Children First has published a new report showing the positive impact the charity has made on the lives of thousands of children and families across Scotland.
The report reveals that the Children First support line, which offers practical, emotional and financial help to any family in Scotland, put almost £2.5 million back into the pockets of struggling families in 2024 by securing benefits they were entitled to.
Scotland’s national children’s charity also helped families to deal with debts totalling more than half a million pounds and make them more manageable.
From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
More than 1,000 of those families received financial wellbeing support and advice that helped keep children warm, well and fed.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Scotland is in the grip of a childhood emergency with around one in four children living in poverty.
“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s development, physical and mental health, education and futures that can last into adulthood.
“We are calling on the government to act now to invest in targeted financial advice and support, early help for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”
The charity’s impact report also found that more than two thirds of families who reached out for help were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half were concerned about family relationships.
Glasgow added: “Every day our team hears from more and more families in distress and under huge pressure. For many, our support is a lifeline to them. But we can’t continue to be there for children when they need us without your help. Please donate today at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.”
In 2024 across Scotland Children First supported more than 8,600 children and over 8,800 parents and carers to have a brighter future through its local services and national support line. In total 17,493 people were supported.
Mum Priya shared: “Thank you so much. I am in tears writing this. I will never be able to thank you enough. I've felt shame in asking for help and this year has been the hardest in forever, but Children First has restored the hope I have in this world.”
Mum Sarah, whose son Arthur has a disability was supported to apply for Child Disability Payment said: “Children First helped us apply for Scottish Child Payment which I didn’t know existed. This extra amount will definitely help us with food and electric bills each month.”
Dad James said: Just knowing we have that extra money coming in is such a weight off our shoulders. We are now not reliant on food banks or family members.”
The Children First support line helps families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. Families can call the team for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
You can read the full Children First 2024 Impact Report here.
Note: During 2024 Children First’s Parentline and financial wellbeing services were rebranded to Children First support line.