Recent statistics indicating that 12,402 pupils have missed at least half of the school year—enough to fill almost 400 classrooms—should concern us all.
While we support mainstream education wherever appropriate, it can only succeed if schools have the staff and specialist support to make inclusion for those with additional support needs (ASN) meaningful.
More than two out of five (43 per cent) of Scotland’s pupils are now identified as having an additional support need, with numbers more than doubling over the past decade. Yet the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen. Additionally, as the number of those with ASN experiencing greater complexity of need increases, special school provision may be required, yet the number of such schools has declined.
The link between unmet additional support needs and poor attendance is clear. Too many families are waiting for support while schools struggle with shortages of specialist teachers, classroom assistants, educational psychologists and mental health professionals.
Identifying children with ASN is only the first step. They must receive the timely support needed to attend school, achieve their potential and avoid poorer educational and mental health outcomes.
Scotland urgently needs greater investment to deliver genuinely inclusive education. Without it, we risk failing not only children with ASN and their families, but every pupil and teacher in Scotland’s classrooms.
Businesses, charities and innovators are being invited to compete for a share of up to £60 million to transform how disabled people and those with health conditions are supported into work, the Government has announced today [14th July].
Businesses, charities and organisations to bid for up to £60 million to fund innovative ideas to support disabled people move closer and into work.
Expert panel – including Paralympian Tanni Grey Thompson – to help design the fund and shortlist best ideas
Comes as part of £3.5 billion employment support package to knock down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and those with health conditions.
The Government’s Pathways to Work Innovation Fund is a ‘call to action’ for the private, voluntary and public sectors to come forward with the most ambitious, creative ideas to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into and on at work.
The Fund will open for bids in September, with organisations across the UK invited to compete for funding to test genuinely new approaches to employment support.
With 2.8 million people currently out of work due to ill-health, and the Keep Britain Working review estimating economic inactivity caused by health conditions costs the UK economy £212 billion a year, the Government is looking to work alongside business, charities, tech innovators and disabled people themselves to tackle the issue and improve employment support.
The Fund forms part of the Government’s commitment to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people backed by £3.5 billion in tailored employment support. This includes intensive, one-to-one job help from specialist advisers in their own communities, meeting people where they are, alongside a joined-up work and health offer.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “We inherited a welfare system which has locked too many disabled people and those with health conditions out of work.
“We’re determined to ensure no talent is left behind, and that people are given the support they need. Through our £3.5 billion Pathways to Work employment support offer, we’ve seen that personalised support can be life-changing.
“Now we’re calling on business, disabled people and charities to work with us, and bring forward their ideas to transform employment support.”
An expert panel – including Paralympian Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson – will help shape the fund’s design and advise on which bids should be funded, ensuring the voices and experience of disabled people are placed at the very heart of the process.
It comes as the Department is embracing innovation by using technologies including AI and machine learning to deliver more efficient services, modernise systems and support more people into work, including a new tool to help people into jobs.
Paralympian and Member of House of Lords, Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, said: “I am delighted to be joining this expert panel at such an important moment. Finding and sustaining work matters enormously – not just for individual wellbeing and independence, but for society as a whole.
“We know that with the right support, disabled people can and do thrive in the workplace.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the systems that support disabled people must keep pace with that change. This Fund is a real opportunity to back the bold, creative ideas that can make that happen.”
To mark the launch, the Work and Pensions Secretary will today visit TechUK, the UK’s leading technology trade association, where he will meet with their members at a tech and innovation showcase to see cutting-edge innovation in action and discuss how technology can help transform people’s working lives.
The new approach comes alongside wider Government action to help people into work and fulfil their full potential, as part of reforms to the broken welfare system this government inherited, including:
Rebalancing Universal Credit to remove the perverse incentives that push people away from work.
Introducing a Right to Try Work Guarantee, giving everyone who can work the chance to do so without fear of losing their benefits.
Investing £3.5 billion in tailored employment support for sick or disabled people.
Increasing face-to-face assessments for health benefits.
Tackling fraud and error in the benefits system, saving £14.6 billion over this Parliament
Alan Milburn is due to bring his final recommendations later this year on tackling the barriers young people face, and the Timms review is looking at how to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future.
Antony Walker, Deputy CEO of TechUK, said: “The announcement that the Department for Work and Pensions is investing into an Innovation Fund is very welcome. Thousands of disabled people and those with health conditions are locked out of the workforce, not for lack of talent, but because of barriers that persist across many careers.
“Our members are already developing and deploying innovative technologies that are breaking down those barriers, helping people to find work, stay in work and thrive in their careers.
“This investment has the potential to build on that success, accelerating the adoption of proven solutions and supporting even more disabled people to access rewarding employment while helping employers tap into a wider pool of talent.”
The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund will open for bids in September 2026. Full details on how to apply will be published in due course.
Last year Childline delivered more than 3,300 counselling sessions to children and young people with worries around body image and eating disorders.
Concerns peaked during the summer months, with almost a thousand counselling sessions being delivered last June, July and August
Young people are citing influencers and trends such as calorie counting videos as affecting their body image.
Childline is anticipating a summer spike in children seeking support for body image issues and eating disorders.
New data from the NSPCC service reveals it delivered 3,364 counselling sessions to young people from April 2025 to March 2026 about these problems.
Support from Childline about body image issues and eating disorders peaked over the summer months last year, with the service delivering almost 1,000 counselling sessions across June, July and August.
The summer months leading into the school holidays can be a particularly challenging time for children and young people struggling with their body image or their relationship with food.
They speak to Childline about their fears of wearing certain clothes, including swimsuits, and how they feel under pressure to look a certain way.
Children and young people also mention comparing themselves to influencers they see online. Some spoke to Childline about watching what I eat in a day and calorie counting videos, which often promote unhealthy habits such as extreme calorie restriction.
Last year, social media platform, TikTok, banned the hashtag #SkinnyTok in an effort to prevent young people being exposed to dangerous eating disorder content. In spite of this, Childline is still hearing from young people who are watching these types of videos on TikTok and other platforms.
29-year-old Lauren* from Scotland, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said: “I had body image insecurities from the age of five. I would look at different parts of my body and think they weren’t good enough or try to measure the size of my stomach.
“At secondary school my eating disorder habits started, and I found restricting my food intake was a way of staying in control. I was trying to be as secretive about it as possible. I felt more accepted as I lost weight and if I got praise for being slimmer, it just confirmed to me that I was doing the right thing.
“Eventually I found a treatment that worked better for me, and I’ve gone from having certain beliefs and thoughts around food, weight and calories that I genuinely no longer believe.
“I know how to protect myself now and I am much better than I ever thought I would be. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I would say I am 90% of the way there.”
A 17-year-old from Scotland told Childline: “I’ve had an eating disorder for years and I’m just stuck in a cycle. I get treatment for a while, hit a healthy weight, get discharged, then spiral back into restricting.
“This time I tried to get help when I knew it was starting to happen again, but they wouldn’t see me because my BMI was still ok. I don’t want to live like this, but I don’t know how to do it without support.”
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body.
“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or, in some instances, developing disordered eating behaviours. Children are also telling us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, particularly influencers on social media.
“Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they’re going through our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment. Seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Advice for parents on encouraging healthy body image in children:
Model positive body talk: Be mindful of how you speak about your own body and other people’s’ bodies in front of your children. Avoid negative comments about weight, appearance, or comparing yourself to others, as children often copy what they hear.
Focus conversations on health and wellbeing, not appearance: When discussing food and exercise, emphasize feeling strong, energetic, and healthy rather than looking a certain way. Celebrate what bodies can do rather than just how they look.
Take concerns seriously and listen without judgment: If your child expresses worries about their body or eating habits, avoid dismissing their feelings or saying “you look fine”. Listen carefully and offer support, consider seeking professional help if needed.
Discuss what they see in the media: Help your child understand that images online and in media are often edited or unrealistic. Encourage critical thinking about what they see and limit exposure to content that promotes unrealistic beauty standards.
Watch for warning signs: Be alert to changes in your child’s eating habits, mood, exercise patterns, or social withdrawal. Early intervention is important, so don’t hesitate to seek professional support if you notice concerning behaviours around food or body image. Adults can contact our NSPCC Helpline with any concerns about a child.
All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website.
Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have on body image and eating disorders.
The heat is on and it’s that time of year when parents have to dig deep to find ways to entertain their kids for the long summer holidays. This can be a daunting task, but what better way to spark children’s imaginations and keep them amused than to get them stuck into some fantastic books.
Here at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) we know there are 25,000 children aged 0 to 16 across the UK who are living with a vision impairment which can make reading that bit more challenging;
We’re determined to make sure these children can spend the summer with their favourite book characters in the same way sighted children can.
That’s why we’ve got more than 5,000 children’s books in braille and audio formats that children can read in RNIB’s completely free online Library.
Our fantastic collection of awe-inspiring audio books can be downloaded directly from the RNIB Library on smart devices like tablets and phones, or via voice commands on Alexa-enabled devices.
Specialised Daisy CDs designed for easy, structured navigation, can be delivered to your door as can USB memory sticks with up to three books on each. Printed braille books can be ordered on-demand and electronic braille can be downloaded to read on braille displays.
Children can use all these brilliant books to take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge – a summer readathon run by The Reading Agency which encourages children aged 4-11 to read six books and provides incentives for completion.
Every copy sold is supporting Salvesen Mindroom Centre’s mission
As charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom) marks its 25th anniversary, founder Sophie Dow launches the English edition of her internationally acclaimed memoir, with proceeds from the limited 1,000-copy run helping ensure “No Mind Is Left Behind.”
What happens when a Mother refuses to accept a broken system? For journalist, writer and Mum Sophie Dow, the answer was to change it.
Now, twenty-five years after co-founding Scottish neurodiversity charity Mindroom following the birth of her daughter Annie, Dow is publishing the first English-language edition of her acclaimed memoir, “When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script”, an extraordinary true story of love, resilience and one family’s determination to create a better future for neurodivergent people.
Inspired by Annie, who lives with a unique and rare chromosome deletion now informally known as “Annie’s syndrome”, the book tells the deeply personal story behind a decision that has gone on to transform the lives of thousands and thousands of families.
The book was officially launched at an intimate soft launch on Wednesday, 9 July, as part of Mindroom’s 25th anniversary celebrations. In a special limited-edition print run of just 1,000 copies, every penny of proceeds will support the charity’s work with neurodivergent children, young people and families across Scotland.
Originally published in Sweden in 2018 as “När livet inte följer manus”, the memoir received widespread critical acclaim and has now been updated and translated into English by Sophie and her husband Robin for the first time.
At the heart of both the charity and the book is a simple belief: society should stop focusing on what neurodivergent people cannot do and instead recognise what they can.
‘When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script’ is an inspiring, personal detective drama written with humour, passion and a determined focus on the question: Why aren’t all minds valued equally?
Each chapter is illustrated with artwork created by Annie herself, making the book not only a memoir but also a celebration of creativity, individuality and the many ways people experience the world.
Author Sophie Dow says:“When Annie was born, everything changed. We found ourselves navigating systems that often focused on limitations rather than possibilities. I found that totally unacceptable.
“We are certainly not alone. There are thousands of other families out there in the same situation. This is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. So, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was founded 25 years ago to ensure that no mind is left behind.”
That vision has flourished into an influential organisation with a trusted reputation for advice, advocacy and practical support for neurodivergent children, young people, families and people in the workplace across Scotland and beyond, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.
Photography for Salvesen Mindroom Centre in Leith Edinburgh
Alan Thornburrow, CEO for Mindroom, continues:“In 2025 alone, Mindroom supported 2,172 families. We received 1,801 NEW enquiries over the course of this year alone and trained 3,546 delegates. Since 2020, we have experienced a 309% increase in the number of families seeking support.
“Sophie and Robin’s story is one I recognise, and I know so many other parents and carers will too. Every day, families tell us about the challenges of navigating fragmented systems while trying to secure the understanding and support their children need.
“That’s why we work so hard to help parents, carers, children and young people – as well as employers and employees – find a path through those barriers and access the support that enables everyone to feel valued and thrive.”
As Mindroom celebrates 25 years, the publication represents both a reflection on how far understanding of neurodiversity has come and a call for much more to be done.
Every copy sold will help fund the charity’s continuing work to ensure neurodivergent children, young people and neurodivergent people in the workplace have equal opportunities to thrive.
As demand for its services continues to grow, Mindroom also works alongside leading researchers to deepen understanding of neurodiversity and help drive lasting change.
Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade, the Timms Review has found
Millions of disabled people are being failed by a benefit that is no longer working, the first ever full review into Personal Independence Payment has found.
The largest co-produced review ever undertaken by government at a national level has heard from nearly 40,000 people and organisations across the country.
Publication of interim report finds that while PIP is a lifeline for many claimants, it can create barriers to work, physical activity and community life.
Report also reveals deep-rooted problems in the design and delivery of PIP with the assessment described as dehumanising and stressful.
Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade, the Timms Review has found.
The interim report published today (Thursday 9 July 2026) comes as part of the first comprehensive review of PIP since the benefit was introduced in 2013 and sets out the evidence gathered so far to inform recommendations for reform due this autumn.
Drawing on findings from more than 38,000 responses to the Review’s Call for Evidence, alongside workshops and engagement with disabled people, their organisations and experts, it is one of the largest co-produced reviews delivered by the government.
The report has revealed that while PIP is widely valued as a cash benefit, it is not working as intended for disabled people or wider society.
While many disabled people say that PIP is vital in helping them meet the extra costs of disability and participate in everyday life, others stated PIP creates barriers to participating fully in work, social and community life. This is particularly true for people with fluctuating conditions, less visible conditions or multiple conditions.
The process of claiming, under assessment criteria designed more than a decade ago, was viewed negatively by 90% of respondents, and described as at times “dehumanising”, “degrading” and “stressful” and the use of supporting evidence too often inconsistent. Only 5% of responses about the process were positive.
The Report also reports low levels of trust in the system and the need for it to be built back both for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, as well as for the taxpayer.
PIP was introduced in 2013 to contribute towards the extra costs of disability and support independent living but has never been fully reviewed despite shifting trends in health and disability, and changes in wider society and the workplace.
The Review launched last October with the aim of making sure PIP is fair and fit for the future in a changing world and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence including through employment.
It will also take account of related work underway across the wider health and social care system, including the Milburn Review into the increase in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Both reviews are due to conclude later this year, providing a foundation for effective and sustainable reform.
The steering group will now continue to gather evidence through evidence sessions with experts and workshops around the country, while moving into the next phase: designing and testing recommendations for change, with the final recommendations due to be published this autumn.
Around 10 million working-age people report living with a disability – equivalent to 24% of the working-age population, compared with under 17% in 2013/14. There have been greater increases in the prevalence of disability among young people and a rise in mental health conditions. The Review must consider how PIP can remain sustainable within fixed financial limits and support future generations.
The report draws on findings from over 38,000 responses to a Call for Evidence, which describe an assessment process that fails to reflect real-life impacts, particularly for those with multiple or fluctuating conditions.
Yet the report also found that disabled people consistently describe PIP as a vital lifeline, allowing independence. Without it, many say they would become housebound, dependent on family, or in need of residential care.
Sharon Brennan, co-chair of the Review, said: “Improving trust in the system – both from the public and those going through the system – is vital if PIP is to be fit and fair for the future.
“Of those that responded to the steering group’s Call for Evidence, over 90% described negative experiences of the process of claiming PIP, with concerns raised around all aspects of the process from application through to assessment and appeals.
“We are immensely grateful to the tens of thousands of people who have taken the time to share their lived experience and make a valuable contribution to this Review.
“We’ve heard loud and clear: PIP is highly valued as a benefit but is not fit for purpose. We are committed to making changes so that PIP can fulfil its purpose.”
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, co-chair of the Review, said: “PIP should contribute to disabled people meeting the extra costs of disability and participate in everyday life. What we have heard through this Review is that, while PIP is a lifeline for many people, the system too often fails to understand the reality of people’s lives.
“Disabled people have told us about a process that can feel stressful, dehumanising and hard to navigate, especially for people with fluctuating conditions, less visible or multiple conditions. That matters, because a system that does not feel fair or humane will not command trust from disabled people or from the wider public.
“This Review is significant because disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations and experts are helping and supporting to shape the work from the inside, not simply being consulted from the outside. As we move towards final recommendations, we need to be bold in our ambition, practical in our proposals, and focused on making PIP fair, trusted and fit for the future.”
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and co-chair of the Review, said: “This interim report delivers a clear message: while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is not working as intended and needs fundamental change.
“Our work so far has been informed by a wide range of evidence, expertise, and insight to ensure we hear from as many disabled people as possible across the country, including through workshops, engagement and a call for evidence which attracted more than 38,000 responses.
“I’m grateful to my fellow co-chairs and the steering group for their intensive work and look forward to the Review’s final report being delivered in the autumn.”
Charlotte Gill, Head of Campaigns at the MS Society, says: “Today’s interim report confirms what disabled people have been saying for many years – that the current PIP system is stressful and exhausting.
“We’ve been supporting people with MS to share their experiences as part of the Review, and they are clear in their call for a new approach based on fairness, dignity and respect.
“Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, with most diagnosed in their 30s and 40s. This is our chance to build a PIP system that acknowledges invisible and fluctuating symptoms, ends unnecessary reassessments, and works for everyone.
“But the next steps are crucial – and must continue involving and listening to disabled people. That’s the only way to make PIP fair and fit for the future.”
Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, says: “The report echoes what we hear every day: that the PIP system is dehumanising, stressful and damages trust.
“PIP is a lifeline for people who, through no fault of their own, live with the additional costs of mental illness.
“So as this work progresses, it’s vital that, alongside improving the process, we also recognise that in a decent society we must support those facing additional need. This is a line-in-the sand moment for how we treat people, that improves lives for those who are unwell and reduces the impacts on families and communities.”
Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability Mencap, said: “It’s groundbreaking to see proper co-production in action. Disabled people are shaping the way that PIP works, and their lived experience is essential to making the right decisions on its future.
“This report shows clearly that that the current claims process is not fit for purpose and places an unfair administrative and emotional burden on people with a learning disability and their families. This chimes with our experience: the application process is not accessible, assessments end up being a needless fight and unnecessary re-assessments create distrust in the decision-making process.
“This approach should continue so that future recommendations are practical, deliverable and do not harm disabled people. I hope that the process of co-production will help to restore trust in the welfare systems that many of us rely on.”
The Call for Evidence forms just one part of a wider programme of engagement and evidence gathering. Last month, the group launched a toolkit to gather organisations’ insights on people’s experiences of PIP. Feedback from these sessions, combined with existing research, has helped ensure the report reflects a broad range of views and evidence.
The steering group is clear that co-production is central to the Review, putting disabled people at its heart. Co-production is a new undertaking for the UK government, and this is the first time it has been used on this scale.
It includes disabled people, representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations and experts – bringing together lived experience, policy knowledge and practical expertise to develop recommendations based on real lives.
Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing, Sense: “Too many disabled people are being failed by the current benefits system, and we welcome the Timms Review’s acknowledgment of this.
“Sense research found that nearly half of disabled people with complex needs on benefits said that the application process made their conditions worse; this is clearly a system that needs to urgently change.
“We are also pleased to see the review’s commitment to co-production with disabled people, and look forward to being further involved in this process.
“Benefits like PIP are a vital lifeline for disabled people. They are the difference between people being part of their communities, seeing people they love, being able to stay active and getting to work.
“As the Timms review moves into its next phase, we urge the review team to ensure its recommendations are driven by the goal of improving disabled people’s lives, not reducing public spending.
“Changes to welfare must remove barriers, strengthen support and build a system that treats disabled people with dignity, respect and trust.”
David Newbold, Director of Community, Parkinson’s UK: “We welcome the Timms Review’s recognition that the current PIP system is not working for many disabled people and that it can be particularly difficult for those with fluctuating conditions such as Parkinson’s.
“It is encouraging to see acknowledgement that assessments do not always capture the full impact of a condition, can be subjective, and that assessor training needs to improve.
“As the Review develops its recommendations, it will be important to ensure that support remains based on the impact a condition has on someone’s daily life. People with Parkinson’s should be able to access the support they need regardless of whether they are able to work, volunteer or take part in other activities.
“It is also vital for the Review to ensure that unnecessary reassessments for people with progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s are stopped. A fair system should not require people to repeatedly prove the impact of a condition that will not improve.
“We will continue to work with the Timms Review to help ensure any future changes to PIP work for people with Parkinson’s and lead to a fairer, more consistent system that provides the support people need.”
James Taylor, Director of Strategy, Scope: “Co-producing with disabled people is the right thing to do. We’re pleased lived experience is at the centre of the Review.
“This report reflects what Scope hears day in, day out, from disabled people. PIP isn’t working.
“The assessment process is complex and dehumanising. The system does not reflect the reality of disabled people’s lives, especially people with fluctuating conditions.
“Life costs more if you are disabled. And PIP exists to help with the extra costs disabled people face, whether they are in work, out of work, or unable to work.
“The government has started to listen. Now it must build a person-centred system that is easier to deal with and fit for disabled people’s lives.”
Stewart McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer, Christians Against Poverty: “We welcome that the Timms Review has listened to the voices of people living with disabilities, including a visit to meet with some of our clients at CAP’s support hub in Bradford.
“As rightly highlighted by the review, the current application process for PIP is complicated and adds additional stress and anxiety onto people already facing vulnerable circumstances. CAP’s debt coaches and local church teams frequently see this reality when working with clients in their communities.
“Many people with disabilities come to us for free debt advice because they have had to take out credit as a result of not being able to afford their basic needs.
“This report is a positive step on the journey of reviewing PIP. But, from this review, steps need to be taken to ensure that the social security system supports and empowers disabled people into good, quality employment, whilst also providing a livable income for those unable to work to live a life with dignity.”
We are looking at ways to make the library more accessible for families with additional support needs. As part of this we have put together a social story to make it easier to know what to expect when visiting us at Granton library!
We have a hardcopy available in the library if you want to look at it when you come.
We also have a visual timetable that you can borrow during your visit.
We’re still in the early days of this process so we very much welcome any feedback on what we can do better and what would be helpful to make a library visit more accessible!
The Foundation funds organisations tackling some of the biggest challenges facing veterans today, including mental health, housing, isolation, employment and family wellbeing
HRH The Princess Royal attended the Veterans’ Foundation’s tenth anniversary celebrations as the charity marked a decade of supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families through hundreds of organisations across the United Kingdom.
The Princess Royal met veterans, including Veterans’ Foundation ambassadors Simon Weston CBE and Mark Ormrod MBE, alongside representatives from funded charities during the celebrations at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on 2 July, hearing directly about the difference those organisations are making to the lives of veterans and their families.
The celebrations reflected a decade of partnership between supporters, charities and communities working together to improve the lives of veterans and their families, while also looking ahead to the Foundation’s next chapter through the Armed Forces Pledge.
Since its launch in 2016, the Veterans’ Foundation has awarded almost £40 million in grants to more than 500 charitable organisations and 1,100 projects, delivering life-changing support across housing, mental health, education, employment, wellbeing and community services for veterans, serving personnel and their families across the UK.
Chair of Trustees for the Veterans’ Foundation, Andrew Anderson, said: “The event was about recognising the extraordinary people who make this work possible – our supporters, our partners, the charities we fund and, above all, the veterans and families at the heart of everything we do.
“It was a tremendous honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we marked this milestone together. Her longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community reflects the values that have guided the Foundation over the past decade. What we have achieved in ten years is remarkable, but our ambition for the future is even greater.”
Veterans’ Foundation Chief Executive Jane Gurney said: “Looking around the room during the evening, you could see the strength of the community that stands behind our veterans – from grassroots charities and volunteers to business leaders, ambassadors and lifelong supporters.
Over the past ten years, more than 288,000 people have helped us stand beside the Armed Forces community. Their loyalty, generosity and belief in what we do have made everything possible.
That support has enabled us to fund hundreds of charities and more than 1,100 projects across the UK, delivering life-changing help to veterans and their families. Our grants give organisations the confidence and capacity to grow, strengthen their services and reach more people in need.”
Veterans’ Foundation ambassador Simon Weston CBE said: “It was a privilege to be part of this celebration and to see so many people united by a shared commitment to those who have served our country.
“The Veterans’ Foundation has spent ten years backing extraordinary organisations that stand beside veterans and their families every single day. That support changes lives, strengthens communities and reminds people that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The celebrations also looked ahead to the Foundation’s next chapter. During the evening, Chair Andrew Anderson announced an ambition to raise and distribute a further £160 million over the next decade, taking total lifetime funding to £200 million.
Guests supported fundraising activities throughout the evening, helping to ensure future investment in the charities and organisations delivering frontline support to veterans and their families.
As it enters its second decade, the Veterans’ Foundation is inviting people across the UK to sign the Armed Forces Pledge, adding their name and message of support for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The anniversary programme also reflected on the Foundation’s journey to date, including footage of a commemorative projection onto the White Cliffs of Dover. Echoing a similar installation at the charity’s launch in 2016, the projection recognised service and sacrifice while highlighting the continuing challenges faced by the Armed Forces community.
Scottish Book Trust has delivered books and toys to young patients at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
The national reading and writing charity donated twenty of their popular Squishy Bookbug Reading Cushions, which are normally sold through Scottish Book Trust’s online shop to raise funds for the charity.
These squishy cushions will be given to young patients, allowing them to enjoy books and Bookbug sessions in comfort during their hospital stay.
Scottish Book Trust also donated two boxes of brand-new books for children and young people to enjoy while at the hospital. These included engaging stories for primary school ages and flap books for early years. Books are so popular at the Hospital that donations always go quickly.
The supplies were distributed with the help of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, which supports the children who are admitted to the children’s hospital at Little France, and their families.
With support from Scottish Book Trust, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity has been running Bookbug Sessions in the Hospital Hub and on the wards to share stories, songs and rhymes with the children during their stay. These sessions are loved by children, young people and their families.
In this National Year of Reading, it’s more important than ever to promote the power of reading to children, and to inspire them through a love of stories and songs.
Catriona McIntyre, Arts and Wellbeing Manager at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity said: ‘Scottish Book Trust supports families within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in a huge variety of ways.
“The books that are so kindly donated help moments of connection during challenging times, supports bedtime routines, aids imagination and curiosity. Books are such an important part of our Wellbeing Hub, highlighting that this is a space for fun and enjoyment, just for them.
‘Bookbug is incredibly popular and ECHC is delighted to be able to host such a familiar event for families that would normally be going to in their local libraries and bring a little piece of normality.
“Our Bookbug sessions are facilitated by our lovely volunteer, Alison. Alison’s sessions have been such a hit in the hospital that she recently won a Volunteer Edinburgh Inspiring Volunteer Awards for her work volunteering in The Hub.’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘We were delighted to be able to donate our Bookbug reading cushions and books to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, and we are pleased to hear just how much enjoyment they will give children and young people who have been admitted to hospital.
‘Book gifting is a vital part of our mission at Scottish Book Trust. We aim to help everyone in Scotland access books and all the benefits they bring through reading and writing. All proceeds from our shop help fund our charity to do more of its life-changing work.’
New analysis of Scottish Charity Regulator data by Ansvar Insurance has highlighted the important contribution made by Edinburgh’s micro-charities, with 1,317 grassroots organisations supporting a wide range of causes across the region.
The figures show that 45 new micro-charities – organisations with an annual income of less than £25,000 – were registered during 2025, adding to an established network of local organisations delivering support to communities.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, a specialist insurer for the charity and not‑for‑profit sector, commented: “The latest figures show that community spirit remains strong across Edinburgh, with more people taking action to support causes that matter to them and their local area.
“Micro-charities may be small in terms of income, but their contribution to society is often far greater than their size suggests. Across the area, these organisations support a wide range of causes and play an important role in local communities.”
Despite limited income, micro-charities often face many of the same challenges as larger organisations. These responsibilities often fall to a small team, who must balance day-to-day service delivery with the regulatory demands of running a charity.
Building awareness of these challenges can ensure micro-charities are better placed to continue delivering vital services.
According to Ansvar, three key areas are:
Governance and trustee responsibilities – ensuring trustees understand their legal duties and that appropriate policies and procedures are in place.
Cyber security and data protection – protecting the personal information of donors, volunteers and beneficiaries from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Operational resilience – preparing for unexpected events that could affect the charity’s ability to deliver services, and ensuring appropriate insurance and contingency plans are in place to minimise disruption.
Adam Tier added: “Many of these organisations are run by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference.
“By building strong foundations early on, micro-charities can put themselves in the best position to continue supporting their communities for years to come.”
Ansvar conducted the analysis to highlight the important contribution made by grassroots charities and to recognise the people who dedicate their time and resources to supporting local causes.
