Barnardo's chief executive Lynn Perry writes:
I feel compelled to speak about deeply upsetting news this week which will be worrying children, young people and families of all different backgrounds.
These are incredibly challenging times to be growing up, and we can’t underestimate the impact it has on children to hear about events like the horrific attack at a synagogue in Manchester, or the exposé of racism and misogyny at the Met Police.
Young people – who are seeing these deeply distressing images on their screens - are deeply concerned about events here in the UK and around the world, and some are feeling scared for their own safety.
Just this week, Barnardo’s presented research at Labour party conference suggesting that one in five secondary school pupils don’t feel hopeful about the future. Sadly, I’m not sure any of us will be surprised by that statistic, particularly in the face of successive distressing news stories on endless social media feeds.
However, what really struck me was how passionately our young people – first at the Labour party conference and then at our Wales manifesto launch at the Senedd in Cardiff – spoke about changes they want to see to make their futures more hopeful. Their passion furthers my passion and determination to keep doing what Barnardo’s is doing – giving all children a place to belong.
We've been doing that for more than 150 years and we’re committed to that being the case for many, many years to come. We believe all children have the right to grow up safe, supported and free from discrimination. We must speak out whenever this is not the case to make sure every child can look to the future with hope.