Speakers for Schools’ Post

AllChild's CEO on new The Children's Society's Good Childhood Report 👇 'But this report also tells us that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the answer. The same support will not necessarily help a child whose wellbeing is impacted by household financial strain and a child who is unhappy at school. For the former the difference might be breakfast clubs and holiday trips, for the latter it might be a trusted adult in school, or for both it might be therapeutic activities - it might even be all three at the same time. We see this every day: 85% of the AllChild children are facing difficulties in their emotional wellbeing and yet no one child’s experience has been the same as another’s - many of the children have only overcome challenges with all three of these types of support. Being able to truly understand root causes and needs, and provide a combination of specialist support- none of which we can do without our trusted in-school Link Workers- is what I believe has made the difference for the thousands of children we have helped who were unhappy. Whether it’s children living in poverty, with SEND, missing school, or all three and more at the same time, this equation of deeply understanding needs, holistic solutions and trusted adults, has been able to make a difference. '

Brilliant, but deeply concerning, report from The Children's Society echoing too much of what we are seeing and hearing every day among the children who participate in AllChild (Formerly West London Zone) - https://lnkd.in/eDm2iyRb According to this, more 15-year-olds in the UK report low life satisfaction than anywhere else across 27 European countries. Poverty and financial strain are reported by children as a key reason behind their unhappiness - we are the European country with the largest gap in life satisfaction between the 25% most socioeconomically advantaged and the 25% most socioeconomically disadvantaged. It is not at all surprising that missing meals and worrying about family finances impacts teenage wellbeing so greatly, but the hard data conveys a very stark message about child poverty. And we should read these stats alongside those of child mental health referrals at record highs and 1 in 5 young people with a probable mental health disorder. Another concerning finding is that more children were unhappy about school than any other area. Yes, children spend more time in school than anywhere else so it can be the place where they encounter the most challenges, but it can also be the place where, furnished with the necessary resources, and an inclusive nurturing culture, they can access the most solutions. But this report also tells us that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the answer. The same support will not necessarily help a child whose wellbeing is impacted by household financial strain and a child who is unhappy at school. For the former the difference might be breakfast clubs and holiday trips, for the latter it might be a trusted adult in school, or for both it might be therapeutic activities - it might even be all three at the same time. We see this every day: 85% of the AllChild children are facing difficulties in their emotional wellbeing and yet no one child’s experience has been the same as another’s - many of the children have only overcome challenges with all three of these types of support. Being able to truly understand root causes and needs, and provide a combination of specialist support- none of which we can do without our trusted in-school Link Workers- is what I believe has made the difference for the thousands of children we have helped who were unhappy. Whether it’s children living in poverty, with SEND, missing school, or all three and more at the same time, this equation of deeply understanding needs, holistic solutions and trusted adults, has been able to make a difference. The complexities of what we’re seeing and the ambition of what is needed is evident throughout the report. In particular, I welcome the calls for more focus on prevention, and increasing opportunities for children to engage in social activities at school and in their local community. I look forward to seeing how these recommendations are taken forward, and the issues raised in this report addressed.

A snapshot of The Good Childhood Report by The Children's Society. It's particularly interesting how the UK measures up in comparison to other European countries: "In terms of socio-economic differences, the UK was the European country with the largest gap in average life satisfaction between the 25% most advantaged and the 25% most disadvantaged 15-year-olds. "Looking at other areas of life linked to wellbeing, the UK performed poorly compared to other countries across Europe on a measure of food deprivation. Notably, the UK was the country with the fourth highest rate of food deprivation. The UK also performed less well on measures related to school safety (including having the second highest level of bullying in Europe); school belonging; and long-term absences. "However, the UK fared well compared to other European countries for measures of family support, and some measures associated with digital devices (like availability of digital resources at home, and 15-year-olds’ agreement with regulation of digital devices in school). "

Given the growth that young adults experience, policy can have tremendous impact on the trajectory of a young person’s life and on that of a generation of community members, citizens, and leaders. Policies and programs—and the systems that administer them—can help young adults both meet their basic needs and build a stronger foundation for a healthy and fulfilling future. However, many social and economic programs leave young adults out by design...as a result, there are very few social and economic supports to help young adults along the way, provide stability and security, and reduce the likelihood that more punitive systems would intervene in their lives. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eE9fRzzv #EconomicJustice #GuaranteedIncome #EconomicSupport #equity #work #youngadults #youthjustice #incomeequity 

The Children's Society have launched their thirteenth Good Childhood Report providing crucial insight into children's wellbeing. The report provides survey data from parents and older children to assess the state of childhood in the UK, with a range of policy recommendations to improve the state of childhood. Tackling poverty, improving play and early intervention on mental health are key recommendations ⬇️

New research released today by YMCA paints a stark picture of the challenges and harsh truth imposed by the ongoing cost of living crisis, particularly affecting young individuals in supported housing. The report uncovers the testimonies and remarkable resilience of young residents who live precariously through relentless financial pressures, and how the hope of overcoming these challenges is diminishing daily. Their struggles, such as food insecurity, inability to afford basic utilities, and restricted access to transportation for school or work, are driving a significant decline in mental health and general wellbeing. These young people are forced into dire choices between essential needs every day, a situation that demands our immediate attention and action. Guy Foxell, One YMCA CEO, said: “Having spent my entire life working with young people, it’s always been clear that, while trying to find their feet and determine their adult futures, they sadly also bear the brunt of negative social and economic fallout…not to mention poor policy decisions. This new YMCA research highlights the sheer scale and unfairness of the challenges young people are facing – and should spur us all into action to do more to safeguard their futures! If you are interested in partnering with us to expand our fantastic work with young people – please get in touch!” Read the report: https://lnkd.in/etfG_rZ9 Guy Foxell Michael Howe Donna Lawrie Portia Rohm Sam Weightman Celia Grenville Mary Hodgkinson Chaurice T. Kerrie Smith

Social mobility is fundamental to social justice, and childhood development is fundamental to social mobility. A person experiences social mobility when they have different life outcomes from their parents, for example, in income, occupation, housing, education or wealth. New social mobility report on the UK: https://lnkd.in/eNGEut_5 Data: https://lnkd.in/eEuvsVTs In the UK, the correlation between parents’ and children's incomes got stronger between 1991 and 2004, and has remained at a similar level since. And on intergenerational wealth mobility, a 10% increase in parents' wealth is associated with around a 3% increase in their children's wealth at a similar stage of life.

📌 In today’s world, economic instability - characterized by swings in employment, income, and resource availability - has become a common occurrence. Particularly, children are frequently the silent victims of economic instability, suffering long-lasting and significant effects in various areas of their development. 💱🚫 #children #economy #development #employment #income #instability #childrensrights

30 per cent of those aged 18-34 feel lonely several times a week in the U.S.A. Indian youngsters living in cities may not be different. The reasons for this crisis are myriad. Many struggle with a loss of economic control in a world in which hard work doesn’t bring security or community (something academic Robert Putnam first brought to light in his 2000 book Bowling Alone). Then there’s frustration over the pace of technological change (particularly its effects on children), and exhaustion with a culture focused mainly on consumption. All of this has led to “spiritual unspooling”, in which many people feel disconnected and abandoned by society and its leaders.   Research shows that after a certain middle-class financial security threshold is passed, the good life tends to correlate with relationships — family, friends and community and not on economic freedom.

A recent Pew Study covering Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood says that “fewer than half of young adults ages 18 to 34 (45%) say they’re completely financially independent from their parents." Do you think this is helping or hurting this generation?    There is a lot to consider when helping adult children financially. Here are a few questions to ask:   ❔ What exactly should help look like? ❔What is affordable? ❔What are the most effective ways of providing financial help? ❔How can we ensure this doesn’t hurt the relationship? ❔How can this help their growth and independence, and not harm it?   All of these should be addressed when planning if or how to help adult children. Would you like to share any thoughts or tips? Comment below. Would you like to hear about ways you can determine these questions? Be sure to reach out.   Link to study in the comments. #sojournwell