Tag: support

The Space Dome arrives in Livingston to help raise funds for CHAS

The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans for the arrival of its first-ever 8m Space Dome, from the 18-27th October, where visitors can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, including handling Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina that are 4.6 billion years old.

The Space Dome, complete with giant space props, including a 5ft inflatable rocket and moon, has been created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, who has travelled the world with his pop-up planetariums to give people an insight into the solar system and night sky.

The full-dome film with surround sound, entitled ‘Journey to Infinity’, is narrated by the former Blue Peter producer and BBC presenter, Sue Beardsmore, and takes you on virtual journey through space to explore distant galaxies from infinity to beyond, and discover how we are connected to the cosmos.

The event, which will take place during the October school break, is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience for shoppers, especially avid space, astronomy and geology enthusiasts, who can learn more about meteorites that reveal the ancient geometry of the solar system.

There will also be a Virtual Reality Zone with headsets and astronaut costumes for children to embark on their own virtual space trip and explore natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies. 

The Space Dome event, which will be located next to Waterstones and run daily from 10 – 4pm, also provides the opportunity to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which is the winter charity partner at The Centre, Livingston, for the third consecutive year.

All activities are free with donations optional for CHAS, which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children with life-shortening conditions and support for families, including respites and counselling.

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so excited to be part of this amazing Space Dome adventure at The Centre, Livingston. 

“It’s a great way for families to enjoy some time together and make precious memories, which is exactly what’s at the heart of everything we do at CHAS. 

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring moments of joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a great day shopping, dining out and also have fun watching a captivating space-themed film in a planetarium, where you can soar through the solar system.

“We’ll also have astronaut costumes and VR headsets for children to experience their own personal voyages through the universe and other activities including the opportunity to handle real Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina, which are 4.6 billion years old.

“The event will also give us a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds for CHAS, who we are delighted to be supporting again this year.”

For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels, @shopthecentre.

World Mental Health Day

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – 10th OCTOBER 2025

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

This year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.

TIPS TO MANAGE OVERWHELM

WMHD25_overwhelm_tips_EN_whiteDownload

Support for struggling households

Record investment in housing support

A record £99 million will be invested in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) this financial year to help thousands of households struggling to afford housing costs in Scotland.

During Challenge Poverty Week, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan highlighted the payments as a ‘lifeline’ for thousands of families and individuals. Funded by the Scottish Government and paid out by local authorities, the DHP scheme is designed to provide financial support to low-income households, delivering vital action to reduce poverty, safeguard tenancies and prevent homelessness.

The Scottish Government has budgeted a record £99 million in 2025-26 to deliver the payments, which are primarily used to help people affected by the UK Government’s under-occupancy charge (‘bedroom tax’) and benefit cap. In last month’s Housing Emergency Action Plan, the Housing Secretary allocated a further £2 million towards the budget for DHPs.

On a visit to Fife Gingerbread, a charity which supports lone parents and families in times of need, Ms McAllan said: “In a country as wealthy as Scotland, it is unacceptable that anyone, and particularly any child, should live with the strain and harm of poverty.

“While Scotland is now the only part of the UK where child poverty levels are falling, there remain many complex drivers of poverty – not least the high levels of inflation in the UK driving increases in the costs of basic essentials such as food, energy and housing.

“Last year 94,000 households were supported by the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme in Scotland. These payments are a vital lifeline for people in emergency situations and acute financial distress, where they cannot afford the cost of putting a roof over their head.

“The UK Government’s punitive welfare policies are driving the problems households face but the Scottish Government is doing what it can to mitigate the impact on people, from the £99 million investment in Discretionary Housing Payments this year to effectively scrapping the UK Government’s two-child limit in Scotland from March next year.

“The First Minister has made tackling child poverty among this government’s defining missions. However, we can only do that with a social security system that provides the support that people need in the hardest of times.

“The Scottish Government is committed to putting more money in people’s pockets and delivering real savings to support families. The UK Government must make the same choices.”

Fife Gingerbread CEO Laura Millar said: “During Challenge Poverty Week, we’re proud to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Housing. Discretionary Housing Payments are an important tool to help struggling families with their housing costs, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest a further £2m to support households in temporary accommodation to find settled homes as a good next step.

“Children across Scotland deserve to grow up in safe, happy homes and we will continue to amplify their voice to champion for change.”

Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment – mygov.scot

Education Wellbeing Service: Parent Drop-in at Drumbrae Library Hub

Do you have a child experiencing challenges in accessing education?

The Education Wellbeing Service have a new Parent Drop-In meeting at Drumbrae Library Hub on the last Tuesday of the month starting from 28th October from 1:30pm-3pm.

Come along for advice and support

Edinburgh Tesco stores put best feet forward to help raise more than £8,000 at charity kiltwalk 

Team members from Tesco stores across Edinburgh recently trekked more than 20 miles to raise more than £1,700 towards several charities such as Big Hearts Community Trust and The Corstorphine Dementia Project at this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.

Colleagues from 13 Tesco stores across East Scotland, laced up their walking boots and donned kilts to take on the route from Holyrood Park, through the capital, to the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 13 September.

Together, all participants from across the region raised more than £8,000, supporting a wide range of charities and community causes throughout Scotland.

Since 2016, the Kiltwalk has brought together over 178,000 people, raising millions for good causes across the country.

Brian Costello, Store Manager at the Costorphine store, said: “I’m extremely proud of my team for going the extra mile to raise funds for causes such as The Corstorphine Dementia Project, which is such an important cause here in Edinburgh.

“It was an incredible group effort, and really inspiring to see so many of our partner stores taking part on the day to support the communities they serve.”

Children First call for national roll out of life-saving family support alternative to CAMHS

Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling for investment in a national rollout of a ‘life-saving’ approach to improve children’s mental health. The call comes following the publication of an independent evaluation showing that the charity’s family wellbeing model has reduced repeat child mental health visits to GPs by more than 86%.

The evaluation of the Children First family wellbeing service, by Iconic Consulting, found that it has made a “significant difference for children, families and the overall support system” and strongly supports its replication across Scotland.
The call has been backed by young people, their families and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, said: “Despite good intentions and a continued spotlight on children’s mental health, many children and young people in Scotland are still suffering for far too long before help is available.

“Not every child referred to CAMHS has a clinical condition, many are overwhelmed by the pressures of growing up today. The challenges they face have never been higher and the expectations on them are greater than ever.

“The evaluation of the Children First family wellbeing service shows that supporting children and their families to understand and tackle what’s causing their distress rather than just treating their symptoms can save lives.”

Between June 2019 and September 2024, 723 families were referred to the family wellbeing service in East Renfrewshire. It was developed with funding from the Robertson Trust, which aimed to support charities and the public sector to innovate and put more resources towards prevention.

Key findings from the independent evaluation of the service include:

  • Improved mental health for children, young people and their parents.
  • Strengthened family relationships and communication.
  • Better support for neurodivergent children and young people.
  • Increased engagement by children with education.
  • Reduced pressure on GP services and CAMHS.

While CAMHS waiting times remain lengthy, 90% of children referred to the family wellbeing service began getting support within two weeks over a three-year funding period.

Eighteen-year-old Lily started getting support from the Children First family wellbeing service three years ago. She said: “When I met Children First I couldn’t go to school. My anxiety was constant. I saw danger everywhere and reason to fear to everything. I couldn’t cross the road because I thought I’d be hit by a car. I couldn’t even answer the door.

“Now I’ve started my dream course at my dream university – I couldn’t have done it without Children First.

“Children First’s family wellbeing service has given me a second chance and set me up for the future. Every child who needs it should be able to get support from the family wellbeing service. It is absolutely, genuinely life changing.”

Helen, a parent, interviewed for the evaluation said: “If it wasn’t for Children First I don’t think me or my son would be here. He was feeling suicidal. It is a lot better now.”

Despite its success and the best efforts of partners, funding for the Children First family wellbeing service in East Renfrewshire is precarious.

The Scotland-wide pressure on public finances has resulted in a reduction in funding from £670,000 annually to just £320,000 in 2024/25.

Staff have had to be reduced, resulting in a drop in referrals from between 12 and 14 to less than three per month.

Mary Glasgow said: ““Children urgently need this model to be rolled out, with long-term, sustainable funding across Scotland direct to the third sector. The family wellbeing service is a clear example of how Scotland can deliver on its promise to prevent problems before they escalate.

“With public finances contracting, we need to make sure that CAMHS is available quickly for children with acute mental health needs and that other children who would benefit from an alternative, such as the Children First family wellbeing service, get rapid support to avoid more serious and costly interventions later.

“It eases pressure on the NHS and most importantly, it helps children recover and thrive.”

The call has been backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Dr Mairi Stark, RCPCH officer for Scotland said: “Every child deserves the highest standard of physical and mental health. That means ensuring they receive the right support, at the right time.

“Scotland is facing a mental health crisis, with childhood mental health problems becoming increasingly common. There is a real need for greater investment in community services to tackle the unmet need and prioritise the wellbeing of our children and young people.

“RCPCH Scotland has long called for the expansion and sustained investment in community-based mental health services, and I welcome this pilot service developed by Children First.

“The Scottish Government must not only act on the evidence of the independent evaluation, but it must also listen to the voices of children and families who have benefited from Children First’s Family Wellbeing Service.

“Their experiences are compelling evidence of what works and should help shape the future of mental health support for children and young people in Scotland.”

Children First unveiled its manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections earlier this week, urging the next Scottish Government to take action to tackle the national childhood emergency, protect children and safeguard childhood.

Find out more here:

https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/media/4r3p44uh/manifesto-2025.pdf

Football clubs partner with UK Government to help young people into work in England

Thousands more young people are to receive life-changing support into work or training – with football clubs across England signing up to help the Westminster Government in their mission to ensure every 18-to-21-year-old has the chance to earn or learn

  • Every Premier League Football Club Charity now in talks with DWP to support the Youth Guarantee – helping more young people get into work or training.
  • Youth Hub scheme to double to over 200 locations, giving more young people access to employment, skills and wellbeing support at football clubs, libraries and community centres closer to home.
  • EFL in the Community, the charitable arm of the English Football League (EFL), and Rugby Football League confirm new partnerships, harnessing the power of sport to champion young people and break down barriers to opportunities as part of the Plan for Change.

Thousands more young people are to receive life-changing support into work or training – with football clubs across England signing up to help the Westminster Government in their mission to ensure every 18-to-21-year-old has the chance to earn or learn.

The Government’s highly successful Youth Hubs – which are hosted by sports clubs and other community venues in England, Scotland and Wales – will almost double in number thanks to £25 million investment announced today.

The funding was announced as it was revealed that every Premier League club charity in England is now discussing with Government how they can help get young people earning or learning, while the EFL in the Community and Rugby Football League have also been confirmed as new partners, supporting the same aim.

This means even more young people across the country are being helped by their local teams, as well as the Government’s other Youth Guarantee partners.

To mark the expansion of the programme and our partnership with the Premier League, Secretary of State Pat McFadden will visit Selhurst Park, home to the Palace for Life Youth Hub and Crystal Palace football club, where he will meet staff and young people benefitting from the service to see first-hand the impact it is having in the community.

Youth Hubs offer personalised, wraparound employment, skills and wellbeing support to young people in the areas of highest need. Thanks to this latest investment they will almost double to over 200 places across England, Scotland and Wales in the next three years.

The Hubs bring support, such as CV and wellbeing advice, directly to young people – taking place in settings right at the heart of the community like sports clubs, libraries and community centres.

With nearly one million young people not in education, employment or training, this expansion is helping to inspire a renewed sense of purpose and ambition in young people as well as breaking down barriers to opportunity as part of the Plan for Change.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, said: “The number of young people not in education, employment or training is unacceptably high, and this government will not stand by while so many are robbed of their potential and our country of its future.

“Through our £25 million expansion of Youth Hubs and partnerships with the Premier League and other key organisations, we’re creating real opportunities for the next generation, ensuring support is targeted to those most in need.

“This investment will support our mission to give every young person the skills and confidence they need to thrive, as we break down barriers to opportunity under our Plan for Change.”

Run in partnership with Jobcentres, Youth Hubs bring Youth Work Coaches together with local partners including charities, councils and employers to provide everything from CV advice to skills training to careers guidance and wellbeing support.

In future, they will also provide access to mental health services, housing and homelessness support.

Erin is one of many young people who have flourished thanks to the government-funded support offered by her local Youth Hub.

Unemployed for two years and struggling with motivation, she visited the Palace for Life Youth Hub. After joining the hospitality programme where she gained valuable experience and confidence, she completed a work placement and was offered a permanent job, marking the start of an exciting new chapter.

The Secretary of State will host a roundtable at Selhurst Park with existing Youth Guarantee partners including the Premier League and Channel 4, as well as new partners such as the EFL in the Community and Rugby Football League.

Clare Sumner, chief policy and social impact officer at the Premier League said: “The Premier League is proud to support the expansion of Youth Hubs so young people, whatever their background, can access the opportunities, support and inspiration they deserve.

“Between 2022 and 2025, the Premier League has invested £1.6 billion into wider football and communities, helping support people of all ages who need it most, and create more chances for young people to learn and grow.

“By working in partnership with Government on the Youth Guarantee, we can build on this foundation and ensure Youth Hubs offer even more opportunities to help young people thrive.

“Together we are showing how football is more than a game, reaching those who need support most, helping them fulfil their potential and strengthening communities nationwide.”

The announcement is the latest example of the UK Government’s work to tackle the rising number of young people not in education, employment, or training.

In August, an additional £45 million was invested to extend funding for eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across England whilst an extra £100 million will help to train up 40,000 young construction workers as the Government continues to break down barriers to opportunity under the Plan for Change.

It marks another step in the plan to Get Britain Working and raise living standards by modernising Jobcentres, boosting the National Living Wage, and creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill.

Cost of Living Support Event at The Crannie

CRANNIE COMMUNITY HUB: FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 10.30am – 1.30pm

Crannie Community Hub (9 Cranston Street, EH8 8BE) is hosting a Cost of Living Support Event this) Friday (26th September) from 10:30am -1:30pm.

It is a collaboration between the office of Angus Robertson MSP and the community hub. There will be multiple organisations with stalls offering face-to-face advice and support + tea and coffee. 

The organisations are: 

  • Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust 
  • Citizens Advice Bureau 
  • Social Security Scotland 
  • Home Energy Scotland 
  • AgeUK
  • Southside Community Centre/CHAI
  • Living Rent Tenants’ and Community Union 
  • Advocard 

No booking required – ALL WELCOME! 

Support for youth climate activists

Funding to mentor and upskill young green leaders

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has pledged support for the next generation of green leaders in Africa as Climate Week NYC gets underway.

A total of £165,000 of Scottish Government funding has been awarded to the Green Generation Initiative (GGI) Youth Accelerator Programme – run by Kenyan youth climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti.   

It will be used to help identify, upskill and mentor 25 emerging African climate leaders seeking to drive change and action in their local communities through a year-long fellowship programme.  

The move reflects government commitments to champion the rights of children and young people as a signatory of the UNICEF Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.

The government also reiterated its commitment to amplify the voices and strengthen the participation of young people from the Global South at climate conferences.

Ms Martin met with Ms Wathuti as part of her engagements in New York for Climate Week NYC.

She said: “Young people’s activism has challenged governments around the world to go further and faster on climate action and was instrumental in Scotland becoming one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency.

“Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people feel valued, empowered and heard, and that they have access to the right funding and resources to act as agents of change in climate advocacy and action. 

“This funding supports wider Scottish Government action on climate justice – which recognises that those who have contributed the least to global emissions are the ones most vulnerable to its impacts.

“By empowering youth-led organisations, we will help mobilise the next generation of leaders to shape climate policy, drive innovation and promote inclusive action that meets the needs of the communities they represent.”

Elizabeth Wathuti founder of Green Generation Initiative said: “The Green Generation Initiative (GGI) is glad to partner with the Scottish Government to scale our Africa’s Next Green Leaders Eccelerator (ANGLE).

“This partnership marks a powerful step toward building a green accelerator ecosystem in Africa that transforms promising youth-led climate leaders, ideas, solutions, and initiatives into investable, scalable, and locally rooted social enterprises and champions for people, planet, and prosperity.

“Through a strong consortium of partners and as a key youth voice in Africa, the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), through ANGLE is committed to advancing just, resilient, and low-carbon development pathways, driving green transitions across African communities and markets.”