People Know How has partnered with BT Group to provide people with the information they need to prepare for the upcoming switch to digital landlines.
Their Digital Support Helpline, which is free and open to anyone in Scotland who needs help with computers, laptops, tablets, social media, exploring the web and more, is now also taking calls about the switch to digital landlines.
Call free Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm for advice and information about the switch. Alongside this, People Know How is facilitating 50 events in rural areas of Scotland to ensure that everyone can access this information.
Contact the free Digital Support Helpline at 0800 0590 690 or read more at:
SUPPORT and ADVICE from GRANTON INFORMATION CENTRE
THE Scottish Government has confirmed it will no longer provide Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioners in Scotland. Replicating the recent decision announced by the UK Government, Winter Fuel Payments will now be means-tested, which means only individuals in receipt of Pension Credit and certain other benefits will receive it.
Because Pension Credit is a ‘gateway benefit’, which opens up access to other support including Winter Fuel Payments, it is now more crucial than ever that individuals claim Pension Credit so that they don’t miss out on additional money they are entitled to.
If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can claim Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than:
£218.15 if you’re single
£332.95 if you’re a couple.
Even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you meet one of the following criteria:
*you’re a carer
*you have a severe disability
*you have certain housing costs, such as service charges
*you’re responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you.
If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.
MANY, MANY, ELIGIBLE PENSIONERS ARE MISSING OUT ON PENSION CREDIT!
To claim Pension Credit, you can either:
*claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim)
*call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).
To discuss your benefit entitlements and to find out what you can claim, get in touch with us at Granton Information Centre.
Our Welfare Rights Advisers are here to help!
Call 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email info@gic.org.uk
Africa Minister Lord Collins has announced new funding to tackle the outbreak of mpox cases in the DRC
UK support announced for ongoing mpox and cholera outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to improve access to clean water.
Lord Collins made the announcement during a visit to the DRC where he also discussed how the two countries can deepen their collaboration across a range of sectors.
He welcomed the recent ceasefire in eastern DRC and commitments to bring an enduring peace to the region.
The UK has announced new funding to work with DRC to bolster the regional African response to outbreaks of mpox and cholera in the country.
During a visit to the Institute National de Recherche Biomedical (National Institute of Biomedical Research) in the DRC, Lord Collins announced £3.1m of UK funding for a new partnership with UNICEF that will benefit over 4.4 million people in affected communities as well as help preventing the further spread of mpox to neighbouring countries.
This funding announcement follows a declaration from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the upsurge of mpox in the DRC and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury said: “Working together, with our partners and using the expertise and dedication of Congolese scientists, including those at the world-leading research centre I have visited in DRC, our support will play an important role in ensuring global health security for all.
“By protecting the health and well-being of communities across DRC, and by helping contain these outbreaks, we reduce the risk of diseases spreading further afield. This will ultimately benefit us all.”
The UK remains in regular contact with the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on developments of the outbreak and is supporting the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa to respond to this health emergency.
The UK Health Security Agency is closely monitoring the situation, working with international partners including the World Health Organisation, European, US and Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and national public health agencies.
As the largest flexible donor to the WHO globally the UK is also helping it to allocate resources where most needed through vaccines and treatments. As the second biggest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – providing £1.65bn over the 2020-2025 period – the UK is also working closely with them on ensuring access to mpox vaccines for low and middle income countries.
Professor Christian Ngandu, Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator at DRC’s National Public Health Institute said: “The UK’s support to the DRC, in partnership with UNICEF, on the mpox response, will contributed to saving the lives of affected populations by aligning with the DRC’s national mpox preparedness and response plan.”
The announcement came as Lord Collins visited DRC this week to bolster bilateral ties between the UK and DRC and drive forward the bilateral relationship in key areas, including climate and trade and investment.
The Minister announced £6m of new UK funding to provide clean drinking water and sanitation to some 200,000 displaced in partnership with UNICEF and SAFER, helping improve access to clean water for all.
In meetings with key government ministers including the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, Lord Collins welcomed the UK and DRC’s strong partnership and underlined the UK’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas such trade, investment, climate and combatting sexual violence in conflict.
Following the successful UK-DRC Trade and Investment Mission in April, the Minister met with UK-linked businesses to discuss how the UK can play a constructive role in supporting improved supply chains of critical minerals in DRC and assist British businesses entering the DRC market.
The Minister also welcomed an announcement by British International Investment this week to invest up to $35 million (£27 million) into the development of Banana Port, a $300-400m project led by Emirati company DP World, that will help transform DRC’s economy.
In addition, he welcomed the UK’s new £90m Congo Basin Forest Action programme which will look to improve economic livelihoods whilst preserving forests and nature.
Lord Collins also discussed the UK and DRC’s long-standing collaboration to combat Conflict Related Sexual Violence, meeting with government ministers and civil society to understand more about this issue.
On the conflict in eastern DRC, Lord Collins welcomed the ceasefire agreement between DRC and Rwanda, recognising the important role played by Angola.
He expressed UK support for President Tshisekedi’s commitment to bring an enduring regional peace to the east and underlined the UK’s condemnation of the actions of all illegal armed groups in eastern DRC, including the UN-sanctioned M23.
The UK is delivering a three-year humanitarian programme in the east of DRC, providing life-saving emergency assistance and increasing the resilience of crisis-affected communities affected by the conflict.
Eight Members of the Scottish Parliament, a third of all eligible Conservative MSPs, have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party.
The MSPs include Douglas Lumsden, Tim Eagle, Roz McCall, Stephen Kerr, Tess White, Maurice Golden, Finlay Carson and Sandesh Gulhane.
Endorsing Tom for Leader, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities.
Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times.
Proud champions of the union, the MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the union, but understood that if Scotland failed, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.
As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China.
As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.
The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries.
Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public.
He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values.
He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.
The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.
At the general election, the MSPs believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery.
As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs are backing Tom as they believe he will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era.
In a joint statement, the MSPs said:
“We are backing Tom Tugendhat to be our next UK Party Leader. We believe – indeed we know – that he is the best person for the job.
“A Leader to create a united party for our United Kingdom. A man of principle, service and duty.
“Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who gets Scotland, is a friend of Scotland, and is an asset to the Party in Scotland.
“We need a UK Leader who will be a help, not a hindrance, to the Scottish Conservatives in the battles ahead – Holyrood 2026 and the local elections the year after.
“We do not need a caretaker leader of the opposition, but someone capable and hungry to be the next Prime Minister for all of the UK.
“That Leader is Tom Tugendhat.“
ALSO supporting Mr Tugenhadt is newMP for Gordan and Buchan, Harriet Cross, who commented:“I am delighted to endorse Tom Tugendhat MP for Leader of our Great Party. As a newly elected MP for the Conservative and Unionist Party, it is my duty to support a Leader who will protect and fight for our Union. With Tom at the helm of the Conservative Party, the Union will always have a champion.
“This is because Tom gets Scotland. He has taken the time to attend multiple Scottish Conservative Conferences, and meet local associations and members. He is someone who cherishes the union and wants all its nations to succeed.
“As part of the new generation of Conservatives, I want a Leader who will take forward traditional conservative values for the Party to unite around, and promise we deliver for all nations. I know that Tom Tugendhat is a man of his word. When he promises something, he delivers. And in ensuring our Party rebuilds trust with the voters of Scotland on a Conservative platform, Tom Tugendhat is the best hope for our Party.”
Welcoming the support, Tom Tugendhat said: “It is an absolute privilege to have so many of my Scottish Conservative colleagues backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party today.
“I am thrilled to have their support. Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.”
Scottish Government left with “no choice” following funding cut
Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government’s funding cut by up to £160 million.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government therefore has ‘no alternative’ but to replicate the decision in Scotland and restrict payments to pensioners who receive eligible benefits.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Despite all efforts to review our financial position we have been left with no choice but to follow the UK Government and restrict payments to older people who receive relevant eligible benefits.
“This is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to our funding and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution. The reduction we are facing amounts to as much as 90% of the cost of Scotland’s replacement benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
“Given the UK Government’s decision to restrict payments to those in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, and the implications for the Scottish Government detailed above, I have urged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a benefits take-up campaign for Pension Credit and to move forward with plans for a social energy tariff.
“Both of these measures will provide some further protection to energy customers in greatest need.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes commented:
The UK Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see our funding cut by up to £160 million.
The Scottish Government has been left with no choice but to replicate the decision in Scotland.
Age Scotland: Winter Fuel Payment decision ‘brutal’ for Scottish pensioners
Age Scotland is continuing to urge the UK government to reconsider plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for pensioners who do not receive pension credit.
The charity has responded to news that, following the UK Government’s plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, the Scottish Government will have no alternative but to replicate the decision in Scotland.
Age Scotland’s Policy Director, Adam Stachura, said: “It’s infuriating that huge numbers of older people will miss out on the vital Winter Fuel Payment when it is devolved to Scotland.
“We recognise the financial challenge the Scottish Government would face to make up the shortfall to keep the payment universal, but we desperately hoped there could be a more effective delivery of this payment and that it could have looked more generous than the UK Government’s new, and meagre, approach.
“At minimum, a quarter of a million pensioners in Scotland on the lowest incomes or living in fuel poverty will no longer receive this vital financial support over the winter months, while hundreds of thousands more on modest incomes are going to struggle with their energy bills even more than normal as a result.
“This brutal decision by the UK Government was made too fast, cuts too deep and its impact will be severe. It’s important that they rethink this move, as it has a huge impact on the devolution of social security and the needs of Scottish pensioners who live in some of the coldest homes in the UK.”
Visit www.age.scot/SaveWFP to sign Age Scotland’s petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment.
Mental Wellbeing Minster Maree Todd has described a rise in the number of probable suicides last year as “distressing”, saying the increase is driving a determination to deliver change.
National Records of Scotland figures show there were 792 probable suicides in 2023 – an increase of 30 on the previous year.
The Scottish Government is taking action jointly with COSLA to reduce the number of deaths by suicide. This ensures government and local services work together to support anyone at risk of suicide or affected by it, while tackling underlying factors that can lead to suicide, such as inequalities, stigma and discrimination, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
Self-harm is also a risk factor for suicide and last year saw the launch of the world’s first action plan focussed solely on tackling the issue. This includes funding for a new service where anyone affected by self-harm can get compassionate support, without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This report makes for distressing reading and my sincere condolences go out to all those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one by suicide.
“I am determined that together with COSLA and other partners we reduce the number of deaths by suicide and improve the nation’s mental health as a whole.
“The ambition and innovation in Scotland’s suicide prevention approach is widely recognised. However, we know there is always more to do.
“We are working hard with communities and services to help people talk more openly about suicide and offer compassionate support. We are prioritising reaching more people at higher risk of suicide, including those living in poverty, middle aged men, and LGBT communities.
“We are launching an online portal to ensure people feeling suicidal know where to go for help. The introduction of suicide reviews this year will also help us spot missed opportunities to support people and importantly use that learning to redesign services.
“Our wider actions around Mental Health are also helping to prevent suicide. They include funding more than 800 additional mental health workers in A&E departments, GP practices, police custody suites and prisons, and investing in our Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund which prioritises suicide prevention and social isolation projects.”
Chair of the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Academic Advisory Group Professor Rory O’Connor said: “Similar to other countries, sadly an increase is not unexpected given the challenges of recent years, including the cost of living crisis and the economic downturn which have led to financial and social hardship for so many.
“Every single death is heartbreaking, leaving behind devastated families, friends and communities. We need to continue to do everything we can to ensure that those at risk of suicide receive the care and support that they need when they need it.”
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison said: “As the voice of Local Government in Scotland, COSLA has taken a strong position on the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of our communities and the need to tackle inequalities that contribute to suicide risk.
“There is a considerable amount of work taking place across local areas in Scotland which supports delivery of the Suicide Prevention Strategy.
“We firmly believe that no death by suicide is acceptable, and we remain committed to working in partnership with Scottish Government to realise the ambitions of our joint strategy ‘Creating Hope Together’ to reduce deaths by suicide, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide.”
Anyone affected by these issues can access support from the following services:
Suicide Prevention Scotland responds to 2023 death by suicide data
Suicide Prevention Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) for 2022 which shows a small year on year increase in deaths by probable suicide.
Statistics released by NRS show that there were 792 suicides registered in 2023, a 3.9% increase on 2022 (which was up 1.2% on 2021’s data).
It’s the highest number of deaths by suicide since 2020 (805).
To understand how this increase fits into the broader trend, it is essential to consider not just year-to-year changes but also the five-year average, which provides a more stable and reliable measure of trends over time.
The number of deaths by suicide in 2023 at 792 is very slightly above the previous five-year average (787 for 2018-2022).
Compared to the previous female five-year average (208 for 2018-2022), 2023 shows a decrease of six deaths. Compared to the previous male five-year average (579 for 2018-2022), 2023 shows an increase of 11 probable suicides.
The average age of death by suicide has fallen from the previous year. In 2022 this was 48.2 years; in 2023 it was 46.6 years.
The overall increase in the past year can be attributed to an increase in male suicides by 34 (590). There was a reduction in female suicides by four (202). The rate for men remains three times that of women.
Looking back over the previous few years, there was a long downward trend in suicide rates from 2011-2017.
This was followed by an increase in 2018 and 2019, then by a decrease in 2020 and 2021, with the lowest numbers seen since 2017 (680) in 2021 (753).
The numbers released for 2022 increased very slightly (762).
The further increase in numbers for 2023 suggest that the downward trend may have stalled, however it is too early to say as several years’ data are needed to confirm an overall trend.
Over the last five years, Scotland’s suicide rates have shown fluctuations, with some years experiencing notable increases.
For example, in 2018, there were 784 deaths by suicide, a sharp rise from previous years, particularly among young people aged 15-24. The numbers slightly decreased in 2021 to 753 but rose again to 762 in 2022.
Probable suicides in the 15–24-year-old group have increased by ten to 79 in 2023, from 69 in 2022.
However, the category with the highest increase was the 35-44-year-olds (up 22 to 175), repeating a pattern seen for the previous year’s data, where this age-group also had one of the highest increases in suicide numbers for 2022 (up 22).
In contrast, the biggest reduction seen is in the 65-74-year-old group, which has fallen by 28 to 63 in 2023 from 91 in 2022.
There has also been a slight decrease over the last year in the 75-84-year-old group, with numbers staying the same in the 55-64-year-old age group.
The decrease in these older age groups was driven mostly by male suicides, which decreased by 22 to 99 in the 55-64-year-olds, and by 12 in the 65-74-year-olds.
In contrast, the increase seen for 2023 was driven mostly by male suicides in the 35-44-year-old group, which were up 23 to 144, and the highest number in this age category since 2011.
Although 792 people died by suicide in 2023, this number does not consider changes in the population size or how the number of people in different age groups change as time goes by.
Therefore, suicide rates corrected for these changes give more meaningful comparisons.
When we use these corrected suicide rates, the highest rates seen in 2023 was among 35-39-year-old males (44.3 per 100,000), an increase of 9.8 from 34.5 in 2022.
The next highest rate was for 40-44-year-old males (42.1 per 100,000), an increase of 5.4 from 36.7 in 2022.
In comparison, the highest rate for female suicide rate increased by 7.0 to 14.9 in the 50-54-year-old group.
In 2023, the suicide rate in the most deprived areas was 20.9 per 100,000, compared with least deprived areas of 8.6 per 100,000.
This means that deaths by suicides in 2023 occurred 2.4 times more in our most deprived communities, an improvement on inequality seen in previous years e.g., 2022 which was 2.6 times more and the previous five-year average 2018-2022, which was 3.1 times more.
In September 2022, the Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) launched the country’s new long-term suicide prevention strategy and action plan, Creating Hope Together.
To deliver the new strategy, a new community of organisations and people, Suicide Prevention Scotland, has been established.
Last week it reported on progress made during its first full year in operation.
Creating Hope Together sets out four key outcomes. Partnership is at the heart of the approach, with a range of strategic partner(s) appointed to drive delivery. They are:
Creating a safer environment that protects against suicide across the whole of Government and society – Samaritans
Improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma – SAMH
Providing compassionate support for anyone affected by suicide – Penumbra & Change Mental Health
Working in a connected way, that always draws on evidence and lived experience – Public Health Scotland
A new National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (NSPAG) has also been established.
Led by Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, its members represent many of the sectors leading work on the social determinants of suicide. This includes poverty, as well as partners who are working in key sectors affected by suicide — such as the criminal justice sector.
Their role is to provide advice to Suicide Prevention Scotland, Scottish Government and COSLA which helps us focus on the complexity, intersectionality and inequality of suicide.
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith comments: “The fact that 792 people died by suicide is a stark reminder we still have so much more to do – and we are determined to keep working together do it.
“We don’t just think about the number of people who die by suicide on this day in August, they are in our thoughts every day – they help drive us to do this work – to try to help prevent future deaths.
“Every death by suicide is one too many and we need to continue to build our understanding of what we need to do and how we need to do it by listening to the experts, those who study and research suicide and people who have lived and living experience.
“We’ll use that understanding to help us develop and deliver more action that will save lives.
Ross Cunningham is part of Suicide Prevention Scotland’s Lived Experience Panel. Ross, who lives in Orkney, has suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts and is an advocate for social prescribing. He said:
“The grief experienced by so many people across Scotland who have had to bear the death of a loved one to suicide in 2023, or any year, is a heartbreak beyond words. The loss is something family and friends will tragically have to live with for the rest of their lives.
“Those we have lost aren’t just a statistic, they were people living in Scotland who had a name, had parents, had friends and family who loved them very much, had hobbies, had dreams and ambitions, and had a life of their own – one which cruelly came to an end when they believed that suicide was their only option.
“We must not let the immense loss of life to suicide that these figures represent, and those before it, be in vain. This should be a wake up call to governments, policy makers, employers and wider society that more must be done in all parts of Scotland – in every village, town, city and island community – to take preventative actions and to further support those suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Everyone can take little steps each day, recognising that you may need to talk to someone or seek support about your own mental health, or even if it’s just checking in with a friend on WhatsApp or phoning a loved one you know who might be going through a difficult time.
“Please don’t suffer in silence, don’t bottle things up. If you are going through something, know that support is out there – and the first step to getting that support is speaking to someone about how you’re feeling.”
NadineDougall, Professor of Mental Health & Data Science at Edinburgh Napier University and a member of the Suicide Prevention Scotland Academic Advisory Group comments: “Each death by suicide is an enormous tragedy, leaving devastating and lasting impacts on families, friends, and communities.
“Suicide is complex and rarely caused by a single factor, needing a whole-population approach to prevention.
“While reducing deaths by suicide is essential, it is also crucial to understand long-term trends and the influence of various factors to guide effective suicide prevention efforts.
“Notably, deaths by suicide among men aged 35-44 have increased, with the suicide rate reaching 44.3 per 100,000 people – the highest since 2011. This calls for further investigation to focus suicide prevention activities. Although there have been some gains in reducing inequality in suicide rates, much more needs to be done to sustain and improve these efforts.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 58 87.
Apply for the School Clothing Grant from the council https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants They sometimes give the grant to families who don’t meet their standard criteria, if they’re on a low income, so it might be worth applying. There is also info about other grants on our signposting page https://edinburghuniform.org/signposting/
Ask your school if they can help when the staff go back a couple of days before the start of term. We support mini uniform banks at lots of schools and many schools also have sharing rails.
If you have a family support worker, a health visitor, a social worker, or another similar professional you can ask them to see if you’re eligible for one of our Clothing Crisis Packs – please ask them to read the info at https://edinburghuniform.org/refer/
Parents and carers are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support as the summer holidays end and they prepare for their children going back to school.
Extra costs, including new shoes, stationery and lunch boxes, can soon add up.
The five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland can help pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out.
This includes the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £26.70 for eligible families with children up to 16. The payment is unique to Scotland and is supporting over 329,000 children and young people.
The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children’s early years, including during pregnancy.
There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.
Up to the end of March 2024, over £829 million has been provided to families across Scotland through the five family payments.
Cabinet Secretary @S_A_Somerville met families at @HomeStartDundee to encourage them to check if they are eligible for our five family payments.
Five family payments helps pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs.
Speaking at Home-Start Dundee, a charity that helps families with young children, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The most important priority for our government is eradicating child poverty, and we are committed to easing the pressure on families by getting vital money into their pockets at key stages in their child’s life.
“Whether it is helping families to buy healthy foods during pregnancy and for their kids as they grow, pushchairs to help on the move, or new shoes and clothing for school, our payments are there when they need it most.
“We’re already supporting thousands of families across Scotland through our five family payments, and wider Scottish Government support is also helping to protect them as much as we can from the impacts of the cost of living crisis.
“Even if you are working you could still get these payments and I want to encourage everyone to check if they are eligible and access the money they are entitled to.”
Estelle Coulthard, Family Support Coordinator at Home-Start Dundee, said: “We are a local charity providing support for families with young children across Dundee that face daily challenges in life. We’re there to provide support as they learn to cope, help improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.
“We are responsive to the individual needs of families, and this includes helping to make parents aware of the financial support they are entitled to and work with them to complete application forms for financial assistance.
“We know parents who have struggled to purchase everyday items such as formula and healthy foods for their children but the support they have received through the five family payments meant they no longer have to worry about feeding their child.
“The first five years between birth and school are vital for a child’s development and the five family payments make a huge difference to the beginning of a little one’s life, supporting parents to have the funds to purchase the necessities they need. Without these payments, families would not survive the constant rise in the cost of living in Scotland.”
Do you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community? Apply now for a grant of up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality!
The Community Grants Fund was set up in 2007 to kickstart projects that benefit local communities. It is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and fostering grassroots initiatives.
There are 13 local funds, each covering a different area of the city. If you are part of a community group with a project in mind, see if you can apply to your local Community Grant Fund .
The next application deadline is Monday 26 August, excluding Western as the deadline is Monday 12 August.
If you are in Leith, applications for the Leith fund should be submitted to £eith Chooses between 16 August and 10 October this year.
The Community Grants Fund has supported some fantastic projects in the past, such as The Friends of Victoria Park pumphouse mural, ‘Place to Pause’ at The Eric Liddell Centre and the Broomhouse Street Party – and yours could be next!
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:“Our communities are the lifeblood of our city and we’re committed to ensuring that they have the resources to bring their ideas to life.
“As this is the final round of funding for 2024, the amount available in each neighbourhood varies. Our City Centre, Liberton/Gilmerton, and Portobello/Craigmillar neighbourhoods have already allocated their available funding for 2024, applications will be open again in the spring of 2025.
“I always enjoy seeing the projects in our communities come to life, and I’m really excited to see the projects that apply for funding during this round of applications.”
Chair of Friends of Victoria Park Lucy Metcalfe said:“Thanks to community grant funding from the Council, the park has been greatly enhanced by the vibrant artwork that replaces the unsightly dirty and graffitied walls of the old pumphouse.
“The students from the local high school were able to spend a week working with a renowned artist, developing, painting and teamwork skills.
“The mural is a testament to the commitment of the school and its students to the park and the local community. The Friends are very proud of this achievement.”
In recent times, our communities have faced challenges that can be difficult for anyone to process, particularly children (writes SARAH JEFFERIES, Paediatric Health Specialist).
As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to help our young ones navigate these unsettling events with care, understanding, and reassurance. Children often turn to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to respond to and understand the world around them, especially during times of crisis.
Here are some key ways to talk to children about disasters while providing them with the support they need:
Create a Safe Environment
First and foremost, ensure that children feel safe. This means being present, both physically and emotionally, and reassuring them that their immediate environment is secure. Children need to know that they are protected and that their caregivers are there to support them.
Be Honest and Age-Appropriate
When discussing difficult events, it is important to be honest but mindful of the child’s age and developmental stage. Use simple, clear language and avoid overloading them with information. For younger children, brief explanations are often sufficient, while older children might seek more detailed information.
Encourage Questions
Children are naturally curious, and they may have many questions about what they hear or see. Encourage them to ask questions and listen attentively to their concerns. This will help them process their feelings and understand the situation better.
Validate Their Feelings
Children may express a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to confusion and anger. It is important to validate their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel upset. Share your own feelings in a way that is appropriate and demonstrates empathy, showing them that they are not alone.
Focus on the Helpers
In times of crisis, it is beneficial to focus on the positive actions being taken by individuals and communities. Highlight the efforts of emergency responders, healthcare workers, and community volunteers. This can provide a sense of hope and demonstrate the power of people coming together to help one another.
Limit Media Exposure
Continuous exposure to news and media reports can be overwhelming and distressing for children. Monitor their media consumption and be available to discuss any content they may have seen. Encourage activities that offer a positive distraction, such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors.
Promote a Routine
Maintaining a regular routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability for children. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities can help them feel more secure and less anxious about the uncertainty around them.
Encourage Expression Through Play and Art
Children often express their feelings through play, drawing, and storytelling. Encourage these activities as a way for them to process their emotions and experiences. Offer them tools such as crayons, paper, or toys to facilitate this form of expression.
Be Patient and Available
Children may need time to process their emotions and may revisit their questions and concerns repeatedly. Be patient and make yourself available for ongoing discussions. Let them know that they can come to you anytime they need to talk.
Seek Professional Support if Needed
If you notice that a child is struggling to cope, exhibiting changes in behaviour, or showing signs of distress that do not improve over time, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. Early intervention can be beneficial in supporting a child’s emotional well-being.
Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist from Paediatric First Aid Course, says: “By approaching these conversations with sensitivity and care, we can help children build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
“As adults, it is our responsibility to guide our young ones through challenging times, empowering them with the strength to face the future with confidence.
“Together, we can create an environment of support and understanding that helps children thrive despite the difficulties they may encounter.
“Let’s commit to being the reassuring presence they need as they navigate the complexities of the world around them.”
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