Latest news with #IJB
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Edinburgh cuts to mental health services 'unacceptable': John Swinney urged to intervene
First Minister John Swinney has been urged to intervene to stop "unacceptable" cuts to voluntary organisations which could leave Edinburgh without any third-sector mental health services. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A succession of Lothian MSPs used First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the threatened cuts by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, which oversees health and social care in the Capital. Labour's Foysol Choudhury said the organisations affected included the Stafford centre, which supported 640 people with mental health issues and was estimated to save the NHS up to £4.4 million in hospital admissions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Noting Mr Swinney's support for prevention, Mr Choudhury asked: "Given the situation in joint boards across Scotland, does the First Minister recognise that prevention will not be possible if IJBs are in permanent financial crisis?" Lothian Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour said: "I have been contacted by numerous charities in my region that will have to cease providing vital preventative care for individuals in the Lothians due to the IJB cuts." And he asked of Mr Swinney: "Will he now intervene in the crisis to make sure that NHS Lothian does not cut the budget to the IJB? That cut would put vulnerable people out of the services that they require. 'Will he now be proactive in working with NHS Lothian and the council to make sure that the IJB gets the appropriate funding?" Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Swinney said he wanted to ensure the type of services referred to were supported around the country. But he said: "Those are operational decisions for integration joint boards to make." And he attacked both Labour and the Tories for not supporting the government's budget, which he said was delivering the investment that was necessary in health and social care. Lothian Tory MSP Miles Briggs returned to the issue, asking if Mr Swinney thought that health services would be improved by the IJB decisions. Mr Briggs said: "The proposals are likely to see key services cut, including drop-in support, carers services and, even as we mark victory in Europe day, veterans support services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The First Minister apportioned blame, but the cuts are not acceptable. The IJB will cut £29 million from services in Edinburgh. "Will he agree to meet the cross-party group of MSPs who are trying to raise the issue in Parliament and who have just had the First Minister whack this back at us? We need action and we want the First Minister to take heed of that today." Mr Swinney said investment in preventative services did not happen by accident, but by political choice. "Mr Briggs was one of those who voted against the Government's budget and he argued in favour, as his leader did, of £1 billion of cuts in public expenditure. How does Mr Briggs think that it would be possible to invest in local services with £1 billion of swingeing cuts from the Conservatives?"
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meeting to decide the fate of 'lifeline' mental health services in Edinburgh pushed back
A formal meeting to decide on proposed funding cuts to an Edinburgh mental health charity's "lifeline" services has been pushed back. The proposals put forward by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) would see a potential £188,000 funding cut to The Stafford Centre on Broughton Street. Change Mental Health, which encompasses the Stafford Centre, say that these cuts would make it impossible for the vital centre to continue to operate. Now, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) have decided to further delay formal consideration of their proposal until the IJB meets on August, 26. READ MORE: Edinburgh mental health charity raises alarm on 'lifeline' services facing the axe READ MORE: Two Edinburgh drivers hit with ASBOs for excessive revving In an email to services that would be impacted by the intended £2.2 million in cuts to social care charities, Christine Laverty, the chief officer of the EHSCP, said: "I wrote to you on April 4 regarding the review of your contract or service level agreement with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, letting you know that the decision on contract-related savings would be taken to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) on 17 June. "Since then, many of you will have attended Integrated Impact Assessments (IIAs) to understand and consider the impact of these proposed savings. There are still some IIA meetings to take place over the coming weeks, to ensure that each group of contracts is considered consistently and potential impacts are captured. "I want to thank you all for the time and effort that you have put into these meetings. Your input has been invaluable and has really helped us to ensure that this process is carried out as fairly and robustly as possible. "I want to be sure that we have taken adequate time to fully understand the data and evidence relating to each individual contract or service level agreement, and that we have considered the concerns which have been raised by providers, both through the IIA sessions and separately. "On that basis, I have discussed with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the IJB and we have agreed to further delay formal consideration of this proposal until the IJB meets on 26 August 2025. "I am aware that this delay may increase uncertainty amongst providers, staff and service users, however, it will help ensure that recommendations to the IJB are robust and evidence-based." The decision comes after a public meeting held on Monday, May 26 organised by service providers impacted by the EIJB cuts. The meeting was attended by EIJB members, such as Chair Katharina Kasper and Vice Chair Tim Pogson, who fielded questions from service users. During the forum, EIJB members were implored to halt the cuts and give more time to consult with affected organisations. CEO of Change Mental Health Nick Ward, told Ms Kasper: 'We're not given meetings. We're told to go through a process with a tick form asking the most basic questions. We are not being treated as partners, we are not being treated as equals, and that is the problem.' The Stafford Centre provides drop-in mental health services such as counselling, peer support groups, and art therapy, and deliver targeted support to vulnerable groups through specialised programmes, such as offering support to men - who are at higher risk to suicide - and to veterans. Edinburgh Live previously spoke to Jim Hume, director of public affairs and communication at Change Mental Health. At that time he said: ""The Stafford Centre is essential. It supports people with post traumatic stress, with serious mental illness. It supports people with financial worries with their mental health. It's a lifeline for many people - there are 640 individuals every year supported at that centre. "There was a change with Covid. It had a lasting effect. Depression during Covid doubled. And anytime there is uncertainty with finances - money is tight at the moment - it can affect mental health." Without the EIJB funding, Jim says Change Edinburgh could not run the Stafford Centre. He continued: "We'd have to find funds, but it's not possible in such a short period as they're talking about. "We're calling for there to be more time to consider options - rather than leaving people behind in the process." In an effort to protect the centre's vital mental health services, a petition has been launched. It reads: "The Stafford Centre has been a beacon of hope and support in Edinburgh, offering tailored mental health services that cater to the unique needs of each individual. "For years, it has been a safe space for those dealing with mental health challenges, providing therapy, counselling, and a supportive community." More information on the petition and how to sign it can be found here. If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch.
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Meeting to decide the fate of 'lifeline' mental health services in Edinburgh pushed back
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A formal meeting to decide on proposed funding cuts to an Edinburgh mental health charity's "lifeline" services has been pushed back. The proposals put forward by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) would see a potential £188,000 funding cut to The Stafford Centre on Broughton Street. Change Mental Health, which encompasses the Stafford Centre, say that these cuts would make it impossible for the vital centre to continue to operate. Now, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) have decided to further delay formal consideration of their proposal until the IJB meets on August, 26. In an email to services that would be impacted by the intended £2.2 million in cuts to social care charities, Christine Laverty, the chief officer of the EHSCP, said: "I wrote to you on April 4 regarding the review of your contract or service level agreement with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, letting you know that the decision on contract-related savings would be taken to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) on 17 June. "Since then, many of you will have attended Integrated Impact Assessments (IIAs) to understand and consider the impact of these proposed savings. There are still some IIA meetings to take place over the coming weeks, to ensure that each group of contracts is considered consistently and potential impacts are captured. "I want to thank you all for the time and effort that you have put into these meetings. Your input has been invaluable and has really helped us to ensure that this process is carried out as fairly and robustly as possible. "I want to be sure that we have taken adequate time to fully understand the data and evidence relating to each individual contract or service level agreement, and that we have considered the concerns which have been raised by providers, both through the IIA sessions and separately. "On that basis, I have discussed with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the IJB and we have agreed to further delay formal consideration of this proposal until the IJB meets on 26 August 2025. "I am aware that this delay may increase uncertainty amongst providers, staff and service users, however, it will help ensure that recommendations to the IJB are robust and evidence-based." The decision comes after a public meeting held on Monday, May 26 organised by service providers impacted by the EIJB cuts. The meeting was attended by EIJB members, such as Chair Katharina Kasper and Vice Chair Tim Pogson, who fielded questions from service users. During the forum, EIJB members were implored to halt the cuts and give more time to consult with affected organisations. CEO of Change Mental Health Nick Ward, told Ms Kasper: 'We're not given meetings. We're told to go through a process with a tick form asking the most basic questions. We are not being treated as partners, we are not being treated as equals, and that is the problem.' The Stafford Centre provides drop-in mental health services such as counselling, peer support groups, and art therapy, and deliver targeted support to vulnerable groups through specialised programmes, such as offering support to men - who are at higher risk to suicide - and to veterans. Edinburgh Live previously spoke to Jim Hume, director of public affairs and communication at Change Mental Health. At that time he said: ""The Stafford Centre is essential. It supports people with post traumatic stress, with serious mental illness. It supports people with financial worries with their mental health. It's a lifeline for many people - there are 640 individuals every year supported at that centre. "There was a change with Covid. It had a lasting effect. Depression during Covid doubled. And anytime there is uncertainty with finances - money is tight at the moment - it can affect mental health." Without the EIJB funding, Jim says Change Edinburgh could not run the Stafford Centre. He continued: "We'd have to find funds, but it's not possible in such a short period as they're talking about. "We're calling for there to be more time to consider options - rather than leaving people behind in the process." In an effort to protect the centre's vital mental health services, a petition has been launched. It reads: "The Stafford Centre has been a beacon of hope and support in Edinburgh, offering tailored mental health services that cater to the unique needs of each individual. "For years, it has been a safe space for those dealing with mental health challenges, providing therapy, counselling, and a supportive community." More information on the petition and how to sign it can be found here. If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Bid to save West Lothian pensioners' café fails as councillors reject call to step in
A meeting of the full council voted down a motion from the SNP's Willie Boyle to intervene in plans to close the cafe in Rosemount Gardens in Bathgate. A plea by a Bathgate councillor for West Lothian Council to intervene in plans to shut a pensioner's cafe has failed. A meeting of the full council voted down a motion from the SNP's Willie Boyle to intervene in plans to close the cafe in Rosemount Gardens in Bathgate. Councillor Boyle said the proposed savings 'don't add up' given that four council staff would be moved to other posts. 'Where's the savings?', he said. Councillor Boyle first tabled his motion to the last meeting of the full council where it was ruled as inadmissible. He took it back to Tuesday's meeting unchanged. In it he referred to the opening of the Rosemount Gardens complex in 2017 saying: 'The delivery of this accommodation offered so much to people who gave up homes to take up residence.' The cafe is 'at the heart' of this development, he maintained, asking that the council write to the Integration Joint Board raising concerns about closure plans. He added that the complex provided : 'A new home that would provide them with facilities to meet their perceived needs and hope for their future. A building that is a focal point for the community and has become a valued hub serving a wider need.' Councillor Boyle said that a campaign group had pointed out that the cafe had only every operated as a break even operation and that staff were keen to work with the IJB to look at ways in which the cafe could stay open. An amendment from Councillor Tom Conn, who also chairs the IJB said: 'A report will be provided to the IJB on 26 June 2025 to specify whether or not a viable option has been identified for delivery of cafe facilities within Rosemount Gardens complex.' He pointed to the £8.6m budget gap in social care to 2027/28 and suggested that the council should instead write to the Scottish Government asking for social care to be better funded. Councillor Boyle told the meeting 'Look at the human element behind this decision. The cost that's crippling this cafe is because four full time equivalent employees work for West Lothian Council. Given that this council has a no redundancy policy where is the actual cost saving. 'It doesn't add up, and that's how the public are looking at it. 'Where is the savings? It's a paper exercise and people could lose vital services because of it. Let's put the politics aside.' Councillor Boyle's motion was voted down by 17 to 14, with one abstention.
Edinburgh Reporter
20-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Councillor's plea to save Bathgate cafe fails
A plea by a Bathgate councillor for West Lothian Council to intervene in plans to shut a pensioners' cafe has failed. A meeting of the full council voted down a motion from the SNP's Willie Boyle to intervene in plans to close the cafe in Rosemount Gardens in Bathgate. Councillor Boyle said the proposed savings 'don't add up' given that four council staff would be moved to other posts. 'Where's the savings?', he said Councillor Boyle first tabled his motion to the last meeting of the full council where it was ruled as inadmissible. He took it back to Tuesday's meeting unchanged. In it he referred to the opening of the Rosemount Gardens complex in 2017 saying: 'The delivery of this accommodation offered so much to people who gave up homes to take up residence.' The cafe is 'at the heart' of this development, he maintained, asking that the council write to the Integration Joint Board raising concerns about closure plans. He added that the complex provided: 'A new home that would provide them with facilities to meet their perceived needs and hope for their future. A building that is a focal point for the community and has become a valued hub serving a wider need.' Councillor Boyle said that a campaign group had pointed out that the cafe had only every operated as a break-even operation and that staff were keen to work with the IJB to look at ways in which the cafe could stay open. An amendment from Councillor Tom Conn, who also chairs the IJB said: 'A report will be provided to the IJB on 26 June 2025 to specify whether or not a viable option has been identified for delivery of cafe facilities within Rosemount Gardens complex.' He pointed to the £8.6m budget gap in social care to 2027/28 and suggested that the council should instead write to the Scottish Government asking for social care to be better funded. Councill Boyle told the meeting 'Look at the human element behind this decision. The cost that's crippling this cafe is because four full time equivalent employees work for West Lothian Council. Given that this council has a no redundancy policy where is the actual cost saving. 'It doesn't add up, and that's how the public are looking at it. 'Where is the savings? It's a paper exercise and people could lose vital services because of it. Let's put the politics aside.' Councillor Boyle's motion was voted down by 17 to 14, with one abstention. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
