Scotland’s first ever suicide prevention advert has been broadcast on television. The advertisement shows a withdrawn young workman choking up the word suicide on to a pub table after a day at work in a warehouse.

Vulnerable children and family services are among those likely to be hit by a new wave of cost-cutting in care provision by the Church of Scotland.

Hundreds of young offenders are to avoid prison and secure accommodation as part of a Scottish Government-funded pilot scheme aimed at tackling the causes of their behaviour.

NEARLY 1700 people in West Lothian could be plunged into poverty if the UK Government’s plans to scrap Attendance Allowance get the go ahead.

FAMILIES face increasing costs for elderly relatives living in residential homes or receiving frozen meals delivered to their homes.

People with learning disabilities and their supporters are to target MPs and general election candidates over “alarming and unexpected” changes to a crucial benefit.

THE treatment of drug addicts in the criminal system has been secured after the Courier highlighted the plight of a court-sanctioned programme last week.

The Scottish government has reiterated its commitment to providing free social care, despite warnings that the bill could reach almost £10m by 2031 under the current setup.

The nephew of an 86-year-old woman who has been deaf and mute since birth has criticised Aberdeenshire Council for making a “despicable” change to her care.

THE number of sex abuse victims at a former council-run care home is more than double the number previously thought.