First Minister chooses Children First for his charity Christmas card

Children and young people supported by Children First joined First Minister, John Swinney to share their hopes and dreams as he launched his official Christmas card.

The Christmas card design features a photograph of Loch Faskally taken by Jane Barlow, an award-winning photographer at the Press Association. In the new year, a framed copy of the photograph signed by the First Minister will be auctioned to raise proceeds for Children First.

The First Minister said the card and launch event was an opportunity to highlight his commitment to eradicating child poverty and ensuring every child in Scotland has a safe, happy childhood and opportunities to succeed in life. He said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. So, it was important to me that this year’s Christmas card reflected that pledge. This year saw the ground breaking United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child incorporated into Scots law, helping to make sure Scotland is the best place to grow up - an ambition championed by Children First.

“Children First does tremendous work protecting children from harm and the delivering emotional, practical and financial support for families. Meeting the children and young people today at Bute House was an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues affecting them, and their aspirations for the future.

The eleven children and young people from across Scotland, who have been supported by Children First, hung baubles containing their wishes on the First Minister’s Christmas tree at Bute House.

Jamieleigh, aged 14, said: “Meeting the First Minister, him sitting down with us and hearing what we say, could be a once in life-time opportunity, not many people get to do this. It’s great that he’s chosen Children First for his Christmas card.

“Children First give support that other people can’t give. Knowing there’s someone there who you can talk to, who will support you, makes all the difference.

“I wish all children and young people get what they want and are safe this Christmas. We all have a right to be safe.” 

Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “We are delighted and honoured that the First Minister has chosen Children First to benefit from his Christmas card this year. We are very grateful to John Swinney for thinking of us and to Jane Barlow for sharing her beautiful image to help children across the country.

“Through our national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland our teams are working with families, day in day, out to help protect their children from harm. 

"Every child should have a safe and happy childhood we will continue to champion children's rights with the Scottish Government to make the future, safer and brighter for every child.”

Children First has launched an urgent appeal to keep children safe this Christmas.  Donate to the appeal 

If you are worried about a child you can contact the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 23 or find out more about how the support line can help.