Alder Hey & NSPCC launch #ClassofCovid19 lockdown diary photo exhibition

A film of lockdown photo diaries reflecting the experiences of the children and young people of Alder Hey Youth Forum is to be launched as part of a special campaign with the NSPCC.

The #ClassofCovid19 lockdown diaries photo exhibition will be launched by the young people themselves at a virtual event on January 28^th.

There will be showings of the film across the city, coming to digital screens over the following weeks at Liverpool ONE, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and at the NSPCC’s service centre and Childline base on Great Homer Street.

Those working with children, young people and their families across Merseyside are welcome to attend the virtual launch.

The impact of Coronavirus has been felt by everyone, bringing with it additional economic and emotional pressures and turning lives upside down. Sadly, many children and young people became the hidden victims of the virus – suffering abuse and neglect at home, increased risk online, and further pressures on their mental health.

Driven by an upsurge in contacts to the NSPCC’s helpline concerned about children facing adversity, the NSPCC and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust joined together to raise awareness of the role we all have in looking out for children and young people.

Alder Hey’s Youth Forum wanted to drive the campaign, celebrating the resilience of children and young people across Merseyside, challenging damaging stereotypes and sharing the message that Childline is here for children. And so, the #ClassofCovid19 campaign was launched and this new film, with all the photos collated and edited by the young people themselves, marks the start of this important collaboration.

Mubashar Khaliq, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, said:

“This wonderfully poignant and uplifting film underlines why it is so vital amidst all these challenges and hardships caused by the pandemic that we never forget the impact on our children and young people. Since the start of the#ClassofCovid19 campaign I have been so impressed with the Young People’s Forum’s creativity and strength but also crucially their compassion for others, wanting to reach out to their peers across Merseyside to let them know they are not alone.”

Lisa Cooper, Director of Community & Mental Health Services at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“I am incredibly proud of our Youth Forum and the inspiring work they have done to highlight the effects of Covid-19 on all children and young people irrespective of where they live, socialise and play.  Our partnership with the NSPCC demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring children and young people continue to have their voices and views heard to that they remain safe and protected.”

Donna Howitt, Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“We are proud to support these incredible organisations to help raise the profile of their work and awareness of the effects of the pandemic on the lives of young people. The project shows not just the challenges faced but the empathy shown for others. This compassion and care is vital as the long-term effects of Covid on young people become more apparent.”

The film is also available for schools, businesses and community groups across Merseyside who wish to join the #ClassofCovid19 campaign, celebrating the resilience of our young people and sharing the message that Childline is here for when children needs them.

To book your place at the launch of #ClassofCovid19 lockdown photo diaries on January 28^th at 5pm, please register via Eventbrite here.