MARKING 100 years since the death of its founder, Barnado's is launching a new campaign to help children affected by abuse or neglect.

Morwenna Blake takes a look at the New Life campaign and profiles people helped at the charity's family centre in west Wiltshire

GIVING a fresh start to abused and neglected children is what Barnardo's is all about.

The charity launched its New Life campaign this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of its founder Dr Thomas Barnardo.

The campaign title reflects the work the charity does to give children the chance of a brighter future, free of the abuse and neglect that could otherwise blight their lives.

Jane Stacey, director of Barnardo's South West, said: "From its very beginning Barnardo's was about giving children a fresh start and the hope of a better future.

"A hundred years of continued commitment since Dr Thomas Barnardo's death in 1905 is testament to our effectiveness.

"This whole year is a celebration of everything that has been achieved in the century since."

In its early days Barnardo's ran orphanages, taking children out of poverty and abusive situations, but the emphasis has now shifted to working to solve the problems within a child's own family.

Youngsters helped by the charity face a wide range of problems, many of which can be solved with the help of trained experts who can work with families.

Mrs Stacey said: "Sexual abuse, domestic violence and alcohol and drug misuse by the adults in their lives are just some of the issues that the young people we work with face every day.

"We have launched this campaign to shout from the roof tops that we need to give a second chance to children and families in crisis, or we risk writing off an entire generation."

The campaign aims to shift the focus away from the threat posed by the minority of youngsters who cause trouble in their communities, towards the many more who are themselves facing serious threats every day.

Last year the south west arm of Barnardo's supported more than 3,200 families and 6,100 children at risk of poverty, abuse and discrimination double the number helped the year before.

The charity is responsible for many organisations across the country.

In Wiltshire alone it runs the Wiltshire Children's Fund, Wiltshire School Start, Wiltshire and Swindon Family Group Conferences, the West Wiltshire Family Centre in Trowbridge and Redland Nursery in Chippenham.

For further information call 08452 410411 or email southwest@barnardos. org.uk