support – Page 9 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Tomorrow: Free community energy advice event at LifeCare

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY from 10am – 2pm

Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.

Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)

In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.

These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.

Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland.

These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”

According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).

It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.

With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.

63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.

Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.

“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”

The drop-in events are taking place in Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at LifeCare Edinburgh on 11^th & 12^th November and then at Citizens Advice Edinburgh on 18^th & 19^th of November.

See the full list of events here.

PO-pop-ups-leaflet_21Aug-25_PRESS Download

More support for disabled people as Improving Access Fund launched

A new fund launched yesterday offers £1.5 million in grants for projects designed to break down barriers and strengthen services that disabled people depend on.

The Improving Access Fund is a key part of the Scottish Government’s £3 million Disability Equality Plan. Jointly designed with Disabled People’s Organisations, the Fund will provide grants for projects that improve access to essential services and promote independent living, choice, and participation.

It will focus on three priorities:

Accessible financial advice and support
Inclusive participation in communities and everyday life
Better mental health and wellbeing.

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart said: “Scotland should be a country where disabled people can live the lives they choose – supported, empowered, and included every step of the way.

“Today’s launch of our Improving Access Fund is a really important step towards that – it has been designed with disabled people, for disabled people.

“Through our Disability Equality Plan, we are making a clear commitment: disabled people are a priority for the Scottish Government. By investing £3 million in this work, we are strengthening access to the services and support that enable independence, choice, and participation.

“In contrast, disabled people in Scotland remain deeply concerned about the potential effects of planned UK Government welfare reforms. We call on the UK Government to abandon these damaging proposals and to follow the Scottish Government’s lead in investing in and enhancing the social security safety net, rather than tearing it apart.”

Heather Fisken, CEO of Inclusion Scotland said: “Disabled People’s organisations are led by disabled people ourselves and know best what needs to change.

“For too long our organisations have had to shift shape to ‘fit’ with funders’ missions and requirements, missing out on critical funding to keep our organisations running and to make the changes desperately needed so that disabled people are empowered in their own lives.

“The Improving Access Fund is different because it targets Disabled People’s Organisations and DPOs helped to design it.”

Tressa Burke, CEO of Glasgow Disability Alliance said: “Our survey of 756 disabled members found 91% are deeply concerned about equality and human rights, feeling under attack and de-prioritised.

“This has led to poverty, exclusion, poorer mental health, and reduced participation in daily life. Glasgow Disability Alliance and our members welcome the Improving Access Fund, which will advance equality, independent living, choice, and participation.”

Lyn Pornaro, CEO of Disability Equality Scotland said: “Disabled people demand justice and access to services, buildings, events and public bodies – in the same way as non-disabled people.

“This fund is a starting point to improving access to the key areas of focus in the Disability Equality Plan and, most importantly, in the lives of disabled people daily.”

Disability Equality Plan

The Fund is being administered by Inspiring Scotland and more details are available here

Essentia Foundation invests record £3.5m in Scotland’s young people

Hundreds of young people across Scotland have benefitted from a record £3.5 million investment from the Essentia Foundation across 2025.

This total includes their largest funding commitment to date, with £2 million recently awarded to eight leading charities across the country.

Funding will support these organisations to deliver programmes tackling youth unemployment, poverty, poor mental health and barriers to education.

Each of the eight charities, including Edinburgh-based Children First and Bethany Christian Trust, has received £250,000, enabling ambitious projects that are helping young people build resilience, develop new skills, and take steps towards brighter futures.

This major investment comes at a critical time. Young people have been disproportionately affected by recent crises, from the long-term effects of the pandemic to the pressures of the continuing cost of living crisis.

Many continue to face the lasting consequences of disrupted education and social development, alongside limited opportunities in training and employment.

Combined with ongoing mental health challenges and persistent inequality, these barriers mean that support for Scotland’s young people is more urgently needed than ever.

Brian Davidson, Trustee and Chairperson of the Essentia Foundation, said: “Scotland’s young people are facing some of the toughest challenges in generations, and the need for support has never been greater.

“These eight charities are already making a real difference in communities across the country. This funding will help create opportunities, build resilience, and give young people the skills and confidence to thrive.

“The impact of these projects will last well beyond the life of the programmes themselves, and we hope it also sparks further support from others who want to see Scotland’s young people flourish.”

Other grant recipients of £250,000 each from the Essentia Foundation include:

Aberlour Childcare Trust
Cyrenians
Sistema Scotland
The Outward Bound Trust
The King’s Trust
The Venture Trust

These awards, alongside the additional £1.5 million that has been distributed this year by the Essentia Foundation, underpin its commitment to support young people across Scotland through initiatives focused on wellbeing, education, skills development, and opportunities for employment.

The awards also mark a milestone moment for the Essentia Foundation itself. The Foundation has confirmed it will now wind up its activities, leaving a £1.5 million legacy fund to be administered by long term partner Foundation Scotland, who have been supporting the Essentia Foundation since 2017.

Helen Wray, Head of Philanthropy & Quality, Foundation Scotland said: “We are honoured to continue Essentia Foundation’s legacy through the new fund. For the last eight years, our team has had the privilege of working alongside Essentia to ensure its resources reach young people who need them most.

“This next chapter will see us build on that partnership by supporting grassroots organisations across Scotland.

“We look forward to helping smaller charities deliver vital opportunities that improve wellbeing, education and future prospects for children and young people, ensuring Essentia’s legacy and impact endures for years to come.”

This future programme will provide small grants to grassroots charities, ensuring Essentia’s mission of supporting children and young people continues well into the future.

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/FoundationScotlandEssentia

Coming Home: Share Your Views

A Coming Home Working Group has been set up to drive progress towards the Coming Home vision and mission for people with learning disabilities and complex needs and behaviours that challenge.

The group are developing an action plan, building on the recommendations in the Coming Home Implementation Report.

One of the workstreams is focusing on developing strategic approaches to skill up and strengthen community services (including integrated community teams, social care providers, school settings) and family carers to improve support for people with learning disabilities and complex support needs.

This is with a particular emphasis on preventing service breakdown and building resilience in community services for people with complex needs and behaviours that challenge. Specialist skills are required across agencies to achieve complex and sustainable return to local community settings for those in hospital or out of areas, and also to prevent support breakdown.

The group would like your views on the knowledge and specialist skills that are needed by those providing support, both direct care and as organisations and services. In addition, information about access to training in these areas is requested.

The short survey closes on Thursday 30 October. This information will help develop recommendations in the next Coming Home action plan – so this is your chance to have your say!

Supporting young people onto the right path

£150,000 to fund grassroots youth services

Measures to help re-engage young people from low-income backgrounds with school and address anti-social behaviour have been announced by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson.

Third sector organisation Youth Scotland will deliver a £100,000 investment in grassroots youth work to secure safe spaces for young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop skills.

In addition, £50,000 has been made available to YouthLink Scotland to support measures that focus on improving school attendance and positive behaviours.

Announcing the support at Scotland’s National Youth Work Conference yesterday, Mr Macpherson said: “We want to see further investment in projects and initiatives supporting young people from communities impacted by criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, to help them take a different pathway and develop positive skills they need for learning, life and work.

“I have seen the demonstrable difference that youth workers can make in helping to divert young people away from negative paths, and instead towards positive behaviours and destinations.

“Youth work can prevent violence and anti-social behaviour before it starts, by offering trusted relationships, safe environments, and positive role models, and often reducing risky harmful behaviours from escalating.

“Youth workers support young people to build confidence and resilience, and develop skills to navigate challenges, reach their full potential, and positively contribute to their communities.”

Pets Foundation support for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

We’re thrilled to share some good news! Earlier this year, we were successful in receiving grant funding from Pets Foundation!

This multi-year funding will help part-fund our dedicated Foodbank Coordinator role, ensuring that our Pet Food Bank can continue to support pet owners across our community.

Since launching in 2019, our Pet Food Bank has provided essential meals to owners facing financial difficulties, illness, homelessness, or domestic abuse.

Last year alone, we provided 674,734 meals to pets in need!

Thanks to this funding, we can continue keeping pets where they belong – at home, with their families.

‘Coalition of the Willing’ set to meet as leaders focus on crippling Russia’s ability to wage war

European leaders set to arrive in London today for a meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter

Global leaders set to convene this afternoon both in person in London, and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin
Prime Minister will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities
Meeting comes as the Prime Minister announces acceleration of missile delivery programme to deliver 140 lightweight-multirole missiles to Ukraine this winter, supporting UK jobs

PILING PRESSURE ON PUTIN?

European leaders are set to arrive in London today for a critical meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter.

Leaders will convene this afternoon, both in person and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin as he continues to kill innocent civilians with indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, including hitting a nursery filled with toddlers and children this week.

The London hosted meeting comes after Putin proved yet again that he is not serious about ending his illegal war, failing to engage with President Trump’s most recent proposals for meaningful peace talks.

Leaders are expected to use the meeting to focus the world’s attention on how they can further strengthen Ukraine’s hand and cripple Russia’s ability to continue to wage war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin, and his depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.

“Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace.

“From the battlefield to the global markets, as Putin continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.

“After all, Ukraine’s security matters to us all, and what happens on the frontline of Donetsk today is shaping our collective future for years to come.”

In the past fortnight, the international community has stepped up its decisive action to force President Putin back to the negotiating table and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

That has included the US’ decisive action this week to place a chokehold round Putin’s finance flows and sanction two of the largest Russian oil companies, following the UK action taken last week.

The European Union has also adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia, further targeting the Russian oil trade and cracking down on financial loopholes, and Ukraine’s allies have accelerated work to use the full value of immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine – a move that would be unprecedented and finance Ukraine’s war efforts for years to come.

The government has been clear that the UK’s national security – the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change – starts in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, as well as the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, are all expected to attend the meeting in person at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today.

They will be greeted by children from St Mary’s Ukrainian School, which has welcomed hundreds of displaced Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A further 20 leaders are expected to dial into the call.

During the call, the Prime Minister is expected to call on leaders to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter. He will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week.

Leaders will also discuss how more can be done to protect energy infrastructure, as Russia continues to systematically destroy critical national infrastructure, plunging millions of innocent Ukrainians into the cold and dark.

The Prime Minister will announce that a UK missile building programme has been accelerated to deliver more than 100 extra air defence missiles ahead of schedule to bolster Ukraine’s defences through the depths of winter.

The package forms part of the £1.6bn deal between UK industry and Ukraine in March to provide more than 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) to support Ukraine’s defence, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast.

The contract tripled the LMM production capacity and as work has progressed quicker than expected the delivery of an extra 140 LMMs will be accelerated to provide to Ukraine in the winter months.

NHS 24: Online Mental Health Courses

Visit NHS inform to find out more about the free online resources available to improve your mental wellbeing:

SilverCloud – a website with courses that help you learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing.

Daylight – a digital programme to improve anxiety based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Sleepio – a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Find out more: https://nhs24.info/mental_wellbeing

Specsavers kick off local football team sponsorship

A LOCAL opticians has announced its ongoing commitment to the local community, by sponsoring a girls’ and women’s football team in Edinburgh with a three-figure sum.

Specsavers Gyle has contributed £800 to Boroughmuir Thistle FC football team, the largest girls’ and women’s football club in Scotland.

The monetary donation will be put towards the ‘purple pathway’ initiative – the journey and development of players as they progress through the youth academy to adult football, and the most comprehensive and inclusive female football pathway in Scotland.

The ‘purple pathway’ allows the club to continue providing weekly training and access to matches for more than 500 girls and women in and around Edinburgh.

Ian Hobson, store director at Specsavers Gyle, says: ‘We are thrilled to support Boroughmuir Thistle FC. Getting involved with this local team is a great way for us to give back to the community, and help young players develop both on and off the pitch.“

During each game, the ball girls will now wearing branded Specsavers bibs, which they proudly donned during the team’s recent 5-0 home win against St Johnstone.

Gavin Michie, Chair at Boroughmuir Thistle FC, added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Specsavers Gyle for their generous support, it’s invaluable – we all couldn’t be more excited for the season ahead!’

Specsavers’ Gyle Centre is located at Unit 49-50 The Gyle centre, Edinburgh EH12 9JT, and is easily reachable by car, foot, or public transport.

For more information about the Specsavers Gyle store, visit:

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/gyle or call 0131 317 7540.