A PLACE TO Summer Edition 2026
STORIES OF BELONGING
FIGHTING FOR CHILDHOODS
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER
Page 4-5
Page 6-7
Page 8-9
HI! We’re so happy to be introducing your latest copy of ‘A Place to Belong.’ I’m Ranya, and I’ve been with Barnardo’s since I was 13 years old. Seven years ago, my family came to the UK seeking sanctuary from Lebanon and we were supported by Barnardo’s right from the beginning. Now I’m a young leader for Barnardo’s. I was so happy when they appointed me! I honestly used to be so, so shy – I barely spoke a word. But thanks to support from Barnardo’s, I’ve learnt how to be confident and how to speak up in front of people. Barnardo’s has made me who I am today. And I’m Riley. I’ve been with Barnardo’s for eight years, and for the last two I’ve been a proud ambassador and ally for refugees and asylum seekers. When people come to the UK having experienced a range of different lives, they bring in new, different perspectives that can help us grow. I’m using my own experiences of discrimination to help make things fairer for others. Together, we’re challenging inequality, so that more children and young people can have the opportunities they deserve. Thank you so much for supporting young people like us – we think you’re amazing! Happy reading!
Ranya and Riley
2
Some names and details in this pack have been changed and models used to protect the privacy of the people we support.
MAKING THE TOUGH TIMES EASIER Support like yours makes an incredible difference to children living in poverty. Whether it’s keeping the fridge stocked over the summer holidays, replacing outgrown school uniforms or making a special day out possible, people like you are easing the pressure on families in crisis and bringing much-needed moments of joy. Your support matters so much – thank you. Last year You helped support
12,894
children and young people from 4,391 families. Families received over
£1.16m
The reality Over
1 in 4 children
in the UK live in poverty.
in support through our Child Poverty Fund. Abeni and Elena When money is tight, a bike can feel out of reach for many families. So when Abeni, mum to 11-year-old Elena, was supported to apply for a Barnardo’s grant, she was thrilled. “Not only has it helped Elena build her cycling skills, it’s also helped increase her confidence and transformed other areas of her life. It’s improved her ability to get outside, get healthy and cycle by herself. Having this support means that my daughter can use her bike over the summer holidays, keep active and be more social which is a godsend.” 3
STORIES OF BELONGING We’ve been helping children find safe, loving homes for 160 years – and we’re still doing it today. These two stories, one from today and one spanning decades, show how fostering and adoption can change a childhood – and change a life.
Romarnie’s story When Romarnie moved in with foster carer Jeanette, he was welcomed with a gentle compassion that changed everything. Now 19 and thriving at university, Romarnie shares the difference a stable loving home has made: “Jeanette listened when I told her how nervous I was. She gave me space. She made it feel like home and invited me into the family, which I hadn’t felt in ages. To feel that warmth – that was huge. I didn’t want to get hurt again. But with Jeanette’s help, I eventually learned to trust and let people help
Thank you for not giving up on me. You gave me that sense of belonging again and that meant everything.” Romarnie
4
Something I wish I’d known before I started fostering is just how much of an impact you can have on a young person.” Jeanette, Barnardo’s foster carer
me. Fostering is a two-way street – it teaches empathy and trust. It teaches how to care, how to love, how to be part of a family.”
Helen’s story Helen is a volunteer, fundraiser and ambassador for Barnardo’s. Born in 1969, she explains how her adoption continues to shape her life: “Shortly after I was born, I went to a Barnardo’s children’s home. From there, I was adopted by my wonderful parents when I was four or five months old. I don’t think I could have been more loved. The amount of care and attention my mum and dad were shown by Barnardo’s made them feel supported and allowed them to care for me in the way that they did. In 2019, I lost my mum and dad. For the first time, I began to wonder if I had any family out there. I contacted Barnardo’s and went on the waiting list to get my file. I discovered that I have two sisters and a brother. It’s been lovely connecting with my family. It’s a new feeling to me, like a sense of inner contentment.
Thinking about fostering or adopting? Let’s talk today. Visit barnardos.org.uk/foster-hope or scan this QR code to find out more.
Suddenly, I’ve been absorbed into this new family, and they too have been absorbed into my life.”
5
FIGHTING FOR
CHILDHOODS When all our voices come together, we can make childhoods safer, fairer and brighter for children and young people across the UK. Here are just some of the ways you’re helping make that happen. Campaigning win for online safety Far too many children are exposed to harmful content online without ever seeking it out. Together, we’ve been campaigning for years to change that. We’re delighted that the government has now committed to tackle some of the most damaging online material and better protect children through the Crime and Policing Act. Thank you to everyone who signed our online safety petition. Your support is helping make the internet safer for every child and young person.
It’s not banter Online and offline, many children and young people face a constant stream of misogynistic content and damaging stereotypes about masculinity. These messages are shaping how they see themselves and the world around them. That’s why we’ve launched our ‘Call It What It Is’ campaign. Working with a group of 12 young people from across the UK, we’re challenging harmful online content and making sure young voices are heard by the government. Sania, a member of the group, explains more: “As young people, we see a lot of negative comments and behaviours online and in real life that are often treated as normal or “just jokes”. Even small comments can affect people’s confidence, mental health, and sense of safety. Social media can influence the way people think and behave in real life, especially young people. Harmful attitudes online can spread very quickly, which is why it is important to educate people and promote respect.
6
3 in 5 boys
believe they are expected to act tough and suppress emotion
1 in 4 girls
report being called degrading names online
Young people understand online culture and social media trends, so their opinions and experiences should be listened to. Being part of this campaign has shown me that young people can make a positive difference when they are given the opportunity to speak up and be heard.”
Campaign with us! Add your voice to our latest campaigns – just scan the QR code or visit barnardos. org.uk/signforchange
Celebrating courage For this year’s Refugee Week, we celebrated the courage of children and young people seeking sanctuary in the UK through a powerful exhibition of their artwork showcasing their personal stories of resilience, identity and hope. In Westminster, we called on MPs and Peers to ensure that children’s welfare is at the heart of future immigration and asylum policy.
7
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER Summer holidays can be the happiest times of childhood. Dripping ice creams, kick-abouts in the park, sandy toes and family adventures. But behind every memory, there’s a parent or carer making it happen. And when you’re struggling financially, that can mean juggling shifts, stretching budgets beyond their limit and carrying the worry so your kids don’t have to. Thanks to people like you, Barnardo’s teams are there to ease the pressure on families this summer, providing practical
advice, financial support and welcoming local spaces where families can get the help they need. Families make the memories. We’re here to help make sure they can. Because summer belongs to every child. With the long summer holidays approaching, single parent Nadine worried about how she would afford activities for her three children. After speaking to her Barnardo’s project worker, she applied to our Child Poverty Fund.
coming “I was dreading the summer holidays s. thing of side cial finan the of up because buy to able But with this support, I’ve been days out food shopping and take the kids on able been rwise othe have dn’t woul we that to do. and It’s been amazing to be able to get out . ories mem e mak and ther do things toge na take and , ming swim ing, bowl been e We’v ort supp the to ks than trip to the farm so far to g goin be also l We’l . fund rty pove from the h whic mer spend time in a caravan this sum love we’re all looking forward to. The kids t.” abou and out getting
Nadine
8
“I took the kids camping and they absolutely loved it. It was a new experience for them. We made some wonderful memories pitching our tent and building a fire together. I can’t remember the last time I felt so happy. And I saw that happiness in my kids as well. They just lit up and I could tell they saw a change in me. The support lifted mine and my children’s spirits so much. It gave me hope – because sometimes I do feel hopeless trying to make ends meet. It’s amazing that Barnardo’s offers this support.”
Lisa For mum-of-two Lisa, support from our Child Poverty Fund helped create some really special summer memories with
her children. Lisa used her vouchers to buy camping equipment – something she knew her family could enjoy for years to come.
9
YOU’RE OUR
SUPERSTARS!
Every day, we are blown away by the amazing things people like you do to make childhoods better. Your creativity, energy and determination help so many more children and young people feel safer, supported and more hopeful for the future. Thank you!
An iconic run in memory of Granny Running was a new hobby for Harriet, but the chance to race through her favourite city and raise money in memory of her Granny inspired her to sign up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Thank you, Harriet!
10 years of toddling A huge shout-out to Bright Little Stars Nursery in Watford, who have taken part in our Big Toddle every year since they opened 10 years ago, raising a whopping £61,500! Manager Emily Cooper explains:
0&
h a r it y N o s. 2 1 6 2 5 rn
Ba
.uk
S.
CHANGING�CHILDHOOD CHANGING�LIVES.
ar do
’s R
eg C
t o d d l e . o rg
10
SC
ww .big
03
w
0 76
5
“As a family we owe so much to Barnardo’s for taking care of our Granny and setting her up with the skills she needed to survive. She had nothing but thanks to Barnardo’s for teaching her everything she knew. Granny was so grateful to have had the childhood she had.”
Turning old into gold We are thrilled to announce that our upcycling workshop, The Re-Fashion Hub, has been shortlisted for a Drapers Conscious Fashion Award 2026! A massive thank you to all our Re-Fashion volunteers, who lovingly rescue, repair and upcycle unsellable donations, creating bespoke sustainable pieces sold in our shops and online.
“What I really love about the Big Toddle is how it brings all of our staff and children together for such a worthwhile cause. The key inspiration is the difference we can make in other children’s lives, and how relatable that is to the children we care for.” To find out more information, please turn to the back page and scan the QR code.
To view the collection, scan this QR code or visit barnardos.org.uk/ shoprefashion
A stylish success An elegant afternoon of food, fashion and fundraising raised vital funds for children and young people, thanks to the incredible efforts of the Woodcote Barnardo’s Helpers Group (BHG): “We washed and served and cooked and swept and collapsed, but not before we counted our profit: a stylish £1,589.” Alison Fraser, Chair of Woodcote BHG
11
30th
BIRTHDA Y
7 – 13 June 2027 DS. CHANGING�CHILDHOO. 30 CHANGING�LIVES HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Scan code for more information
Barnardo’s, Tanners Lane, Barkingside, IG6 1QG Barnardo’s Registered Charity Nos. 216250 and SC037605 26543shc26
HAPPY BIRTHDAY