On Thursday 1st October, a leading British charity launched an exclusive helpline to support children and families from black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds who were disproportionately impacted by coronavirus.
Children’s charity Barnardo’s started this initiative, first of its kind in the UK, in a new partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, (NET). The helpline is expected to provide advice, signposting and support from trained specialist advisors and therapists – who are from a diverse set of cultural backgrounds and able to speak a range of languages.
Commenting on their latest project, Barnardo’s CEO, Javed Khan, said, “I know from personal experience that families in BAME communities have been hit hardest by the virus. Black people are four times more likely to die of the virus compared to white people, while the pandemic and recession are worsening existing inequalities. As a result, children are suffering bereavement, mental health problems and fear for the future - yet many remain hidden from essential support services and have been left to suffer in silence.
“Barnardo’s is proud to be at the forefront of responding to the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people. In these uniquely challenging times, we are working in partnership with Government, business and other charities to support those who need us most.”
The helpline, therapeutic support and live webchat facility will help communities struggling to deal with issues such as sickness and bereavement and rising hate crime due to the pandemic, on top of entrenched existing inequalities, including poverty, financial hardship and health problems. Barnardo’s had previously reported that BAME children suffered increasing levels of trauma, and are afraid for their futures, their families and communities due to the pandemic. Three quarters of these children, young people and families had reported an increase in discrimination and hate crime within schools and communities, while mental health, isolation and loneliness, and barriers back into education. Now, the £900,000 grant will be drawn from £20 million pledged to the Coronavirus Appeal by the Covid-19 Support Fund, established by the insurance and long-term savings industry. The charity’s specialist frontline workers have reported supporting increasing numbers of young people from these communities during the pandemic, demonstrating the need for a UK-wide support service.
Yvonne Braun, ABI Executive Lead, Covid-19 Support Fund said, “The ambition of the insurance and long-term savings industry in establishing the Covid-19 Support Fund was to get help to those who need it most, especially children and families living in poverty. Barnardo’s work is vital in this area and it’s fantastic to see that our donation to the National Emergencies Trust is being used to support the first UK-wide helpline for BAME children.”
The helpline number for children from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds is 0800 151 2605 or visit https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk
