STV go Batty for Muirhead’s work

The charity, which works with families in trauma and crisis to keep children out of care, received £4000 from the STV Children’s Appeal earlier this year.

The appeal seeks to address long-term, sustainable change in the lives of those children most at risk by tackling the root causes as well as the effects of poverty and disadvantage.

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has meant that children and young people living in poverty have been pushed into deeper poverty as well as increased isolation and the negative impact on their mental health.

As a result the appeal launched an Emergency Coronavirus Campaign, with the Murihead project securing and additional £2000.

As part of the STV filming weatherman Sean Batty joined Caz Morrison and her family, helping to make lunch and do the school run.

Caz said: “The support and friendship that Muirhead offers has been what has helped me to keep going and has certainly kept my family together.

“I know I can message or phone any of the staff there and they would be there to offer support and a solution.

“The volunteers are also an asset to the group as the work they put in, in their own time and the bonds they make with the children is amazing!

“In a year we have gone from a broken family to one that is stronger than ever, we have had tough times, but I can say we are happy.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one in Muirhead who helped us along the way. They’ve helped us to see how strong we are and that we work well and how to have fun and smile again.

“We all feel Muirhead is a part of our family as we are a part of theirs.”

Project manager Kylie Christie added: “What I feel good about is the whole family got an experience that they are not likely to get again.

“They went to school hyper that a man from the TV had made their lunch, teachers from other classes came to find them and ask ‘Is it true Sean Batty is in your house?’.

“They were listened to and shown empathy by people they had never met before and were left feeling confident and special. If I can could find a way to give that to every Muirhead family then I would.”

For more information about the Muirhead Outreach Project visit www.muirhead-outreach.org.uk.