Belle and Sebastian singer Stuart Murdoch joins ME rally at Holyrood
The group ME Action Scotland is concerned new funding for the condition will not be allocated.
Murdoch has previously spoken about how living with ME left him feeling 'invisible' and like a 'non-person'.
While there is not a straightforward diagnosis for ME, symptoms can include feeling tired all the time and difficulty sleeping.
On 14th May, 2025, #MEAction Scotland volunteers will be calling on the government to translate its promises into urgent, meaningful action.
To find out more about how you can make your voice heard, read our website article https://t.co/XuZqRDuPpH pic.twitter.com/3Nhuv9PFeZ
— #MEAction Scotland (@meactionscot) May 2, 2025
Janet Sylvester, trustee at ME Action Scotland, said: 'We're raising a red alert and calling on the Government to get plans in place so that funding can start going out to health boards and begin to make changes to the dire situation in Scotland.
'We welcomed the budget commitment but it won't mean anything if the money isn't actually spent. Now that the budget year has started, the clock is ticking.
'Our major concern is that it will take so long to allocate the funding that the health boards will not have time to spend it in this financial year, as has happened with past long Covid funding.'
The most recent Scottish Government Budget set aside £4.5 million for ME, long Covid and similar conditions.
Public health minister Jenni Minto said: 'Supporting people with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, long Covid and similar energy-limiting conditions is an absolute priority.
'We want this money to have maximum impact and we are working closely with health boards across Scotland to allocate it as quickly and effectively as possible.'
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STV News
4 hours ago
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My mother accompanied my father to AA and then realised she was an alcoholic
Scotland's drugs minister has told how her mother was persuaded to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with her father, before realising she too had a drinking problem. Maree Todd was given the post by First Minister John Swinney in June, and has never spoken of her personal link to addiction. But with her father celebrating four decades of sobriety this year, the minister said she hopes his story will show people 'that change can happen'. In her childhood, Todd's parents, John and Christina, drank heavily, but when she was 12, the pair decided to get sober. It was not until a friend from their west Highland village – who was in recovery himself – approached her father to ask him to seek help that the process truly began. Accepting the invitation to AA, her mother was eventually persuaded to go along, but only after being erroneously told it was normal for spouses to attend with their partners. PA Media Todd, left, with her father and sister 'They persuaded my mum by telling her, and it's a funny thing, they said it was normal for wives and spouses to go along to the meeting as well, because she was not at all convinced that this was an issue for her,' Todd told the PA news agency. 'My mum went along to this meeting and literally had this road to Damascus moment as she sat there listening to the testimonies around the table and thought 'actually this is where I am'… she realised that there and then.' Todd's father did not engage much with AA again, but this year he celebrated his 40th year sober. The minister's mother died in 2022, with 38 years of sobriety behind her – excluding a 'handful' of relapses. While there was no ill will between her father and AA, Ms Todd described him as a 'typical West Highlander'. 'He's a lovely, lovely man, but talking isn't really his thing,' she said. 'He actually feels guilty about that sometimes, he says he thinks he sets a bad example to other people who are trying to stop because it's so important to access help and it's not common to be able to stop on your own.' Todd – who was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2016 after 20 years as a pharmacist – said her childhood was generally a good one other than her parents drinking, and she speaks emotionally of the impact recovery programmes like AA had on the lives of her parents and her own. 'My mum's relationship with AA continued and it was a profound part of her life, a profound part of our lives as we grew up,' she said. Fighting back tears, she added: 'When my mum died, it was a really profound experience for myself and my sister to be able to say thank-you to the fellowship for what they had done to help our parents to get sober and to recognise the impact, particularly my mum, had on so many other people's lives.' During the period her parents were drinking, Ms Todd said the local community where she grew up ensured her and her sister Fiona were taken care of. 'When I was minister for children and young people I used to say it takes a village to raise a child, and I came from a good village,' she said. 'So when my parents were drinking, I had adults all around me who were looking out for me and who made sure I was fed and safe. 'That is a really important thing from the community that I grew up in, people knew what was happening and they looked out for us.' Going through university to a job in the health service, then to Parliament and eventually ministerial office is not the usual path trodden by someone whose parents struggled with addiction, Ms Todd said her family never normalised the situation. 'We knew that what was happening in our house wasn't normal, we knew that other houses weren't like that,' she said. 'That's another thing about growing up in a close-knit, small community.' That is not to say that the girls did not feel 'shame', she said, adding: 'We did, but we did not have that burden of trying to cover up what was happening at home, it wasn't possible, it was very visible and, actually, I look back and I think that's a real blessing.' Despite there being anger and shame in growing up with parents struggling with addiction, Ms Todd said she never lost the love for her family. 'I was ten, 11, 12 years old and there were moments of real shame, moments of real anger,' she said. 'Throughout this, I loved my parents; they were really loving. 'I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression. 'One of the reasons that I'm so sorted is because the only thing my parents got wrong was the drinking.' Despite being in the public eye for almost a decade, Ms Todd has not spoken about her parents' struggles. She said her father is happy with her discussing it now, because they both hope his four decades of sobriety will inspire others. 'One of the reasons I'm so keen to talk about it is because I want people who read your work or come across your work to understand that change can happen,' she said. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
4 hours ago
- STV News
My mother accompanied father to AA and then realised she was an alcoholic
Scotland's drugs minister has told how her mother was persuaded to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) with her father, before realising she too had a drinking problem. Maree Todd was given the post by First Minister John Swinney in June, and has never spoken of her personal link to addiction. But with her father celebrating four decades of sobriety this year, the minister said she hopes his story will show people 'that change can happen'. In her childhood, Todd's parents, John and Christina, drank heavily, but when she was 12, the pair decided to get sober. It was not until a friend from their west Highland village – who was in recovery himself – approached her father to ask him to seek help that the process truly began. Accepting the invitation to AA, her mother was eventually persuaded to go along, but only after being erroneously told it was normal for spouses to attend with their partners. PA Media Todd, left, with her father and sister 'They persuaded my mum by telling her, and it's a funny thing, they said it was normal for wives and spouses to go along to the meeting as well, because she was not at all convinced that this was an issue for her,' Todd told the PA news agency. 'My mum went along to this meeting and literally had this road to Damascus moment as she sat there listening to the testimonies around the table and thought 'actually this is where I am'… she realised that there and then.' Todd's father did not engage much with AA again, but this year he celebrated his 40th year sober. The minister's mother died in 2022, with 38 years of sobriety behind her – excluding a 'handful' of relapses. While there was no ill will between her father and AA, Ms Todd described him as a 'typical West Highlander'. 'He's a lovely, lovely man, but talking isn't really his thing,' she said. 'He actually feels guilty about that sometimes, he says he thinks he sets a bad example to other people who are trying to stop because it's so important to access help and it's not common to be able to stop on your own.' Todd – who was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2016 after 20 years as a pharmacist – said her childhood was generally a good one other than her parents drinking, and she speaks emotionally of the impact recovery programmes like AA had on the lives of her parents and her own. 'My mum's relationship with AA continued and it was a profound part of her life, a profound part of our lives as we grew up,' she said. Fighting back tears, she added: 'When my mum died, it was a really profound experience for myself and my sister to be able to say thank-you to the fellowship for what they had done to help our parents to get sober and to recognise the impact, particularly my mum, had on so many other people's lives.' During the period her parents were drinking, Ms Todd said the local community where she grew up ensured her and her sister Fiona were taken care of. 'When I was minister for children and young people I used to say it takes a village to raise a child, and I came from a good village,' she said. 'So when my parents were drinking, I had adults all around me who were looking out for me and who made sure I was fed and safe. 'That is a really important thing from the community that I grew up in, people knew what was happening and they looked out for us.' Going through university to a job in the health service, then to Parliament and eventually ministerial office is not the usual path trodden by someone whose parents struggled with addiction, Ms Todd said her family never normalised the situation. 'We knew that what was happening in our house wasn't normal, we knew that other houses weren't like that,' she said. 'That's another thing about growing up in a close-knit, small community.' That is not to say that the girls did not feel 'shame', she said, adding: 'We did, but we did not have that burden of trying to cover up what was happening at home, it wasn't possible, it was very visible and, actually, I look back and I think that's a real blessing.' Despite there being anger and shame in growing up with parents struggling with addiction, Ms Todd said she never lost the love for her family. 'I was ten, 11, 12 years old and there were moments of real shame, moments of real anger,' she said. 'Throughout this, I loved my parents; they were really loving. 'I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression. 'One of the reasons that I'm so sorted is because the only thing my parents got wrong was the drinking.' Despite being in the public eye for almost a decade, Ms Todd has not spoken about her parents' struggles. She said her father is happy with her discussing it now, because they both hope his four decades of sobriety will inspire others. 'One of the reasons I'm so keen to talk about it is because I want people who read your work or come across your work to understand that change can happen,' she said. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
NSPCC offer advice to children worried about Scottish exam results day
NSPCC is dishing out valuable tips for parents and young people as Scottish exam results day looms Exam results day can be an extremely nerve-wracking and anxiety-inducing time for young people. Scottish exam results day for 2025 is on Tuesday, August 5, meaning it won't be long until scholars know what their future holds. Students will receive their Scottish Qualification Certificate (SQC) by post, and those who signed up for MySQA will receive their results via text or email. But it is important to pay attention to children's worries around this day. Last year, Childline delivered 706 counselling sessions across the UK where the young person mentioned exam results worries. Exam results worries can impact their mental health such as trouble sleeping, depression and low mood, lack of self-confidence, feeling pressure to achieve high grades, and even self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. One Scots teen told NSPCC they were "scared for their future," adding: "I want to become a nurse, but I don't think I got the grades I need to get into the uni I want. I feel useless, as school is the one thing I thought I excelled at." Another 15-year-old reported feeling "numb," admitting: "I've lost all motivation to revise or do the things I like. I haven't been feeling like myself - I'm pushing everyone away and I don't know why. I just want everything to stop." Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Childline in Scotland, said: "At Childline, we want to reassure young people that their value isn't defined by grades. There are many different routes to success and not getting the results you hoped for doesn't close the door on your future. "Childline is here for any young person who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just needs someone to talk to, our counsellors are available 24/7 by phone or online chat to listen and support you." NSPCC tips for children and young people Remember results don't define you Your worth extends far beyond exam grades. There are always options whatever you achieve, and one set of results doesn't determine your entire future. Avoid comparing yourself to others Focus on your own journey and achievements rather than comparing your results to friends or peers on social media. Talk to someone you trust Share your feelings with family, friends, teachers, or contact Childline. Write down your worries - then tear up the paper or share them with a trusted adult. Focus on what you can control If results aren't what you hoped, research alternative pathways, clearing options, or retake opportunities rather than dwelling on what's already done. Look after your wellbeing Make a list of the things that bring you joy and find time to do them. Eat well, get enough sleep, and do activities that help you relax. Tips for parents Listen without judgement Listen to your child, give them support and avoid criticism. Encourage your child to talk openly about how they're feeling and to share any worries or concerns. Be reassuring about the future It's important they know you'll support and help them whatever their results. Let them know that failing is not the end of the world. Help them see alternative options Talk with them about their 'plan B' if the 'worst case' did happen. This can help it feel more manageable. Manage your own expectations Many children who contact Childline feel that most pressure at exam time comes from their family. Keep perspective and avoid adding to their stress. Focus on their effort and progress Acknowledge successes, reassure disappointments and celebrate the hard work they've put in, regardless of the outcome
