Tag: support

NSPCC calls for all children in Scotland to have access to relationships and sex education

  • Relevant and consistent relationships and sex education is fundamental to encouraging positive behaviour and helps protect children from abuse
  • Provision of this education in Scotland is patchy and inconsistent
  • NSPCC calls for statutory duty to provide, more detailed guidance and greater prioritisation in the curriculum

The NSPCC is calling for all schools in Scotland to provide age-appropriate, consistent and relevant relationships and sex education to children and young people, as it reveals that over two-thirds of adults (67%) in Scotland believe it should be compulsory.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by the NSPCC, of over 1,000 adults across Scotland, also found that at least 90% of adults think it is important that relationships and sex education should include children and young people being taught about healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships (90%); the types of abuse and how to seek help (94%); and online risks including risks of sending and sharing nude images of someone under the age of 18 (93%).

Despite the public backing for all schools in Scotland to teach relationships and sex education, the NSPCC has found from its campaigns work across the country that young people consider the delivery of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education patchy and insufficient. The charity believes that without a stronger statutory foundation, many children will miss out on vital knowledge that could protect them from harm.

NSPCC research and international studies show that consistent, relevant, inclusive and age-appropriate relationships and sex education helps children and young people:

  • Understand healthy and unhealthy relationships
  • Develop empathy, respect and responsibility in relationships
  • Recognise inappropriate behaviour and abuse
  • Speak up and seek help when something is wrong
  • Navigate online risks and pressures

There is also evidence to show it plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and taboos, giving young people the language to express their experiences, and fosters a positive school culture, helping to tackle poor behaviour.

While RSHP is part of the health and wellbeing area of Curriculum for Excellence, local areas have discretion about what is taught and when. National guidance on RSHP is currently being redeveloped following a consultation carried out by the Scottish Government in 2023.

To ensure every child in Scotland receives appropriate, high-quality relationships and sex education, the NSPCC Scotland is calling for:

  • Statutory duty for education authorities to provide it
  • Stronger recognition of children and young people’s right to this education, and their right to be involved in its delivery, in line with the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Clear and practical guidance for schools with examples of how RSHP should be delivered and tools to track and measure children’s learning
  • Adequate funding, professional training, time and resources for teachers to deliver effective RSHP
  • Regular monitoring and review by Education Scotland

Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy, said: “We believe it’s crucial that every child and young person in Scotland has access to high-quality, inclusive, relevant and age-appropriate RSHP education.

“It is essential to preventing abuse, and teaches young people about how to recognise healthy, unhealthy and abusive behaviours in others and themselves. However, we know from our work with young people that not all pupils in Scotland receive consistent education in this area.

“All other countries in the UK have recognised the importance of this education and have placed it on a statutory footing. It is critical that the Scottish Government shows it truly values RSHP education by upholding the rights of every child to receive it and ensuring teachers and schools are adequately resourced to deliver it.”

Bold Girls Ken, delivered in partnership with NSPCC Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council and the Young Women’s Movement, saw young women from Perthshire campaign for greater awareness of healthy relationships and consent, on and offline.

Fatima Ishaq, a participant of Young Women Know, said: “Better quality RSHP education is vital. From my experience, and so many other young people across the country, RSHP education is inconsistent and fails to reflect the diverse lived experiences of young people.

“By creating safe and non-judgemental spaces for young people to speak openly about topics like healthy relationships, we can empower them and build their knowledge and confidence.

“High quality RSHP means young people can better understand their bodies, feelings, rights and the experiences of others; reducing stigma and supporting young people to make informed choices.”

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

Pension Age Winter Heating Payments

Proposals to support pensioners in Scotland this winter

All pensioners in Scotland with an income of less than £35,000 will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payments this winter of either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed.

This means pensioners in Scotland will be better off compared to those in the rest of the UK.  

Pensioner households with no-one aged 80 or over will receive £203.40, rising to £305.10 for households with someone aged 80 or over.

Following the UK Government’s recent change to winter fuel payments, the Scottish Government will withdraw the current amendment regulations before the Scottish Parliament, which were previously lodged in order to protect pensioners in Scotland against the UK Government’s planned cuts to winter fuel payments.

The move will now see over 720,000 Scottish pensioners benefit.

Ms Somerville said: “The UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment last winter was a betrayal of millions of pensioners, and their recent U-turn is welcome if belated.

“Following careful consideration of the options available, the Scottish Government will mirror the approach taken by the UK Government.  We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.

“We are in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales to recover payments from those pensioners with an individual income of more than £35,000 through the tax system.

“The intention is that the payment will be recovered automatically, and pensioners will not need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.

“This approach ensures a higher level of support which those most in need will receive. Over 720,000 Scottish pensioners are estimated to benefit from the higher payment.”

Leading pensioner poverty charity welcomes decision on Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation from the Scottish Government that all older people with an income of less than £35,000 a year will receive the higher rate of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

“This decision will provide some comfort to the hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland who live in fuel poverty. 

“In a compassionate and wealthy society, no one should struggle to stay warm in the winter due to cost. The commitment by the Scottish Government to uprate the PAWHP annually is also welcome and key to ensuring the payment does not lose its value due to inflation. 

“This means the payment will now be worth £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age, with the payment recovered through tax from those with an income over £35,000.  

“We welcome this decision and hope the Scottish Government continues to take steps to reduce financial hardship, including the creation of a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty.”

‘THIS ISN’T OK’: PYCP appeal after food stolen from Community Garden

We’re saddened to share that our community garden—lovingly tended by local children and dedicated volunteers—has been taken, and many of the vegetables we’ve grown together are gone.

This garden is more than just plants; it’s a space for learning, connection, and giving back. We’re asking for your help to spread the word and protect this special place.

👉 Please share this post with your friends and family.

👉 If you see or hear anything, let us know.

👉 Let’s work together to keep our garden safe and thriving.

Thank you PY Team x

The Eric Liddell Community shines a light on the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia

During Carers Week 2025, The Eric Liddell Community spotlighted the invaluable role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones living with dementia.

Through its dedicated Carers Programme and specialist Dementia Day Care Service, the Edinburgh-based charity is providing essential respite, meaningful connection, and personalised support for carers across the city.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally demanding and socially isolating. According to Carers UK, eight in ten carers regularly experience feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

To help support unpaid carers across Edinburgh, The Eric Liddell Community delivers a range of inclusive, practical, and therapeutic services that aim to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and provide vital moments of rest and relief.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “Carers Week was a chance for us to honour the incredible role unpaid carers play in supporting their loved ones living with dementia, while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting them. 

“At The Eric Liddell Community, we’re proud to offer services that not only provide vital respite, but also help reduce isolation, and offer a supportive community with others in a similar position.

“Through our Carers Programme, Dementia Day Care Service, and initiatives like Liddell Lions and Eric’s Escapes, we aim to create to provide companionship and a break from the isolating realities many carers face.”

The Carers Programme is more than just a series of activities – it’s a lifeline, a place where unpaid carers can recharge, rediscover themselves, and build lasting connections.

Whether it’s the joy of music, the rhythm of dance, or the quiet creativity of the arts, every session offers a chance to step away from daily pressures and embrace moments of renewal. Carers can also develop digital skills, experience holistic therapies, and join social gatherings that remind them they are not alone.

The programme’s impact is best seen in the story of Mary and John, both in their late 80s and living with dementia. As their needs grew, their daughters sought support from The Eric Liddell Community.

What followed was nothing short of transformative.

John rekindled his passion for gardening, finding peace among flowers and fresh earth, while Mary, once hesitant, discovered confidence through music, proudly contributing to daily activities with a newfound spark.

“We feel so lucky we found you,” their daughter shared, capturing the deep gratitude felt by so many families touched by the programme.

With growing demand, The Eric Liddell Community remains committed to expanding its services—ensuring every unpaid carer in Edinburgh has access to a compassionate, uplifting community.

To learn more about the Carers Programme and other available services, visit:

 www.ericliddell.org.

ECCAN’s Greenlight seedgrant fund opens next week

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Greenlight – ECCAN’s Seedgrant Funding Opens June 16th!

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We are excited to announce that this year we will be sharing £115K for climate action projects delivered by community groups within the city of Edinburgh. We will also accept applications from individuals on behalf of informal groups.

Organisations and groups can apply for grants in the following categories:

Grants of up to £20,000 each (large grants for co-designed projects with partner working) – nominally two awards.

Grants of up to £10,000 each (large grants – can be co-designed) – nominally two awards.

Grants of up to £5,000 each (medium grants) – nominally 4 awards.

Grants up to a value of £1,000 each.

Small grants of up to £500. For individuals or informal groups the limit is £350.

You need to be an ECCAN member to apply (membership is free).

For more information, check our website on the day: 

https://www.eccan.scot/greenlight-funding

#seedgrantfunding

#funding

#edinburgh

#edinburghcommunity

#nonforprofit

#ClimateAction

Scotland’s unpaid carers over £4,400 better off

Carers urged to check for financial support during Carers Week

This Carers Week (9 – 15 June), unpaid carers across Scotland are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for social security support – through Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant  

Carer’s Allowance Supplement – a payment only available north of the border – was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution.   

Since the payment’s introduction, unpaid carers in Scotland will be up to £4,475 better off by the end of 2025. 

On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: “Social security in Scotland isn’t about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government.

“We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we’re making.  
  
“We introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.

“We’re also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 

“Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It’s a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.”  

Carla Bennett, Carer Services Manager at VOCAL Midlothian added: “Unpaid carers often face financial hardship, with many forced to give up paid work or reduce their hours to support those they care for.

“Caring for someone comes with additional costs too, such as transport, heating, equipment and food. These expenses, combined with reduced income, mean carers are more likely to experience poverty.  

“Demand for VOCAL’s income maximisation service has doubled in the past year, showing that carers are feeling the strain. Accessing financial and social security support can ease this burden and make a significant difference to the lives of carers and those they care for.

“We would encourage carers to find out what they might be eligible for.” 

Carers Week: Playlist For Life

Caring for someone living with dementia can be hard

Personal playlists however can give dementia carers, who are often relatives or friends respite, by helping to reduce symptoms including distress, anxiety, loss of communication and low mood.

Want to know how to make a playlist? Join our free webinar for family and friends this Thursday to learn how:

https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/…/how-to-make-a…/…

New research reveals parents don’t know where to seek support

Children First has uncovered a staggering 85% of parents in Scotland feel they have nowhere to turn when bringing up children becomes tough. The charity is urging parents and carers to get in touch with their free support line and webchat service which provides emotional, practical and financial help for families.

Scotland’s national children’s charity, who recently declared a childhood emergency in Scotland, described the findings as ‘extremely troubling’. 

Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said, “The fact that almost nine out of ten parents in Scotland don’t know where to seek advice and support when bringing up children gets tough is extremely troubling.

“Every day our teams hear from parents and carers from across Scotland that raising their babies, children and teenagers is harder than ever. Many are at a loss, not knowing where to turn for support. Children do well when families do well, so this must change.

“We are urging parents who are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, have a feeling that something isn’t quite right or who just need to hear a friendly voice to get in touch with our support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk.

“All stages of growing up bring their own unique challenges. Whatever you are worried about we’re here for you. We know being a parent can be tough. Whether you’re concerned about baby milestones, toddler tantrums, social media, bullying, exam stress or mental health you are not alone. Children First is here for children and here for families.”

For over 140 years Children First have been trusted by thousands of parents and carers to help keep young people safe and well. Every year the charity puts millions of pounds back into the pockets of families by helping them claim the benefits and entitlements they are due.

Mary Glasgow continued: “With one in four children living in poverty in Scotland and around 100 referrals a day being made to child and adolescent mental health services, bringing up children is harder than ever.

“Our support line is a lifeline for families who desperately need advice. No child should suffer because the adults in their life don’t have anyone to turn to.”

Kinship carer Tony* who is bringing up his two-year old granddaughter Cara* and had been struggling to make ends meet, said: “It was only when Children First support line got involved that things started to get better. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it’s such a relief.”

Mum Lucy* shared that she “received fantastic support both online and via phone, regarding a concern for my son’s emotional wellbeing.”

Young person Ollie* said: “My Children First recovery worker saved my life quite a few times. Without her I would have been lost. She helped me believe I could get through it.”

The support line is also available for anyone who is concerned a child in their community may be at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.

Ms Glasgow explained, “We all need to look out for children who can’t protect themselves and they need our help to stay safe. If you have concerns about a child’s wellbeing it can be difficult to know what to do.

“Please don’t leave it to chance. Our support line will listen and help you work through what’s best for the child.”

If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999.

Families can call the Children First support line for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.

From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.

Last year, more than two thirds of families contacting the support line were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half rang with concerns about family relationships. 

‘Cruel Cuts’: Trussell urges UK government to think again

15,000 people in disabled households in Scotland will be forced into severe hardship if the UK government goes ahead with cuts to social security, warns Trussell

  • New report reveals hundreds of thousands of people will be pushed into severe hardship if government goes ahead with ‘cruel’ cuts to disability payments
  • 15,000 more people in disabled households will be at risk of needing to use a food bank

New analysis from anti-poverty charity Trussell has found that 15,000 people in disabled households across Scotland will be forced into severe hardship and at risk of needing a food bank in 2029/30, if the UK government goes ahead with planned cuts to social security.

The report – produced by economic and public policy experts WPI Economics for Trussell – models the projected impact of proposed changes to social security for disabled people on the number of people facing hunger and hardship in Scotland, a measure of deep poverty which captures people at risk of needing to use a food bank now or in the future.

This new analysis comes just weeks after it was revealed that almost 240,000 emergency food parcels were distributed by the Trussell community across Scotland during the past year. This is equivalent to one parcel every two minutes and a 101% increase compared to a decade ago.

Across the UK, it is projected that 440,000 people in disabled households will be forced into severe hardship. It also shows that the UK government’s planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit will move 95,000 people out of severe hardship – which Trussell says is clear evidence this welcome step cannot possibly make up for the sheer scale of the damage of cuts. The net impact of reforms will still be around 340,000 more people in disabled households facing hunger and hardship.

Trussell warns that UK government’s proposed £7 billion cuts to support for disabled people are likely to undermine its goal of increasing employment and will drive higher costs for public services.

Trussell and WPI Economics have shown that even before these cuts, the ongoing failure to tackle hunger and hardship leads to the Scottish government spending an additional £860m a year on public services alone, like the NHS, schools and children’s social care.

As MPs prepare to vote on legislation to introduce the cuts, Trussell is urging the UK government to think again and halt these damaging cuts to support for disabled people. They will be condemning hundreds of thousands of people to severe hardship and piling the pressure on food banks across the country, which are already stretched to breaking point.

As well as axing the proposed cuts, Trussell is calling on the UK government to bring forward the planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit so it comes into full effect from April 2026, rather than April 2029.

Cara Hilton, senior policy manager for Scotland at Trussell, said: “This UK government was elected on a promise of change, and with a commitment to end the need for food banks. If the government goes ahead with these ill-considered and cruel cuts to social security, this promise will not be kept – and instead, they will risk leaving behind a legacy of rising poverty and hunger.

“Tackling fiscal challenges should not be done at the expense of people already facing hunger and hardship. These cuts will force 440,000 people in disabled households into severe hardship and leave them at risk of needing a food bank. We urge the government not to continue down this damaging path.

“We support the plan to reform employment support and help more people into work, where their health allows this and accessible jobs are available, but these proposed cuts will utterly undermine this goal. Slashing support will damage people’s health and reduce their ability to engage in training and work.”

Craig Crosthwaite, manager at North Ayrshire Foodbank, said: “Most days we see people coming to the food bank who have a disability or are caring for someone with a disability in their household.

“Social security payments do not allow people to afford the essentials, and this is amplified when you are also dealing with the extra costs of managing a disability. Life simply costs more for disabled people.  We fear that should these cuts be forced through Parliament, we will see many more people being forced to access our help.”

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were distributed in your area, and write to your MP to express your concerns at these cruel cuts, on the Trussell website: https://campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode

hunger_and_hardship_final_report (1)Download

Latest version of Ready Steady Baby! available now

The latest version of Ready, Steady, Baby! is now available.

Everyone who is pregnant and lives in Scotland will receive a free printed copy from their midwife (also available in other formats and languages). It’s also available on NHS inform.

https://nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby