27,000 children in Scotland are affected by a parent going into prison every year, around double the number of children affected by divorce, according to the latest Scottish Government statistics. Research also shows that having a parent or family member in prison can have a serious impact on a child’s wellbeing and mental health, which … Continued
A north-east charity is providing training to young people in a bid to fill skills gaps in the childcare sector. Aberlour Futures works to deliver vocational qualifications and training for the early learning and childcare workforce in Aberdeen city and shire. Its Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) gives pupils accelerated access … Continued
At The Gathering last week, I was fortunate to share a platform with the First Minister and other third sector leaders. I made a simple call which resonated strongly with the audience in the room and on social media – if we are serious about changing lives, we must unleash the power of the third … Continued
Following the publication of the Independent Care Review conclusions last week, John Ryan, Aberlour’s Assistant Director for residential care services blogs his thoughts on the Review, why he’s proud of the changes already implemented, and what lies ahead. Scotland is at a pivotal time in its social history. In 2016 Scotland’s First Minister launched the … Continued
Aberlour welcomes the publication of the Independent Care Review’s conclusions today. Since the Review was launched in 2016, Aberlour has supported the review and contributed to it wherever possible. Today we pledge to Keep The Promise. The breadth and depth of the Review’s conclusions reflect the complexity of children and young people’s lives and the … Continued
Anne Grant is a difficult person to get hold of, as you might expect given her line of work. I am told she is with “one of her young people”, in the first instance – and the phrase is both apt and affectionate. Indeed, it was these “young people”, and their families, who nominated Anne … Continued
A generation of Scottish children could continue to live in poverty and be unable to realise their full potential say the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). Aberlour has joined with COSLA to share its concern and call on the Scottish Government to do more. The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to tackle child … Continued
On 17 December 2014, then Cabinet Secretary for Education, Angela Constance, announced that the Scottish Government intended to hold a public inquiry into historical institutional child abuse. Today, findings have been released by Judge Lady Smith leading the Inquiry: Case Study no.3 – The provision of residential care for children in Scotland by Quarriers, Aberlour … Continued
What would it be like if one of Aberlour’s young people became Chief Executive for the week? This week, Morgan is finding out. With her distinct blue hair, Morgan is the face of Aberlour’s current #NoBadEnds campaign that has highlighted young people growing up in Scotland’s most deprived communities are three times more likely to … Continued
Kids and adults alike had a ball last weekend as those involved with kinship care in the city attended an end-of-year party. Kith ‘n’ Kin Dundee held the event in partnership with the city council’s permanence team for children and their families across the area to get together and have some fun. The groups are … Continued
Aberlour Child Care Trust is offering free entry to all Kiltwalk events in 2020 to those pledging to walk for them until Friday 31st January 2020. Aberlour works across Scotland providing lifeline support to vulnerable children, young people and their families. Everyone who wishes to walk in aid of Aberlour and pledges to raise at … Continued
Aberlour Futures, the childcare education and training service from Aberlour Child Care Trust has been hailed as a centre of excellence and a shining example of childcare vocational training best practice. It follows a ‘Grade 1 Excellent’ review of Aberlour Futures from HM Inspectors earlier this year in 4 key areas described as outstanding and sector … Continued
South Ayrshire parents have celebrated the National Lottery’s 25th birthday by learning to bake scrumptious cheesecakes. The local parents are supported by Aberlour Child Care Trust’s Family Service in South Ayrshire. This ground-breaking service has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund for the past four years, and helps mums and dads with learning … Continued
This week marks the 30th anniversary of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This was the starting point for establishing universal rights for all children and young people around the World, and has continued to evolve to recognise and reflect our better understanding of what children’s rights are and how … Continued
With only five weekends left until Christmas, one Scottish children’s charity is asking members of the public to remember those children where Christmas can be a difficult time of year. Aberlour – Scotland’s Children’s Charity has launched its Christmas Appeal which this year focuses on its work with vulnerable children and families across Scotland affected … Continued
Care-experienced children and young people across Renfrewshire need support from local mentors to help raise their attainment in school and their overall confidence. Aberlour Child Care Trust and Renfrewshire Council recently joined forces to launch the Aberlour Attain Mentoring Service in Renfrewshire. The service aims to raise the attainment of Renfrewshire’s care experienced children and … Continued
Harrison wouldn’t be spending Christmas with his mum this year without generous and wonderful people like you supporting Aberlour. He’s really excited about Christmas and having breakfast with Santa but two years ago it was different story. Caitlin, his mum, was having suicidal thoughts. “Harrison’s birth had been traumatic; we’d had trouble bonding and … Continued
MSPs from all five elected parties to the Scottish Parliament have backed Aberlour’s campaign to tackle child poverty and inequality in Scotland. More than forty politicians from the Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats and SNP have agreed with Aberlour that a ‘bad start to life shouldn’t mean a bad end’ and have signed pledges this … Continued
