IN these difficult times, the coronavirus crisis has created acute need for the families, young people and children Barnardo’s help - and for Barnardo’s ability to help them.

Barnardo’s has been working to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children for more than 150 years.

Last year, we supported nearly 300,000 children, young people and families through more than 1,000 services across the country.

We work with among others young carers, care leavers, young people at risk of child sexual exploitation, disabled young people, foster carers and adoptive parents.

And during this crisis we are working flat out so that our services can still provide one to one support to the most vulnerable children, including those in residential care and supported accommodation.

We are moving services online where we can and redesigning things so staff can provide effective support during this lockdown.

We will not suspend our activities when the children who need us most are facing one of the greatest challenges of their lives.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that they have the support they need. Our buildings may be closed but our doors are open.

But we have already lost a third of our monthly income as fundraising events have been cancelled and our shops have had to close, so at the very time we’re needed more than ever we may not have funds to give the support that’s needed.

That’s why we need your support.

Coronavirus is hitting vulnerable children and our ability to support them hard – so please donate today by going to www.barnardos.org.uk/coronavirus-crisis-appeal or by sending a cheque payable to Barnardo's to: Income processing - Crisis Appeal, Barnardo's, Tanners Lane, Barkingside, Essex IG6 1QG.

On behalf of the children and young people we work with, thank you.

Steve Oversby

Director of Barnardo’s North Region