Safer Drug Consumption Rooms: Bringing Communities with Us

by David Barbour, SCSN Communications Officer Finally, after years of campaigning by many organisations and individuals – it looks like a safer drug consumption room will soon open in Scotland. Following a decision from the Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain that she would be willing to issue guidance that it would not be in the public...

Latest Blog: Accessibility, Adaptability & Usability of Scotland’s Homes Consultation

by Kevin Chase, SCSN National Development Officer and Home Safety Scotland Forum Convener So, it has finally arrived.Ā  The Scottish Government has announced the consultation for home adaptations and home use, or to give the consultation the full title, ā€œEnhancing the Accessibility, Adaptability and Usability of Scotland’s Homesā€.Ā  You may know the consultation by another...

Why the SCSN strongly supports the new drug policy proposals

By David Barbour, SCSN Communications Officer Last week, the Scottish Government published a new policy on tackling drug deaths and wider drug related harms in Scotland. These included proposals for safer drug consumption rooms, decriminalisation of possession and exploration of regulating drug markets. Our role is to take an evidence-based approach to building safer communities...

Top tips for driving safely on rural roads

Guest blog by Leo Clarke, Consultant & Researcher With less traffic to contend with, rural roads may seem like easy places to drive, but there are actually a lot of hidden dangers and things that you need to be aware of. To make sure that you are keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, read...

Chief Officer’s Monthly Reflections: April 2023

by Lorraine Gillies, SCSN Chief Officer I love April, it’s the start of so much – spring, lighter evenings and mornings, new financial year, new plans.. This April though our plans have been slightly delayed.  The introduction of new a core grant funding process by the Scottish Government has taken it’s  a toll on us...

Home Safety Scotland Quarterly Update

by Kevin Chase, National Development Officer The last quarter has been an interesting one reaching out to groups and organisations who are providing some fantastic work within their respective communities.  These organisations vary from third sector, Local Authority and national organisations.  At the end of February I met with Roar For Life in Renfrewshire.  A...

Plumbers & Joiners: Police, Mental Health & Vulnerability

by Kevin Chase, National Development Officer On Friday 9th December, I attended the Police Mental Health and Vulnerability conference in Edinburgh, hosted by Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.Ā  Why?Ā  Having recently retired from the police, from my own experience it is one of the biggest challenges facing policing in Scotland today.Ā  I will...

How do you plan your plan?

Lorraine Gillies, SCSN Chief Officer I always think of January as a planning month. It’s when the Scottish Community Safety Network staff team and board sit down together and plan our activity for the year. The events we will deliver, the meetings we will facilitate, the briefing papers we intend to produce, the dates for...

What cyclists need to know about being environmentally responsible while cycling in Scotland Ā 

Scotland is one of the most beautiful cycling destinations in the world. From the testing terrains in the Highlands to the breathtaking views on its surrounding islands, there is so much to explore all across this cycling mecca.  Though cycling is already an environmentally-friendly hobby, there are certain things that you need to consider to...