Barclays boost for charity’s support service For victims of trauma and abuse

A BANKING giant has donated thousands to help children and families struggling from the impact of Covid- 19 on support services.

Barclays gifted £ 100,000 to the charity Children 1st as part of the bank’s Covid- 19 community relief fund.

The children’s charity provides practical, financial and emotional support to help families recover from trauma and abuse.

Families who have been affected by abuse and trauma are “exhausted” by living under coronavirus restrictions for so long, said the charity’s boss.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st, said: “Right now, families are telling us that they feel at the end of their tether. After so long living with restrictions, they’re exhausted. Many families are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for support to keep the gas running, put food on the table and to manage the emotional toll that the pandemic has taken.

“Families facing the most desperate circumstances need to know they don’t need to go through this alone – we are here for them.”

With hubs in Glasgow, Paisley and Giffnock, the charity operates in a total of 12 locations throughout

Scotland. Families supported by the organisation get food and care parcels, vouchers and digital devices to combat loneliness and isolation.

They also have a phoneline and online service which parents can access to discuss problems and receive advice.

The cash comes from Barclay’s £ 100 million community aid package.

Scott Stewart, the head of Barclay’s Scotland, said he hoped the money would help “amplify” the work Children 1st does.

He added: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across Scotland and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many families and young people. By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Children 1st, have played a vital role in this crisis.”