Over 30% more babies and children received support from Scottish children’s charity The Archie Foundation last year, its impact figures for 2025 show.
A total of 4,440 babies and children received direct support from the charity’s services last year, up from 3,385 in 2024 and reflecting a rise of 31%.
The charity, which supports children and families across Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands and Islands during hospital stays and through bereavement, marked its 25th anniversary in 2025.
More than 50,000 children were indirectly supported by Archie during visits to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells in Dundee and Highland Children’s Unit and Birnie Centre at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The Archie Family Centre at RACH provided 1,386 parents with free on-site accommodation, enabling them to stay close to their child during a hospital stay. This support totalled 4,744 nights of accommodation, an increase of almost 15% from 2024.
Another service line that experienced year-on-year growth is Archie’s child bereavement service, which provides specialist support to children experiencing grief after a bereavement or while a loved one is receiving end of life care.
In 2025, a total of 597 children were supported across Grampian (321), Tayside (171) and the Highlands (105).
Paula Cormack, chief executive at The Archie Foundation, said: “Last year saw a significant increase in our impact across all areas of our work, which was only made possible thanks to our generous supporters, committed staff and dedicated volunteers, who clocked up an impressive 1,865 hours of time donated free of charge.
“This increase also reflects a rising demand for our services, as many more children, babies and families across Scotland continue to need our support during some of their most challenging moments.”
In addition, The Archie Foundation approved 605 funding applications, totalling more than £795,683.
This funding is mostly used for specialist medical equipment and resources that help children with their recovery and rehabilitation.
However, unexpected or urgent hospital admissions, including ongoing treatment, can put immense strain on household budgets. Archie’s grants can help in these situations by covering travel costs or providing things like essential toiletries.
Fundraising forms a big part of Archie’s ability to give back and came in a variety of ways in 2025, including abseils, walking challenges, afternoon teas and marathons.
This year is also shaping up to be a busy one for the charity, with the Highland Children’s Unit celebrating its 10th anniversary in May, the biggest Archie Variety Show to date scheduled for September and with the focus on Archie’s £2m Baird Appeal increasing with the opening of the new Baird Family Hospital, fast approaching.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.