Young Carer Numbers Up

Children First supported 17, 000 children, parents and carers last year, that's up by 1, 000 on 2013.

The charity gave almost 30, 000 hours of their time to teenagers who care for a loved one.

Chief executive Alison Todd said: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved.  But we’re not complacent.  Need for the practical parenting advice and support we offer has never been greater, as the economic downturn and welfare reform puts strain on families and makes it harder for some to meet their children’s needs.  And while we supported almost 600 on their journey to recovery from abuse, neglect and other traumatic childhood experiences, we know that there are many more children and adults who need support but aren’t getting it.

"Our Children 1st national helplines on 08000 28 22 33, including ParentLine Scotland and the National Kinship Care helpline, have never been busier. They’ve given advice and support to more than 3,000 parents, carers and concerned individuals, on almost 6,000 occasions in total.   This year we’d like them to be busier still.  Our call-takers are trained to assist with very serious concerns for or about children.  But mostly they help ordinary parents with everyday problems.

"We believe children are best protected when everyone is looking-out for them.  That’s why we helped almost 4,500 people in communities and workplaces to become better informed of the part they can play in protecting children, and almost 800 sports organisations staff and volunteers through our Safeguarding in Sport project.

"Sometimes the biggest difference we can make is by ensuring government and society listen to and respects the opinions of children and families.  And this year we enabled more than 300 kinship carers – family members or family friends who care for a child who can no longer live with his or her parents – and their children, to have their say on legislation that will have huge impact on their lives: the  Children and Young People (Scotland) Act.
So much of what we’ve achieved this year is thanks to our volunteers.  Our team of almost 800 gave us nearly 30,000 hours of their time.  The dedication, knowledge and skills they bring are invaluable.  Volunteers are at the heart of all we do.  We could not do without them.”