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Black History Month

Highlighting the journeys of children and young people, as well as volunteers and staff members from the Black community.

For Black History Month this year, our podcast Heard and Not Seen is highlighting the journeys of these communities through conversations and interviews with some remarkable individuals. Join us as we discover the lives, perspectives and experiences that have shaped generations. 

The Barnardo’s Oral History project is about capturing and sharing the incredible experiences of Black and dual heritage communities, including the post-war African and Caribbean communities in Britain, often referred to as the Windrush Generation. Our first episode features the personal experience of our Vice President, Baroness Floella Benjamin who came to Britain from Trinidad and Tobago as a small child.

You can find more information and episodes below.

Learn more about the journeys of children and young people from the Black community by clicking through into their stories below.

  • DR SOLOMAN CARTER FULLER BECOMES A PIONEER OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE RESEARCH (1904)

  • Clara Batey

    Clara Batey (1908)

  • 492 CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANTS COME TO LONDON ON THE SS EMPIRE WINDRUSH (1948)

Below is a selection of photographs of other children Barnardo’s has supported from within our archive collections

Black and white image of a child
Black and white image of an adolescent
Black and white image of a child
Black and white image of a child
Black and white image of an adolescent
Black and white image of a child
Black and white image of a young man
Black and white image of a child
Black and white image of a child
Black and white image of a young woman
Black and white image of a young woman
Black and white image of two young women
Black and white image of a child

Today

Barnardo's has supported Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) children for over 153 years and are committed to promoting equality for BME children, staff and volunteers. To do so, BME groups need to be represented in all areas of the organisation, volunteering being a vital one. Our volunteers are an integral part of Barnardo’s work and their contribution is essential in reaching some of the most vulnerable children in the UK. Help us make the a difference.

If you have been fostered or adopted through Barnardo’s, or would like to trace your family history you can contact the charity’s Making Connections service.

If you would like to volunteer with Barnardo's, please visit our volunteer site.