Barnardos aiding more children than ever before

The charity Barnardos has said despite the economic recovery, it is now helping more children than ever.

The group supported more than 11,700 children in 2015.

It said family discord, parental addiction and bereavement were among the reasons families sought their help.

The charity's warning the effects of austerity are still being felt by disadvantaged children.

Head of Advocacy at Barnardos June Tinsley said: “Every year Barnardos works with hundreds of families facing all manner of challenges and in 2015 we worked with at least 11,718 children.

“We need politicians who do justice to these important and inspiring young people. As we head towards 2016 we not only have the perfect opportunity to end this inequality, but also the knowledge of how to do it and, post-recession, the resources to do so.

“Choosing to forgo tax cuts across the board for the term of the next Government would allow us to invest more in child welfare and protection services, early years care, education, health and housing supports and end the vicious cycle of inequality that denies whole generations of young people hope for a better future.

“We cannot commemorate the 1916 centenary and cherish all children equally with clean conscience without doing so,” added Tinsley.