Support services for women and children affected by domestic abuse in Inverness and South Highland are to be strengthened through a new long-term partnership.
After a competitive tender, outreach services for female survivors have been awarded to Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, which joins the Highland-wide Domestic Abuse Service from the first of July.
The new grant funding model associated with HDAS provides greater long-term stability for services and will enable the organizations to apply for match funding from other sources.
Support for non-female survivors will continue through separate partnership funding.
A Pocket Garden created by Ullapool Primary School is among 26 finalists in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s online showcase.
Earlier this year, schools across Scotland were invited to design miniature gardens showing the value of fresh water. Each design had to provide food for people, support wildlife and reuse materials.
The showcase features images, videos and stories from the gardens as they grow, highlighting pupils’ practical and creative work.
The showcase runs until 22 June, and the public is being encouraged to vote for their favourite garden.
www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/pocketgarden
Princess Anne, patron of the Royal College of Midwives, visited the maternity unit at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness last week.
During her visit, she toured the facility and met with midwives, maternity staff, and a new mother with her baby.
She also spent time in the wards, the maternity assessment unit, and the neonatal unit to learn more about the care and support provided to families.
The Princess went on to meet representatives from community organisations - including Highland Maternity Voice Partnership and Held in Our Hearts - which work with NHS Highland to help improve services and support families through maternity care.