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Giving Back To Barnardo's

How the charity helped Finnen through dark times

Finnen feels the support which Barnardo's gave him as a young child shaped him into the man he is today

Finnen was just four years old when his dad tragically died in a road accident. The youngster didn't know who the 'caring people' were that came in to help support their anguished family.

Fast forward 16 years: Finnen applied for a job as a support worker with Barnardo's Link Plus. This service provides short break sessions and activities for children and young people with disabilities.

It was only after securing the role with the charity that his mum revealed it was Barnardo's who had helped them through those dark times.

Finnen, now 20, said, "At the time, I was too young to realise that the caring people helping us were from Barnardo's. But looking back on that period, I believe their support helped me process the trauma and emotions of losing my dad.

"They helped shape me into the adult I am today."

Transforming Lives

To date, players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised more than £11.7 Million for Barnardo's - money that is helping transform the lives of more than 300,000 children, young people and families across the UK.

Finnen first learned about the work of Barnardo's when a recruitment team came to his university's Freshers' Fair in Brighton.

In his new role, he is busy developing new skills to prepare him to support children and young people with disabilities.

Finnen said, "I've been matched to help a young person with autism and severe learning difficulties.

"Barnardo's has provided him with a tablet device and a special app to help him communicate. He can watch his favourite videos at home and still connect to the outside world."

It means his mum can now have four hours a week to herself, safe in the knowledge that a trusted person like Finnen is at home with her son.

Finnen is loving his new role.

He added, "Having had support from Barnardo's in the past, being able to work for the charity is amazing. I feel completely at home."

Making A Difference

People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Barnardo's make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities which our players support.