Martin Whitfield MSP has hosted a parliamentary reception to help celebrate 70 years of Action for Children Scotland supporting children and young people in Scotland.

The reception brought MSPs, supporters, partners and volunteers together to recognise and celebrate that over the past 70 years, Action for Children has supported hundreds of thousands of children, young people and families throughout Scotland.

Action for Children’s vision is “that every child has a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive”. The charity currently delivers 90 services for children, young people and families across 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, including East Lothian.

That support ranges from its fostering service to homelessness support, disability and residential care to mental health and wellbeing services, providing short breaks to employability provision, supporting care experienced students and helping young carers while also delivering family support and youth justice work.

As well as the national event at parliament, local Action for Children services have also been holding their own celebratory events, including at East Lothian New Horizons Housing Service.

Commenting after the Holyrood event, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Action for Children Scotland is an outstanding charity with a remarkable 70-year track record of delivering services that make a tangible difference to the lives of children, young people and families.

“I was delighted to help mark this significant milestone by hosting their celebratory event at parliament and paying tribute to the dedication of the charity’s staff and volunteers past and present.

“I’m sure that Action for Children will continue to build on its fantastic success so far and hope that its vision becomes a reality for all Scotland’s children and young people.”