Grant awarded for vulnerable children and families in Leicestershire
The Barnardo’s Foundation has awarded a grant to Leicestershire Residential Services to support children, young people and their families who are living in or on the edge of care.
The grant worth £257,320 will directly support the wider aims of the Children’s Innovation Partnership. This is a collaboration between Barnardo’s and Leicestershire County Council, which has been set up to improve the outlook for children and young people while reducing demand on local services and costs.
The first phase of this will see the provision of three flats providing a family residential service in Market Harborough and a three-bed assessment unit in Coalville. The funding will support intensive, therapeutic and specialist support. It will also help to secure long-term placements at the right time for children, so they do not have to move multiple times over and endure the trauma that goes with that.
Evidence shows that in Leicestershire, there are increasing numbers of children, particularly younger children, who are being placed in residential care, sometimes a distance from their community. It is hoped that this innovative approach which includes combining Barnardo’s workers with specialist health workers - Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists - will provide greater support for the emotional and behavioural needs of these children.
Hugh Sherriffe, Director of Barnardo’s Central Region said:
“This grant shows how we can significantly improve the life chances of vulnerable children and families through the Barnardo’s Foundation. The Barnardo’s Foundation was set up just over a year ago and it means we can invest Barnardo’s voluntary funds more strategically in exciting and innovative ways which have a real impact on vulnerable young people and their families.“
Councillor Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and family services, said: “We are delighted that Leicestershire Residential Services has been awarded a grant by the Barnardo’s Foundation. The work of the Children’s Innovation Partnership is key in developing our services in new and innovative ways, improving the outcomes for our children and young people in Leicestershire.”