Letter to editor: Barnardo’s Cymru calls on Welsh Government to put children first in action on poverty

Each day Barnardo’s Cymru works with children and families in need of extra support. We have seen first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis has increased their problems, leaving some at breaking point.

The financial problems for families come on top of the legacy of Covid which left many more children and parents struggling with their mental health. 

With a third of children in Wales now living in poverty, charities like ourselves are providing emergency food, clothing and help with energy costs. This is alongside our specialist family support services which are in greater demand than ever.

This week we share findings from our frontline workers and children we support calling on Welsh Government, local authorities and MPs to put the children of Wales first.

Among our calls is for Welsh Government to set up a crisis fund that organisations can access quickly and easily for families who need emergency support.

We are also campaigning on behalf of specific groups we support, including young carers who take on significant caring responsibilities for parents or siblings, responsibilities that can feel overwhelming.

They currently receive no financial support and as the family income is often low, they can face real challenges even affording the bus to college. We are calling for a one-off payment of £500 to those with young carers’ identity cards, bringing them inline with unpaid adult carers.

We want to see the introduction of free travel for all young people under the age of 18 so they can access opportunities for employment and training, as is currently the case in Scotland.

We would like to see that offer extended to under 25-year-olds if they are care leavers or are young carers and to families eligible for Flying Start so that the youngest children can also benefit.

We hope politicians from all parties and at all levels in Wales will take action to support our most disadvantaged children. You can read our full report at www.bit.ly/3pGieMr.

Sarah Crawley,

Director, Barnardo’s Cymru