THE plight of thousands of children across Scotland currently trapped in temporary accommodation is the focus of a new fundraising campaign launched today by Shelter and Shelter Scotland, which aims to raise £135,000.
Says a Shelter Scotland spokesperson: “‘Sheltering Hands’ tells the stories of families who have lost their home and the devastating impact it’s had on their children’s lives. Funds raised will support the housing and homelessness charity’s vital advice and support work.
“The campaign follows recently-released Scottish Government figures showing that last year [2010] there were more than 4,000 households in Scotland with children in temporary accommodation – a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said:
“It’s a tragedy that, in our affluent nation, tens of thousands of children wake up every day without the safety and security of a place to call home. Our experience shows this can have a devastating impact on their health, education and social wellbeing, robbing them of a fair chance in life.
“Every two minutes someone faces the nightmare of losing their home in the UK and millions face a daily struggle to meet their housing costs.
“With tough times ahead we are facing more people in need of help with less money to support them. Now more than ever we need people to support our work and help protect the housing safety net that lets people keep a roof over their heads.”
For more information or to donate visit www.shelter.org.uk
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Notes to Editors:
1. Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity. Shelter Scotland believes that everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
2. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
3. For more information about Shelter Scotland visit www.shelter.org.uk
4. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Neil Baldwin or Sarah Webster
Phone: 0844 515 2442 (connects to out of hours)
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
