Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background Good mental health is a fundamental part of individual, communal and societal wellbeing. In the UK, mental health disorders account for almost a quarter of the total burden of ill health. There is a well-documented burden of mental health …
briefing
Constitution and independence referendum briefing
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background The issue of Scottish independence or continued union within the UK continues to be the major fault line in Scottish politics. The months and weeks building up to the election in May appear already to be dominated by the political parties …
Migration, asylum and refugee issues briefing
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background Scotland’s population is now estimated to be around 5.4 million people, the highest level ever. Driving the growth has been the contribution of inward migration to Scotland especially over the last 20 years. According to the most recent …
Alcohol, drugs and substance misuse
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Drugs deaths Scotland has the worst drugs death rate in Europe, and in 2020 records showed 1,264 people died, a record number for the sixth year in a row. It is about three and a half times the rate for England and Wales. Drugs regulation is a …
Poverty & Inequality briefing – England
Updated March 2021by Paul Morrison “Poverty is not only about shortage of money. It is about rights and relationships; about how people are treated and how they regard themselves; about powerlessness; exclusion and loss of equity.” Participant at local poverty hearing held in …
Local authority elections in England briefing
Context This summer, many of the 343 councils in England are holding elections. If your council, or local authority, is holding elections in May, you’ll have the opportunity to vote to elect councillors. Councillors oversee the work of your local authority, and act as a bridge between the …