Can you help give kids a summer trip?

Quarriers, one of Scotland’s largest social care charities, has launched its 2016 Summer Appeal and is aiming to make it a season to remember for over 800 children.

Following the success of last year’s campaign, the charity is calling on donors to back the 2016 Appeal as it looks to create lasting memories for hundreds of children in North Ayrshire and across the country.

The children at the heart of the Appeal face a range of life difficulties as a result of poverty, domestic abuse, mental health issues or disability.

For many of them, a summer day out seems an impossible dream.

For £ 10, Quarriers can provide a memorable day out for a youngster it supports, offering them a chance to enjoy experiences they may not have had otherwise.

Days out will include trips to the seaside, amusements parks and other attractions, while the children will also enjoy traditional summer treats such as ice cream and picnics.

Hundreds of children have benefitted from Quarriers’ previous Summer Appeals, with children like Stacy enjoying their first ever trip to the seaside at Prestwick beach last year.

Stacy, aged six, was diagnosed with autism 18 months prior to her day out with Quarriers and life was proving very stressful for the whole family.

The positive effect of the trip to Prestwick was obvious and Stacy, and her mum Emma, have been involved with Quarriers ever since and her confidence and communication with others improves every day.

The Quarriers Summer Appeal aims to have a similar influence on hundreds more children, like Stacy, in 2016 and the team are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s campaign a success.

Alice Drife, Chief Executive Officer of Quarriers said: “There was an overwhelming response to last year’s appeal and the impact on the hundreds of children we support highlighted why we put so much into our summer campaigns.

“Many of us are lucky enough to have grown up thinking summer holidays and trips are the norm and that everyone has the same experience as a child. Through our services we know this is absolutely not the case and that is why we want to make these days out as special as we can.

“As a charity, we aim to help young people reach their potential and recreational outings like these are essential in shaping happy individuals who are confident in themselves and who experience and enjoy the same things as everyone else.

“As well as days out, and with the help of our supporters’ generous contributions to the Appeal, Quarriers offers young people long- term guidance and support.”