The COVID-19 pandemic will cause a greater need for our services in the community than we have ever seen before. Barnardos will continue to provide our essential services to support vulnerable children and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But, we can’t do it without you.
Social isolation will mean more families will be under financial and emotional stress which could push them to breaking point. And in these circumstances, sadly it is the children who suffer most.
Families in crisis are already turning to us for help. We have been inundated with requests for help from struggling families unable to access hygiene products and groceries. We are providing food parcels on unprecedented levels for families who are isolated in their homes and unable to afford the basics.
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• Implementing additional health and safety procedures, according to Government directives, to keep our services running while minimising the risk to our clients and staff.
• Regularly checking in on our children and families at risk and continuing to support our foster carers to look after the children in their care.
• Assisting all our families with clear guidance, information and practical support, especially in terms of online learning and how to speak to traumatised children about COVID-19 without increasing their anxiety.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on our service delivery and placing considerable strain on our resources.
Which is why I am turning to you. Together, we must be there for vulnerable children over the weeks and months to come. It’s important to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our wider communities safe, but the most vulnerable groups in our community need you more than ever. Can I count on your support ?
Without a doubt the past few weeks have been challenging as the global outbreak of COVID-19 continues to unfold. On behalf of our Barnardos family, I hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy during this time.
Thank you for all that you do to keep Aussie children safe from abuse and neglect.
Wishing you safety and good health,
Deidre Cheers, CEO Barnardos Australia