Our mission at Barnardo’s is simple – we want to change childhoods and change lives.
Children and young people growing up in the UK today face a lot of challenges; more than 1 in 4 children live in poverty, 1 in 5 probable mental health disorder, and nearly half of children in care have a mental health disorder.
We want to make the UK the safest, healthiest and happiest place for children to grow up in. We have created a toolkit for practical ways you can offer unique support to children, young people and families in your constituency – and also can offer a range of bespoke support so you can be a champion for children and young people in Parliament.
1. Visit Barnardo’s in your local area
We know that speaking with children, young people and families is the most important way we can make meaningful and impactful change. We support over 356,200 children, young people, parents and carers through 760 services and partnerships across the UK. Find out if there is a Barnardo’s service or shop in your local area to visit or volunteer at.
2. Champion the voices of children and young people in Parliament
There are a number of ways we can support you to champion the voices of children and young people in Parliament; whether you wish to table a Parliamentary question, hold a Westminster Hall Debate or receive a briefing or speech from us ahead of a debate. Often when we launch new reports or send out briefings, we will include suggested actions you can take which will help create meaningful change for all children growing up in the UK today. However, if you ever want information outside of this – please just email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to support you.
3. Join us for our Parliamentary events
Throughout the year we hold a number of events in Parliament relating to our key policy areas. These events are a great place to find out more about our research and hear directly from young people we support. We advertise our events on our socials [link] and you will receive an email from us ahead of the event inviting you and offering more information on the topic.
4. Book a meeting with us
If you ever want more information on a specific topic relating to childhood harms, child poverty, child mental health and wellbeing, children seeking sanctuary in the UK, or children in and leaving care, why not arrange a meeting with us? We are always keen to engage with Parliamentarians to share our knowledge and discuss what solutions are possible, and where possible we will always attempt to have young people join the meeting.
5. Share information on your social media and in your newsletters
At Barnardo’s, we use our social media to share our latest research, including reports and briefings, statements, advice, and to amplify the voices of children, young people and families we support. By sharing our posts on LinkedIn, X and Instagram you can help raise awareness of these issues and support available. We can also help develop content for you to share in your newsletters, on your website, and bespoke content for your socials.
For more information on how you can work with us to be a champion for children, young people and families in your constituency, please contact our policy team at [email protected]
