First Minister announces £2 million investment in Children First support line

Thousands more children and families across Scotland will be able to access practical, emotional and financial support through the Children First support line, thanks to new funding from the Scottish Government. 

First Minister John Swinney announced the funding on a visit to Children First in Glasgow to meet families and hear how getting easy access to joined up support can transform children’s lives.  

Speaking during the visit, the First Minister said: 

“During the cost of living crisis, there are families struggling to make ends meet and accessing help can often be overwhelming. 

“We want to provide a better future for every parent and every child, and to do that we need to make support as simple, accessible and effective as possible.   

“That’s why we are pleased to be supporting Children First to develop a national front door for support, so that help is in the right place, at the right time.  Organisations like Children First play such an important role and I am pleased that we are supporting them to double the support they provide to families across Scotland.” 

The investment of £2 million for 2026–27 will enable Children First to significantly expand our support line, helping up to 7,500 families and strengthening our role as a trusted national point of contact for families looking for help. 

Open 365 days a year, the Children First support line provides a single place where families can access compassionate, personalised support by phone, webchat, text, email, video call or face to face. Whether families are worried about the rising cost of living, their wellbeing or finding the right local services, our team is here to help. 

Jasmine, a young mum who has been supported by Children First, said:  

“Things are so expensive nowadays and with my baby I was feeling the pressure before I met Children First. I also felt quite lonely and alienated because I didn’t know other young people who had babies. It wasn’t good for my mental health. 

“The help from Children First has been outstanding. The emotional and financial help they’ve given has had a positive impact on us – I can get fresh fruit and vegetables for the baby and I feel less isolated because I’ve met other young mums. Without the support from Children First, I don’t think our lives would be anywhere near as good.” 

In 2025–26, the Children First support line helped more than 5,000 families across Scotland. This new investment will allow us to grow our team, strengthen our specialist expertise and expand our money advice service, helping even more families access the right support when they need it and for as long as they need it. 

Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services at Children First, said: 

"This funding is fantastic news for Scotland's children and families, who often tell us they don't know where to turn for support. Parents and carers, who are often stressed and exhausted trying to find the right help when they need it, will welcome this with open arms. 

"By connecting families to joined-up practical, emotional and financial help through our support line, we will reduce the impact of poverty, strengthen families and help thousands more of Scotland's children enjoy the safe and secure childhood that every child deserves."