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Barnardo’s says it is ‘critical’ that politicians commit to children as we approach new era in Welsh politics.
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Charity believes children have been overlooked and undervalued in political decision making for too long.
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With a staggering 31% of children in Wales growing up in poverty, Barnardo’s urges the next generation of politicians to end child poverty.
Barnardo’s Cymru is set to launch their own manifesto at an event at the Senedd, introducing its calls for the next Welsh Government.
Around 60 children and young people who have been supported by Barnardo’s across Wales will be at the Senedd on Wednesday, 1 October meeting with politicians and decision makers and sharing their views on what they feel is important for future generations across Wales.
The 2026 Senedd election comes at a pivotal time for babies, children, and young people in Wales.
Having faced numerous challenges in recent years, Barnardo’s believes many children and their families remain positive about their future but want to see a government that can match their enthusiasm and passion for what their lives could be.
Young people must be listened to when politicians are making decisions about the future that we will inherit.
The wellbeing of our society should be the absolute centre of our focus as we progress as a nation. We need people to want to change for the better but also to be in a mindset that can approach the challenges of tomorrow in the most efficient and future-proof way.
Hatti
a 17-year-old who has been supported by Barnardo’s
Children and young people tell us that they want to see the politicians that represent them recognising that children are not just a set of problems to solve, but that they have exciting, vibrant lives that we should be supporting to make even better.
The lingering effects of the pandemic, poverty and the cost of living, an explosion in the numbers of children struggling with their mental health and the rapidly changing online world – with all of the opportunities and risks that presents – mean that growing up in Wales has changed beyond what many adults can imagine.
This makes it even more critical that we listen to children, young people and their families as we move to a new era for Welsh Government and political decision making in Wales. Children, young people and their families in Wales are ambitious for their future and want a government that matches that. This is an opportunity for the next Welsh Government to build on the work of the last and create a Wales where children can grow and thrive.
Sarah Crawley
Director of Barnardo’s Cymru
The Barnardo’s Cymru Manifesto outlines a set of commitments which it is urging all political parties to adopt.
This includes practical action needed to:
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End child poverty in Wales.
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Support families to give their children the best possible life chances.
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Keep children safe from harm.
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Support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
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Transform the support and opportunities for children in and leaving care.
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Ensure all unaccompanied children have access to support, services and protection.
Highlights include a call for the introduction of a Welsh Child Payment, which research shows would have a significant impact on child poverty in Wales, alongside making a firm commitment to families by investing in the services that they need.
Barnardo’s Cymru is also calling for funding for comprehensive, whole-family support services for children and young people who are victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse and a commitment to ensure all children, young people, and families receive timely mental health and emotional wellbeing support - with a statutory right for care-experienced young people to access mental health support from their local authority.
It isn’t acceptable that almost a third of children across Wales are living in poverty. We need to do far more to tackle these figures which have remained stubbornly high for far too long. Behind these statistics are heart-breaking stories of families struggling to make ends meet.
I hope today’s manifesto launch can be the start of a meaningful two-way conversation between young people and their elected representatives so we can tackle poverty once and for all.
John Griffiths MS
Member of the Senedd for Newport East / Aelod o’r Senedd dros Ddwyrain Casnewydd
Without Barnardo’s I would be a very different person. A version of Hatti that I wouldn’t like to imagine. Someone with no academic success, no motivation or experience.
Barnardo’s gave me my best friends and opportunities. A Hatti without Barnardo’s simply isn’t Hatti.
Hatti