Tag: support

Extra support in the classroom

University tutors to provide help for those who need it most

Tutoring staff from two Scottish universities will be working in classrooms across the country to help engage children and young people in their studies and improve attainment.

Aimed at those impacted most by poverty, the innovative approach will see almost 500 pupils receive extra tutoring support from Queen Margaret University and the University of Glasgow this academic year.

The programme was initially launched as an intervention to provide support for young people who were most affected by the Covid-19 school closures.

This next step, supported by £90,000 from the Scottish Government, will now see the initiative extended to a wider group of young people. This will include specialist one-to-one tuition for pupils, delivered online and in person, with the aim of helping them secure a place in university, training or further study.

The announcement comes as a new survey of almost 1,000 school staff found three-quarters felt the poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed because of the Scottish Government’s flagship Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC). The programme has now been running for a decade with up to £1.75 billion being invested.

Speaking on a visit to Newbattle High School in Midlothian, which is taking part in the tutoring scheme, Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Children and young people’s background and upbring must never be a barrier to success in education.

“The Scottish Government is determined to create an even playing field for all, both in schools and in securing places in higher education.

“The work that is being taken forward by the Queen Margaret and Glasgow universities is ensuring that more pupils impacted by poverty are engaged and supported with their studies. This will help them to maximise their potential and go on to a positive future.

“This is an excellent example of innovation in Scottish education, which compliments the work of our Scottish Attainment Challenge. Through this and other measures, we are doing all we can to eradicate child poverty; our schools are playing a key role in achieving that ambition – from delivering free school meals and clothing banks to after-school study clubs and this tutoring programme.”

Principal of Queen Margaret University, Sir Paul Grice, said: “We are delighted to see this powerful package of support being put in place, based on our pioneering, and award winning, tutoring project, which was developed by QMU and East Lothian Council during the pandemic with funding from the STV Children’s Appeal and local supporters.

“Over the last five years, this tried and tested model has helped thousands of senior school pupils in East and Midlothian keep up or re-engage with learning, so they are supported to reach their potential in life.

“By recognising the impact of this important project and supporting its expansion, the Scottish Government is ensuring young people get the extra help they require to succeed during a crucial stage in their learning journey, which will ultimately shape their future life outcomes.” 

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement, at the University of Glasgow, said: “Education has the power to transform lives, and it is vital that every young person has the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances.

“By working with schools across Scotland, the University of Glasgow is helping to break down barriers to learning and give pupils the extra support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. We are delighted to see this programme grow and to play our part in tackling the attainment gap.”

Read the School Survey Report 2025 and the Interim Evaluation Report 2025  on the Attainment Scotland Fund.

Strengthening support for start-ups

Multi-year commitment made to Scottish EDGE awards

A £3.6 million contribution to the Scottish EDGE Awards is to be made over the next three years, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.

The multi-year pledge goes beyond a Programme for Government 2025-26 commitment to provide £1.2 million this year by committing to deliver the funding level for the next three years. The funding will be matched pound-for-pound by the private sector over the same period.

Since being established in 2012 the Scottish EDGE awards have awarded more than £29 million to more than 700 businesses – with the platform helping many to establish national and international business operations.

To announce the funding, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the headquarters of Ooni Ltd in Edinburgh. Ooni, creator and leader of the at-home pizza oven category, is a past recipient of Scottish EDGE funding and now operates globally, having sold over 2.5 million award-winning pizza ovens worldwide.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I have been consistently clear that entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy – but they need the right support at the right time to ensure they can develop, grow and prosper.

“Since being established by the Scottish Government more than a decade ago the Scottish EDGE awards have become an integral part of the support network for Scottish start-ups, helping and supporting incredible success stories like Ooni on their journey.

“The Scottish Government is investing record funding into Entrepreneurism this year and it is incredibly encouraging to see multiple independent sources indicating our start-up community is thriving. but, However, recognising the importance that consistent support means for the start-up community and its backers, I’m delighted to extend our support for the awards not just for this year, but through to 2028.”

CEO of Scottish EDGE Evelyn McDonald said: “As a founding funder of Scottish EDGE, the Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in the delivery and success of the competition from the outset.

“The accomplishments and global growth of businesses like Ooni, who were relatively early winners, is testament to the wide-reaching impact funding can have on a business in those crucial early stages. Ooni are also an alumnus of Scale Up Scotland demonstrating how our programmes integrate to build world class businesses at scale in the ecosystem.

“We are confident that the benefits to the economy of the Scottish Government’s commitment over the next three years will be felt for a long time to come – not least in helping leverage further, private sector investment in the growth of Scottish businesses, with the likes of RBS and ongoing support from The Sir Tom Hunter Foundation.”

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said: “Whether starting out or scaling up, every founder needs the right environment to succeed and keep growing.  Fostering a thriving, inclusive and vibrant start-up community is a critical component of a creating healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

“Now a well-established initiative for identifying and supporting early stage Scottish companies across a broad range of sectors, this longer-term backing for the Scottish EDGE awards enables a more strategic approach to delivering the programme and illustrates public and private sector commitment to driving closer alignment, collaboration and investment in our entrepreneurs.”

Co-Founder Co-CEO of Ooni Darina Garland said: “Since 2012, Ooni has grown from a tiny yet ambitious start-up to the global innovative home cookware company we are today.

“Like any business, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and the support of Scottish EDGE was fantastic in our early years – both the funding we won which helped us kick off our IP journey and the mentorship we received which played a role in our early development, enabling us to innovate and expand rapidly.

“It’s been a pleasure to support Scottish EDGE as a judge and pass on our knowledge and experience to support other entrepreneurs. This multi-year funding pledge will undoubtedly help many more ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs achieve their potential and contribute to the economy.”

The Scottish Government established the Scottish EDGE (Encouraging Dynamic Growth Entrepreneurs) Fund in 2012 to boost jobs and growth in the Scottish economy. Originally established in Scottish Enterprise, Scottish EDGE was spun out to a private sector led social enterprise in late 2014.

Corstorphine Community Centre: Caring For Carers

THURSDAYS FORTNIGHTLY 10.15 – 11.30am

Are you a Carer?

We know the role is complicated and tiring. Join us fortnightly for a little light relief- maybe even a giggle.

Relax with like minded folks, share experiences, find out about resources and carve some time out for you.

£26.7m impact of spending just £1-a-week more with local businesses 

Potential spending is just ‘tip of iceberg’ of what can be achieved, says Scotland Loves Local chief

An extra £26.7m could be driven directly into Edinburgh’s economy if everyone in the city spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses.

The significant financial difference that can be made – safeguarding the future of businesses and protecting jobs – has been highlighted as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which runs until Saturday (August 30).

The call to think local first is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local – with support from the Scottish Government.

STP has calculated that, if every person in Scotland were to spend just £1 more per week with local businesses in their area, an additional £282.7m would be generated annually.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The reality is that £26.7mm is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in Edinburgh. If £1 more every week can make a transformational impact to the people who make our places, just imagine what is truly possible by choosing local even more.

“Money stays local for longer when you spend with local businesses.The multiplier effect is massive. These businesses spend with other businesses, who employ other local people, who then spend with other local businesses. Every penny spent is an investment in the future of your area.

“The jobs and livelihoods of your neighbours, friends and family depend on you doing so.”

STP champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a better Scotland and the need to invest in them.

Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Local spending is vital to the prosperity of our villages, towns and cities. It keeps people in jobs, businesses open and wealth in communities.

“The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Scotland’s Towns Partnership to drive forward the Scotland Loves Local campaign which aims to strengthen communities by putting localism and thriving town centres and high streets at the heart of a green, fair and growing economy.

“To create jobs and boost local economies we are also progressing our Community Wealth Building Bill which would, if passed by MSPs, encourage councils, NHS boards and other public bodies to buy more goods and services from their local businesses.”

Deaf children still falling through cracks in Scotland two years on from damning report

Deaf children across Scotland are still falling through the cracks and missing out on vital support despite two years passing since a damning report laid bare the inadequacies of NHS Scotland’s audiology services, the National Deaf Children’s Society is warning.

Today marks two years to the day that the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland (IRASS), identified “multiple systemic problems” in NHS Scotland’s hearing services for both children and adults.

The most urgent recommendations were around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, carried out to identify deafness in very young children. Issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland. This is particularly concerning for young children, where delays or inaccuracies in testing can have lifelong impacts.

Other issues flagged by IRASS were audiology services facing barriers with recruiting new staff and addressing long waiting times.

Information obtained by the National Deaf Children’s Society reveals waiting times to be referred to audiology services in Scotland are unacceptably long. In some cases, children who should be seen within 42 days were waiting up to 600 days, posing a serious risk to early identification and intervention. 

One mother shared with the National Deaf Children’s Society the “heartbreaking” impact that her son’s unidentified deafness, coupled with a lack of support and intervention, has had on their family.  

Melanie Wright suspected her son Dawson was deaf when he was six, despite him having recently had a hearing test, which revealed no deafness. Dawson, from Dunbar, East Lothian, then had to wait three years before his deafness was finally identified, aged nine, despite Melanie’s repeated calls for a follow-up hearing test. 

Dawson’s family were told he required grommets surgery but there would be a two-year wait unless they paid to go privately, which was not an option.

Melanie recalled how exhausting it was for Dawson to keep up with conversations at home and his frustration when he couldn’t join in. 

At school, Dawson missed key parts of lessons because he could not hear what was said, which made learning harder and knocked his confidence. 

Melanie said: “It’s heartbreaking watching your child work twice as hard just to keep up, knowing it didn’t have to be this way.” 

Dawson’s deafness also impacted on friendships, and he often felt excluded.

When the Scottish Government committed to accept all the IRASS recommendations in December 2023, it was hoped there would be a root and branch reform of Scotland’s struggling audiology services.  

But progress has been painfully slow, and despite the Scottish Government previously pledging to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are “front and centre” these individuals have since been sidelined, as have deaf charities, despite their direct experience on the frontline.

Melanie continued: “This isn’t about special treatment, it’s about making sure children get the care and support they were promised, when they need it.

“This delay is costing children their education, their confidence, and their future — and no one is taking responsibility. 

“I’m exhausted and totally broken by the experience.”

A coalition of charities, spearheaded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, has written an open letter to Scotland’s Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto MSP, expressing concern at the lack of progress made by the Scottish Government since the publication of IRASS. 

The charities warn the Minister that delayed hearing tests and inadequate care means that countless other babies and young children, like Dawson, will have unidentified deafness and lack support during this crucial period of their life. This can “severely impact a child’s ability to acquire language – whether spoken, signed or a combination of both”, the letter reads. 

IRASS also found an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years. 

In their letter to the Minister the charities express their disappointment that action taken by the Scottish Government since the publication of IRASS is “yet to deliver the transformative change so urgently needed” while other recommendations “remain partially or completely incomplete”.

The charities urge the Minister to “equip audiology services with the resources, workforce, and leadership necessary to deliver the best possible outcomes for deaf children and adults”.

The Minister is warned by the charities that without “more ambitious and decisive action…we fear the current system will continue to fall short”.

The charities urge action in three key areas:

  1. Evidence of independent safety checks. 
  2. Clear accountability for workforce planning. 
  3. Transparent reporting on waiting times.

“When every moment counts, it is time for action – not words” the letter to the Minster concludes.

IRASS was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some children suffered life-changing consequences, including developmental delays in their communication, learning and social skills.

This was because their deafness was identified too late for them to receive cochlear implant surgery, or the communications support they needed. 

The open letter to Scotland’s Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto MSP  is signed by: The National Deaf Children’s Society, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) and the  British Acadamy of Audiology (BAA).

Police Scotland joins forces with Childline to support young people in custody

Children in police custody in Glasgow are being offered confidential support from Childline as part of a new initiative. The project, being run by the NSPCC, the children’s charity which delivers Childline, and Police Scotland, provides children in custody with information about the support service and offers them the chance to talk confidentially to a counsellor. 

Young people who find themselves in custody in Glasgow are being offered to call Childline, where experienced counsellors can give them advice and emotional support in a confidential setting. This is to help the young person through a difficult time and try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. 

During the 10-week pilot period in Glasgow, 97% of the 107 young people brought into custody accepted the Childline leaflet. 

The initiative was originally launched in Merseyside in September 2023, before being rolled out in Cheshire in March 2024. 

Approximately 2,500 young people aged 10 to 17 and 1,000 18-year-olds in Merseyside and Cheshire have been told about the support available from Childline or seen a poster or leaflet with information about Childline. 

Being taken into police custody can be a frightening experience for young people, and many of those who have contacted Childline told counsellors they felt scared and alone. 

One 14-year-old told Childline*: “I’m in police custody again after arguing with my parents. It got violent, and they called the police.

“I’ll be released soon and I’m too scared to go home but I can’t leave my siblings there without my protection. Can you help me?”  

An 18-year-old said*: “It’s not my first time in custody and one of the hard things is it reminds you how alone you are. I was meant to speak to my young person’s advisor today but missed it because I’m in here.

“She’s all I have, and I know she’s so close on giving up on me. I know I’m not coping and need options, but I don’t have anyone else to turn to.” 

The idea for the scheme came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool.

Through her work she realised that many young people who came into custody would benefit from the support that Childline offered. She approached Merseyside Police, and they saw the potential in a collaboration with Childline, then they worked together to make it happen.

When a young person comes into custody, they are given the opportunity to receive emotional support, but they do not always take it because the offer has come from the police. This often results in young people being released without receiving the additional support they may need, which can increase the likelihood of reoffending.

It is hoped that young people will be more likely to accept a confidential call to Childline when they are in custody, and this could provide the first step towards breaking the cycle of reoffending.  

Assistant Chief Constable for Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division, Wendy Middleton said: “We welcome this initiative which has been providing additional support to young people who come into custody in Glasgow.

“We look forward to rolling this out nationally and ensuring that the same support is available across Scotland.

“We acknowledge that police custody can be a daunting and traumatic experience, particularly for children and young people.  It is important that they can speak to someone in confidence who can listen to them and potentially help to address wider problems that they are experiencing. Childline is a valuable partner in this regard.”

Adeniyi Alade, NSPCC Scotland Helplines Service Head, who is based at the Childline call centre in Aberdeen, said: “This partnership allows us to reach young people who may feel vulnerable and need someone to talk to for advice at what might be a very difficult time.

“There are many reasons a young person comes to be in police custody and it’s important they are given all the support they need.

“While we are working with the police, the support we offer young people will be completely confidential. As with all calls to Childline, our support will be independent, and the police will not be made aware of it.”

During the pilot period, children and young people up to the age of 17 brought into police custody were offered a call with a Childline counsellor.  

It is hoped that the initiative will be rolled out across Scotland after the NSPCC has assessed its impact in Glasgow. 

The police custody centre at London Road, Glasgow, includes six cells which have been modified and decorated to improve the environment when children are detained.  Cells have been painted with murals and have chalkboards, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, books and posters to create a calming experience during a stressful time.  

In addition, London Road has a separate discrete charge area with a lower height charge bar for processing children and young people, and other vulnerable detainees.  

The transformation of London Road custody centre has acted as a pilot for the modernisation of several other children’s custody suites, which includes Police Scotland’s primary custody facility for Glasgow in Cathcart. 

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.

*Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child or young person involved.

DEBT: Impact on Mental Health

Problem debt affects many people, and the impact on mental health can’t be ignored. Debt problems can cause anxiety, stress, and sleep problems – and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.

As well as seeking mental health support, it’s important to get help with debt.

Free, impartial advice is available – and it’s never too late to get help.

Read more about debt and mental health on our website:

https://bit.ly/3ILMCv2

Councillor jailed for child sex abuse

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years after being convicted of sexual offences against a teenage girl.

David Graham, a local authority councillor, had been found guilty on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025, following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The offences took place at various locations in Fife and Edinburgh between February and August, 2023.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson, of the child abuse investigation unit in Glenrothes, said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim. He was well-known and abused his position of power when the offending took place.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Graham held a position of trust and authority in the community which he chose to exploit to groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable teenage girl. She has shown immense courage in helping to ensure that Graham faced justice for his crimes.

“It is now vital she gets the support she needs to move forward with her life. No matter how long ago it happened or who the perpetrator was, we would urge victims of sexual abuse to reach out for help with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported. 

“Childline is available 24/7 for any child or young person who needs someone to speak to by calling 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk.

“Adults with concerns over the wellbeing of a child and victims of abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.” 

Can you help? LIFT looking for stuff!

We’re on the lookout for some bits and pieces that could be reused at the centre 👇

⭕️ Large cardboard tubes (like the ones from inside carpets or lino, even bigger is great!)

⭕️ Any black material, curtains, bedding, fabric you no longer need

⭕️ Old pool noodles or foam tubes

⭕️ Wooden pallets, large bits of wood, or strong plastic piping

⭕️ Lots of old newspapers 📰

💡 Please don’t go out your way to buy anything – second-hand or spare items are perfect and very much appreciated!

📞 To arrange drop-off, give us a call on 0131 467 3578.

Thank you so much for your support! 😊💛

#CommunitySupport

#RecycleReuse

#Muirhouse

#EdinburghCommunity

#LIFT

#DonationsWelcome

#Upcycle

#ReduceWaste

#SupportLocal

#CommunityMatters

Ukraine: United We Stand?

COALITION LEADERS TO ACCOMPANY ZELENSKYY TO CRUCIAL TRUMP MEETING

President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer yesterday co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders with the participation of President Zelenskyy.

Leaders convened to discuss support for Ukraine and next steps in peace negotiations following President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

The Leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskyy’s desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC. 

The leaders also commended President Trump’s commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the Coalition of the Willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures. 

They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces. 

The President and Prime Minister also informed leaders that they would travel to Washington DC today for a meeting with President Trump, alongside President Zelenskyy.