A Christmas wish – an ever open door

In 1871 and boy called John Somers,11 years of age, (nicknamed ‘Carrots, given his mop of red hair) missed out on a place in a Barnardos boys home that was full. Several days later he was found dead from malnutrition and exposure. ??Carrots had lived alone in the rooftops of London since he was 4. From that tragic passing of Carrots, Dr Thomas Barnardo declared to never limit the number of children he helped.? He referred to the “ever open door”.? Given that commitment and declaration, by 1905, Barnardo had 96 homes open across the UK keeping thousands of children safe, healthy and able to thrive.

As we end 2024, here in the paradise of Aotearoa New Zealand, over 4,000 children are in care.? While I dream of an Aotearoa where residential and secure care facilities for young people don't exist, I don't believe I'll see that dream in my lifetime, but I hope future generations do.?

Through 2024 we have all learned of the horrors of our nation’s history in care services. We must learn from this to wrap the highest quality care services around young people and their whanau, when care is needed. Services must be properly funded to wrap both expertise and aroha around young people and whanau.? Services that address ‘needs’ and not ‘deeds’. ?Services where there is an ‘ever open door’.

Christmas is a magic time of the year, although not for everyone including children. 1 in 8 children in New Zealand live in material hardship where whanau can’t afford the basics like clothing, healthy food or heating in their homes. Tragically 1 in 7 children experience family violence. Child poverty is reported to cost the country $17.7 billion every year including healthcare costs, poorer educational outcomes and reduced future earnings.

I recently heard from a young girl who told me that her mum had told her that Santa had died.? Turns out mum was having an incredibly tough time and presents were a bridge too far.?

Through the last year Barnardos Aotearoa has served over 31,000 children and caregivers across early learning and child and family services, including care.? Our professional helpline (WhatsUp) has taken over 12,000 calls and chats from 5 to19 year olds.?? I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is playing it’s part.? Given the breadth of our work, amazing people, expertise and experience that reaches across Aotearoa, we are also uniquely placed to wish for more.

This Christmas I wish for an Aotearoa where there is an ‘ever open door’ for all children.? Where every child, no matter what the circumstance is given the access, expertise and aroha they need to be able to thrive.

As in Carrots case, sadly I know that for many children in New Zealand, some doors are closed.? Only a truly united approach across all of Government (imagine a coalition of ALL political parties when it comes to children), Iwi, business, NGO’s and community can achieve an ‘ever open door’. ?True Kotahitanga. ???

You might know some of these children and families this Christmas.? Look after them.? Look after each other. ??

Matt Reid

Chief Executive, Barnardos Aotearoa

www.barnardos.org.nz

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