Scots presenter Jean Johansson is set to host a heartwarming new STV documentary, It Takes a Village, which explores how organisations across Scotland are working with families to help children shine and succeed.
The documentary is airing as part of this year’s fundraising drive for the STV Children’s Appeal, which provides funding to hundreds of projects across Scotland, delivering support to tens of thousands of children and families.
It Takes a Village sees Jean visit two of these projects – The Yard in Glasgow and Edinburgh and Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS) in Dundee and Keith – to find out how their work with local families has transformed the lives of caregivers and children in their communities.
The Yard provides a hub for families of disabled children, offering connection and a chance to experience the freedom of play in a safe and welcoming environment, while FCSS offers varied childcare across Scotland with the goal of improving parental employment opportunities and reducing child poverty.
Talking ahead of the documentary airing on STV and STV Player, Jean said: “As a mother myself, I recognise the huge importance of having the love and support of a community to help a child to thrive. That community can be grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbours, but I learned during the filming of this documentary that there are also many incredible organisations across Scotland who are helping children and families to flourish by providing just a wee bit of extra assistance and encouragement.
“Filming for the STV Children’s Appeal never fails to inspire me – or leave me with a tear in my eye – and I’m delighted to be showcasing how their work with charities across Scotland has a truly life-changing impact on the children who need it most.”
The STV Children’s Appeal: It Takes a Village airs at 7pm on Friday 31 October on STV and STV Player.
