Unicef report raises concern

The importance of Scottish Marriage Care's (SMC) innovative community project REACT was highlighted yesterday after a Unicef report claimed Britain was failing its children.

The study of 21 industrialised countries looked at 40 different indicators, including family and friendships, in its determination of the best country for children to grow up in. At 21st place Britain ranked at the bottom of the developed world in its ability to bring up children successfully.

But SMC Chief Executive Mary Toner said SMC's innovative community project REACT helped support young people and young parents and was working hard to redress the balance. In the 18 months REACT has been operating all the participants on its Young Parent's Project have moved in to employment, further education or training and school staff have reported an improvement in the attainment of young people participating in the Young People's Project. 

"The report is important for Britain as it shows work still needs to be done in terms of providing support and assistance for our children and young people. Projects like REACT are what is needed and go a long way to helping our children develop and flourish," said Mary Toner.

"Many young people today face multiple hardships as they grow. REACT works hard to develop relationship skills, improve the self-esteem of its participants and teach people how to overcome negative stigma. REACT helps young people effect positive change in their lives," said Mary Toner.

REACT, which is part-funded by the Scottish Executive, is based in an area of extreme deprivation, Greater Easterhouse, Glasgow. It has been in operation since 2005 with continued funding until 2008.

"REACT has gone a long way to helping hundreds of children, young people and young parents in an area that desperately needs it. We hope to secure further funding to ensure its continuation into the future," said Mary Toner.

For further information, please contact:

April Mitchinson, Research and Communications Manager
Scottish Marriage Care, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA

Phone:0141-222 2166
Fax: 0141-222 2144
E-mail: Info@ScottishMarriageCare.org

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