Chance to make a difference

Sir, – I was not surprised by the findings of Citizens Advice Scotland’s “Bringing Food to the Table” report (“Lack of money means one in five people in Scotland going hungry, says survey”, Courier, December 7).

It revealed more than a fifth of people in Scotland, including many in employment, have gone a day without eating because they cannot afford food.

It is appalling that in 21st century Scotland, some 35% of working respondents said they were struggling to afford balanced meals.

Sadly, these are the stories I hear from individuals and families that we work with every day.

In the last 12 months, applications to Aberlour Children’s Charity’s Urgent Assistance Fund, which provides cash grants for people in urgent need of financial assistance across the country, have risen by more than 80%.

As a result, we have given out double the amount of money to people in crisis.

That is why, ahead of the Scottish budget on Wednesday, I have urged the cabinet secretary to consider introducing the new Family Income Supplement now as committed to by the Scottish Government in Every Child Every Chance, as opposed to in three or four years’ time.

I firmly believe this would alleviate the worst effects of financial hardship for many struggling families across Scotland. SallyAnn Kelly. Chief Executive, Aberlour Children’s Charity, 36 Park Terrace, Stirling.

It is wrong to assume that offensive behaviour is always a one way street with predatory males making women’s lives difficult