Barnardo’s ‘Invisible Lives’ service will support even more vulnerable children across Essex
Barnardo’s Invisible Lives service in Essex has received funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex among others to deliver bespoke courses and workshops to young people who may be at risk of hidden harms and vulnerabilities in their local communities.
The Invisible Lives service aims to reduce anti-social behaviours and criminal activities. It will educate young people about the dangers of childhood sexual exploitation, drugs, knife crime, gang cultures and more. The courses will be delivered in a number of schools across Chelmsford, Harwich and Clacton on Sea and further funding would enable specialist courses to be delivered across the county.
Formerly known as CAPI – Children Affected By Parental Imprisonment, Invisible Lives has expanded well beyond its original purpose to support and advise families affected by a family member going through the criminal justice system. However, the service will continue to offer this support and work closely with the police, courts, prisons and other criminal justice service agencies.
Lucy Johnson, Children’s Services Manager at Barnardo’s said:
“This is an exciting time for Invisible Lives as we continue to develop new programmes and services to support and increase positive mental health and well-being in children, young people and their families.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:
“The impact of this project cannot be underestimated when it comes to offering support to some of our most vulnerable people and families in our communities. “Its success supports our Police and Crime Plan priority, protecting children and the vulnerable from harm. I am pleased that we can support it further so it can grow, enabling it to reach more people and have a wider impact on our communities.”
Invisible Lives also coordinates advice and support services to military personnel families in the community and beyond when their partners are based at the MCTC in Colchester.
To find out more about Invisible Lives and the range of services on offer, please contact 01268558448 or [email protected]
