- This Challenge Poverty Week, Befriend a Child is warning that financial hardship is costing some local children vital childhood experiences.
- Missing out can affect their friendships, confidence, inclusion and future opportunities.
- The charity provides free activities, trusted relationships and practical support across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Growing demand for family support and an increase in the number of children on the waitlist is giving Befriend a Child a first-hand view of the growing pressures facing families across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. During Challenge Poverty Week, the charity is highlighting the difficult choices families can face between paying for essentials and giving their children opportunities to take part, make friends and enjoy positive childhood experiences.
The charity says poverty is about more than going without essentials. Missing everyday experiences can affect children’s friendships, confidence and sense of belonging, not only in the moment, but as they grow.
Every family’s circumstances are different, and not every child supported by the charity is experiencing financial hardship. However, through its work across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Befriend a Child sees the barriers that financial pressure and social isolation can create.
Sarah Misra, CEO of Befriend a Child, will attend the Challenge Poverty Week Aberdeen event at Cowdray Hall on Monday 5th October, joining third-sector organisations in highlighting the barriers poverty creates for children, young people and families.
She said: “We see every day how difficult circumstances can affect children and families. While we cannot solve poverty, we can help make sure those circumstances do not define a childhood.”
“No child should miss out on the friendships, experiences and opportunities that help them feel valued, included and able to thrive.”
Befriend a Child supports school-aged children and their families through four core services:
- Befriending matches children with a consistent, trusted adult volunteer, giving them opportunities to get out, try new activities and create positive memories.
- Intandem mentoring supports children and young people who are experiencing the care system, or are at risk of entering care, to build confidence, pursue their goals and broaden their horizons.
- Free youth clubs in Northfield, Cummings Park and Kincorth provide safe and accessible places to make friends, learn new skills and enjoy activities, with a healthy snack provided.
- The Family Support Project helps families facing financial pressures and social isolation to access benefits, grants, essential items, back-to-school packages and winter support.
Together, the services help children access positive relationships and experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach, while offering families practical and emotional support.
Sarah Misra added: “The right support can make a real difference to a child, but we cannot provide it without the backing of our community.
“This Challenge Poverty Week, we are asking people and organisations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to support Befriend a Child, so more local children can access the relationships, experiences and opportunities they deserve.”
To support Befriend a Child and help ensure no child misses out, visit: https://www.befriendachild appeals.org.uk/support-us/ /no-child-should-miss-out/