Put our young people first

FOR the thousands of children living in Wales the Covid-19 crisis has been a period of extreme change and has affected how many young people feel about their lives. So as we emerge from this time of unrest how are we going to help these young people recover?

Official figures reveal that out of the 904,928 children living in the Wales there are approximately 200,000 who live in poverty, and around 70,000 of these children are not eligible for free school meals.

Around 7,015 children and young people in Wales are also missing out on mental health treatment.

The Children’s Society’s annual Good Childhood Report has found a significant fall in children’s happiness with their lives overall in the past decade.

On top of this, the Covid crisis has put even more pressure on young people as they have missed out on months of learning and seeing their friends.

Many families have seen their incomes fall, and the most vulnerable children have been out of sight of professionals and the services designed to keep them safe.

The Children’s Society’s new campaign #Jointhe fightback, is calling for candidates standing for election and those elected in Wales on Thursday, May 6, to prioritise the well-being of children and young people as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Young people might not be able to vote in these elections, but they deserve to have politicians representing them who are committed to making decisions that help them live a happy, safe and fulfilling life.

To find out more and sign up to pledge support go to www.childrenssociety.org.uk/campaign

MARK RUSSELL Chief executive, The Children’s Society