[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f10b3rz2z388kj":3,"$f2i3kb07e1cjgv":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":5,"blog_category_id":19,"is_featured":7,"title":20,"slug":21,"content":22,"content_overview":11,"published_at":23,"seo_title":20,"seo_description":24,"image":25,"created_at":26,"updated_at":26,"next":27,"prev":28},"01ks2bhj743n59hafp7n6s67an","1","Lifeline support brings families back from the brink","lifeline-support-brings-families-back-from-the-brink","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Helping build new futures for Inverclyde children\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aberlour.org.uk\u002Fservice\u002Finverclyde-intensive-family-support-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A new lifeline support team\u003C\u002Fa> is already working alongside Inverclyde families to bring them back from the brink of crisis, according to a leading charity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aberlour Children’s Charity revealed a specialist team is working to help families stay together and thrive as they are struggling with significant challenges such as poverty, trauma and social isolation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team, working in partnership with Inverclyde Heath and Social Care Partnership, is now working closely with more than 20 families building relationships and supporting them to create more stable and positive futures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Service manager Nicole Glover said poverty is often the root cause of families’ difficulties but many are coping with other wide-ranging pressures from poor mental health to inadequate housing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Nicole said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>The challenges can be complex and rarely come alone. That is why our support is delivered so intensively and with such urgency. Our support is flexible, responsive and shaped around each family’s unique circumstances. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are right there, shoulder to shoulder with our families, sometimes seven days a week, in the morning, in the evening, whenever they need us most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We listen to understand the challenges facing each family then help them map a way through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is not about us coming in and telling families what to do but about building on their strengths and focussing on what is working well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Glover said building trust with families, often suspicious of official agencies, is crucial and allows workers to generate a new sense of hope and potential change.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cstrong>She said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>In the very short term, we are working to ease and avert immediate crises but our priority is to deliver lasting change within a family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are working to strengthen their resilience and help them out of crisis for good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Every family is different so our support can never be one size fits all. It is tailored to the family’s needs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It could be about building routines and mending fractured relationships within families or supporting children back into education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A priority is often helping them connect again. Connect with each other and with the wider community, whether that’s neighbours, relatives or statutory services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Families under these kind of pressures can easily become more and more isolated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aberlour.org.uk\u002Fservice\u002Finverclyde-intensive-family-support-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intensive Support Service\u003C\u002Fa> being delivered in Inverclyde is modelled on a successful approach deployed in Glasgow, which shares some of Scotland’s worst deprivation.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>The seven-strong Aberlour team, based in Greenock in the same building as Inverclyde HSCP, is working to secure brighter futures for children on the edge of care after their families are referred by social worker colleagues.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>Glover, who managed the Glasgow service before leading the Inverclyde service, said the framework helps families identify strengths and build agency and their self-confidence.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003Cstrong>She said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>We know the model works, this really close collaboration between ourselves and other services and agencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are working closely with them but also shoulder to shoulder with families, taking what is working well and amplifying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are not here to tell families what to do but to listen to where they want to be and help get them there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To see a family’s confidence get stronger and watch children thrive, is hugely satisfying for our team. We are here to support families get to a better place. That is our job and there is nothing more satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>This article was written for and published in The Greenock Telegraph on Tuesday 19th May 2026.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>","2026-05-19T00:00:00.000000Z","Aberlour Children's Charity's new Intensive Family support service in Inverclyde is helping children and families build new futures. Find out more about the service from Service Manager, Nicole Glover.","media\u002FiStock-1329347881.jpg","2026-05-20T09:30:21.000000Z",{"id":18,"blog_author_id":5,"blog_category_id":19,"is_featured":7,"title":20,"slug":21,"content":22,"content_overview":11,"published_at":23,"seo_title":20,"seo_description":24,"image":25,"created_at":26,"updated_at":26},{"id":29,"blog_author_id":5,"blog_category_id":19,"is_featured":7,"title":30,"slug":31,"content":32,"content_overview":11,"published_at":33,"seo_title":30,"seo_description":34,"image":35,"created_at":36,"updated_at":36},"01kqyxe1qmqkgxrsmb7n1txm6t","Children’s charity hails volunteers helping ease pressure on new mums","childrens-charity-hails-volunteers-helping-ease-pressure-on-new-mums","\u003Cp>Life-changing volunteers are easing pressure on new mums struggling to cope, according to a leading charity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aberlour Children’s Charity has told how \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aberlour.org.uk\u002Fservice\u002Fbumps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">volunteer befrienders across Lothian\u003C\u002Fa> are protecting mothers suffering anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of Scotland’s most respected charities, Aberlour has detailed the support of its perinatal befrienders as it appeals for volunteers. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clare Cook, manager of the Perinatal Befriending service in Forth Valley and Lothians, said the only qualifications are empathy and an ability to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Clare said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>It is a very simple idea but can make the biggest difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A baby’s first year can be a stressful, challenging time for mums and we know early support and intervention is key to protecting perinatal mental health.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“New mums might feel the whole world is piling on top of them but are reluctant to reveal how they are feeling or admit to having a hard time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our volunteers are a helping hand when they need one and a pair of ears when they need to talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Aberlour, one of Scotland’s most respected children’s charities, is highlighting the befriending service during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. It started on Monday [4 MAY] to raise awareness of mental health conditions affecting one in five pregnant women and new mums.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the charity’s volunteer befrienders, Lyndsey Hall, from Edinburgh, joined the service three years ago and said her work with new mums has been hugely rewarding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Lyndsey said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>We are not there to judge or advise or fix things. We are there to provide a sympathetic ear. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We just try to make a mum’s life a little easier during what can be a tough time.”\u003Cbr>Hall, a mother of three, said her visits are shaped by mums, adding: “I might be rocking the baby while they are getting a haircut or going to the dentist or the shops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sometimes, I might just be sitting on the floor playing with the baby and having a chat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Hall, a former lawyer, hailed the training provided by Aberlour before she was assigned her first mum and the support in the years since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>She said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>The Aberlour team could not be more supportive or helpful. They are terrific.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It has been nice to feel a little challenged while being part of a team, to do something unconnected to my family and home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve worked with four mums now and, very roughly, it takes up one afternoon a week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I feel lucky to have found a place in the service and find it incredibly satisfying, really rewarding. \u003Cbr>“I’m always encouraging my friends to think about it. It feels like time really well spent. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It feels like a good thing and a worthwhile way to spend a little time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>The charity is appealing for more volunteer befrienders to join the service in Edinburgh and the Lothians and Jen Reston, Aberlour head of volunteering, encouraged anyone interested to get in touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Jen said: \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>All our volunteers receive high quality training and practical experience of helping families affected by perinatal mental health issues with ongoing support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our befrienders offer such valuable support to new parents but they tell us how much they take from the experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Find out more about \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aberlour.org.uk\u002Fhelp-us\u002Fvolunteer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">volunteering with Aberlour\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>","2026-05-06T00:00:00.000000Z","Aberlour Children's Charity hails volunteers helping ease pressure on new mums.","media\u002FiStock-1733540987.jpg","2026-05-06T15:10:20.000000Z"]