Wayne decided to become a volunteer as he wants to be a positive male role model for young people and support them to enjoy their childhood. He joined Aberlour in March 2023 supporting our service team in Dundee. “I was interested in volunteering as I had a rough childhood myself and decided that I wanted … Continued
Parent carer advisor, Elaine, has worked in the sector for more than 22 years and is a sponsor. She applies to the Urgent Assistance Fund on behalf of families in desperate need. Elaine talks about what families are facing. “I’ve been a parent carer for over two decades and I am seeing a massive difference … Continued
Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund has made a real impact on Maggie* from Dundee. She lives with her 8-year-old twins Abbie* and Maya*. Maggie has health issues and is struggling with her finances, mental health and relationships although she has recently trained as a paramedic. The family has been affected hugely by the catastrophic rise in … Continued
Aberlour’s support and Urgent Assistance Fund has had a lasting impact on one mother from Glasgow, who has been working with the charity since she was a teenager. The 28-year-old single mum, who has three kids under eight, said: “I’ve been in touch with Aberlour for more than 10 years, from when I was a … Continued
Last year my dad had a heart attack and my world just stopped. Thankfully, he survived and recovered, but one of the first things he did when he got home from the hospital was to begin making sure his affairs were in order. He knew that sort of admin was the last thing we’d have … Continued
“My biggest fear was having my baby taken away.” Thanks to support from Aberlour and South Ayrshire Council my baby, Marcus, wasn’t taken into care. He is thriving and I am so proud of him. At 18 years old and 30 weeks pregnant I was first introduced to Lidia. Lidia was my social worker from … Continued
Volunteering not only makes a meaningful difference to individuals and communities, but can also enrich your own life, boost your self-esteem and improve mental wellbeing. Alexandra (name changed) shared with us the transformative experience volunteering has brought to her life. With a desire to give back and make positive impact in her community, Alexandra became … Continued
At Aberlour Children’s Charity, our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and enriching the lives of the children, young people and families who need our help. In Falkirk, our Primary Years Outreach Service have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact volunteers have on the children they work with. One of these remarkable Falkirk volunteers … Continued
Originally recorded Q1: 2023 with Central FM – The Forth Valley’s Local Radio Station. Introducing Kerryanne and Grace Aberlour’s pride in their matching process The type of support Aberlour provides to foster families What Aberlour looks for in potential foster carers Supporting families, birth children and fostering togetherness More ways Aberlour support foster families financially and … Continued
Originally recorded Q1: 2023 with Central FM – The Forth Valley’s Local Radio Station. Introduction to Rhonda & Gordon and choosing Aberlour for fostering Foster caring for children with additional needs How Rhonda & Gordon’s foster son came to live with them Foster caring and finances Rhonda & Gordon: Award-winning foster carers High-quality, specialised respite care … Continued
Originally recorded Q1: 2023 with Central FM – The Forth Valley’s Local Radio Station. Introduction to Sarah Sarah’s journey to becoming a foster carer Preparing to welcome a child into your home The importance of making good memories Future plans as a foster carer How does Aberlour support foster carers financially? Introduction to Sarah Liam Hi, … Continued
Originally recorded Q1: 2023 with Central FM – The Forth Valley’s Local Radio Station. Introduction to David & Jacqui The F form experience The matching process The big reasons for fostering with Aberlour Work-life balance and being a male foster carer The finances in foster caring Other ways Aberlour supports their foster carers A message to … Continued
In the summer of 2021, Jo was matched as a Volunteer Befriender with Aberlour’s Sustain service. Having had previous experience of befriending, Jo was looking for another Scottish children’s charity to support. “I really enjoyed my previous experiences of befriending. I’ve always felt it’s important to give your time when you can, and I had … Continued
Aberlour has changed our lives. Without Aberlour’s support our children might have gone into care. Sam and I first met Wendy from Aberlour as we were struggling with family life and maintaining our house. We were nervous about Wendy coming into our home. But after she reassured us, we knew Aberlour was different, we knew … Continued
In 2021, Laurie applied to volunteer with Aberlour while completing her degree in Psychology. “I wanted to sign up for volunteering because I felt it was really important to give back some of my time to those who need it most. I wanted to help those who are less fortunate than I am. The … Continued
Four years’ ago Brandon and Scott were taken into care. The boys always said they wanted to live with their mum again if they could. With the support of Aberlour Brandon and Scott were finally able to come back home. Tracey shares her story. “I was first introduced to Ally and Chris from Aberlour … Continued
In August 2021, seven-year-old Marcus* joined Jack, Milly, Esme and Ivo’s family. This is the first Christmas they are spending together as a family of five which they are all very excited about. Last Christmas was very different for Marcus. Marcus’ dad died from a drug overdose. His mother struggled to cope with her … Continued
Kelly has been a Volunteer Befriender with the Sycamore Residential Services in Fife for almost 5 years. “I decided to become a Volunteer Befriender after attending a local volunteers networking event. I heard first-hand from Befrienders on their experiences of being a Befriender and I got to meet a few young people who explained to … Continued
