Blog

With the help of Coronavirus Appeal funding, Barnardo’s launched the UK’s first free helpline supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic children and families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. John Brown, Barnardo’s Director of Strategic Partnerships shares his perspective on the pandemic.

Today marks my six months at the National Emergencies Trust (this is the longest job I have had) and I cannot believe how fast time has gone. I have loved my time here so far, the work, the people, and the culture. I am still fairly new to the charity sector, and I am still learning a lot as I go, and I cannot wait to see where my role at the National Emergencies Trust takes me.

Sixteen years ago today, fifty-two men and women lost their lives in London in the most tragic and shocking of circumstances when four bombs were detonated on the tube and a bus in the morning rush hour.

The Pandemic has been a triple-whammy for LGBT+ communities: Organisations have seen huge increases in people coming to them for support. LGBT+ communities cross every part of society and those working across intersectional areas, such as anti-racism work, have had additional community pressures.

Last week I found myself in the very privileged position of participant at the G7 Fringe in Newquay. It was a chance to step outside of the day job for a few days and put the work of the National Emergencies Trust – and the events of the last year – into perspective.

Last week I became an honorary trustee of the National Emergencies Trust for the day to take part in one of their quarterly emergency simulation exercises. One of the key ways they prepare for a possible major emergency.