On Tuesday the Children's charity Barnardo's Northern Ireland launched a new campaign called, "Believe in Children," with the support of the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.
The logic behind this campaign is driven by the charity's belief that despite the difficult and numerous problems faced by children today, many of these can be overcome through, "determination, expertise, tolerance and compassion." Helping to promote this worthy campaign is actor Daniel Craig, most notably known for his leading role as James Bond in the latest film, Casino Royale.
Radio advertisements using the voice-over of the actor have been recently used to get the message across, along with newspaper advertising and posters on billboards, urging the public to restore their faith in children.
This £850 000 advertising campaign features troubled youngsters who might have alienated everyone in their young lives. The campaign asks people to show they believe in children by texting 84862 or visiting barnardos.org.uk/believe for further information. The website displays the names of those who have texted or submitted their name to say they believe.
Barnardo's Northern Ireland works to help around 11, 000 children and their families in over 45 services throughout Northern Ireland.
The director of the charity, Lynda Wilson announced on Tuesday, "Barnardo's has been working with children and young people here for over 108 years but we know that Governments are very important in helping children too. I am delighted that the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness is with us today and in his speech emphasised the importance of children's issues for the Executive." Lynda Wilson also expressed her extreme gratitude that all 108 MLAs have signed the "Believe in Children" pledge card. She went on to say, "We still have far too many children living in poverty, educationally underachieving, and there is a need to improve children's services. I believe that we will be able to do something for all our children and make Northern Ireland a much better place for children to grow up in."
