“Just because he doesn’t speak, doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have anything to say.” These were the words of a young person living in one of our Aberlour houses about her neighbour, a young man who is on the autism spectrum and has very limited verbal communication. When I asked her to explain what she … Continued
Caring for young people in Scotland is approaching a very exciting moment in its history: the Care Review is reaching its conclusion. I’m excited and determined to play a part in driving its recommendations that will lead to the much-needed improvements to the care sector. I hear about the care system being described as ‘broken’. … Continued
To eradicate child poverty here in Scotland we need to use the levers that we have at our disposal, before it’s too late. We need to make a lasting difference to each and every one of the quarter of a million children in Scotland who are currently living in poverty, and prevent that number from … Continued
We were thrilled to welcome Maree Todd, the Scottish Minister for Children and Young People, to our Sustain service in the Borders recently. The Minister was invited to visit the service, along with the Independent Care Review, to see Aberlour’s ‘edge of care’ work, working with families whose children are at risk of being taken … Continued
Children and young people were the winners on Saturday evening (5th October 2019) thanks to a prestigious black-tie charity ball. The Weir Family Foundation held their annual event to support and raise vital funds for Aberlour Scotland’s Children’s Charity. The glamorous black-tie ball, held in Glasgow’s Radisson Blu hotel, was an outstanding success with 250 … Continued
One quarter of all children in Scotland are living in poverty. That is nearly 250,000 children. As I write this today, there are 10,000 more children in Scotland living in poverty than there were last year. If nothing changes in the next 12 months that figure is projected to rise by at least the same … Continued
As part of our new campaign, a bad start shouldn’t mean a bad end, door to door fundraisers will be working across Scotland over the coming months so you might receive a visit from them. We are working with a company called Appco UK whose fundraisers will be visiting homes around Scotland to tell you … Continued
SallyAnn Kelly, CEO of Aberlour, said: “Aberlour is delighted that today the Scottish Parliament has outlawed the physical punishment of children by passing the Equal Protection Bill into law, ensuring children in Scotland will now have the same protection from assault as adults. This is an historic day for our children and one further step … Continued
The Autumn 2019 edition of Aberlour news is now out, packed with stories of how our supporters are enabling Aberlour to help children and young people across Scotland. >> Read Aberlour News now (pdf) We cover our new campaign that unveils shocking new research, finding that young people growing up in Scotland’s most deprived communities … Continued
New research commissioned by Aberlour Child Care Trust has found that people from Scotland’s most deprived communities are three times more likely to die before they reach their 25th birthday. The research was carried out by Dr Morag Treanor, Professor of Child and Family Inequalities at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University, and is the first to focus … Continued
After 50 years at 36 Park Terrace, Stirling, Aberlour has moved to a new charity hub located near Stirling train station. Our new address is Aberlour Child Care Trust, Kintail House, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ. Our phone numbers are unchanged. Any mail sent to Park Terrace will be redirected. Speaking about the move, Aberlour’s … Continued
Thanks to a generous gift left in the will of one of our amazing supporters, disabled children across Scotland can experience life to the full. “I have never been bored. I don’t want to go home” – says Corey, a 13-year old boy with autism and anxiety issues. He has just enjoyed his first weekend … Continued
“We need to focus on what parents with learning disabilities can do, not what they can’t”. That was the cry from a Scottish Parliament reception held last night by leading charities to highlight the needs of parents with learning disabilities. According to latest research, such parents are twenty times more likely to have their child … Continued
More than forty young people from across Aberlour services have spent a soggy yet hugely enjoyable weekend away in rural Perthshire for the annual Aberlour Jamboree. For many, it was their first chance to leave their hometown and enjoy a holiday. This annual event is designed and planned over several months by Aberlour young people … Continued
New mums at risk of poor mental health will be given access to increased support including counselling and befriending services. The rollout is part of a £50 million Scottish Government investment in mental health services for new mums, babies and young children announced by the First Minister earlier this year. An initial £1 million will … Continued
“As an organisation that has children’s rights at the heart of the work we do every day with children, young people and families, Aberlour is committed to supporting, promoting and protecting children’s rights. We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to legislating to incorporate the UNCRC and believe the only way to do this, to ensure … Continued
On Sunday, 25th August 2019, our Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly and Rosie Moore, Co-Chair of the Care Review Love Group, joined Sally Magnusson on BBC Radio Scotland to discuss the need for love in the care system. This is something which Aberlour has been championing in our own residential homes. SallyAnn commented: “I encourage our … Continued
With just over a month to go until Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk, Scotland’s largest children’s charity is offering free entry to the event for those pledging to walk for them. Aberlour Child Care Trust, a charity working in Edinburgh and across Scotland, provides lifeline care for vulnerable children, young people and their families. Walkers who sign up … Continued
