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Trauma-Informed Practice: National Survey Response
It’s time for the National Trauma Transformation Programme survey! The national survey helps capture work from across Scotland and share good practice. The findings inform the National Learning Report. 

Please answer this survey to capture the variety of work, good practice and barriers throughout West Dunbartonshire. They will then collate this to write their response and produce a local report of findings. Any questions, get in touch by contacting emily.aitken2@nhs.scot Open until 10th July. 

Take the survey here

Climate Action Hub Seed Fund 2026-27
Community groups can apply for up to £1500 to start or scale up any community projects which support moving towards a sustainable world. For example, projects which: 
– Help reduce emissions or other environmental damage
– Protect or enhance local biodiversity
– Help build resilience, and adapt to climate change 
– Raise awareness and prompt climate action 
– Reduce waste through reuse, recycling and upcycling 
Applications close 5pm 31st July 2026. The fund must be fully spent, and end of project survey completed by 28th February 2027. We are happy to discuss your proposal with you prior to receiving your application form. You can contact the Hub Lead, Ruth at ruth@wdcvs.com for support. Find out more here

New Scottish Women’s Aid report
Titled “It’s always there, like a shadow behind you: Women’s Experiences of Coerced Debt and Recovery in Scotland” this report shows that coerced debt is a common and deliberate tactic of coercive control. Critically, there is no coherent, practical or impactful support currently available for women experiencing coerced debt. The research by Scottish Women’s Aid, commissioned by Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit and Trading Standards Scotland draws on qualitative research with women in Scotland affected by coerced debt and the Advocacy Workers who support them, sharing their experiences in their own words. For the full report click here  or read the summary report here 

Tackling Stigma: Stakeholder Toolkit
Created in partnership with Poverty Alliance, Citizen’s Advice Scotland and Inclusion Scotland, this toolkit is designed for organisations in Scotland supporting people who may experience stigma whilst considering applying for, or receiving, social security payments. This includes staff working in education, health and social care, housing, policing and community services, social work, money advice and support services. It is also useful for those working in policy, strategy or service design within organisations considering ways to tackle stigma. This resource promotes inclusive and compassionate practice to use when communicating about social security payments, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. Click here to download the toolkit

When You’re Caring for Everyone Else… Who’s Caring for You?
Many of us find our focus pulled towards supporting others — colleagues, clients, communities, and loved ones. But when we constantly hold space for other people’s grief, distress, or trauma, our own wellbeing can quietly slip down the list. Research shows that exposure to others’ trauma can cause lasting emotional effects in around 8% of people, altering stress responses and even worldview. Cruse Scotland, have developed Vicarious Trauma training offering a supportive, reflective space to understand what vicarious trauma is, recognise its signs, and learn practical, preventative strategies. It’s ideal for those working in roles where the weight of others’ experiences can accumulate over time. On-site training is available across Scotland, tailored to your workplace and the needs of your team. To discuss or book, contact Hannah by emailing training@crusescotland.org.uk  Individuals can also participate in an online session (maximum 12 participants) to support meaningful discussion and learning. Book your places here  

Free Summer of Sport Step Count Challenge – registration open
In a summer packed with sport, Walking Scotland want to get Scotland walking and wheeling. Their Summer of Sport Step Count Challenge is a free, 4-week team walking challenge running from Mon 6 July until Sun 2 August, welcoming teams of up to 5 people. The challenge is open to everyone aged 16+ and covers groups, clubs,  organisations, workplaces, universities and colleges, and families, friends and communities. You can join at any point and log steps for a few days, a fortnight or the full 4 weeks – the choice is yours!  Teams can be up to 5 people, but fewer is fine! This special challenge is designed to be flexible, social and low-barrier, encouraging everyone to start where they are and enjoy 4 weeks of fresh air, fun and friendly competition. To find our more visit the Summer of Sport page.