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Greg Mulholland-Working Hard For Leeds North WestMULHOLLAND BACKS CAMPAIGN FOR GREATER SUPPORT FOR 6-13 YEAR OLDS
March 17, 2009 7:00 AM
Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, has signed an Early Day Motion to add his backing to calls from the charity Action for Children for greater support for six to thirteen year olds, whose needs are currently being overlooked as they struggle with a unique set of problems and make the transition towards adolescence.
Without proper support Action for Children argue that children risk profound problems in later life such as crime, drug and alcohol dependency, mental health issues or behavioural problems. Yet instead of a consistent approach to providing this support there have been over 400 different initiatives, strategies, funding streams, legislative acts and structural changes to services affecting children and young people over the past 21 years, despite the can have disastrous effects such inconsistency can have on children's development.
Commenting, Greg said:
"Action for Children have rightly highlighted that we are not doing enough for children during these important formative years"
"It is worrying that an issue as important as children's welfare is dictated by headline-grabbing announcements rather than a consistent long-term policy"
"It is imperative that all political parties have the courage to work together and pursue lasting policies in the face of short-term political pressure. We owe every child the chance to grow up with the emotional resilience to succeed in life."
Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children, says:
"We are grateful to Greg Mulholland MP, for showing his support for our campaign. This indicates that he shares our recognition that it's critical to put support in place for children at this time if they are to avoid darker days as adults, and achieve their full potential in life."
A copy of the EDM signed by Greg can be found below:
EDM 442
ACTION FOR CHILDREN AS LONG AS IT TAKES CAMPAIGN
14.01.2009
That this House supports Action for Children's campaign to highlight the importance of providing support to vulnerable six to 13 year olds; acknowledges the significance of the years of middle childhood as a key time in a child's development; recognises that all children need at least one trusted adult who is there for them for as long as it takes, especially at times of transition; calls for a cross-party 21-year vision for children and young people to be established in each nation of the UK, describing both how public services and public bodies which influence or regulate the commercial sector will work together to ensure children receive the support they need at all key stages and transitions in their lives; further calls for agencies and professionals working with children and families to do more to recognise and safeguard the vital role of continuity, commitment and relationships built on trust in children's lives; and further calls on governments and media across the UK to begin a responsible debate on the way our young people are perceived and highlight young people's contribution to communities.
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