​Aberlour tried to keep vital service going after lottery cash ran out - but couldn't find a funder

A charity service for children affected by drink and drug abuse has been axed after funding ran out.

Aberlour has been forced to close its Bridges Project in Glasgow’s deprived Possilpark after funding from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) came to an end.

It was set up eight years ago to support children whose parents are substance abusers, and offered practical support for parents to make sure the children involved did not miss out on health care and education.

During 2015, the project worked with 30 parents, and 90 children and young people at risk of neglect and abuse.

It’s a difficult time for the third sector, particularly in the wake of increasing public sector cuts

Cash ran out at the end of the last financial year, but Aberlour kept the project going from its own reserves while trying unsuccessfully to secure another funder.

Jim Wallace, Aberlour’s director of children and families, said: “The funding environment for charities is often complex and challenging, and as a result of funding streams coming to an end, the service closed last month.

“It’s a difficult time for the third sector, particularly in the wake of increasing public sector cuts leading to greater competition for non-statutory funding sources, such as grant-giving organisations.

“Naturally we are disappointed that we will no longer be able to offer this service in Glasgow, but we are actively seeking to develop a new service with a similar remit in future and we remain committed to early intervention for families across Scotland.”

The Bridges Project in Dundee, which is separately funded, will continue, while Aberlour’s Bridges Partnership, which works with children affected by domestic violence, is also unaffected.