First Minister visits Children First

Children First were delighted to welcome Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley Anne Sommerville to our support line today, as they announced £10m funding to be split between charity and government initiatives to tackle child poverty.

The First Minister and Cabinet Secretary met families who have been supported by Children First and volunteers and colleagues who offer practical, emotional and financial support to families across Scotland through our national support line.

Last year, a survey for Children First showed that 85% of parents in Scotland don’t know where to turn for support and that when they do, waiting lists and high thresholds mean that help feels distant and disconnected.

£1.5 million of the funding announced by the Scottish Government will come directly to Children First to provide urgent support to families facing financial hardship, as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.

Children First’s national support line will give families in severe hardship easy to access, immediate relief by putting money in their pockets and offering longer term financial,  emotional and practical help so that their children can enjoy a brighter future.

Families can call the Children First support line for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.