Quarriers, has launched its summer fundraising appeal to allow more than 1,000 children to enjoy the gift of new experiences and positive memories.
Now in its 9th year, the summer appeal allows Quarriers to organise carefree days out and activity sessions for the vulnerable children and young people it supports across Scotland. With donations starting at as little as £5, Quarriers is encouraging the nation to donate and help fund opportunities for children to escape the daily pressures they face.
The children and youngsters helped by the appeal face a range of challenging circumstances and include young carers, children with additional needs, children living in poverty, young people who require residential support, individuals dealing with mental health and children living with disabilities.
Many of the challenges faced by those supported are heavy for young shoulders to carry and the summer appeal puts youngsters at its heart, giving them a chance to put their problems aside and truly be a child for the day.
Over the last two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has put more pressure on the children Quarriers supports, as the challenges of lockdown continued, and some youngsters faced the impact of long-Covid. This has underlined the importance of the summer campaign and the positive impact it brings to the lives of hundreds.
Support worker Mary Nadar provides Quarriers Let’s Talk service at Tinto Primary School, delivering vital mental health support for children who may be struggling with the social, emotional or educational elements of school life, and knows just how valuable the summer appeal is.
She said: “Having worked with Tinto Primary School and many other schools across Glasgow for a number of years now, I’ve seen the truly positive impact the summer appeal can have on the children involved.
“For many of the children we support, the summer holidays can be quite daunting, and they often don’t have the same opportunities as their classmates to relax and enjoy fun-filled days out.
“Thanks to the support and generosity of those who donate to Quarriers’ summer appeal, the children have positive experiences which directly impacts on their wellbeing, enhances their independence and helps them get further involved in their local communities.”
The activities are tailored to suit the children and families supported by Quarriers, taking into account their various support needs as well as what they enjoy doing. With donations from the summer appeal, the charity hopes to set up trips to the seaside, art galleries, parks, and the cinema as well as giving the children the chance to try everything from paddleboarding to archery to trampolining.
Ruth Park, Fundraising and Digital Content Manager at Quarriers, said: “Over the past two years, our teams have worked with nearly 3,000 young people and children across Scotland and the long-term impact of the pandemic is clear.
“We’re seeing a significant increase in mental health issues, an increase in young carers who haven’t had a break from their caring responsibilities due to family members shielding and also children with long Covid.
“The lasting impact these fun-filled outings and activities can have on vulnerable children should not be underestimated. For as little as £5, you will allow even just one child the chance to escape their worries for a day and create happy memories that will last long after the summer holidays.
“Our Quarriers Children Fund relies entirely on kind donations from local communities which is why we’re asking the public to back our appeal and show their support for vulnerable young people and children across Scotland, to ensure they don’t just survive the summer holidays, but thrive.”
A gift of £5 will provide one child with a day out and gifts of any amount are welcome.
Supporters can make a contribution by visiting: