Every penny raised for Kilts for Kids will support the work of CHILDREN 1ST to build a brighter future for Scotland’s vulnerable children and young people.

By working together with, and listening to children, young people, their families and communities, we help to change their lives for the better. We offer support by delivering services in homes and communities across Scotland, safeguarding children, keeping families together and helping young people to recover from abuse, neglect and violence. We speak out for children’s rights, influencing legislation and campaigning to change attitudes.

£25 can pay for time to recover

Our support workers are trained to speak to traumatised children in a way that is non-threatening and easy to understand. They may use a doll’s house to prompt a child to talk about what happens at home. When children play with dolls they usually adopt the roles of family members and re-enact scenes from family life. £25 can pay for a child who has experienced violence in their own home to talk to one of our support workers.

£120 can pay for a sympathetic ear

ParentLine Scotland is a free, confidential helpline staffed by fully trained volunteers. It is for anyone with a concern about a child and people call the helpline with any problem, big or small. We listen and offer support and information. £120 can pay for a day of call-taking and advice through ParentLine Scotland.

£275 can pay for some valuable lessons

When children display challenging behaviour parents can feel frustrated, angry and powerless. For children, their behaviour can affect the rest of their lives. The 17-week Dinosaur School course helps children with behavioural problems to make friends, progress at school and thrive in their family. £275 can buy a 17-week course at Dinosaur School.

£550 can pay for the bigger picture

Play and art therapy are important techniques that we use to help children to communicate their abusive experiences. Many of the children we work with can't always tell us what is wrong. But through a variety of play, drama and art work, we can do our best to let them express their fears and their anger. £550 can pay for six months of play and art materials for one of our abuse recovery centres.

£1000 can pay for a life-changing friendship

Many of the young people who come to our befriending services struggle to make and keep friends. As a result, they often end up isolated within the community, affecting their self-confidence, social skills and opportunities in life. Our befriending services match up children and young people living in difficult circumstances with trained and supportive adult volunteers who will be positive role models in the children’s lives. £1000 can pay for a year of one-to-one befriending support for an isolated and vulnerable child.