Tag: support

Thousands of Scots urged to access vital care funding

Unpaid carers in Scotland urged to access respite funding, as 1 in 3 struggle to take a break

The UK’s largest community of unpaid carers is urging hundreds of thousands of Scots providing unpaid care for someone to access vital respite funding. This follows new research revealing that 1 in 3 unpaid carers are rarely able to take a break.

Released as part of a carer-led “protest from home” in July, the Carers Trust research shows that 44% of unpaid carers are not currently accessing government-issued respite care. This echoes previous research conducted by Mobilise in July 2024, which revealed that almost half (47%) of unpaid carers had never taken a break, with many respondents citing a lack of available support as the reason.

It also comes as the Scottish Government introduces a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers under the new Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025. 

Now, experts at carer-led community Mobilise are also calling for greater awareness of funding for replacement care services and holiday accommodation, as well as new developments around Scottish carers’ rights to breaks. This support can give unpaid carers desperately needed breaks.

What rights do unpaid carers have to take breaks? 

Local Authorities now have a duty, under the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, to ensure that all unpaid carers are able to take sufficient breaks. This means that all unpaid carers living in Scotland are now legally entitled to take a break. 

Anyone in a caring role also has the right to be assessed for an ‘Adult Carer Support Plan’ (or Young Carer Statement, if you’re caring for a child). This can lead to free respite care services, or funding for breaks and activities that offer time away from caring responsibilities – ranging from regular time off to a short holiday.

What respite care funding is available? 

Adult Carer Support Plans aren’t the only way to access replacement care services. A number of different funding options are available to give Scottish carers respite breaks (sometimes known as ‘carers breaks’ or ‘short breaks’), depending on the level of care you provide and the needs of the person you are caring for. 

Respite care costs can also be covered by:  

  • Local council funding via Social Care Assessments – Depending on where you live, respite care funding may fall under the care plan of the person you care for, which is put in place following what’s known as a Social Care or Community Care Assessment. You can ask your local council’s social care department for help with this. 
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare funding – This funding can provide professional care services for the person you look after, whilst you take a break. Eligibility is based on the health care needs and circumstances of the care recipient. The NHS has more information about this criteria, and your GP can also advise and help you apply.
  • Local Carers’ Centre funding – Your local Carers’ Centre may have their own respite scheme, offer grants, or be able to offer details of other funding available in your area. Find out more here.
  • Charitable funds & grants – Other organisations that provide free respite care include:
  • Turn2Us – This charity offers grants for respite care 
  • The Respite Association – Specialist respite care for disabled, sick, elderly and terminally ill people is available through this charity
  • HRH Princess Royal’s Respite Fund for Carers – This fund offers grants for replacement care costs as well as group activities, which may offer a short break and/or time to socialise with other carers

Where can carers get free respite accommodation?

Even with respite care services in place, holiday accommodation costs can be prohibitive for carers who often face additional expenses, and may have to drop out of paid roles or reduce their hours. To help break down this barrier to breaks, a number of organisations offer free accommodation for carers. Some also offer support for your cared-for person to join you.

Free respite accommodation options include:

  • Shared Care Scotland – From accessible hotels that host carers and their loved ones, to home-based respite services and holiday accommodation for carers, this charity helps carers find and fund regular short breaks
  • Carefree – This charity offers 1-2 night hotel stays, which you can have a companion join you for (someone other than the person you look after, to give you a break from caring)
  • After Umbrage – Free 4-day cottage breaks are available through this charity for those caring for someone with life-limiting and terminal conditions
  • Take A Break Scotland – Scottish carers who look after disabled children and young people can apply for cash grants towards short breaks via this charity
  • The Respite Association – As well as free respite care, if you look after someone with a disability or additional health needs, this charity offers week-long seaside holidays
  • Disability Grants – If you look after a disabled person, this organisation lists holiday grants, with a ‘supported holiday’ option to make breaks more accessible for you both

To get more help finding and applying for respite care funding and support, you can visit Mobilise’s detailed Guide to Respite. Care support experts are also on hand to help via the Mobilise website.

MSP highlights support for local families as schools return

GORDON MACDONALD HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

As children across Edinburgh head back to school, local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has highlighted the wide range of support available to help families with the cost of learning, including almost 7720 Best Start Grant – School Age Payments worth a total of ££2,132,033 paid out to local families in the last year.

The Best Start Grant – School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year.

The SNP Government has also expanded free school meals to all pupils in primary 1-5, with plans to extend this to all primary pupils in the lifetime of this parliament. Free school meals save families hundreds of pounds each year while ensuring every child has access to a healthy, nutritious lunch.

To help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP has increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils, available through local councils to eligible families.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a financially challenging time for families. That’s why I’m proud that in the last year alone, 7720 payments worth ££2,132,033 have gone to families in Edinburgh through the Best Start Grant – School Age Payment.

“From the Best Start Grant and School Clothing Grants, to free school meals and the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP is taking real, practical action to support families and tackle child poverty.

“While Labour austerity continues to squeeze household incomes, the SNP is using the powers we have to put money in the pockets of families across the city ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.”

Local authority area [NUMBER]Number of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments[VALUE]Value of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
Total123,760£34,282,276
Aberdeen City3,835£1,069,876
Aberdeenshire3,680£1,023,971
Angus2,520£701,794
Argyll and Bute1,595£442,300
Clackmannanshire1,390£384,647
City of Edinburgh7,720£2,132,033
Dumfries and Galloway3,390£938,326
Dundee City4,220£1,163,392
East Ayrshire3,550£984,048
East Dunbartonshire1,380£381,962
East Lothian2,290£635,244
East Renfrewshire1,360£375,589
Falkirk3,685£1,021,533
Fife9,345£2,589,965
Glasgow City19,650£5,435,352
Highland4,450£1,235,628
Inverclyde1,965£545,416
Midlothian2,425£671,369
Moray1,820£504,864
Na h-Eileanan Siar370£101,721
North Ayrshire3,920£1,086,398
North Lanarkshire9,810£2,722,056
Orkney Islands295£81,663
Perth and Kinross2,730£760,952
Renfrewshire4,045£1,118,702
Scottish Borders2,285£632,014
Shetland Islands315£86,440
South Ayrshire2,475£681,893
South Lanarkshire7,420£2,057,810
Stirling1,475£408,767
West Dunbartonshire2,825£777,359
West Lothian4,685£1,298,664
Unknown – Scottish postcode75£21,509
Unknown – Non-Scottish postcode650£176,888
Unknown – No postcode115£32,131

Teen Triple P

POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAMME

Teen Triple P is a positive parenting programme suitable for parents and carers of pre-teen and teenagers 11-16 years.

Teen Triple P can help parents and carers to:

· cope positively with some of the common issues associated with raising a teenager

· build stronger relationships with their teenager

· resolve conflict in the family

· manage problem behaviour

· keep their teen stay safe

We welcome applications directly from parents and carers or someone can apply on their behalf.

Applications can be made by completing our online application form found here https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/teentriplepform

NE

Venue: Northfield and Willowbrae Community Centre, 10 Northfield Road, EH8 7PP

Day: Tuesday

Dates: 2/09, 9/09, 16/09, 23/09, 30/09, 7/10 (telephone session no group) 21/10 (telephone session no group) and 28/10

Time: 10.00-12.00 midday

SW

Venue: St Augustines High School, 208 Broomhouse Road, EH12 9AD

Day: Thursday

Dates: 2/10, 9/10, 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11 (telephone contact no group) , 20/11 (telephone contact no group) and 27/11

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

NW

Venue: Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, Pilton Drive North

Day: Thursday

Dates: 2/10, 9/10, 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11 (telephone contact no group) , 20/11 (telephone contact no group) and 27/11

Time: 12.30-2.30pm

Virtual Group

This group will be delivered on TEAMS, participants will require access to a laptop, tablet or pc to complete the course.

Day: Wednesday

Dates: 8/10, 22/10, 29/10, 5/11, 12/11, 19/11(telephone contact no group), 26/11(telephone contact no group) and 3/12

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

If you require more information or you wish to discuss particular support needs please contact jill.coleman@edinburgh.gov.uk

Carers Allowance Supplement

SUPPORT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY SCOTLAND

Over 89,000 unpaid carers received an extra payment of £293.50 in June 2025.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is only available in Scotland and gets paid automatically to people who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.

Find out more at https://bit.ly/CarersAllowanceSupplement

Edinburgh mum launches specialised clothing brand for children with disabilities with support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh mum has launched a children’s clothing brand designed specifically for children with disabilities after receiving specialised start-up support from Business Gateway.

Blue Bee Mike, founded by Kasia McGavigan, offers sensory-considerate clothing that supports the needs of children with additional support requirements. It is the only Scottish brand that creates this type of clothing.

The business is named in honour of her son Michael, who lives with autism, and inspired Kasia to create adaptive designs that combine comfort, dignity and practical use. She tests out any designs on Michael.

Through her experience as a mum to Michael, Kasia has seen first-hand how difficult it can be to find clothing for children with additional needs. She spotted this gap in the market and decided to start creating the clothes herself in 2024.

The idea began with the development of a specially designed onesie, created to ease everyday challenges for both children and carers. The onesie is zipped at the back to prevent the child from taking it off if they become distressed and also allows access for a feeding tube if needed.

Every product is designed with comfort, functionality and joy in mind, with the children’s needs at the heart. The clothes allow children to move freely and not be inhibited by their clothing. Kasia’s parents were tailors, so she grew up watching them create clothing and began helping as she got older.

Kasia hopes her brand not only supports children, but also raises awareness about the importance of inclusive clothing design.

As a full-time carer, Kasia had a vision for her business but needed help bringing it to life. She remembered a friend who had worked with Business Gateway in the past and decided to approach them.

Since June 2024, she has worked closely with Business Gateway to develop her idea into a viable business – receiving one-to-one support from Business Gateway adviser Lee Briggs to break down key tasks, prioritise actions and build confidence as she launched her brand.

Kasia has engaged with various Business Gateway workshops, including sessions on marketing, finance and starting a business. With expert guidance, she launched her website and recently accessed Expert Help support to refine her marketing strategy and explore opportunities in international markets.

Kasia McGavigan, founder of Blue Bee Mike said: “Starting Blue Bee Mike has been a deeply personal journey.

“As a full-time carer for my son Michael, I understand how challenging it can be to find clothing that’s both comfortable and practical for children with additional needs. I wanted to create something that genuinely helps families like ours -something designed with love and real-life experience at its heart.

“Business Gateway has given me the support, structure and encouragement I needed to turn my idea into a reality. From helping me work out what steps to take and when, to giving me the confidence to launch my website and start sharing my products, their advice has been invaluable.

“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far and excited about growing the business to support even more families.”

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser said: “Kasia is truly inspiring. She’s humble, focused and incredibly determined, balancing her caring responsibilities with launching a meaningful business from the ground up.

“Her ability to take on advice, stay organised and put everything into practice has been exceptional. Blue Bee Mike is already making a difference, and we’re proud to have supported her on this journey.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit: 

https://bgateway.com.

Joint leaders’ statement on Peace for Ukraine

Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Starmer, President von der Leyen and President Stubb on Peace for Ukraine ahead of President Trump’s planned meeting with President Putin.

We welcome President Trump’s work to stop the killing in Ukraine, end the Russian Federation’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. 

We are convinced that only an approach that combines active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on the Russian Federation to end their illegal war can succeed. 

We stand ready to support this work diplomatically as well as by upholding our substantive military and financial support to Ukraine, including through the work of the Coalition of the Willing, and by upholding and imposing restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. 

We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests. 

We agree that these vital interests include the need for robust and credible security guarantees that enable Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny.

Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. 

We reiterate that Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum, and successive Russian commitments. We underline our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. 

We continue to stand firmly by the side of Ukraine. We are united as Europeans and determined to jointly promote our interests.

And we will continue to cooperate closely with President Trump and with the United States of America, and with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, for a peace in Ukraine that protects our vital security interests.

GovernanceWiki: A new resource for Scotland’s third sector

A new digital resource hub is now live to help Scotland’s voluntary sector navigate governance challenges.

The Governance Wiki, developed by Midlothian Community Action (MCA) in collaboration with third sector experts across Scotland, has officially launched during Small Charities Week 2025.

This free user-friendly platform offers accessible, up-to-date guidance for charities, community groups, and social enterprises on a range of governance topics—from legal obligations and board roles to compliance and risk management.

Backed by funding from the Tyne-Esk Community Led Local Development Fund, the Governance Wiki was created in response to increasing demand for governance support, particularly among smaller or volunteer-led organisations that often lack the capacity to access traditional training or keep pace with evolving regulations.

“We heard loud and clear from the sector that governance needs to be demystified and made accessible,” said Dr Lesley Kelly, MCA Chief Officer.

“The Governance Wiki brings together trusted resources curated from across the TSI Network, and also signposts users on to excellent existing resources from organisations such as SCVO and Evaluation Support Scotland.”

Collaborative and Community-Driven

The project was shaped through consultation with Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) and sector stakeholders, with content led by an independent consultant from IBSM Ltd and developed in partnership with Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, and CVS Inverclyde.

The platform itself was built by Volunteer Edinburgh, drawing on the infrastructure of its successful Volunteer Wiki. Designed for ease of use, the site features intuitive navigation, mobile accessibility, and powerful search functions.

Looking Ahead

MCA is now working with the wider TSI Network to keep the Wiki current and relevant, with plans to:

– Continuously update and expand the content
– Evaluate usage and gather feedback, beginning with an event at the TSI Conference in October
– Collaborate with sector bodies to ensure alignment with governance best practices.

For more information or to explore the Wikis, visit:

Governance Wiki GovernanceWiki

Volunteer Wiki VolunteerWiki – The go-to place for volunteer involving organisations

Storm Floris: Delays to SQA Results postal deliveries

SQA ISSUES RESULTS DELAY WARNING

Due to the widespread disruption caused by Storm Floris, Royal Mail has confirmed that there will be delays to the delivery of SQA results in several parts of Scotland.

In particular, we (SQA) know deliveries to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland will be delayed due to the adverse weather. Further localised delays to deliveries may occur at short notice.

If any affected candidates wish to know their results, they should contact their school or college in the first instance who should be able to help them.

Alternatively, learners can submit an enquiry via the SQA website at:

https://www.sqa.org.uk/learnerenquiry 

and their query will be responded to by our team after 12 noon on Tuesday 5 August.

We are not anticipating any impact on the MySQA text and email service.

  • Over 147,000 young people will receive results today
  • SQA will offer a free appeals service and a dedicated advice line

Support and guidance are available to the tens of thousands of young people across Scotland awaiting the results of their SQA qualifications today.

Over 147,000 learners across Scotland will receive the result(s) of their SQA Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 5 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 5 August and throughout the year.

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning.

If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results and work with SQA to find out what has happened to the certificate.

Guidance and next steps

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational courses, qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas ranging from Barista Skills and Beekeeping to Esports and Construction.

Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation – which represents over 140 organisations operating in the field of work-based training across Scotland – explains the importance of vocational training and qualifications within schools, and the routes that can open-up to young people as a result:

“Vocational qualifications, awards, and apprenticeships offer young people an invaluable opportunity by combining education with practical experience. hese pathways open the door to further learning, career development, and employment by helping young people gain real-world skills that employers actively seek. 

“With a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, these courses help young people understand the world of work, explore different industries, and build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.”

Appeals service

SQA’s free appeals service opens at 9am on Tuesday 5 August and candidates can submit an appeal directly via the SQA website, or ask their school, college, or training provider to submit one on their behalf.

A senior marker will carry out a marking review of SQA-marked assessments, and a grade may go up, down, or stay the same. Learners are advised to speak to their teacher or lecturer before submitting an appeal.

Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer.

These must be submitted to SQA by Tuesday 12 August or by Thursday 21 August if the learner’s school, college or training provider submits the appeal for them. All other appeals must be submitted by Tuesday 26 August or by Friday 29 August if the learner’s school, college or training provider submits the appeal for them.

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA explains: “If you’re concerned about your results for National 5, Higher, or Advanced Higher, you can appeal your grade for free, but I’d encourage anyone considering this to chat with their teacher or lecturer first – they can help you think through your options and what’s best for you.

“Learners can be confident that the qualifications they’ve earned are fair and credible, reflecting the knowledge, understanding, and skills they’ve developed through their hard work.

“Similarly, colleges, universities, and employers can trust that the high standards and integrity of our qualifications have been upheld.”

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday 6 August to Friday 8 August from 8:30am to 5pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Skills Development Scotland’s expert advisers will also be on hand to offer guidance on course vacancies at colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering, or staying on at school.

Their helpline can be reached at 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 5 August and Wednesday 6 August. It will be open 9am to 5pm on Thursday 7 August and Friday 8 August.

Annette McKenna added: “I encourage anyone who has any queries or needs advice come Results Day, to call the helplines where dedicated members of staff will be happy to help and guide you.

“Remember, whether your achievements are what you expect, or not, there are many different routes available to shape your future success.”

More information is available on the Results Day pages of the SQA website

Edinburgh food trucks come together to fight hunger and loneliness

Three local Edinburgh food trucks served up something special for customers last weekend – teaming up with Scotland’s number one cheddar brand, Galloway Cheddar, to raise money for FareShare and help tackle food poverty and social isolation across the country. 

Food trucks across Scotland are hitting the road to serve limited-edition cheesy creations for one-day-only fundraising events as part of the nationwide Galloway Gathering Project.

The campaign launched on Friday 25 July as Wanderers Kneaded Pizza, Wanderers Kneaded Street Food and Lazeezdished up a bespoke menu made with Galloway Cheddar at Innis & Gunn’s On The Mound site – proving that comfort food really can be a force for good. 

The fundraising day was part of the ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, a nationwide campaign that brings together Scottish cheese brand Galloway and FareShare – the UK’s leading food redistribution charity. Customers were encouraged to donate to FareShare via QR codes at the trucks. 

Mark Morris, Managing Director at Wanderers Kneaded said: “Since starting Wanderers Kneaded in 2018, it’s been amazing to see the way the people of Edinburgh gather around food and socialise.

“By doing something as simple as using Galloway Cheddar on our pizzas and burgers for the day, we’re able to turn that shared love of food into something meaningful – helping raise funds and awareness for those facing hunger and isolation in our communities.”

Following previous years of success, this year’s ‘Galloway Gathering Project’, will see the equivalent of 90,000 meals donated* to those in need. 

Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Marketing Director at Lactalis UK & Ireland, said: “The food truck days have become a highlight of the Galloway Gathering Project, with local vendors across Scotland serving up delicious cheesy dishes to support FareShare.

“It’s a simple but powerful way to bring people together and raise awareness of food poverty and loneliness in Scotland’s communities.”

Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: “We are so grateful to everyone at Galloway Cheddar for supporting this campaign. The donations made to FareShare from this initiative will help us get good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it.

“Every day, food from FareShare is redistributed to a network of charities including homelessness shelters, after school clubs, refuges, and older people’s lunch clubs.

“By donating to FareShare via the food trucks, supporters help power the redistribution of surplus food, supporting essential services that strengthen communities and improve lives. Thank you.”  

As part of the campaign, 800kg of Galloway Cheddar is being donated to FareShare’s partner organisations, and Scottish National Chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean is hosting two cooking events in Dundee, preparing comforting Mac n’ Cheese dishes to be distributed to local charities. 

To donate to The Galloway Gathering Project, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/gallowaygatheringproject2025 

To find out more information on The Galloway Gathering Project, please visit

https://www.gallowaycheddar.co.uk/