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.
People can get involved by donating to the NSPCC, including in Lidl stores – either at cash donation tins or in small amounts via card payment at the till, thanks to digital micro-donation system Pennies. They can also volunteer at a Childhood Day collection point or take on the NSPCC’s Childhood Day Mile.
All the funds raised will go towards helping the NSPCC deliver vital services, like Childline which supports children at risk.
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC said: “It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our latest research suggests that parents today believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences.
“Lack of in-person play for children is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to try and address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing.
“The NSPCC’s Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood and give everyone a really fun and positive in-person experience, while at the same time seeking to raise vital funds for the charity.”
Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a fourth year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 8 years, raising over £10 million for the charity in this time.
Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.
To find out more on how to get involved in Childhood Day including taking part in the Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a fundraising collection, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/
Blind and partially sighted residents in Edinburgh will be able to try out assistive technology at an upcoming local event with a leading sight loss charity.
RNIB Scotland will be speaking to visitors and offering support at a ‘Low Vision Solutions Open Day’ on Wednesday 11 June, 10am – 2pm at RNIB’s Hillside office on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh.
The event will be an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people, and their friends and family, to meet with RNIB to receive advice and support.
A range of trusted experts on-hand to talk through live demonstrations on a 1-1 basis and also a chance to meet local support services to find out information about technology products and services that are available.
There are multiple barriers to the digital world for people living with sight loss that include cost, confidence, access to training opportunities, as well as accessibility and safety concerns.
Derek Rutherford, RNIB’s Product Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Low Vision Solutions event taking place this week.
“One of RNIB’s priorities is to equip blind and partially sighted people to thrive and live independently, and accessible technology plays a vital role in this.”
NHS Lothian, and Asthma + Lung UK have praised the benefits of the LEZ, following a year of enforcement.
Experts at the NHS and a leading charity have highlighted the ongoing impact of the LEZ enforcement on air quality and health. In addition, the new rules have incentivised active travel and greater use of public transport.
A LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. Edinburgh began enforcement alongside Aberdeen on June 1, 2024. Dundee began enforcement on May 30, 2024, and Glasgow on June 1, 2023.
With Clean Air Day (19 June) just a few weeks away too this one-year anniversary is a timely reminder of the importance of the LEZ here in Edinburgh and beyond.
In recent years air quality in Edinburgh has improved, with our monitoring data showing reduced pollution levels, and people getting ready for the LEZ may have contributed to this.
Over the last year, the average amount of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for non-compliant vehicles entering the zone has been decreasing steadily.
Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number decreased by 56%. There is also evidence of lower numbers of second contraventions. The vast majority of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant, over 95%. Around 3% of vehicles entering the LEZ are exempted classed.
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement.
The first annual report on LEZ operation is expected to be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee later this year, including air quality trends and how the scheme contributes to our carbon reduction targets, as well as operational matters such as the number of PCNs issued, costs of maintaining and operating the scheme, gross and net revenue and other key issues.
The Council is working with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on data collection and analysis of the LEZ and will present a report in the Scottish Parliament that will help inform the national picture of LEZ impact.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson: “I’m proud that alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow we took the bold step of implementing and enforcing a LEZ. We’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all. Fundamentally, the LEZs are about making our cities healthier for everyone.
“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on the response to the climate and nature emergencies which will define our country for generations to come. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health.
“Road traffic is one of the main sources of harmful emissions that are damaging people’s health and contributing to climate change, so we have a real responsibility to tackle this.
“The average decrease in PCNs here in Edinburgh show that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their habits accordingly. It’s also encouraging to see studies showing a positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport.
I look forward to seeing the annual report when it is considered by Committee.
“The LEZ is one important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”
Flora Ogilvie, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian said: “It’s great to know that the LEZ enforcement has been in place for a year, helping to improve air quality in the city and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents.
“Improving air quality and reducing traffic levels are also an important way of encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.
“Travelling sustainably can help improve individual physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, as well as supporting better environmental health for the whole population and planet.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “We are pleased that Edinburgh along with Dundee and Aberdeen made the bold move a year ago to ban the most polluting cars from their city and it is a step in the right direction to help improve the air that we all breathe.
“With air pollution cutting short thousands of lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not be forced to breathe in dirty air.
“With 1 in 5 people in Scotland developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.
“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.”
77% of all PCNs in the last year were served to light passenger vehicles (private cars) and 21% to light goods vehicles (panel vans) with the remaining 2% being divided among the other classes of vehicle. 62.4% of PCNs are paid within 14 days at the discounted rate.
The penalty charge structure for all of Scotland’s LEZs is set by the Scottish Government.
The city council publishes regular updates on PCN figures on their website.
Income from the LEZ will be used in the first instance to pay for the operation and maintenance of the scheme. Any surplus income will be contributed towards Council projects which contribute towards the wider goals of the LEZ, particularly improving air quality and climate change emission reduction.
All LEZ monitoring and evaluation information will be made available on our webpages.
Air pollution is associated with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year in the UK. The World Health Organization and the UK Government both recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health.
Another key development is that the Low Emission Zone Support Fund has now resumed and is open to new applications. This is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.
There are separate funds available for households, businesses and retrofitting vehicles. All eligibility criteria and application details can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website
“One of my daughters has autism and ADHD, and Scottish Child Payment allows me to do activities that calm her down and make her happy and that makes a massive difference.”
Figures released yesterday reveal that Michelle’s daughter is just one of 326,255 children who are actively benefiting from Scottish Child Payment.
Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring for a child. It is a weekly payment, currently worth £27.15, for every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who’s under 16 years of age.
Michelle said: “Scottish Child Payment is something that helps you and helps your children when you’re in a difficult financial situation.
“I think there’s sometimes a stigma around applying for it, especially as a single mother, but I highly recommend that those who have yet to apply for it do so.”
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.
“Today’s figure show that the Scottish Government is supporting 233,040 individual clients and 326,255 children throughout Scotland, with over 7.5 million paid out in Scottish Child Payment.
“These payments are actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.
“In the coming year it is forecast we’ll invest a further £471 million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more families and children who need it.”
We would urge those who are thinking of applying for financial support, to check their eligibility and start their application today.”
Social Security Scotland – Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2025
Scottish Child Payment is one of the five family payments parents and carers may be eligible for along with Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.
All of the following need to apply:
A parent or carer can apply whether they are in work or not, if they or their partner are getting one or more of the following benefits:
Social Security Scotland also accept claims if the person alone is named on one of these benefits:
WEDNESDAY 28 MAY from 10am – 12 noon at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Housing information drop in this Wednesday at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 10am-12noon 
Staff/advisors are coming from:
City of Edinburgh Council Housing
RIGHT THERE
Grab a cuppa and get some advice!
