Tag: support

£70,000 and Counting: Edinburgh neurodiversity charity’s fundraising heroes drive charity support forward

  • Co-founder Robin Dow’s 25-mile challenge to celebrate 25 years of the neurodiversity charity paves the way for change
  • Board members and Charity’s CEO embark on challenges to drive donations further

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by co-founder Robin Dow, who, at 81 and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, has already raised a huge £70,000 following his 25-mile walk from Mindroom’s Leith office to Tantallon Castle.

Robin’s epic walk is homage to the charity’s 25-year journey since he co-founded it with author, journalist and wife, Sophie Dow, on 2 August 2000. ‘A Mile for Every Year,’ which was expected to raise £50,000.

Reflecting on the experience, Robin Dow commented: “People are enormously generous, and we are incredibly grateful. The substantial amount we have already raised reflects countless small and large contributions coming together.

“The fact that so many people have responded and actively engaged shows that we not only have wonderful families and friends, but also that, in Mindroom, we have a very worthwhile charity.”

Adrian Astley-Jones – specialist in private equity tech advisory and Non-Executive Director for Mindroom – will also soon join the fundraising efforts with his own epic swim, inspiring colleagues and supporters to rally behind the cause.

On the 14th and 15th of September, Adrian will step out of his comfort zone and embark on a big challenge with three close friends, when he attempts to swim across the 3rd largest ocean whirlpool, The Gulf of Corryvreckan, located around 3 miles out from mainland Scotland’s West Coast, and deemed ‘unnavigable’ by the Royal Navy.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, Adrian adds: “Passion and commitment are part of the work we do with the Mindroom’s community.

“We have one goal, and that is to offer as much direct support as we can and make a difference to real people. I will certainly do my very best to contribute as much as possible to this very important mission. Every stroke counts!”

Adrian’s fundraising challenge carries a deeply personal meaning, as he has chosen to split donations between two causes close to his heart: Mindroom and Dementia UK.

CEO for Mindroom, Alan Thornburrow, will also be pushing fundraising efforts even further when he takes on the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, 28 September.

Talking about the joint fundraising efforts and the team spirit, Alan said: “Participating in the Loch Ness Marathon is more than a personal challenge…It’s an opportunity to channel energy into meaningful change.

“I’m proud to contribute every step of the way.

“Powered by individuals’ efforts and public generosity, Mindroom’s support has been growing steadily since I began as CEO in 2022, and our fundraising feats will benefit people directly, with donations translated into both the future of the charity and the development of new and expanded services, offering tangible support.

“This is why we do what we do, to inspire real change!”

To donate to the three individual fundraising efforts, the links are:

Robin’s epic 25-mile walk; 

Adrian’s open ocean swim; 

Alan’s Loch Ness marathon

New funding for Ukraine as Foreign Secretary visits Kyiv making clear Ukraine’s security is the UK’s security

  • UK aid funding boost to support Ukraine’s emergency energy needs and help vulnerable communities targeted by Putin’s aggression
  • Foreign Secretary to meet President Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Ministers to boost UK and Ukraine relationship, because Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s security 
  • She will show unwavering support and hear from the Ukrainian people living through Russia’s aggression

Energy infrastructure and targeted communities in Ukraine will get new support to build resilience and support thanks to vital UK aid, as Yvette Cooper visits Ukraine in her first trip as Foreign Secretary.

In a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are on the frontline in defending their country and standing up against Russian aggression in Europe, the Foreign Secretary is clear that Ukraine is a priority for the UK.

After a summer of Russian delay tactics at peace talks, weeks of increased attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, and ahead of a difficult winter, her visit will reaffirm that this support is ironclad.

On Tuesday, Russia’s unprecedented violation of a NATO airspace in Poland showed a complete disregard for sovereignty and peace, following Russia’s delay tactics at peace talks throughout the summer. The Foreign Secretary will underscore the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine during her visit and make clear that the defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression is vital to the security of the UK and the whole of Europe.

The Foreign Secretary is due to visit the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv, which was significantly damaged in recent Russia strikes. She will also visit one of the residential buildings destroyed by Russia’s brutal attacks on Ukraine, meeting families and children to hear first-hand their traumatising experiences of living through Putin’s illegal invasion.

The Foreign Secretary has also announced £142 million in UK aid, supporting Ukraine through winter and into next year.

£100 million will provide vital support for humanitarian assistance to help civilians in frontline communities, protect the most vulnerable and provide emergency support for those impacted by Russia’s continued attacks. This will include repairing critical water and heating systems, and helping to support livelihoods and jobs and strengthen Ukrainian resilience in the fourth winter of Russia’s illegal war.

£42 million will help carry out vital repairs to the electricity transmission network and put in place critical protection for gas and power infrastructure as winter starts to bite.

Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “I have chosen to visit Ukraine in my first few days as Foreign Secretary because Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s security.

“I am clear that the UK’s support is unwavering and stronger than ever as we know the long-term security and stability threat that Russian aggression poses not just to Ukraine, but to the whole of Europe and to all of us here in the UK. 

“Through our ongoing military support, lifesaving funding announced today, the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership and our ongoing leadership of the Coalition of the Willing, we will be by Ukraine’s side to achieve a just and lasting peace, and in friendship for years to come.

“Putin’s bombardment of Ukrainian civilians, his stalling and delaying in internationally-backed peace talks, and his blatant disregard for human life must end.”

Ukraine’s security is crucial to the UK’s national security, which is a central part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

As part of her visit, she will also meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Sybiha and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

As part of her discussions with Foreign Minister Sybiha, she will also discuss shared priorities as part of the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue, which will culminate in a meeting between the Prime Minister and the President.

Recognising unpaid carers

New payment for people caring for more than one person

Proposals to further expand and improve the benefits available to unpaid carers in Scotland have been laid before the Scottish Parliament. 

Among the changes are plans to introduce a new payment worth up to £520 annually for people who care for more than one person – benefiting an estimated 18,000 carers – and to extend eligibility for the Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds.

This builds on previous changes following the transfer of responsibility for carer benefits from the UK Government to the Scottish Government, including the introduction of new benefits such as Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Around 130,000 people are entitled to Scottish Government carer benefits in Scotland. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government recognises the immense contribution carers make to our society through caring for family, friends and neighbours.

“That is why we have made it a priority to deliver a series of improvements to better support them following the transfer of carer benefit awards from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.  

“We have a very different approach to social security in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, and these changes build on previous work to help improve the lives of carers. We have already introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and the Young Carer Grant – which are only available in Scotland – and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.  

“This is another major milestone in the process of delivering devolved social security and in building a system that better meets the needs of carers and disabled people in Scotland.” 

Support for 880,000 pensioners in Scotland this winter

Pension Age Winter Heating Payments to begin in November

This winter at least 880,000 pensioners across Scotland are set to receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to help with heating their home.  

From November, eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances.  Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed. 

For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27. 

People can choose to opt out of receiving the payment by completing the online form on the MyGov website by 10 October 2025. 

An eligibility checker has also been created to help people find out how much they are likely to receive. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “At least 880,000 pensioners in Scotland are estimated to benefit from the payment. And with the recent announcement on increasing energy costs, this could be a valuable lifeline for older people in Scotland. 

“We are committed to treating people with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve. Our approach supports those most in need. The Scottish Government will continue to ensure older people get the financial help they need, this winter or any winter. 

“It is also important to highlight that most people don’t need to do anything – they will automatically receive the payment if eligible.” 

Social Security Scotland will send a letter to everyone who will receive a payment. Subject to Parliamentary approval, payments will start from November 2025 and continue throughout the winter.

Letters: Cats Protection thanks players of People’s Postcode Lottery

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY

Dear Letters Editor,

This International Day of Charity (5 September) we would like to say thank you to each of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery whose generosity has enabled us to help around one million cats to date.

Since 2018, People’s Postcode Lottery players have raised £12,439,702 for Cats Protection, helping us be there for cats and kittens in need. One million cats’ lives have been changed for the better and this incredible milestone could not have been achieved without players’ support.

Thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players we have been able to remain at the forefront of research on cat welfare, using our decades of experience to support cat owners to keep their pets happy, healthy and safe.

Helping people understand their cats means we can often avoid owners having to give up their pets. But when rehoming is the right thing to do, our teams look after cats with care and kindness,  finding them loving new homes.  

We speak up for cats, changing laws to give cats more protection and also run the world’s largest single-species neutering programme, for both pets and feral cats. 

When cat owners face hard times, we work to keep them with their pets, offering a temporary foster service for those fleeing domestic abuse, supporting those facing the loss of their cat as well as peace of mind when an owner passes away that their cat will be looked after and rehomed. 

Whatever it takes, we’re here for cats and the people who care for them, thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players. 

Yours faithfully

Cat Jarvis

Senior Philanthropy Communications Officer, Cats Protection

Evaluating efforts to tackle poverty

New report highlights the impacts of Scottish policies

Scottish benefits are easing the cost-of-living burden for families according to a new evaluation.

The Scottish Centre for Social Research surveyed people in receipt of any of the Five Family Payments, a group of benefits designed to tackle poverty and to improve household finances.

Findings show the payments have a positive impact on recipients’ overall finances and have helped to reduce material deprivation and food insecurity for low-income families. The majority of Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods recipients agreed the payments meant they did not need foodbanks.

Feedback also shows the majority of Best Start Foods recipients, who receive a pre-paid card to purchase healthy food, reported that the card enabled their families to have healthy meals more frequently. 

Other impacts include a reduction to household debt and borrowing and more children being able to undertake extra-curricular activities, like sport, music or drama.

Recipients also commented that the automatic payment system reduces worry and stress.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met some impacted families at Brunstane Primary School in Edinburgh.

Ms Somerville said: “We want every child to have the best start in life, but we recognise that the cost of living continues to have a negative impact on families across the country.

“It is a moral imperative to offer the best support we can, and I’m pleased that this work found an array of positive, meaningful impacts.

“But we are not letting up. We know there is more to do, which is why, as an example, we are launching the new Two Child Limit Payment in March, which will benefit the families of 43,000 children next year.

“And in the face of challenging economic headwinds and cuts to the UK welfare system, I want to reassure families that our support will continue. No child, nor family, will be left behind by the Scottish Government.”

One parent, Emma Hunter from Magdalene, said: “We are so grateful for the support we received with the healthy start vouchers, school uniforms and child payment.

“It has been such a huge help  in easing the financial burden of starting a family and it has made a real difference to our lives.”

Evaluation report

Childline counsellor to trek Great Wall of China to raise money for NSPCC

A Childline counsellor from Aberdeen is gearing up to walk 50km along the Great Wall of China next month to raise funds for Childline.  

Gemma Cutler, 22, has volunteered with Childline for over two years. She will join a group of 18 fellow fundraisers on the epic challenge. 

Dubbing themselves the ‘Tartan Trailblazers’ the group will set off in late September and will walk 10km on five consecutive days along the iconic site, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They will navigate steep terrain and thousands of uneven steps in aid of the NSPCC-run service. 

Gemma is a recent graduate from Aberdeen University, with degrees in Psychology with Counselling Skills, and Autism & Learning. She is currently working as an education support worker at Linn Moor Residential School.  

She said: “I’ve spoken to many young people through Childline and I know how important it is for them to have a safe space to talk about their feelings and be listened to without judgement. 

“Childline believes that everyone matters. That’s why I’m taking on this challenge—to help ensure the service can continue to be there for children who need support, whenever they need it.” 

Gemma became involved with Childline after hearing her mother talk about her experience as a Childline volunteer. She saw advertisements online looking for volunteers and decided to sign up and says the experience has been both rewarding and eye-opening. 

She added: “It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a difference. Every donation helps Childline continue to offer that lifeline to children who may have nowhere else to turn. 

“I have already raised more than £3,000 on JustGiving and I would just like to thank everyone who has donated. It’s amazing that so many people have dug deep for such an amazing cause, and it will encourage me to keep going – even during the toughest moments.” 

The trek, organised through travel firm Charity Challenge, will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, including the famous ‘heavenly staircase’—a steep climb with dramatic views and exposed conditions. 

Participants will face early starts, basic overnight accommodation, and unpredictable weather, with rain, wind and sun all possible during the five-day journey. 

Funds raised will go towards supporting NSPCC services, including Childline’s free counselling for children, the adult Helpline for reporting concerns about a child and to get parenting advice and support, and educational programmes such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which aim to prevent abuse and neglect. 

To donate, please visit Gemma’s JustGiving page.  

Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

Adults with concerns about a child can contact Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.

UK announces new support for women and girls in Gaza

UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls

  • UK announces new life-saving support for pregnant women and new mothers, and menstrual hygiene kits for thousands of women and girls 
  • Foreign Secretary calls for a full resumption of aid into Gaza, as women and girls risk pregnancy complications and disease  
  • It comes amid ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with ‘women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering’

Against a backdrop of an appalling humanitarian crisis, the UK has pledged vital funding to deploy midwives and deliver emergency medical supplies for new mothers in Gaza. The aid could reach thousands—but only if Israel allows a substantial increase in vital humanitarian access. 

The announcement comes after the Famine Review Committee confirmed famine in parts of Gaza.   

The UK reiterates that the Israeli government’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza has caused this man-made catastrophe and urges it to take action to improve the situation immediately.  

The Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering.

“The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need. 

“Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated. With ongoing strikes on healthcare centres and most hospitals no longer functioning at all, pregnant women will be extremely anxious about giving birth safely. 

 “That’s why we’re announcing this support today as part of our sustained humanitarian assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.   

“This new funding will help improve midwifery provisions and make giving birth safer. It is critical to improving the situation for mothers and their new-born babies.  

“But this funding can only have maximum impact if the Government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.   

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and a framework to deliver long-term peace.”  

UK funding is set to support some of the 130 women who give birth every day against the backdrop of conflict in Gaza. This £3m funding, delivered through the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) is supporting midwives to provide essential lifesaving care for mothers and newborn babies in conflicts and crises.  

UNFPA is providing life-saving reproductive health supplies for women and girls in Gaza. Since the conflict began, UNFPA has reached over one million people with sexual and productive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response support.  

It has also ensured that over 150,000 women and girls have been able to purchase essential menstrual and hygiene items to meet their basic needs.  

Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director said: “Women and girls are enduring increasingly horrific conditions in Gaza – with widespread malnutrition and disease putting the lives of pregnant and breastfeeding women and their babies at particular risk.  

“This vital contribution from the United Kingdom will support UNFPA in providing lifesaving medicines, deploying mobile maternity units, and supporting midwives across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  

“With one in five babies in Gaza born prematurely or underweight, and maternal and neonatal services collapsing from fuel and supply shortages, UNFPA also reiterates its urgent call for unimpeded, sustained and demilitarized humanitarian aid into the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”  

The FCDO is also working with Oxfam GB to distribute Reemi’s zero waste menstrual hygiene products that are suitable for women and girls with limited access to clean water. In incredibly difficult circumstances, Oxfam and local partners distributed over 5,000 Reemi kits in Northern Gaza in early 2025.

Sadly, the UK continues to supply arms to Israel…

Hourglass: Failed Risk Tool Exposed

Older Victim-Survivors Deserve Better Safeguards

Hourglass – the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people – has responded to comments by the Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips, who admitted the DASH tool “doesn’t work”.

DASH – the UK’s main risk assessment tool for domestic abuse – could soon be scrapped, after mounting evidence shows it has repeatedly failed to identify high-risk cases.

For more than a decade, professionals across the UK have relied on DASH. Yet independent studies reveal that victims who were later killed, or suffered repeated abuse, were often assessed as only ‘standard’ or ‘medium’ risk. Families who lost loved ones are now taking legal action against institutions that relied on this flawed tool.

Hourglass has long warned that DASH was never fit for purpose when it came to older victim-survivors. Abuse in later life often looks very different: dependency on carers or family members, economic coercion, neglect and isolation.

By contrast, DASH questions were built around the experiences of younger victims, often focusing on stalking, harassment or recent relationship breakdowns.

Crucially, Hourglass reminds policymakers that abuse of older people is not just a women and girls’ issue:

  • Older men make up a significant proportion of callers to the Hourglass helpline.
  • Abuse can be perpetrated by adult children, relatives, or even professional carers – not just intimate partners.
  • Risk tools designed solely within a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) framework leave older men, and those outside traditional victim stereotypes, unseen and unsupported.

Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Hourglass, said: “Older victim-survivors of abuse are too often invisible in the safeguarding system.

“Hourglass has never believed that DASH adequately reflected the realities of abuse in later life – whether those victims are women or men. Replacing DASH must be more than a technical fix.

“It must embed an age-inclusive, gender-inclusive understanding of abuse, backed by training, resourced services, and accountability across every agency.”

Hourglass is calling on government and safeguarding partners to:

  • Ensure any replacement risk tool reflects the unique dynamics of abuse against older people, including economic dependence, carer-abuse, coercion at end of life, and age-related vulnerabilities.
  • Recognise that older men as well as women are victims, and provide specialist services.
  • Mandate specialist training for professionals so older victims are not ‘downgraded’ or dismissed as low-risk.
  • Collect robust age- and gender-segmented data to monitor risk decisions and prevent systemic neglect of older victim-survivors.

Hourglass is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.