No child should be left behind

Highland Action for Little Ones (Halo) have shown the impact galvanizing community spirit can have on a local area. Not yet celebrating its second birthday, the charity has already supported over 2,000 children living in the Highlands providing them with access to essential resources and supporting families to feel empowered to ask for help.

This #ChallengePovertyWeek, Chief Operating Officer Mel Thomson explains why the Halo team are prioritising compassion as they respond to a growing number of referrals.

As Chief Operating Officer of Highland Action for Little Ones, I am privileged to witness firsthand the incredible resilience of families in the Highlands. Since launching in January 2023, Halo has supported over 2,000 children, providing essential resources such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other basic essentials that are often taken for granted.

The impact of poverty on children is profound and far-reaching. At Halo, we see this every day—families struggling to make ends meet, often working multiple jobs while balancing childcare, but still finding it difficult to meet their children’s basic needs. The rising cost of food, energy, housing, and childcare has placed an unbearable strain on household budgets, forcing families to make heartbreaking choices between essentials like heating or feeding their children. No family should have to face these choices, and no child should grow up without access to the basic necessities of life.

The number of referrals we receive each week is growing steadily, a clear reflection of the increasing financial pressures families are facing. The need for items like clothing and shoes has skyrocketed. These are not luxury items—they are fundamental to a child’s health, self-esteem, and ability to engage in school and social activities. The rapid growth in demand speaks volumes about the increasing number of families struggling. Each referral tells a story of a family doing their best but still falling short in the face of rising living costs.

Our team at Halo is doing everything we can to respond swiftly and compassionately. We work closely with local schools, health visitors, social workers, and community groups to ensure that the children who need our help the most receive it without delay. The positive impact on a child who receives new shoes or a warm winter coat is immeasurable. It not only protects them from the elements but also boosts their confidence and sense of belonging. No child should be made to feel different or left behind simply because their family is struggling financially.

We know the damaging effects poverty can have on a child’s development. Research has consistently shown that living in poverty during childhood increases the risk of long-term challenges, from poorer educational outcomes to reduced mental and physical well-being in adulthood. The stress and anxiety created by financial hardship can affect every aspect of a child’s life, including their ability to concentrate in school, their social relationships, and their overall sense of security. This is a reality we must all confront. It is not just about providing short-term relief but addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and that can only happen when their basic needs are met consistently. As a community, we have a moral responsibility to ensure that no child is left behind.

We are committed to creating an environment where families feel empowered to ask for help without fear of judgment. There is still a stigma attached to seeking support, with many parents worried about being seen as failures if they cannot provide everything their children need. This is not acceptable. Asking for help is not a sign of failure—it is a courageous act in the face of overwhelming circumstances. We must work together as a society to eliminate that fear that can prevent families from accessing the support they need.

Our goal is to normalise the conversation around poverty and support, to create a culture of compassion rather than condemnation. No parent should feel isolated or ashamed because they need assistance, and at Halo, we strive to ensure that everyone who needs support feels respected and supported. Our work is about more than just providing physical items; it’s about restoring dignity, offering hope, and strengthening community bonds.

We need systemic change at a national level to address the root causes of poverty. It’s essential that work pays families enough to not just survive, but to thrive. We must address the soaring cost of childcare, which is becoming an insurmountable barrier for many parents trying to balance work and family life. Affordable, accessible childcare is key to enabling parents to work and support their families without being overwhelmed by costs. Additionally, we need to ensure that financial support for families, reflects the reality of the rising cost of living. Families should not be forced to choose between working more hours and spending quality time with their children, or between paying for rent and putting food on the table.

The work we do at HALO is vital, but it is only one part of the solution. We need action at every level of society, from government policies to community support networks, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to THRIVE.  Every child in the Highlands, and across Scotland, deserves a fair start in life, and together, we can make that a reality.

Click here to find out more about the work of Highland Action for Little Ones