30 June 2020

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been widespread, affecting the lives of every baby, child and young person in the country.

The RCSLT is proud to join 150+ organisations in a call on the Prime Minister to put babies, children and young people at the heart of the coronavirus response, alongside health and the economy as the three pillars of the government’s coronavirus response.

Our statement calls on Government to embrace a new vision of childhood and set out their solutions to the pressing issues facing children and young people, including child poverty, mental health, and school closures. That will mean action and investment on areas including: funding for early help services and public health; supporting innovation and integrated working; support for early years settings and schools; and unprecedented investment in children’s mental health. This must be accompanied by a commitment to protect children facing additional challenges, like those with disabilities, children who have experienced or witnessed abuse, and those from minority communities.

Read the full statement

Children, young people and families can join our call and raise their voices on social media, using #ChildrenAtTheHeart and #PowerOfYouth to share their priorities for recovery.