Not even a wee bit of security

That work was driven by in-depth conversations with nearly 50 parents from across Scotland who are trying to get by on low incomes. While we captured those conversations in our report Delivering for families? we wanted to find other ways to ensure that these stories are heard and can drive the change that all of these parents told us they wanted to see.

Each of the videos was produced by Braw Talent and summarises the things we heard from those parents.

Each underlines how parents will put their children first at all times, but that the basic security that those parents want for their children, and themselves, is out of reach.

Not even a wee bit

This video tells the story of a mum who is trying to juggle education, work, childcare costs, mental health struggles and bringing up her child. Like so many in her position, she is not asking for the world but isn’t even getting a wee bit.

The Rollercoaster

The second video describes the rollercoaster that many parents face in trying to keep up with what they are entitled to. Where eligibility for things like free school meals can change unpredictably or where complex and seemingly endless forms can be an overwhelming barrier to getting support and can trap people out of work.

Dad’s Decision Duel

The third video focuses on the current cost of living crisis and the daily duels that parents like the dad in the story have to fight. The struggle to afford even basics like heating and fuel to get kids to childcare, and the fear of taking on debts that the family can’t get out of. It also shows the impact on both children and parents – where children feel and share their parents’ anxiety and parents feel they’re letting their kids down.

We can provide the wee bit and a lot more

People deserve the security that the parents want in these videos. As a wealthy country, there is no reason for any family to go short on food and heating, or for parents to be locked out of work.

At JRF and Save the Children we believe a Scotland without poverty is possible. Delivering for families? has almost 50 recommendations for how to provide the practical and immediate support parents tell us they need for the security each of us must have to thrive.