A brave dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Scotland’s largest equine sculptures to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is terrified of heights, but says he is curious about abseiling down the Kelpies, having never yet seen them in real life.
After his family was forced to flee their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, Lloyd has personal experience of how trauma can deeply impact children.
Lloyd Gwishiri, Trustee for Children 1st
Lloyd added: “The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.”
He eventually settled in Brechin, Angus with his family and has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active within the local community.
After joining the Children First as a board member nine months ago, Lloyd said taking on the Kelpies would be a “fun and interesting adventure”.
The exciting challenge involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.
After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.
Limited spaces are still available and Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him.
Lloyd said: “I’m terrified of heights! But I’m quite curious to abseil the Kelpies. I’ve seen photographs of the Kelpies, I’ve been planning to go there but I’ve never seen the Kelpies in person.
“It seems like it is going to be a fun and interesting adventure both to meet more people within Children First. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
Lloyd’s experience as a member of the Children First board of trustees motivated him to sign up, so that he can raise vital funds to continue protecting Scotland’s children and keep them safe from harm.
Lloyd added: “I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds, so that was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity.
“So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline. I want to do all I can to make sure that every child who desperately needs the charity’s help can get it.”
Mary Glasgow said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and we are delighted that our board member Lloyd is taking on the challenge.
“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
“Every penny raised by Lloyd and his fellow Children First Kelpies champions will help change a child’s life. If you can join them, please sign up today. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”
Six mums from the Midlothian area are climbing the Kelpies to raise funds for Scotland’s national children’s charity.
The brave mums are taking on the challenge of a lifetime, having had first-hand experience of the life-changing difference the charity can make to children and their families.
Children First provides practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through its national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
The Children First Midlothian support group, which helps families move on together from a range of challenges has been a “lifeline” for the mums and their families.
The group focuses on wellbeing activities and the power of community support to help parents having a tough time to overcome challenges like isolation, make friends and gain confidence.
Rachel,who used to come to the group with her mum before she sadly passed away last year has recently returned for support.Now she is excited to take on the amazing Kelpies Challenge with her friends and Charles Graham, a Children First support worker.
Rachel said: “The group has been a lifeline to us and helps me get out of the house.”
Donna shared: “We love the group – it means the world to me and to all of us. It’s amazing and so are the Children First team who run it.”
Georgina says: “Children First means a lot to me and my kids. This group has been great for me, it’s encouraged me to get out and about and the ladies have been such a great support.”
Lyndsay added: “When I think about climbing the Kelpies I get nervous but then I remind myself that it can’t be worse than all I’ve been through!”
Laura shared: “I enjoy coming to the group to get connection with other women who understand.”
Margaretrose Graham from Children First who runs the group with colleague Charles shared: “I used to attend a support group like this a few years ago and now I’m running this one in Midlothian.
“I’ve seen the group thrive through thick and thin, and it has been an incredible support to so many families over the years. At Children First we believe when parents do well so do children and that’s why we run support groups like this one.
“When life is tough and you are feeling isolated and alone, being supported by people in your local community can really make all the difference. This group has helped so many parents and carers to build their confidence and emotional wellbeing so that they and their families can thrive.
“If you can, please support Children First to help us give children and families across Scotland a brighter future.”
Four of the women are also running in the Edinburgh Marathon Relay Race later this month to boost funds further for Children First.
If you’re interested in conquering the world’s largest equine sculptures, there are still limited places available!
You can sign up here and find out more about how to get involved in Children First’s fundraising events here: www.childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111.
As Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May 2025) begins Scotland’s children’s charity is urging parents and carers across Edinburgh to call their support line if they are worried about their child’s mental health.
A recent survey commissioned by the charity showed a staggering 92% of children and young people aged 11-25 in Scotland were worried about mental health. The same survey showed less than one in four children believed childhood is better now than when their parents were young.
Last year more than two thirds of the people who contacted Children First’s national support line were worried about a child’s emotional wellbeing.
From mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, the charity’s support line offers emotional, practical and financial support to any family in Scotland.
Last year Children First’s support line gave expert, confidential advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “Every day our support line team are helping more and more families who are desperately worried about their child’s mental health.
“No family should struggle alone. Whatever your concern about your child, we are here to help. Our friendly team can provide expert support and advice that can make all the difference.
“Call us on the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk.”
One mum who called Children First’s support line in a desperate plea for help and worried sick about the mental health of her daughter, Orla*, said: “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without the Children First support line.”
Orla was only 14 when she tried to end her life. Support from Jess*, a recovery worker at Children First, has resulted in Orla feeling less anxious and more positive about the future.
If you live in Scotland call the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33 free, visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk for advice and support, or start a webchat.
Poverty Alliance: ‘People in Scotland are demanding better’
The NHS will deliver 100,000 additional GP appointments and Scotland will have a ‘best in UK’ cost-of-living guarantee, including the permanent abolition of peak rail fares, First Minister John Swinney announced as he set out a Programme for Government against a backdrop of global economic challenges.
Speaking one year since he was elected First Minister and one year before the end of this Parliament, Mr Swinney committed to a package of cost-of-living initiatives for households and businesses and a new Six Point Export Plan to unlock target markets.
He set out plans to strengthen the NHS with the delivery of extra GP appointments for key health risks such as high blood pressure, and 150,000 more NHS appointments and procedures, including a 50% increase in surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements.
Key announcements include:
100,000 enhanced service GP appointments by March 2026 for key risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity and smoking as well as more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures, including surgeries and diagnostic tests, and target cancer pathways to tackle backlogs against the 62-day referral to treatment standard
The cost-of-living guarantee which includes ongoing free prescriptions, eye exams, bus travel for 2.3 million people, free tuition for students and more than £6,000 in early learning and childcare support for each eligible child
ScotRail peak rail fares abolished and the general alcohol ban on ScotRail trains removed and replaced with time and location restrictions
Winter fuel payments for pensioners restored
A new Six Point Export Plan, with a focus on actions to unlock target markets, and showcase Scotland to global buyers
A national regeneration fund that will support at least 26 projects to renew and restore communities, with a focus on delivering more local jobs
More rights and stronger protections for tenants, helping deliver more than 8,000 affordable homes, including for social and mid-market rent, and removing barriers on stalled building sites with the potential to deliver up to 20,000 new homes
The First Minister said: “This Programme for Government is focused on providing the best cost-of-living support across the UK, as well as delivering a renewed and stronger NHS.
“When I became First Minister a year ago, I heard loud and clear people’s concerns about the NHS which is why I am taking serious action to ensure the NHS meets the needs of the public.
“This PfG also shows decisive action to protect Scotland’s economy and maximise our economic potential in the face of global challenges.
“It is being published earlier than usual, in part because it allows a clear year of delivery on the NHS and other public services, but also due to the scale of the looming economic challenge.
“It is a programme for a better Scotland, for a stronger NHS and a more resilient and wealthier Scotland. It is a Programme for Government that gets our nation on track for success.”
POVERTY ALLIANCE: Government programme misses need for fundamental change
Commenting on the Programme for Government, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “Many of today’s announcements are welcome, but the package doesn’t go far enough towards creating a just and compassionate Scotland where people have what they need to build a life beyond poverty.
“More and more people in Scotland believe the system is rigged against them and their families. And they’re right.
“Scrapping peak rail fares for good will help many people on low incomes, but many, many more are still being left with unaffordable buses that don’t meet their needs.
“It’s welcome that this programme turns its back on previous cuts to affordable homes, but we urgently need more investment to create a social housing programme that will bring the scandal of child homelessness to an end.
“Reversing the effect of the unjust two-child limit for households in Scotland is the right thing to do, but there was no sign of a pledge to raise the Scottish Child Payment – never mind raising it to the £40 a week that we know is needed to meet our legal child poverty targets.
“And it was good to hear the First Minister talking about sharing Scotland’s growing wealth more fairly, but the Government simply can’t do that without using its powers over investment and taxation.
“People in Scotland are demanding better, and they want a Scottish Govt that will make the big, fundamental changes that will empower households to build a better life for themselves and a better future for all of us.”
STUC: Scrapping peak fares is a victory for workers in Scotland
Commenting on the scrapping of peak rail fares within the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, STUC Deputy General Secretary Dave Moxham said:“This is deeply welcome news that, whilst long overdue, shows the strength of campaigners and rail unions in demanding an affordable and accessible rail network that is fit for the future.
“This is a clear victory for workers in Scotland and it’s commendable the Scottish Government has listened to the voices of our movement – and listened to their own evidence – which showed the positive impact of scrapping peak fares.
“Peak fares were, simply put, a tax on workers that hit commuters directly in the pocket. We can now ensure we build an interconnected, cheaper and greener rail networks that puts people before profit and puts peak fares out of commission for good.”
Children First: First Minister missed another chance by not increasing Scottish child payment
Children First statement on Scottish Government Programme for Government
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children first, said: “We hoped the First Minister would bring bold, ambitious plans to tackle the crippling levels of child poverty in Scotland. Instead, the Programme for Government, while well-intentioned, lacked real action. The First Minister missed another chance to help families by not increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40.
“While we recognise the Scottish Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty, supporting whole families and improving mental health support for young people, we are deeply concerned that it lacks urgency and the necessary financial resources and policy ambition.
“Scotland is facing a childhood emergency. The children and families we support cannot wait another 12 months for yet another fresh approach.
“They need action now.”
ALBA Party: Scotland “won’t accept” the Scottish Government’s decision to omit independence from its Programme for Government, says Ash Regan
For the second year in a row First Minister John Swinney has failed to mention independence in his Programme for Government with the document not setting out any plans to give Scots a choice on their future in the remainder of the current Parliament.
The SNP were re-elected in 2021 promising a referendum would be held during the life of the current Parliament but after the Supreme Court ruled against the Scottish Parliament’s ability to do so the Scottish Government have taken no action to find a path to giving the people of Scotland a choice on their future.
Alba’s Ash Regan wanted to see First Minister John Swinney set out the actions his Government will take to advance the case for Scottish independence in the run up to next year’s Scottish Parliament elections. But she has hit out as the Government has confirmed today that the only action it will take in the next year will be the publication of another independence paper.
The Alba MSP says that the Scottish Government’s plan for how it intends to progress the case for Scottish independence should have featured “front and centre” of John Swinney’s plans and the failure to do so is a “missed opportunity.”
Last year, in his first ever PfG as First Minister, John Swinney did not make reference to independence when he addressed parliament and in his speech today he again failed to reference any actions his Government would take to help deliver independence.
Commenting Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan MSP said: “Last year the word ‘independence’ was not mentioned once in the Programme for Government statement to Parliament. Since then we have witnessed consistent polling showing that at least half the country favour independence.
“The failure to put independence front and centre of today’s Programme for Government is a wasted opportunity. The people of Scotland are now ahead of the SNP when it’s comes to independence and that is why we have seen a separation of support for independence and support for the SNP.
“Scots want to see a drive towards governing competently again and focus to be put back onto the people’s agenda of health, the economy, jobs and the protection of women and children.
“The case for independence has never been stronger, it is now vital we see support for Alba Party on the list to ensure the SNP don’t see out another term of Parliament without taking action on independence.”
RCEM: Scotland’s Programme for Government a ‘missed opportunity’ to tackle UEC crisis
After enduring another challenging winter, Scotland’s Programme for Government has failed to deliver a tangible plan to address the emergency care crisis. That’s the response from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine after the First Minister, John Swinney, delivered a speech today (6 May 2025) which laid out his government’s key pledges for the final year of the Scottish Parliament’s current term.
Reducing time patients wait for treatment by delivering more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures, including surgeries and diagnostic tests.
Ensuring more people can see their GP and get cared for in the community – reducing pressures in hospitals
Ensuring more people can be cared for at home, reducing pressures in hospitals by expanding the number of Hospital at Home beds to at least 2,000 by December 2026.
Mr Swinney’s speech coincided with the release of new data by Public Health Scotland which revealed in March, there was an average of 1,925 people waiting to be discharged from hospital, despite being deemed medically well enough to go home.
That’s the highest number of so called ‘delayed discharges’ for the month of March since guidelines changed in 2016.
This is often caused due to a lack of social care support. Therefore, the system grinds to a halt, with patients stuck in Emergency Departments, often on trolleys in corridors, facing extreme waits because there’s no in-patient beds available.
Today’s figures, which cover March 2025, also show:
120,143 people attended a major Emergency Department in Scotland – a 17.7% increase when compared to February.
One in three patients waited four hours or more in Emergency Departments, one in 9 waited eight hours or more, and one in 23 waited 12 hours or more.
While waits have slightly improved across the board when compared to February, they are significantly higher when compared to March 2018. The numbers waiting four hours or more has increased by 158%, the numbers waiting more than eight hours by 490%, and the numbers waiting more than 12 hours by 803%.
There was a total of 60,129 days spent in hospital by people whose discharge was delayed – a 2.5% increase compared to March 2024 (58,646).
Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said, “Today’s Programme for Government is a missed opportunity. It was a moment to resuscitate emergency care but instead, we have been left without a tangible plan.
“You just have to simply look at today’s figures from Public Health Scotland to see the level of pressure our Emergency Departments our under – thousands of people waiting extreme and dangerous long stays, often on trolleys, in corridors, because there are no available beds on wards for them to move to.
“And let’s be clear – these aren’t just numbers, data, statistics. Each is a loved family member – mums, dads, grandparents, sons, daughters.
“While we welcome the government’s commitment to improving access to GPs, this can’t be done in isolation. Equal attention is needed at the ‘back door’ of hospitals – ensuring patients who are well enough to be discharged, can be, with the appropriate social care in place.
“Only then will our patients be able to move as they should throughout the hospital system, rather than experiencing significant delays.
“Our members and their colleagues will be deeply disappointed after enduring another challenging winter. It’s left us asking, when will Emergency Care become a political priority?”
Greens hail peak rail fares U-turn and call for cheaper buses
The Scottish Greens have welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to finally take forward the Green policy of scrapping peak rail fares for good, and have called for action to make public transport cheaper across the board.
The policy was initially secured by the Scottish Greens through budget negotiations in 2023 before being dropped by the SNP in 2024.
In the 2025 budget the Greens secured a £2 bus fare cap that the Government has committed to rolling out as a regional pilot project by January 2026.
Speaking in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2025-26 debate today at Holyrood, the party’s co-leader, Lorna Slater, said: “I am delighted that the Government has finally committed to the Scottish Green policy of ending peak rail fares for good.
“Earlier this year, they said they wouldn’t do it. They even voted against Green calls to do it. We’ve finally got there.
“More brave decisions are needed to make all public transport cheaper.
“The Scottish Government agreed to Green proposals for a £2 bus cap, only as a local pilot from January 2026, but people all across Scotland need cheaper buses now.
“Will the First Minister avoid the hesitation he showed over peak rail fares, get on with delivering another great Green idea: capping the price of bus fares in Scotland for good?”
Independent Age: No New Support for Older People in Poverty
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Agesaid: “Today’s Programme for Government announced no new support for older people in poverty.
“Making sure every pensioner in Scotland receives some winter heating support is very welcome, particularly for older people on lower incomes. However, there is more the Scottish Government should do to reduce the growing number of pensioners in poverty.
“With 156,000 older people across Scotland currently living in poverty – an increase of 30% the last decade – the need for a clear strategy to address this is more urgent that ever. Our polling shows that people of all ages in Scotland agree that a strategy to reduce pensioner poverty should be created – with 9 in 10 supporting the idea. Without one, people facing financial hardship in later life will continue to struggle to maintain even the most basic quality of life.
“Poverty at any age is extremely damaging to both mental and physical wellbeing. Our 2025 Index showed that nearly one in five (19%) older people in Scotland have a household income of under £15,000 a year and almost one in three (29%) older people in Scotland have skipped meals in the last 12 months.
“In a compassionate and wealthy society, this shouldn’t be the case. Both the UK and Scottish Governments need to take action. If the Scottish Government wants to make Scotland the best place to grow old and tackle the injustice of pensioner poverty it is essential they have a plan for doing so.”
Scotland can speed up progress to keep its promise to care-experienced children by addressing the unequal provision of “family group decision making” according to authors of a new report from Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Family Group Decision Making in Scotland found that while a majority of professionals who offer these services (60%) identified improving outcomes for children, including keeping children out of care, as a key strength, a third of local authorities have no family group decision making provision. Where services are in place provision is patchy, with an average of only two family group decision making coordinator posts per local authority.
Children First’s research included an online survey of children’s services professionals across Scotland, a review of how family group decision making fits with Scottish law and policy and learning from other countries about the impact of the approach. The research identifies a strong commitment from a range of professionals to family group decision making but says the impact for children is limited by an unclear legislative and policy framework and a lack of sustainable funding.
Earlier this year, the Promise Oversight Board warned that the Scottish Government’s ambition to make sure care-experienced children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected by 2030 is at risk of being missed.
At the time, the Oversight Board called for family group decision making to be consistently available across the country, saying: “there is a need to ensure it is available to everyone who would benefit from it wherever they live in Scotland, and that it is sustainably funded.”
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Families at Children First, said: “If, for any reason, you were unable to care for your own children, you would want them to have the opportunity to be cared for safely by loving members of your wider family or a close friend. Yet too many children in Scotland are still going into care without that chance being fully explored through family group decision making.
“Our research shows there is a clear place for family group decision making within Scotland’s care and protection system and a strong commitment from a range of professionals to helping children and families benefit from it. But weaknesses in legislation, policy and funding arrangements create barriers which stop children that need family group decision making from accessing it. With the clock ticking closer to 2030 it’s time to seize this untapped opportunity to make faster progress towards keeping the Promise.
“The forthcoming Promise Bill is a key vehicle for the Scottish Government to clarify the place of family group decision making in legislation by ensuring it is consistently offered before compulsory interventions, such as children’s hearings.”
Children First has published a new report showing the positive impact the charity has made on the lives of thousands of children and families across Scotland.
The report reveals that the Children First support line, which offers practical, emotional and financial help to any family in Scotland, put almost £2.5 million back into the pockets of struggling families in 2024 by securing benefits they were entitled to.
Scotland’s national children’s charity also helped families to deal with debts totalling more than half a million pounds and make them more manageable.
From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
More than 1,000 of those families received financial wellbeing support and advice that helped keep children warm, well and fed.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Scotland is in the grip of a childhood emergency with around one in four children living in poverty.
“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s development, physical and mental health, education and futures that can last into adulthood.
“We are calling on the government to act now to invest in targeted financial advice and support, early help for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”
The charity’s impact report also found that more than two thirds of families who reached out for help were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half were concerned about family relationships.
Mary Glasgow added: “Every day our team hears from more and more families in distress and under huge pressure.
“For many, our support is a lifeline to them. But we can’t continue to be there for children and when they need us without your help.
In 2024 across Scotland Children First supported more than 8,600 children and over 8,800 parents and carers to have a brighter future through its local services and national support line. In total 17,493 people were supported.
Mum Priya shared: “Thank you so much. I am in tears writing this. I will never be able to thank you enough. I’ve felt shame in asking for help and this year has been the hardest in forever, but Children First has restored the hope I have in this world.”
Mum Sarah, whose son Arthur has a disability was supported to apply for Child Disability Payment said: “Children First helped us apply for Scottish Child Payment which I didn’t know existed. This extra amount will definitely help us with food and electric bills each month.”
Dad James said: “Just knowing we have that extra money coming in is such a weight off our shoulders. We are now not reliant on food banks or family members.”
The Children First support line helps families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. Families can call the team for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling on thrill seekers across Edinburgh and the Lothians to take on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing the world’s largest equine sculptures on 7 June.
The charity is asking people to take part in a unique adventure and raise funds to give children across Scotland hope and a safer, brighter future.
The exciting feat, which is only open to people raising funds for charities, involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.
After conquering the Kelpies, participants will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.
Among the brave participants is Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow. She said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and I hope you will join me in taking on this exciting and memorable challenge.
“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
“Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”
Anyone who wishes to sign up to the Kelpie’s Challenge and support Children First can visit childrenfirst.org.uk or call 0345 10 80 111.
UK Government decisions ‘hold back further progress’
New statistics show that child poverty in Scotland has fallen, in contrast to the rest of the UK.
Annual statistics published yesterday show that compared with the previous year’s statistics, relative child poverty in 2023-24 reduced from 26% to 22% in Scotland while absolute child poverty fell from 23% to 17%. UK Poverty statistics published today show levels of relative child poverty at 31% and absolute child poverty at 26%.
Modelling published today suggests that UK Government policies are “holding back” Scotland’s progress. It estimates the UK Government could reduce relative child poverty by an additional 100,000 children in 2025-26 if it heeded Scottish Government calls to end the two child limit, replicate the Scottish Child Payment in Universal Credit, remove the benefit cap and introduce an essentials guarantee.
This model does not take into account the UK Government’s own impact assessment of its welfare cuts announced on Wednesday , which states that they will leave an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, in poverty.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we are committed to meeting the 2030 targets unanimously agreed by the Scottish Parliament.
“Our policies are having to work harder than ever to make a difference, against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis, rising energy costs and UK Government decision making. However, we know these policies are working.
“Statistics published today show that, although we have not met the interim child poverty targets, the proportion of children living in relative poverty has reduced and year-on-year rates are now lower than they have been since 2014-15, while the proportion in absolute poverty has also fallen with the annual figure the lowest in 30 years.
“While JRF predict child poverty will rise in other parts of the UK by 2029, they highlight that policies such as our Scottish Child Payment, and our commitment to mitigate the two-child limit, ‘are behind Scotland bucking the trend’.
“But decisions taken by the UK Government are holding us back, and yesterday’s Spring statement will only make things worse. The DWP’s own figures show that proposed welfare cuts will drive 50,000 more children into poverty, which must call into question their commitment to tackling child poverty.
“I have already written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to seek reassurance about the purpose and direction of the UK Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce. The Taskforce’s credibility has been drastically undermined by the policies announced by the UKG in the past few days.”
Responding to yesterday’s official government statistics on child poverty John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland said: “These latest statistics show that Holyrood polices, especially the Scottish child payment, are working to shift the dial for children in Scotland in the face of poverty rising to record highs across the rest of the UK.
“It is obviously disappointing that progress falls short of the interim targets, but the statistics show that when government invests to support families then child poverty will fall.”
The latest figures show that in the single year 2023/24 22% of children were living in poverty against a target rate of less than 18%, but down from 26% in the previous year. The three-year average rate of child poverty between 2021 and 2024 was 23%, down from 24%.
Across the UK child poverty rose to a record high with 4.5 million (31%) now living in poverty. New analysis from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) shows child poverty will rise even higher under the current UK government – to 4.8m by the end of this parliament (2029/30) – unless it takes urgent action including scrapping the two-child limit in its forthcoming child poverty strategy and stepping back from benefit cuts.
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act, passed in 2017 with the unanimous support of all the political parties, requires the Scottish government to ensure less than 10% of children are living in poverty by 2030/31.
Analysis published earlier this week by independent economists at the Fraser of Allander Institute concluded that “meeting the targets is still feasible but will require sizeable additional investment beyond what is currently proposed” and that “increases to the SCP (Scottish child payment) are the most effective tool available.”
The testimony of struggling parents backs up the picture painted by the new government data.
Lisa, a participant in Changing Realities, a participatory project documenting life on a low income, said: “The Scottish child payment has enabled me and my son to participate in more social and educational activities which normally we would have struggled to afford.
“It alleviates some of the financial pressure and gives me and my son more breathing space to enjoy life. The Scottish child payment has been a ‘game changer’ for me.”
Mr Dickie continued: “The message from the statistics, from the independent experts and from parents themselves is clear. The Scottish child payment is working to reduce poverty but a step change is needed in investment to meet child poverty targets.
“At the same time action is needed to boost earnings from work and reduce the housing and childcare costs that parents face.”
Commenting on the latest child poverty statistics, Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Failing to meet the interim target for reducing child poverty should be a wake-up call to everyone in Scotland. The slight decrease in child poverty doesn’t change the fact we are in the grip of a national childhood emergency.
“Behind these numbers are more than 200,000 children living in grinding poverty without the essentials who are going to bed hungry each night. Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s mental health, wellbeing, education and prospects that can last into adulthood.
“The First Minister says tackling child poverty is his number one priority. We urge him and his government to act now to invest in early help and support for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”
The latest child poverty statistics from the Scottish Government can be viewed here: Child poverty summary
Last year Children First worked with 1000 families struggling to make ends meet to provide financial wellbeing support.
If you are a parent or carer who is worried about money, call the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a web chat.
AberlourChief ExecutiveSallyAnn Kelly OBE said: “Aberlour acknowledges the slight reduction in child poverty however is disappointed that the figures remain significantly above the interim target, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to meet the 2030/31 goal. Too many children in Scotland still grow up in poverty.
“Scottish Government actions, particularly the Scottish Child Payment, are beginning to make a difference. However, with looming financial uncertainty due to UK-level benefit changes, more action is needed over the next five years to sustain progress.
“Despite challenges, the target remains achievable if the Scottish Government prioritises investment, leverages all policy tools, and collaborates with the UK Government where necessary. Increased investment in social security, particularly a significant rise in the Scottish Child Payment, is essential.
“However, social security alone won’t lift families out of poverty long-term. It must be combined with action on housing, employment, childcare, and addressing the public debt crisis. Immediate support is needed for those in greatest need, alongside long-term strategies to build community capacity and create sustainable routes out of poverty.
“Scotland must move from managing poverty to preventing it. The First Minister must uphold his commitment to ending child poverty as a top priority. We cannot fail Scotland’s children.”
Save the Children Scotland’s Fiona King said: “Today’s child poverty stats show that positive policy choices, including the Scottish Child Payment are making a difference, but not nearly enough is being done to give all children a decent start in life.“
Campaigners say it’s not too late to end the injustice of child poverty
Responding to today’s figures on poverty and inequality in Scotland, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “People in Scotland want a compassionate country beyond the injustice of child poverty. Today’s figures finally confirm what we all feared – we are not on course to build that better future.
“In Scotland we have clear, legal targets to reduce child poverty that the Scottish Parliament approved unanimously. But with the interim targets now missed, it is vital that our politicians do more to turn their words and commitments into the fundamental action we need.
“Child poverty is shameful. It highlights that our social security system and economy are failing to deliver what we all need to build a better life and a better future. By allowing such levels of poverty to persist we are denying children their rights and undermining the social foundation that they need to thrive, develop their talents, and achieve their potential.
“But it’s not too late. There are concrete, practical things that the Scottish Government can do now to meet our legal child poverty targets in 2031. They can increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week. They can invest in flexible, accessible childcare. They can expand free school meals. They can strengthen the public services that we all rely on. And they can work to build a well-being economy with good jobs, secure hours, and real Living Wages.
“We have choices to make in our country, about how we unlock our country’s wealth to investment in the common future. We must invest in policies like the Scottish Child Payment to invest in our children’s future. Together, we can build a Scotland beyond the injustice of needless poverty.”
Children and young people see dangerous and explicit online content as the number one threat they face according to a new survey commissioned by the charity Children First with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
79 percent of young people in Scotland said they are moderately to extremely worried about seeing harmful online content and 78 percent are anxious about the impact of social media according to figures released today by Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Children First said the figures provide further “shocking” evidence of the depth of Scotland’s national childhood emergency, as they revealed less than one in four of the young people who completed the survey said that childhood is better now than it was for their parents.
The charity’s survey quizzed more than 2,460 children and young people aged 11-25 across Scotland about their lives.
Smartphone usage also came out as a top concern alongside worries about mental health.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “The level of fear and anxiety that children and young people feel about the dangers of being online and the impact on their mental health is shocking.
“That less than a quarter of young people say their childhood is better than their parents, shows how deep the national childhood emergency goes. We must take children’s concerns seriously and act with urgency.
“Our teams have seen a surge in children coming to us who are distressed and at risk of serious harm. We are extremely grateful to the generous players of People’s Postcode Lottery, whose support helps us to be there to help children and young people recover from trauma and abuse. But the terrible reality is that the online threats to our children and young people are growing daily.
“Children can’t protect themselves; everybody needs to help keep them safe. Technology platforms need to stop shirking their responsibility for children’s online safety. They must put children before profit and make young people’s safety their top priority.
“We understand how overwhelming online dangers can feel for parents and carers and are here to help. Anyone who is worried about a child can contact Children First’s support line for help.”
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been supporting Children First’s work to protect children across Scotland for over 17 years. Last year alone players raised £900,000 for the charity awarded by Postcode Children Trust.
Children First has been working with young people to understand their concerns about online harm. At a recent workshop, young people revealed worries about cyber-bullying, the dark side of social media, the sharing of photos and videos without permission, the use of artificial intelligence, unwanted contact from strangers and being served dangerous and explicit content.
Commenting on Snapchat, Jessie said: “you don’t know who you are meeting on there,” Beth added: “I have 84 boys trying to add me as a friend… I don’t know any of them.”
Laura said she “think(s) AI is a lot more dangerous than it is good, until there are proper regulations, but there probably won’t be enough regulations ever.”
Children First’s Scotland-wide confidential support line can be called free on 08000 28 22 33 or contacted by webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.The charity’s support line is open 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.
Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December– the Scottish Government standard is 90%.
The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.
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Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.
“We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.
“However, we are on the right path and the £123 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”
Responding to the latest CAMHS referral figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “While the progress on meeting CAMHS waiting times should be applauded, it shouldn’t deflect attention from the still growing mental health crisis among Scotland’s children and young people.
“Numbers of referrals to CAMHS have risen by almost a fifth and our teams across Scotland are seeing rapidly rising levels of worry and anxiety among the children and young people who come to us for support.
“The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.
“The Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.”
