NEWSLETTER • SPRING 2020

Welcome

This newsletter comes to you all at a unique point in world history, as well as HopScotch history. For the past 20 years it has been our priority to provide Scotland’s children with a happy, carefree, and much needed respite break. Due to COVID19 we are devastated that for the first time in our history we have had to suspend our breaks.

We are very aware that children need us more than ever at this scary and difficult time, and we hope to be a position to deliver and extend our service once it is safe to do so. We can't wait to continue to make positive childhood memories once again. In the meantime, we are contacting our groups to find out what support and help we can offer them and the children they work with at this difficult time.

Because of all that is going on, our newsletter will come in a slightly different form this time. We are looking back at what makes a HopScotch break so special for the children who come to stay with us at Ardvullin. Let's hear some good news stories! In the meantime, stay safe and healthy everyone.

Case Study - Emma's Story

Emma has been through a lot in her short life so far. She now lives with her dad and siblings, because her mum has some addiction issues. She has a particularly close relationship with her older sister, and when Emma was preparing to come on her HopScotch break she was struggling with the thought of being separated from her big sister when she moved up to secondary school after the summer. The organisation which brought Emma on her HopScotch break recognised that she would benefit from some confidence-building and developing her independence as she prepared for this big transition.

When Emma first arrived at Ardvullin with her group she was very quiet and unsure. It can take some children a little while to find their feet, especially if they haven't been away from home without family before. In fact before Emma left she wasn't that keen to come at all, but her dad spoke some words of wisdom to encourage her: "Trust me - you will have an amazing time!". Dad was of course right: before long she really came out of her shell, and by the end of the week she was having a brilliant time. Best of all, Emma learned she really can enjoy herself independently of her big sister, which has given her a huge confidence boost. She was no longer worried about her big sister moving on to a different school, and her dad is delighted with the impact Emma's HopScotch break has had on her.

*names have been changed for confidentiality purposes*

And Finally... #twopointsixchallenge is GO!

Lots of major fundraising events have been cancelled this year because of the restrictions placed on us by COVID19, from the London and Edinburgh Marathons to the various Kiltwalks amongst many others. The loss of fundraising is having a big impact on UK charities, which is why it was exciting to see the organisers of the London Marathon get creative and develop the 2.6 Challenge. Take a look at the link below to find out more.

Here at HopScotch we've had our own challengers take up the baton. Team HopScotch At Home is one group of our supporters who have been doing a wide range of family challenges - and they aren't finished yet! If you have a few pounds to spare, please do consider sponsoring them - all the money raised will support HopScotch's ongoing work at a critical time.

Thank you to:

The Ward Family Trust
Bryan Guinness Charitable Trust
Walter Scott Giving Group
Rozelle Trust
Northwood Charitable Trust
Souter Charitable Trust

Hugh Fraser Foundation
Kuenssberg Charitable Foundation
JTH Charitable Trust
Bank of Scotland Foundation
The Courant Fund