As the country re-opens and some form of normalcy returns, Barnardos says that for many children normal is a fairytale; it is something that did not exist before COVID 19, and now looks further from reach as the impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable children and their families start to emerge.
Barnardos emergency response to the Covid19 crisis has seen an increase in families seeking vital support in the form of 8,726 hot meals, 5,407 activity packs and 5,417 food parcels. These families mostly had a previous relationship with Barnardos and knew they could reach out for help at this time. However there is concern at the drop of new families and children being referred to Barnardos as the usual supports for those in need were not available during the lockdown period. It is the decrease in numbers of new families and children referred to Barnardos for support, from schools or other community based organisations and pathways, which is extremely worrying.
According to Barnardos CEO, Suzanne Connolly, “While our dedicated staff around the country have maintained links with the children and families they had been working with, we are very conscious that other vulnerable children will have been exposed to situations behind closed doors that we are not yet aware of. Without intervention and the required supports, these situations can have a long term negative impact on children.
“It has been a challenging time for many, especially vulnerable and at risk children who were not already known to us. Their usual support networks that surrounded such as teachers or other trusted adults disappeared overnight. They have had no one to reach out to and ask for help.
“As we re-open our services this week we are excited to welcome back families and children, but there’s no denying that we are also anxious and concerned for what lies ahead. It is only in the coming months that the true impact of Covid19 on vulnerable children and disadvantaged families, will start to emerge.”
A recent UN report highlighted children and young people as part of a group that would be particularly impacted by mounting mental health pressures. Reports from project workers throughout Baranrdos services would also suggest this. Incidence of child to parent violence have increased and are believed to be the result of the emotional impact of enforced restriction. Acrimonious separation issues have also been exacerbated with children exposed to traumatic scenes in the home and left living in pressurised, tense environments. According to Ms. Connolly another area for concern is the increase in domestic violence during this period. “The virus has been a helpful tool for the perpetrators of domestic violence who have been given an opportunity to exert further control over their families.
“Our concern is that these children will be forgotten about. The need for Barnardos services is critical now more than ever.”
The general public can help Barnardos make normal a reality for more children by donating today at www.barnardos.ie
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Notes to editor:
- Spokespeople available
- This week Barnardos started a phased approach to reopening over 40 centres around the country, with early years services re-opening their doors to children and families, and family support services beginning to increase face-to-face contact with children and families
- UN report leads call to protect the most vulnerable after the Covid19 Crisis
- Support provided by Barnardos in the form of activity packs, hot meals and food parcels reflect services provided from March 12th – June 29th
- Referral sources relate to families and children referred to Barnardos from Tusla, HSE, schools, voluntary agencies, GPs and self-referrals.
- ‘Normal is a Fairytale’ is a fundraising campaign supported by publichouse.ie and visibile on outdoor media, as well as a limited run on radio.
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Lorna Cronnelly: 087 0957757
About Barnardos
Barnardos’ mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and our partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences. Because childhood lasts a lifetime www.barnardos.ie