We're Barnardo's👋 We're here to help children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful. When you change a childhood, you change a life.
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Nearly 1 in 3 UK children in the UK live in poverty.
The govt could lift 500,000 children out of poverty by scrapping:
The two-child limit. ❌
The benefit cap. ❌
📢 Email your MP today: brnw.ch/21wW3Bf
ALT Graphic shows an image of hands in the background, along with the words: No child should grow up in poverty.
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Young carer and @billieeilish fan Marisa wasn't expecting this while she was being interviewed on @CapitalOfficial. 😲
Watch the video to hear about it from Marisa!
.@billieeilish superfan Marissa got the surprise of her life from the #NoTimeToDie singer: "She was the nicest person ever!"
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was our patron for more than 30 years. We are honoured to give homes to the teddies left in her memory. The bears will be well loved and bring joy to the children we support🐻💚@theroyalparks
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We know Christmas time can be a difficult time of year.
It’s important to know that if you’re struggling there will always be someone there to support you.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. (1/3)
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Did you know that 1 in 8 children and young people aged between 5 and 19 have a diagnosable mental health condition?
Last year, our mental health services and school-based programmes supported 40,100 children, young people and families - like Liam.
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"The charity played such an important role in my Grandad's life."
Meet Mary. She's running this years @LondonMarathon in memory of her Grandad who was brought up in a Barnardo's children's home💚
Help us give Mary a big @barnardos cheer! Drop a 👏 below ⬇️
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"Right now, more than 1 in 4 children across the UK are living in poverty with many facing a cold and hungry Christmas time." - Daniel Craig. (1/2)
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Talking about white privilege means looking at how our own actions maintain and support racist systems and structures - regardless of our intent. We’re sharing some actions that parents can take to help create a fairer society. #WednesdayWisdom bit.ly/3eNP3xp
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We’re incredibly proud of our Vice President Baroness @FloellaBenjamin who carried the King's sceptre in the procession at the #Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.💚
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"I spent time in a children’s home so I know what it feels like to be in care. If I can help in a small way, it would be great." - Martyn Bentley.
Martyn will be paddleboarding 220km from Cricklade, Wiltshire, to Putney Bridge, London.
Comment a 💚 if Martyn has inspired you!
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16% of children and young people we surveyed said they had gone hungry or skipped meals because they couldn’t afford food.
Free school meals would make all the difference for these children. We want to make that happen.
Read more in our latest report: bit.ly/41LOnRp
ALT quote graphic “Primary school kids especially – they shouldn’t be worrying about money... just because they wanted to eat lunch.” Helen, 22, Northern Ireland
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Bodhi was 2 years old when he was diagnosed with autism.
His parents were referred to one of our services, hoping to learn strategies to support their son. Bodhi's dad said his confidence to support Bodhi improved greatly.
Drop a 💚 to show your support👇
#AutismAcceptanceWeek
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👏 The @MayorofLondon, Sadiq Khan, is expanding free school meals to all primary school children who attend state schools in London for the full academic year, starting this September.
Hear from Lynn Perry, Barnardo's CEO ⬇️
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By believing in children, we can support them to tackle mental health issues like anxiety. See how: bit.ly/2ZMuGaZ #BelieveInMe
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Child sexual abuse is a horrific crime, causing trauma that can last a lifetime.
We support thousands of children and young people who have been affected by it, to help make them safe and start to recover.
See how: bit.ly/2SHNR5e
#BelieveInMe
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We're thrilled to announce the appointment of our new permanent CEO, @lynnanneperry.🎉
Lynn has worked for @barnardos for more than 13 years and looks forward to continuing to improve children’s lives in this new chapter.
Read the full statement here: bit.ly/3MzthxQ
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Huge thanks for sharing @zaynmalik! 💚 💚 If anyone hasn’t voted for @barnardos, you ‘Still Got Time’ 🎶 💚 💚
Please vote for @barnardos as @superdrug's next charity partner and transform a child's life: ow.ly/AnfW30evgAA
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Barnardo’s is here to help children and families who have fled the conflict in #Ukraine and need support. 💚
Speak to one of our friendly advisors in English, Ukrainian or Russian by calling us for free on 0800 148 8586 or visit: bit.ly/3i9ig8H
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Amy had been groomed and sexually assaulted by someone she knew and was in desperate need of support.
Her mental health had deteriorated.
For children like Amy, no school in the summer means no escape from violence, abuse and exploitation. (1)
#MakeSummerSafe
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❗ The children's mental health crisis has reached record levels.
Urgent referrals to mental health crisis team were 3️⃣ times higher than in May 2019.
Read more on our response to the Government’s interim report 👉 bit.ly/3OYWW72
🔗 bit.ly/3OXts8z
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“Behind these figures are young people who are being criminally exploited & have suffered as a result of knife crime. Vulnerable young people are missing out on support & in some cases they are being treated as criminals.” – Lynn Perry, CEO.
Read more: bit.ly/3px3b4C
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“Her Royal Dameness”, Emma Thompson chats to our official Barnardo’s interviewers. We get the scoop on displaying Oscars, filming in prosthetics and what NOT to gift at Christmas... we mean #Kidsmas! 😉 🎅
Get involved with Kidsmas: bit.ly/3GiRQeQ
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“I’m unable to pay my energy bills and I’ve gone without food to make sure my daughter has a proper meal.”
Kerry and her daughter relied on food banks and food vouchers provided by Barnardo's.
No child should go hungry.
Join our campaign for change: bit.ly/3CAM1c9
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“Too many children are going to school hungry.” @lynnanneperry, CEO
There are currently 8 children in every classroom living in poverty.
We’re calling on the government to give free school meals to every child in primary schools in England.
Join us: bit.ly/3Mfnkqq
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The secret is out! The wonderful Dame Emma Thompson is supporting our #Kidsmas appeal this year 💚 .
No child should have to miss out on the joy and magic of the festive season. Help us to make sure that no child is left out this Christmas time: bit.ly/3GiRQeQ
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"There’s a stigma attached to care experienced children and young people, and it needs to be challenged.” Izzy, 13.
She and her family were referred to a @barnardos children's home for support after Izzy suddenly fell ill with encephalitis.
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📣 Children are never responsible for abuse they experience.
On #CEADay21, this is what we want you to know. We promise to believe in children and help make them feel safe again. With the right support, they can start to recover. #HelpingHands
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We’ve got a signed @coldplay award up for grabs at our Pop-Up Shop - you can bid for it here: bit.ly/ColdplayForBarnardos #BelieveInMe
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Settle into a story with one of our celebrity narrators #NationalStorytellingWeek.
Here’s a #Throwback to @Nina_Wadia reading Big Todd’s Animal Adventure for World Book Day.
Enjoy Big Todd’s adventure? Keep your eyes peeled for ways to get involved 👀 🦁 🦒 🐘
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Why not turn this #BlueMonday into #GreenMonday 💚 and spend some time taking part in nature activities?
It can help your children destress and improve overall feelings of wellbeing.
We've put together some suggestions in this thread 👇
ALT Two children lying in a field looking at flowers.
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As a child, Aamira struggled with her mental health before getting support @Barnardos.
There are thousands of children across the UK like Aamira. It is vital we give them the help and support they need. 💚
Read Aamira's story: bit.ly/3J0deqs
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
ALT Cartoon of a girl with text above talking about mental health
ALT Cartoon of a girl and three older adults
ALT Girl with speech bubble
ALT cartoon of girl and friends
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The children’s social care system urgently needs reform with a stronger focus on early help for families.
We have a unique opportunity to make sure these children have the same opportunities as we expect for our own children.
RT if you agree with the changes we want to see.👇
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Last week we hosted our annual Excellence Awards - a celebration of our colleagues, volunteers, and children and young people who help make Barnardo's the best children's charity we can be 💚
Congratulations to all our winners, we hope you had a fantastic afternoon 🥳
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“Empathy and understanding from people in power would go a long way in helping young people like me.” Children deserve safer, happier, and healthier childhoods.
@RachelReevesMP met with youngsters from two of our services for the #ChildrenAtTheTable tour. bit.ly/4bpR93g
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👨👩👦 “We went down the fostering route and never thought about adoption but when he came to live with us we thought ‘no, he is here to stay’.” - Heather, Barnardo’s foster carer and adopter. #NAW
Learn more about why you should adopt with Barnardo's ⬇️ bit.ly/3rLQ3gJ
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We're gathering the blankets and prepping the marmalade sandwiches ready to receive The Queen Consort and Paddington Bears for our special teddy bears picnic! 🐻
Next week, The Queen Consort will attend a special teddy bears picnic at a @Barnardos Nursery to deliver Paddington Bears and other cuddly toys that were left as tributes to Queen Elizabeth at Royal Residences and @TheRoyalParks.
Take a look at their journey so far:
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This year Olympic Superstar @Daley_thompson led our #LondonMarathon training day with #TeamBarnardos💚 Check out his documentary on the BBC: bbc.in/3WaLveM and if you are feeling inspired we are still accepting applications for 2025! Sign up here: bit.ly/3WpoYwb
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"It might be called the care system, but it doesn’t seem that they always care.”
We’ve talked to care-experienced young people about what they’d like to see from the #CareReview.
Here are their eight recommendations 👇.
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Young carers are proud to look after the people they love, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need our support.
The help we give to each family is different and specific to what they need.
Find out more about young carers and how we help them: bit.ly/3sr4cxP
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“I was motivated to take on this new challenge - a distance I had never run before!”
Jenny took part in the @bathhalf in 2019, raising an incredible £400 for Barnardo’s 💚
Inspired by Jenny’s story? Secure your place today: bit.ly/3H6qvg7
@BarnardosEvents
ALT Quote from Jenny
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Health experts are predicting a rise in chest infections in children this winter.
Along with the @RCPCHtweets, we’ve developed resources to help you understand the key symptoms to look out for and how to best support your child.
bit.ly/2XE985o
#HWFund #Barnardos
ALT Small smiling child overlaid with text describing Barnardo's Boloh helpline.
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“That initial ‘you’re going into care’ is the most isolated you’ll ever feel” Rhi, 25.
In our new podcast series, we speak to care-experienced young people and policy makers about what needs to change to improve the care system.
Listen now 🎧 bit.ly/3CqzkiT
#NCLW
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📢12 young people who have been in care visited the @bankofengland to meet decision makers, including Andrew Bailey Governor of the Bank to share their views about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Read our latest report, ‘No Bank of Mum and Dad’👉bit.ly/3uokSZH
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This #NationalAdoptionWeek we're celebrating our wonderful adopters and the impact adoption has had on them 💚
Have you considering adoption?
Are their stories are leaving you feeling inspired?
Make the next step and enquire 👇 bit.ly/46IYCIq
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Look who's available for a video call! 📱
#DavidTennant is taking part in our amazing #15MinutesWithFame prize draw. Enter with a £5 donation now - all proceeds go to our coronavirus appeal. bit.ly/2ZCa7QA
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“It was horrible I had no stability whatsoever and felt like I didn’t have a real place I could call home.” 💭 🏠
All children need trusted adults they can rely on – including children in the care system.
RT if you agree. 💚
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Choosing where to buy your #ChristmasPresents can be a really difficult decision.
67% of people would consider buying presents from a charity or charity shop, according to our online survey.
RT if you would too 🎄 💚
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Kindness is free! 💚
So this #RandomActsOfKindnessDay, be sure to do something that makes someone smile. We've got some ideas to get you going. 👍
Got some better ones? Tell us down below! 👇
#RAKDay | #RAOKD
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We’re delighted to be @johnlewisretail’s charity partner this Christmas! Look out for their ad on TV tonight to see #MozTheMonster All proceeds from Moz merch will help us continue our vital work with young carers. Thank you!
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“The top priority for care has to be building lasting, loving relationships and making it the obsession of the system.” @JoshMacAlister
In the final episode of our Making Change podcast series, we speak to Josh MacAlister about the #CareReview. Listen now: bit.ly/3wCY05H
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"From the outset we always had great support from @barnardos" - Sylvia, Foster carer.
Our expert & friendly staff will be with you every step of the way, providing training & support.
Sylvia & David have been foster carers for 10 years, find out why: bit.ly/3DvrqIA
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In 2022-2023 we reached 3️⃣ 7️⃣ 3️⃣, 2️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ children, young people, parents and carers through more than 811 services and partnerships across the UK🎉
We're there to support those who need us most💚
Find out about our impact: bit.ly/3uBTTtV
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More babies are going without health visitors.
More children are growing up in poverty.
And more young people are waiting months on a mental health waiting list.
We need the next Government to act.
Sign our petition.
bit.ly/42c2yzL
ALT We want the next Government to transform children’s lives and we need your help. Visit childrenatthetable.org.uk. Image of a young boy, wearing a school uniform, smiling at the camera. Logos: Children at the Table, Action for Children, Barnardo’s, National Children’s Bureau, NSPCC, The Children’s Society.
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For young people in care, living with foster carers may be their first positive family experience. Could you consider welcoming an older child into your family?
Whatever their start, be here for their future: bit.ly/3RLqS5G
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“Just being able to talk to someone...can have such a big effect, especially for someone who is care experienced.”
Listen to our latest episode of #MakingChange where a group of care-experienced young people @care_journeys talk about their experiences
bit.ly/2ZU8QZl
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"Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world" – Matilda. #RoaldDahlDay #BelieveInMe
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Have you seen our new TV ad? 👀 📺
Gladys wants to be there for the children we support, so she put Barnardo's in her will.
Find out how you can be there for children, visit ➡️ bit.ly/3Zol1pW
#BeMoreGladys
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Children are people, not numbers.
Right now, the 2-child benefit limit means parents with 3+ children only qualify for support for their eldest 2 children through child tax credit/universal credit.
Scrapping this would lift 250k children out of poverty.
bit.ly/4aW5Zyq
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The Household Support Fund will end in March 2024.
Email your MP to encourage them to ask the Chancellor to extend the Household Support Fund. Complete our short form to get matched with your MP and we will help you send them an email: bit.ly/3QJVIfq
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We caught up with Barnardo's President, and host of our Young Supporter's Concert at the @RoyalAlbertHall, Natasha Kaplinsky.
Watch to find out why our young supporters are particularly important to us 💚
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To a young person with anxiety, our support can be the difference between hopeful or hopeless. Incredible things happen when we believe in children. #BelieveInMe #WorldMentalHealthDay
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The raw feelings of grief and loss will be familiar to thousands of children and families across the UK.
If you’re a teacher or working in an education setting, these free resources about grief on @BarnardosEduCom could be helpful. bit.ly/3Hyqcfi
#CGAW21
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The #Covid19 pandemic is a traumatic event and this is no different for children and young people. We have a once in a generation opportunity to put wellbeing at the heart when children go #backtoschool - we need your help. This is what we’re calling for - tag your MP.
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❌ No child should be left to cope alone after being exploited.
We’re calling on the Government to make sure that no child in England and Wales is left without specialist support after being exploited.
Add your voice to our call 👇
bit.ly/3WFPsbn
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"I really do advocate foster care. It's something that is a passion for me."💚
Jacky was on @BBCBreakfast this morning talking about her experience of being a foster carer with @barnardos for over 17 years.
Start your fostering journey today ➡️ bit.ly/3RQDQA2
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Exploitation can be tricky to sum up in just a few words, especially when we’re talking about how children can be exploited.
But what exactly IS exploitation?
Let’s talk about it 👇 🧵
ALT Young girl lies on floor on phone and laptop at the same time looking at phone screen in thought. Text on photo reads let's talk about exploitation.
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The government recently published guidance aimed at helping health organisations to support the wellbeing of children from a very early age.
However, as parents and carers, we can learn from it too.
Learn ways to support a baby's development here👉 bit.ly/3SMVDdb
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All children should grow up feeling loved and supported. Happy #ValentinesDay!
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Dr. David Barnardo OBE says we will continue in our long tradition of standing up for the most marginalised groups of children, and help to bring out the best in them, without fear or favour. theguardian.com/world/2020/d…
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Settling back into school? 📚
Here's some top tips from Kiefer, one of our @BarnardosVI ambassadors, for getting back into the swing of things. 😊
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Since 1994, we've been supporting children who have been sexually abused. Our researchers understand how abusers work.
Here are 9 common patterns in their behaviour that could help you know if a child was being groomed or abused: bit.ly/2TDqhpE
#BelieveInMe
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We all have the power to make a difference to the lives of children. 💚
Retweet if you agree!
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More than half of 14-17 year-olds in the UK think they will be worse off than their parents when they grow up.
Life can be hard for children and young people growing up today. Sometimes, they can feel like they don’t belong. We know they do.
Learn more: bit.ly/436TRaA
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💚 Today marks the launch of our exciting new partnership with @coopuk to support 750,000 young people to access basic needs, improve their mental wellbeing and create better opportunities for their future.
Find out more 👇
bit.ly/3mPg4ZD
ALT Coop graphic - over a third of young people feel the odds are stacked against them. Find out how you can help coop.co.uk/support young people
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Did Santa not get it quite right this year? Why not donate your unsuitable gift to one of our stores!
Find your local store and donate: bit.ly/3suJuNu
ALT Man holding up a jumper with a Christmas pudding on it alongside the text - fab christmas! Not so fab present? Donate your unsuitable gifts in-store today
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2016 marks 150 years since we were founded. #150andAlways piped.video/watch?v=DNUhKZM4…
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Worried about your teen during #lockdown? Understanding what young people are going through during the turmoil and uncertainty of the pandemic might be a key part of helping them during this strange time. bit.ly/3oqRytP
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“My Barnardo’s support worker has helped me access things like housing, food vouchers and household support grants.”
Aliyah began using Barnardo’s services last year, when financial pressures were making it hard to put food on the table.
Read more: bit.ly/3FxPQAN
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Think about when you were leaving home for the first time. Who was there to support and guide you?
Young people leaving care often have no one. This 360-degree experience will help you to see what it’s like to be in their shoes: bit.ly/37sH71c
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⚠️ Over the last decade, spending on early intervention services for children has fallen by almost 50%.
Together with @actnforchildren, @childrensociety, @NSPCC & @ncbtweets, we're calling on the Government to invest in vital support for families this autumn.
RT if you agree!
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We are delighted that our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Cornwall, has arrived to meet the amazing children and young people at our Wellbeing Hub in Ilford.
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Neglect and abuse can leave a long-lasting mark on children. But when you believe in them, truly incredible things happen. #BelieveInMe
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"We managed ok last year, but this year is going to be completely different."
This is the stark reality for many families this winter.
No child should have to struggle for food.
Sign our petition for free school meals in English primary schools: bit.ly/3Mfnkqq
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"He would send me pics that made me laugh but some times send me stuff which made me feel confused - like rude stuff, stuff about sex."
Alisha was sexually abused aged just 14.
We helped her to understand that it wasn’t her fault: bit.ly/2VeX1rH
#BelieveInMe
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This is a very special day for Barnardo’s.💚
We know these treasured bears will mean so much to the children who receive them, particularly as they learn about the special journey they have been on.
A huge thank you to HM The Queen Consort for her support and kindness.
The Queen Consort has donated a box of Paddington teddy bears left in honour of the Queen to a children's charity.
The toys were collected from outside the royal palaces by volunteers and professionally cleaned before being donated to Barnardo's.
trib.al/AUkOvey
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In the last year, ~440k children slept on the floor because they don't have a bed of their own. 🛌
On Friday, we launched our new report “No crib for a bed: the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on bed poverty.”
Sign our petition: bit.ly/3EW8IZX
#NoChildInPoverty
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Results day can be overwhelming.
From disappointment over grades to anxiety about further education & employment, mixed emotions might lead to young people needing support.
Read how you can support young people in those moments: bit.ly/3CfRkiU
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“Christmas should be a magical time for children, but for too many it's a time of hunger, cold and anxiety.” - Lynn Perry, CEO @barnardos.
This year, the season of giving has never felt more important.
Donate today: bit.ly/3X4t6Qt
#NoChildInPoverty
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We’ve teamed up with @VodafoneUK to bring you this year's #KidsmasLive event full of festive fun for the whole family!🎄🎅
Join us at Birmingham Town Hall on Wednesday 1st December at 7pm or sign-up to watch our live stream.💻
Get your tickets here: bit.ly/30z6O0T
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Our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Cornwall cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of the new sensory room at our Wellbeing Hub, which will provide therapeutic support to children and young people with disabilities
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"Change is important because it gives hope, hope that things will get better and pain and frustration taken away.”
Kick off your 2021 by reading about what hope and change mean to Kells, one of our inspiring young people. bit.ly/3pqvzmR
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"I came here to feel safe, my journey was hard & scary but I wanted to be happy. It was difficult, I felt scared."
Today we turned #CompassionIntoAction by taking young people seeking sanctuary to meet with MPs to share the challenges & obstacles they faced.
#RefugeeWeek
ALT Stephen Kinnock MP, Shadow Secretary for Immigration, holding pledge board with the young people seeking sanctuary.
ALT Stephen Kinnock MP, Shadow Secretary for Immigration, holding pledge board that states "I pledge to listen to the lived experiences of child refugees and asylum seekers." which he signed.
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Huge thanks to @BeingSalmanKhan for his support & being our first international ambassador! ow.ly/qymd30fehFM
Thanks so much @BeingSalmanKhan for becoming @barnardos international ambassador & for a spectacular #DaBanggTourUK show #BelieveInChildren
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This amazing art was created by Merry, one of our amazing #YoungCarers – what an incredible talent! #YoungCarersActionDay 🎨
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In Episode 2 of our ‘Heard and Not Seen’ podcast series, we speak to Mardoche Yembi. 🎙️
Tune in now 👂 bit.ly/38Rhrub
@FGMCentre
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We want LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe and empowered to be their full selves. How you identify should not be a barrier in your life, it should be a springboard.
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
#NationalComingOutDay #NCOD
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We applaud the producers at #Emmerdale for highlighting this very real and disturbing issue of child sexual abuse and have been advising @emmerdale on this important storyline. Teachers like many other professionals are in a position of trust and must not abuse that power
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Children and young people are our north star – they guide everything we do.
So we asked them about their feelings about the future. Here's what they had to say 👇
Read more in our new report: bit.ly/3wFMVVO
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This year, @HallmarkUKI asked young people supported by @barnardos to draw what comes to mind when they think of #Christmas.🎄
Check out the winners' fab designs which are being used in the 2021 Christmas Card Charity range!
Purchase your cards today 👉 bit.ly/3GoCa9J
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“The miserable people who are trying to undermine you do not succeed.”
This is what Julienne would tell her younger self as a girl of dual heritage, growing up in care. Listen as Irene, another care-experienced woman of colour, interviews her:
bit.ly/3jlmGHJ
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