What would you say is the biggest issue facing children and families in Ireland right now? Has that changed in recent years? A. Ireland has become very consumerist and children are now under immense pressure from social media and wider society. There is a real gap in understanding of what children actually need to be both emotionally and mentally heathy and how damaging this focus on presentation and consumption is to their sense of self-worth and development. The Growing Up in Ireland survey now finds that 1 in 5 children in Ireland is in need of social and emotional support. Some families are very good at seeking this out, whereas many are not, particularly those living in disadvantage. We need accessible community-based services to meet this need. In Barnardos, a child and parent will always find a warm, nurturing environment. There is always an understanding voice on the end of phone or a welcom- ing face at the door of one of our centres and this is essential to the impact of our work. You’ve recently taken up the role of CEO at Barnardos. What motivates you? And what do you hope to achieve now you’re at the helm? A. AS CEO of Barnardos I want to bring a trauma-informed approach to all of our services and in our work with other agencies using the most up-to-date research into human development. I want us to take a whole person perspective when we work with a child, to acknowledge how trauma first presents within the body, before manifesting in the mind and is then communicated through our behaviours. In Barnardos, we are working with future generations of adults, early intervention and a deep understanding of the lifetime consequences of trauma is key to creating change and positive im- pact for children. I also believe that we really need to examine how is it that we are guiding our children to have connection and mean- ing in their lives as they develop within an increasingly consumerist and digital society. How has The Ireland Funds’ support made a difference to Barnardos? A. The support Barnardos receives from The Ireland Funds is truly fantastic. The Flagship funding we were granted in 2017 to support families experiencing homeless in North Dublin made a huge dif- ference to the lives of almost 300 children and parents. It enabled us to support the social and emotional health of over 60 families going through the chaos of homelessness. It really helped these families to cope and to maintain some sense of normalcy and balance in their lives in the midst of a crisis. The funding was used for very practical needs and items and for parents to spend quality time with their children, which is hugely important for their relationships and for a child’s healthy development. We are extremely grateful to The Ireland Funds for all of their support and for their belief in the value of our work with children and families. In June 2018, donors attending The Ireland Funds Worldwide Conference were able to see firsthand the impact of The Ireland Funds’ support of Barnardos as they visited a local breakfast program for children in need. connect 2019 • 53 Q. Q. Q.