Our successes for children in trouble
Raising the debate
We know that the majority of young people make a positive contribution to our society. Sadly society often demonises these very same young people in the way they are treated and talked about. By challenging these negative attitudes, we wanted to seek the public’s support in changing this.
Hundreds of you pledged your support to stop the demonisation of children after we launched our campaign in November 2008. Many of you also contacted your local paper asking them to change their language when referring to children in trouble.
With coverage ranging from BBC breakfast news through to Newsnight, the issues raised in the media were topical and genuinely moving. Where do we draw the line on bad behaviour? How can we help a child that doesn’t want help? When do we stop seeing that child as a victim and begin to see them as a problem?
Our ad campaign
Our TV ad campaigned on behalf of the most vulnerable children in the UK, highlighting the vicious cycle of deprivation, exclusion, abuse and crime that these children are often caught in. We had an influx of visitors to our website, with people following our story online through blogging, Twittering or commenting on forums. We also gained press coverage of some of the young people we work with and even the actress who played the lead in our TV advert, who talked about the reality of the children Barnardo’s helps.
Many of you were roused to act after seeing our ad, by offering messages of support, campaigning and donating money or time - you wanted to help us break the cycle that you saw on TV by supporting our work. Thank you.
