Heng by Sonia Dalga

Who are we?

• We are a committee of volunteers
• We have been helping children in the Borders for over 50 years
• We provide financial assistance for children in desperate situations
• We have virtually NO OVERHEADS – 99% of every penny raised goes direct to children in the Scottish Borders
• We supported 215 applications in 2016/17, spending £48,723*
• In 2017 we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the MBE for voluntary groups
• Read our 2019 Chair’s Annual Report

*Figures based on 2016/17 accounts

How do we help?

• We provide beds, bedding, bedroom furniture and floor rugs – often children are either sharing beds, have no bed, or what they do have is in an appalling condition
• We assist with special equipment and funding for various disability needs – physical and mental
• We give clothing and footwear – a basic need that too many Borders families struggle to meet
• We finance requests for treats or holidays for young carers who are often not only looking after a parent, but siblings as well
• We enable children in chaotic, stressful and abusive circumstances to enjoy activities – such as hobbies, sporting activities or school trips

How do we operate?

• We receive applications from professionals working with Borders children – social workers, head teachers, community nurses, health visitors, etc
• We meet monthly to discuss requests and allocate funds
• Urgent requests are fast tracked to ensure children receive the funding immediately