As part of the Department for Communities Seasonal Appeal Funding, Barnardo’s NI were granted £210k to provide direct support to children, young people and families across Northern Ireland.
This additional funding has enabled the charity to provide emergency support to individuals and families, helping them to buy food, Christmas gifts for children and afford household essentials like toiletries.
Barnardo’s NI worked closely with several other charities, community organisations and schools, to ensure this vital support, quickly reached those who needed it the most. They have supported almost 9000 children, young people and adults to date.
Head of Barnardo’s NI, Michele Janes said, “Over the past year we have seen many families pushed into poverty as a result of the pandemic. Through job losses or increased financial pressures, lots of people had to decide between a basic grocery shop or being able to afford to top up their electricity.
“This funding from DfC allowed us, along with our partner organisations, to act quickly and provide the much needed vital support. I am very proud of my colleagues at Barnardo’s NI and our partner organisations who worked effectively together to provide crisis support across the country.”
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “This pandemic has had a severe impact on so many people across our society while exacerbating difficulties for those who were already experiencing poverty. I was delighted to be able to support Barnardo’s NI in their work with families and children and young people. It is crucial that the department continues to work with a wide range of partners to help those most in need.”