Action for Children Scotland

Action for Children Scotland We support over 30,000 children and families each year in Scotland to ensure more safe and happy childhoods ⭐ We make life better for disabled children.

From before they’re born until they’re into their twenties, we help disadvantaged children across the UK. We help them through fostering or adoption – and by intervening early to stop neglect and abuse. We influence policy and advocate for change. Our 7,000 staff and volunteers operate over 600 services, improving the lives of 390,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. We succeed by doing what’s right, doing what’s needed, and doing what works for children.

Last Friday, more than 40 supporters from across Scotland swapped the comfort of their beds for a night braving the elem...
09/10/2026

Last Friday, more than 40 supporters from across Scotland swapped the comfort of their beds for a night braving the elements as part of our annual Boycott Your Bed sleepout 🌟

Sleepers spent the night outdoors at Scotland's national football stadium, Hampden Park, in solidarity with children and young people who go to bed every night feeling unsafe, cold or without the support they need.

Now in its 29th year, Boycott Your Bed brings together supporters from across the UK to raise vital funds for Action for Children, helping us support vulnerable children, young people and families when they need us most.

This year, supporters across Glasgow, London, Leeds and Manchester raised an incredible £270,000. With 21% of children in Scotland living in poverty, this support has never been more important.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, fundraised, donated and spent the night with us. Your commitment and generosity will help provide practical and emotional support to children across Scotland.

A special thank you also goes to the Boycott Your Bed Scotland Committee, whose hard work and passion make this fantastic event possible.

There's still time to support and help create more safe and happy childhoods ❤️

🔗 Donate here: https://bit.ly/4AWUVhF

This last week, we have been marking Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations to...
09/10/2026

This last week, we have been marking Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together to highlight the realities of poverty in Scotland and the action needed to create a fairer future.

Each day focuses on a different theme, and on our final day, we're celebrating communities and volunteers and the vital role they play in creating a Scotland free from poverty.

21% of children in Scotland are currently living in poverty, affecting around 210,000 children and highlighting why action is needed now more than ever.

At Action for Children, we see every day the difference that compassionate, dedicated people can make. From volunteers and fundraisers to partner organisations and supporters, their commitment helps us provide life-changing support to children, young people and families across Scotland.

Whether supporting fundraising events, sharing their skills and experience, or helping raise awareness of the challenges facing families, our volunteers are an essential part of helping children thrive. We'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our work.

Strong communities and a thriving third sector are vital to tackling poverty. That's why we're calling for sustainable, multi-year funding for the services children and families rely on. Long-term funding gives organisations the stability they need to focus on changing lives, build strong partnerships and develop innovative ways to support communities.

Driven by love, we deliver Action for Children.

The Poverty Alliance

This last week we have been marking Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations tog...
08/10/2026

This last week we have been marking Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together to highlight the realities of poverty in Scotland and the action needed to create a fairer future.

Today's theme is tackling child poverty, ensuring every child has the chance to prosper and thrive.

21% of children in Scotland are living in poverty - that's around 210,000 children. But behind every statistic is a child with hopes, dreams and ambitions. Poverty is not just a number; it's a reality affecting children's health, wellbeing, education and future opportunities.

At Action for Children, we work to tackle poverty through early intervention, intensive family support and services that help children and young people stay safe, supported and connected. We know that poverty is not inevitable, and that the right support can change lives.

We also work with children involved or at risk of criminal exploitation, helping them access positive opportunities, trusted relationships and pathways into education, employment and training. Through specialist support and Functional Family Therapy, we're helping children stay safe and families stay together.

Tackling child poverty is essential if Scotland is to keep The Promise Scotland and ensure that, by 2030, every child grows up safe, loved and respected. This includes providing more support for care-experienced children and young people, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

We’re asking the Scottish Government for continued action to reduce child poverty, including increasing the Scottish Child Payment, investing in family support and early intervention, and ensuring children's voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives. We're also calling for the publication of a children's budget to provide greater transparency on investment in children's services, and for more safe spaces for young people where they feel included, supported and protected from harm.

Together, we can create a Scotland where every child has the opportunity to thrive and enjoy a safe and happy childhood.

The 5th to 11th October marks Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together ...
07/10/2026

The 5th to 11th October marks Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together to highlight the realities of poverty in Scotland and the action needed to create a fairer future.

On day 3 we're focusing on fair work and why work should provide security, flexibility and wages that pay the bills.

21% of children in Scotland are living in poverty, affecting around 210,000 children. Poverty is not just linked to unemployment - many children experiencing poverty live in households where parents and carers are already working hard but still struggling to make ends meet.

At Action for Children, we help young people build brighter futures through employability programmes, mentoring and tailored support. From supporting college students to stay in education to helping young people move into training, apprenticeships and employment, we work alongside them to build confidence, skills and opportunities.

Our employability services help young people overcome barriers and realise their potential, while our family support services help parents create the stable, secure home life that every child deserves.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and access to meaningful, secure work is an important part of making that happen.

The Poverty Alliance

This week marks Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together to highlight t...
06/10/2026

This week marks Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together to highlight the realities of poverty in Scotland and the action needed to create a fairer future.

Each day focuses on a different theme, and on day 2 we're highlighting energy and the belief that no one should have to choose between heating and eating.

Right now, 21% of children in Scotland are living in poverty - that's around 210,000 children which simply isn't good enough. As we head into the colder months, many families are facing rising energy costs, increasing household bills and the added pressures that come with the festive season.

At Action for Children, we support children, young people and families facing the challenges of poverty every day. Through our family support services, homelessness services and Parent Talk, we help families access practical advice, financial support and essential services when they need them most.

We know that a safe, warm place to call home is fundamental to every child's wellbeing. That's why we work alongside partners across Scotland to provide practical support for families facing financial hardship. From household essentials, food support and crisis grants, to opportunities and experiences that children might otherwise miss out on, we help ensure every child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.

With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on family budgets, it's more important than ever that families can access the support they need. That's why we're calling for action to help reduce financial pressures, including increasing the Scottish Child Payment, expanding access to free school meals, and ensuring families can access trusted advice and support before they reach crisis point.

No child should have to grow up in a cold home, and no family should have to choose between heating and eating. By working together, we can help protect children from the impacts of poverty and ensure every child has the safe and happy childhood they deserve.

The Poverty Alliance

Today marks the beginning of Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together t...
05/10/2026

Today marks the beginning of Challenge Poverty Week - an annual campaign that brings people and organisations together to highlight the realities of poverty in Scotland and the action needed to create a fairer future.

Each day focuses on a different theme, and today we're shining a light on social security and the importance of a system that treats everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

Right now, 21% of children in Scotland are living in poverty - that's around 210,000 children which simply isn't good enough.

Too many families face barriers when trying to access the support they're entitled to. At Action for Children, we work alongside children, young people and families every day, providing practical family support and helping them access financial assistance and social security payments that can make a real difference. We know that when families get the right support at the right time, it can help prevent problems from escalating and reduce the impact of poverty.

We're also there for parents and carers through Parent Talk, our free online service offering advice, answers and signposting to trusted support, helping families get the information they need when they need it most.

That's why we're calling for continued action to tackle child poverty, including strengthening financial support for families through measures such as increasing the Scottish Child Payment, and making family support a right that can be easily accessed.

Every child deserves a safe and happy childhood, and a compassionate social security system is a vital part of making that happen 🌟

The Poverty Alliance

Scotland having the highest child death rate in the UK is a concerning reminder that too many children are still being l...
24/09/2026

Scotland having the highest child death rate in the UK is a concerning reminder that too many children are still being let down.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy and loved. That's why sustained investment in early intervention, family support and measures that tackle child poverty must remain a priority.

Our National Director for Scotland, Fiona Steel, has responded to the findings. Read our response below 👇

Could you make a difference in a child's life through fostering? 🌟 If you've been thinking about fostering but aren't su...
23/09/2026

Could you make a difference in a child's life through fostering? 🌟

If you've been thinking about fostering but aren't sure where to start, we'd love to meet you at one of our upcoming information events and introduce you to our Action for Children Scotland Fostering Team.

Join us for a relaxed, informal chat where you can learn more about fostering, ask any questions you may have, and find out about the support we provide to foster carers. There's no pressure, just an opportunity to explore whether fostering could be right for you.

🗓️ Tuesday 29 September
📍 17 Newton Place, Glasgow, G3 7PY
🕐 12:30 - 14:00
🔗 https://fb.me/e/54tvATaH5

🗓️ Wednesday 30 September
📍 Inverness Youth Hostel, Victoria Drive, IV2 3QB
🕐 12:30 - 14:00
🔗 https://fb.me/e/az0G08Tf1

Whether you're simply curious or ready to take the first step on your fostering journey, we'd love to meet you!

Less than TWO weeks to go until Boycott Your Bed Glasgow! 🌟 Join Paige Turley and many others at Barclays Hampden on Fri...
22/09/2026

Less than TWO weeks to go until Boycott Your Bed Glasgow! 🌟

Join Paige Turley and many others at Barclays Hampden on Friday 2 October for a truly unforgettable night under the stars, all while helping support vulnerable children and families across Scotland.

Swap your bed for a sleeping bag, meet new people, hear inspiring stories and experience the unique opportunity to sleep pitch-side at Scotland's national stadium. Whether you're signing up with friends, colleagues or taking part solo, it's set to be a fantastic night for an incredible cause.

There's still time to sign up, so don't miss out! 👇

🔗 boycottyourbed.co.uk

Action for Children

We were delighted to celebrate the unveiling of The Garden, a beautiful new community artwork now on permanent display a...
17/09/2026

We were delighted to celebrate the unveiling of The Garden, a beautiful new community artwork now on permanent display at Barshaw Park 🎨🌿

The project, led by Create Paisley and supported by Creative Scotland, brought together more than 50 children, young people and families from across Renfrewshire, including young people from our Routes Renfrewshire service. Over several months, participants explored an important question:

💭 "What do you want to see grow and thrive in your community?"

Their ideas inspired the artwork's colourful designs, featuring messages of friendship, kindness, nature and hope for the future.

It has been fantastic to work alongside Create Paisley and other local partners on a project that has given young people a platform to share their voices, creativity and aspirations. The collaboration has already received positive feedback from those involved and has opened the door to future joint working opportunities.

If you're in Paisley, be sure to stop by Barshaw Park and take a look!

Action for Children

Address

17 Newton Place
Glasgow
G37PY

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