Quarriers have said thank you to supporters who helped more than 1,000 disadvantaged children across Scotland enjoy some much-needed summer fun over the holidays, including youngsters from Renfrewshire.
The leading social care charity asked people to donate £15 to give a child a day to remember and over the summer months children and young people from Moray to Stranraer have been camping, building dens, visiting the seaside and participating in arts and crafts.
Seven Renfrewshire families received funding from Quarriers Summer Appeal to help them cope with the impact a head injury can have on the family. Children were able to have a day out of their choice, with activities including a trip to Edinburgh Zoo and a mother-daughter pamper session thoroughly enjoyed.
Additionally, one of the Quarriers Village Rivendell residents was able to attend a summer camp at ON-X Linwood thanks to the funding. Their attendance at camp provided structure to their routine and a vital opportunity to feel included in a group setting, interacting with other children.
The annual ‘Summer Appeal’ is designed to give children facing difficult circumstances a welcome break from the challenges of their everyday lives and amongst those benefitting were children in care, teenage parents and other vulnerable youngsters supported by services provided by Quarriers.
Alice Harper, Chief Executive of Quarriers said: “For some of the children who benefited from this year’s appeal it was the first time they’d had a proper day out and it was a chance for them to forget the pressures on their young shoulders and to make some lasting memories.
“Every year the number of children that we can help in this way has grown and we’d like to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to every one of our supporters.
“We work hard to ensure the people we support reach their full potential and days out provide the opportunity to build on vital skills such as communication and team-work as well as playing, exploring and having fun. The lasting effect these outings have on youngsters should not be underestimated.”
In addition to days out, Quarriers provides support groups, befriending services, mentoring and life coaching to help children with a difficult start in life gain confidence, build resilience, stay in school and connect with individuals going through similar experiences. The charity aims to instil a forward-looking and positive view of what’s to come for those who may have had a difficult start in life, helping to transform futures.
Photo: Quarriers Summer Days Appeal 2019