Aberlour launch emergency appeal as many kids face going without essentials

dailyrecord.co.uk:

CHILDREN’S charity Aberlour has launched an appeal because its emergency fund, which helps disadvantaged families pay for essentials such as food, bedding, clothing and energy, has run out.The Scottish charity says the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the cost of living crisis have led to unprecedented demand for its Urgent Assistance Fund, which delivers cash grants for vital items.Now it has launched a national Poverty Relief Appeal to raise funds.

It urgently needs monetary donations to help support some of the country’s most disadvantaged families as we approach winter and Christmas.Since April 2021, the fund has awarded over 3,600 grants worth a total of £1.44 million to around 12,080 people – with applications awarded in every local authority in Scotland.The average grant awarded is £390.60, which has been used to help families pay for basic requirements.Please donate to Aberlour's Urgent Assistance Fund via www.aberlour.org.uk/POVERTYRELIEFA new TV advert follows seven-year-old “Emma”, whose normal life is turned upside down as her family struggles to cope with the financial pressures of the cost of living crisis.We see an empty wall where a radiator once stood, followed by an empty plate once filled with nutritious food.

Then Emma looks into a bedroom with no bed as she prepares for another night sleeping on the floor.The scenes may seem shocking, but for many families in Scotland, this scenario is all too real.• Central Scotland: This area has seen the largest influx in applications, with 2,862 grants made since April 2021. • East of Scotland: Over 400 applications have been awarded here.

One of the most requested grant items – after food, clothing and energy – is for a new bed or mattress. • North of Scotland: Hel