Aberlour and Scottish Refugee Council proud to continue partnership with Scottish Government to support vulnerable children

Aberlour Children’s Charity and the Scottish Refugee Council are delighted to announce that we have won the contract to continue running the Guardianship Scotland service, following a successful bid in partnership with the Scottish Government. Starting on 1 April 2025, our expanded service will receive £2.2 million annually, as part of a new contract worth up to £11 million over the next five years.

Guardianship Scotland plays a crucial role in supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking and trafficked children and young people (UASC) across Scotland. We offer these young people a guardian, who provides specialist help during difficult times, such as when they claim asylum or are cared for by health, education, and welfare services. Our guardians ensure these children’s voices are heard, and their rights are protected while they adjust to life in Scotland.

This increased funding is needed due to the growing number of young people needing support, and the complexity of their cases. Right now, 1,067 young people are benefiting from our Guardianship service. We are proud to offer them the help they need to rebuild their lives, keep them safe, and help them feel settled in their new home.

Aberlour chief executive SallyAnn Kelly OBE said:

We’re thrilled to continue running Guardianship Scotland. For 14 years, we’ve worked with the Scottish Government and Scottish Refugee Council to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking and trafficked children. With rising numbers and more complex cases, we’re proud to offer them the protection, care, and guidance they need. At Aberlour, we believe every child deserves to grow up in safety, and we’re committed to ensuring all children, no matter their background, receive the support they deserve.

Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said:

We're delighted to continue delivering Guardianship Scotland in partnership with Aberlour and Scottish Government and look forward to continuing our work together to deliver this essential service.

The young people we work with have been through things no child should have to endure. Many have survived human trafficking or fled countries torn apart by war, arriving in Scotland traumatised and alone with no friends or family to take care of them.

We know that with the right support, children can recover from their experiences and go on to thrive. We are committed to ensuring that every unaccompanied child in Scotland gets a dedicated guardian to support them, speak up for them and be by their side as they rebuild their lives.