The impact of Scotland's exit from the EU continues to be felt, with new Brexit checks and fees potentially leading to food shortages. In response to these challenges, the SNP Scottish Government has prioritized the wellbeing of young people [d829198e]. They have implemented various measures to support young people, including free higher education, free bus travel, and the Scottish Child Payment. These initiatives aim to alleviate financial burdens and provide opportunities for young people to thrive [d829198e].
Additionally, the government has taken steps to address childhood hunger and promote healthier eating habits by implementing free school meals in primary schools [d829198e]. This initiative not only ensures that children have access to nutritious meals but also helps to create a positive learning environment by reducing hunger-related barriers to education [d829198e].
Scottish Ballet, a National Centre for Dance Health, offers innovative dance programs to improve health and wellbeing [53376fb5]. They engage with communities through classes, health resources, online programs, and research studies. Scottish Ballet's dance programs cater to people living with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, and dementia. They also provide support for people living with long Covid [53376fb5].
The Scottish Ballet's approach aligns with the Scottish Government's 'Realistic Medicine' approach and they partner with Health & Social Care Alliance Scotland [53376fb5]. They offer movement-based activities for health and social care professionals through their Health at Hand program. They also support young people through the Safe To Be Me program, which encourages exploration of identity, acceptance, and respect [53376fb5].
Ruth Maguire, an MSP representing Cunninghame South, called for a public health approach to justice in Scotland, stating that it could reduce crime and make communities safer [cadd92f8]. She argued that Scotland's powers to tackle drugs, gambling, and organized crime are limited by Westminster control of policy, and only independence would allow future Scottish Governments to address these problems fully [cadd92f8]. Maguire suggested measures such as raising the legal age for gambling, introducing drug checking facilities, extending supervised drug consumption facilities, and reviewing the drug classification system [cadd92f8].
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Angela Constance agreed with Maguire, stating that community interventions can be more effective in reducing reoffending and assisting with rehabilitation, leading to safer communities [cadd92f8]. She emphasized the importance of access to health and support services in the justice system and the need for a holistic multi-agency approach [cadd92f8]. Constance also supported the idea that independence would allow Scotland to further embed and extend the public health approach to justice and violence reduction into currently reserved areas like gambling and drug reform [cadd92f8]. She mentioned that with full powers under independence, future Scottish Governments could consider measures such as raising the legal age of gambling, reviewing how gambling appeals to young people, creating a statutory framework for supervised drug consumption facilities, and reviewing the drug classification system [cadd92f8].
Scottish Ballet is spearheading Healing Arts Scotland 2024, a week-long series of events celebrating and advocating for improved health through the arts [53376fb5]. They work closely with academics, health professionals, and partners to develop and evaluate the impact of their programs. Scottish Ballet also offers opportunities for volunteering in their Dance Health programs [53376fb5].