With an arctic blast forecast for the UK over the next week, an Aberdeen charity is asking for support to give local school children winter clothing and footwear, as teachers report more and more children struggling with freezing temperatures.
AberNecessities, which supports families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with basic essentials, is working with local schools to supply ‘Winter Warmer’ packs to help children stay warm through the colder months. As temperatures begin to plummet next week, some families are facing bleak conditions the charity says, with many gearing up to make some tough choices. Since its inception in 2019, AberNecessities has been providing necessities such as formula milk, nappies, clothing, toys, and equipment to disadvantaged families across the North-east.
The charity has been contacted by teachers in dozens of local schools who have witnessed children arriving cold and wet. Following these applications, AberNecessities puts together packs of coats, warm clothing, footwear, socks, hats, gloves, and thermal underwear which are then distributed to those in need. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, the number of requests coming in from schools has grown exponentially.
Working with one school in Aberdeen, AberNecessities has established a ‘shop’ inside the school where parents, who are unable to provide adequate winterwear, can take their children to pick up the free warm clothing they need.
The charity warns that this next cold spell will be a terrifying prospect for many parents: “Lots of children get excited by the promise of snow, but for many children and parents in our region, it just means more tough choices.” says Danielle Flecher-Horn, founder of AberNecessities.
“For many, the colder weather will mean snow days, sledging and snowmen but for so many other children, it simply means being cold and uncomfortable and further distress for parents who fear their child is at risk of being cold or getting sick. Teachers report that children who arrive wet and cold are unable to concentrate and subsequently fall behind in their learning. The winter warmer packs provided by AberNecessities mean that the children can get a warm coat and waterproof shoes, which will make a huge difference to their school day.”
Danielle says that winter clothing is not a ‘privilege’ – it is a fundamental right for every child: “Every day we hear heart-breaking stories from families across the region who simply can’t afford the basics. Escalating energy bills mean families have been unable to buy the necessary winter clothes for growing children, meaning many just walk to school in their school uniform – even in the snow and ice. As well as being detrimental to their learning, exposure to extreme cold is dangerous for both their physical and mental health.”
AberNecessities is asking the local community for support to purchase the right clothing for disadvantaged children.
Danielle adds: “We are always overwhelmed by the support we receive from local people and from the business community, for which we are extremely grateful. The cost-of-living crisis digs even deeper, and demand continues to rise and sadly, winter clothing comes further down the list of priorities after the food and heating bills. We are urging the community to think of the families who are struggling and therefore are more vulnerable as the cold weather strikes in the coming days and offer extra help where they can.
“AberNecessities will be working flat out to get as many winter packs as we can to families across the region, helping schoolchildren start their days with everything they need to stay cosy.”
Donations can be made at www.abernecessities.co.uk or by contacting Vicky Hutcheson on Vicky@abernecessities.co.uk.