BBC Children in Need has announced the first of seven funding awards to be made this year
Twenty Scottish charities have been awarded a share of almost £2 million from BBC Children in Need.
The charities all run projects working with disadvantaged children and young people and are the first to benefit from the grant provider in 2017. They have been awarded £1,917,614 between them.
In Edinburgh the Craigmillar Literacy Trust was awarded £99,700 for its books for babies literacy project.
The charity works with children facing significant communication, speech and language problems and encourages parents to use reading, books and songs, to help improve their child’s listening and vocabulary skills, making them feel confident and ready for nursery.
Kara Whelan, project manager at the charity says it will use its award to fund a development officer to facilitate group activities and home visits for families who have children with additional needs.
“This funding from BBC Children in Need means so much,” Whelan added.
“In our work, we have found that children with additional support needs greatly benefit from a more tailored approach to learning, and this funding will enable us to dedicate the time and resources to respond to specific needs.”
Elsewhere, in the Highlands, Skye & Lochalsh Community Care Forum has secured £82,672 for a project which sees young carers taught skills about home safety, managing emotions and relationships, healthy living, first aid and budgeting.
Another beneficiary is The Haven in South Lanarkshire, which secured £58,508 in funding to continue supporting children and young people aged between five and 16 years old who are emotionally distressed due to bereavement or life limiting illness within their family.
Mary Duffy, national head of Scotland for BBC Children in Need said: “We want children and young people across Scotland to get off to a strong start this year, which is why we are so pleased to provide a boost to our latest grantees.
“As ever, competition for funds is high, but through their application, these organisations demonstrated the tangible impact that their activities can have on those that need it most.
“We are so grateful to all of our fundraisers and supporters; you make these grants possible!”
BBC Children in Need's chief executive Simon Antrobus added: “These grants ensure children and young people from all across the UK that are facing a range of disadvantages including abuse, isolation, bereavement and homelessness are safe, happy and secure and able to reach their potential.”
BBC Children in Need awards grants at seven points during the year. Charities working with children and young people facing any kind of disadvantage can find out more on how to apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants.
