STV appeal aids Bute families

Local community project Home-Start MAJIK has received £2,000 from the STV Children’s Appeal to support its work with children and young people in the local area.

HomeStart Majik supports local families in our community.

Home-Start MAJIK, which covers Mid-Argyll, Jura, Islay, Kintyre, Cowal and Bute, provides support and guidance to families with children under the age of five, helping them navigate any challenges in life and maintain well-being.

Sharon Erskine, manager and co-ordinator of Homestart MAJIK, said: “Without the continued support from STV Children’s Appeal we wouldn’t be able to provide these services to our communities. This award has allowed us to look at innovative ways in which we can meet the needs of our families and provide the best support at the right time for each of them.”

In eight years the STV Children’s Appeal has raised over £19 million, with 1102 grants awarded to projects across all of Scotland – providing support to more than 79,000 children and young people.

The money raised is distributed to provide practical help like food and warm clothes, create opportunities for training and employability, and enable support for those who need it most.

Baroness Margaret Ford, chairwoman of the board of trustees for the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts taking place across the country in 2018, the STV Children’s Appeal is once again able to support projects that do hugely important work to help vulnerable children and young people across Scotland.

“A special thanks to everyone who has generously given their time and effort to raise funds over the past year – you are helping to make a real difference to the lives of Scotland’s children.”

Sir Tom Hunter, trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: ““Change comes from individuals, communities and charities with the commitment and drive to make a difference to those most in need. We at the STV Children’s Appeal are delighted to support Home-Start MAJIK, and want to reiterate our thanks to those who raised funds – every penny you raise goes straight to charities like Home-Start MAJIK to make a real difference.”

Sir Ian Wood is a trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal. The Wood Foundation has supported the Appeal for six years, providing £900,000 to support projects and initiatives, which include a number across the North-east, addressing the causes and consequences of childhood poverty. He said: “Childhood poverty is a deeply troubling reality impacting negatively upon the lives of tens of thousands of families across Scotland. Projects supported by the STV Children’s Appeal are making an incredible difference in tackling the root causes and alleviating the impact of childhood poverty while improving the life chances and experiences of young people who need support the most. The Appeal, which is generously supported by the public year after year, is one The Wood Foundation is proud to partner in delivering vital work for our young people.”