Barnardo's

Barnardo’s works to support children and young people to feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful, through delivering over 760 specialist services across the UK, along with advocacy and campaigning to change the way the system works for the better. They’ve been changing childhoods and changing lives for over 150 years.

You can find local Barnardo’s support services near you through their directory of local support services on their website.
Barnardo’s support services include:

Leaving care
Employability and skills
Housing and homelessness
Rights and participation
Short breaks for children with disabilities
Support for young carers
Play services
Adoption and fostering
Refugee and asylum seeker services
Family support
Alternative education provisions
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) support
Mental health
Missing children
Vocational training
Substance misuse
Domestic abuse

History of Barnardo’s
After a cholera epidemic devastated the East end of London, leaving 3000 people dead and a large number of children orphaned, Thomas John Barnardo opened a ‘ragged school’ in 1867 where children could get a free basic education. Through the experience of meeting the children he was supporting and understanding their lives and lived experience, Barnardo realised he needed to focus all of his attention on helping to support children living in poverty.

The first Barnardo’s home for boys opened in 1870, providing accommodation and the opportunity to learn vocational work and take on apprenticeships in carpentry, metalwork, and shoemaking.

Barnardo believed that every child deserved the best possible start in life, whatever their background. This philosophy still guides Barnardo’s work with children, young people, and families today, and their belief that no child should be turned away.

By the time Barnardo died in 1905, the charity had 96 homes caring for more than 8,500 children, including children with physical and learning difficulties.
Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision
A world where no child in need was turned away.
Mission
Barnardo’s core purpose is to change childhoods, change lives. 
Values
In everything they do, Barnardo’s work with children and young people to be safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful.
Safer
So children at risk of harm are better protected.
Happier
So children struggling with their wellbeing can access support and feel they belong.
Healthier
So children growing up with disadvantage can experience good physical and mental health.
More hopeful
So children experiencing challenges can move into adulthood with hope and confidence.