Enabling Conversations: Suicide Prevention Scotland releases new resource with young people, for young people

16 September 2025

Trigger warning: this article discusses suicide and suicidal thoughts

Suicide Prevention Scotland has released ‘Enabling Conversations,’ a guide developed with young people, for young people, who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Enabling Conversations is a toolkit to support young people expressing feelings of distress – whether around suicide, self-harm, or emotional pain – in ways they feel safe and in control.

It offers choices. Feeling heard can come with writing, drawing, or other forms of expression than just talking.

It’s a guide that helps the young person with several things, including:

Who is a “safe person” to share this with

Where they can feel secure enough to open up

What small grounding strategies can help when everything feels overwhelming

How to frame what the young person wants to say, helping pick up words or methods that feel right to them

The toolkit was co-designed with V&A Dundee alongside young people. Digital versions are available.

“Emotional pain can be hard to navigate”

Suicide Prevention Scotland acknowledge the difficulty in the worry of talking to someone about suicide in case you are treated differently: “We call this stigma”

Parents and friends may worry about “getting it wrong,” which this guide addresses directly by giving tools and structure to reduce that anxiety.

You can find out more on the Suicide Prevention Scotland website.

*Home - Suicide Prevention Scotland.

If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm you should call 999.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel like you want to end your life right now, it is important to know that you’re not alone.

HOPELINE247

Call 0800 068 4141 | Text: 88247

SHOUT

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Childline

Phone 0800 1111 for children and young people under 19. This service is open 24/7.

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Scottish Government announces support for Palestinian children

9 Sep 2025

In a statement released on Wednesday 3 September, First Minister John Swinney announced a range of measures intended to support the Palestinian people, including restating a commitment to providing medical treatment in Scotland for injured Gazan children.

In his statement, the First Minister addressed the ‘man-made humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza, and described his own horror while acknowledging the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.

John Swinney called on the UK Government and the international community to immediately recognise a Palestinian state, to issue sanctions against Israel, and to ensure that aid, including food and medicine, enters Gaza as soon as possible. This aid would include £400,000 from Scotland to Kids Operating room to establish the Gaza Hopes Field Readiness Hub, a rapidly deployable hospital to provide surgical, maternity, and paediatric services.

Swinney specifically mentioned the Palestinian children and young people who are bound for Scotland, saying: “We have a long history of helping those in desperate need and we will not be found wanting now.” He acknowledged the Palestinian students who have been given spaces in Scottish universities, and the 20 injured children and young people and their families who are expected to arrive from Gaza for treatment in mid-September.

John Swinney said:

“We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions. The world cannot wait for a final court ruling before acting. The signs are clear. The alarm has been raised.

The bombs and rockets must stop.

Humanitarian aid must flow.

Acknowledging that we are witnessing the signs of genocide brings with it a responsibility to act. The people of Scotland expect no less of us.

Scotland will always raise her voice in favour of peace and humanity.”

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Minister unveils £4.9bn funding plan to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency

9 Sep 2025

The Scottish Government has unveiled a £4.9bn funding plan to tackle the housing emergency, with a focus on providing permanent homes for families and children currently living under temporary or unsuitable accommodation.

The Housing Emergency Action Plan, announced by Cabinet Secretary for Housing Mairi McAllan, sets out funding over the next four years to deliver around 36,000 affordable homes by 2030. Ministers say the programme wil help provide safe and secure homes for up to 24,000 children.

The government say progress is already underway, with 2,700 families with children moved into permanent homes since the emergency was declared last year.

The plan also commits to introducing Awaab’s Law in Scotland by March 2026, requiring landlords to fix dangerous problems such as damp and mould within set timeframes.

Ms McAllan said:

“Tackling the housing emergency will be a cornerstone in our efforts to achieve the Scottish Government’s key priority of eradicating child poverty. I am determined this action plan will deliver positive and lasting change.

“At the heart of my mission is ensuring children are not spending time in unsuitable accommodation or long periods in temporary accommodation; that the housing needs of vulnerable communities are met and that we create the optimum conditions for confidence and investment in Scotland’s housing sector.

"Our efforts so far since declaring a housing emergency have seen 2,700 families with children into a permanent home, up to December 2024. Our action plan will see tens of thousands more families have a place they can call home.

“Since I took up the role of Cabinet Secretary I have listened to calls from the sector for multi-year funding to give housebuilders more long-term certainty. Today I have committed to investing up to £4.9 billion in affordable homes over the next four years. This long-term certainty and increase in funding will support delivery of around 36,000 affordable homes and provide up to 24,000 children with a warm, safe home.

“We cannot tackle this emergency alone though and I need everyone from across the private and public sector to pull together and deliver this plan to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to a safe, warm and affordable home.”

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Over 2,000 young voices heard in pandemic case study

9 Sep 2025

A new case study from the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has captured the pandemic’s profound effects on children and young people. More than 2,000 from across Scotland shared their experiences.

The material was collected through the Inquiry’s public participation programme, which invites people to share their experiences, impacts and lessons they think should be learned. This included submitted evidence from Children in Scotland, highlighting the impact on education, mental health and inequalities.

The depth of experiences shared paints a complex picture, with contributions speaking to issues of disrupted education, social isolation and missed milestones. It is evidence of a substantial disruption to their relationships, experiences and mental health during this time.

Key findings include:

Children and young people expressed various challenges with the shift to remote learning when educational institutions closed. Many had to lean on support from home with lesson delivery and supplementary support not suiting their needs.
Some found measures such as mask-wearing, one-way corridor systems and playground separation a hugely challenging environment
Many felt the guidance provided by the Scottish Government was unclear, confusing, and fear-inducing
Mental wellbeing effects were the dominant theme throughout responses, with feelings of boredom, isolation and loneliness cited throughout.
Many talked about the negative impact on social skills and new feelings of social anxiety.
Experiences of the pandemic varied widely depending on personal circumstances.
Hobbies, clubs and youth services are heavily relied upon for emotional fulfillment amongst children and young people
Not all responses were negative. Some spoke positively about more time for relaxation, leisure activities and development of new skills.

Suggested lessons to be learned included putting mental health support within easy reach, addressing digital inequality and the need to include young people in the decision-making process where it affects them.

You can read the full Inquiry here

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Extra funding for Edinburgh’s Third Sector Resilience Fund

2 Sep 2025

The Edinburgh Council announced this week its intention to add an extra £284,192 to the Third Sector Resilience Fund.

In a full Council meeting held on Thursday 28 August, Councillors agreed to make the extra funding available to third sector organisations who are eligible for the Third Sector Resilience Fund following the launch of the fund earlier this year.

The fund was set up as an emergency support measure to address a funding gap left by the closure of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board’s third sector grants programme, and is available to third sector organisations in Edinburgh working to combat poverty in the city who are now facing financial difficulties as a result of the programme closure.

This extra funding comes in addition to the £3 million initially planned, and this announcement comes ahead of the final phase of this funding which is due to be provided this coming winter, providing 31 organisations up to £10,000 towards running costs.

The Fund itself has been welcomed by organisations across Edinburgh’s third sector impacted by funding challenges, and it certainly goes a long way towards plugging the funding gap for many. However the fund is intended to be a one-off boost, with the hope that it can support organisations long enough to find alternative sources of funding or to make organisational changes; therefore the future for many organisations in the city does remain tenuous.

Benjamin Napier, speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group, said:

“I’d like to give my thanks to council officers for their excellent role working very effectively with the third sector to make sure funding gets out quickly.

“There has been a diligent approach to how we work together and the key now is to look at the next stages of funding.”

The Council’s leader, Jane Meagher, said:

“The £3m we’ve provided in emergency funding has been vital at a time when the cost of living is high.

“This final allocation of funding will support even more projects, from advice for young parents to help with clothes and funeral costs.

“It’s never been more important to reset the relationship between the public and third sectors and I’m proud of the work we’ve carried out to truly listen to and learn from those involved, so that we can work to get it right.”

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New report from Public Health Scotland shows alcohol ad restrictions are effective in reducing harm

2 Sep 2025

In a new report published today, Public Health Scotland have concluded that introducing restrictions on alcohol advertising and marketing is an effective and cost-effective way of reducing how much we drink, and in turn improving the health of people living in Scotland.

The review, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that people are frequently exposed to alcohol marketing and advertising in their daily life, through sponsorship of their favourite sports teams, displays in shops and ads on billboards and bus stops. That exposure is associated with people drinking more.

The report states that “alcohol marketing and advertising is pervasive and persuasive, and frequent exposure to it drives alcohol consumption and related harms, including among children and young people.”

To have the greatest impact Public Health Scotland recommend restrictions be as wide-ranging as possible and well enforced.

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said:

“Alcohol advertising drives drinking. The industry claim it doesn’t, but would they spend millions of pounds marketing their products unless it made a difference to their bottom line? It follows that reducing the sheer volume of alcohol marketing we are exposed to will decrease how much we drink – and protect future generations - as Public Health Scotland has concluded in its evidence review published today.

“Children and young people have the right to a childhood free from alcohol marketing. The Scottish Government has stated time and again that they remain committed to protecting children and young people from alcohol marketing, but they are way behind the curve when it comes to action when compared to other European countries including Ireland. We have the evidence; it’s time to act.

“Alcohol Focus Scotland urges the Scottish Government to use all its powers to reduce alcohol marketing, including by restricting the sponsorship of sports and events by alcohol companies, controlling adverts in outdoor and public spaces and by limiting how visible alcohol is in shops.

“At a time when Scotland’s deaths from alcohol have reached a 15-year high, the Scottish Government must use all the policy tools at its disposal to remedy the current situation and protect the health of our young people now and into the future.”

Dr. Judith Turbyne, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, said:

“As outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), all children have a right to the best possible health. With the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law, the Scottish Government must do everything it can to protect children’s health and wellbeing.

“Existing evidence – and children and young people themselves – has told us the harmful impact alcohol marketing can have on their lives. We are pleased to see further affirmation in this evidence review that wide-ranging restrictions on alcohol marketing would have a positive impact on the health of children, young people and families.”

Ewan Carmichael, youth activist, said:

“Young people continue to tell us that alcohol marketing is everywhere in their lives - often in ways they don't immediately recognise. From colourful packaging and 'fun' flavours, to links with low- and no-alcohol products and sport, these tactics normalise drinking and can appeal to under-18s.

“Despite voluntary codes, there is little meaningful accountability when companies break the rules. That's why change is needed – including health warnings on alcohol products, an end to adverts in spaces like bus stops and train stations, and independent regulation to protect young people from harm.

“The Scottish Government now has a real opportunity to act. If we are serious about reducing alcohol harm, we must listen to communities - especially young people - and put their health and wellbeing before industry profit.”

For further information please contact Rebecca.Sibbett@alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk or call 07519121782

Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) is the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol harm. It wants to reduce the impact of alcohol on individuals, families, communities and Scotland as a whole, through the implementation of effective alcohol control policies and legislation.

To learn more about its work, visit alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk

Click here to read Public Health Scotland's Review of evidence

Alcohol marketing consultation

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Charities urge action to improve children’s audiology services

26 Aug 2025

A coalition of charities has sent an open letter to the Scottish Government urging action to address the ‘painfully slow’ progress seen regarding improvements to Scotland’s audiology services.

25 August marked two years since the publication of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland (IRASS), which outlined the systemic problems facing Scottish audiology; the letter to Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto MSP, outlines the coalition’s displeasure at the perceived lack of progress made since the IRASS was published, particularly surrounding treatment waiting times.

The letter particularly laments Deaf children waiting up to 600 days for treatment, and adults reporting waits of up to 18 months between audiology referral and initial assessment. The coalition warns of the dangers these delays can cause, including interrupted education, delayed ability to develop language skills, and forced early retirement.

To combat this lack of progress, the coalition outlines three areas where urgent action is needed:

Evidence of independent safety checks: Services must be held to high standards, with independent experts involved in reviewing staff competency and service performance.
Clear accountability for workforce planning: The Scottish Government must ensure a sustainable pipeline for Scotland’s audiology workforce. This should include the reinstatement of an undergraduate university course to train new audiologists.
Transparent reporting: Routine and transparent reporting of audiology referral to treatment waiting times for Health Boards must be introduced, alongside clear targets for improvement.

The letter – signed by representatives from the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, and the British Academy of Audiology – concludes:

“We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Scottish Government to achieve this. Without more ambitious and decisive action from the Scottish Government, however, we fear that the current system will continue to fall short. When every moment counts, it is time for action – not words.”

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An unhealthy social media diet

26 Aug 2025

Children and young people are being constantly exposed to videos and images promoting unhealthy food, particularly when shared by influencers.

That’s the warning from Cancer Research UK, who surveyed 4,000 children and young people aged 11 to 21 across the UK. The findings raise fresh concerns about the impact of persuasive social media content on children’s health.

Key findings:

52% of those surveyed had seen unhealthy food and drink products from either businesses or influencers on social media in the last month.

Almost 4 out of 10 said they had engaged in such posts with comments, likes or shares.

Children and young people are more likely to interact with a post from an influencer than a business.

Many described feeling hungry or tempted by the constant stream of junk-food content. One 11-year-old told the charity: “There is a giant cookie bowl that keeps popping up. When I see it, I feel like ordering dessert and I feel really hungry.”

A 15-year-old said: “I’d say at least every two minutes that I’m on Instagram I’d see at least one food-related post”

The study found that while young people are aware of the promotions, it doesn’t necessarily stop them engaging.

Influencers are also present junk food in a relatable, conversational way, somewhat disguising the marketing and advertising.

Charities are pointing out that there is a constant stream of exposure that is having a profound impact on the nation’s health. Liv Cheek, prevention policy manager at Cancer Research UK, points to obesity and being overweight as “the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK after smoking, and rates among young people are rising.” She added:

“Planned restrictions on junk food advertising online are a vital step to protect young people’s health.

However, these measures must be properly enforced and strengthened by closing any remaining gaps in the online marketing rules.

We urge the UK Government and regulators to take bold action to shield young people from harmful marketing that could increase their risk of obesity and cancer in the future.”

You can find the study findings here.

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Perth and Kinross Council leads the charge against mobile phone use in classrooms

19 Aug 2025

Perth and Kinross Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to approve a blanket ban on mobile phones in school classrooms. The plan is to have every single classroom in the area without a digital device in plain sight during lessons, unless explicitly permitted by a teacher for educational use.

In a nationwide debate on the issue spanning the last year or so, some critics of blanket bans flag that teachers are juggling enough responsibilities and that there could be significant issues with actually enforcing the policy.

They also point to how great a tool modern-day advances in technology provides for education, or the potential safety concerns for worried parents trying to get a hold of their children in the case of an emergency.

Perth and Kinross are not signaling a move away from up-to-date technology where appropriate. Nor are schools in the area planning on shutting off all communication channels. Children and young people will be able to use their phone again when they’re heading home and, in the case of an emergency, the main school lines will still be open.

With teachers finding a new, increasingly difficult modern-day battle for focus and concentration in lessons, Perth and Kinross Council have simply paved the way for what feels like an inevitable destination. Schools need to do everything they can to create a focused learning environment, and mobile phones are now creating an obstacle too difficult to ignore.

Portobello and Queensferry High School in Edinburgh have followed suit, issuing special wallets that seal mobile phones to a magnetic pad to keep mobiles in until the end of their final lesson. Edinburgh Council’s education convenor said the move was crucial in ending the “competition” for concentration between phone and teacher.

What is the government saying?

Put simply, there’s no national mandate, but there is strong support for local action.

The Scottish Government published guidance stating that headteachers are empowered to restrict mobile phone use in schools. Whole-school bans are also supported if they judge it necessary.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP said:

“I have made it clear that I will support any head teacher who decides to institute a ban on mobile phones.”

She says the guidance goes “as far towards a national ban as I am currently able to go,” after reaffirming that the decisions must remain in the hands of local authorities, alluding to legal restraints.

In direct response to the blanket ban in Perth and Kinross, Gilruth said she was “encouraged to note this move” and that it mirrors the flexibility that the national guidance provides.

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Behind the Cancer Research UK Star Awards

19 Aug 2025

The Star Awards from Cancer Research UK for Children and Young people are a touching way to celebrate and strengthen bravery shown by children diagnosed with cancer. Every child under the age of 18 can be nominated and all receive a trophy, t-shirt and a £50 TK Maxx gift card. More than 500 children were nominated to receive the special trophy package last year.

Children’s voices are at the heart of the Star Awards. Last year, they joined forces with poet Joseph Coelho to create ‘Courage Looks Like Me,’ a moving piece that captured what bravery feels like to them. You can read the poem here.

Behind every award is a story. On the Cancer Research UK website, you can read about Zara, who relapse with leukaemia in 2022, underwent a stem cell transplant, and proudly rang the end-of-treatment bell the following year. Or Stanley, diagnosed with a Wilm tumour, faced surgery and radiotherapy but never stopped showing determination.

Each of these children remind us why the Star Awards matter so deeply.

None of this would be possible without TK Maxx, which has supported the scheme since 2004. Their partnership with Cancer Research UK has funded hundreds of research projects and helped thousands of children and young people take part in clinical trials.

There are many celebrity supporters involved. This year’s supporters include:

Pixie Lott, singer
Olivia Neill, YouTuber
Dr Ranj, doctor and TV personality
Jean-Christophe Novelli, chef
Phil Gallagher, TV presenter
Aston Merrygold, singer
Cat Sandion, TV presenter
Flossie Clegg, YouTuber
Lewys Ball, YouTubers
Jim Chapman, YouTuber

The importance of the Star Awards goes beyond trophies and certificates though. They give children the recognition they deserve, raise awareness of childhood cancer and shine a light on the progress being made in research and treatment.

They also remind families that every act of bravery counts.

Would you like to nominate someone for the star awards? Click here!