Action for Children services across Aberdeen and Elgin joined celebrations last week (w/c 1 September) to mark 70 years of the charity in Scotland. The events were part of week-long anniversary celebrations across the country marking the charity’s impact particularly throughout Aberdeen and Moray over many years.
Throughout its seven-decades of supporting children, young people and families in Scotland, Action for Children has expanded hugely. Driven by love, the charity now works across 30 local authorities, with deep community links and a wide range of life changing support.
Children, young people, parents and supporters were invited to join a celebration at the charity’s Moray hub, Winchester House (Elgin). Itstarted with a tea morning with supporters, other charity partners and local authority officials to mark the milestone. In the afternoon, celebrations got into full swing with a birthday party for the children and young people featuring exotic animals, magic tricks and crafts.
Services across the region took part in festivities including several residential homes; the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) team, family support services, group activity clubs and Action for Children’s brand-new youth bus.
Another event in the region was a family fun day at Aberdeen’s Beacon Sports Centre (Bucksburn), with services across the city such as family support service, Priority Families; residential home and supported accommodation, Clifton Road; and the charity’s outreach team working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.
The events featured activities for children and young people of all ages with face painting, wrestlers, games and birthday cake making it a special afternoon.
Other celebration locations across Scotland included Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness, Stornoway, and Dumfries and Galloway.
Action for Children, the UK-wide charity formerly known as National Children’s Homes (NCH), opened its first Scottish service in 1955 in Rutherglen. Since then, it has expanded to offer residential homes, disability support, youth justice and family support services across the country.
Commenting on the milestone, Fiona Steel, national director for Scotland at Action for Children, said: “Scotland has changed in many ways over the past 70 years, but one thing remains the same; a safe and loving childhood offers the best start in life. This milestone is a powerful reminder about the importance of the support and care we offer.
“As we look ahead, Action for Children will maintain its commitment to helping the next generation build the foundations they need to thrive – now and in another 70 years.”
As one of Scotland’s largest children’s charities, another key focus during this year has been campaigning for the Scottish Government to take urgent action on child poverty and deliver on Scotland’s Promise to children and young people.
Later this year, the charity will mark the milestone with a high-profile parliamentary reception, where it will also recognise and celebrate some of the most exceptional stories of achievement from the young people it has supported over the decades.
