Health, police and social work professionals will gather in Paisley on Wednesday to discuss ways in which they can try and help people with drink and drug problems get on the road to recovery.

The former Choices day centre for disabled people in Aberdeen could be transformed into a facility for teenagers with behaviour problems, it emerged last night.

HEALTH bosses want to use the site of Kempock House in Gourock for a new 77-bed facility for people with mental health problems.

A postcode lottery of care charges for people with learning disabilities means some individuals and families are paying so much they have to cut back on support or social activities, while others in neighbouring council areas pay nothing at all, according to campaigners.

EDINBURGH is facing a learning disabilities time bomb after it emerged nearly 200 people are waiting for supported accommodation in the city.

A health board has moved on from a time when older patients were staying in hospital for years rather than being cared for at home, according to a boss.

LOCHABER Independent councillor Bill Clark has welcomed a decision by a senior social work officer not to accept a controversial £25,000 salary hike which has been at the centre of a political row.

THE VETERAN councillor in charge of a cash-strapped department has quit his post. Gerry Goldie has told Labour colleagues he is giving up the role as convener of the troubled housing and social services committee on Falkirk Council.

Fresh questions about the affordability of free personal care for the elderly have been raised by a senior figure in social work.

A NURSE on duty on the night that fire swept through a care home killing 14 people broke down in tears as he described desperately trying to save the lives of residents.