Families caring for a loved-one with dementia in Scotland want more information and support, according to a survey. The study found fewer than 30% of those looking after someone with the condition were satisfied with the level of care available for the elderly.

A Woman who suffered a stroke, aged just 39, spoke yesterday about how a local support group had aided her recovery over the past year. As Different Strokes (DS) Moray celebrated its first birthday, Diane Ford, 44, told of the support and encouragement she received from other sufferers in the area.

Scotland’s national youth agency has condemned the “piecemeal attitude” towards funding of the youth work sector claiming it results in chronically low staff pay and morale. In a hard-hitting submission to ministers, YouthLink Scotland, which represents public and voluntary sector organisations working with young people, said in many cases organisations “lived from hand to mouth”.

Children in care have gained more qualifications this year, but most are still not fulfilling their potential according to Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown. Statistics released today show that, this year, half of children left care with at least one qualification – up from 43 per cent in 2005.

New guidelines aimed at improving the care of people with eating disorders have been issued by the health service watchdog. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland has set out treatment plans for conditions such as anorexia and bulimia. It has also made recommendations for treating teenagers and warned about inaccurate information on the internet. Campaigners have welcomed the guidelines but called for greater funding. The guidelines will have to be followed by GPs and hospitals.

Patients in Scotland have not benefited from a new NHS consultants contract, according to a report by MSPs. An extra £235m has been paid out to Scotland’s 3,500 NHS consultants over the past three years. A report from the Scottish Parliament’s Audit Committee said health boards and the Scottish Executive should do more to ensure it delivers what it promised. It criticised the lack of accurate cost estimates and information on working hours and conditions in Scotland.

Responding to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration’s annual report, Hugh Mackintosh, Director, Scotland – Barnardo’s, said: “On the basis of a quick look at the figures they certainly present a stark picture in terms of the national increase of care and protection based referrals and this has to be of concern to all agencies working with children and young people.

The number of children in care is at the highest level for a quarter of a century, according to new figures. Scottish Executive statistics revealed that almost 13,000 youngsters or 1% of youths in Scotland, are looked after by local authorities.

{mosimage}Scottish children in care have gained more qualifications this year but most are still not fulfilling their potential, according to Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown. New statistics show that this year half of children left care with at least one qualification – up from 43 per cent in 2005.

The biggest improvement was for children who were looked after at home, with 45 per cent gaining a foundation level Standard Grade – rising from 35 per cent last year. The number of children in care gaining qualifications in English and maths has also increased from 28 per cent to 34 per cent.

Mr Brown said: “Today’s figures confirm what we already know – too many looked after children are not fulfilling their academic potential. That’s why we have invested resources and focused so strongly on their educational needs in the last few years.

Pensioners in Aberdeen are to be scrutinised more closely to find out whether they qualify for help with basic chores such as cleaning and shopping under a new cost-cutting exercise.