A CHARITY has warned they have seen increasing numbers of families in Glasgow struggling financially as they launch their winter fundraising campaign.

Scottish children’s charity Aberlour say it has seen more families “tipped into poverty” accessing their service.

Clare Young, Aberlour Service Manager, Glasgow Family Support Service says: “Life isn’t easy right now and families are finding it hard to provide even the basic essentials for their children. It’s just not right that families will be facing the second hard, dark winter in a row.

“Aberlour provides urgent assistance for families who need help right now, but we are also very aware of the long-term impact poverty will have on children’s education, mental health and future prospects.”

The charity will today launch their winter campaign called “Poverty to Hope” which will raise vital funds for children and families in need for what they warn will be a “bleak winter.”

A survey undertaken by the organisation found that seven in ten parents are concerned about their children’s future chances, with more than half (55%) anxious about their children staying up to date at school. Meanwhile 60% of parents are worried about their children’s mental health.

Family support workers who work for Aberlour reported a rising number of children children missing out on life experiences, wearing inadequate clothing, not sure where the next meal is coming from, afraid to put the heating on and fears around the long-term effects on children’s mental health and education.

SallyAnn Kelly, Aberlour Chief Executive says: “Over the past decade the number of children living in poverty has continued to rise and we have seen a corresponding rise in stress amongst struggling families. Then the pandemic hit and brought health, social and economic challenges - it’s been a perfect storm. Families, who were already struggling, are at breaking point, and as we’ve seen from the research parents are most concerned about their family finances and the mental health and future chances of their children. “Aberlour is committed to supporting families in the long term. We stand by children and families for as long as they need us and that can often be for many years. We strive to provide a beacon of hope for their future. “We’ve launched our Poverty to Hope Appeal, to raise awareness of the desperate situation thousands of children and families are facing right now. We are asking the public to donate what they can this Christmas so that we can continue to offer long term support and hope to more children and their families.”