This Challenge Poverty Week, Children First is encouraging families to call them for help

Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First, has revealed new figures showing that financial difficulties remain the top reason for families to call its support line, as it urged families who are struggling to get in touch for support.  

More than half of the families (56%) who got in touch with the charity’s support line between July and September were experiencing money worries, with callers seeking help and advice when rising costs, household bills and unexpected expenses become difficult to manage. 

Children First’s support line provides practical, emotional and financial support, including debt support, to parents and carers 365 days a year.  

Last year, the charity worked with nearly 1,500 families to provide financial wellbeing support and advice that helped put £1.8 million in financial gains back in their pockets and manage over £1 million in debts. 

Kerry* recently contacted Children First as she was experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and a difficult financial situation that was affecting her whole family.  

Describing the immediate impact of speaking to Children First, she said she felt: 

“Overwhelmed in a good way as I have been listened to and told that food can be on the table tonight. 

“Children First’s support line saved me – held me and gave me hope for the first time that there was light at the end of the tunnel.” 

Children First was able to provide immediate hardship funding so the family could buy groceries. The family was also referred for ongoing support with energy debt and income maximisation, helping them develop a plan for their financial situation and allowing Kerry to focus on parenting and meeting her children’s needs.  

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said:  

“When a parent or carer is worrying about whether there will be food on the table, it can be incredibly difficult to focus on anything else. It’s so important that families can access support before financial pressures become a crisis. 

“Our support line provides a place for families to talk, be listened to and access practical, emotional and financial help without judgement. 

“This Challenge Poverty Week and beyond, we’re urging families in (local area) not to struggle alone. If money worries or other pressures are making family life difficult, please reach out to Children First. We’re here for you.” 

With around 210,000 children in Scotland living in poverty, the gap between current child poverty levels and the targets for 2030/31 is significant. As part of efforts to address this challenge, Children First has received a £2 million investment from the Scottish Government to expand its support line and help even more families. 

Any family worried about their financial situation can call the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33. 

*Names have been changed to protect the family’s anonymity.