SPONSORED: Tis the season to give back and support a Scottish charity

Have yourself a ‘charitable’ little Christmas and support a Scottish charity – the festive season is the perfect time to give back.

We’re sharing more information about four great charities in Scotland who provide vital care and support to communities across the country.

If you can spare a few pounds, why not show your appreciation with a festive donation?

Here, the four charities featured tell us more about what they do and how you can help.

The Simon Community – #Givehope at Christmas

© Iain McLean

This winter more than ever, people who are affected by homelessness need support. Simon Community Scotland are here to help but we need your support, because everyone deserves hope and to stay warm and stay safe at Christmas.

We’re thankful for all the support we’ve been given throughout the COVID pandemic but as times change, so do the needs of our service users.

This Christmas we want to raise money for people affected by homelessness in Scotland. We’ve set up a JustGiving page and are asking that you donate what you can and help us #GiveHope to others.

Every gift we make on your behalf is directly linked with the support and care we deliver. Your small act of compassion can help end someone’s experience of homelessness and give us the opportunity to support their long term recovery from the harm it brings.

Find out more about the work of Simon Community Scotland and how you can show support here.

Dog Action Working Group Scotland

Dog Action Working Group Scotland (D.A.W.G.S) SCI022666 is a charity based in the North East of Scotland dedicated to finding loving new homes for dogs whose owners can no longer care for them, and helping those in need.

Founded in 1994, DAWGS have now rehomed thousands of dogs. However, without your continued support this would not be possible.

For as little as £1 a week you can become a DAWGS Best Friend and help DAWGS meet the cost of kennelling, veterinary charges, training and the many other expenses incurred when finding the right forever home for all the dogs who need it. You can also donate via Just Giving here or if you are regular online shopper raise funds with EasyFundraiser here.

A charitable donation is an ideal gift this Christmas for dog lovers you know – and you are not just helping one dog but all dogs.

Visit the DAWGS website here for more information on how you can help this Christmas.

Bipolar Scotland

Mental health support has been difficult to access this year when many in-person appointments were abandoned to combat the spread of Covid-19 at a time many needed it the most. Our groups and support have been a lifeline during this time.

If you’re feeling worried, anxious or struggling right now please reach out. Our landscape may have changed but our new normal doesn’t mean we have to face things alone. Together we can overcome this.

“I was really worried about contacting my CPN so big thanks to everyone in the group who encouraged me to get in touch – I phoned her the very next day after the group”

We’re here to help people but you can also help. By donating today whatever you can, you are making sure no one has to go without access to support.

Visit the Bipolar Scotland website here or call 0141 560 2050. Donate here.

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland)

Help support those affected by lifelong complex disabilities. We believe no one in Scotland should be left alone to cope with the effects of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

And because of individuals like you, no one has to.

This Christmas season we’re asking for your help. We want to make sure all our children and families receive the support they need at this, the most isolating of times, and forever – you can make that happen.

“They’re always in my whole family’s corner. My 3 year old has spina bifida and I would have been lost without this amazing organisation”

For over 50 years SBH Scotland has provided a lifetime commitment of specialist support to all those affected by the lifelong, complex disabilities of spina bifida, hydrocephalus and allied conditions.

Every year our services are offered to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland by a dedicated support and nursing team.

This year has been tougher than most for SBH Scotland. To provide our current range of vital services across Scotland – including Helpline, phone Check In service, 1-2-1 support, benefits/financial support, health checks and online groups – costs over £1million each year. This year we anticipate a loss of £500,000 which could have a devastating impact on what we can deliver to all our members across Scotland!

Will you help us continue our vital family support now and into 2021? Please visit our website for more information.

To donate to SBH Scotland click here or text ‘CHARITY’ to 70490 to donate £5. (Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text CHARITYNOINFO to 70490.)