Charity in £100m call for aid to newborns

A CHILDREN’S charity is campaigning for a £100 million fund to support the health of babies and their carers.

NSPCC Scotland said the money is “vital” to ensure newborns have the best start in life.

It wants the Scottish Government elected in May to commit to providing the £100m Fair Start Fund to be invested in public services, to ensure all young children receive nurturing care and thrive rather than just survive.

Joanna Barrett, policy and public affairs manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “A baby’s experiences can have a profound impact on the rest of their life. Yet, this is a stage of life that is too often overlooked and under-supported.

“With plans to incorporate the United Nations Convention On The Rights Of The Child into Scots law, which places the rights of all children, including babies, on a statutory footing, it is vital we radically transform early childhood in Scotland – a challenge we urge the new government to fully embrace.

“Huge investment is needed to ensure that all children are offered the best start in life.”