Tag: support

Support for bereaved families

Raising awareness of help available this Baby Loss Awareness Week

Social Security Scotland is highlighting the financial support available to families that have lost a baby this Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October 2026).

Families that already receive qualifying benefits can apply for additional support if they have experienced a stillbirth or have lost their baby after being born.

Bereaved families may be able to access Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment to help relieve financial pressures if their baby has died. In addition, Funeral Support Payment is available to help cover the costs of a baby’s funeral.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Losing a baby can have a devastating impact on families. During a time where parents should be able to grieve the loss of their infant, many are faced with added financial pressures that can make their loss even harder to process.

“This Baby Loss Awareness Week, I am letting families know about the package of financial help the Scottish Government offers to help ease some of those strains, giving parents the chance to mourn without added financial worries.”

An estimated 1 in 4 people in the UK experience pregnancy or baby loss. Social Security Scotland recognises the profound impact loss can have on families and is committed to providing support to clients and colleagues.

Social Security Scotland’s Deputy Director of People and Place, Nicola Rudnicki, added: “We understand that losing a baby is one of the hardest experiences a family can face.

“For families looking to apply for support, our teams are specially trained to manage bereavement cases with compassion and respect, meaning our clients can speak to our colleagues knowing they will be treated with dignity.

“We are also proud to have signed Miscarriage UK’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge, recognising that every loss matters and reaffirming our commitment to creating a supportive and understanding environment for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.”

Rowena Pailing, Director of Bereavement Support Services, Community and Volunteering, Sands commented: “Baby loss has a huge emotional impact. It can also have a financial impact.

“At Sands, we hear from families who may be struggling because of their employment situations, or who are concerned about funeral costs. We would encourage anyone who loses a baby to check whether they are eligible for financial help from Social Security Scotland.”

Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October 2026) brings people together to create a supportive space to share their experiences about pregnancy and baby loss. The awareness week also marks the annual Wave of Light memorial on 15 October where families around the work are invited to light a candle at 7pm in remembrance of all babies that have died too soon.

Sands is the charity speaking up about pregnancy and baby loss, saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families.

Miscarriage UK’s latest figures from March 2026 estimate that 1 in 4 pregnancies in the UK end in loss. To find out more about the research, visit: Miscarriage UK research report – March 2026 | Miscarriage UK

NHS 24: Dental Emergencies

Don’t suffer in silence with dental pain. 🦷

Do you know what to do in a dental emergency? NHS inform has clear, reliable advice on exactly when and where to seek help when you need it most.

Be prepared and find out more here: https://nhs24.info/dental-emergencies

LifeCare marks 85 years of supporting Edinburgh’s older people

Renowned local charity celebrates 85 years at the heart of local communities – with demand for its services growing by more than 30% across the last 12-months

LifeCare Edinburgh, the local older people’s care charity, is proudly celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. Established in 1941, LifeCare has spent more than eight decades at the heart of Edinburgh communities, supporting older people and unpaid carers for longer than the NHS has existed.

But while 85 years is a remarkable milestone, the charity says its work is more important than ever as we all face the challenges that an ageing population will bring, with more people living with dementia and multiple health conditions, living alone, living further away from relatives and increasingly living on a low income.

On top of this, growing numbers of unpaid carers, often older themselves, are increasingly shouldering the responsibility of caring for loved ones – and this can take its toll on their own health and wellbeing.

A long history of support at the heart of Edinburgh

LifeCare was originally established as the Edinburgh Old People’s Welfare Council by three pioneering local women: Miss Lowe, a chartered accountant; Miss Whigham, a lawyer; and Dr Baxendine, Physician Superintendent of Queensberry House Hospital.  Their aim was simple but ambitious – to give older members of the community a “fuller share in community life”.

That idea has remained at the heart of LifeCare ever since. The charity has continually changed and adapted alongside the communities it serves. In 1961, it opened Lamb’s House as an older people’s day centre, providing everything from lunches and social activities to bathing, laundry and physiotherapy.

Its Cheyne Street centre, still home to the charity today, was opened by the Queen Mother in 1975. Many local people will recognise the building by its former name, Stockbridge House. The organisation became LifeCare in 2005, but its purpose remained the same: helping older people live well, stay connected and remain part of their communities.

Continually growing demand

The challenges facing local older people are growing at an alarming rate. Edinburgh, like communities across Scotland, has an ageing population, while increasing numbers of people are living with dementia and multiple health and care needs.

At the same time, unpaid carers are shouldering more and more responsibility for looking after loved ones. Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting, leaving people isolated, worried about money and struggling to find time for their own health and wellbeing.

LifeCare provides support that addresses all of these areas, helping older people stay safe and independent at home, access to fresh and nutritious food, maintaining friendships and social connections, and keeping physically and mentally active.

Its support for unpaid carers provides a vital opportunity to take a breath, connect with others and look after their own wellbeing too.

Last year, LifeCare supported 1,140 older people and unpaid carers – a 32% increase on the previous year – while its Community Hub welcomed more than 48,000 visits. More than 75% of LifeCare’s clients live alone with the charity’s services often providing the only in-person contact.

Today, LifeCare provides two registered Day Clubs and Outreach, Help at Home, Meals on Wheels, wellbeing support for unpaid carers and a growing programme of free community activities. I

ts Community Hub and Café on Cheyne Street has become a much-loved local meeting place, where people can enjoy a coffee or lunch, meet others and take part in activities including Chatty Café, craft afternoons, board games, talks, repair workshops, IT support and seasonal events.

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare, said: “Reaching 85 years is an extraordinary milestone, but for us it is not simply about looking back.

“It is about everything we have learned from the older people, carers and communities we have supported and how we continue to adapt to what they need today and what they will need in the future.

“LifeCare has survived and thrived for 85 years because we listen. The challenges facing older people can feel enormous, but we are here to make the difference. We understand the importance of connection, dignity, kindness and trusted relationships.

“We are incredibly proud that thousands of people across Edinburgh continue to turn to LifeCare for support. One person recently described us as ‘my happy place’ and another as their “Lifeline” – and after 85 years, that is exactly the kind of difference we want to keep making.

“We’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of the people involved with LifeCare across the last 85 years – all of our dedicated and professional staff, our committed volunteers, our generous funders, everyone who has sat on our board or taken part in a fundraising challenge.

“LifeCare is all about people and we simply wouldn’t be the organisation we are today without each and every person who has supported our work. As we look ahead to the next 85 years, we look forward to welcoming new faces who are keen to support us and help us meet the growing need for our work.”

LifeCare is celebrating its 85th anniversary at a time when demand for its services is growing – but the fundraising climate is becoming increasingly difficult.  The charity relies on funders, supporters and the generosity of local people to keep its services running. Without that support, LifeCare cannot continue to meet the growing need in the same way.

This year, the charity has launched Friends for Life(Care), inviting local people to become part of its next chapter and help ensure LifeCare can continue supporting older people and unpaid carers for years to come. Full details are available on the charity’s website, social media or people can speak to someone at the Community Hub.

Supporting LifeCare can also be as simple as choosing to have a coffee and cake, lunch or hiring an accessible room for your next event. Every visit, donation and show of support helps LifeCare continue to be there for local people today and tomorrow.

After 85 years at the heart of Edinburgh communities, LifeCare is looking ahead – and wants to make sure it can be here for everyone when they need it.

Law Firm raises £35K for disadvantaged children and young people in Charity Challenge

ABERDEIN CONSIDINE RUSSELL ANDERSON FOUNDATION

A year-long series of fundraising challenges and events from staff at Aberdein Considine LLP has raised £35,000 in total for the law firm’s two 2025/26 charity partners, Cash for Kids and the Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF).

Building on successful fundraising activities in previous years, which have seen Aberdein Considine employees raise more than £115,000 for various worthy causes since 2022, the firm has donated £20,000 to RAF and £15,000 to Cash for Kids in the past 12 months.  

The firm’s charity committee is run jointly by Robert Holland, Partner and Head of Employment Law, and Ruth Aberdein, Partner and Head of Family Law.  

Robert said: “Yet again, we’ve been blown away by the dedication of our people to raise funds for our charity partners. Across the last year, colleagues took part in events, challenges and activities, at times pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits, all in support of Cash for Kids and the Russell Anderson Foundation.

“Both charities do vital work for disadvantaged children and young people, and we hope the money the firm has raised makes a real difference to the people who need it most.”

Ruth Aberdein added: “As we now look to select our next charity partners, we remain committed to supporting local causes that make a genuine difference in our communities, and we’d like to thank everyone across the firm who took part or donated this year for their continued generosity and effort.”

The RAF improves the lives of children in socially deprived areas of Aberdeen through life-changing programmes that make a sustainable and measurable difference to their health and wellbeing.  

Cash for Kids is dedicated to supporting children and young people across the UK affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those with additional needs.

To raise funds for both charities, the firm’s employees undertook several endurance challenges, including the Kiltwalk and other walking events, marathons and even scaled the famous Falkirk Kelpies.  

Notably, Robert Holland took on the 14-day K2 Base Camp Trek alongside his son Daniel to raise almost £4,000 for Cash for Kids and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Employees also participated in company-run events including an ‘Aberdein Considine’s Got Talent’ competition, bake sales, bingo nights and a range of internal staff competitions.  

Festive fundraising efforts saw the Aberdein Considine offices get involved in Christmas Jumper Day and spend time volunteering as they organised presents at Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas events.  

A spokesperson for the Russell Anderson Foundation said: “We have been hugely impressed by the efforts that Aberdein Considine has invested in its charity partners, including RAF, over the past period and the phenomenal amount that has been generated.

“RAF relies heavily on the generosity of organisations such as Aberdein Considine to continue its much-needed work with youngsters in the Aberdeen area.” 

Donna Bednarek, Charity Manager for Forth 1 Cash for Kids, said: “We are blown away by the incredible support from Aberdein Considine over the last year. Every penny raised has made such a difference.

“As a local charity we rely on the generosity and support of businesses and individuals in our local community to ensure we can be there for every child who needs our support, now and in the future.

“Thank you to everyone involved, it is truly appreciated.”

Edinburgh CIC launches Winter Coat Exchange amidst “perfect storm”of energy price rises and El Niño predictions

The Leith Collective hopes its Winter Coat Exchange will bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those struggling this winter

Energy prices are set to reach a three-year high this winter, with an even greater hike to bills expected to hit households in the new year.

These increases, coupled with the knock-on effects of a significant El Niño will create a “perfect storm” for families already struggling to afford the basics to stay warm this winter, according to local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, which is launching a Winter Coat Exchange on Thursday 1st October to help bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need this winter.

Last year, The Leith Collective rehomed more than 10,000 good quality coats. This year, they hope to distribute even more, plus for the first time jumpers, blankets, scarfs, hats and gloves, and they are calling on local businesses and organisations to play their part. 

The initiative is being launched in response to the announcement from the energy regulator, Ofgen, which outlined a rise in the price cap from October. This will add an extra £60 to the typical annual household energy bill, setting bills at a three-year high. What’s more, energy prices are predicted to rise again in January 2027, with current forecasts suggesting the price cap could increase by a further 25%. 

All this comes amidst warnings from UN officials that a significant El Niño is likely to occur towards the end of 2026, with some forecasts predicting the strongest event on record. The direct effects of this El Niño will be felt across the globe and may heighten instances of extreme weather, leading to adverse effects on global food supply chains and energy prices. 

In response, Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective is urging locals to act now. “Families here in Edinburgh are facing real hardship, and the prospects for this winter are bleak if we don’t step in and help.

“We’ve spoken to countless people who can’t afford to heat their homes, cook a decent meal or buy coats and jumpers to stay warm.

“That’s why we’re calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to donate and distribute good quality winter clothing to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need.”

Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective.

The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can help themselves to warm winter clothes without charge and without judgement.

Call for rethink over Edinburgh College of Arts course cuts

Join the call to save craft and design courses

FOLLOWING the shock announcement that Edinburgh College of Art will be closing the remainder of its undergraduate degrees in craft disciplines, Craft Scotland have released an open letter calling for their reinstatement.

✍️ Craft organisations and leaders across the sector have co-signed the letter which you can read in full on our website: https://buff.ly/3jIYlOX

Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume are closing to new admissions in 2027 and will be taught out over the next four years.

“Each year we see work of the highest quality emerge from the ECA degree courses… we know that many of these graduates progress to very successful careers in craft, and make a valuable contribution to the wider cultural sector in Scotland and internationally.

“Collectively, these graduate cohorts are ranked amongst the best in the UK. Makers working in jewellery and textiles have directly helped to establish the reputation of Scottish craft internationally and contribute to cutting edge research in materiality and design.

“International visitors, collectors, curators and academics tell us that Scotland punches above its weight in terms of its contemporary craft culture. This shortsighted decision will have a disproportionate impact on the craft sector as well as significant impact on Scotland’s future creative success.”

– Craft Scotland Director, Irene Kernan

🔸 Co-signed by: Applied Arts Scotland, Fife Contemporary, Design Nation, Visual Arts Scotland, Scottish Textiles Showcase, Heritage Crafts, TRACS

🔸 With support from: Crafts Council, Goldsmiths’ (Company, Centre, Foundation), QEST, European Craft Alliance, Art Jewellery Forum and more.

Due to the strength of public response to this open letter, we have launched a petition to evidence the support for these highly successful craft and design courses.

We plan to share this petition with Scottish Government and politicians, and university decision makers to help fuel a reversal of this descision.

>>> SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION to help save these vital strands of Scotland’s craft and design education ecosystem.

Image 1: Honor Dodd, ECA Jewellery and Silversmithing graduate / Photography by the artist

THE LETTER IN FULL:

Craft Scotland and the other craft support organisations signing this statement are shocked to hear about the proposed closure of the undergraduate Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume courses at Edinburgh College of Art. This will devastate educational opportunities for future generations of professional makers and designers.  

We call on University of Edinburgh Principal, Sir Peter Mathieson, Edinburgh College of Art Principal, Professor Juan Cruz, and Vice-Principal, Professor Sarah Prescott, to reverse these planned closures immediately.

Each year we see work of the highest quality emerge from the ECA degree courses. In our role we monitor the success of makers and we know that many of these graduates progress to very successful careers in craft, and make a valuable contribution to the wider cultural sector in Scotland and internationally.

Collectively, these graduate cohorts are ranked amongst the best in the UK. Makers working in jewellery and textiles have directly helped to establish the reputation of Scottish craft internationally and contribute to cutting edge research in materiality and design.

Edinburgh College of Art Jewellery and Silversmithing alumni have had their masterpieces acquired by some of the world’s most important museum collections and by private collectors.

Alumni from ECA’s Performance Costume course land prestigious roles working across stage and screen, as well as contributing to Scotland’s fashion and textile industries.

Makers working in textiles have built successful careers in industry and design as well as through establishing individual craft businesses. Textiles at ECA ranks consistently high in the Guardian University Guide, maintaining a position within the Top 6 for Textiles for the last 9 years. Number 2 in the UK and Number 1 in Scotland in 2026.

These courses are a unique and irreplaceable part of Edinburgh’s cultural history. A decision to close these courses will have consequences for Scottish culture that are almost impossible to mitigate and would be an enormous loss for the UK’s cultural landscape.

The reputation of craft and making by hand is on the rise. In an increasingly digital world, the value of craft is being recognised even more widely for its educational benefits, cultural impact and employment opportunities.

International visitors, collectors, curators and academics tell us that Scotland punches above its weight in terms of its contemporary craft culture. This shortsighted decision will have a disproportionate impact on the craft sector as well as significant impact on Scotland’s future creative success.

Craft Scotland Director, Irene Kernan

>>> SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION to help save these vital strands of Scotland’s craft and design education ecosystem.

The Nook from SAMH to bring free, accessible mental health support to Edinburgh

A transformational mental health hub will open in Edinburgh next year, bringing free, accessible mental health support to anyone in the capital and its surrounding areas. 

The Nook, a groundbreaking initiative from SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will launch on Lothian Road in early spring 2027. 

The Nook in Edinburgh will be a flagship service for SAMH, which operates more than 70 services across the country, and is the charity’s response to the national mental health crisis, which sees tens of thousands of people wait too long for the help they need.    

Designed to be a welcoming, friendly and accessible space, The Nook operates on a walk-in basis, removing the need to book appointments or receive a referral from a GP.  

It will offer non-clinical, stigma-free mental health support for adults, young people and their families, so that anyone can ask once and get help fast with their mental health. 

Scotland’s national mental health charity has a unique relationship with the capital, which was home to SAMH’s first ever service, a horticultural project that opened in 1983.  

This legacy is continued by longstanding SAMH services including Redhall Walled Garden, based on Lanark Road, and the Hive Activity Centre at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. 

The choice of location for The Nook, at 142 Lothian Road, will make mental health and wellbeing support available in the heart of the city, and easily accessible to people across Edinburgh and beyond. 

David Arbuthnott, 60 from South Queensferry, who attended SAMH’s The Changing Room at Tynecastle Park after experiencing the loss of his sister, said: “Deciding you need help and asking for it can be the most difficult things for people suffering from mental health challenges. 

“Barriers can make people feel like they aren’t worthy of help and that they don’t deserve it, pushing them further away. Accessing help easily in Edinburgh, without having to jump through hoops and overcome barriers, will help so many people.” 

Shona Littlejohn, Chair of SAMH, said: “The Nook will bring innovative, accessible mental health support to anyone in and around Edinburgh.

“As I know from experience, mental health challenges can happen to us all and have a devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and workplaces.   

“Scotland’s mental health system is in crisis, with too many people failed by long waiting lists and the need for referrals. Change has been too slow, and lives are being lost and blighted. The Nook brings hope, compassion and practical support designed and delivered by Scotland’s leading mental health charity.”   

The Nook is the largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history and is funded by SAMH’s first major appeal, which seeks to raise £10 million to revolutionise mental health support across the country.

The Scottish Government has also committed to supporting some of The Nook’s operating costs and SAMH is working closely with government officials to clarify the level of support.  

June Pennykid, Managing Director at insurance broker Keegan & Pennykid, and a longstanding supporter of SAMH, said: “The Nook is by far the most ambitious undertaking by SAMH in its 103-year history. It is also arguably the most essential one.   

“Poor mental health is increasing at a higher rate than any other health condition, including among children and young people. That in itself is reason enough for delivering The Nook throughout Scotland, to ensure that everyone can access the mental health support they need, when they need it.    

“As The Nook comes to Edinburgh, I’d urge my fellow business owners to get on board and support the appeal. After all, you never know when you or someone you love might need it.” 

This will be the third Nook in Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs, with the first Nook opening in Glasgow last year and the second in Aberdeen in June.

Last week, it was announced that 10,000 people have already visited the two existing Nooks, demonstrating clear demand and trust in the walk-in model.  

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “The Nook is the largest charitable mental health initiative in Scotland’s history and we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to Edinburgh.

“With more than 10,000 people having already visited Nooks in Glasgow and Aberdeen, we already know that The Nook is needed, and that it’s giving people the help they need, fast.  

“We hope The Nook will quickly become the go-to place for immediate mental health support in Edinburgh, while working closely with local partners in the mental health system and beyond.”  

More information is available on The Nook website. 

Youth Recruitment and Support event at FetLor Youth Club

WEDNESDAY 30th SEPTEMBER 10am – 2pm

Recruitment opportunity for young people aged 16-24 at FetLor Youth Club next Wednesday, the 30th of September, in partnership with DWP.

If you would like to participate, please click and complete the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/…/18-24-year-old-youth…