Because every day, thousands of children across are abused, neglected and traumatised. We need your help to give them the happy, healthy, safe and secure childhood they deserve.

“Before working with CHILDREN 1ST, I felt like nothing, I felt as if I had nobody. I just kept distancing myself, I felt really low. I didn’t really feel myself, I hid away from life. I felt I had no confidence.”

“But now I am working with CHILDREN 1ST, I know I have someone to talk to, to trust.” - Child, age 13.

“CHILDREN 1ST made life for me and my sister much better. They are awesome. Thank you for your support. We are happy now. You have the power to change the life of a “ child for the better by helping us to listen, support and take action for the children in Scotland that need our help the most.

Images posed by models We rely on public support to keep our vital services going. There are 63 local and five national CHILDREN 1ST services across Scotland, and the money you raise ensures that we can continue to be there for the thousands of children that need our help. 87p in every £1 directly supports vulnerable children, young people and families, and every WE penny raised stays in Scotland to help children in our communities. LISTEN WE Chelsea’s story is just one example of how your money can help to change the life of a child. SUPPORT

We Listen to Scotland’s unheard WE about this the following day, and then voices. We make sure that we take TAKE about everything that had been going on. time to hear what vulnerable children ACTION Chelsea’s Story They contacted the police, which led to and their families have to say, and that Chelsea was sexually abused by her uncle her uncle’s conviction and her mum losing influences every aspect of our work. for five years from the age of three. Her custody. Chelsea moved to live with her dad mum’s refusal to believe her, and violent who, separated from her mum and working threats from her uncle, condemned her overseas, had been unaware of the abuse. ST began to support We Support children, young people We Take Action to help children in Scotland to silence. She, her older sister, and two At this time CHILDREN 1 and families to get through the tough to have a better chance in life. Whether it younger brothers, lived in a dirty home the family. “I was able to tell my worker what times. With the help of our highly is helping a child to overcome the effects where they were uncared for and had to had happened and how I felt,” said Chelsea. fend for themselves. They didn’t go to “There were fun activities which made trained staff, we give children the of abuse or petitioning the government ST chance to look towards a brighter for national change to help all children in school and were told by their mum to hide talking easier.” Working with CHILDREN 1 future even when it may feel like there Scotland, we are at the forefront of creating when the authorities came to check. over many years enabled Chelsea to gain is no hope. positive change for children and their families. new confidence. “I am now 17 and in full When Chelsea was eight the children time education,” said Chelsea. “I am so were left alone in the house by their uncle, much happier now I’m away from the abuseST who was supposed to be babysitting but and neglect I used to face. CHILDREN 1 instead went out with his friends. “We helped me to get over the trauma of what were terrified, sitting there in the dark,” happened and move on from it.” said Chelsea. She told her friend’s parents

You can learn more about our services on our website: www.children1st.org.uk/what-we-do “I would like to thank you with all my heart for giving me the opportunity to run the Marathon in order to raise some money for your charity. It was, possibly, the best experience of my life, and I still struggle to think about it without tears coming into my eyes. I don’t think that words can describe how proud I You won’t go it alone! was of wearing your t-shirt representing CHILDREN 1ST in Fundraising for CHILDREN 1ST means joining our team of inspiring front of 700,000 people!!!” and amazing people just like you! London Marathon Participant “This year, I decided to take on a personal challenge of running 14 events. As I had already booked the Marathon, I decided running at least one event a month can’t be that difficult… I’m almost through the year and I’ve loved the experience. The encouragement and support from CHILDREN 1ST has been amazing, I especially like getting a thank you letter posted through the door. It certainly does make me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile. If you are thinking about taking on a challenge event, I say do it! But training is definitely a must, as well as a “Helping raise money for positive mental attitude, even when you’re CHILDREN 1 at your lowest – mile twenty of Edinburgh ST has helped boost my confidence, it Marathon springs to mind! made me feel good about I couldn’t have done half of this year myself because I was helping without support from family and friends. others. It made me realise In amongst all the ups and downs I that I take a lot for granted.” reminded myself of why I was running, “Watching my students work as a group and Kimberley Ross to raise money for CHILDREN 1ST!” build on their confidence gave me a sense of Social Care Student Dee Brogan achievement. I was extremely proud of them all and the amount we raised was phenomenal.” Lynn Mcleod Lecturer, Clyde College Run for the right start Bake for brighter futures Lacing up for a sponsored run could help us to Your cupcakes could help a young person to get the guidance give a vulnerable child a safe and stable home and help they need to get through the tough times and have a to grow up in and a better start in life. bright future.

ST so I see the good “I am a befriender for CHILDREN 1 Dance for a work they do first hand.” Difference Whether you are a master of the “Challenges like the Night Ride Cycle are fantastic - ceilidh moves or prefer a good ol’ you do something you would never normally do, meet fashioned barn dance, holding people you wouldn’t normally meet and the sense of a fundraising dance means your achievement for yourself is something you can’t help toe tapping could help us make a but be proud of.” positive difference in the life of a Jane Jarosz - Edinburgh Night Ride Participant vulnerable child.

“Over time I was able to see that things would get better. Having that support makes a huge difference...Eventually you see there is a chance for life and to be Jump for hope more than just a statistic - the abuse isn’t at the forefront of your mind anymore” Find your inner thrill seeker through one of our Jess Ryan, child abuse survivor abseils, skydives or bungee jumps and you could help bring hope to a child who has faced abuse or trauma. Tea parties How do you take your tea? Is it with milk, sugar, or a splash of charitable giving on the side? Throw your own tea party and enjoy a cuppa and some treats while supporting Scotland’s children. There are literally hundreds of great fundraising ideas out there. To get you started, here are a few of our favourites….

Challenge yourself Have you ever wanted to run a marathon or swim a loch? Take on one of our many challenge events and get support and motivation from our fundraising team. Kilts for Kids Celebrate all things Scottish with your own tartan-tastic fundraiser! Don yer kilt any time of year, or come and join in on the fun on St Andrews Day, Burns Night, or Tartan Day. Loads of ideas are available on our website.

Ladies’ Lunches Quizzes Have a lunch date that can make a Did you know the flushing loo was invented lasting difference in the life of a child. by a Scot? Put your general knowledge skills Ladies’ Lunches are a fun day out to the test and host a charity quiz night at with nibbles and laughs, all for a your favourite spot. great cause. Gentlemen – no need to let the ladies have all the fun, a Lads’ Lunch is a great afternoon out too! Wedding Favours Add a special touch to your special day by giving your guests one of our personalised wedding Inviting CHILDREN 1ST to your celebrations means favours and help to make a getting a gift that’s always a perfect fit. difference to vulnerable children and young people in Scotland.

Party donations Ask your guests to donate instead of bringing a gift for the host, or put on a dinner Hamper Raffle spread and charge attendees to come. Pamper a lucky friend or colleague with a hamper of donated goodies to raffle off in the office or at a party to raise funds for CHILDREN 1ST!

Christmas Cards Spread some joy in the post and brighten up someone’s day with our festive designs. Proceeds all go to CHILDREN 1ST and help a child have a brighter future this Christmas. Holly Monteith had a great 6th birthday when she decided to say ‘no thank you’ to presents and instead asked friendsST. andShe family to donate to CHILDREN 1 raised vital funds for our services and had a great birthday party! Payroll Giving Businesses of all sizes can support CHILDREN 1ST. Payroll giving is the easiest, most tax efficient Whether your company is interested in a bespoke way to donate to charity. All you have to do is partnership, one-off fundraising activities or volunteer opportunities, please get in touch. let your employer know the amount you want to give and the frequency of the gift. Each gift will be transferred to CHILDREN 1 pre-tax wage, tax free, without youST havingfrom your to do Dragons’ Glen anything else. Can you survive the Dragons’ Glen? This is an exciting challenge in which teams of up to 10 compete against each other to transform £500 into £5000 within five months. The challenge enables teams of colleagues to pitch to and be mentored by some of Scotland’s leading WORK for Scotland’s entrepreneurs and business leaders. vulnerable children Want to win support for CHILDREN 1ST? Nominate us for your company’s Charity of the Year programme. Office has a few Mary Berrys? Hold staff bake- offs or cake sales. Restaurants are your business? Suggest a “£1 on the bill” fundraiser benefitting CHILDREN ST1 . Know of another way to fundraise? Companies can also enter teams in challenge events, donate a percentage of professional fees or host a fundraising event – just to name a few! Long term support of CHILDREN 1ST means we can create strong and sustainable services to help children and young people across Scotland.

Image posed by model

Play Give People’s Postcode Lottery People’s Postcode Lottery is a charity lottery Volunteer raising funds for, and increasing awareness of, charities and good causes. Play For every £2 you spend with People’s Postcode Lottery, 50p goes directly to good causes like us. If you would like to play People’s Postcode Give Lottery, have the chance of winning big, and Set up a direct debit help support CHILDREN 1ST, visit Steady support of our regular donors ensures that we www.postcodelottery.co.uk or call can be there for Scotland’s vulnerable children. These Freephone 0808 1098765. regular donations allow us to plan sustainable services that will continue to support vulnerable children, young people and families well into the future. Volunteer Join an action group Action groups are groups of committed volunteers who raise vital funds for us every year to help achieve our vision of every child and young person in Scotland growing up happy, healthy, safe and secure. We have fantastic action groups from all over Scotland. If you would like to join one, or start your own group, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact your local fundraising office to find out more.

“I decided to join a CHILDREN 1ST Action Group because I care very much about Remember children and I cannot bear the thought of the Leave a legacy terrible abuse that some children have to go Our services rely on people who wish to see the work of through. I wanted to help raise money to CHILDREN 1ST continue for future generations by leaving help them recover from their trauma. a legacy. Remembering CHILDREN 1ST in your will is an I enjoy the fundraising and we have a easy and personal way to help vulnerable children across terrific group. I would say to people that Scotland achieve their hopes and dreams. it is an extremely worthwhile cause to fundraise for and we do have a lot of fun with the events we hold.” Veronica Maclean, Elgin and Moray Action Group Member Wherever you are, we have a local fundraiser who will work with you to realise your fundraising goals!

Inverness, Highlands and Islands Aberdeen and the Northeast T: 01463 794 477 T: 01224 251 151 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Glasgow and the West Edinburgh, Dundee, Fife, and Borders T: 0141 418 5682 T: 0131 319 8076 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Once you have chosen your fundraising idea, you can download a free fundraising toolkit which contains everything you need to get started.

A little bit about us At CHILDREN 1ST, our vision is a happy, healthy, safe and secure childhood for every child and WE young person in Scotland. By taking part in WE SUPPORT SUPPORT fundraising you can help build a brighter future WE SUPPORT for Scotland’s vulnerable children and families. t: 0131 446 2300 LISTENWE e: [email protected] WE www.children1st.org.uk WE SUPPORT SUPPORT WE WE SUPPORT LISTEN LISTENWE

WE WE WE LISTEN SUPPORT SUPPORT WE WE LISTEN SUPPORT WE WE Follow us @children1st TAKE TAKE ACTION ACTION Like us at facebook.com/children1st WE TAKE ACTION WE LISTEN WE WE LISTENWE SUPPORT SUPPORT WE CHILDREN 1ST Registered Office: 83 Whitehouse Loan Edinburgh EH9 1AT SUPPORT WE WE Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016092 TAKE TAKE WE ACTION ACTION WE TAKE LISTEN ACTION LISTENWE WE WE SUPPORT SUPPORT WE WE SUPPORTWE TAKE WE TAKE LISTEN ACTION ACTION WE TAKE ACTION

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