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NSPCC reveals five ways parents can help children as they return to school

Back-to-School Butterflies?

New Childline data reveals more than 1,500 counselling sessions were delivered to children across the UK between April 2025 and March 2026 mentioned returning to school or college
In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s emotional wellbeing was the primary concern, making it the most common issue discussed
As families prepare for the new school term, Matalan is continuing its partnership with the NSPCC to share expert-backed advice and practical support to help children feel confident, prepared and emotionally ready for the return to school

As part of its Back-to-School campaign, Matalan has again joined forces with the NSPCC to help families feel ready, supported and confident as children prepare for the new academic year.

For many families, the return to school is an exciting milestone. But whether a child is starting school for the first time, moving into a new year group or returning after the summer holidays, it can also bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

The charity’s latest data shows how common back-to-school worries can be. Between April 2025 and March 2026, NSPCC service, Childline, delivered more than 1,500 counselling sessions to children across the UK in which returning to school or college was mentioned.

In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s primary concern was their emotional wellbeing, making it the most common issue raised. Back-to-school anxiety was also shown to peak in August, as children and young people prepared to return to the classroom following the summer holidays.

To support families during this key retail and parenting moment, Matalan is using its Back-to-School activity to spotlight practical advice from the NSPCC, giving parents and carers simple ways to help children navigate first days, new year groups and back-to-school nerves. The guidance is designed to help families start conversations early and build children’s confidence before worries become overwhelming.

The advice comes as part of Matalan’s ongoing partnership with the NSPCC and coincides with the retailer’s sponsored episode of the Happy Mum podcast.

In the episode, presenter Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles to discuss the challenges children face when returning to school, alongside practical tips to help families build confidence and ease anxieties ahead of the new school year.

Gail Sayles, Childline Practitioner, said: “Starting a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement and nerves for children and parents alike.

“We know from the young people who contact Childline that worries about going back to school can have a real impact on their emotional wellbeing. Children might be anxious about making new friends, starting a new school or simply adjusting to the return of the normal routine.

“Parents can help children to feel more confident and prepared for returning to school by encouraging regular conversations, beginning to implement small routines in the lead up to the new school term and encouraging them to do things they enjoy to ease any anxieties.

“The most important thing is letting children know their feelings are valid – and that there are trusted adults and services, such as Childline, around them who can help.”

With many children across the UK preparing to return to the classroom in the coming weeks, the NSPCC has shared the following five tips for parents and carers:

Five ways to help children feel confident about going back to school

Writing feelings down: Encourage your child to write down what they’re excited about and anything they’re worried about. Looking at the list together can help you chat through their concerns, ease any worries and remind them of all the positives ahead.
Practical steps: Once your child has shared how they’re feeling about starting or returning to school, a few simple routines can make things feel smoother. Try easing back into a good bedtime routine, keeping devices out of the bedroom, and helping them pack their school bag. If they wear a uniform, checking everything is ready can help them feel more prepared.
Talk them through the routine: If your child is starting school for the first time, talk through the school day with them, including playtimes and lunchtime and make sure they know who is collecting them and from where. You can also practise recognising their name and their teacher’s name to build confidence.
Doing things they enjoy: Even once they’re back at school, making time each day for something they enjoy can help ease any anxiety. Playing outside, going for a walk or joining in with a sport are great ways to support their wellbeing and keep a healthy routine.
Look out for signs: It can take time for children to settle into a new school or routine. If you notice changes in their behaviour or you’re feeling worried, it’s important to speak to their teacher so you can work together to support them. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from a trained professional — even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.

Matalan’s Back to School campaign aims to help families feel ready, supported and confident as they prepare for the new academic year, with the NSPCC providing expert guidance to support parents and carers during the transition.

Through its long-standing partnership with the NSPCC, Matalan has raised more than £12 million for the children’s charity since 2004, helping to support its vital work protecting children across the UK.

Parents looking for more advice can tune into the latest episode of the Happy Mum podcast, where Giovanna Fletcher and Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles explore children’s confidence, emotional readiness and practical ways to navigate the back-to-school transition.

Families can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from trained professionals.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

SCIAF launches Emergency Appeal for Colombia

SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal to help those affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia.

The earthquake struck in the remote Chocó region of Colombia, where SCIAF has active projects.

The tragedy has killed at least 224 people, with more than 2,600 injured. It’s also thought that around 1,100 homes have been destroyed and 8,000 damaged by the quake, with health centres, education institutes and community centres also affected.

These figures are likely to increase as information comes in from the most remote areas where communication has broken down, especially with thousands still missing.

Geraldine Hill is SCIAF’s Programme Officer for Colombia and lived in the Latin American country for two years. SCIAF has been working in Colombia since the 1980s.

Geraldine said: “It’s heart-breaking to see communities in Chocó bear the brunt of this latest earthquake. These communities are already very poor and live surrounded by violence, the earthquake is just the latest challenge to confront them. Once again SCIAF’s local partners are responding as soon as the crisis happens.

“SCIAF sets aside emergency funds in our focus countries to speed up locally-led response. We have immediately released £10,000 from these funds for partners, and we are liaising closely with them to determine how best to help.

“Through our partners in Chocó, we can immediately reach out to those most in need. Our local Caritas partners are already there, working tirelessly to provide emergency relief where it’s needed the most. Please support this response through SCIAF’s appeal.”

To donate to SCIAF’s Colombia Earthquake appeal please visit:

sciaf.org.uk/colombia-earthquake or call us on 0141 354 5555.

Disabled people invited to shape recommendations of review into PIP

The Timms Review launched last October with the aim of making sure PIP is fair and fit for the future. Its Interim Report, published in July 2026, found that PIP is no longer fit for purpose.

Fifteen workshops being held online and in person will help shape the recommendations of the Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment.
Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions invited to apply for workshops, with registration open from Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Comes following the Review’s Interim Report which found PIP to be no longer fit for purpose.

Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions are being invited to take part in a series of workshops that will help shape recommendations for the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Many people described assessment and decision-making processes as “stressful” and “dehumanising” and reported that PIP, while widely valued as a benefit, can itself create additional barriers to participation and independence.

Ahead of its final Report, due in Autumn 2026, the Review’s steering group is now developing emerging recommendations and will be seeking views on them from people across the UK.

The 15 workshops will be held online and in person across the UK during September and October 2026, ensuring people from all parts of the country can take part in discussing, testing and refining the recommendations.

The workshops are aimed primarily at disabled people and people with long-term health conditions and no previous experience of engaging with government reviews is required.

Alongside these workshops, the Review will also be contacting stakeholders including Disabled People’s Organisations, charities and MPs to test and refine its emerging recommendations over the same period.

Co-Chair of the Review and member of the shaping recommendations workshops working group Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE said: “Disabled people and people with long term health conditions know better than anyone how PIP works in real life where it helps, where it creates barriers, and where it needs to change. That experience has to be part of shaping what comes next.

“I would encourage anyone with experience of applying for or receiving PIP to register their interest in taking part. The purpose of these workshops is not simply to hear people’s experiences, but to test the Review’s emerging recommendations against real lives and understand what could make them fairer, clearer and work better in practice.

“Most importantly, I am committed to showing how what people tell us influences the recommendations we ultimately make.”

Feedback from participants in these workshops will be considered by the Review as it finalises it recommendations. These workshops, alongside intensive engagement throughout the process, will ensure the Review is grounded in the experiences of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions before the report is submitted to the government.

Prior to this, more than 38,000 responses to the Review’s Call for Evidence were received, alongside workshops and engagement with disabled people, their organisations and experts, to feed into the Review.

Registration for the workshops opens on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 10am and closes on Friday 21 August 2026 at 5pm. Selected participants will be informed by 4 September 2026.

Selection will be done randomly but the steering group will review and ensure the people chosen represent a balanced range of characteristics. Where a particular characteristic is under-represented, applicants with that characteristic will be identified from the wider applicant pool and selected at random to fill any gaps.

Applications to take part in the workshops are now open:

Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment: Register your interest in a shaping recommendations workshop – GOV.UK

Minister visits QMU as Clearing opens opportunities for prospective students

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh welcomed Ben Macpherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, to campus yesterday (7 August 2026) as he met staff supporting prospective students through the Clearing process.

The Minister visited QMU’s dedicated Clearing operations room, where the University’s Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach and Widening Participation teams are helping applicants explore their study options and secure places on courses starting this September.

While applications to study at QMU this year have been buoyant, the University is pleased to have places available on a number of courses through Clearing, all of which are open to and welcome Scottish applicants.

Tertiary Education Minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “Missing a university offer doesn’t have to mean missing out on going to university.

“Clearing provides many opportunities for students across Scotland to find a course and university that’s right for them, and it’s been great to see Queen Margaret University’s dedicated team offering such personalised support to prospective students.

“Our message to anyone still weighing up their options is this: search ucas.com and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school, UCAS, universities, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) or Qualifications Scotland if you need support.

“We would also encourage anyone heading to university or college this autumn to look into having both doses of the MenB vaccine, as this is one of the highest-risk times for meningococcal disease.”

During his visit, the Minister met members of the Clearing team to learn more about how they are supporting prospective students by phone and email during one of the busiest periods in the higher education calendar.

In addition to personalised support from the Clearing team, QMU is offering dedicated campus tours for prospective Clearing applicants and an ‘Ask a Student’ service, giving applicants the opportunity to speak directly with current students about life at the University.

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “Clearing is an important opportunity for many students to find the right university and course for them, and we’re proud of the personalised support our teams provide throughout the process.

It was wonderful to welcome the Minister to campus and demonstrate how we’re helping prospective students explore the degree opportunities available at QMU, with all of our courses focused on preparing career-ready graduates.

“We know that choosing where to study is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making that journey as straightforward and supportive as possible.”

Prospective students can contact QMU’s friendly Clearing team by phone or email for advice on available courses and the application process.

They can also find information on available courses, campus tours, student stories and guidance on the Clearing process on the University’s Clearing webpages.

Alongside highlighting the opportunities available through Clearing, the Minister used his visit to highlight the importance of eligible students taking up the free MenB vaccine ahead of starting university.

Young people in Scotland, including S6 leavers born between March 2008 and February 2009 and under-25s entering higher or further education for the first time in 2026-27, are eligible for two free doses.

As moving into shared accommodation can increase the risk of infection, students are encouraged to complete the course before the start of term where possible and to check NHS Inform for more information.

TODAY: Community Lunch at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

Menu for Friday the 7th of August

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you today. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.

What’s on the menu today:

Courgette and mint soup

Roast pork and gravy

Seasonal veg

Roast potatoes

Summer fruit crumble – with option of vanilla and nutmeg sauce

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Exam passes up at all levels

“This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system“

POVERTY-RELATED ATTAINMENT GAP CLOSES FURTHER

Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.

Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson

A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.

Pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes. Learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121% on pre-pandemic levels.

Congratulating everyone receiving their results today, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed a narrowing of the poverty related attainment gap compared with both last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Results Day data, published by Qualifications Scotland for the first time, shows:

a record 269,115 National 5 passes and an increase in Grade A percentages
a second annual increase in the pass rate for all three graded national qualifications – National 5 (pass rate 79.2%, up by 0.8 percentage points), Highers (76.7%, up 0.8 points) and Advanced Highers (77.6%, up 0.9 points)
an increase in the pass rate compared with 2019 for National 5 (up 1 point) and Highers (up 1.9 points)
a narrowing in the poverty related attainment gap for A-C passes across the graded national qualifications, with attainment having gone up for both the most deprived and least deprived areas
increases in pass rates and the percentage of A grades for learners with additional support needs across National 5 and Highers compared with last year and 2024
more than 120,000 vocational and technical qualification awards, a record high and a 9.1% increase on last year.

The Education Secretary said: “This is a proud day for Scotland’s young people and our education system.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving their results. I know how much hard work and resilience it takes to get here and you all deserve enormous credit.

“These are incredibly positive results across the board, with academic passes up at every level – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher – as well as record numbers of vocational qualifications. This is testament to the breadth and strength of Scotland’s education system, the professionalism of our teachers and school staff and the hard work of our young people.

“It is particularly pleasing to see another narrowing in the attainment gap between the most and least deprived areas. This builds on similar progress in the gaps for literacy and numeracy levels, as well as for the number of young people entering initial positive destinations, which has narrowed by almost two thirds since 2009-10.

“This is welcome progress but we will not be complacent and will continue to do all we can to close the poverty related attainment gap even further, having empowered headteachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, with up to £200 million being invested this year as well.

“Curriculum for Excellence aims to prepare young people for their future in life, learning and work, and today’s results show that it is doing that. The diversity of qualifications – whether they are gained through academic study, vocational and technical learning or work-based opportunities – is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to flourish in the modern world. And the range is wider than ever, with qualifications in sports, creative industries, childcare, engineering and journalism among others.

*Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.*

“For those young people who may be disappointed with their results, I would urge them to remember that there is no wrong path. Teachers, as well as services such as the Skills Development Scotland helpline and Qualifications Scotland Learner Support Hub, are there to help plan your next steps.”

The Results Day data has now been published by Qualifications Scotland.

Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline is now taking calls for anyone that is unsure on the next steps, whether that is in work, training or further study.

More than 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive their results today – enabling them to progress onto their next stage in education, training or employment.

In its first year of delivering results for National Qualifications and Awards, Qualifications Scotland confirmed that the 2025-26 session resulted in:

Overall attainment rates at A-C increasing at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
The poverty-related attainment gap narrowed at all levels of National Qualifications (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)
Total number of vocational and technical qualifications – the skills-based awards that unlock training and career opportunities – continuing to increase to more than 120,000
Learners are achieving more National Qualifications and vocational and technical qualifications – but not to the detriment of one over the other

All learners will receive the traditional envelope through the letterbox containing their results and qualifications certificate. More than 67,000 of them have already received their results via email or text from 8am today, having signed up for the My Qualifications Scotland digital service.

Donna Stewart, Scotland’s Chief Qualifications and Examinations Officer, said: ‘Scotland’s learners should be proud of what they have achieved today – we are certainly very proud of them.

‘These results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. The rise in overall attainment at all three National Qualification levels and the increasing attainment in vocational and technical qualifications will rightly be welcomed in classrooms and staffrooms across Scotland.

‘The diversity of qualifications being achieved today is further evidence of the appetite for skills-based, practical qualifications along with traditional subjects, which give learners a variety of options to develop skills and build work experience that employers are looking out for. It is encouraging to see the number of vocational and technical qualifications continuing to grow to over 120,000.

‘The results for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are evidence of the stable state of the awarding system with assessments working as intended, ensuring that learners were able to demonstrate what they know and can do.

‘I also want to thank my fellow teachers and lecturers; not only the thousands of them who play a critical role as markers and so make Results Day possible but every educator for the work they do every day to support learners, alongside support workers, parents and carers across Scotland.

‘Today is our first Results Day as Qualifications Scotland, and everyone takes our responsibility to deliver for Scotland’s learners very seriously and we feel privileged to have delivered these results to them today.’

Edinburgh College is hosting an Exam Results Day Drop In event this Thursday (6th August) at its Sighthill Campus. The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to lecturers about their applications and course options ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.

From 10am until 1:30pm, the College’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to discuss potential options following the release of exam results, allowing students to secure places on courses for the upcoming session. Those students who have changed their mind about their original course choice, or are yet to submit an application for college but would like to study this year, are also encouraged to come along.

The Student Services team will also be available to provide advice on funding as well as the access to learning support available at Edinburgh College.

The College offers a wide variety of courses covering a range of subject areas within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Business. Courses are delivered in a variety of study modes too, including full-time and part-time options, offering flexibility for students.

If you’re unable to make the event but would still like to discuss your options, the College will have a dedicated clearing phoneline open from the 4th of August until the 14th, from 9am to 4pm, which can be reached on 0131 297 8300.

Edinburgh organisations encouraged to apply for £1.5m grant funding launched to support older carers experiencing financial hardship

National charity Independent Age is distributing £1.5 million in funding to projects supporting carers aged over 65 who are living on a low income, and is encouraging local Edinburgh organisations to apply.

The focus for this round of Independent Age’s Older People’s Fund is on improving access to community-based and in-person advice for older carers on a low income, which can make a significant difference to their financial wellbeing.

This funding is aimed at organisations that understand the financial challenges that caring can bring for older people, including reduced income, increased costs, housing issues and barriers to support. The funding is dedicated to support both older carers and the older people they care for, recognising the impact of caring across whole households.

Funding is also available to organisations in the following locations:

Birmingham
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Dorset
Cornwall
Leeds

Grants are for a three-year period, and eligible organisations can apply for:

up to £150,000 (£50,000 per year) for individual applications
or a shared total of up to £210,000 (£70,000 per year) if applying in partnership

This is the third round of this grant funding. In each round, the Older People’s Fund aims to support older people who are more likely to face financial hardship in later life. The previous rounds funded projects to support older women from racially minoritised groups and older private renters.

This round is focused on supporting older carers and the people they care for, as they are at high risk of experiencing financial hardship due to the costs of caring, the impact of being a carer during working age on income in later life, and the complexity of the social security system for older carers.

Morgan Vine, Director of Grants at Independent Age, said: “Being a carer for someone close to you can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, and it can often feel isolating.

“Caring can also bring additional costs that many people would not otherwise face. Yet we know that too many older carers miss out on the financial support and advice available to them.

“That’s why we have chosen to focus this round of our Older People’s Fund on improving access to support services for older carers on low incomes, helping them to access the financial support they need.

“We know there are incredible community organisations in Edinburgh already carrying out vital work, and others who may want to reach older carers but don’t have the means to do so. This £1.5 million investment will help them continue and expand the valuable support they provide, ensuring more carers can access trusted advice and services in their local communities.

“We encourage organisations that meet the criteria to visit our website or contact our Grants team to find out more and apply.”

Applications will be held in two stages, starting with an Expression of Interest (EOI). The closing date for submissions for the EOI is 2pm on Wednesday 26^th August 2026. Successful EOIs will then be invited to submit a more detailed application for the Independent Age grants panel to consider.

To find out more about the Fund, including eligibility criteria, FAQs and how to apply, visit: https://www.independentage.org/grant-making/older-peoples-fund-2026

Independent Age is the national charity focused on ending financial hardship in later life. We want every older person to be able to afford to live well.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on.

Independent Age has provided more than 140 grants since 2021 to local organisations working directly with older people across the UK,

This support has impacted nearly 55,000 older people.

The charity uses the knowledge and insight gained from our services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

Princes Street Fire: Deputy First Minister to meet council leader

Direct Scottish Government support to help address the ongoing impact of the fire on Princes Street, including potential financial support, will be discussed during talks with City of Edinburgh Council leaders next week.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has acknowledged the “major difficulties” being faced in the capital as a result of the blaze at the former Debenham’s store on July 9th.

Ms Gilruth will visit the site of the fire next week and meet with the head of the local authority to clarify what action is required to assist with the recovery.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.

“The Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public’s safety while minimising and reducing disruption. I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.

“I am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.

“I will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.”

Edinburgh’s summer festivals oficially begin next weekend, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the capital.

Supporting families to thrive

Expanding access to “national front door” to family support

A charity support line providing a one-step gateway to cost of living and whole family support will be expanded by Scottish Government funding to help up to 7,500 families.

Children First’s service offers practical, emotional and financial help and advice to families across Scotland 365 days a year by phone, webchat, text, email, video and face to face. Scottish Government investment will allow the charity to more than double the support it provides, including:

immediate cash grants and practical tips on budgeting and debt management
emotional support to help families manage stress and anxiety
practical advice to navigate public services, helping to access things like childcare and housing
connections for families to specialised support to help people get into and stay in work.

A total of £2 million from the Scottish Government in 2026-27 will equip the charity to bolster its offer across the country as a key part of work under the child poverty delivery plan “Bringing Hope, Building Futures”.

Visiting the charity in Glasgow, First Minister John Swinney said: “During the cost of living crisis, there are families struggling to make ends meet and accessing help can often be overwhelming.

“We want to provide a better future for every parent and every child, and to do that we need to make support as simple, accessible and effective as possible.

“That’s why we are pleased to be supporting Children First to develop a national front door for support, so that help is in the right place, at the right time. Organisations like Children First play such an important role and I am pleased that we are supporting them to double the support they provide to families across Scotland.”

In 2025-26, the Children First support line has supported over 5,000 families nationally. This investment will enable the charity to expand staffing, enhance specialist expertise and increase Money Advice capacity, including helping people with their energy bills, ensuring more families can easily access support which is sustained for as long as they need it.

Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services, Children First said: “This funding is fantastic news for Scotland’s children and families, who often tell us that they don’t know where to turn for support.

“Parents and carers, who are often stressed and exhausted trying to find the right help when they need it, will welcome this with open arms.

“By connecting families to joined-up practical, emotional and financial help through our support line, we will reduce the impact of poverty, strengthen families and make sure thousands more of Scotland’s children enjoy the safe and secure childhood, which is every child’s right.

“Children First’s support line is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your family is in need of help, our friendly and understanding support line team are here to help. Call us on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.”

Jasmine, a young Mum who has been supported by Children First said: “Things are so expensive nowadays and with my baby I was feeling the pressure before I met Children First. I also felt quite lonely and alienated because I didn’t know other young people who had babies. It wasn’t good for my mental health.

“The help from Children First has been outstanding. The emotional and financial help they’ve given has had a positive impact on us – I can get fresh fruit and vegetables for the baby and I feel less isolated because I’ve met other young mums. Without the support from Children First, I don’t think our lives would be anywhere near as good.”

Children First support line