Aberlour Child Care Trust, 36 Park Terrace, Stirling FK8 2JR
Tel: 01786 450335 Fax: 01786 473238
News - in Depth
4/5/2007
RESPONSE TO SURVEY ABOUT CHILDHOOD FRIENDSHIPS AT RISK
Aberlour is Scotland’s largest children’s charity and responds to the results of a survey published today (Tuesday 5th June) by The Children’s Society as part of its Good Childhood Inquiry.
Addie Stevenson, Aberlour’s Chief Executive, says:
“We welcome the research findings as it emphasises the need to support parents to ensure they can feel confident with the decisions they make about encouraging play and friendships for their children. Interestingly, in a MORI poll carried out earlier in the year for Parenting Across Scotland – a multi-agency partnership of which Aberlour is a member, showed nearly half (41%) of parents in Scotland would like more support to help them in the demanding role of raising children.
“We are encouraged that children have spoken out so clearly in this new survey about how much friendships mean to them. We are keen to encourage friendships and play and equip children with the important social skills learnt through play and companionship. Our innovative Play Peace project is one example of the work we do to enable children to make new friends, feel included and encourage children to be more active and able to organise themselves to play games and work together.
“We believe that although it is normal for parents to feel anxious about giving their children freedom, it is important to encourage friendships and play. By supporting parents through our National Parenting Project and our Family Centres in the community we are providing opportunities for parents to ensure their children get to enjoy the fun of being a child.”
For media enquiries contact Ann-Marie Fry and Kelly Bayes on (01764) 450335.
Notes to Editors:
1. Aberlour works in Scotland with and for children, young people and families who need additional support to promote their development and well-being. Aberlour runs 47 services which make a positive difference to the lives of around 6,000 children in Scotland every year. Visit www.aberlour.org.uk
2. The Play Peace Project is managed by Aberlour Child Care Trust with funding from Fife Council Regeneration and the Big Lottery.
The project is now in its third year of operations the Kirkaldy and Dysart area and works with six schools – a roll call of nearly 1,700 pupils. Play Peace also offers a community programme in local play areas during the summer school holidays.
3. Aberlour is working in partnership with the The Children’s Society in England, Extern in Northern Ireland and Tros Gynal in Wales as The Co-operative’s charity of the year to try and raise £1million to help the children across the UK.
-ends
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