The number of 18-24 year olds claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) for over 6 months has increased in 20 of Scotland’s local authorities since last year and fallen in only 7 according to a TUC analysis published ahead of the latest ONS unemployment statistics today (Wednesday).

FORRES respite centre Taigh Farrais is to be taken over by Moray Council. Councillors made the decision at a meeting of the health and social care services committee last Wednesday, agreeing that it was the best way to secure the facility’s future.

A Moray playgroup specialising in care for young children with additional support needs is struggling to find enough funding.

NORTH Lanarkshire Council is to cease admissions to a Motherwell care home as they don’t wish to spend money modernising the facility.

Scottish Social Networks in partnership with the Rock Trust and Glasgow School of Social work, has been awarded funding from the Big Lottery Fund to conduct research into the impact of housing support services working with those affected by homelessness to build positive social networks.

Foster care services in the Highlands are dealing with a “marked increase” in babies from drug-abusing families.