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How much are people in Scotland really drinking?

Alcohol is a significant and growing problem in Scotland in terms of mortality, morbidity and social harm. From 2001 to 2005, alcohol-related deaths rose by 15% and general hospital admissions by 7% while recent results from the Scottish Crime and Victimisation Survey indicate that more people view alcohol as a serious social problem. Yet surveys of alcohol consumption suggest that Scots may be drinking less. As they are the main source of data for national monitoring of drinking behaviour, it is important that survey estimates of alcohol consumption are as robust as possible.

Animal abuse and child maltreatment

Animal abuse and child maltreatment: a review of the literature and findings from a UK study critically reviews the body of existing international research literature on the co-existence of animal and child abuse and presents the findings from new research into patterns of animal ownership and the treatment of animals in British families.

Recruitment and Retention Lessons from Beyond the Social Services Sector

Effective recruitment and retention of a competent workforce is critical to developing and improving on the delivery of services that are increasingly funded through competitive public sector contracts. While there are numerous examples of ways in which the sector has addressed recruitment and retention challenges, both among small as well as large players, this study aims to look at whether we can learn anything from looking beyond the social services sector.

Parenting in multi-racial Britain

Parenting has increasingly become the focus for policy and academic debate. The racial and cultural heterogeneity of British society also invites considerable attention to many aspects of the lives of minority ethnic families. Yet, there is little empirical evidence into ethnicity, parenting and family life. This study, by Ravinder Barn at Royal Holloway, University of London, explores the views and experiences of 'ordinary' parents to increase our understanding in some key areas, including family support, education, child discipline and the process of acculturation.

Disabled people's costs of living

It is well known that disabled people face additional costs to enable them to meet their needs. However, there has been no clear evidence about the true extent of these costs. This research, conducted by the Centre for Research in Social Policy with the support of Disability Alliance, presents budget standards for groups of disabled people who have different needs arising from physical or sensory impairments.

Food affordability, access and security: their implications for Scotland's food policy - a report by Work Stream 5 of the Scottish Government's Food Forum

As part of the Forum set up by Ministers to develop a National Food and Drink Policy, a group has met to consider issues related with food affordability, food access and food security. The group has reviewed existing evidence on these issues and has developed a series of proposals which it feels could be taken ahead in Scotland.

Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance newsletter December 2004

The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) promotes, supports and defends the principles and practice of independent advocacy across Scotland. This newsletter provides an update on the progress of the SIAA and includes details of their 'Training for Trainers' session, information about elder abuse, Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) 2002, some health and safety issues and details of useful organisations.