Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s believes in children regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability or behaviour. We believe in the abused, the vulnerable, the forgotten and the neglected. Whatever the issue from drug misuse to disability; youth crime to mental health; sexual abuse to domestic violence; poverty to homelessness, we will support children, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every one.

We do this by running almost 400 projects around the UK and we do it because we believe that every child deserves the best start in life and the chance to fulfil their potential. Here are some of the ways we help, according to our CEO, Martin Narey:

Poverty and education; “Children born in disadvantaged economic circumstances are already behind at 22 months of age and the gap widens at school. We work with alternative education services and residential schools to unlock lost potential.”

Children leaving care; “Many young people who were in care become homeless. Initially, we give them food and a bit of support and then we ease them into education or training.”

Disability; “Parents of severely disabled children tell me life is punishing. They spend 24 hours a day trying to balance family life. We provide respite care because an occasional break can help to keep families together.”

Kids in trouble; “Children excluded from school are bound for trouble if we don’t step in. We help parents manage bad behaviour and our parenting courses have a startling effect.”

Youth justice; “Instead of sending very young children into custody, we do intensive work with them and their families to turn their lives around.”