A CHARITY has launched a new campaign – The Clock Is Ticking – to raise awareness of the need to support vulnerable children across Glasgow as soon as problems arise, before the crisis point is reached.

Results of a survey commissioned by children’s charity Aberlour revealed that 93 per cent of Scots support the view that there should be more emphasis placed on helping vulnerable children as soon as problems emerge, rather than waiting until families are at crisis point. Furthermore 86 per cent agree that the issue of vulnerable children is one that affects families from all types of backgrounds and in all parts of Scotland.

Aberlour currently helps over 7,500 children and families across Scotland, however there are many more that are in need. When participants were asked if they knew of households in their local community which include vulnerable children, 60 per cent said yes, suggesting that there are many more hidden children across Scotland that urgently need support.

Launching the campaign at Pirie Park Primary in Glasgow, SallyAnn Kelly, CEO of Aberlour, said: “We know that we need to get in there early. The clock is ticking, and we need to act fast to prevent children across Scotland from suffering, before families reach crisis point, before it’s too late.

"That’s why we’ve launched our new campaign, because we know that taking action quickly significantly improves long-term outcomes for children and young people, and there are still so many out there whom we are yet to reach.

“Although 93 per cent support our view that the emphasis should be on helping children before they reach crisis point, 63 per cent agreed that currently help only starts when a crisis happens, rather than when issues first appear. With the support of the public, Aberlour aims to close that gap.”

The campaign is calling on people across Scotland to #spendanhour on Aberlour to help raise the urgent funds required.

SallyAnn said: "We would like to urge the people of Scotland to get behind this campaign and spend an hour of their time fundraising for us, whether that’s running a 10K or holding a fundraising event during their lunch hour; all funds raised will help us reach families sooner.”

Please visit aberlour.org.uk for more information.