Highland Action For Little Ones – Halo

“Poverty casts a shadow that no child should bear, and it should never define a child’s potential, their dreams and aspirations should hold no boundaries. It’s our collective duty to uplift them from the grips of poverty, working together, we can illuminate their path, and rewrite the story of their lives, because Every Child Deserves a brighter world where their potential can thrive and Every Child Deserves a chance to flourish, regardless of their circumstances”

– Mel Thomson Founder of Halo

Halo was founded to support families in crisis and bridge a gap for families who require immediate assistance for their wee ones. In the Highlands 1 in every 5 children is living in poverty and living in poverty can create adverse childhood experiences for children and can leave them vulnerable to being bullied, limiting their life chances and opportunities. When something as simple as a warm winter jacket and boots encourages a child to want to attend school, it’s a small step on their path to a brighter future.

At Halo, we strive to ensure that every child in need feels valued, cared for, and equipped to overcome challenges. We achieve this by collecting donations of both new and pre-loved items from the community, which we recycle, and reuse, promoting not only a circular economy but a sense of responsibility. We work closely with local authority agencies and support services who send a referral form to Halo with items required for the child or children. We have a 24/48 hour turnaround for emergency referrals which may include a family who have nothing or a baby who requires nappies and formula milk. Our average referral rates are between 8-14 per week, over the last 3 months, we have seen this increase to around 22 per week.

The Halo effect – 1 mother’s story

Sitting exhausted in the children’s ward for the umpteenth admission of the year with my severe complex needs child worrying about financial stresses and winter clothing for my 2 children, I was at breaking point. How was I going to make our money stretch to clothe my children and Christmas was on the horizon? Asking for help is something I have never done before; I was too ashamed to admit we were struggling. A friend told me that I should contact HALO. I’d never heard of these people, but I decided to have a look one evening and to be honest, I didn’t realise how much HALO would help me. I just thought, oh it’s another charity that you have to apply for and wait forever in a long list and then they judge you. Deciding I didn’t have anything to lose I sent them a message asking if they helped families like mine? I got a reply within the hour explaining how to get a referral and how they could help me, honestly, I was absolutely stunned!

That was on the Thursday night, and on the Friday I contacted social work who said they would refer us. I spoke with the lady from Halo on the Friday and explained our circumstances and how desperate we were for pj’s for our child in the hospital, still not quite believing that we were going to get help. On the Saturday I was still in the ward with my child and this lady appeared with what I can only describe as 2 supersize bags full to the brim. The lady introduced herself and gave me a hug! She proceeded to hand me these 2 massive bags filled with all new clothes for my children and so many pairs of pj’s I was speechless. This woman had only heard our story 24 hours before, and was now standing in front of me with kindness I’d never experienced before! There was no judgment or false words, this lady, I still don’t think realises how special she is to families like mine. When she left I cried my eyes out still in disbelief this total stranger helped me within 24 hours of me being in touch with her! The next morning, I put my child in brand new pj’s from HALO. To this day nearly 2 months on I don’t think they realise how much they helped me. I was a mum at breaking point, and I didn’t get judged for having no money, I got help within 24 hours, no filling out long forms making you feel worse, no weeks of waiting, they were instant. I’ve since found out from a variety of people that HALO helps 100s of families all local to the Highlands, in emergency situations with care packages. To me, they are real-life heroes. I will never forget what you did for me and my family, taking me off the edge of breaking point, please don’t ever stop what you’re doing.

– Lots of love a very grateful mummy

Our future is looking bright, we have been working in partnership with the Eastgate Shopping Centre and they have donated space to allow community donations of clothes, which launched at the end of January. We are also about to launch groups for young Mums, where they can come and chat with peers, listen to advice from professionals on various subjects, and just have a safe, warm space to talk and spend quality time with their babies.

And…. being the HBW charity of the year will make a lasting difference in the lives of 1000’s of children living in the Highlands and help 1000’s of Mummies before they reach breaking point.

You can help Halo at anytime by donating via the Just Giving link below:

They also have an Amazon wishlist:

You can also drop any donations to their drop off at the Eastgate Centre or at their HQ at 50 Seafield Road, Inverness, IV1 1SG by prior arrangement.