WITH THE NUMBER of homeless children in Ireland has risen to 2,973, children’s charity Barnardos has asked children what home means to them.

In two videos launching their national collection day today, the charity also asks the children what they would do for children.

The charity makes the point that what home means to children who have them are the very things many families living in emergency accommodation don’t have.

“Homelessness affects every part of a child’s life – their mental health, their physical development, their ability to understand and process their feelings, their education and their family.

“These children are failing to thrive and the issues facing many of the children attending Barnardos services have become more complex as a direct result of the homelessness crisis.”

The charity’s CEO Fergus Finlay says that the homelessness crisis is robbing a generation of children of their right to be a child.

“These children are being robbed of their childhoods and this will have lifelong implications for them. Children are the most vulnerable and innocent victims of this crisis.

“At Barnardos we believe that every child deserves the same opportunities in life and having a place to call home, a place to grow and play and to share a meal with their family is a basic necessity.

“We are working to provide some comfort and practical support to these families, but I echo our repeated calls for longer term solutions – for the need for stable appropriate homes for families. Every day in homelessness is a day too long for a child.”

To donate €4 to Barnardos, text BARNARDOS to 50300.

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