Tag: STV Children’s Appeal

STV Children’s Appeal launches new fundraising campaign focused on supporting mental health

The STV Children’s Appeal has launched a new fundraising campaign focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s children and young people, following research that suggests the Covid-19 pandemic will have a damaging long-term impact on young minds. 
 
Glasgow-born Hollywood icon James McAvoy has joined other top Scottish talent – TV presenter Gail Porter, Booker Prize-winning author Douglas Stuart, comedian Janey Godley, Love Island star Laura Anderson and singer-songwriter Joesef – in recording video messages of support for the campaign. 
 
A lockdown survey* highlighted that 67% of young people believe the pandemic will be harmful to their mental health in the long-term. 
 
In response, the STV Children’s Appeal – which was first launched in 2011 – will today begin airing a new TV campaign voiced by long-time trustee Lorraine Kelly, which asks viewers to consider the impact of a year of lockdowns on youth mental health, and donate to support the recovery phase. 
 
The campaign highlights the particularly detrimental impact of the pandemic on the one in four children currently living in poverty in Scotland. Most lifelong mental illness begins in childhood and those living in deprivation are three times more likely to experience it, according to the British Medical Association. 
 
100% of the money raised will be quickly distributed by the STV Children’s Appeal to fund vital counselling sessions and peer support groups in communities right across Scotland. It will also support local projects which give children access to sports, art, music and other means of essential peer-to-peer connection, of which they might otherwise be deprived. 

Lorraine Kelly, STV Children’s Appeal Trustee, said: “It’s so important we help to raise funds and awareness of our children’s mental health. They’ve been through such a lot and we need to make sure they are looked after with kindness and compassion.  
 
“I’m always so inspired by the response of the Scottish public who are incredibly generous and I’m sure we will be able to make life so much better for all the children who need that extra support.” 
 
Jacqueline Cassidy, Director (Scotland) at children’s mental health charity and STV Children’s Appeal partner organisation Place2Be, said: “For some young people, this pandemic has been a nightmare. We are seeing increased levels of anxiety and emotional worry within the schools and wider communities in which we work.

“Our evidence shows when young people get the right support at the right time, their school performance improves and so do their life chances. And that stays with them as they grow.  
 
“Thanks to the STV Children’s Appeal, we have been able to provide specialist support for parents and carers in Glasgow, as well as training for youth workers across Scotland to build their skills and confidence in responding to the mental health needs of children and young people.

“We are hugely grateful for STV’s support which means we can reach many more young people across Scotland before it’s too late.” 
 
To donate £10 to the STV Children’s Appeal, text TEN to 70607 (standard network rates apply).

It’s Alright, Annie’s Coming Back!

Annie Lennox is to perform an exclusive lockdown gig from home tonight for STV Children’s Appeal.

  • Pop legend will play Songs for Scotland to raise funds for families affected by COVID-19
  • The Fratellis also confirmed to play exclusive online set
  • Annie Lennox: “Vulnerable children need support now more than ever”

Annie Lennox has been announced as the latest star to perform an exclusive live set from her living room in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal’s Emergency Coronavirus Campaign.

The multi Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, who grew up in Aberdeen, will perform some of her biggest hits as part of the Appeal’s ongoing Songs for Scotland Facebook series this evening (Thursday 28 May) at 18:30 BST.

Annie Lennox said: “In Scotland, one in four children are living in poverty, and because of the coronavirus pandemic, those vulnerable children need support now more than ever. 

“Over the last nine years, the STV Children’s Appeal has raised over £21 million to provide much-needed support for over 95,000 children and young adults. This year, the need is far greater.”

Annie’s performance will be streamed from her Los Angeles home, where she has been locked down since California’s stay-at-home order was imposed in March.

Last week, the Walking on Broken Glass star expressed her concern about the restrictions being lifted, telling her 306,000 Instagram followers: “For the moment, I’m staying on lockdown.”

Following Annie Lennox in playing Songs for Scotland next week will be Jon Fratelli, frontman of Brit Award-winning Glasgow band The Fratellis, with an exclusive performance of the band’s new track – a surprise collaboration with P. P. Arnold – as well as hits including Whistle for the Choir.

Ahead of his performance, Jon Fratelli told Songs for Scotland host Polly Bartlett that he was “one of the lucky ones” as lockdown has had little impact on him.

“You tend to have to spend a lot of time squirreled away on your own [in the music industry],” he said, adding: “If you do that from a really young age, then it becomes just your normal way of life,” he said.

The Songs for Scotland livestream series – which has already seen performances by KT Tunstall, Marti Pellow and Amy Macdonald – was launched by the STV Children’s Appeal last month to raise money for the young people and families that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland.

Fans of the series can donate £5 by texting HERO to 70507.

Natalie Wright, STV Children’s Appeal Campaign Manager, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the support we’ve received from Scotland’s top music stars in recent weeks, and now to have global icon Annie Lennox and everyone’s favourite Glasgow rockers The Fratellis also helping us raise vital funds is just fantastic.

“These exclusive gigs not only provide an opportunity to see your favourite artists like you’ve never seen them before, but they also play a hugely important role in helping the vulnerable children and young people in Scotland who have been left devastated by this global pandemic.”

PIC: STV

Thumbs up as top chef launches Children’s Breakfast fundraiser

MasterChef winner Gary Maclean faced the toughest judging panel of his career as he joined STV weather presenter Sean Batty at the launch of the Big Scottish Breakfast, an annual STV Children’s Appeal fundraising event supporting children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland. Continue reading Thumbs up as top chef launches Children’s Breakfast fundraiser

Around the world in a day: search is on for cyclists to join Mark Beaumont’s charity challenge

Record-breaking Scottish adventurer and cyclist Mark Beaumont is getting ready for a major cross-Scotland challenge in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal, and is inviting cycling fanatics to come along for the ride on Saturday 22 September.

The coast-to-coast cycle will set off at Tayinloan in Argyll, continue through Loch Lomond National Park and the Caingorms, overGlenshee before heading for the finish line in Aberdeen – a gruelling total of 240 miles. This is the same distance Mark averaged daily during his epic cycle round the world in 80 days last year.  

Together, the team of 80 intrepid cyclists will pedal the equivalent of Mark’s incredible feat – taking them ‘around the world in a day’.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £240 each for the STV Children’s Appeal, which supports children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland, with the hope of raising as much as £80,000 for the charity.

Mark said: “This stunning route from Argyll to Aberdeen was my last 16-hour training ride before I set out on the world challenge and it holds fond memories – but it is very long and very hilly, so I’ll be impressed by everyone who signs up for this epic day of endurance.

“The STV Children’s Appeal has gone from strength from strength, supporting so many brilliant charities and causes across Scotland. The last time I crossed Scotland for the Appeal I was swimming and running, so cycling has to be easier… right?!

“Thanks to everyone who gets involved and I look forward to riding with you.”

Mari Slavin of the STV Children’s Appeal said: “Mark is a fantastic ambassador for the Appeal and we are all in awe of the gigantic challenge he’s about to take on, together with cyclists from across the country. STV’s cameras will be there – and trying hard to keep up! – to capture the highs and lows of this incredible marathon venture. 

“The Appeal is making a real difference to the lives of children and young people in all corners of Scotland. This year we want to make an even bigger impact and we are so grateful for Mark’s support.”

After a 4am start in Argyll, Mark’s 240-mile cycle route will pass through Tarbert, Lochgilphead, Inveraray, Tyndrum, Crainlarich, Killin, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Glenshee, Braemar, Ballater and Peterculter – among many other towns and villages – before finishing in Aberdeen. View the route here: https://www.strava.com/routes/13669194.

If you think you’re up for this epic feat of endurance, get in touch with Mark on

aroundtheworld@thehunterfoundation.co.uk 

 A corporate offer is also available with four-man relay teams invited to enter for a minimum donation of £5,000. 

Can’t face the cycle but still want to be involved? Mark’s team is also looking for volunteer drivers and support crew. Email mark@markbeaumontonline.com for more details. 

Since launching in 2011, the STV Children’s Appeal has raised £16.3 million, with 964 big and small grants awarded to projects across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, providing much needed support to over 67,000 children. The money raised is distributed to provide practical help like food and warm clothes, create opportunities for training and employability, and enable social and emotional support for those who need it most.

Bereavement project receives £2,000 from STV Children’s Appeal

Children’s bereavement project Richmond’s Hope in Niddrie has received £2,000 from the STV Children’s Appeal. STV2 presenter and producer Zara Janjua visited the project to present the cheque and meet some of the staff who will benefit from the funding. Continue reading Bereavement project receives £2,000 from STV Children’s Appeal

STV presenters tuck in to studio brekkie to support Scotland’s children

STV weather presenter Sean Batty and Live at Five‘s Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell prepare for a day in front of the camera by tucking into toast and cereal in support of the Big Scottish Breakfast campaign by STV Children’s Appeal. Continue reading STV presenters tuck in to studio brekkie to support Scotland’s children

Join Lorraine for a Big Scottish Breakfast

Make a date with Lorraine:Friday 27 October

TV favourite Lorraine Kelly is urging schools, businesses and groups in Edinburgh to join in with the Big Scottish Breakfast, an STV Children’s Appeal fundraising event to support children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland. Continue reading Join Lorraine for a Big Scottish Breakfast