Roots to Change

In this special episode of Talking Change we ask how the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown is impacting the mental health and well-being of children and young people and what the longer term implications might be. We also discuss how migrant families subject to 'no recourse to public funds' are being particularly badly affected, and what can be done to help. 

This episode is part II of our focus on the unique challenges faced by vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds as they navigate the often tricky transition to adulthood.  This was recorded live from an event in Parliament where 13 organisations came together to launch a new report, Transitions into Adulthood. You’ll hear from some of the speakers at that event, and in particular, from young people who attended because they wanted to share their own stories with politicians.   

In this episode, we’re talking about that awkward age between childhood and adulthood. For vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds this can be especially awkward, as support they receive from services will often drop away once they turn 18. The issues that 16 and 17 year olds face – such as mental ill health, poverty and homelessness – are rarely experienced in isolation. A group of organisations that support teenagers dealing with complex problems in their lives, have come together to call on the Government to do more to improve older teenagers’ transitions to adulthood. We hear from some of them, and from young people themselves, to find out why teenagers are falling through the cracks between childhood and adulthood.  Read the show notes for more information. 

In this month's episode of Talking Change, we explore what financial crisis looks like for families and young people.  For families in crisis, emergency funding from councils allows them to buy food, pay utility bills and keep their children safe. This support provides a vital safety net when the worst happens. But in many areas, this safety net is at real risk of disintegrating. For 1 in 7 councils, it has already disappeared.  Our Strengthening the Safety Net campaign is calling on councils across the country to maintain their commitment to providing effective crisis support. Use our interactive map to find out the situation in your local area. Read our podcast blog for more information on the campaign. 

For the last couple of years, The Children’s Society has been running a highly successful local campaign asking councils to make young people who have left care exempt from paying council tax up to the age of 25.  The campaign represents a fantastic example of how widespread, tangible change can be achieved by going local. Tens of thousands of care leavers are now exempt from paying council tax, helping to give them a few years of financial stability at a critical moment in their lives. In this episode, we reflect on the campaign; why it was necessary, how it was accomplished, and what still remains to be done.

For young people struggling with their mental health, getting help can be hard. Long waiting times, strict criteria for access, and real uncertainty once you turn 18 are just some of the obstacles you can face in a system seriously failing to meet the level of need. The Government has recently unveiled a bold and ambitious set of reforms which they promise will transform the way that we approach children and young people’s mental health in this country. But does it stack up?  In this episode, I speak to the experts to find out how the system for supporting young people's health works, and where it falls down. I head to Birmingham to visit a mental health service that's trying a different approach, and hear from some young people there. Lastly, I sit down with Luciana Berger MP to get her take on the government's reforms. 

I investigate the daily struggle faced by families subject to No Recourse to Public Funds, a condition of their immigration status that prevents them from accessing any benefits or welfare support. When these families fall into poverty, they are confronted with a unique set of challenges which can be extremely difficult to overcome. The consequences, particularly for children, can be devastating. I am joined in this episode by: Rupinder Parhar - Policy Officer, Children's Society A single parent who shares her own experience Cllr Sue Lukes, Islington Council's first ever 'migrant champion' For more information on The Children's Society's work on this issue, view their report, Making Life Impossible.  Any comments, feedback or questions? Get in touch at campaigns@childrenssociety.org.uk

This first episode explores the phenomenon of child criminal exploitation, in particular, children who have been exploited into selling drugs through so-called 'County Lines'. In conversation with three guests, I try to unpick just what 'County Lines' is, what it means for the young people caught up in it, and what can be done to tackle it. I am joined in the episode by:  Sarah Hegarty - Service Manager, The Children's Society Will Quince - MP for Colchester Tim Champion - National Police Chiefs' Council  For more information on The Children's Society's work to combat criminal exploitation visit their website, where you can learn more about the new National Disrupting Exploitation programme and find a toolkit for professionals working with young people affected by it.  The approach to child protection known as 'Contextual Safeguarding' was first developed by Dr Carlene Firmin at the University of Bedfordshire - visit their website to find out more.  Don't forget to Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or bookmark our podcast homepage. Any comments, feedback or questions? Get in touch at campaigns@childrenssociety.org.uk