[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f10b3rz2z388kj":3,"$flxyyvxcdf6dq":17},{"id":4,"blog_author_id":5,"blog_category_id":6,"is_featured":7,"title":8,"slug":9,"content":10,"content_overview":11,"published_at":12,"seo_title":8,"seo_description":13,"image":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16},"01m5fanaffkxrzkrpj1x4keag4","9cdbdd6d-4900-4646-a012-d3e67a5ee788","01j303dmcc6n6900v73fs88bc7",false,"Right to Food Commission supports Aberlour's Call to End School Meal Debt","right-to-food-commission-supports-aberlours-call","\u003Cp>School meal debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three words that should never be uttered in the same sentence\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Children bearing the burden and stigma of debt should shame any society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, here in Scotland that is what we saw happening for thousands of children and their families around the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For many high school children having a negative balance on their parent pay account would mean being unable to access a meal at school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>School meal debt and hidden school hunger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two sides of the same coin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what side that coin lands on it would still show how badly we have failed many of Scotland’s most disadvantaged children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is why at Aberlour we were compelled to do something about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make sure we stood beside those children and their families and to call for something to change – urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We wanted to make sure we saw an \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aberlour.org.uk\u002Fabout-us\u002Fpolicy-and-influencing\u002Fpublic-debt\u002Fschool-meal-debt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">end to school meal debt and hidden school hunger for good\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In 2023 we urged the then First Minister, Humza Yusaf, to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To bring an end to the shameful practice of children and their families being chased by debt collectors for school meal debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>School meal debt is a symptom of families not having enough money to provide the very basics for their children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fundamentally, it is about a lack of income.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We welcomed the introduction of a one-off School Meal Debt Fund to write off outstanding debt for one year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we were clear that was not enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our evidence shows that the majority of children with school meal debt are from low-income working families who do not qualify for free school meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, along with writing off the debt for struggling families, we called for the expansion of Free School Meals to all low-income families across Scotland to help prevent school meal debt in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, we welcomed John Swinney’s subsequent commitment to continuing the School Meal Debt Fund for a further year to write off nearly £3 million of school meal debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Figures show that this benefitted 70,000 children and their families across Scotland over the last two years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A welcome relief for many, but still a limited intervention without a long-term solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our campaign to end school meal debt has continued up to and during the recent Scottish Parliament elections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last year we also published evidence that pointed to the extent of school meal debt for children and their families in England.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What our research suggested was that around 1 in 4 children not eligible for free school meals in England had regular or persistent school meal debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so we called on the UK Government to act and follow Scotland’s lead by taking action to end school meal debt for children across the rest of the UK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This week saw the launch of the independent UK Right to Food Commission report and findings following their work to evidence the scale of food insecurity across the UK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Commission’s report provides a roadmap and clear actions all governments across the UK must take to end food insecurity for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This includes ending school meal debt for good for all children the length of the country, from Aberdeen to Aberystwyth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Scotland, the SNP made a commitment during the Scottish Parliamentary election campaign to end school meal debt once and for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That manifesto pledge was then followed by the First Minister announcing that families struggling with school meal debt would continue to be helped by committing the same level of investment again this year to write that debt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time this will happen alongside the further expansion of Free School Meals in primary schools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The urgent measure and a preventative solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is much more the First Minister must do to make real progress on his ambition to “eradicate child poverty”.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this is one example that the rest of the UK can follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Making sure no child ever again is burdened with debt or goes hungry at school would be a quick win for Andy Burnham, to show his commitment to tackling food insecurity by ending school meal debt in every postcode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Martin Canavan\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Head of Policy & Influencing \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>",null,"2026-10-21T00:00:00.000000Z","Aberlour Children's Charity's Head of Policy & Influencing, Martin Canavan, shares what must be done to end school meal debt and hidden hunger in schools for good. He shares what has been done in Scotland and what must be done in England.","media\u002Fshared image.jpg","2026-10-21T13:33:25.000000Z","2026-10-22T08:11:54.000000Z",{"id":18,"blog_author_id":19,"blog_category_id":20,"is_featured":7,"title":21,"slug":22,"content":23,"content_overview":11,"published_at":24,"seo_title":21,"seo_description":25,"image":26,"created_at":27,"updated_at":28,"next":29,"prev":38},"01j7dzbknt76sk2fm1kr0xjts3","9cdbdd25-1564-45ec-84de-602c5009ebe1","1","Joint call on MSPs to tackle Scotland's Public Debt Crisis","joint-call-on-msps-to-tackle-scotlands-public-debt-crisis","\u003Cp>We have joined with Govan Law Centre to call upon MSPs to make transformational changes to the way public debt is collected in Scotland to help end child poverty.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Today a Parliamentary event is being held by both charities, where MSPs will be pressed to support a transformational law reform bill which would include radical initiatives to change the way public bodies in Scotland collect debt to ensure children are not trapped in, or pushed into, poverty.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Low-income families across Scotland are facing a growing debt crisis, with public debts such as council tax arrears, rent, and school meal debts trapping them in an unbreakable cycle of poverty. Aberlour’s research and frontline experience found that 75% of the total debt supported by their Tayside Hardship Fund was to pay off debts owed to public bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Aberlour and Govan Law Centre are calling on the Scottish Government to take immediate action to reform the current public debt recovery processes, which often punish, rather than support, struggling families. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Amongst other measures, the charities are advocating for permanent support to parents in school meal debt, as well as a unified, compassionate approach to debt management that prioritises the well-being of families and children over punitive collection practices.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The charities are saying clearly that the Scottish Government must change course from the current public debt collection approaches to ones that actively support families in overcoming financial hardship. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Positive government intervention is essential not only to alleviate the financial strain on families but also to improve mental health, strengthen family well-being, and prevent issues such as homelessness and the potential loss of children to care systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>SallyAnn Kelly OBE, Chief Executive of Aberlour said:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\"At Aberlour, we stand at the forefront of supporting Scotland's most disadvantaged children and families. Scotland, and indeed the entire UK, are facing a debt crisis that demands urgent and radical action. Public debt is a key factor in entrenching and increasing child poverty, and those burdened by debt need support, not punishment.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“We are delighted to be working with the Govan Law Centre to urgently call for new legislation that reforms public debt recovery processes. Government intervention is essential to relieve the crushing debt burden on disadvantaged families, enabling them to thrive. The welfare state should be a safety net, not a financial trap.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“Public bodies, including governments, should help people escape debt rather than trapping them in unsustainable and unmanageable financial situations. Positive government interventions to reduce debts not only alleviate financial strain but also enhance physical and mental well-being, strengthen family bonds, and foster inclusivity for children with disabilities.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“Governments and political parties must urgently address the policies that lead to public debt and reform current debt recovery practices to be more humane, compassionate, and sustainable.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“This session is a critical opportunity for MSPs to engage with Aberlour and the Govan Law Centre and hear first-hand from them about their experiences supporting people affected by public debt.\"  \u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>We are urging all MSPs to attend this important event and commit to supporting the necessary reforms to public debt recovery systems. These changes are vital to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring every child in Scotland has the opportunity to thrive.” \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Mike Dally, Govan Law Centre said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\"Govan Law Centre belives that the public debt crisis campaign with the Aberlour Children's Charity is a vital initiative to shift the dial on child poverty. Around 240,000 children live in relative poverty in Scotland and sadly this unacceptable number has remained fairly static since 2007\". \u003Cbr> \u003Cbr>\"While the Scottish Child Payment has helped, it hasn't lifted 100,000 children out of poverty as the Scottish Government claim. The evidence for this claim relies upon projected modelling based on a range of policy assumptions\". \u003Cbr> \u003Cbr>\"We know that the uncoordinated and often aggressive collection of debt by public bodies can trap or push families into unnecessary poverty and misery. The obvious lever available to the Scottish Government and Parliament is to use Scots law to create a coordinated, fairer and more intelligent system of public debt collection in Scotland\".\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>","2024-09-10T00:00:00.000000Z","We have joined with Govan Law Centre to call upon MSPs to make transformational changes to the way public debt is collected in Scotland to help end child poverty.","media\u002F01J7E428VYNV34S3TAZFSVY3X5.webp","2024-09-10T12:43:25.000000Z","2024-09-10T14:05:42.000000Z",{"id":30,"blog_author_id":19,"blog_category_id":20,"is_featured":7,"title":31,"slug":32,"content":33,"content_overview":11,"published_at":24,"seo_title":31,"seo_description":34,"image":35,"created_at":36,"updated_at":37},"01j7drzh7vn687r7xtq6ytsz3x","New mothers recovering from addiction urge rollout of lifeline support ","new-mothers-recovering-from-addiction-urge-rollout-of-lifeline-support","\u003Cp>New mothers, whom we supported to recover from drug addiction, will call for a lifeline support service to be rolled out across Scotland at Holyrood tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The women will explain to MSPs and guests how the intensive perinatal support service in Falkirk has helped save and transform their lives, held their families together, kept their children out of care and why it should be available in every postcode.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>One new mother, once addicted to heroin, said a traumatic pregnancy was overshadowed by the fear that she might not be allowed to care for her baby son.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>She said: “I was on the methadone project, just starting my recovery, when my partner at the time died through drugs. \u003Cbr>“That was the night I found out I was pregnant.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“Being referred to Aberlour was a turning point. They became my voice and went above and beyond. They weren’t just ticking boxes, it was personal.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“If my baby wasn’t here with me, then I probably wouldn’t be here. I’d have relapsed.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“My life is normal now. It’s looking good.”\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>The intensive perinatal service in Falkirk, funded by The Corra Foundation, Falkirk Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and Falkirk Council, has offered practical and emotional support for more than 30 women since launching three years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Independent research suggests every pound spent on the service will save £14 by helping children stay with their mothers and out of care.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Supporters suggest similar support services helping families across Scotland would save millions more on health care linked to addiction and related costs in the criminal justice system. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Another woman supported by Aberlour, who will also describe her journey to recovery to MSPs tonight, said the Falkirk service does not just save money but transforms the lives of new mothers and their children.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>She said: “I was a chronic drug user, a heroin addict, a crack addict. Totally and utterly hopeless, broken.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“I didn’t know if I was going to be able to take my baby home but I was referred to Aberlour and it felt like someone had got my back at last. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“Every woman in every area should have someone like that in their corner. Every area needs a perinatal support service like this. It is a massive support. I was no longer on my own.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“There is so much stigma around addiction and mental health but there is a trust there and it took just one person to see a wee bit of hope and things are totally different.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“I’m proud of the mum I am now. My wee girl has changed my life and I am entirely there for her.” \u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>Aberlour, Scotland’s biggest children’s charity, said the perinatal support service is needed more than ever as Scotland’s drugs crisis is underpinned by the impact of child poverty and mental health issues affecting one in five new and expectant mothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The charity delivers tailored support to each family whether helping at home; offering lifts to appointments, an encouraging word, or some practical advice; or even, on occasion, becoming birth partners. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It believes the specialist support in the community and two Mother and Child Recovery Houses in Falkirk and Dundee offers a template for similar life-changing services across Scotland. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cstrong>Lynne O’Brien, Aberlour chief officer, said:\u003C\u002Fstrong> “It is powerful and encouraging to hear directly from the women supported by our intensive perinatal services about how they are helping transform lives.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“We are taking small steps in Scotland’s long road to recovery but these are steps in the right direction and we should take more and more quickly. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>“We are hoping MSPs will consider ensuring similar services are available to women in every postcode. Every mother in recovery should have the support they need, when they need it.”\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aberlour.org.uk\u002Fservice\u002Fintensive-perinatal-support-falkirk\">For more information on Intensive Perinatal Service Falkirk\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","New mothers who we supported to recover from drug addiction will call for a lifeline support service to be rolled out across Scotland at Holyrood tonight.\n ","media\u002F01J7DRZH7RGTRM5N9JN7PX5XXE.webp","2024-09-10T10:51:58.000000Z","2024-09-10T11:19:38.000000Z",{"id":39,"blog_author_id":19,"blog_category_id":20,"is_featured":7,"title":40,"slug":41,"content":42,"content_overview":11,"published_at":43,"seo_title":44,"seo_description":45,"image":46,"created_at":47,"updated_at":48},"01j6s7m1k4amhcjegkwtxebfc8","Opening of our Second Mother and Child Recovery House","opening-of-our-second-mother-and-child-recovery-house","\u003Cp>We are delighted to open our second residential rehabilitation service to support women and their children through recovery from addiction \u002F substance use in Falkirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The Scottish Government has invested £5.5 million to support the development of this facility, as well as our house in Dundee which opened in January 2023.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The houses offer 24\u002F7 support and keep families together by letting children of women with problematic substance use stay with their mothers during their recovery.  \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp> \u003Cstrong>Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said\u003C\u002Fstrong>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote> “This house will allow women to access residential rehabilitation services and keep their family together. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> “We know there is a strong link between women having children removed from their care and risk of drug-related death. Treatment is more effective when families are kept together and it also reduces the harmful impact on children.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> “Widening access to residential rehabilitation is a key part of our National Mission on Drugs. We have made £100 million available for residential rehabilitation from 2021 to 2026 to ensure 1,000 people receive public funding for their placement each year by then. That includes £38 million as part of our commitment to increase the number of beds to 650.”\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong> Aberlour Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly OBE said\u003C\u002Fstrong>: \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>“We are delighted to open our new Mother and Child Recovery House in Falkirk. It follows the opening of our first house in January 2023 in Dundee, which has transformed the lives of mothers and their children.  \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> “Both houses offer a unique service enabling women with problem drug and alcohol issues to keep their young children with them as they recover. They provide specialist support that helps women develop skills and encourages them to build new futures for themselves and their children. We understand the need to work alongside women to address their fears.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> “We are grateful to the Scottish Government for funding this much-needed new service.” \u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>","2024-09-02T00:00:00.000000Z","Opening of our second mother and child recovery house","Our mother and child recovery house has opened in Falkirk. It will provide a residential rehabilitation service to support women and their children through recovery from addiction \u002F substance use.","media\u002F01J6S7M1K0V4EMY984SF8N2GYG.webp","2024-09-02T11:23:47.000000Z","2024-09-02T11:27:38.000000Z"]