Support needed for children

This generation of children will need support to help them cope with the lasting effects of bereavement and loss in order to avoid longterm impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

This is the message from Barnardo’s as we share the latest TV advert in our ‘Believe in Me’ campaign.

In the advert, a computergenerated crow symbolises the feelings of loss and grief a young boy experiences from losing his mum, before receiving support from a Barnardo’s counsellor. Sadly, these raw emotions will be familiar to thousands of children and families across the UK, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is support out there for children who are struggling with the return to school, including the Government-funded ‘See, Hear, Respond’ programme, which is led by Barnardo’s and delivered in partnership with other charities and organisations.

However, this is only funded until the end of November, and much more needs to be done.

Ensuring schools are places of safety, offer a nurturing learning environment, and are linked to specialist services that can support children and young people through this difficult time will be critical.

The Government must use the pandemic as a catalyst to change the education system – to ensure that schools prioritise child welfare and wellbeing so that they are on a par with academic achievement.

We believe that with the right support all children can recover from trauma and work towards a positive future.

However, Barnardo’s cannot do this alone. Now, more than ever, we rely on the support of our friends and partners, and the generosity of the public, to continue our vital work.visit www. barnardos.org.uk

EMMA BOWMAN Regional Director,

Barnardo