Charity highlights the importance for young people to care for their heart, body and minds in this difficult year. #WorldChildrensDay
To celebrate World Children’s Day Barnardos teamed up with some of the wonderful children in their services and asked if there was one change they would like to see in the world they live in, what would that be.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “World Children’s Day is a fantastic event each year, a global celebration of children and what they have to say about their lives. This year we worked closely with those in our services to find out what they would like to see different about the world if they had a chance, and their responses were insightful.
“I want more hospitals; because my daddy is sick and I want everyone to get better.”
Girl, 9 years old
“I think every child should have equal rights such as a home, or shelter and heat. They should be able to go in home and have a hot meal. I think this should happen because it’s not fair for children who don’t not have access to these things.”
Girl, 12 years old
“If they could give us no homework…”
Boy, 10 years old
Suzanne Connolly, continued: “Children are very resilient, much more than they are often given credit for. Our belief as parents, carers and adults is that we can somehow shield them from difficult experiences but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Rather, we need to give them the tools to cope with what life throws at them, to care for their heart, body and mind.”
Barnardos Heart, Body & Mind resources provide parents with the opportunity to take time to check in with their children’s needs, as well as their own in challenging times. For more information go to www.barnardos.ie.
ENDS
Notes to editors
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. #worldchildrensday
For further information, please contact:
Barnardos Press Office: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
Lorna Cronnelly; 01 7080443
Trudy McCarthy; 01 7080423