Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Coalition. Letter to Gavin Williamson
4in10 are signatories to a letter to Gavin Williamson regarding the mental health of children returning to school and the government's emphasis on 'behaviour'.
Spotlight on 4in 10 member Art Burst
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW
ARTBURST
- How are you helping to tackle child poverty in London?
We are a creative education not-for-profit company, so where we can’t directly tackle child poverty we can help and support families and children who are living in poverty through our workshops and online resources to offer fun, quality time while building their confidence, communication skills, increasing pride in their achievements to help them in their educational attainment and alleviate the effects of poverty. We offer lots of fun online activities for individual families for after school fun, weekends or holiday times which are free of charge. Browse through our Resources page on the website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook, You Tube. There are lots of things to dip in and out of from home. If you’re from a school, Children’s Centre or other community organisation you can access the resources in groups, or signpost them to your parents/children. There are free video, stories, craft and singing resources with downloads of Step-by-Step guides, craft templates, visual timetables - everything you need for your session planning or assemblies. Check out our latest Animal Safari and No Pens Day resources.
We specialise in communication-focussed projects which help all children with their communication skills, whether they have identified Speech and Language Needs, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or speak English as a second language at home or not. We make the resources accessible with Makaton and BSL where we can.
In May our online ‘Monster Mayhem’ festival launches. This year, after such a difficult one, the festival is designed to support children in their mental well-being after the lockdowns. A specially composed story of 'Marge Monster' takes children on a journey that reflects their experience of COVID through a fictional monster’s eyes, exploring the isolation of lockdown, fears, worries about getting back to playing or going to school with encouraging messages for re-building friendships and importantly, sharing their thoughts and anxieties towards re-building their resilience and mental well-being. This is important for all children and especially children from poorer families who may live in more cramped housing and went through lockdowns with no gardens or outside space. They may have daily said ‘bye mum/dad/sister/brother’ in the early morning or evening to those who were heading off for shift work in some of the most risky jobs in lockdown: Bus Drivers, Frontline Healthcare workers; Cleaners; Postal and Delivery Workers; and may have had very real and difficult fears. We mustn’t forget too that some lower income families have had drastic personal tragedies through continued illness and bereavement of parents or relatives through the pandemic. Our festival hopes to help children to look forward to better times for their play, education and mental well-being. Monster Mayhem launches on May 3rd and is available throughout May.
- Share with our members something positive about your organisation’s achievement or service.
Comments we get from children, parents schools and partners is amazing. It really spurs us on!
When children and families say things like ‘It was VERY, VERY, VERY fun!”; ‘It really helped him verbally’ ‘Fantastic! Artburst listened carefully to what we wanted and the students really enjoyed the project’.
Feedback from teachers and parents shows high percentages (75%-100%) of positive benefits, saying children have boosted their confidence, have improved in their communication skills and felt proud of what they’ve achieved.
- What can other network members learn from you or find out more about through you?
We’d be delighted to hear from network members if they’d like to work in partnership with us or know more about what we can offer. Where there’s an evidence of need we can work together to gain funding to offer tailored creative activities for your group or organisation, to offer creative education for your groups and organisations. Please get in contact with us.
- What would most help you achieve your goals?
In lockdown we got funding through the London Community Response Fund/National Lottery Community Fund to develop online content. We reached so many more families and schools across London. We aim to carry on the online work alongside our in-school and community face-to-face workshops when safe. We need to increase our staff capacity and find ways to support the costs of that to reach as many children who need our projects as possible.
- Why did you join 4in10? What do you enjoy about being part of the 4in10 network?
As a team we’re all aware of the effects of child poverty and what that means for children in their real and everyday lives. It’s really important for us to be part of this network - we’re kept up to date and learn lots from the reports and publications we hear about in the 4in10 newsletters and we read news of what other organisations are doing. The 4in10 network is a ‘must join’ network. Thanks for all you do there, it is really important work.
Contacts:
For general enquiries info@artburst.co.uk
For partnership enquiries jane@artburst.co.uk
Website: www.artburst.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram @artburst
Follow us on Twitter @artburstltd
Like us on Facebook @artburstltd
4in10 Newsletter 29.04.2021
4in10 Newsletter with information, data, campaigns, funding and more. Click here for this issue.
Sector Leaders defend charities right to campaign.
4in10 fully support the joint statement from social sector leaders on the right to campaign, issued following a speech in the House of Commons by Sir John Hayes MP in which he stated that he and 20 other MP’s had written to the Charity Commission to complain about the Runnymede Trust’s response to the report by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, (The Sewell report). Sir John asked for assurance from minister Kemi Badenoch that she make representations across government to “stop the worthless work—often publicly funded—of organisations that are promulgating weird, woke ideas…” As the statement says, the changes that charities are asking for are not “worthless” or “weird” but focused on solving some of this country’s most enduring challenges.
Mental Health Support for Young Migrants and Asylum Seekers
In light of the dreadful 4th Suicide of a young Eritrean asylum seeker in the UK aged just 19, here are a number of London organisations supporting the mental health of young refugees, asylum seekers and migrants:
- Afghanistan and Central Asian Association based in Hounslow but serves Afghan refugees from across London.
- AFRIL support the children of refugees , as well as young refugees themselves, in Lewisham.
- Body and Soul supports children, teenagers and adults affected by trauma.
- Baobab Survivors in Exile The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community that enables child and adolescent asylum seekers who have experienced organized violence, violation, exploitation, threats, rejection, loss and bereavement in their home communities and on their journeys into exile to thrive.
- Black & Asian Therapists Network provides training, resources and information, and an online directory of qualified therapists experienced in working with immigrant population including African, Caribbean and Asian clients.
- Forced Migration Trauma Service work with people who have experienced trauma and/or forced migration. This is an NHS service, so referrals are required for treatment. Referrals are available from a care co-ordinator, GP/local doctor, or a specialist mental health service.
- Freedom from Torture provides direct clinical / therapeutic services to survivors of torture who arrive in the UK.
- Ghanaian Welfare Association provides the Ghanaian community in London advice including mental health support.
- Helen Bamber Foundation works with survivors of genocide, torture, trafficking and rape by providing them with practical support and treatment to deal with their pasts and build new futures.
- Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre offers culturally sensitive psychotherapy/counselling to ethnic minorities including refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of languages.
- NAZ Black Asian and Minority Ethnic run sexual health support agency that are offering free online counselling as well as other practical support for the LGBTQ+ minority ethnic and black communities.
- New Citizens Gateway serve Barnet and north London with specific young refugee projects and support.
- No Panic Helpline Helplines for anxiety disorders, panic attacks etc. 0844 9674848 Youth Helpline 0330 606 1174 (for 13 to 20 year olds open Mon to Thurs 4pm-6pm)
- Refugee Council. Offer specialist mental health support to help refugees to rebuild their lives using the resilience, strength and skills acquired on their journey.
- Social Workers Without Borders offers voluntary support to asylum seekers, refugees and those impacted by borders, independently of government and local authorities, using its members’ social work skill and expertise.
- South London Refugee Association specialist advice for vulnerable young migrants.
- The Chinese Information & Advice Centre offers support and information including mental health support, to disadvantaged Chinese people living in the UK.
- The Refugee Therapy Centre offers expertise in the delivery of an integrated and user-friendly mental health service for people who have endured considerable trauma and forced displacement. The Centre provides psychotherapy, counselling and associated treatments to refugees and asylum seekers in their own language.
- Traumatic Stress Clinic provides specialist mental health care for post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) to children, adolescents and adults. Refugees and asylum seekers account for over half of the referrals to the Clinic. This is an NHS service, so referrals are required for treatment. Referrals are available from a care co-ordinator, GP/local doctor, or a specialist mental health service.
- Vietnamese Mental Health Services offers culturally sensitive mental health services to Vietnamese people with mental health problems including refugees and asylum seekers. Services provided are drop in day services, outreach and counselling services.
- Waterloo Community Counselling helps people resolve emotional issues, reduce anxiety and depression, and gain self-confidence. Individual and group counselling is offered in English and a range of other languages.
- Young Roots help young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11 - 25. Their 1-to-1 casework service supports young people with issues like housing, immigration and emotional support
4in10 Newsletter 15/04/2021
4in10 Newsletter with news, data, calls to action, funding and more. To read this issue click here.
4in10 Newsletter 01.04.2021
Nothing Foolish about this 4in10 Newsletter. Just news, data, calls to action, funding and more. To view click here.
4in10's new Strategy Manager, Katherine Hill writes her first blog on why poverty is a human rights issue.
The right time for rights
The modern international human rights framework was born out of the chaos and trauma of the second world war. In the 1940s when the global community stood at a crossroads asking itself which way next, one response was the UN Declaration of Human Rights which sought to codify a set of universally held values: freedom, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy.
Over the past year this human rights framework, which to many in 21st century Britain had felt remote and was perceived by some as only benefitting groups at the margins of society, has become central to all our lives. The Government has been forced to take decisions which have curtailed our rights. The right to private and family life, the right to protest, the right to practise religion, have all been restricted in order to protect the right to life. Opinions about whether the correct balance has been struck between these rights have varied and many will argue that at points it has been wrong but the widespread acceptance of human rights as the right language for having the conversation has been striking. It has put those universal values centre stage once again.
As we look to the future, the challenge is shifting from protecting the right to life to the question of how we rebuild lives and livelihoods. That conversation again needs to be conducted firmly in the language of human rights and be rooted in the values they embody. It must be not only about civil and political rights, but also about how to protect the right to food, the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to health, the right to education and the right to play. These rights are referred to as economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights and they are protected in international law in treaties such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (IESCR). Protection for them in our domestic law is weaker although that has begun to change in some parts of the UK; Scotland has recently become the first country in the UK to directly incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which includes many ESC rights.
What has been clear for a long time and has been brought into even sharper focus by the pandemic is that our economic and welfare systems are not upholding these rights for everyone. The shocking child poverty figures published this week (25th March) are testament to the fact that too many in work do not receive a wage that provides an adequate standard of living and that the safety net which should protect this right for those not in work and in low paid work is broken. The result of this failure is that children and their families are denied the freedom and dignity that others enjoy.
The good news is that in some quarters the language of values and rights are already very much part of the conversation. Children England's Child Fair State young leaders are well ahead of the game and have done inspirational work, reimagining the welfare state in a way that put values back at the heart of the system. The original welfare state was developed in the same era as the international human rights framework but was not an overtly rights-based system. If we are to emerge from the pandemic a more equal society, free from child poverty, it is time to put that right.
Spotlight on 4in10 member organisation, Rainbow Money Advice
Interview with Stuart from 4in10 member organisation Rainbow Money Advice
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW
RAINBOW MONEY ADVICE, BARNET
- How are you helping to tackle child poverty in London?
Rainbow Money Advice, established in 2015, is a service provided by Barnet Community Projects, and affiliated with Community Money Advice. We are based in the Rainbow Centre in a deprived part of the London Borough of Barnet.
Our aim is to give help and hope to people with money problems. This is achieved by providing a free of charge money advice service that helps people deal with their debts, budgeting, and welfare benefits issues. The service provides advice by appointments on Tuesdays. We work closely with our colleagues Sarah and Jeanette, who run the Dollis Valley Angels emergency food delivery service at the Rainbow Centre, and with Anne and her team running a Lunch Club with activities for local school children in the school holidays.
- Share with our members something positive about your organisation’s achievement or service.
As at the end of February 2021, we had held over 800 interviews, and helped 180 clients/families. There have been cash successes of over £176,000 in annual awards (mostly welfare benefits, and savings in expenditure) – and over £130,000 in one-off gains, which include having debts cancelled and grants awarded. Other successes include obtaining white goods and furniture for those who cannot afford them. Several people who had been sleeping on the floor now have beds. We have also helped make successful applications for Blue Badges, and Disabled Persons’ Freedom Passes. We were delighted to be recently chosen to be Winner of the Barnet Group’s Community Group of the Year.
A memorable case, which highlights the work we do, concerns a woman diagnosed with a personality disorder, who had attempted suicide. She incurred substantial rent arrears. A successful application to Barnet Council for a Discretionary Housing Payment cleared the arrears and fortunately avoided eviction for our client and her four-year-old child.
- What can other network members learn from you or find out more about through you?
Small agencies like ours do not have numerous volunteers and staff to discuss issues and share experiences. It’s important, therefore, to build relationships with advisers in other agencies, and to participate in shared events, such as those provided by Money Advice Groups. It’s also important to forge links with local charities providing mutual sources for signposting and referrals.
The Coronavirus pandemic has of course created many challenges for advisers and our clients. We postponed our face-to-face appointments and replaced them with a remote service. Some success has been achieved holding interviews by video, using Zoom and What’s App. Being able to see your clients works best, as non-verbal clues can be missed over the phone. Unfortunately, not all clients can afford, or are able to use, this sort of technology. Many clients seeking debt advice invariably brought large bundles of letters from creditors (often in unopened envelopes). Some clients have now been able to scan and email documents to us; whilst others have learnt to take photos with their mobile phones and send them to us by What’s App.
One positive from the pandemic is that it created the time and opportunity for money adviser Stuart to study online for the Certificate in Money Advice Practice. This was provided by the Institute of Money Advisers with Staffordshire University (and kindly funded by Barnet Community Projects and the Thames Water Trust Fund). The course is excellent, highly recommended, and the knowledge gained helps us to provide a much-needed service.
- What would most help you achieve your goals?
More time and more volunteers = more money! We are a small charity with limited resources, and there is a huge demand for appointments. Our service has been a victim of its own success as the word has spread. What started with helping people living across the road in the local estate has grown beyond expectations. Clients are being signposted/referred by numerous organisations, including local GPs and schools. Our aim is to expand, to provide a service on several days of the week with a presence in other parts of the Borough. We have started training new volunteers, and trainee Fanta (with experience gained at the Barnet Refugee Service) has already helped to advise clients. More funding will enable us to train more volunteers and achieve our goals.
- Why did you join 4in10? What do you enjoy about being part of the 4in10 network?
As already mentioned, networking is very important. 4 in 10 is a great organisation, with a shiny new website providing access to hundreds of great organisations, many of which have shared information and contacts with Rainbow Money Advice. We always look forward to 4 in 10’s emailed Newsletter. This is packed with essential information about events, surveys, campaigning, reports, job opportunities – and the all-important details of grants for clients, and funding for organisations. It was through 4 in 10 that we experienced the inspiring London Child Poverty Week conference. We are grateful to 4 in 10 for bringing together the organisations and resources which will help us all tackle child poverty in London.
Contacts
For more information about Rainbow Money Advice, email Stuart Goodman on moneyadvice@barnetcp.org.uk or phone 07981 760 399 (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
For further information about Barnet Community Projects, our Dollis Valley Angels Project, or Lunch Club, email Steve Verrall on steveverrall@barnetcp.org.uk or phone 07946 728515.
4in10 Newsletter 18.03.2021
4in10 Newsletter with data, news, funding, calls to action and more. For this issue click here.