Former boxing champion Nigel Benn to join Voice of the Child campaign

Former British world boxing champion Nigel Benn has joined a campaign that aims to reach out to under privileged children in tough inner city areas of Britain.

Called the Voice of the Child, the campaign will give teenagers a platform to talk about their problems and concerns to a wider audience and provides an opportunity to capture the voices of the young people in the audience. The focus on listening to their views is a crucial part of the event and one of the most encouraging aspects.

Nigel Benn has been joined by  other well know figures including former DJ rapper McFlux and former gang boss turned youth advisory officer Gwenton Sloley. Together they have been touring schools in Southeast London telling children about their lives, their problems and how they were able to overcome obstacles to become successful.

“This isn’t about me,” said Nigel, “it’s about the children, their lives and how they can make a success of it. These children need to be heard, understood and shown that they are our future.”

The Voice of the Child campaign is one of a range of initiatives being delivered through a new non- profit making organisation called nib Shared Vision. The initiative is the brainchild of Marisa De Jager, a children’s social worker who is a lead partner in the enterprise.  Nib Shared Vision has been developed to stimulate and elevate safeguarding practice for all vulnerable people. It aims to be at the heart of safeguarding excellence.

Along with celebrities, Voice of the Child has also been backed by the British Association of Social Workers and has had positive signals from the offices of Prime Minster David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Marisa said: “It’s vitally important that we capture the voice of the child to hear what these young people are saying about themselves and their surroundings. We need to involve them in all issues of safeguarding, from child sexual exploitation and FGM to drugs, gangs and domestic violence.

They need to feel included, not excluded, from society and the decisions that affect their lives. Many of these teenagers are from tough inner city areas and don’t get many opportunities in life. Bringing in people like Nigel helps to show them that they can make a success of their lives. There is hope.

To learn more about the Voice of the Child or to get involved please contact Marisa on 07737687827 or to get involved please contact SharedVision by emailing [email protected].  Connect with the campaign on @sharedvisionuk