Rise in child cash help requests

The number of children receiving financial help from the charity Barnardo's Scotland has risen sharply during the credit crunch.

A total of £64,090 was awarded in the last financial year - up from £42,905 the year before.

The charity handed out 209 grants in response to an "unprecedented number" of applications.

Across the UK, Barnardo's grants rose to £479,030 - up from £356,162 the previous year.

The successful applications included £210 for a special car seat for a two-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and £100 for a 10-year-old girl with autism to go on a residential holiday.

A grant of £100 was given to buy a school uniform for a 12-year-old boy caring for his father who has been unable to work since suffering a stroke.

Head of children's services operations Sally Ann Kelly said: "This is an unprecedented number of applications for financial help from young people.

"I am delighted that Barnardo's Scotland continues to make a real difference to the lives of children who receive these grants.

"I remain concerned, though, that in 2009 so many families live with incomes so low they have to rely on additional support to provide even basic living needs."

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