A politician has called for crisis talks aimed at helping those affected by the impending closure of a lifeline children’s charity.
Children 1st runs a family support service from its office on North Silver Street in Aberdeen, helping youngsters suffering as a result of poverty, mental health problems, alcohol misuse and trauma.
It recently emerged that the charity will be forced to shut by the end of May due to a lack of funds.
Aberdeen Donside MSP, Mark McDonald, last night said he is “hopeful” that the organisation can be saved.
But he called for a meeting with Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian to discuss ways of ensuring ensure the families who have been supported by the charity are not faced with a total loss of support should it shut.
He said: “While I remain hopeful that some resolution can be arrived at which might enable Children 1st to return to Aberdeen, the immediate priority has to be ensuring arrangements are in place for the families who they are supporting.
“With that in mind I have asked to meet Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian to discuss the contingency arrangements they are putting in place, and to ensure that the families affected can be reassured that there will be support for them.”
Mr McDonald is also working with the charity to host a meeting of local MSPs at the Scottish Parliament in April to discuss the decision, and what can be done to address the issues which have led to it happening.
