You've helped young people like Mia be a role model - Barnardo's
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Because You
Summer 2021
You’ve helped
young people
like Mia be a
role model
Children’s voices Passionate about Young people tell
making a difference their own stories
See how young people’s
creativity has improved Foster carers Trishun Making sure no child
their mental health and Matt provide safe feels unseen this summer
Page 3 and loving home Page 6
Page 4
Welcome Children’s Voices
It’s summer – the perfect We’ve seen children and young
time for your brand-new people’s mental health improve
edition of Believe! as their creativity blossoms
I’m Mia and I’m an Independent Visitor for Barnardo’s, Our children and young people have been getting their creative juices flowing
a supporting adult to a young person in care, on hand in recent months. And it’s had an incredibly positive impact on their mental
to advise, believe in them and be a listening ear. health and wellbeing – not just in lockdown but beyond.
Being an Independent Visitor is about giving a young We checked in with Merry, 17, from our Lancashire Young Carers service,
person the chance to be themselves. Encouraging them one of many who created artwork for Young Carers Awareness Day.
to make decisions about activities you enjoy together
when you meet up every month. I had an amazing one
Merry says:
when I was younger and am still in touch with her now.
Have a read of my story on page 12. “My top wellbeing tip? Do something creative
You’ll hear many young people’s voices in this issue. – drawing, singing or dance. It helps release
Merry has a top tip to support mental health on page 3. stress and tension and you have great
And there’s a fab feature about a fantastic website packed
with resources – created in partnership with care opportunities with the skills learnt.”
experienced young people in Plymouth – on page 14.
I’m really excited young people helped shape a new
campaign that’s all about how summer can be very
different for them and the children Barnardo’s supports.
Being away from school can mean getting cut off from
things like school meals and a sense of safety. No child
should feel isolated or unseen this summer and you can
read about their input on page 6.
I speak for everyone at Barnardo’s when I say that we
owe you so much. Every child and young person needs
someone to believe in them. Thank you for doing just that.
3.
Safer Childhoods
Trishun and Matt, both aged 30 have The first call – 15-year-old Sam (not his
been foster carers for over a year. real name) – came within two weeks.
We believe
We believe in
in We caught up with them to hear about Trishun says: ‘We had in our minds
Trishun
their journey to fostering. that we would get a young child, so the
reality can be very different. We just
Trishun says: ‘We were at a stage
knew this child needed our support.’
in our relationship where we were
and Matt talking about growing a family.
We got in touch with adoption agencies
Since then, Trishun and Matt have
welcomed four other children into
45%
and Barnardo’s was one of those. their home – all, like Sam, on short-term
They invited us to an information event emergency placements.
At Barnardo’s, we believe
about adopting. Fostering came up
every child deserves a in the conversation. To be honest, it
Fostering transforms children’s lives rise in the number of
and can get them through a difficult children referred to
safe and loving home. wasn’t something we’d thought about our fostering services
time. Providing a child with love and
We support families but, after learning more, we came to the
support and seeing them flourish in a UK wide in May 2021
passionate about making conclusion it could be suitable for us.’ compared to
home environment is really rewarding
May 2020
a difference to foster After a home visit from Barnardo’s for foster parents.
and adopt. social worker Louise, the couple ‘felt
instantly that we were going to do this.’
They were signed up
At a glance Trishun says: ‘I try to teach a couple
for six months of
assessments, We’re the UK’s largest independent, of simple life skills, like cooking and
and afterwards not-for-profit fostering agency, washing. We had a letter from one
approved for and we’re always on hand to of the children after she moved on,
short-term provide our foster carers thanking us, which brought me to
fostering with the specialist support tears. Her experiences with us have
placements. they need: led to her getting the specialist
• dedicated 24-hour helpline support she needs.’
• extensive training Matt adds: ‘The raw, honest truth
is that fostering is a rollercoaster
• respite breaks
at times. But it’s a real pleasure
• fostering support groups getting to know the young people
• generous financial support and knowing they’ve moved on from
us having had a positive experience.’
Want to find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s?
Visit barnardos.org.uk/foster-care,
call us on 0800 0277 280 or scan this code with
your smartphone.
4. 5.
Unseen Summer
Giving young people a voice to shape
how we fundraise for them this summer
For many of us, summer – and the
summer holidays in particular –
mean freedom and happiness.
But for the children we support,
it can be a different story. When
school finishes and the holidays
start many young people feel lonely,
anxious, misunderstood, hungry
or even unsafe.
We involved young people in thinking
up our new campaign to make sure
those who feel unseen and isolated
during the summer months feel seen
and involved. We worked alongside
young people, listening to their stories
and telling those they want supporters
like you to hear.
Several key themes came up over our
work together. Summer can highlight
the difference between vulnerable
children and their peers, exposing We’re not all
them to hunger, a lack of structure, in the same boat.
increased pressure and low self- Some people have a
esteem. With support that donors like paddle boat and
you enable us to provide, children can some a cruise ship.
access healthy meals, fun opportunities It’s really important that young Barnardo’s is our
and an adult they can trust through people can share their thoughts and cruise ship.
our services. Sponsoring a young influence campaigns to communicate
person’s summer means giving the messages they think are important
more children and young people and shape how we fundraise for their
the chance to feel safe and included. causes. By collaborating with us, young
We hope this appeal will help children people are building skills and confidence The campaign will run over the six-week school
experience the joy of summer not only that could feed into future careers and summer break. Find out more at
today but for the years ahead too. improve their life chances. barnardos.org.uk/unseen-summer-campaign
6. 7.
Stronger families
The initiative I’m involved in aims
My favourite part of the day
to give children positive visiting
experiences, whether in person or
was the relay race because me
over video call, and helps build healthy and my uncle won!
family relationships. This is really
important as many find coming to
feel at ease within the environment
see a parent in prison daunting and
and build a relationship with their
intimidating.
parent. It’s also lovely to know that
We believe in To make the setting as comfortable strengthening the relationship while
children
and welcoming as possible, we offer the parent is in prison helps the bond
play, therapeutic visits, baby bonding continue when they’re released. This
programmes and family days. It’s so
with parents
means that children have much higher
rewarding to watch a child start to chances of enjoying a stable home life
when their parent returns.
in prison: [My favourite parts of
no child should the day were] activities
with my brother,
feel punished card making.
Hi, I’m
Debbie Bailey, We were allowed to spend time
Children’s as a whole family.
Services
Manager here
at Barnardo’s. lives. Children with a parent in prison
are more likely to have mental health
Barnardo’s
We know that children with a parent
problems and get in trouble with the has a 30-year
in prison can feel isolated and
law themselves when they grow up. history of working
ashamed. And that most feel unable
to talk about it for fear of being
within prisons to
Children and young people didn’t
bullied. It’s why our work supporting ensure that families
choose this or the effect it could have
children and young people with a maintain contact
on their futures – they shouldn’t have
parent in prison is so vital. to pay the price too.
with each other.
When a parent is in prison, all too That’s why I’m proud that Barnardo’s
often the children get forgotten. Their is one of the few organisations to
needs fall by the wayside, which can help children with a parent in prison.
have a devastating impact on their
8. 9.
You’re helping to build
a future for children 40%
of care leavers in
England aged 19-21
and young people are not in education,
work or training,
compared to 13%
Hi I’m Rebecca, Children’s Services Manager of their peers
for Employment, Training and Skills at
Barnardo’s. We have a great scheme for “I loved going on trips and learning
supporting young people into work that new things about construction. I also
you’re helping to make happen right now. loved working in the workshop and
gaining new skills. This course has
definitely been the one for me. The
Summer, when so many leave school, We couldn’t do it without your best thing I have ever done for my life.
can be a tricky time for the young donations. Your support makes all the Thank you.” Luke
“The Academy has changed my life.
90%
people we support, particularly those difference to young people’s futures.
It has given me different options
leaving care. Finding work and a place Thank you so much!
I never thought possible. I really
to live, on top of managing finances, 0f young people recommend it to other young people
and all without support from family felt more confident who are interested in the construction
members, can feel overwhelming. about securing
industry.” Leo
employment
That’s why we set up our Barnardo’s
Youthbuild Academy, in conjunction
with YouthBuild Ventures UK and
manufacturer Saint-Gobain.
Based in Lewisham, we offer 118
students aged 16 to 24 the young people
chance to learn the skills supported through
they need to get jobs in the the programme
construction industry. since the academy
opened
10. 11.
Positive futures
We believe in
and all our brilliant “Being an IV
is about showing
Independent Visitors a young person that
you’re committed and
are going to show up
for them. Consistency
can make such a huge
difference to a young
person in care.”
Why do you think the role of an What was having an Independent a thing and would be there ready to
Mia herself was supported Independent Visitor is so important Visitor like when you were in care? congratulate me. Whenever good
through the care system by to a child or young person in care?
Mine really wanted to know me as a
things happen, she’s still one of the
Barnardo’s and had her own You’re often the first person in that person. When I went to school I’d refer
first people I text. So I wanted to
Independent Visitor. She wants young person’s life who hasn’t been paid give back and be that person for
to her as family and say I saw my auntie
someone else.
to be that same positive role to be there. An adult who shows you at the weekend. I’d fit in and have
model for someone else. a healthy, consistent relationship and something to talk about. She taught What do you most enjoy about being
dedicates time to you – that’s invaluable. me to be proud of myself. an Independent Visitor?
Mia, it’s good to meet you. Can I ask
What kind of activities do you and Was she the reason you become What I’m doing often feels small, then
what being an Independent Visitor
your young person do together? an Independent Visitor? I look back and remember what the
involves?
We’ve roller skated, rode the Ferris visits meant to me. It’s really nice to
Hi! It’s meeting up with a young person Totally! She always made me feel
wheel, cycled and played football in see my young person being himself.
in care once a month and spending a genuinely cared for, never forgot
the park. He’s keen to try go-karting
few hours with each other. Letting them
and I’ve looked into boxercise.
have the space to be themselves, giving
He likes quite adventurous activities! Becoming an Independent Visitor can be so rewarding
them total say over the activities you
plan together. You’re matched on your and make an incredible difference to the life of a young
interests – whether you’re outdoorsy, person in care. Find out more at barnardos.org.uk/
arty, mathematical... independent-visitors or by scanning your smartphone.
12. 13.
Services spotlight
Young people in care are
building their own futures Visit the online portal at
An exciting new portal to showcase independent living skills, created in barnardos.org.uk/life-labs
partnership with care experienced young people, is improving the lives or scan your smartphone here.
of young people leaving care.
When you’re a young person about to The portal empowers them to develop
leave care, it can be hard to adapt to skills around independent living using Young people get stuck
living independently. That’s what led their own experiences. It features helpful
into flat-pack
our Plymouth Care Journeys service to videos like how to cook with leftovers or
join forces with creative agency Leap start saving money. The initiative also featured a unique
in a cutting-edge collaborative project. exhibition in IKEA Exeter, showcasing
Candiece, one of the young people who pieces of furniture customised by care
The focus? Creating an innovative new
took part, says: ‘I had no idea you could experienced young people. The pieces
online hub to help young people gain
get help with budgeting through your were created through workshops
the skills to live well by themselves.
online banking app. It’s definitely going hosted by IKEA, who helped the young
The really exciting bit is that young to be something I use.’ people learn DIY skills and build their
people in or leaving care played a self confidence. At Barnardo’s, we’re
Kyle says of a cooking video: ‘The
major role in shaping the portal, called working with IKEA as part of a national
instructions are like stepping stones
LifeLabs. They worked in collaboration partnership to help care leavers live
and you really can’t mess it up!’
with Leap and Barnardo’s national well in their homes.
partner IKEA to provide opportunities Many of the young people share their
for care experienced young people to own tips on the portal like Max who Workshop participant Emily says of the
connect and learn together. points out: ‘Money tins are one of the experience: ‘I’ve always loved galaxies.
best ways to save.’ While Ryan advises: The colours look amazing so it was easy
‘If you’re feeling down or alone hop on to choose them as the inspiration for my
a scooter or BMX and go and have fun.’ chest of drawers.
There’s more than we could ever
imagine in a galaxy – a lot more than
you see on the outside. I sometimes
feel people only see the outside, and
automatically judge someone based
on the way they look or walk or act.
But if you talk to them, you’ll see
there’s so much more.’
14. 15.
Thank you so much for all your hard work!
Thanks to each and every one of you – our lovely supporters – for the
incredible support you show children and young people through your
fundraising efforts.
This spring, we launched
the Barnardo’s 300,000 Step
Challenge, in which we asked our
supporters to walk 10,000 steps
daily over the 30 days of April.
That’s a step for every child we
support each year. You raised
almost £7,000.
We have many fun and
Lorraine, from our Include Me
fabulous ways for you to get
2 service in Lancashire, walked
involved. So if you haven’t
756,316 steps and raised £450.
given it a go yet, why not
She says: ‘I felt I was able to make
join Team Barnardo’s
a small difference to the lives of
today? Find out more at
children and young people. I know
barnardos.org.uk/challenge-events
first-hand what a difference any
donation makes.’
Not the adventurous type?
You can help change the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable
children and young people by stocking up on your summer
essentials at Barnardo’s! We’ve got everything you
need to make your staycation feel like a
vacation, and all at purse-friendly prices.
Visit us in store today or check out
our wares online at barnardos.org.uk/online-shop
Barnardo’s, Tanners Lane, Barkingside, IG6 1QG
Barnardo’s Registered Charity Nos. 216250 and SC037605
22430shc21
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