Families in Renfrewshire who are struggling with rising bills and keeping warm during the current cold spell are being urged to seek support from children’s charity Children First.
The charity says it is hearing daily from parents and carers across Scotland who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet and provide basic essentials for their children during winter.
Children First runs a free support line offering practical, emotional and financial help to families all year round. The service has seen demand increase sharply, with call volumes rising by almost 50 per cent towards the end of 2025.
Support available includes benefit checks, budgeting advice and help accessing emergency financial support to ensure families can stay warm and well.
In 2024, the charity helped families secure close to £2.5 million in financial gains and manage around £500,000 in debt.
One kinship carer, who is raising his young granddaughter, said getting in touch with the support line helped ease the financial pressure he was facing and made a significant difference to his family’s situation.
Parents and carers can contact the Children First support line via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline
or by calling free on 08000 28 22 33.
The service is available seven days a week:
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm
- Weekends, 9am to 12 noon
More information is available at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.