Christmas Appeal 2026
The 'Every Child' Big Give Christmas Challenge
Together, we could double the difference for children and young people at the margins
This December, thanks to two generous SU Scotland supporters, we have the exciting opportunity to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Between 1 and 8 December, every donation made through the Big Give will be doubled, enabling you to make twice the difference in the lives of children and young people on the margins.
Across Scotland, many children and young people navigate barriers that make it harder to access opportunities, build relationships and reach their potential. Through Ministry at the Margins, SU Scotland seeks to journey alongside children and young people whose lives are impacted by poverty, additional support needs (ASN), family imprisonment, displacement, or care experience, helping them find belonging, and have opportunities to explore the Bible and respond to the significance of Jesus.
Could you unwrap opportunities for Every Child regardless of the challenges they are navigating?
Emma's* Story
Karen, our Local Youth Projects Development Coordinator, got to know Emma through an emotional literacy group she was running in one of Scotland’s primary schools in an area of high deprivation. Over time, trusted relationships were built and Karen learned that Emma was the only pupil in her class moving on to a particular high school – an unsettling prospect.
Karen was able to connect Emma with a Christian youth organisation working in her future school and secure a partially funded place at an SU Scotland summer holiday on the Isle of Arran. There, Emma enjoyed new adventures and friendships, heard the good news of Jesus, and connected with leaders who would continue supporting her as she moved into secondary school.
What began as a school wellbeing group became a pathway to belonging, helping Emma step into a new chapter with confidence, connection and hope.
As Emma's Head Teacher shared:
"SU Scotland staff have provided a significant amount of social and emotional support for our pupils….SU Scotland have been excellent partners and have served our school community with love and care."
Emma's story is just one example of Ministry at the Margins in action. Alongside work in priority school communities, we're creating more opportunities for children and young people with ASN to engage with the Bible, take part in activities designed with inclusion in mind, and discover a sense of belonging within the family of God.
*Name changed to protect her identity.
The Big Give
By giving through the Big Give between 1 and 8 December, you could help to create more stories like Emma's and double the difference you make.
Watch the video to find out more about how the Big Give Christmas Challenge works.
If the Big Give isn't right for you just now, you can still support SU Scotland's Ministry at the Margins by giving directly here. Your gift won't be doubled but will still help us continue reaching children and young people through this vital work.
Save the date
Download our printable Save the Date, cut it out and place it somewhere you will see it often. Let it serve as a reminder to give between 1 and 8 December and help ensure every child, whatever challenges they navigate, has the opportunity to experience belonging and hear about the significance of Jesus.
