MP Backs New Project to Help Vulnerable Children

A unique new partnership project has been launched in Fraserburgh to support vulnerable children and families in Aberdeenshire.

(l to r): Fiona Allan, Children 1st; Colin Mackenzie; Eilidh Whiteford MP; David Milliken, Home Start Scotland; Alison Todd, Children 1st; John Tait, deputy area manager, NHS Grampian; Christian Allard MSP; Melanie Fraser, Home Start North East Aberdeenshire.

“Working together to support families in Banff & Buchan” is a Public Social Partnership between leading Scottish children’s charity Children 1st and Home-Start North East Aberdeenshire. The project aims to improve and safeguard the well-being of children up to the age of 5 years. It will provide support to families in Fraserburgh and across Banff & Buchan who are not accessing free universal services such as education and healthcare either due to remote location, language barriers or high deprivation.

The project aims to support families to:

• build stronger relationships in their family
• feel less marginalised and more included
• make better use of local services
• help their children have fun and enjoy the opportunity of new experiences
• have happier, safer homes with happier, safer children.

Parentline Scotland, the helpline and email service for anyone caring for, or concerned about a child which is run by CHILDREN 1ST will provide a contact helpline to ensure families can receive immediate counselling support at times outwith the service.

Alison Todd, Director of Children and Family Services for CHILDREN 1ST said:

“CHILDREN 1ST has a strong history of supporting vulnerable children and families in the Fraserburgh area and we are looking forward to working in partnership with Home-Start NEA to offer a tailored support to parents and children who are currently falling through the gap in community services. As a charity dedicated to helping children, we know that often the best way to do this is by supporting families. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs many of us will ever do, and we want to see more emphasis given to providing help for families at an early stage when they need it, rather than waiting until things have reached crisis point.”

Dr Eilidh Whiteford, MP for Banff & Buchan said:

“I welcome the creation of the Working together to support families in Banff & Buchan project to the area and look forward to hearing about the progress it makes in supporting vulnerable families. Parents in rural locations can often feel isolated and unable to access the supports and services they need, whether that’s because of language difficulties or deprivation. This Public Social Partnership is a great example of community services coming together to answer the needs of local people and I wish it every success.”