Childline seeing cost of living crisis impact children as volunteer numbers continue to fall

  • Children are worried about world issues including the war in Ukraine, climate crisis and cost-of-living crisis
  • The service expects to hear continuing worries from children about money and jobs, particularly in the run up to Christmas
  • Childline volunteers will be here for children over the festive season, despite volunteer numbers dropping considerably

Over the last three years, Childline has seen a 40% increase in the number of children turning to the service with worries about world issues including:

  • Coronavirus pandemic
  • war in Ukraine
  • climate crisis
  • death of the Queen
  • And now the cost-of-living crisis

From April 2021 to March 2022, the service’s trained volunteer counsellors delivered 1,242 counselling sessions to children with worries about the world compared to 889 from the same period in 2018/19. 

This is an issue affecting children of all ages; however the service has seen a particular surge in counselling sessions with under 11s, up 38% compared to three years ago.

Over recent months, Childline has heard increasing concerns from children relating to money and jobs, driven by the financial pressures that many families are facing because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The service is also feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis: it is affecting the number of volunteers that are able give up their time to support the service and be here for children.

Childline lost over 400 volunteer counsellors nationwide during the pandemic. It managed to build its numbers up again, only for the service to see a steady decline since April of this year.

Over the past year, there have been a number of big events that have taken place across the UK and the world which have concerned young people but, this Christmas, worries will be closer to home for many.

Worries about parents losing their jobs, bills not being paid, concerns about keeping warm and not having food on the table are just some of the concerns children are sharing with Childline in relation to the cost of living.

Many are also telling the service that these worries are making them feel upset with some considering whether they need to get a job to help.

One 17-year-old girl from Scotland who contacted Childline said: “My parents split up when I was little. Dad was always drinking and gambling, eventually our house got repossessed cos he didn’t pay the mortgage.

“That’s when dad left and we ended up moving in with gran. The place is so cramped and there’s damp and mould on the walls. It’s also freezing most of the time cos we can’t afford central heating.”

As Christmas edges closer and many families continue to feel financial pressure, Childline anticipates that these kinds of worries will only continue in conversations that young people have with counsellors.

The service is getting ready to keep its 13 bases open over the festive season, including Christmas Day so it can be here to listen to those children in need and support them.

With volunteer numbers dropping the service will have a reduced number of people working across all its bases.

This is a fresh blow after the service spent months rebuilding its volunteer numbers after they lost a third during the coronavirus pandemic due to the national lockdown.

Eoin Carey, a Childline counsellor in the Glasgow centre, said: “There’s an awful lot of expectation at Christmas. If circumstances don’t allow for a child to celebrate with all the toys, food and a nuclear family, which is what is often portrayed as the ‘norm’, that can make a child feel different and like they don’t fit in.

“This can create a real sense of isolation and loneliness. Recent bereavement of a family member can also make it a very difficult time.”

He added: “The current level of poverty and hardship means that many families will be struggling to afford basic things such as heating, food and clothes let alone all the extra things.

“We know that money worries can cause stress tension and arguing in the home, which can make children feel unsafe. I think this is something we’ll hear about from a lot of young people this year.”

Dame Esther Rantzen, Childline President and Founder said: “Every Christmas we are incredibly grateful to our staff and volunteers who support children for whom this can be a very tough time.  

“This Christmas will unfortunately be a particularly hard year for everyone given the financial struggles the country is currently facing.

“At Childline, our counsellors know that this is already having an impact on children, many are aware of the pressures their families are experiencing, and they are anxious about what this means for the future.

“Many of these children are worried about sharing their concerns with their own families as they fear this would put them under even more stress.

“Therefore, it is so important that Childline counsellors are here for children throughout Christmas and New Year so those young people can talk about their worries and get the support they need.”

Shaun Friel, Childline Director said: “Lots of different world issues have taken place this year which have impacted many children and young people and caused them to feel worried and concerned about their future.

“Now, given the cost-of-living crisis, money worries will sadly continue to be a key worry for children over the winter months and for some this will be having a negative impact on their mental health and well-being.

“No matter what a child’s worry is, thanks to our amazing volunteers, Childline is able to be here for those children this Christmas as a safe and confidential space where they can talk through whatever they want.

“However, our volunteer numbers are on the decline and without their support, many children would be left feeling anxious and alone.

“So, as we enter the new year, if you can offer some spare time to help Childline be here for children and young people, we would be so grateful.”

To find out more about volunteering or to help us be here for children this Christmas via a donation to our Be Here for Children Appeal you can visit the NSPCC website

CASE STUDY:

Childline counsellor talks about volunteering on Christmas Day

Eoin Carey (36), a photographer from Glasgow, has been a volunteer counsellor with the NSPCC’s Childline service at the Glasgow base for a year.

After becoming a father six years ago, Eoin, who had never spent much time around children before, discovered that he felt comfortable talking with young people and really enjoyed their company.

He decided to become a volunteer counsellor and now does regular shifts answering phone calls and online chats with children and young people. He did his first festive shift last Christmas Day, starting at 7am.

He said he felt “really happy” to be able to go in on Christmas Day and there had been “a lovely atmosphere” in the centre.

“We had all made that commitment to be there on such a big day of the year and cheered each other up by making cups of tea and having plenty of treats to share,” said Eoin.

“I had quite a lot of contacts on the day and the main thing I remember was there was a real sense of loneliness from many young people. Many children were missing relatives who couldn’t be there with them on the day because they had passed away or couldn’t travel. Some young people told me their older brothers, sisters or grandparents weren’t with them and they felt sad about that.

“When we think about Christmas we think about young people, that it’s all for them, but many children feel very lonely. There’s an even sharper recognition at Christmas that we are there for children, it really brings home the importance of being a Childline volunteer. To be in a supporting role while families are waking up, presents are being opened, is a real privilege.

“It’s sad that any children need to call us on Christmas Day but there’s an awful lot of expectation. If circumstances don’t allow for a child to celebrate with all the toys, food and a nuclear family, which is what is often portrayed as the ‘norm’, that can make a child feel different and like they don’t fit in.

“This can create a real sense of isolation and loneliness. Recent bereavement of a family member can also make it a very difficult time.”

Eoin believes that some families circumstances will be even harder this Christmas due to the cost-of-living crisis.

He added: “The current level of poverty and hardship means that many families will be struggling to afford basic things such as heating, food and clothes let alone all the extra things.

“We know that money worries can cause stress tension and arguing in the home, which can make children feel unsafe. I think this is something we’ll hear about from a lot of young people this year.”

UK Government saves vital community assets across Scotland

Projects in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk and Isle of Arran to receive share of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund

Across Scotland community venues at risk of being lost forever have been rescued and placed into the hands of the local community with over £800,000 from the Community Ownership Fund.

The UK Government has allocated shares of the multimillion pound Community Ownership Fund to help community groups take ownership of local institutions falling into disrepair and give them a new lease of life so they can continue to provide vital services, create more opportunities for local people and boost local economies

Successful projects include the transformation of an old primary school into a vibrant community hub, funding to open the Lochranza Hotel bar on the Isle of Arran and money for a grass roots sports club in Falkirk.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “This announcement will help people across Scotland restore the cherished pillars of community that bring people together and provide vital services for local people.

“With government backing these places will continue to thrive, run by the local community for the local community from Falkirk to the Isle of Arran.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “Congratulations to the latest four Scottish projects being awarded a share of the UK Government Community Ownership Fund.

“Ten venues serving communities across Scotland are now being supported by £2 million investment from the fund. In total, our levelling up agenda is seeing more than £2 billion directly invested in Scotland by the UK Government.”

Mark Crawford, Vice President, Falkirk RFC said: “The fund will help us to create an attractive, modern hub which will be used by a new adult women’s team. With the funding, we plan to install a new sustainable heating system and create fit-for-purpose changing and showering facilities, a new physio suite, gym and a flexible teaching area. 

“We plan to deliver a variety of sport, health and wellbeing focused programmes from the facility, with partner organisations like FDAMH, Falkirk’s mental health association, and we believe the new facility will help address a lot of high-priority local needs beyond sport.

Successful projects include:

  • ‘The Heart’ in Newhaven, Edinburgh, a former primary school and listed building will be transformed into a vibrant community hub offering activities, learning and services to local families, with £300,000 in funding.
  • The doors of the Lochranza Hotel on the remote Isle of Arran will fly open again to welcome punters into the warm hearth to enjoy their selection of malt whiskies, thanks to a £300,000 grant. The hotel was at risk of being lost forever after closing due to the pandemic.
  • Falkirk Rugby Football and Sports Club will use its £115,000 grant to transform dilapidated changing pavilions into modern, inclusive, multi-purpose facilities in a boost for local girl’s and women’s teams.
  • The historic Albert Park in Glasgow’s Southside will also benefit from £100,000 of levelling up cash to restore the clubhouse and pavilion so that locals can enjoy them for generations to come.

The move forms part of the UK Government’s drive to level up local communities across the country, create more opportunities for local people and boost local economies as a result.

Combined with round one projects, this additional funding takes our overall total to £16.74m for 70 projects, with £2.0m allocated to Scotland.

The prospectus for the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund updated the fund to make it more clear and extend the eligibility requirements, following feedback from previous applicants.

This second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund will build on the success of the round one, which saw over £10 million awarded to 38 successful projects across the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/community-ownership-fund-first-round-successful-bidders

£8 million National Lottery funding will help bring people and communities together this winter

The Festive season can be an especially lonely time for many thousands of Scots, but over £8 million National Lottery funding announced today (TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER\) means that charities and community groups across Scotland can continue to bring people together all year round.

The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 246 community projects.  A full list of projects is attached.

An award of £121,192 means that Restalrig based charity, The Ripple can continue to deliver their ‘Older Person’s Service’ for over 65s which offers a range of activities, trips and support services helping people in the community come together, making them feel less isolated.

Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Community Fund. We have a thriving social club for over 65’s on a Friday but this funding means we can now extend our opportunities across the whole week.

“Older people bring so much to our community, and we are looking forward to working with them to plan activities and events that will help them stay physically well, connected to their community and keep them energised and active as life moves on.”

Branch Out Together also welcomes the award of £98,774, which will allow them to continue their ‘Basecamp’ youth club for autistic children. The programme offers children the opportunity to develop skills in social communication and interaction using games and arts and crafts projects.

Michael Penny, Chief Executive of Branch Out Together, said: “It’s great that The National Lottery Community Fund is supporting our Basecamp project which will allow us to help more children and their families.

“Children with autism will get the chance to make friends, have fun and grow confidence around others.”

There’s also Lottery joy for Wester Hailes-based With Kids, who will use their £150,000 grant to expand their child mental health support service across South West Edinburgh, and Niddrie’s Caring in Craigmillar receives over £59,000 to provide dementia-friendly activities. Euan’s Guide is also a big winner, picking up over £144,000 to provide opportunities for disabled people in Edinburgh to write reviews on accessibility.

Among the local organisations receiving small grants are Ama-zing Harmonies (£9900), Friends of Victoria Park (£2150) and Saheliya (£10,000), who will be using their award to deliver a series of talks, workshops and activities to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: ““It’s fantastic to see this latest round of funding go to charity and community groups helping people in communities across Scotland come together.

“The connections we have to our family, friends and the wider community makes us feel we are not so alone and that we are part of something bigger.  The strength and comfort that we draw from this will be important for us all as we face some challenging times ahead.

“National Lottery players can be proud that they are supporting this vital work, not only during the Festive Season but all year round. “

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. 

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk  

Kiltwalk is back with a bang as registration opens for 2023

Kiltwalk Heroes invited to ‘save the date’ for four events across Scotland

Kiltwalkers are being invited to put their best foot forward for the charities of their choice as registration opens for 2023.

Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event will take place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh next year, with each location offering a variety of walks to suit all abilities.

Significantly, the entry fee has also been reduced by £12. This is in recognition of soaring inflation rates impacting on the cost of living. Kiltwalkers will now pay just £20 for the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll, down from £32.

The new reduced entry fee was announced by Sir Tom Hunter in a Christmas video, in which the philanthropist also revealed that this year’s events had raised an astonishing £8 million: £5.4 million from walkers and £2.6 million from The Hunter Foundation. More than 1,300 charities across Scotland benefitted this year alone.

Since The Hunter Foundation began supporting Kiltwalk seven years ago, Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event has raised £37 million for more than 3,000 Scottish charities of all sizes and locations. In total walkers contributed £24.6m while £12.5m was donated by The Hunter Foundation.

In his video Sir Tom Hunter expressed his gratitude to the Kiltwalk community for their kindness.

He said: “What a year it has been for the Kiltwalk. During this year you and The Hunter Foundation have raised a phenomenal £8 million for the charities you care about and that helped more than 1,300 Scottish charities – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Since The Hunter Foundation got involved with the Kiltwalk, together with you we have raised a staggering £37 million helping over 3,000 Scottish charities. There is not a prouder Scotsman on the planet, so thank you.

“Registration for 2023 Kiltwalk is now open. We know things are tough because of the cost of living crisis so we got together with the Kiltwalk team and looked at how we can support you better, taking the decision to cut the price from £32 to £20 – it takes me back to my market stall days!”

As in previous years, every penny raised by Kiltwalkers will go to the charities of their choice. However, the fundraising model has been revised to support the reduced entry fee with The Hunter Foundation now underwriting all Kiltwalk losses this will entail instead of topping up the amount raised by walkers.

Gift Aid will also now be released, ensuring that up to 125% of all monies raised by Kiltwalkers is invested in the charities they support.

Sir Tom added: “We just want to encourage so many more people to get involved with Kiltwalk, so we’ve reduced the price and it has never been easier to join us. Until we see you again on a Kiltwalk in 2023, we wish you a happy Christmas and good luck to each and every one of you.”

Kiltwalk Chief Executive Paul Cooney said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sir Tom and The Hunter Foundation for their generosity over the years and their continued support of the Kiltwalk. I’d also like to thank all our sponsors for getting behind us and making Kiltwalk such a force for good.

“We hope the reduced entry fee will encourage even more heroes than ever to stride out for the charities of their choice at a time when charities really need our help.”

The 2023 Kiltwalk will take place in Glasgow on Sunday 30 April, Aberdeen on 4 June, St Andrews to Dundee on 20 August and Edinburgh on 17 September.

Full details regarding the walks will be published soon, with registration available at: www.thekiltwalk.co.uk 

To view Sir Tom’s video, please visit: https://youtu.be/GXnhJ1JkL2M

Contraction across Scotland’s private sector gathers pace in November

  • Business Activity Index falls further below the neutral 50.0 threshold
  • Sharper decline in new orders
  • Business sentiment weakens in November

According to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland PMI® data, the Scottish private sector reported a deepening contraction in private sector output during November.

The Business Activity Index ticked down from 45.8 in October to 43.9 in November, signalling that fastest decrease in the current series of reduction that began in August. Hesitancy among clients amid economic uncertainty, the cost of living crisis and higher borrowing costs, stifled demand. Consequently, inflows of incoming new business continued to decline in November.

Moreover, the pace of reduction steepened in November and extended the current run of contraction to five months. Looking ahead, expectations regarding the 12-month activity outlook across Scotland weakened from October’s three-month high and was subdued in the context of historical data.

New business placed across Scotland’s private sector decreased sharply in November. The downturn quickened from the preceding survey period to the fastest overall in the current five-month run of contraction. An array of reasons were linked to the latest reduction in sales, including lower market activity, the cost of living crises, rising borrowing costs, and growing economic uncertainty resulting to delayed-decision making.

All of the 12 monitored UK regions reported a decline in inflows of new business, with Scotland registering the third-fastest downturn behind Northern Ireland and the East Midlands. 

Latest survey data signalled muted expectations for the 12-month activity outlook across Scotland. Business confidence weakened from October’s three-month high, posting well below the historical average. While there were hopes of growth in sales in the coming year, the ongoing downturn in activity weighed on sentiment.

Expectations towards future activity across Scotland were noticeably less upbeat than those recorded at the UK level.

Payroll numbers across Scotland’s private sector firms increased in November, extending the run of job growth to 20 months. The pace of job creation quickened slightly from October amid renewed growth in employment across the manufacturing sector. However, reports of resignations, rising uncertainty, reduced demand and job cuts resulted in only a marginal overall upturn in hiring activity.

The latest uptick in employment across Scotland printed broadly in line with that at the UK level.

For the sixth time in as many months, levels of outstanding business fell across Scotland during November. The rate of depletion was broadly unchanged from October, indicating a sharp decrease in work-in-hand overall. According to anecdotal evidence, completion of contracts and a drop in sales was linked to fewer backlogs.

The rate of decrease across Scotland outstripped the UK-wide average and was the second most severe after Northern Ireland.

Input prices across the Scottish private sector inclined rapidly during November, thereby extending the current run of inflation to two-and-a-half years. Adjusted for seasonality, the latest reading ticked-up to a three-month high. Firms blamed the latest increase in average cost burdens on energy prices, wages, higher shipping costs and the cost of living crisis.

However, the pace of input price inflation across Scotland was slightly slower than the UK-wide average.

Charge inflation entered its twenty-fifth month across Scotland during November. The pace of inflation further intensified from September’s recent low, signalling the fastest rise in charges in five months, but was marginally weaker than that recorded for the UK as a whole. The latest increase in charges mirrored the upturn in average costs burdens.

Source: Royal Bank of Scotland, S&P Global.

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “The latest survey data signalled a stronger contraction across the Scottish private sector during November, as demand waned amid market uncertainty and the cost of living crisis.

“As a result, both activity and incoming new business fell as sharpest rates in the current four- and five-month sequences of reductions.

“Adding further strain on the sector was the continued intensification of price pressures. After cooling over the summer, input price inflation again accelerated in the fourth and final quarter of the year. Additionally, rates charged by private sector firms also increased at a quicker rate during November as firms tried to recoup costs.

“Overall, the penultimate month of the year pointed to confidence among private sector firms registering less upbeat than that seen in October, as economic challenges and feeble demand weighed on exceptions.”

Addressing racial inequality in the workplace

Plan to improve fairness in the labour market

Employers across Scotland are being encouraged to close the employment and pay gaps for all ethnicities under a new strategy launched today.

A Fairer Scotland for All: An Anti-Racist Employment Strategy sets out the actions the Scottish Government will take and how it will work with employers to help make Scotland’s workplaces more diverse, fair and inclusive. 

The strategy will support employers to: 

  • improve their collection of workforce data, including reporting their pay gap, and take action on the findings
  • take an anti-racist approach to remove barriers in their recruitment, retention and progression practices to improve representation of workers
  • drive cultural, attitudinal and organisational change through building an understanding of the impact of institutional racism and the processes and practices in an organisation that lead to the unfair treatment of people on the basis of race

Labour market data and research shows that ethnic minorities are more likely to be paid less than their white counterparts, be underemployed or underrepresented at senior level roles, and experience workplace discrimination.

The new strategy will sit alongside the refreshed Fair Work Action Plan, which brings together the Scottish Government’s existing Fair Work, Gender Pay Gap and Disabled People’s Employment action plans.

Both have been developed following extensive consultation and engagement with the public, private and third sectors along with trade unions.

Employment and Fair Work Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Our ambitious plans for Scotland’s economy are built on ensuring that everyone can thrive in a diverse, safe and inclusive workplace. The refreshed Fair Work Action Plan and anti-racist employment strategy will further drive these ambitions.

“All employees should have the opportunity to succeed and, in cooperation with businesses, we are making great progress in spreading fair work principles across the workplace.

“More people in Scotland receive the real Living Wage and above than in any other part of the UK, while the disability employment gap is at its lowest since our baseline year of 2016. Meanwhile, the latest gender pay gap figures for full-time employees show Scotland is outperforming the UK as a whole.

“However, we recognise more needs to be done to address racial inequality in the workplace. The anti-racist employment strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment to work with business to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce, recognise the skills of hidden talent pools and drive productivity to grow the economy.”

A Fairer Scotland for All: An Anti-Racist Employment Strategy

Fair Work Action Plan: Becoming a leading Fair Work Nation by 2025

Coorie in for Winter

It’s time to Coorie in for Winter once more!

☃️

There are a range of tips for keeping well during the winter period, including crafts, recipes and support available.

For copies, please contact emma.gall@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or you can download from https://bit.ly/3FfkfDq

CoorieInForWinter_FULLDownload

Savvy shoppers urged to bag festive bargains at PDSA charity shops

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is urging savvy shoppers to combat the cost of living crisis this Christmas by picking up pre-loved presents and brand new gifts from its charity shops across the UK.

With inflation at a 40-year high, families who are feeling the squeeze can make vital savings this season by popping into one of PDSA’s 105 shops and choosing from a treasure trove of bargains.

By shopping in the stores, kind-hearted customers will not only be reducing their own costs, they will also be helping to fund the vital work of the charity’s 48 Pet Hospitals.

PDSA is the UK’s largest veterinary charity. It receives no government funding to provide its vital veterinary services, which are a lifeline to owners who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment if their pet unexpectedly becomes ill or gets injured.

In 2021, PDSA treated more than 370,000 pets and saved the lives of 134,000 animals – ultimately keeping furry family members united with their owners. As day-to-day prices continue to soar and households are hit by increased financial pressures, the charity expects demand for its services to grow.

Its 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, conducted in March, found that nearly a third of pet owners surveyed are worried about affording veterinary costs – leaving them facing potentially heart-breaking decisions should their pet require treatment.

The results follow shocking statistics from the 2021 PAW Report which revealed a staggering 930,000 pets were at risk of being put to sleep if their owners were hit with unexpected vet bills.

PDSA Head of Retail and Buying, Lloyd Hughes, said: “Our charity shops play a crucial role in funding the work of our Pet Hospitals which, in turn, provide a lifeline to people and their beloved pets when they are most in need.

“The help we offer to owners who would otherwise struggle to afford the cost of veterinary treatment has never been more vital as the cost of living continues to rise and day-to-day expenses soar.

“All of the items we sell, whether they are pre-loved or brand-new, are high-quality and available at bargain prices so shoppers supporting us can be sure they will find an array of Christmas gifts for friends and family, even if they are on a tight budget.

“From books to clothes, household items to toys, we have a great selection which won’t break the bank. By shopping at PDSA, customers will also be making a positive difference to the lives of pet owners who are facing unprecedented financial challenges so it really is a win, win situation.”

Those who do not have a charity shop locally can still bag a bargain and support PDSA by visiting the ebay store.

PDSA believes no one should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK tax payer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.

To find out more visit PDSA’s charity shops page.

Charity brings stories to life at Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for Christmas

Children and their families at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People were visited by storytelling and performance duo Macastory as part of the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour on Friday (9 December). 

Macastory shared songs and stories in an interactive event for the children in attendance. The tour is run by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, and sponsored by Scottish Friendly.

Alongside the event, children at the hospital and their families were gifted books by Scottish Book Trust to keep and enjoy. These were gifted as part of Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas appeal, which is fundraising to help gift and distribute books to families across Scotland during the festive period through food banks, hospitals, and other community spaces. Books bring comfort, joy, and escapism, and the initiative aims to bring the magic of books to families most in need this Christmas – especially in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour takes brilliant authors and illustrators to schools in all areas of Scotland for fully-funded events that hope to inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing in pupils.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘We’re delighted to have been able to return to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital with the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour, this time for a fun-filled event with Macastory in time for Christmas.

‘Bringing the magic of stories and books to children in hospital is hugely important – books can provide comfort and pleasure as well as improve overall wellbeing. Alongside today’s event, we were glad to be able to gift books to children in hospital and their families thanks to the generous support of the public.’

Fiona O’Sullivan, Director of Children’s Wellbeing at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Macastory to the hospital for this fantastic event. Storytelling is so powerful; being transported to another time or place can be so beneficial for children when they are unwell.

“No one wants to be in hospital at any time, but at Christmas it can be especially hard, so we are enormously grateful to Macastory for bringing lots of fun and distraction to the wards and waiting areas.’

Macastory, comprising storytellers Ron Fairweather and Fergus McNicol, said before the event: ‘We are delighted to have been invited by the Scottish Book Trust to be involved in the Christmas programme at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital.

“It’s a great way for us to bring our Christmas storytelling to kids who otherwise might miss out on this type of fun at this time of year. So we’ve picked our favourite Christmas tales to bring to the kids, families and staff at the hospital and we can’t wait to create some Christmas cheer for everyone to enjoy!’