The children who depend on Barnardos are facing a major crisis. Because of statutory funding cuts, our children’s services are facing a €700,000 shortfall. Show your support for the children who come to Barnardos and make a donation today.

Right now in over 40 centres all over Ireland Barnardos project workers are helping thousands of children. They are the victims of poverty, disadvantage, neglect and even abuse. Most of the children we work with have been let down by those closest to them. But helping and protecting children is our mission. The reason we exist. Barnardos refuses to let them down, but the funding crisis we are facing now is threatening everything we do. And so we now rely on you, our supporters, to help the children who rely on Barnardos.

Kirsty is 3. And already suffered abuse in her own home.

Like many children in Ireland, Kirsty was the victim of extreme poverty. Sadly, she was the victim of other more disturbing family circumstances too.

Kirsty suffered physical and sexual abuse in her own home.

This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect identities.

Jake is two. He saw his sister as being his mum.

Jake lives with his mum, dad and older sister Caitlin. There is a history of addiction in the family which has had a huge impact on Jake and his sister. Jake’s mum suffers from physical and mental health issues and Jake’s sister has taken on the role of ‘mother’. She is seven.

This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect identities.

Adam is 8. He scratches constantly.

Adam lives with his parents and older brothers in a council house on a sprawling estate. Crime is high in the area with many of the neighbours serving prison sentences for drug-dealing, weapons possession and theft. Adam's parents are young, unemployed and untrained. Adam's dad has had a few jobs, but he never manages to hold them for long.

This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect identities.

Michael is 3

Michael has had a pretty tough life by anyone's standards. He has experienced living homeless on the streets, the death of his younger brother, domestic violence, addiction issues and depression in his family. Michael is three.

This is a true story. Names have been changed to protect identities.