FOOTBALL ACTIVITY CLUB FUNDING DOUBLES TO £4 MILLION

Support to help families on low incomes with childcare.

Football clubs and trusts across Scotland, including St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation in Paisley, will receive additional funding to boost efforts to eradicate child poverty.

The Scottish Government will double its investment in the Extra Time Programme, a joint initiative with the Scottish Football Association, from £2 million to £4 million for this financial year. The funding will support more free before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs for children from families on low incomes.

By giving around a projected 3,000 children each week free access to sport and other activities which wrap around the school day, the funding will help more parents to enter or sustain employment or training. 

St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation in Paisley are one of the clubs delivering this programme, with their funding from the Scottish Government now increasing to £151,300.

Football activity club funding doubles!

SNP Scottish Government has doubled funding to £4million.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“This funding from the Extra Time Programme is enabling football clubs and trusts to provide really valuable childcare options, particularly for families from low-income households who are most at risk of living in poverty.

“This Programme is a reminder that local football clubs are supporting communities here at home – providing valuable services beyond matchday. They understand the value of that support for local families, and they are well placed to provide crucial facilities and services.

“I am delighted that this further funding will enable St Mirren FC Charitable Trust to provide free fun activities to children and young people across the constituency, helping families with childcare costs and relieving pressure on stretched family budgets.

“By removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare, we will contribute to the Scottish Government’s goal of eradicating child poverty.”

HOME OWNERSHIP SUPPORT SCHEME REOPENS

Help for first-time buyers across the country on low to medium incomes.

A scheme to help first time buyers and certain priority groups step on to the property ladder has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is available across Scotland to first-time buyers on low or medium incomes who cannot afford the full price of a home.

Successful applicants will be able to buy a home without having to purchase it in full, usually between 60% and 90% of the property’s value, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Taking the first step on to the property ladder can be difficult for some, especially during the cost of living crisis where we have seen inflation and interest rates push house prices up.

“The Scottish Government recognise these barriers and by reopening the OMSE scheme, we are giving help to as many people as possible to own an affordable home by creating a level playing field with other buyers.

“I would encourage anyone in the Renfrewshire North and West constituency who is either a first-time buyer or in one of the priority groups to consider applying through the scheme.”

NEW APPROACHES TO HELP ERADICATE CHILD POVERTY

Up to £500,000 to be shared by local projects.

A fund to trial new ways of combating child poverty has opened for a second round of applications.

The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund (CPAF) will provide up to £80,000 per grant towards local projects that test and evaluate new approaches which target at least one of the three drivers of child poverty reduction: improving income from employment, supporting people with the cost of living, and increasing awareness and uptake of social security benefits.

New approaches to help eradicate child poverty

Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the SNP Scottish Government.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the SNP Scottish Government and we must find new and innovative ways to achieve this.

“Measures such as the Scottish Child Payment are estimated to keep 100,000 children in Scotland out of relative poverty this year, but we are determined to go further. The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will support projects in Renfrewshire and beyond that target the root causes of child poverty and create lasting change in our communities.

“Local authorities and health boards are already undertaking transformative work to tackle child poverty and this fund will support them to go further and share best practice, to help make child poverty a thing of the past.”

INCREASING PAY FOR CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE STAFF

Staff in children's social care services will see their pay increase to at least £12 an hour thanks to new Scottish Government funding.

Backed by over £19 million this year, it will ensure more than 6,000 people working in a direct care role in the voluntary, private and independent sector services receive the pay increase, which could be worth more than £2,000 a year for some staff.

It will help people providing direct care to vulnerable children and young people under the age of 18, including Personal Assistants, and all payments will be backdated and provided for all hours worked from April 2024.

Increasing pay for children’s social care workers was a commitment set out in the 2023 Programme for Government.

Increasing pay for children’s social care staff

New Scottish Government funding will see pay for staff in children’s social care services increase to at least £12 per hour.

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West and Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don, said:

“This uplift is an important step forward in supporting our highly valued social care staff across Scotland. The support they provide is invaluable and the Government is committed to ensuring no-one is paid less than the Real Living Wage.

“Children’s social care services couldn’t be delivered without our private, voluntary and independent sector providers and this funding will help support the sustainability of their services.

“The implementation of this uplift would not have been possible without close working with our partners especially with COSLA and with Health and Social Care Partnerships.”

RECORD NUMBER OF YOUNG CARERS SUPPORTED UNDER SNP GOVERNMENT

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES PEOPLE ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE NORTH & WEST TO APPLY FOR SUPPORT

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the latest figures which show a record number of young carers have received support from the Scottish Government, with over 3,700 receiving a Young Carer Grant in the last year.

Since the payment was launched in 2019, over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made, and since March 2023 almost 1.4m has been paid - almost 60% more than the year before.

The £380 grant is only available in Scotland to those aged 16 - 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.

Record Number of Young Carers supported under SNP Government

Natalie Don MSP encourages people across Renfrewshire North & West to apply for support.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West said:

“This SNP Scottish Government is transforming more lives than ever before across Renfrewshire North & West, and will continue to do all it can as we work towards the First Minister’s goal of eradicating child poverty.

“With a social security system built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, we can make a real difference – alleviating hardship and supporting those who sacrifice so much to care for their loved ones.

“I am glad this support – which is unique to Scotland – is available to young carers across Renfrewshire North & West, and I would encourage anyone who is not receiving this payment to check if they’re eligible.”

SNP UNVEIL NEW SUPPORT FOR START-UPS IN RENFREWSHIRE: SCOTLAND REMAINS TOP PLACE FOR INVESTMENT

The SNP Scottish Government has unveiled new support for start-up firms in Renfrewshire.

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the announcement from the Deputy First Minister that £5 million pounds is being invested to grow and nurture high-growth businesses. This package includes funding to develop pre-start up support and increased investment in Scottish EDGE, the business funding competition.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced these measures to ensure that “innovation is at the very heart of our economy.”

This package comes as figures show that Scotland once again attracted the highest number of UK financial services foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside of London – highlighting that Scotland continues to be an attractive destination for economic investment.

New Supports for Start-Ups

In Renfrewshire, we have the talent, skills and facilities to develop a strong and vibrant start up economy.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“This investment package from the SNP Government is an important step that will increases opportunities and help develop start-up networks across the constituency and beyond.

“At a time when Scotland is becoming an attractive destination for economic investment – the SNP Government will continue taking every possible action to prioritise growing the economy.”

MORE WOMEN TAKING PART IN BREAST SCREENING PROGRAMME

The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its highest ever level in Scotland.

More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish breast screening programme statistics indicate.

This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22) when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was 72.2%.

The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a row.

Moore women taking part in Breast Screening Programme

The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening appointments and that boards, including Greater Glasgow and Clyde which covers my constituency, have individually met their target for a second year in a row. However, there is more work to be done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES VITAL FUNDING FOR SCOTLAND’S REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has welcomed funding from the SNP Scottish Government for Scottish Refugee Council’s Refugee Support Service, which will help refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland to settle in Renfrewshire.

The £3.6 million funding, which replaces the now ended EU funding for the services, will be used by the SRC to help people access health, housing, welfare and employment support.

This funding from the Scottish Government will also help provide information and resources and to encourage social connections.

The EU funding which previously funded the service ended in 2023.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“I welcome this vital funding for the Scottish Refugee Council, which underlines the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to championing the rights of and supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable groups who are fleeing war and persecution.

“It is essential that we take every step possible to make sure refugees and asylum seekers looking to settle in Scotland have access to all the help they need to rebuild their lives in Renfrewshire. Following the inhumane Rwanda Bill that has recently been passed in Westminster, it is vital that refugees are treated with compassion and dignity throughout.

“Our communities are made all the richer for the asylum seekers and refugees who choose to make Scotland their home, and thanks to this continued investment from the SNP Scottish Government, Scotland will continue to leave its door open to those who need it most.”

£30 MILLION PAID THIS YEAR TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS WITH HIGHER ENERGY BILLS

People in Scotland have received more than £30 million via two SNP Scottish Government benefits to help them deal with increased energy costs this winter, new statistics have shown.   

Winter Heating Payment supports households on low incomes, including older people, disabled people and families with children under five.    

Child Winter Heating Payment helps families of the most severely disabled children and young people.     

The official figures show more than 400,000 Winter Heating Payments of £55.05 were issued between November last year and the end of March. More than 30,000 Child Winter Heating Payments of £235.70 were made in the same spell.    

Winter Heating Payment replaced the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment in 2023. Most people getting it receive more money on average than via Cold Weather Payment. 

People receive Winter Heating Payment whatever the weather, unlike the Cold Weather Payment when the temperature needs to drop to a specific level.  

The Child Winter Payment, introduced in 2020, is not available anywhere else in the UK. There is also no cap on the number of children who can get it in the same family.   

Support for Energy Bills

I would encourage anyone who is struggling during these tough times to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The £30.2 million paid over the colder months provides support to those who need it most across Renfrewshire and the rest of Scotland. It is being paid quickly and effectively to help mitigate the worst of the Westminster-made cost-of-living crisis.  

“The Winter Heating Payment guarantees those who qualify a payment every year – in contrast to the UK Government approach which needs the weather to be under a certain temperature for a sustained spell.

“In addition, both the Winter Heating Payment and the Child Winter Heating Payment have recently been increased in line with inflation which means the SNP Scottish Government will be getting more money into people’s pockets in 2024/25.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling during these tough times to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.” 

ENHANCING SOCIAL CARE SERVICES WITH £9.2 MILLION TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING

More than £9 million is being made available over the next three years to give people who access social care more choice and control over decisions relating to their care.

This funding builds on an additional £2 billion investment in social care and integration, as part of the Scottish Budget for 2024-25, and delivers on the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase spending by 25% over this Parliament – two years ahead of the original target.

The funding for the national ‘Support in the Right Direction’ programme will enable organisations to deliver independent support and advocacy to help people live independently and participate in all aspects of life.

The grants are part of the Scottish Government’s Self-Directed Support Improvement Plan which empowers people to make informed choices about the support they need.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Through this funding, people and carers across Renfrewshire will be supported to have more choice and involvement in how their social care is delivered.

“The Scottish Government wants everyone accessing social care to feel confident participating in every stage of their social care journey and be equal partners in their care and support decisions, so that they can live a full and independent life.

“The ambition is to have the right independent support available at the right time and place to meet the specific needs of each individual.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES £344,922 OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING TO RENFREWSHIRE COMMUNITY GROUPS

The National Lottery Community Fund, which supports communities to thrive, is distributing £344,922 between seven community groups across Renfrewshire North and West.

Erskine Hospital received a £192,833 grant which will go towards delivering services for veterans at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre in Bishopton.

Friends of Robertson House received £9,000. This grant will fund activities and classes in Robertson House - a sheltered housing complex in Erskine, serving older people with additional care needs.

£8,759 will be used by Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners to establish a weekly men's mental-health group held in Broadloan Community Gardens.

Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners received £114,970 which will be used by the group to develop their community-garden activities by retaining the services of a Seasonal Gardener and hiring a new Gardens Coordinator over the next two years. A portion of funding will go towards improving the facilities.

£9,960 has been awarded to Renfrew Care Home Activities Group to help tackle loneliness and isolation by creating a mixed programme of activity for their residents, their friends and family and the wider community including school children.

The Renfrew Over 50’s Swimming Club has received £3,800 to take their members to social dances and on bus trips.

The Welcoming Renfrewshire Families Group received a £5,600 grant which will help to bring local and new families together in a cultural showcase in Renfrew, enabling interactions between the new arrivals and local people, to improve the integration of new families.

Successful Lottery Fund applications to Renfrewshire groups

I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

“Each of the groups provide a wide range of invaluable support and services to communities within the constituency and I look forward to keeping up with the projects that these grants will fund.”

SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPORT INCREASES

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire, has highlighted that from yesterday, everyone who receives support from Social Security Scotland will see an increase in the amount of assistance they receive.

In the 2024/25 Scottish budget, despite cuts from Westminster the SNP prioritised helping those who need it the most – which is why all devolved social security payments will be uprated in line with inflation. 

This means that vital supports such as the Scottish Child Payment, the Winter Heating Payment and the Young Carer grant will all go up 6.7% from today.

In the face of a Westminster cost of living crisis, the SNP Government is using their limited resources to support household budgets and ensure those who need it most get the assistance they need.

Social Security Support Increases

It is clear that the SNP Government is taking significant action to protect household budgets in Renfrewshire North and West from a Westminster inflicted cost of living crisis.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Despite brutal Westminster cuts to spending on public services, the SNP Scottish Government has chosen to prioritise helping out those who need it most.

“Social Security Scotland assistance, including the vital Scottish Child Payment, go a long way in ensuring that people in Renfrewshire are not living in poverty.

“From yesterday, each and every one of these support payments will increase by 6.7%.

“Scottish Child Payment, which helps the families of more than 327,000 children, is now worth £26.70 per child per week.

“A person eligible for the highest rate of Adult Disability Payment will receive £184.30 per week.

“Carer Support Payment, Scotland’s newest benefit, has gone up to £81.90 every four weeks. The benefit for unpaid carers launched in three local authorities last year and will be available across Scotland by Autumn 2024.

LONG TERM RENT CONTROLS PROPOSED

Long term rent controls would help keep homes affordable for tenants in future, under new legislation to create a fairer, better regulated rented sector.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Parliament last week, sets out how close working with councils will ensure rent controls are tailored to the local needs of tenants and landlords in different parts of the country.

Publication of the Bill, which will be scrutinised and voted on by MSPs, comes as temporary changes to the way rents are decided, through adjudication, come into force. From 1 April, these changes will ensure people are protected from very steep rent rises, following the end of the rent cap. Proposed rent increases after this date will still need to give three months’ notice.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Scotland has led the way within the UK in supporting and strengthening the rights of people who rent their homes.

“The Housing Bill sets out our next steps on the path towards a fairer, well-regulated private rented sector, which is good for both tenants and landlords and encourages investment.

“While the Parliament prepares to consider this legislation, the Scottish Government are also taking steps to support tenants with the pressures they are facing here and now. Our temporary changes to the ways that rents are decided will come into place from April 1 – to protect people who may be facing very steep increases as the temporary rent cap comes to the end of its final extension period.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES £344,922 OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING TO RENFREWSHIRE COMMUNITY GROUPS

The National Lottery Community Fund, which supports communities to thrive, is distributing £344,922 between seven community groups across Renfrewshire North and West.

Erskine Hospital received a £192,833 grant which will go towards delivering services for veterans at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre in Bishopton.

Friends of Robertson House received £9,000. This grant will fund activities and classes in Robertson House - a sheltered housing complex in Erskine, serving older people with additional care needs.

£8,759 will be used by Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners to establish a weekly men's mental-health group held in Broadloan Community Gardens.

Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners received £114,970 which will be used by the group to develop their community-garden activities by retaining the services of a Seasonal Gardener and hiring a new Gardens Coordinator over the next two years. A portion of funding will go towards improving the facilities.

£9,960 has been awarded to Renfrew Care Home Activities Group to help tackle loneliness and isolation by creating a mixed programme of activity for their residents, their friends and family and the wider community including school children.

The Renfrew Over 50’s Swimming Club has received £3,800 to take their members to social dances and on bus trips.

The Welcoming Renfrewshire Families Group received a £5,600 grant which will help to bring local and new families together in a cultural showcase in Renfrew, enabling interactions between the new arrivals and local people, to improve the integration of new families.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

“Each of the groups provide a wide range of invaluable support and services to communities within the constituency and I look forward to keeping up with the projects that these grants will fund.”

OVER £44 MILLION PAID TO HELP WITH FINANCIAL COST OF LOSS

More than £44 million has been paid to help thousands of people with the cost of a funeral via a Scottish Government benefit, according to latest figures.

Funeral Support Payment provides money to help cover funeral costs and ease financial pressure for people suffering bereavement.

The statistics show it had helped more than 23,000 people by the end of December.

The payment can be used to pay towards costs including burial and cremation, a coffin, flowers and travel. The amount paid depends on costs, and the average payout between April and December last year was £1969.

People who get qualifying benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral have been urged to check if they are eligible for this vital financial support and avoid getting into debt. They can apply up to six months after the date of the funeral.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Coming to terms with a loss and grief is devastating at any time. As people continue to deal with the cost of living crisis, the Scottish Government wants to ease the pressure on those who can least afford to pay for a funeral.

“Since the Funeral Support Payment launched, the SNP Scottish Government has provided over £44 million in vital financial support to help people and families across Scotland pay for a funeral.

“I would encourage anyone living in Renfrewshire and facing these costs to check if they are eligible and make an application, even if they have already planned for and made other financial arrangements – it is vital that constituents receive the support that they are entitled to during difficult times.”

NEW DATA REVEALS NEARLY 30,000 SCOTS HAVE HAD BENEFITS CAPPED : SNP CALL ON UK GOVERNMENT TO ‘SCRAP THE CAP’

The SNP has urged the UK government to ‘scrap the cap’, after new data from the Department of Work and Pensions revealed that 28,248 Scottish households have had their housing benefit or Universal Credit capped between the introduction of the benefit cap and November 2023.

88% of those households include children, with the majority of capped households continuing to be single parents with children.

The SNP are calling for both the Tories' and Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party to commit to the abolition of the benefit cap - or devolve the full powers of social security laws to Holyrood so that the SNP Scottish Government can tackle the problem head on.

The SNP Scottish Government is already providing £8.6million in direct support for people affected by the UK benefit cap as part of its work to tackle child poverty.

Scarp the benefits Cap!

It is essential that Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer finally commit to abolishing the cruel benefit cap in their general election manifestos. 

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“It is essential that Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer finally commit to abolishing the cruel benefit cap in their general election manifestos. 

“A failure to do so consigns families across Renfrewshire North and West to poverty and financial hardship.

“The data released today highlights the reality of Westminster austerity. It is time to abolish the cap and stop taking vital support away from those who need it most.

“It is clear that the only Party that represents Scotland’s values in Westminster is the SNP, who will continue to stand up for Scotland’s priorities and be the voice that Scotland needs."

SCOTTISH ADULT DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE PLANNED

Plans for a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, a new benefit to provide continued support to around 66,000 adults with a disability or long-term health condition, have been unveiled.

Under new proposals, eligible people who receive Disability Living Allowance through the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions would have their award transferred automatically to the new Scottish benefit. They would then have the opportunity to apply for Adult Disability Payment if they choose.

Legislation to create the ‘closed’ benefit – for existing recipients of the Disability Living Allowance that it supersedes – will be laid in the Scottish Parliament this year.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government is progressing plans to bring forward legislation to create a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance and give people in Renfrewshire the opportunity to remain on this benefit for as long as they are eligible.

“Once transferred, people can continue to be paid Scottish Adult Disability Allowance or apply for our flagship Adult Disability Payment if they prefer.

“Around 137,000 people are now receiving our Adult Disability Payment, including over 3000 in Renfrewshire based on latest statistics published this month, and it has provided almost £462 million to disabled people since it was launched in 2022.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns over Bank of Scotland closures in her constituency

Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North & West comments on proposed Bank of Scotland closures in Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, Natalie said:

“This is extremely disappointing news for both Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, with little notice given from the Bank of Scotland that they are closing their branches in both communities in July 2024.

“These closures will have an impact on residents and local businesses who rely on in-person banking and will inevitably hit our elderly and vulnerable the hardest, who may not use, or have access to online services or are unable to travel outwith their communities to access a bank.”

“I will be meeting with the Bank of Scotland immediately to discuss this decision. I will be urging them to reconsider this decision and, at the very least, seeking assurances on any measures they plan to put in place to support their customers.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES WOMEN TO APPLY FOR HISTORIC MESH REMOVAL EXPENSES

Any women who have not claimed back the cost of private mesh removal arranged before 3 June 2022 are being encouraged to do so ahead of the planned closure of the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme.

As announced in the parliament in October 2023, the scheme for women to claim back the cost of private mesh removal surgery will close to new applications at the end of March. The Scheme was due to close in December 2023, but the Scottish Government extended to give women a final chance to apply.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Many women who have been impacted by complications after having had transvaginal mesh implanted have experienced immense pain and suffering.

“This scheme aims to help those who have undergone private treatment by allowing these past costs to be refunded, ensuring women affected across Renfrewshire North and West, and the rest of Scotland, are no longer at a financial disadvantage.

“It is important that women who are eligible to apply to the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme are not left out of pocket, which is why the Scottish Government extended the scheme. I would urge any women who thinks she may be eligible for reimbursement to apply before 31 March.”

SUPPORTING SCHOOLS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN TACKLING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

A dedicated approach to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in schools has been published.

Developed by a working group co-chaired by the Scottish Government, Rape Crisis Scotland and Zero Tolerance, the framework encompasses testimony from young people and staff and sets out how schools can use education, with an emphasis on compassion, to challenge societal views which normalise gender-based violence.

It aims to support schools by:

• demonstrating the different ways GBV can affect young people in a school community and highlighting how schools can challenge the underlying gender inequalities which can cause it

• providing guidance to support schools’ responses to GBV experienced, or carried out by, children and young people or other members of the school community, including staff

• outlining the approach schools should take to recording GBV behaviours and signposting to further support and learning

GBV refers to behaviours ranging from name calling, intimidation and physical violence to sexual harassment and emotional abuse, which can affect anyone, but is more commonly experienced by women and girls.

The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research report, published last year, highlighted an increase in misogynistic views and language as an emerging concern in schools which the Education Secretary committed to developing a dedicated approach to address, as part of the government’s wider response to challenges with behaviour in schools.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I fully support the SNP Scottish Government’s ambition to create cultures in schools whereby all members of the school community know that gender-based violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Prevention and early intervention are key to the approach to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence, particularly gender inequality.

“This framework forms part of our broader action to address the issue of gender equality within education as part of the implementation of our Equally Safe Strategy and broader commitment to eradicate gender-based violence in every part of our society.

“All children and young people have a right to a learning environment where they are protected, cared for, and in which their rights and needs are respected. The vital role of schools to help create this culture can help us to end of gender-based violence and misogyny once and for all.”