A new protest song condemning the UK Government and the rise of child poverty across the country hopes to raise funds for Scottish charity, Children 1st.
Thirteen Years, released by Scottish singer-songwriter Ross Wilson of Blue Rose Code, is on sale now, with all proceeds donated to the charity.
Filled with rhetorical questions which urge listeners to internally examine themselves and their beliefs, Thirteen Years shines a shaming light on the crises faced by the UK after 13 years of austerity under Conservative rule.
Wilson said: “We live in the sixth richest economy in the world, yet roughly four million kids in the UK are going to bed hungry and to school with no lunch, while front line workers who risked their lives during the pandemic are using food banks and can’t afford to heat their homes.
“After 13 years of austerity in the UK, it felt right to highlight these shameful circumstances, and to encourage others to question this unacceptable situation.
“Children 1st do amazing work in providing support to Scottish children so it was only right all proceeds from the single go towards such a vital cause. I would also encourage anyone who is able to, to consider making a donation to the charity so they can continue to support wee ones and families who need it most.”
Children 1st’s ambition is for every child in Scotland to be safe, loved and well, together with their family.
The charity offers emotional and practical support and financial advice to help families to put children first and campaign to uphold the rights of every child.
Children 1st support the whole family when they need it, for as long as they need it. We offer help to prevent families reaching crisis point, to keep children safe and to support children and families to recover from trauma and harm.
Children 1st, Chief Executive Mary Glasgow said: “Blue Rose Code’s new single shines a light on the catastrophic impact that thirteen years of austerity have had on children’s health, wellbeing and safety. Poverty causes intolerable levels of stress, shame and anxiety for families making it so much harder for them to keep their children safe, loved and well.
“We are delighted and grateful that Blue Rose Code have decided to partner with Children 1st. Across Scotland we provide easy to access, stigma free support to help children and families experiencing poverty and campaign for changes in policy that will improve things for every child.
“The money raised from the single will make an immediate difference to children experiencing poverty and will help us provide longer term help and advice to their families.”
The release of the track will be accompanied by an official video featuring creative submissions on child poverty from young people from east Edinburgh, and comes ahead of a UK tour this spring.
Thirteen Years is available to stream and download on all digital platforms here.
You can donate to Children 1st at children1st.org.uk/appeal
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