Help is at hand for children
WE are all aware that the coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on everyone in our society, with the most vulnerable being exposed to even more risk.
Worryingly, thousands of children are in danger of being left behind if their needs are not met.
The pandemic has meant that vulnerable children and young people are increasingly hidden from support services.
But with the help of a £7m package of support from the Department for Education, Barnardo’s is bringing together a coalition of national and local charities to identify and support those most at risk at this time of crisis.
Barnardo’s is proud to be managing the See, Hear, Respond response centre.
Through our telephone referral service, we will refer any concerns about a vulnerable child raised to the local partner agency bestplaced to help. Support will include an online hub of information, online counselling and therapy, face-to-face support for those most affected and at risk of some of today’s most pertinent issues.
There is also help for children and young people to reintegrate back into school.
The new service will see the collective of charities working alongside other community-based organisations, local authorities, schools, colleges, police forces and healthcare professionals - all pulling together to provide solutions to the challenges facing children and families.
The programme will focus on finding and reaching out to children around the country who are experiencing negative impacts on their health and wellbeing, as well as those at risk of harm.
Helplines are open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 10am – 6pm at weekends. Readers can call 0800 157 7015 to make a referral or go to barnardos.org.uk/see-hearrespond to find out more.
As we all continue to navigate the coronavirus and its aftermath, this Government package of support will help us to ensure that those children across the North West who are most at risk have access to a lifeline and do not fall through the cracks.
Steve Oversby North regional director Barnardo’s WALK FOR DEMENTIA
UNDER normal circumstances, many thousands of people would have by now signed up to take part in an Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk.
These hugely popular events bring people together in a variety of stunning locations to unite against dementia, whilst raising vital funds to support those affected by the condition.
It would have been my 10th year attending such an event.
While it saddens me that we can’t all get together this year, I’m determined with my family to walk my own way in memory of my nana. People with dementia have been the worst hit by the current crisis and need us more than ever – in the UK a quarter of those who have died of coronavirus had dementia.
Wherever you are, we can all still help make a difference and I encourage you to sign up either with your household – pets included – friends, or another household in line with current government guidelines.
Create your own route, from lapping your garden or local park to revisiting somewhere special.
This year’s Santander-sponsored Memory Walk is free to register.
Walks can be organised anytime between now and October – or you might choose to do it on September 20 to mark World Alzheimer’s Day.
Sign up now at memorywalk.org. uk and with every step, you’ll help change the lives of people affected by dementia.
Vicky McClure Alzheimer’s Society ambassador