Our Commitment to Scotland's Families
Understanding Child Poverty in Scotland
The following statistics highlight the current landscape of child poverty in Scotland. These figures emphasise the urgent need for support for disadvantaged families. With the help of everyone who donates to our fund, Aberlour is committed to providing assistance to those affected by these challenges.
- 23% of all children in Scotland are living in poverty
- Children are at a significantly higher risk of poverty compared to pensioners (15%) and working-age adults (20%)
- Lone parent families are one of the priority groups at higher risk of child poverty
- Families with a disabled adult or child face additional challenges and are more likely to experience poverty
- Households with a mother aged under 25 are also at a higher risk of poverty
- Families with three or more children are more likely to be living in poverty
Sources:
Scottish Government: Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland 2021-24
Scottish Government: Child poverty analysis
Our impact
In its lifetime, the AUAF has awarded
more than £3.6 million
to children and families in Scotland
The charts below highlight the performance of the fund since April 2021. Figures correct as of November 2025.
2734502.69
Total amount awarded to children & families in Scotland since April 2021.
28455
Total people supported.
8948
Number of successful applications.
Top uses for grant awards
- Clothing: 15.9%
- Food: 13.3%
- Utilities (Gas/Electricity/Coal/Oil): 9.3%
- Bedding: 7.8%
- Bed/mattress: 6.9%
- Bedroom furniture/storage: 5.2%
- Baby items (e.g. milk/food/nappies/wipes): 4.7%
- Debt arrears: 4.5%
- Washing machine: 3.0%
- Others: 29.2%
Challenges faced by those the fund helps
- Unemployment5,733
- Poverty5,723
- Single Parent Family5,300
- Mental health issues – adults3,603
- Health issues – adults2,512
1957
One in five
grant awards went to households with an employed or retired family member.
5300
60% of applicants
lived in single-parent family households.
2781
One in three families
awarded have challenges related to disability.
Figures correct as of November 2025
See how our fund helps families across Scotland
View region-specific stats that provide insights into the recent activities of the Urgent Assistance Fund. This data reflects the grants awarded since April 2021, the number of people helped, and the various ways in which our fund has been put to use.
- clothing
- food
- utilities
- bedding
- clothing
- food
- utilities
- bedding
- clothing
- food
- utilities
- bedding
- clothing
- food
- utilities
- bedding
- clothing
- food
- utilities
- bedding
Evaluation of the Urgent Assistance fund
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 Aberlour has been providing increased financial support to families across Scotland via its Urgent Assistance Fund. In 2020, Heriot-Watt University was commissioned to carry out a process and outcome evaluation of the fund to inform Aberlour's learning and future planning.
The highlights of the findings were:
- Cash-First Approach: The fund's approach of providing direct financial assistance was highly valued, allowing families to address their immediate needs without bureaucratic hurdles.
- Professional Trust: The reliance on professional trust rather than extensive documentation made the process more accessible and less stigmatising for families.
- Timely Support: The quick turnaround in providing funds helped families manage urgent needs, such as food and utilities, during the pandemic.
- Comprehensive Support: The fund addressed a wide range of needs, from basic subsistence items like food and clothing to essential household goods like cookers and washing machines.
- Positive Feedback: Families and sponsors expressed deep gratitude for the support, describing it as a "godsend” and "lifesaver.”
- Community Impact: The fund's extensive reach across Scotland and its ability to support families in almost every local authority area demonstrated its significant impact on communities.
Download: Evaluation of the Urgent Assistance Fund.
Aberlour's wider poverty campaigning work
Learn more of the work we do to help families struggling the hardest.
Donate to the Urgent Assistance Fund
If you are able to, please donate today.