Quarriers hopes to give over 500 children from across Renfrewshire a summer day out

Social care charity Quarriers launches its fifth Summer Appeal to give children a carefree day trip!

Article Source: Quarriers
Last Updated: 6 June 2018 15:25

Quarriers, one of Scotland’s leading social care charities, has launched its Summer Appeal to allow more than 1,000 children to enjoy the gift of a carefree day out, with around 90 youngsters supported by services in Renfrewshire set to benefit.

This is Quarriers’ fifth Summer Appeal and a donation of £15 per child will allow Quarriers to organise a memorable day trip for the children and young people it supports, giving them the chance to escape their everyday lives and take part in an experience that could be new for many.

The Summer Appeal will benefit youngsters and families supported by Countryview which provides short breaks for children with disabilities at Quarriers Village, as well as Rivendell, a residential support service also located in the village. The Appeal will also be rolled out for the first time to those who use the Head Injury Service in Renfrewshire.

Last year, Quarriers surpassed expectations by giving 1,036 children across Scotland a day out and this year the social care charity hopes to go one better by ensuring even more youngsters are given the gift of a carefree day.

Thanks to the expansion of the Summer Appeal, children and young people supported by 16 of Quarriers’ services across Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Glasgow, Fife, Moray, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Stranraer and Dumfries and Galloway will benefit from the campaign and includes young carers, children with additional needs, children living in poverty and young people who require residential support.

The children and young people at the heart of the Summer Appeal are faced with a range of challenging circumstances and caring responsibilities relating to mental health, disability, poverty or difficulties at home. The Appeal aims to give these youngsters a day where they can let go of their troubles, creating lasting memories.

Days out are tailored to suit the children and families supported by Quarriers, taking into account their various support needs as well as what they enjoy doing. With donations from the Summer Appeal, the charity hopes to set up trips to the seaside, farm parks, outdoor pantomimes, nature trails, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and crazy golf as well as organising traditional summer treats like ice cream and picnics in the park.

Alice Harper, Chief Executive of Quarriers said: “Our Summer Appeal is now in its fifth year and by donating £15, you will allow at least one child the chance to escape their worries and experience a different environment. These days out give children we support the chance to make new friends and create happy memories that remain long after the summer days fade.

“Days out build relationships with the people we support, allowing us to help them reach their potential. The outings that we plan are geared around maximising team work and building resilience, as well as having fun, so vital skills are learnt.

“Last year we were astonished by the generosity of our supporters and this year we want to do even better by giving even more children the chance to enjoy a carefree day and so we ask people to get behind this campaign and show their support.”

In addition to days out, Quarries provides support groups, befriending services, mentoring and life coaching to help children with a difficult start in life to grow in confidence, stay in school and make connections with people going through similar experiences. The aim is to instil a positive view of their future from an early age, helping to transform their lives.

A gift of £15 will provide one child with a day out, and gifts of any amount are welcome. Supporters can make a contribution by visiting www.quarriers.org.uk/summer-appeal.