Latest news with #Barnardos
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Great Wall trek for great cause
A Timaru early childhood teacher is preparing to tackle one of the wonders of the world in an effort to raise funds for children in need. In October, North Haven's Tracey Layt will be adventuring abroad with a group of Barnardos Aotearoa supporters to walk a 38.5km section of the Great Wall of China, as part of the organisation's Brighter Futures Challenge. The challenge serves as a fundraiser to help keep Barnardos' 0800 What's Up helpline running. The service, which supports more than 12,000 children and young people aged 5–19 yearly, has been running for the past 23 years, and on top of government funding requires an additional $500,000 a year to operate. Miss Layt said she had been a long-time supporter of Barnardos and could not pass up the opportunity of taking part in the challenge. "It combines all my loves together, which is travel, trying new experiences, children, raising money to support worthy causes and hiking. "I'm also doing it in memory of my dad; he had a shared passion for children and their wellbeing, and seeing them thrive. After he retired from the Salvation Army he worked for Timaru Child, Youth and Family. "Before he got sick we had daydreamed about walking part of the Great Wall of China together for my 50th birthday. So, when the opportunity came up to join the Brighter Futures Challenge, I thought it would be a cool thing to do to also commemorate the fifth anniversary of his passing." She was aiming to raise $3500 as part of the fundraiser. "I've got $1600 now — so far I've had a very successful bake sale, my workmate ran a garage sale for me, and we've had a dress-up pirate princess day [at North Haven]. "I've got a whānau movie and board game night coming up at the Salvation Army next month, a photo session in September and hopefully a silent auction if I can get some donations and stuff. "$3500 is the goal, but hopefully I can raise way beyond that." She also had a Barnardos T-shirt, and on the back she was going to put the names of everyone who had supported her "so that they're walking with me as I'm doing it". Growing up as a Salvation Army officer's child gave her a pretty unique outlook on life, she said. "It made me aware of social injustice and hardship from a very early age, especially when I was a missionary child in South Africa in the middle of apartheid. "I realised very early that not everyone had a warm home, enough food and clothing or even freedom. "Growing up my parents always instilled in me that no matter what, there is always someone worse off than you, and you should help when you can. "I've tried to live by this ethos my entire life." Having been an early childhood teacher for 29 years, she said improving child wellbeing was one of her biggest passions.. "I believe all children should have the right to thrive, regardless of circumstances or abilities, and they need support for that to happen. "Children have to deal with a lot nowadays. I was bullied at school, but the bullying stopped at the school gate, whereas now with social media and all that, it is 24/7. "When I returned from South Africa, I had a lot to process, because I'd seen things and heard things that no 10-year-old child should ever have had to deal with. Having a helpline would have been very helpful for me to have processed things. "I want to do what I can to make sure all children have access to a listening ear and somewhere they feel safe, by keeping this vital service operating." Outside of teaching, Miss Layt helps to run the children's programme at the Timaru Salvation Army, and has also done volunteer teaching in Tanzania and Tonga. She also runs a hobby venture, making handmade cards, gifts and personalised items, with the money raised going to support the children at the special needs school she taught at in Tanzania and a kindergarten in Tonga. Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting her profile at or by emailing
STV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
First British person paid damages by church for exorcism of ‘gay demons'
ITV News UK Editor Paul Brand spoke to Matthew Drapper who was put through conversion therapy and received a five-figure compensation from the church. A man has been paid compensation for an exorcism which attempted to rid him of 'gay demons' in what is believed to be the first legal settlement of its kind in the UK. Speaking on camera for the first time, Matthew Drapper told ITV News he was led to believe demons had left his mouth during the intense prayer session at St Thomas Philadelphia Church in Sheffield in 2014. 'They said that one of the reactions you'll have is that when people are praying for you to get rid of the demonic influence, you'll want to stop. And that's a sign that you should carry on and that you should push through. And they said you might have a physical reaction', he said describing the prayer session. Mr Drapper was told to 'push out' his homosexuality from his body during the intense prayer session at St Thomas Philadelphia Church in Sheffield Following an independent report by Barnardos in 2023 which upheld complaints by Mr Drapper, St Thomas Philadelphia, which is a joint Church of England-Baptist church, has now paid him a five-figure sum in compensation for the harm caused by the exorcism. Since ITV News first investigated conversion practices in 2018, successive governments have promised to ban them. But despite repeated pledges no law has yet been brought forward. ITV News has been told the Labour government still has no timeframe for outlining a bill to ban conversion therapy, after committing to one in both its 2024 manifesto and last year's King's Speech. ITV News also understands the Prime Minister recommitting to a ban at a reception in No10 to celebrate Pride, but no details were given. Campaigners for a ban hope Mr Drapper's case will act as another form of deterrent, with the potential for many more legal cases to be brought against churches which practice conversion therapy. Richard Scorer, who represented Mr Drapper, told ITV News that the win would 'lay down a marker that if people are harmed as a result of practises like this, then there is the potential to take action and seek accountability for that'. ITV News spoke to Richard Scorer who believes there will be many more legal cases ITV News understands that a bill drafted by civil servants and the Equalities Minister Dame Nia Griffith has reached No10 for consideration, but hasn't progressed any further. It is understood that sticking points remain around religious freedoms, the question of whether someone can 'consent' to conversion therapy, as well as what role parents should be allowed to play in the case of children who may be questioning their sexuality or gender identity. It is also understood the government is carefully considering the recent Supreme Court judgement on the definition of a woman before proceeding with a ban, as well as requesting more evidence of current conversion practices. Speaking on Thursday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisted the Government would sill deliver a ban. He said. 'It's still something the government's committed to. I'm not aware of the schedule around that. 'But it's something we've been absolutely clear on and we'll take the action we promised them.' A Government spokesperson from the Cabinet office told ITV News: 'Conversion practices are abuse – such acts have no place in society and must be stopped. 'We committed to bringing forward legislation to finally ban conversion practices, as one of our legislative priorities set out in the King's Speech.' Much of this frustrates campaigners, who argue these points have already been considered at length by previous governments, causing unnecessary delay. But those who oppose a full-scale ban on a variety of grounds believe a ban could have unintended consequences, such as stifling freedom of religion or preventing constructive conversations about gender identity with parents and teachers. The Church of St Thomas Philadelphia responded to ITV News several days after publication of our report to claim that compensation was paid only in response to the way Matthew Drapper's case was handled and not in response to any reported harm from the prayer session. Mr Drapper's lawyer disputes this. The Church says that it does not practice or support conversion therapy. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction has begun on a unique housing scheme in Glasgow
Barnardo's has launched a new housing programme to support young people at risk of homelessness. Construction has begun on five Gap Homes in Glasgow, designed to help young people leaving the care system transition to independent living. The project is being delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council and Enevate Homes. An artist's impression of the new gap homes (Image: Barnardo's) Read more: Do you have to pay council tax if you receive benefits from the DWP? Gary Mayatt, managing director at Enevate Homes, said: "At Enevate Homes, we're proud to partner with Barnardo's on this meaningful project. "By delivering five high-quality Gap Homes through offsite construction, we're helping to provide young people with safe, sustainable spaces to thrive as they transition into independence." Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, said: "These Gap Homes in Glasgow will be very important for young people moving out of the care system, and will provide a key path towards independent living and a long-term higher quality of life." Barnardo's Scotland's purpose-built Gap Homes offer high-quality, affordable housing within established communities and include ongoing support from the charity. The scheme was developed in response to the shortage of suitable accommodation and support for care leavers, a gap that increases their risk of homelessness. Each resident can stay in a Gap Home for up to two years, with Barnardo's offering flexible tenancies tailored to individual needs. Elizabeth McShane, UK head of business for Gap Homes at Barnardo's, said: "We are absolutely delighted to mark the start of the Gap Homes programme in Glasgow. "Gap Homes are transformational, having a profound and positive impact on the lives of young people. "It can be very difficult for young people leaving care to live alone for the first time, especially when it comes to running a home on a limited budget. "Gap Homes creates a safe and stable environment in which young people can thrive." The programme is being funded through an £18 million donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, the largest in Barnardo's history. This will support the creation of 50 homes across the UK. Elizabeth McShane, the UK Head of Business for Gap Homes at Barnardo's (Image: Barnardo's) Read more: How can I keep my child safe online? NSPCC guidelines as Ofcom tightens rules John Richards, chair of trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, said: "We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo's in their efforts to provide just that. " Additional funding for the Glasgow development has come from the Albert Hunt Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation. Jane Deller Ray, operations manager at The Albert Hunt Trust, said: "The Albert Hunt Trust recognises the importance of a safe, secure home for young people leaving care and is pleased to support the Gap Homes development in Glasgow."
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Urgent warning issued over new online age checks
From Friday, UK adult content websites, including Pornhub and OnlyFans, will be mandated to implement robust age verification checks for users. These checks can involve methods such as banking details, ID verification, or specialised online age verification services, with non-compliant sites facing significant fines from Ofcom. Children 's charity Barnardo's welcomed the new legislation, highlighting the severe harm pornography can cause to children, including distorting attitudes towards relationships and normalising abuse. Barnardo's urged Ofcom and porn providers to adopt a 'continuous approach' to age verification, warning that children may find ways to bypass initial measures if they are not constantly updated. Ofcom stated that the new rules mark an end to the 'age blind internet ' for porn sites and will actively assess compliance, stressing that companies failing to meet standards will face enforcement action.
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Children could find ways to ‘bypass' porn age verification checks, charity warns
Porn sites must take a 'continuous approach' to age verification checks to avoid children finding ways around the measures, a leading children's charity has warned. Children's charity Barnado's said children are 'too easily' able to access extreme content including rape, incest, domestic abuse, and child sexual abuse while online - something they hope new measures implementing age gates on porn sites will help prevent. But speaking to The Independent, they cautioned sites must take an evolving approach to the new legislation rather than 'remaining stuck on the solutions that are easy to implement now'. From Friday, anyone accessing adult content sites such as Pornhub and OnlyFans must verify that they are over the age of 18. This could be done through a number of methods, including banking details, ID checks, or dedicated online age verification services. Sites that fail to comply could face heavy fines through Ofcom, in what the regulator called a bid to stop an 'age blind' internet. Becky Rice, senior policy adviser at the charity said they 'welcomed' the new legislation but called on Ofcom and porn providers to monitor any 'unintended consequences' of the measures. 'At Barnardo's, we see the harm that normalising pornography can cause children, distorting their attitudes towards healthy relationships, sex and consent,' she said. 'Barnardo's has long called for the introduction of highly effective age assurance measures to limit the harmful content children have access to online, and we welcome these measures as part of implementing the Online Safety Act.' She added the charity has supported children as young as seven who have accessed pornography sites. Recent data from Dignify shows the youngest reported age for first seeing online pornography was just 3 years old. 'The online world creates many fantastic opportunities for children to learn and connect – but for far too long, it has been too easy for them to stumble across extreme pornographic content. 'The material children are seeing online includes rape, incest, domestic abuse and child sexual abuse. We see first-hand that watching this content harms children's mental health and can normalise aggressive and harmful sexual activity.' She said the charity had also supported children whose own abuse had been 'normalised' by content they found online, including a 15-year-old girl who had been abused by an older relative for years. 'She turned to pornography to try and understand her own sexual abuse, but the content she found depicted older relatives having sex with young girls and the girls enjoying it,' Ms Rice explained. 'It wasn't until she disclosed her abuse that she realised that it was not normal.' However, the charity have warned that while 'robust' verification checks are a welcome change, pornography providers must work to stay a step ahead to make sure their measures continue to be effective. 'No checks are completely infallible, and we are concerned that children may be able to find ways to bypass age verification,' she said. She added there would be a 'a period of learning' for the public as the new age gates come into place. 'The public need to be aware of what age assurance is, how it works, and that it does not compromise their privacy or personal information. 'All platforms have a responsibility for keeping children safe online and preventing them from accessing harmful content. They also have a duty to protect the data of their users. Implementing highly effective age assurance will mean that platforms need to process some form of personal data to verify a user's age. 'However, Ofcom as the regulator, has published clear guidance to platforms on users' rights within data protection law, including ensuring that the minimum amount of data about a user is collected, how it can be used and how it should be kept secure.' An Ofcom spokesperson said the new rules follow decades of an 'age blind internet' when sites and apps that host porn 'have simply not been doing any meaningful checks to see if children were using their service,' adding 'that ends now'. 'These age checks will help stop young children from stumbling across porn,' they continued. 'And while the new rules have only been in place for a matter of hours, we will be actively assessing compliance to make sure platforms have age checks in place and that they are highly effective. Companies that fall short can expect to face enforcement action. 'We have been clear that sites must not encourage or direct users to get around age checks, including through the use of VPNs. But VPNs are not illegal and there are legitimate uses for them. People should be aware that children and adults who use a VPN to bypass age checks, will not benefit from the wider protections offered by our online safety rules.' Ofcom previously said the new measures were 'key' to helping to protect children from harmful content when they're online. 'Strong age checks can be done effectively, safely, and in a way that protects your privacy,' a post on their website said. 'As with everything you do online, you should exercise a degree of caution and judgement when giving over personal information. 'In the UK people are familiar with having to prove their age in the offline world to buy age-restricted goods like alcohol and tobacco. Age checks to access online pornography are just the same. It will help stop children from encountering pornography online, in the same way that a child should not be able to simply walk into a shop and buy a pornographic DVD or magazine.'
