‘Welcome back’

Barnardo’s supports some of the most vulnerable children, young people and families across the UK and we couldn’t do it without the customers, colleagues and volunteers who support our stores.

We are delighted we’ve been able to reopen our stores after lockdown and by the wonderful response we’ve had from customers old and new following our first week of trading. We would like to thank all those who have kept hold of their donations for many months, we are now able to accept them once more. We are grateful to our colleagues and volunteers who have worked so hard to ensure safe, clean environments and of course to our customers whose spending supports our frontline workers.

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Our frontline workers provide a wide range of support across communities and the demand has never been greater. We are helping children affected by bereavement during Covid, those who are struggling with their mental health because of anxiety, loss and family breakdown.

We are supporting parents facing poverty who have had to choose between food, heating or data for their children’s online learning during lockdown. We have responded with new digital and practical support while continuing our work in areas such as fostering and adoption, disability, care leaver support, help for young carers and children and young people at risk of, or recovering from, all forms of exploitation.

So, as we welcome everyone back to our stores we would like to say a big thank you for your continued support, and if you have some time to spare why not think about joining our team of amazing volunteers. You can find out more in-store or at www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer.

David Longmore

Head of Retail, Barnardo’s

Stay Awake

This past year has shown us more clearly than ever before just how important it is to have somewhere safe and secure to call home. Having a stable base and somewhere to put down roots is good for our mental and physical health and that includes being able to get a full nights’ sleep.

Yet, on any given night, tens of thousands of families and individuals are facing the worst forms of homelessness across Great Britain. This includes people forced to sleep on our streets, having to drift from sofa to sofa, or stuck for months in unsuitable temporary accommodation. In England alone, over 200,000 households are experiencing this right now.

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Homelessness is not inevitable. Crisis works with thousands of people every year to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good. We won’t rest until homelessness is ended. That’s why we need your help.

Without the safety or comfort of a home, it’s a struggle to get a good night’s sleep. This Early May Bank Holiday (30 April – 3 May), we’re asking you to give up your usual eight hours a night and Stay Awake for Crisis. The challenge is to Stay Awake for 24-hours, all to raise money for people experiencing homelessness, helping to put them on a path to a secure home.

We know that staying awake morning, noon and night won’t be easy. Whether you chose to go it alone, do it as a relay with colleagues, or team up with family and friends, we’ve got loads of ideas and support to help you plan out how you’ll spend your hours and keep up your fundraising. From a 24-hour gaming marathon or midnight bake off, a yoga’thon or even some sponsored dog walks – you choose how you’ll keep yourself awake and make your 24-hour mission a success.

Join us as we Stay Awake and fundraise for those who do it night after night. To sign up, visit: www.crisis.org.uk/stayawake

Jon Sparkes

Chief Executive, Crisis