HUNDREDS OF vulnerable children affected by poverty and neglect are in danger of losing vital supports due to a major funding shortfall.
According to children’s charity Barnardos, which provides services to more than 5,500 children and families across the State, donations are projected to be down by about 20 per cent by the end of this year.
In addition, State funding has been reduced while its services are expected to come under further funding pressure next year.
Among the 42 projects that Barnardos delivers in marginalised areas across the State include supporting families at risk, pre-school services, parenting skills and after-school supports.
The charity’s warning comes as dozens of other charities and community groups are struggling to provide badly needed services to marginalised communities across the State.
Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay said the uncertainty around funding was a major concern. “These children and families are suffering from terrible hurts caused by poverty, disadvantage, neglect and addiction . . . we do not want to stop providing that help for even one of those children and for that we need the public’s support.”
Mr Finlay said the charity understood the financial difficulties facing many families and companies. However, he said donations were needed now more than ever given the pressures caused by spending cuts in education and social welfare.
Barnardos project co-ordinator Debbie O’Shea said it was vital to ensure vulnerable children had the best possible start in life. “Our focus is on getting children ready for school and giving them a positive experience of education, thus helping them on the road to a successful school career. It is widely recognised that the best way to end the cycle of poverty is through education.”
One of the charity’s project workers said curtailing or closing services for children would have a major impact on their development. “A child may not access appropriate levels of stimulation to develop language, motor skills or social skills. These are key skills that they will need in school, and without them their experience of school will be seriously impacted upon,” said the project worker.