Blog: When families Talk Money, what are they telling us?

At Aberlour Children’s Charity, our work is centred on amplifying and elevating the voices of families we work with across Scotland. This Talk Money Week, we are proud to share what we have heard: families want to #StartTheConversation about money with policy and decision makers. They want to be heard and their day-to-day experiences to be understood. 

One of the key issues we’re focusing on is public debt (such as council tax, rent arrears or even school meal debt) because it is having a significant impact on the families we support. Nearly 1 in 6 families who apply to our Urgent Assistance Fund require help with unsustainable public debt. Research conducted in partnership with Heriot-Watt University and the University of Glasgow by Professor Morag Treanor has shown that public debt is contributing to child poverty. That’s why we’re committed to understanding and addressing this issue, both through direct support and through policy change. 

Across Scotland, Aberlour supports families at home and in the community-- providing practical, emotional and financial support to children, young people, parents and carers. In addition to this, our Urgent Assistance Fund offers direct cash grants for life essentials, like clothing, food, and utilities, when families are experiencing a financial crisis. Through our work, not only do we aim to meet families’ immediate needs but also create safe spaces for them to share their experiences and shape the support they receive. We know that families are experts in their own lives. That’s why we are putting families’ voices and experiences at the heart of our work to call for a change to how Scotland does public debt collection.

So, when families talk to us about money, what are they telling us? 

We’ve been welcomed into homes, chatted over the phone, shared tea and biscuits, and cuddled babies while exploring how public debt affects children’s lives. Families have told us about the challenges they face - like managing public debt after leaving abusive relationships, where debt recovery actions continue after separation. One mum shared how most of her income goes toward avoiding debt, leaving little for her children to enjoy the simple joys of childhood. Another mum asked that “the woman’s side of the financial effects [of abuse]” be fully heard and considered. 

Others have spoken about the strain of homelessness and how celebrations like Christmas feel out of reach. They told us how much it means when Aberlour staff listen to their circumstances and can give direct financial help via the Urgent Assistance Fund.  

Families raising children with disabilities described the constant financial pressure - from petrol for accessible transport to specialist clothing and food. One parent said it feels like “looking for a real-life unicorn.” Another shared how their child turning 18 drastically reduced their income, leaving them wondering, “how are we going to live day to day?” 

We’ve also heard from young people leaving care, families moving into new tenancies, and parents in recovery for substance use. Both families and staff have spoken about how money - or the lack of it - can shape stability, safety, and a sense of hope. One parent told us she was persevering under difficult circumstances in the hope of a “fresh start that would be best for my child.”  

These stories remind us that empowering families to share their voices and experiences sits at the heart of this work, and that is essential to how we change systems and processes that too often act as a barrier to tackling child poverty in Scotland. When families are invited to share their realities and ideas, we gain insight that no policy paper can offer. By starting the conversation and keeping it going, we can work together to build a Scotland where every child has the chance to thrive. 

Each family we explore this with tells us that their complex circumstances don’t always fit neatly within existing procedures - and that’s where the conversation needs to begin.  When families talk to us about money, they tell us they want change. They tell us they want their voices and views to be heard and understood by those that can make change happen. When parents talk to us about money, they tell us they want better for their children. That’s why we’re proud to be working in partnership with local authorities - like those involved in our Tayside Challenging Public Debt Service - to break down siloed ways of working and build more joined-up, responsive and compassionate systems.  

Together, we’re exploring flexible approaches to complex household situations and creating systems that feel welcoming, responsive, and supportive. This kind of approach is not simply good practice; it’s an investment to provide early help and prevent crises before they hit, helping families to thrive. This collaboration shows what’s possible when we start the conversation and keep listening. 

Robyn Moffat-Wall, Senior Policy Lead, & Alissa De Luca-Ruane, Policy & Participation Officer.