MP Adnan Hussain Champions Child Welfare at Barnardo’s Annual Reception Amid Rising Poverty

MP Adnan Hussain has publicly expressed his unwavering support for children’s charity Barnardo’s at the organization’s annual reception held on December 16. The event served as a vital platform for lawmakers to engage directly with Barnardo’s representatives, gaining insight into the charity’s impactful work aimed at supporting children and families facing hardship. During the reception, a group of young individuals who have benefitted from Barnardo’s services shared their personal narratives, illustrating the need for urgent change in governmental policies affecting vulnerable children. Mr. Hussain highlighted alarming new statistics from Barnardo's, revealing that over 18,699 children in the Blackburn constituency are currently living in poverty—an increase of 6,272 since 2014. This stark reality positions Blackburn among the ten most deprived towns in the UK, where an overwhelming 52.4% of children are affected by poverty. “Unfortunately, the decisions made in Westminster do not seem to reflect the grim realities that many of these children face daily,” Mr. Hussain asserted. He specifically criticized the Labour Party's failure to lift the two-child benefit cap, which he claimed had a direct negative impact on 20% of impoverished children in Blackburn. The annual reception not only aimed to foster collaboration between MPs and Barnardo’s but also to galvanize political action focused on creating safer and healthier environments for children and youth. The event encouraged lawmakers to advocate for policies that tackle child poverty and enhance access to mental health resources and education. Mr. Hussain emphasized the critical role that Barnardo’s plays in ensuring that every child can aspire to a healthier and more hopeful future. “This reception was an excellent opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the challenges faced by young people and to consider the steps we can take to address them. Together, we can build a brighter future for every child,” he remarked. The event drew notable guests, including Secretary of State for Education Bridget Philipson, Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment, and various celebrity ambassadors for Barnardo’s, such as actor Fay Ripley and TV personality Debbie Douglas. Each of these figures underscored the importance of collaboration between government, charities, and communities to effect meaningful change for children in need. Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, reinforced the urgency of the mission, stating, “Every year, we work with thousands of children, young people, and families across the UK who are in desperate need of support. Many of these children are facing challenges, including living in poverty, struggling with their mental health, and encountering barriers to education and employment.” Perry highlighted the struggles faced by children returning to cold homes with insufficient food. Alarmingly, nearly half of Barnardo’s frontline staff reported that rising living costs are negatively impacting children's mental health and overall well-being. “Events like this are crucial for raising awareness and creating a chance for those in government, charities, and communities to come together and bring about real, lasting change,” she concluded. The annual reception not only showcased the pressing needs of children in Blackburn and beyond but also reinforced the commitment from various stakeholders to champion initiatives that protect and uplift the most vulnerable members of society.