Supporting children at Christmas

Projects that support low income families will get more than £850,000 of funding this winter and throughout next year to provide food and activities for children.

Some of the organisations to benefit include Cash for Kids, Dundee Bairns and Achieve More Scotland who will share £159,000 to provide children with a healthy meal and a safe place to enjoy fun activities over the Christmas break.  

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said:

“This funding will help those children and families who need a little extra support – be that a warm meal or warm place for children to play during the holidays.

“The holiday clubs and activities that we are supporting can strengthen the relationships between children and their parents, create friendships and help prepare children for their return to school.

“One hungry child is one too many and that is why the Scottish Government will continue to do all we can reduce inequality and eradicate child poverty.”  

Paul Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer of Achieve More Scotland, which delivers programmes for young people from areas of high social deprivation, said:

“Thanks to this funding from the Scottish Government, we will be able to help hundreds of children, young people and families from Scotland's most deprived communities during periods of real struggle.

“This funding will enable us to develop our work with children, young people and families in need to help reduce food insecurity. We will also support a number of young people to improve their skills by volunteering in these local projects.”