Scotland’s national charity for children, young people and families is delighted to announce the receipt of £100,000 in funding from Barclays Bank after a rigorous selection process.
In April, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19. £10m of this funding has been donated through their 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme, with includem being one of 100 UK charities each receiving a donation of £100k, allowing their important work to continue.
Includem was chosen by a selection committee for the meaningful work they are doing with children, young people and families. Includem will use the funding to provide over 275 children, young people and families across Scotland with food, clothing, utilities, digital access, basic white goods and furniture. They will also provide support for both physical and mental health – key areas identified in the charity’s recent Poverty research.
Commenting on the news, Martin Dorchester, Chief Executive of includem said:
“We are delighted to have our work recognised by Barclays and thank them for this generous donation.
“This money comes at a time when the majority of those we support are struggling with the impact of COVID-19 and we’ve already began to use it to help the children, young people and families we work with to build back better.”
Scott Stewart, Head of Barclays Scotland, said:
“This crisis has had a significant impact across Scotland, and we know how challenging it has been for the most vulnerable in society. Through this funding, Includem has been able to amplify its vital support for families across Scotland and provide much needed help to those most in need.”
The funding to includem has also been welcomed by Anas Sarwar MSP for Glasgow:
“This is a very welcome funding boost that will make a real difference to people’s lives in Glasgow.
“This money means includem can do more to mitigate poverty in the city, but in the Scottish Parliament we need to all work together to focus on tackling this growing crisis.”
Patrick Harvie MSP for Glasgow added:
“The Scottish Government’s child poverty targets were already unlikely to be met, but this pandemic has made the situation even more desperate. Glasgow has seen more families struggle because of holes in the social security safety net, insecure jobs and housing.
“We need to see a recovery from this crisis that ensures everyone has access to a warm home and a secure income.”
Lewis Macdonald MSP for North East Region said:
“The poorest young people and their families have been hardest hit by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with financial problems only increasing the difficulties they face in these unprecedented times.
“The £100,000 award from the Barclays 100×100 COVID-19 Community Relief fund will be a huge boost for includem and the families they support, and will allow the charity to help and support the most vulnerable households across Aberdeen and Dundee.”
