Christmas is a time for giving. As the season of goodwill, many of us look for ways to help those less fortunate than ourselves, whilst taking the time to appreciate the family, friends and home comforts that we’re lucky enough to possess.  

With so many worthwhile causes looking for donations, it can often be difficult deciding which charities would benefit most this time of year. Whether you can donate money or even spare your time, there are plenty of Scottish charities who could use your help.

Here are some suggestions of charitable organisations hoping to make a difference throughout Christmas and into the new year. 

PEEK

Possibilities for Each and Every Kid, known locally as PEEK, is a registered charity based in Glasgow and has been operating for 17 years for children and young people. The organisation was initially founded by a group of parents supported by the local church in response to deprivation in the area, and the lack of opportunities.

The Herald:

We have supported thousands of children, young people and their families and continue to do so through a range of high quality activities which take the form of outdoor play, physical activity, performance arts, volunteering, leadership and personal development. Through our approach we have witnessed first-hand youngsters achieve goals, have aspirations, improved physical health and well-being and, increased their life chances and expectations. We currently work across 30 communities and engage with over 7000 children and young people, naught to 25 years on a yearly basis.

This January we are aiming to take 500 local children and their families to experience live panto.

For many of those families most have never been to see live theatre, many would have also struggled over the festive season and many will be facing a bleak start to the New Year.

The Herald:

This experience will give children and their families something to look forward to, it will provide them with a happy memory to kick start the year and time as a family to share a magical experience.

Thanks to the SEC Armadillo we have 300 tickets sponsored however, we still need to raise monies for the remaining 200 along with transport, food and merchandise.

With your help we can achieve this. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information.

Donation links can be found here and here.

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Erskine

This Christmas, honour the ones who never came home by helping those who did.

Erskine has been caring for Scottish veterans since 1916. Our Service personnel display the highest levels of bravery and courage throughout the world, and it is only right that Erskine is there for them should they need support in the future.

The Herald:

Erskine’s strength lies in the very special blend of dedicated care, compassion and understanding we offer to residents and their families, all in the companionship of likeminded people. Our person centred care offering is unrivalled; across our four homes throughout Scotland we offer the highest standard of nursing, residential, respite and dementia care.

Each year Erskine cares for over 800 ex-Servicemen and women from all backgrounds. You can make a difference to the lives of our country’s veterans who have sacrificed so much.

The Herald:

Erskine needs to raise £10.2 million to continue to provide high levels of care across all our homes.  Can you help?

To leave a donation or to find out about volunteering opportunities, visit the website. Or text ERSKINE to 70660 to donate £5 today.

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Bipolar Scotland

Christmas is a stressful time of year and even harder for people who live with bipolar. Disrupted routines, isolation, money worries… and all that extra food and shopping. 156,000 people live with bipolar disorder in Scotland and they are twelve times more likely to be unemployed than their fellow citizens. Their life expectancy is 10-15 years shorter and 1 in 10 will die by suicide.

The Herald:

There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but our support transforms lives. We are Scotland’s national charity for everyone who lives with bipolar disorder, and this includes friends, family and carers as well as those with a diagnosis.

We provide information, advice and a network of support for everyone affected by bipolar. We all know someone who lives with bipolar – a relative, a friend, a neighbour, a workmate. The festive period is a difficult time but it’s also a great time to engage with and talk to the people around us.

The Herald:

Join us and become a Friend of Bipolar Scotland to give people affected by bipolar a fair chance of living life to the full. Donate here today and help us make a difference.

Visit our Facebook page, website, or JustGiving page to find out more. 

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Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity

Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for children in hospital. They often miss out on much of the excitement, while their friends and family are enjoying parties, presents and pantos.

This Christmas, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has put on a full programme of festive events, visits and fun for the children treated at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital. Special visitors have included the Celtic and Rangers teams, the Glasgow Warriors squad, and even Santa Claus himself. These visits provide fun, laughter and distraction during difficult times for the children and their families, and allow them to enjoy some of the fun of the festive season – despite being in hospital.

The Herald:

With Christmas all wrapped up for the children in hospital, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is asking its supporters to turn their attention to the New Year. At this time of reflection, the Charity wants everyone to share their #HospitalHope for the boys and girls it helps in 2018; children like Jessica (pictured), whose parents Kathleen and Sammy shared their #HospitalHope:

"Our #HospitalHope is that Jessica's health allows her to stay at home more and that our amazing, happy little girl keeps smiling, reminding us every day to treasure family life and be thankful to the brilliant medical team who continue to help her through her journey" .

The Herald:

This Christmas, please support the children treated at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital. Make a donation today, and share your #HospitalHope by visiting our website or Facebook page. 

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Kidney Kids Scotland

Kidney Kids Scotland is the only Scottish charity supporting children with renal and urology conditions and their families. The charity’s main priority is helping families directly be it through connecting them with other families on a similar journey, providing a listening ear, organising events which bring families together or providing financial assistance.

The Herald:

Kidney Kids Scotland also supports paediatric renal services in hospitals across Scotland by supplying much needed equipment and funding posts which are recognised as being essential. The Glasgow Hospital for Children in Glasgow is currently the only centre in Scotland which provides haemodialysis and transplant for children. Kidney Kids Scotland have supplied ALL of the haemodialysis machines in the Glasgow unit and more recently enabled the hospital to launch the life changing Home Haemodialysis Service, by providing machines and funding a specialist nurse.

Since the charity began in July 2000, well over 1.75 million has been given directly towards the treatment of children in Scotland suffering from renal/urology problems. Kidney disease has no cure and the only way to prolong life is by treating with dialysis or transplant. This is a disease that children and their families have to learn to live with and Kidney Kids Scotland are committed to helping ease the burden for these families across Scotland.

The Herald:

Kidney Kids Scotland receives no government funding therefore the charity depends on fundraising activities from both the public and the Scottish business community. To find out more about Kidney Kids Scotland please visit our website or find us on Facebook or Twitter

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Dream Maker Foundation
Helping Kids With Life Threatening Illness

The good work of this group has been carried out throughout Scotland since 1992;  making dreams come true for some very special children with life threatening illnesses. In September 2014 we became a registered charity to enable us to grow and bring a smile to the faces of a greater number of children.

The Herald:

The charity helps children and their siblings going through gruelling treatments to meet their idols. Celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, McBusted, The Script, and the Scotland football team. The children are also given  the chance to go along to concerts, theatre shows, football games and outings to M&D’s theme park, Blair Drummond Safari park, Zoos, Restaurants or anything they desire to make their lives a little more bearable during this hard time. 

Each year, we have a Christmas party for approx 300 children and their families. The party is attended by local celebrities, Motherwell Panto Stars, Bubbles the Clown. Les, along with his helpers, work tirelessly throughout the year to provide entertainment and gifts for each child. 

The Herald:

To see the children smile and for the families to have the memories of their sick children enjoying themselves is priceless and having fun instead of being in a hospital environment is amazing and all worthwhile.

We are taking 15 sick kids to Lapland on Friday 21st December, Leaving from Glasgow for the day. This was only possible due to fundraising.

Visit our website or Facebook page to find out how you can help.

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Deafblind Scotland

John is deafblind and his condition is getting worse. He is frightened and worries constantly about losing his independence. How will he cope with everyday life, communicate with his family and friends or go to the football? He feels lonely and isolated. Would you like to make a difference to John’s life?

You have an opportunity to help John and over 11,500 deafblind people in Scotland to reconnect with everything that’s important to them. You can help put an end to their loneliness and bring back friendship and connectedness - essential parts of people's lives.

The Herald:

HRH the Princess Royal officially opened Deafblind Scotland’s Learning and Development Centre in Kirkintilloch on October 19th. Such an exciting day for deafblind people!  The new Centre will provide an enabling venue where meetings, social interaction opportunities and access to information and communication are made as easy as possible.

The Herald:

Your donation of £20, £50 or £100 will provide essential funds for the work of the amazing Learning and Development Centre. Your donation will support new opportunities for deafblind people to learn new skills, access information, and enjoy art and music. But most of all, the centre will enable deafblind people to feel included, connected and valued.

“I love the Christmas-tide, and yet
I notice this, each year I live;
I always like the gifts I get,
But how I love the gifts I give!”

~ Carolyn Wells

Your Christmas donation of £20, £50 or £100 will help change lives of deafblind people.

To donate, click here

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Worldwide Cancer Research


Will you help Worldwide Cancer Research fund 3,000 hours of life-saving cancer research this Christmas?

Christmas without a loved one doesn’t bear thinking about – so it’s vital that cancer research must continue. Every penny you donate, and every minute you fund will make a difference; it may lead to a breakthrough that could save thousands of lives.

The Herald:

Worldwide Cancer Research funds unique and ground-breaking research projects into any type of cancer, anywhere in the world. The reason? To gain global perspective. Research does not happen in isolation – the answers will not come from one scientist, in one lab, in one country.

This worldwide research will enhance understanding of cancer and help find and develop better, more effective treatments. Treatments you, your family or your family’s family may rely on in the future.

It is thanks to the charity’s dedicated supporters that last year it funded 107 cancer research projects in 17 different countries. In 2018 there will be a further 20 new, pioneering projects developed around the world. Worldwide Cancer Research will ensure researchers around the globe have what they need to continue the search for the answers to cancer.

The Herald:

With the number of people diagnosed with cancer set to increase by 2030, support for Worldwide Cancer Research is more important than ever. The charity has already been able to help find a life-saving treatment for a type of ovarian cancer and next year it will continue to search for ways to attack prostate cancer and dozens of other cancer types too.

Last year the charity raised enough funds for over 1,843 hours of cancer research, funding a project for an entire year. But more needs to be done. This year, your support is needed to fund 3,000 hours. Will you help us by donating one hour? To donate, please click here.

Together, we’re working towards a world where no life is cut short by cancer. Visit the website to find out how you can help.

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Teapot Trust

Help us provide art therapy for children this Christmas.

Teapot Trust is a Scottish charity providing art therapy for children with long-term health conditions in hospitals and hospices across the UK.

The Herald:

Our work:

·         Allows children to paint or draw with their brothers and sisters, taking their mind off their appointment

·         Relives boredom and stress of children waiting for their ill sibling

·         Teaches children new skills and improves self-confidence

·         Contributes to positive mental health

The Herald:

We receive no funding from the NHS or the Government and we rely on donations to help us continue these much-needed services.

This Christmas, we are asking you to please help us support children with long-term health conditions and their families. Whether it's hosting a tea party or organising a dress down day at work, fundraising is a sure-fire way to beat the January blues! If you fancy something a little more challenging, head over to our website and sign up for the Kiltwalk- an extremely fun and rewarding way to help! 

Visit www.teapot-trust.org for more. 

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Diabetes Scotland

Over 291,000 people in Scotland are living with diabetes – that’s more than the number of people living with cancer and dementia combined.

Diabetes is a serious.  It’s a relentless condition which affects people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to those in their 80s.  People who are living with the condition, and their families, have to carefully manage their condition every day to stay healthy. There is no day off from diabetes.

The Herald:

If people are not supported to manage their condition well, they are at risk of developing long-term complications including sight loss, lower limb amputation, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

Diabetes Scotland supports people living with diabetes. We raise awareness of the condition and campaign for improved care and services. As part of Diabetes UK, we fund research towards better diagnosis and treatment of the condition to create a world where diabetes can do no harm.

The Herald:

You can get involved by joining our network of volunteers, fundraisers and local groups supporting our work across Scotland. For further information email: scotland@diabetes.org.uk or visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/Scotland

And if you’re concerned about anything relating to diabetes, call our confidential Helpline Scotland on 0141 212 8710* or email: helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.uk

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Share Scotland

Everyone deserves to live in a home, and to be part of their chosen community, but for many years, the word “home” was a term used to describe large, unfriendly institutions, usually located in remote or deprived areas, which housed disabled adults. They were very much a case of “out of sight, out of mind” and the people living in them were isolated from the rest of society.

The Herald:

30 years ago, Share Scotland was formed by a group of parents who felt there must be a better future for their disabled children, and following nearly a decade of campaigning, the first Share property opened, where 5 people who had gone to school together had their own flats with team of expert staff supporting them on a 24-hour basis.

Over 30 years later, Share Scotland now supports 50 profoundly disabled people across the Central Belt, in the communities they know and are part of. Our staff are trained to the highest possible standard and are experts in whatever conditions the people they support are living with, whether it be complex epilepsy, communication barriers, or behavioral issues caused by complex learning difficulties.

The standards of our staff are reflected in outstanding Care Inspectorate ratings, regularly achieving the highest rating of 6 stars for Quality of Care and Support, and we were recently described as “sector leading” by an inspector.

The Herald:

As social care budgets become tighter, we are committed to ensuring that our service users can maintain the best quality of life possible, but we need your help. It is getting much harder to access activities and day services, so we recently raised £25,000 to build a state of the art sensory room, which will not only benefit our service users, but the wider disabled community, and we would like to increase our offering to a sensory garden and a day service providing sessions in independent living, dance, drama, art and music.

At this time of year, if you felt able to support our wonderful service users, we would be very grateful, and any donation you make would be part of a lasting legacy to Scotland’s disabled community.

You can donate safely and securely at www.sharescotland.org.uk/fundraising-get-involved/ and click on Make a Donation and you can keep up with all our news on our Facebook page.

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Meningitis Association Scotland

Meningitis Association Scotland was formed in 1991. Perhaps surprisingly, prior to our formation there was no agency in Scotland dedicated to helping sufferers of the disease nor to fund vital research and development into its causes and to meet the challenges sufferers and their families face in their daily lives.

Since then through the dedicated actions of our members, fundraisers and friends Meningitis Scotland has raised over £1,000,000 and helped fund research into the various strains of the disease.

The Herald:

In addition state-of-the-art equipment has been purchased for medical staff while MAS continues to provide funding for doctors here in Scotland and abroad.

Recently the Meningitis Association of Scotland provided a generous donation to enable the SMPRL to purchase a robotic liquid-handling system and a DNA sequencer at a total cost of £121,600.00.

The Meningitis Association Scotland presented the hospital with the first Haemodialfiltration Unit machine at a cost of £8,000. The unit has saved the lives of many children without loss of limbs or brain damage.

Some of the money that is raised by the Association is often used to help out families with the difficult times that can be experienced during the recovery phase from Meningitis. Sometimes this may come in the form of helping to provide home support, adapting the home for special needs and, specifically, helping the individual in making their life a little more comfortable.

The Herald:

One such venture was the provision of funding to help in the adaption of a special chair for young Lewis, a Meningitis survivor, who had special requirements for such a chair. With the new 'easy' chair he now has other more comfortable options which give him an alternative option to his bed or wheelchair. Additionally, it also gives him the opportunity of joining the family in the evening if they all wish to enjoy their dinner together watching TV in the lounge.

Birds Nest Swing for the Clark family...

The Meningitis Association of Scotland recently helped Jamie Clark, a Meningitis survivor, with a re-vamped backyard complete with Birds Nest Swing.

It is your donations that allows us to continue this work and support families and survivors of Meningitis.

Visit the website to find out more.

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Crossreach

George wants us to talk about mental health

Hats off to you if you braved one of the coldest nights of the year earlier this month to participate in the mass Sleep in the Park in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens.  While the experience may have given you a taste of the physical discomfort involved for someone who is homeless, it is unlikely that you will have felt the mental scars that homeless person most probably carries.  Four out of every 5 people who are homeless in Scotland experience a mental health issue.

The Herald:

In the population at large in this country, mental ill health affects around 850,000 adults every year.  People like George.  For George, arriving for counselling at the Tom Allan Centre in Glasgow run by CrossReach, the social care charity of the Church of Scotland, was a difficult decision to take, such is the stigma which still surrounds mental health.  George describes it as the “hardest and scariest thing I have ever done in my life”.  By the time George left the Centre, it was for him “the best thing I have ever done”.

Aside from the stigma, people like George face considerable hurdles accessing support from the National Health Service.  Assuming they can obtain a referral from their GP, they must then wait an average of at least 11 weeks to begin counselling (Source: NHS Scotland Information Services Division Publication Report, September 2017).  In today’s fast-paced world, 11 weeks disappear in a flash but imagine how long that ‘average’ 11 weeks seemed to someone like George who, by then, felt like he was “going under”.

The Herald:

At CrossReach, we break down the barriers to seeking support.  All our services welcome self-referrals.  No-one need pay to receive counselling.

George wants to talk about his mental health. Help us listen.

A donation of £5 could buy a week's much needed supply of coffee and tea at one of our counselling centres.

£25 could provide enough modelling clay for a month to help young children express their worries.

£70 could fund a therapy session for an entire family.

To donate, please visit the JustGiving page. You never know, it might prove to be the ‘best thing you’ve ever done’.

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Quarriers

Who we are

Quarriers is one of Scotland’s leading social care charities. We provide practical care and support for thousands of children, adults and families who face extremely challenging circumstances.

We currently run over 100 services throughout Scotland. We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of the people we support in each and every community, and our person-centred approach means that our support is tailored to each individual, putting their interests at the heart of everything we do.

The Herald:

What we do

We support adults and children with a physical or learning disability, and families facing poverty, family breakdown and disadvantage. We provide guidance for young people with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties or who are homeless, and help them work towards a brighter future. We support carers of all ages, and through The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre and fieldwork services, we help to transform lives for people affected by epilepsy.

Support Us

Quarriers relies on people like you to help us provide life-changing support. Every penny you raise and every pound you donate gives new hope for thousands of children and families.

The Herald:

Give your time

Whether you’re studying, employed or retired, volunteering with Quarriers for just a few hours a week will make a difference not only to the lives of the people we support, but in your life too.

Work with us

Working with Quarriers offers an extremely rewarding career with extensive training and learning and development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.

Visit the website or Facebook page for more.