support – Page 38 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Call for greater resourcing as spending to support vulnerable children is slashed

Spending cut of £874 per pupil identified with ASN since 2012/13
‘Postcode lottery’ of spending between local authorities on ASN
Near doubling in the number of pupils with ASN since 2012
Cut in the number of ASN teachers

An alliance of leading providers of children’s services, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), has called for greater resourcing to support children and young people with additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems.

The call, which comes in advance of tomorrow’s local council elections (Thursday (5^th May), comes as new figures contained in a parliamentary answer to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, reveal that spend per pupil with ASN has slumped dramatically.

This comes against a backdrop of the number of pupils with ASN increasing and the number of specialist teachers supporting them dropping to a new low.

SCSC is calling on incoming town hall administrations to put the needs of vulnerable children and young people at the very heart of policy and funding commitments.

The figures highlight that average spend per pupil on additional support for learning by councils in Scotland (primary, secondary and special education) has fallen from £4,276 in 2012/13 to £3,402 in 2020/21 (in cash terms). This amounts to an overall cut in spending of £874 per pupil, representing a 20.4% drop.

Spend per pupil ranges from £2,210 in the Scottish Borders to £5,901 in the Shetland Islands, pointing to a ‘postcode lottery’ in spend across local councils (see Notes to Editors for figures per local authority).

This fall is against the backdrop of a 92.2 per cent increase since 2012 in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 118,011 to 226,838 in 2020, amounting to 108,827 individuals. Those with ASNcurrently represent just under a third of all pupils (32.3 per cent).

Between 2012 and 2020 the number of full-time equivalent ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,389 to all-time low of 2,860, a decrease of 529 teachers, representing a cut in numbers of 15.6 per cent.

Against the background of Covid-19 and its disproportionate impact on those with ASN, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and councils to ensure that those with ASN in Scotland’s schools receive the care and support they need.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need, when they need it, especially as we come out of the current Covid-19 crisis. This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.

“Given this, it is disappointing to note cuts in spending to those with ASN and we would urge Scotland’s newly elected councils to put the needs of vulnerable children and young people at the very heart of policy and funding commitments.

“Councils and the Scottish Government must work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.”

Table 4 – Additional support for learning spending per pupil (£, cash terms)

	2020/21
Aberdeen City	3,196
Aberdeenshire	2,392
Angus	3,024
Argyll & Bute	3,833
City of Edinburgh	3,093
Clackmannanshire	4,344
Dumfries & Galloway	3,226
Dundee City	2,274
East Ayrshire	4,432
East Dunbartonshire	4,500
East Lothian	3,865
East Renfrewshire	2,785
Falkirk	3,798
Fife	2,794
Glasgow City	4,133
Highland	3,062
Inverclyde	3,722
Midlothian	4,100
Moray	3,110
Na h-Eileanan Siar	5,757
North Ayrshire	2,379
North Lanarkshire	5,490
Orkney Islands	4,540
Perth & Kinross	3,023
Renfrewshire	3,477
Scottish Borders	2,210
Shetland Islands	5,901
South Ayrshire	4,868
South Lanarkshire	3,505
Stirling	3,374
West Dunbartonshire	3,589
West Lothian	2,700
All Local Authorities	3,402

Sources:

1. Local Financial Returns – Education (LFR 01) statistical return provided by local authorities to the Scottish Government.

2. Pupil Census – 2020 school statistics collected by Scottish Government

Charity offers fuel grant to ex-miners

A CHARITY is offering a £200 grant to former coal miners to help them cope with the rise in fuel costs in 2022.

CISWO – the coal mining charity – has launched the scheme to provide some support towards combatting the huge hike in the energy price cap which came into effect in April.

The one-off grant will be available to former coal miners, or their partners or widows, who are identified as being particularly vulnerable due to being on a low income, live in their own home and are responsible for paying for energy costs.

It is also only available to those former mineworkers who have ten years’ service in the industry or those whose last place of work was in the industry. Only one grant is available per household.

The price rises will see millions of people having to pay around £700 more each year to heat their homes.

And with former miners often suffering from health issues, poor mobility and managing on low incomes, they may be disproportionately impacted by the changes.

Nicola Didlock, Chief Executive at CISWO, said: “We are very aware that many of our beneficiaries are vulnerable and susceptible to the cold, especially those on low incomes and trying to cope with ill-health, mobility issues and older properties to maintain.

“We want to ensure that those individuals are identified and supported to keep warm and healthy, particularly during the colder months as the energy price rise begins to impact those most affected.”

CISWO’s Personal Welfare team will be identifying people in need and supporting them to get the help they are entitled to. As well as the CISWO grant, they will help people to obtain other financial aid and subsidies from the government.

The team will also be on hand to provide information about other support on offer from CISWO for former coal miners and their dependants, including:

Confidential home visiting service
Advocacy, information, advice and guidance
Emotional support
Benefit applications
Access to mobility equipment
Reducing loneliness and isolation
Access to holidays and convalescence

For more information about claiming the £200 CISWO grant, visit:

www.ciswo.org.uk

or call 01506 635 550.

Summer of fun as Fet Lor shares in Scotmid Community Connect awards

Three good causes across the East of Scotland have been awarded a share of a £25,000 funding pot, thanks to Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect award scheme.

Sepsis Research (FEAT) secured £15,000 in funding, with FetLor Youth Club and You’re Never Too Old (YNTO) both receiving a £5,000 award. The charities were shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support helping them to continue carrying out their vital work within their communities.

Each organisation delivers a range of different services, aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of others:

Sepsis Research (FEAT) strives to identify why some people are more affected by sepsis than others. Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection when your body’s immune system overreacts, and this can quickly lead to multiple organ failure. Funding from Scotmid will be used to research genetic variants, target new treatments and improve survival rates for those affected.

FetLor Youth Club provides services, including free activities and hot meals, for children and young people aged 7 to 17 in North Edinburgh, many of whom come from disadvantaged areas. Funding from Scotmid will be used to host the 2022 Summer programme which supports over 1000 people, allowing children and their families can spend time together and enjoy life changing experiences.

You’re Never Too Old (YNTO) supports older socially isolated people living in their own homes in the North-West area of Edinburgh. Twice a week they provide transport for members to the club where they take part in stimulating activities, days out and enjoy lunch together. Reducing isolation, making new friends and creating memories is at the heart of everything You’re Never Too Old do. Funding from Scotmid will be used to help cover transportation costs.

Dr Richie Adams, Chief Executive at FetLor Youth Club, said: ” FetLor is delighted to receive this award from Scotmid. We will use the £5,000 funding to give young people a fantastic summer holiday of fun and educational experiences.

“Our programme of events brings communities together and offers opportunities many of our members may not, otherwise, be able to access. Our summer programme is all about giving our young people the best summer ever!”

Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer from Sepsis Research, said: “Sepsis is a devastating condition that can kill a previously healthy adult or child in hours. We are therefore delighted to have been awarded £15,000.

“This funding will allow us collect, store and process patient DNA samples and investigate why some people get so sick from sepsis and others make a fully recovery. The hope in the future is that this research will be able to develop new treatments so more lives can be saved.”

Anne Stewart from You’re Never Too Old, said: “YNTO is absolutely delighted we have been awarded funding of £5,000.

“We would like to thank Scotmid and all the members for voting for YNTO. The funding is extremely important and will ensure we continue to make a difference to older, socially isolated people.”

Since Scotmid’s Community Connect launched in 2017, more than £500,000 has been awarded to 54 good cause groups enabling key projects to continue operating in their local areas.

Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, said: “Community Connect is one of the core ways in which we are able to support the communities we serve.

“We have seen first-hand how local charities and good cause groups have provided a vital lifeline to many people, particularly over the course of the pandemic, whilst also facing new challenges of their own.

“We are truly delighted to award these good causes with this funding support, which will help them continue providing vital services within their own communities.”

EWA issues urgent appeal to protect victims of domestic abuse

EDINBURGH WOMEN’S AID REPORTS SURGE IN DEMAND FOR SERVICES

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which has been providing services and support for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse for nearly 50 years, including refuge accommodation and legal advice, is calling on political leaders to help support the continuation of its services, following a surge in demand over the past two years.

Since the start of the pandemic, the charity has seen an increase in the number of women using their services by almost 10% due to factors including financial insecurity, social distancing and limited access to friends and family, which have made both escaping from an abuser and recovering from abuse even more difficult for women and children.

As a result, EWA, which remained open throughout the pandemic, increased its hours of operation and introduced new ways of supporting women including developing a webchat service and worked in partnership with other agencies to address the increased risks and trauma of those affected by domestic abuse.

They also continue to provide a number of services for children and young people, including outreach support in schools, delivery of the CEDAR, (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery), programme, run an employability project, offer access to therapeutic counselling for women, art therapy for children and specialist housing advice. They are also currently running a pilot legal project which enables access to family law solicitors without the need for legal aid.

To enable EWA to continue to protect and keep victims of domestic abuse safe, the charity is calling on all political candidates in the run up to the elections to pledge their commitment to the provision of specialist services for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Edinburgh.

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “Edinburgh Women’s Aid has been at the heart of delivering services to help protect women and children who have experienced domestic abuse in Edinburgh for almost half a century.

“Our support has been consistently available in the city and we have been learning and developing our services over the years in response to what women and children tell us they need to keep them safe from their abusers.

“During the pandemic we worked tirelessly and flexibly to meet the needs of women and children in Edinburgh. We remained open throughout, increased our hours of operation, developed a new webchat service and worked in partnership with other agencies to address the increased risks and trauma of those affected by domestic abuse.

“Demand for our services is increasing year on year and the provision of specialist support is vital to help women, children and young people to recover from their experiences.

“We believe it is imperative that the voices of women and children affected by domestic abuse are heard by elected representatives which is why we are asking them to pledge their commitment to the provision of specialist services for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in Edinburgh.

“We are also urging people to speak to their local candidates at the door or in meetings, and ask if they have signed our pledge and if they are committed to supporting us to end domestic abuse, as without our services even more women and children’s lives would be seriously at risk in the city.”

Poppy Quest challenges walkers to discover Edinburgh’s hidden gems

Young detectives have dusted off their maps and magnifying glasses for a 10k treasure hunt around Edinburgh’s city centre.

Veteran Fraser Rowand, from Granton, joined Poppyscotland to launch its first ever Poppy Quest, with his wife Susan, and children Rebecca, 11, Lucy, 10, and George, 8,

They are challenging people of all ages to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 11^th and is open to individuals, groups and families. Walkers will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city.

There will also be a special competition for teams of cadets, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.

All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Mr Rowand, a former Lance Corporal in the Scots Guards, served two tours of Afghanistan, and now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, in Edinburgh. He said: “The services Poppyscotland provides are really vital. Many veterans find it hard to adjust to ‘Civvy Street’, so we need to make sure support is there when they need it.

“We’re really looking forward to Poppy Quest – it’s a great way to spend time together and see Edinburgh in a new light.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and a chance to rediscover this great city. We’re encouraging families, groups and individuals of all ages to challenge themselves, stretching their minds and legs and finding hidden gems along the way.

“Starting in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic en-route. Participants are welcome to bring their four-legged friends as well.

“Intrepid teams of cadets can also join the race against the clock to complete the course with all questions answered correctly.

“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work with Scotland’s Armed Forces community. As we emerge from the pandemic, veterans and their families need support more than ever, whether that’s with housing, employment, or mental or physical health.

“No one who has served their country should be disadvantaged, and we want to make sure Poppyscotland is always there when they need us.”

Registration costs are £16 for adults and £5 for 13-18 year olds, while children aged 12 and under are free. All participants will receive a Poppy Quest medal, t-shirt, map and quiz, as well as a unique pin badge for those who raise over £100. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Student journalists go live on radio for 24 hours in aid of Ukraine

Radio ENRG is delighted to present the return of its annual 24-hour Charity Broadcast Extravaganza, with funds raised going to support those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Student journalists at Edinburgh Napier University will be on air from 12pm on Wednesday 4^th May right through until noon on Thursday.

A range of dynamic and exciting shows will keep listeners entertained right through the night, with dedicated slots for musical lovers, indie fans and dance ravers.

There will also be special quizzes, live phone-ins and fierce debate, all produced by current journalism students.

Radio ENRG’s sister websites will also contribute to the broadcast, with political discussion from ENRG Debrief and all sporting needs catered for by the team at the award-winning ENRG Sport.

This will be the first time since 2019 that Radio ENRG has been able to hold its annual charity broadcast, due to the pandemic.

Students raised £625 for Endo Warriors West, a charity supporting women with endometriosis, in the most recent edition of the 24-hour charity broadcast.

This year’s event has been organised by ENRG Editor Seán McGill and Radio ENRG Station Managers Jessica Matthewson and Arran Proctor.

All four year groups will be represented on the event, with some fourth year students using it as a way to bow out of their radio shows ahead of their graduation.

Editor of ENRG, Seán McGill, said: “The decision to send this year’s money to Ukraine was an easy one. By the time the 24-hour broadcast is live, we’ll have passed 70 days since Russia’s invasion began, and more and more people are suffering every day because of it.

“Being on the radio is great fun, but if we, as a group of students, can also do some good while being on air, we see that as a real privilege.”

Co-Station Manager, Jessica Matthewson, said: “Due to the pandemic, we have been unable to conduct our annual charity broadcast for the last two years.

“We’re all so excited to be back in the studio this year, especially due to the fact that we are raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Co-Station Manager, Arran Proctor, said: “Radio ENRG is an amazing source of gaining skills in broadcast journalism. Doing this charity broadcast means that student journalists are advancing their talents for good!”

A social media team will be working hard throughout the night, taking song requests and posting updates at @RadioENRG.

Radio ENRG’s Charity Broadcast Extravaganza will be live from 12pm-12pm tomorrow (Wednesday 4^th May into Thursday 5^th May) on the Radio ENRG website radioenrg.net.

JustGiving link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/radioenrgnapier

Local MP visits SELECT HQ and adds his support to ongoing campaign for regulation of the electrical industry

A visit by their local MP has added further high-profile support to the long-running campaign for the regulation of the electrical industry being spearheaded by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association.

The campaigning body for the electrotechnical sector in Scotland recently hosted Owen Thompson MP, Member of the UK Parliament for Midlothian and SNP Chief Whip, at its headquarters at The Walled Garden outside Edinburgh.

During his visit, the MP said that, while aware that the issue of protection of title for electricians was under consideration in the Scottish Parliament, he would now seek to raise the matter in the House of Commons and would add his name to SELECT’s Wall of Support.

Meeting with SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, Director of Employment and Skills Fiona Harper, and Specifier and Client Relations Manager Yvonne Wilson, Mr Thompson discussed a number of other construction sector issues, including procurement and payment.

The MP said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the SELECT team. I have been aware since my days as leader of Midlothian Council of the good work the organisation carries out on behalf not only of electricians but of the construction industry in Scotland as a whole.

“I am very happy to lend my name to the campaign for regulation of the electrical industry. It is an idea whose time has come, since it can only be common sense to assure the public that anyone who presents themselves as an electrician is appropriately qualified and registered and that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner.

“I fully agree that seeking to regulate electricians could have a significant positive economic impact, as well as helping to reduce the numbers of deaths and injuries caused each year by fires or electric shocks.”

During his visit on Wednesday April 13, Mr Thompson also engaged with his hosts on the importance of a collaborative public sector procurement system and a payment system which made sure that customers pay on time and in full.

While taking a tour of the HQ, he also visited the dedicated SELECT Training Centre, where the Training and Technical departments deliver a huge range of SQA-accredited courses for businesses and organisations across Scotland.

SELECT’s Alan Wilson said: “It was our pleasure to welcome Mr Thompson to our HQ and to have meaningful discussions about matters which directly affect our members, particularly recognition and the ongoing problem of late and withheld payments.

“Mr Thompson’s interest in our activities is indicative of a continuing groundswell of support for our campaigns, with a number of MSPs and other trade associations putting their names to new bricks on the Wall of Support.”

Ms Harper, who is also The Secretary of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), said: “I am sure Mr Thompson appreciated that safety is at the forefront of everything we do as an organisation and that we will not rest until protection of title makes the industry as safe as it possibly can be.”

Mr Thompson’s support comes after four MSPs and two major industry organisations recently added their names to SELECT’s Wall of Support, which shows organisations and individuals supporting the call for regulation of the electrical industry.

The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) and Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) both signed up to the online resource, along with Conservative MSPs Maurice Golden, Tess White, Russell Findlay and Jamie Greene..

As SELECT’s campaign for recognition of the industry continues to gather pace, it is now planning meetings with other MPs and MSPs in the coming weeks and months to add further names to the wall.

Love InC project produces final report

Love InC is an exciting and dynamic partnership consisting of Aberlour, Includum, CELCIS and the Care Inspectorate. The name was suggested by a care experienced young person and sums up just what the partnership is about – love in the care system for children and young people.

The final report outlines the project’s work, findings and key messages over the past three years. It narrates the journey of the partnership, reflects learning and has some important messages for corporate parents in Scotland. The project has explored how can we ensure that loving relationships are able to flourish for children and young people who experience care.

The thinking and approach of Love InC chimes with the findings and messages of the Promise. The five foundations of voice, family, care, people, and scaffolding are integrated throughout the work and the findings.

Our involvement in this partnership has contributed to this work and enabled there to be a focus on exploring the complexities of regulating love.

The Health and Social Care Standard 3.10 states “As a child or young person I feel valued, loved and secure”. We know this is not an easy thing to regulate but we are committed to children and young people feeling loved in the care system. This needs to be the norm, not something that is controversial or ambitious.

Our methodology is evolving in line with this and as part of our organisational commitment to Keep the Promise. Our focus of inspection in services for children and young people this year has children feeling safe and loved at the core.

The learning from the project about recruiting and supporting care experienced people into the workforce is important. It can help us shape and develop our approaches to participation in line with our work to keep the Promise and being a corporate parent.

You can visit Aberlour’s website here.

Love-InC-Project-Final-Report_April-2022 Download

Trainee Youth Worker opportunities in North Edinburgh

The North Edinburgh Youth Work Collaborative have this amazing opportunity back up and running! This is an ideal opportunity for a school leaver.

If you would like to see the job description please click this link:

https://docs.google.com/…/1P1A38JSBbkDIL4…/edit…

If you would like to apply please click this link:

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScCCy8pbc6…/viewform…

If you would like to chat to someone about the opportunity please contact shelley@grantonyouth.com or any member of staff at Granton Youth, FetLor, Spartans, Pilton Youth & Childrens Project or Muirhouse Youth Development Group.