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:
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.”
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! 
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.
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:
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:
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.
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 |
| Total | 123,760 | £34,282,276 |
| Aberdeen City | 3,835 | £1,069,876 |
| Aberdeenshire | 3,680 | £1,023,971 |
| Angus | 2,520 | £701,794 |
| Argyll and Bute | 1,595 | £442,300 |
| Clackmannanshire | 1,390 | £384,647 |
| City of Edinburgh | 7,720 | £2,132,033 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 3,390 | £938,326 |
| Dundee City | 4,220 | £1,163,392 |
| East Ayrshire | 3,550 | £984,048 |
| East Dunbartonshire | 1,380 | £381,962 |
| East Lothian | 2,290 | £635,244 |
| East Renfrewshire | 1,360 | £375,589 |
| Falkirk | 3,685 | £1,021,533 |
| Fife | 9,345 | £2,589,965 |
| Glasgow City | 19,650 | £5,435,352 |
| Highland | 4,450 | £1,235,628 |
| Inverclyde | 1,965 | £545,416 |
| Midlothian | 2,425 | £671,369 |
| Moray | 1,820 | £504,864 |
| Na h-Eileanan Siar | 370 | £101,721 |
| North Ayrshire | 3,920 | £1,086,398 |
| North Lanarkshire | 9,810 | £2,722,056 |
| Orkney Islands | 295 | £81,663 |
| Perth and Kinross | 2,730 | £760,952 |
| Renfrewshire | 4,045 | £1,118,702 |
| Scottish Borders | 2,285 | £632,014 |
| Shetland Islands | 315 | £86,440 |
| South Ayrshire | 2,475 | £681,893 |
| South Lanarkshire | 7,420 | £2,057,810 |
| Stirling | 1,475 | £408,767 |
| West Dunbartonshire | 2,825 | £777,359 |
| West Lothian | 4,685 | £1,298,664 |
| Unknown – Scottish postcode | 75 | £21,509 |
| Unknown – Non-Scottish postcode | 650 | £176,888 |
| Unknown – No postcode | 115 | £32,131 |
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
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
Starting primary school is a big event in every child’s life, and in every parent’s life, too. It’s a big change that’s both exciting and scary.
Find tips on how to get them ready here: https://ow.ly/ehJ550SL1ef
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:
