News

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More Than 1,000 Children a Day Need Help From UK Baby Banks, New Figures Reveal

More than 400,000 children were supported by UK baby banks last year. New figures reveal rising demand for essentials including nappies, clothing, cots and formula milk.

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Over 8 million families to receive £301 Cost of Living Payment from today

This is first of three new Cost of Living payments adding up to £900 in 2023/24 – though some people will receive up to £1,350.

Over 8 million households to receive £301 from the Government with payments hitting bank accounts from today
Those eligible will be paid between Tuesday 25 April and Wednesday 17 May, with HMRC making payments to tax credit-only customers between

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Experts demand major overhaul of safeguarding system to protect children with disabilities from abuse at children’s homes

A report investigating abuse and neglect in residential settings for disabled children sets out the case for fundamental changes in provision.

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has published recommendations to improve the care, welfare and outcomes for children with disabilities and complex health needs living in residential settings .

Last October, the panel published a...

Maternity care crisis highlights lack of progress for cerebral palsy prevention

For the last decade, formal reviews have repeatedly raised inadequate training and insufficient staffing levels as key issues affecting NHS maternity care. But birth injury solicitors at RWK Goodman say figures show that past recommendations have failed to lead to better outcomes.

1 in 4 core NHS maternity services across the UK is currently rated as ‘inadequate’ or ‘requiring

Government extends mortgage support for benefit claimants

An additional 200,000 Universal Credit claimants will be able to access quicker support with their mortgage from 3rd April.

Support for Mortgage Interest loan scheme extended to 200,000 additional Universal Credit claimants in efforts to support more households with the cost of living
They will be able to access help towards mortgage interest on their home or certain home

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Edinburgh Zoo made more accessible to people with Autism

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has partnered with Scottish Autism to develop a more accessible and inclusive experience for autistic visitors.

Scottish Autism has begun working with the wildlife conservation charity to identify and reduce barriers to visiting Edinburgh Zoo and connecting with nature.

Amy Cox, RZSS Accessibility and Inclusion Manager, said “We are...

National Family Mediation announces new CEO

Sarah Hawkins takes over from Jane Robey who retires after almost 20 years in post

Sarah Hawkins, formerly operations manager at National Family Mediation (NFM), has been named as the charity’s new CEO, taking over from Jane Robey who retires after almost 20 years in post.

Having joined NFM in 2019, Sarah comes from an Operational background with over 25 years’ experience,...

Household Support Fund extended from 1st April to help families in need

An additional £842 million is available from 1st April 2023 to help the most vulnerable households across England with essential food and energy costs.

Department for Work and Pensions’ £842 million Household Support Fund extension comes into effect today
Extra money given to councils to provide further help to most in need with essential food and energy costs until 31 March

Royal College of Midwives adds The Positive Birth Company’s Closing the Gap workshop to new anti-racism kit for midwives

The Positive Birth Company’s Closing the Gap workshop is added to the RCM’s Decolonising Midwifery Education Toolkit

Certified B Corp business The Positive Birth Company has been added to a new anti-racism toolkit for midwives created by The Royal College of Midwives. The Decolonising Midwifery Education toolkit has been created by the RCM in response to shocking figures which show Black,...

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Disabled children to benefit from funding for short breaks

Thousands of families with children with special educational needs supported with short breaks from theatre trips to outdoor activities helping to build vital skills

Thousands more families with children with special educational needs will receive support with short breaks, including theatre trips, hiking or craft workshops, as the scheme is expanded to 10 new areas of the country.

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Universal Credit expanded to benefit more Tax Credit claimants

More Tax Credit claimants will soon be asked to claim Universal Credit as the Government expands the movement of legacy benefit claimants to the modern benefit system.

From April, more benefit claimants on Tax Credits will need to complete their move to Universal Credit to streamline and simplify the benefits system
Affected claimants will receive letters notifying them of