Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, we’re asking every candidate to stand up for children by agreeing to this promise:
“I pledge to champion policies that make childhoods safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful.”
The 2026 Senedd election comes at a pivotal time for babies, children, and young people in Wales.
The lingering effects of the pandemic, rising poverty and the cost of living, and the sharp increase in children struggling with their mental health are reshaping childhood in Wales. Add to that the rapidly changing online world - with all the opportunities and risks it brings - and growing up today looks very different from what many adults can imagine. Children tell us they want to see politicians recognise that children are not just a set of problems to solve, but that they have exciting, vibrant lives we should be supporting to make even better.
Children deserve to know that politicians who represent them feel as passionately about their lives and opportunities as they do. That’s why we’re calling on every candidate in this election to stand up for children by making this pledge.
If you’re standing for election let us know that you’re ready to help build a better future for every child in Wales.
Take the pledge
“They’ve got to give us something to be hopeful for.”
These are the words of a young person who worked on our Manifesto for the 2026 Senedd Elections. It sums up our obligations to young people; ours as Barnardo’s Cymru, and those of candidates, elected politicians and policy makers.
Our work in Wales
We want to be there for families in Wales who need us. It might be through our services supporting people facing a particular challenge, or by offering guidance and advice.
“This place makes me feel positive about my future”
Nearly half (46%) of Welsh young people are struggling with their mental health. We’re working in partnership with Co-op to support positive futures for young people across Wales.