Kids Clubs Network welcomes the DWP report

Leading childcare charity Kids Clubs Network welcomes the DWP report
released today, outlining its recommendations for childcare, as a major
boost to working parents and their children. The organisation welcomed that
call for more investment in childcare and added its call for the extension
of Children's Centres to 0 -16 year olds and beyond the 20% deprived areas.

The report reflects the key areas Kids' Clubs Network has been campaigning
for to improve the lives of many families. Recommendations include extending
the Children's Centres Programme beyond the government's target of 20% of
deprived areas, and further long-term investment in childcare provision so
that settings, such as out of school clubs, are able to become more
sustainable.

Increased investment in Children's Centres will offer essential new support
for disadvantaged parents in every area - bringing together the childcare,
training, health and family support necessary to be able to work. This move
is particularly important for the thousands of lone parents who want to work
but currently can't due to the lack of childcare. Kids' Clubs Network is
supporting the expansion through its own development programmes aiming to
create 100 children's centres over the next 3 years.

Commenting on the announcement, Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of Kids'
Clubs Network said: 'Having been closely involved in the collection of
evidence for this report we welcome that it tackles the two key issues that
are preventing many parents from receiving the childcare they deserve - that
of accessibility and affordability.'

'Childcare is essential if parents are to work and take up training and if
children are to have the best start in life. Whilst government investment in
childcare is working, further investment is required if child poverty
targets are to be reached. The next spending review needs to take this into
account by focussing on developing Children's Centres so that they are
available for all - in all areas and for all children, from birth to teens.'

NEWS FROM REED IN PARTNERSHIP
Tuesday 1 July 2003. For immediate release

For media information contact: Hannah Jefferies or Findlay Robertson at
Campaign Communications on 020 7924 7555 or 07941 557 065

Unique project to tackle Haringey childcare crisis could become model for
the rest of the country

Unemployed single parents from across Haringey are taking part in a unique
pilot project to set them on the road to a brand new career and help tackle
Haringey's childcare places crisis, acknowledged as one of the worst in the
country. If successful in Haringey, the programme could become a blueprint
for the rest of the country.

The Childcare Partnership pilot is a joint project organised by Reed in
Partnership, part of the Reed recruitment and training group, and the
College of North East London. Funding is from Urban Futures and the New Deal
Innovation Fund - which aims to help people back to work using new
approaches. The Haringey project was one of just 10 the Innovation Fund
agreed to finance from 300 projects submitted from other organisations
across the country.

The Childcare Partnership is a unique three-pronged attack on the childcare
places crisis consisting of:

o NVQ Level Childminding qualifications - 20 of Haringey's single parents
have just started a six-month course. Once qualified they will be able to
set up their own childminding business (looking after an average of four
children each a day) or work in a nursery. The 20 made it through a series
of intensive workshops and an in-depth interview to be accepted onto the
course. Whilst training they not only continue to receive benefits but they
also have free childcare and travel allowance. Two more courses, for a
further 40 lone parents are planned during the two year lifetime of the
pilot.

34-year-old Clemy Fernandes from Wood Green has two children aged nine and
four and has just started the NVQ Course. She says, 'I've been looking for
an opportunity to have a career at the same time as enjoying my kids and
this is perfect. Already my studying has encouraged my children with their
own education and I know that what I'm learning will help me with my own
kids as well as other people's!'

o From July 2 all single parents across the borough will also be able to
take advantage of free short-term childcare (anything from three to four
hours to a full day) so that they can attend any employment-related event
such as training or interviews. This service is accessible via any JobCentre
in Haringey or by calling 020 8880 4136 (10am-3pm).

o The Childcare Partnership is also offering nurseries across Haringey free
business advice, and help to access funding, enabling them to expand the
number of childcare places they can offer. The aim is to create another 160
extra places in two years.

For lone parents with questions on any of the above, or who want to access
the services on offer, The Childcare Partnership is available on 020 8880
4136/4134 (10am to 3pm weekdays)

Scott Parkin, Operations Manager for Reed in Partnership says, 'The
Childcare Partnership beat off competition from more than 300 bids to secure
funding from the New Deal Innovation Fund. The Fund recognises comprehensive
attempts to help people back to work and that's exactly what we've come up
with. One of the key things holding lone parents back from working is the
chronic lack of childcare places in the borough and The Childcare
Partnership tackles all aspects of that. We're encouraging all lone parents
and childcare businesses to take part in the pilot, and help Haringey become
a blueprint for the rest of the country.'

WORK AND PENSIONS SELECT COMMITTEE POINTS
THE WAY TO ACHIEVING 'CHILDCARE FOR ALL'
The national childcare charity Daycare Trust today (Tuesday 1 July 2003) warmly welcomes the Work and Pensions Select Committee's call for universal children's centres and reform of help with the cost of childcare for working parents.
The Committee's report into 'Childcare for Working Parents' challenges the Government to build on its national childcare strategy with greater long-term investment in childcare. Without more affordable childcare places, the Government will not meet its targets to get 70% of lone parents in work by 2010 and to end child poverty by 2020.
In particular Daycare Trust welcomes the report's recommendations for:
* Universal children's centres, moving beyond the 20% most disadvantaged areas in a phased expansion to provide affordable quality childcare, early education, health and family support in every community
* Making the free part-time early education places for 3 and 4 year olds more flexible, and provide more out of school childcare places with sustained funding
* Making childcare more affordable by reforming the childcare element of the working tax credit, raising the percentage of costs covered and the maximum that can be claimed by families with two or more children
* Encouraging informal childcarers to register and extending the home childcarers scheme
* Increased and sustained investment in childcare from Government, and streamlining of funding sources
* Recruiting more men and people from minority ethnic communities into the childcare workforce
* Extending paid parental leave to give parents more choice, particularly in the crucial first year of a child's life
* Better information for parents on finding, choosing and paying for childcare
The report also calls on Government to explore in further detail the childcare needs of families with disabled children. It recommends further action to help families living in areas where childcare costs are high and to support parents moving between jobs. The Government is also urged to improve the pay of childcare workers.
Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: "The Select Committee has provided a route map for achieving childcare for all. The key steps are children's centres in every community and more help with the cost of childcare. Universal children's centres are key to the Government delivering on its ambitious drive to end child poverty and create a better, fairer Britain.

"Despite increased resources for childcare over the last five years, there is still a childcare lottery in this country whereby access to childcare depends on where families live, their income and employment status. The lack of affordable childcare means parents are either unable to work or forced to make huge sacrifices and children miss out on the benefits of quality childcare. Families lose out and Britain loses out.

"Childcare benefits everyone. Investing in childcare is an investment in all our futures."

Girlguiding UK launches a new visitor centre for kids

Girlguiding UK has recently launched a new activity and sleepover venue for girls and boys in the heart of central London. 'Icando' is an exciting and participative visitor centre providing lots of fun activities in a safe and enclosed environment. Not only is the centre open for weekday and weekend visits, it is also a superb base for youth parties, offering an exciting sleepover venue for up to 40 children.

Icando is open to all and is ideal for girls and boys aged 7-14 years old. Split into two levels, there is enough sleeping room for both sexes as well as separate areas for teachers and youth workers if they want it. Basic refreshment facilities are available at all times.

And when the kids are there, there are lots of different activities available for them, such as building urban landscapes and bridge construction to putting on a play or puppet show. Children can express themselves freely in a fun and exclusive environment and adults can relax over a coffee, in the knowledge that the children are in a safe environment.

Icando can cater for parties of up to 40 for sleepovers, and to a maximum of 150 at any one time during the day. Sleepovers can be for either one night or two nights from Monday to Saturday night. The centre is open all year round from 9.30am-5pm but is closed most Sundays and bank holidays. The centre has full disabled access and baby changing facilities.

For further information about the accommodation, visits, activities and a price list for Icando, please contact the Icando team on 0207 592 1818 or email: icando@girlguiding.org.uk or visit the website on www.icando.org.uk.

DAYCARE TRUST WELCOMES NEW MINISTER FOR CHILDREN TO LEAD DRIVE TO CHILDCARE FOR ALL

The national childcare charity Daycare Trust welcomes the appointment of Margaret Hodge in the new post of Minister for Children as 'a fresh start in the drive towards creating childcare for all children and families'.

Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: "Margaret Hodge has a track record in fighting for childcare and early years services. Her appointment is a great way to end National Childcare Week.

"Childcare is a key part of social and economic policy to create a better Britain. Childcare gives children a good start in life and enables their parents to work, study or train. It is crucial to ending child poverty. The new Minister for Children can build on the Government's National Childcare Strategy in meeting the childcare challenge.

"Bringing together responsibility for all services for children and young people makes real sense. It's a key part of joined up Government and providing integrated services for families locally.

"We look forward to working with the new Minister to create and deliver better childcare services for all children."

At last a Minister for Children - " Absolutely delighted!" says Children's
Charity

Having long called for the responsibilities for children and families across
government to be joined under the remit of a single Minister, leading
children's charity NCH welcomes the appointment of Margaret Hodge MP as the
first ever Minister for children.

NCH's Chief Executive Deryk Mead says:

"We are absolutely delighted that this post has been created and that
Margaret Hodge is the first person to do the job. With her earlier
experience in local government and as a previous Minister for Sure Start,
she's ideally suited to take up this exciting and challenging role."

Caroline Abrahams, NCH's Director of Public Policy says:

"The fact that this has happened is very good. It will be crucial for child
protection to underpin every policy for children and not get lost in the
wide range of functions that are now rightly being brought together. Of
course there will always be something left out of such an arrangement - we
believe children's health remains in the Department of Health, so it will be
important that efforts are made to co-ordinate policy across the two
departments."

New video resource highlights global issues

Y Care International, the overseas development agency of the YMCA movement, has joined forces with young people from across the world to release a new video.

Aiming for the Future is part of the organisation’s Target campaign, which calls on governments across the world to listen to young people and give them more opportunities to access training, develop useful skills and escape poverty.

The 11-minute film includes young participants from Colombia, Gambia and London, who discuss how training at their YMCA has made a difference to their lives. The tape also encourages young people in the UK to lend their voices to the campaign.

Sarah Leonard, Campaigns and Development Education Co-ordinator at Y Care International, says: “Young people everywhere want the chance to learn new skills and make something of their lives. It’s time to start listening to that. This is the message that comes over in the video, and we hope people will watch it and feel able to sign up to the Target campaign.

“If you are a youth worker, teacher or trainer, this video could be used with any group of young people to help them see the parallels between their own lives and those of their peers overseas, as well as tackle global issues.

“For too long, young people in the developing world have not been listened to. Aiming for the future aims to give some of them a voice.”

The video is priced at £5, including UK postage and packing. For a copy contact Y Care International, 3 – 9 Southampton Row, LONDON WC1B 5HY
Tel: 020 7421 3022 E-mail campaigns.deved@ycare.org.uk

ORGANIX TAKES ACTION ON GLUTEN

Children’s food campaigner and founder of organic children’s food company, Organix, Lizzie Vann, is calling for the Government to review legislation relating to gluten in early weaning foods as the debate surrounding its potential effects on infants grows.

The move comes as she announces that the Organix range has become the first in the UK to remove all gluten contain products (wheat and oats) from all of its stage one and stage two weaning jars (from 4 months and 7 months).

The range, totalling 50 baby food recipes, has been endorsed by two top allergy charities, Allergy UK and Coeliac UK.

Organix believes in protecting children against unknown risks and responding to the views of parents and health professionals. The company has been working closely with health visitors and parents to examine the debate surrounding gluten-containing ingredients in early weaning foods (four to seven months) and the development of coeliac* disease, an intolerance to gluten.

Current guidance is confusing as advice from NHS health promotion services, issued in a book to all new parents, says that wheat-based foods which contain gluten should be avoided up until the age of six months. In contrast latest advice from the Department of Health** states that non-wheat cereals are suitable first weaning foods. These include oats, barley or rye, all of which contain gluten. Meanwhile, Government legislation simply requires food manufacturers to ensure foods for children under the age of six months are labelled with the presence or absence of gluten.

The Tamworth Parents’ Action Group in Staffordshire has been involved in the Organix initiative through its campaign for the re-labelling of early weaning foods that contain gluten. The group wants to see the age label on such foods changed to six months. Following their own research and advice from a leading academic, they believe that exposure to gluten at a young age could be extremely harmful for some children.

Julie Fagan, health visitor and group secretary, says; “The parents are very pleased that Organix took our concerns seriously, followed up some of our findings and have now taken this initiative. We sincerely hope other baby food companies will follow their lead, for the sake of the babies.”

Allergy UK believes that almost one in twelve of the UK population suffers from food intolerances. Coeliac UK also believes that coeliac disease affects one in 200 of the population.

Lizzie Vann says: “There is a growing debate about the effect of gluten in early weaning foods and its potential to lead to health problems later in a child’s life, such as food intolerances, allergies and coeliac disease. Legislation does not currently fit with advice given to health professionals, which we would like the Government to review and provide clear guidelines. We would also encourage other baby food companies to take precautionary action.

“We have used innovative methods to re-formulate our recipes so that parents of babies up to the age of ten months, when their digestive system is at its most delicate, have a worry-free option.

“In addition, the endorsement from Allergy UK and Coeliac UK on both the jar lid and labels, means that parents can buy our range with confidence without having to scan the complete ingredients list.”

Instead of containing oats, the breakfast recipes in the gluten free range have been made from a blend of corn and rice, while the pasta recipes now contain pasta, developed by the Organix team, using lentils, which are naturally gluten free.

Muriel Simmons, chief executive of Allergy UK says: “Allergy UK is delighted to award its ‘free from’ endorsement to Organix for its entire range of stage one and stage two weaning foods, which are now entirely gluten-free. Organix is the first baby food company in the UK to take this important step and we have worked closely with them to ensure they receive this well-deserved support.”

National Allergy Week, which raises awareness of allergies and how to manage them takes place between 12th to 16th May 2003. For further information contact Allergy UK on 0208 303 8525 or e-mail info@allergyuk.org

The ‘free from’ range, includes Banana Porridge (100g) and is available in Tesco, Safeway, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. Prices range from 67p - £1.09p for 100g to 250g jars.

KIDS GO FREE TO THE THEATRE!
Star Studded Line Up of Shows for Kids Week 2003
Booking opens in mid July

From August 22nd-29th, London’s theatreland will be giving away thousands of free tickets to children for over 25 top London shows during the 6th annual Kids Week in the West End.

Plus, kids will have a unique opportunity to attend a whole range of brilliant free activities during a full week of non-stop fun in the West End!

Kids Week is organised by the Society of London Theatre and sponsored by Marks & Spencer. Shows on offer range from the all new Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat, starring Stephen Gately (ex Boyzone), the magical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Bombay Dreams to a range of fantastic plays including The Reduced Shakespeare Company shows and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The deal is simple – a child (aged 5-16) goes free with every full paying adult, and up to two additional children can go for half price. Ticket availability is limited per performance and the demand for tickets will be huge, so book now on the Kids Week Ticketmaster hotline on 0870 444 6066 (24hrs) or at www.kidsweek.co.uk

And it doesn’t stop there. There are also free kids meals available to Kids Week ticket holders in a selection of top family restaurants, and families all over the country can take advantage of great travel and accommodation offers courtesy of Superbreak and Hilton Hotels, where kids can stay and travel free. For further details on travel and accommodation, call Superbreak on 01904 641111. Quote ‘Kids Week’ when booking to save an extra 10% on the full package price. Lines for Superbreak are open from 8am to 11pm every day.

NEW RESEARCH CONFIRMS PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF CHILD BEDWETTING
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION AND IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AMONG CHILDREN

A new survey highlights the psychological and social impact of bedwetting on children and reveals worrying levels of exclusion and bullying. If the condition is not managed effectively, it can have a dramatic effect on a child's life.
• Over a third of sufferers whose friends know about their problem admitted that
some are no longer friends with them and nearly a fifth have been laughed at and
picked on as a result of their condition'.
• Over half of children who wet the bed indicated that they cannot stay away from home at a friend's house or on a school trip'.
Research was also conducted among non-sufferers and although half of them understand that sufferers cannot help it', they admit to discriminating against children who do wet the bed with nearly 20% admitting that they tease other children because of it'. As a result, over 70% of children who wet the bed keep their condition a secret for fear of being bullied and victimised'.

To help address the severe lack of understanding about bedwetting among both children and parents a nation-wide awareness campaign, led by ERIC, the national bedwetting charity, is being launched during National Bedwetting Awareness Week, commencing 12th May 2003. The campaign, which is being lead by School Nurses in schools across the country, aims to educate children about the condition and the support mechanisms available to them both in and out of school. This initiative builds on the success of last year's campaign, which tackled parental misconceptions about nocturnal enuresis, the medical name for bedwetting.
' Kember Associates interviewed 325 children (who do and do not experience bedwetting) aged 7-15, January 2003
Penny Dobson, Director of ERIC (Enuresis Resource and Information Centre), said, "Bedwetting is an extremely common childhood disorder affecting over half a million children in the UK - it is both disappointing and shocking that this common condition still remains stigmatised among children and misunderstood among parents2.

"Bedwetting can be successfully treated, enabling children to live their lives to the full and interact with friends like all other children. We urge parents to seek help and ask their School Nurse, GP or health visitor about the treatments available to them."

Unfortunately, a lack of understanding is also prevalent among parents - over 80% of parents do not believe that bedwetting is a medical condition and wrongly believe that stress, worry and laziness are the major causes3. Furthermore, a quarter of the children interviewed believed that their parents would be angry if a friend wet the bed in their house, and nearly half indicated that their parents may not want their friend to sleep over again.

The campaign's aims are supported by ChiIdLine, the UK's free, 24-hour help-line for children and young people. Alison Murphy, ChildLine's Director of Children's Services, said, "ChildLine receives a number of calls from children and young people who experience bedwetting. These young callers are often very depressed and feel deeply embarrassed about it. Many say that they are bullied because of it and that it greatly affects their school and social lives.

"It is important that awareness is raised about bedwetting among young people so that they understand the condition better and those who wet the bed are supported by their school friends rather than made fun of."

New website launched for children and families going through the family courts

April 2003 - CAFCASS – the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – has launched a new website designed for children and families involved in the family courts. The user friendly website provides lots of information about what CAFCASS does and what might happen in the family courts.

Around 50,000 families each year are caught up in family court cases. The courts ask CAFCASS to help in cases when:

parents are splitting up and cannot agree where their children should live
social services think children should be taken from their parents’ care for their safety; or
children could be adopted.
“It is vital that children and families involved in cases going through the family courts have access to information about the process and what might happen to make it less daunting. As the use of internet is on the increase, particularly amongst children and teenagers, we believed the time was right to redesign our website to provide information about our service in a user friendly way.”

The website (www.cafcass.gov.uk) is split into three parts. Children, teenagers and parents can click on their own section to find out things like: how CAFCASS officers work with families; what happens when mums and dads can’t agree where their children should live; and adoption. There are also stories about other children who have gone through the similar things in the family courts. The website explains confusing legal terms in a way that is easy to understand and also provides links to other useful websites.

Photographers show respect and celebrate diversity to win top prizes

CATEGORIES INCLUDE UNDER 18 YEARS
Mayor Ken Livingstone is giving the capital's photographers the chance to win top prizes in the first ever Mayor's respect week photo competition.

As part of a programme of activities and events being organised across London in the run up to the anti-racist respect festival at the Dome on Saturday 19 July, the Mayor is inviting photographers of all ages, whether amateur or professional, to come up with images that reflect London's diversity, inspired by the theme, 'respect the diversity of Londoners and their communities'.

The competition is being supported by electrical retailer Dixons in association with Fujifilm, who are offering prizes for competition winners, including top of the range Fujifilm digital cameras.

The Mayor said: 'This year's respect will encompass many different activities as well as the festival at the Dome, meaning more people can actively get behind the anti-racist message. I am delighted that the support of Dixons and Fujifilm means we are able to run our first respect photographic competition. It does not matter what camera you use, or how often you take pictures. What we are looking for are images that reflect and celebrate London's diversity, and how well the capital's many different communities live side by side and make our city a great, and welcoming, world city.'

As well as having the chance to win camera equipment, selected work will be shown in a respect week exhibition at City Hall, in the official festival magazine and on the website.

Entries are being accepted now for the following categories: under 18; 18 and over (amateur); 18 and over (professional). Competition forms are available in all Dixons London stores and can be downloaded from www.respectfestival.org.uk. All entries must be received no later than May 30 2003.

The competition rules are as follows:

RULES OF ENTRY

LONDON SHOWS RESPECT – Photography Competition 2003

THEME: Respect the diversity of Londoners and their communities

a) Those entering the competition agree to abide by the Rules of Entry.

b) Entrants may submit one colour print only of their own work which should be a minimum 5” x 7” up to a maximum 8” x 10” in size.

c) All entries should reflect the competition theme and must be received no later than Friday 30 May 2003. Entries should be addressed to the respect Photography Competition, Culture Team, 4th Floor, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA

d) Categories for entry are a) Under 18, b) 18 and over (amateur) c) 18 and over (professional).

e) Prints entered should be clearly labelled on the reverse with your name, address and telephone number, the category in which you are entering and a title for the picture. Entrants may submit a covering letter with a brief description of their picture (not more than 100 words), where it was taken and what it depicts.

f) All entries will be judged by a panel of judges nominated by the Greater London Authority (GLA). First, Second and Third prizes, plus 2 runner up prizes will be awarded in each category. The judges’ decisions will be final. Winning entrants will be notified by post no later than 18 June 2003. A list of winning entrants will be made available on the respect festival website after this date.

g) The GLA will not enter into any communication or correspondence regarding individual entries.

h) Prints will not be returned unless a stamped addressed envelope is provided with the entry. Other prints will be kept for 3 months after the closing date and then disposed of.

i) The GLA accepts no liability for loss or damage, however caused, to any entries, and no responsibility for incomplete or delayed entries.

j) The GLA reserves the right to reproduce, enlarge, publish or exhibit, mechanically or electronically, any prints entered into the competition for use in regard to respect week 2003 and / or respect festival 2003. This applies to both winning and non-winning entries. Photographers will be credited if prints are used. The GLA reserves the right to retain on file images for possible future use / publication in GLA materials or promotions. For such use entrant’s written permission will be obtained.

k) Entries will not be permitted from employees of the GLA its photographic contractors, Dixons or Fujifilm.

Notes to editors

1. The Mayor's respect anti-racist festival 2003 is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack ten years ago and will take place from noon at the Dome on Saturday 19 July 2003.

2. respect is a free event organised by Mayor Ken Livingstone, with the National Assembly Against Racism and SERTUC, and highlights the Mayor's commitment to celebrating London's diversity and opposing racism. Last year's event was headlined by De La Soul and attended by over 75,000 people.

3. For more information contact 020 7983 6554, email info@respectfestival.org.uk, or visit the official website at www.respectfestival.org.uk.

CHANCELLOR RECOGNISES CHILDCARE'S KEY ROLE IN
ENDING CHILD POVERTY AND MAKING BRITAIN WORK

The national childcare charity Daycare Trust applauds the Chancellor's commitment in the Budget to review how childcare can best support the drive to end child poverty in the lead up to the next spending review.

The Government has pledged to look at what more needs to be done to create childcare for all, building on the 2002 childcare review.

Daycare Trust also welcomes the National Employment Panel's report on supporting lone parents into work and the extra help announced today by the Chancellor. The Budget included measures to support small businesses which will help the development of new childcare services.

Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: "The Chancellor is a true childcare champion. His Budget shows why investing in childcare is good for children, parents and society. Childcare is key to giving all children the best start in life and to helping parents into employment and balance work and family life.

"The Government's new review of childcare is a great opportunity to achieve childcare for all children and parents who want and need it. The review must tackle the childcare lottery that still exists in Britain where families' access to childcare depends on where they live, their income and employment status. Childcare for all is now within our grasp.

"The Budget is a bonus to children and parents on top of the new tax credits and family friendly measures introduced earlier this week."

Opening up knowledge in social care

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and Research in Practice (RiP) are proud to announce a new online partnership to make research-based knowledge about children and families widely available to those in the field of social care.

SCIE is now providing content from subscriber areas of RiP’s website (www.rip.org.uk) free of charge, via the eLSC, SCIE’s electronic library for social care (www.elsc.org.uk). RiP’s extensive evidence base, built up over the last seven years, is now available without charge to those working in social care, health and education and to those whom services are meant to benefit.

Bill Kilgallon, SCIE chief executive, said: “One of SCIE’s main objectives is to develop the electronic library for social care as the gateway to knowledge in social care. This partnership with Research in Practice is a first step in our work to build up the eLSC and make sure that knowledge is as widely available as possible.”

Celia Atherton, Research in Practice director, said: “Developing this partnership with SCIE is a tangible expression of RiP's commitment to assist those working with the most disadvantaged members of our community to gain more and better access to the evidence and knowledge they need. The internet is not the only way to get what you need but it is rapidly becoming one of the most important – this link between RiP and SCIE will make the web a more useful place for service users and providers alike.

“The Research in Practice website holds a wealth of resources, such as the EvidenceBank, a database with details of important research reviews and summaries of research, our research-focused online links sections, an extensively researched collection of access points to good evidence and important polices on the internet and our register of researchers, a comprehensive database of individual researchers in the child welfare field."

The SCIE/RiP partnership will be launched today at the Social Services Research Group annual conference in Leicester.

Contact numbers
For more information, contact Celia Atherton (RiP director) on 01803 867 692, 07967 561 921 celia@rip.org.uk or Amanda Edwards (SCIE head of knowledge services) on 020 7089 6840

CHILDCARE PROVIDERS ACROSS UK TO JOIN IN NATIONAL SURE START MONTH 2003

Hundreds of events across the UK are being planned for National Sure Start Month in June giving thousands of families access to vital information about early education, childcare, health and family support.

Sponsored by Sure Start, a new government unit in the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Work and Pensions, National Sure Start Month is being organised by Kids Clubs Network in conjunction with the leading childcare charities.

Sure Start Minister, Catherine Ashton said, "Every child deserves a sure start in life. National Sure Start Month will help parents find out about the variety of Sure Start services available to them. This is essential as parents need to know what is on offer for them to access the type of childcare that most suits their family needs, for example childminders, nurseries, after school care or integrated family support through children's centres. The month is also a great opportunity for those involved in childcare, early education and family support to celebrate their work which can make a real difference to children's lives".

The five major charities taking part in the month have announced their activities which will form the backbone of the month. More information about these and other events during the month can be found on www.nationalsurestartmonth.com

1 - 8 June - National Day Nurseries Week 2003, hosted by National Day Nurseries Association - National Day Nurseries Week focuses on the Sunflower Challenge encouraging children in every day nursery in the country to grow sponsored sunflowers and raise money for the charity WaterAid.

7 - 13 June - Pre-school Playweek 2003, hosted by the Pre-school Learning Alliance -

Among the events planned for Pre-school Playweek 2003 are nationwide Teddy Bears' Picnics and Fun Days - all of which focus on the Pre-school Learning Alliance's ethos of 'learning through play' .

9 - 15 June - National Childcare Week 2003, hosted by Daycare Trust - National Childcare Week will focus on 'men and childcare'. Current national activities include the launch of a MORI survey and a new report on key policy issues surrounding men and childcare; a conference "He Who Cares Wins" (10th June) on the issues of men in childcare and an art competition asking children to paint or draw their male hero.

14 - 21 June - National Childminding Week 2003. hosted by National Childminding Association - The theme for National Childminding Week this year is Childminding in every Community highlighting the valuable service that childminders provide every day in every community. NCMA childminding groups will be joining in the fun with hundreds of events, including picnics, sponsored toddles, sports days and day trips.

23 - 30 June - Kids' Clubs Week 2003, hosted by Kids' Clubs Network - To highlight the work of the UK's dedicated and resourceful childcarers Kids' Clubs Network will be hosting the Excellence in Childcare Awards on 24 June to reward the very best in the profession. They will also be releasing the results of a Buzz survey on children's attitudes to the world around them and their hopes for the future.

Chief Executives from all five charities, Stephen Burke, Daycare Trust; Anne Longfield, Kids' Clubs Network; Gill Haynes, National Childminding Association; Rosemary Murphy, National Day Nurseries Association; and Margaret Lochrie, Pre- School Learning Alliance, said: "Childcare and family support services are changing lives throughout the country. Such services can make a real difference to family life, enabling parents to work, children to develop and communities to resolve difficulties. National Sure Start Month presents the perfect opportunity for parents, children and communities to come together to celebrate the fantastic work going on within childcare and family services and the subsequent invaluable benefits to society."

For more information log onto the website at www.nationalsurestartmonth.com

London’s children to have their say on city’s future

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London and Deputy Mayor Nicky Gavron will today launch ‘Towards a child friendly London’ the draft of the Mayor’s children and young people’s strategy.

The Mayor said:

“London is home to 1.62 million children under the age of 18 – more than one-fifth of the total population of the city. But they do not have a vote and have little say in how things are run.

“My draft Children and Young People’s Strategy is based on extensive consultation with children – research which has demonstrated that London’s under-18s take a real interest in the way their city is run, and have lots of intelligent ideas about how to improve it.

“The aim of the Strategy is to ensure a greater voice for London’s children and young people, so that we can better address the issues that concern them, including tackling child poverty and promoting inclusion and equality for all of London’s children.”

Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London said:

“In developing this strategy I’ve learnt that children and young people have strong well-articulated views but no voice. I want the under-16s to have a voice and the over-16s to have the vote.

“I have won the principle and funding for a fully staffed Children and Young People’s Unit at City Hall to ensure that children and young people’s best interests and voices are put at the heart of policy making at the Greater London Authority and in the capital.”

‘Towards a child-friendly London’ is based on the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which states that children should be seen as full citizens, with all the rights that that entails, except the vote. The strategy gives priority to improving the lives of the most deprived and marginalised children in London. “

NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY TO HOST SEMINAR ON AUTISM AND SEXUALITY

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is holding a one-day seminar discussing
'Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Sexuality' on Thursday 19th June 2003 at
the Thistle Charing Cross Hotel, London. The seminar will explore key
issues, highlight common difficulties and offer suggestions on potential
ways forward to best meet the support needs of people with ASD. This event
is aimed at both professionals and parents.

The seminar will be hosted by Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at
Sheffield Hallam University.

Tickets are priced £99 for professionals and practitioners and £60 for
parents and must be booked by 13th June 2003. Places can be obtained
through the NAS Conference and Events Department on 0115 911 3367 or by
email to conference@nas.org.uk

Festival Fever – The Seedling Arts Children’s Festival is Back for 2003

The first ever Seedling Arts Children’s Festival took place in August 2002 and proved an instant hit with over 10,000 children and their parents.

With art, craft, music and drama workshops, a range of children’s favourite authors, circus entertainers and a host of TV stars, including the Tweenies and Angelina Ballerina, it was non-stop action at the Hatfield House venue throughout three glorious days.

Plans are now well underway for the 2003 Festival with an even bigger and better event to be staged from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August.

TV stars will once again be out in force, with a host of children’s favourite characters performing on Centre Stage throughout the event, along with unique music and entertainment acts from across the world. Each day will have a different line-up ensuring all ages and tastes are catered for. Details of full line-up to be announced shortly.

Due to the phenomenal success of the workshops in 2002, the entire programme has been massively extended to cope with demand. New workshops already booked for 2003 include print design, art and painting, jewellery design, papermaking, mosaic making and music.

The Storytelling Tent is also back by popular demand and will feature story sessions and book signings by some of our best-loved authors, poets and storytellers from both the UK and around the world.

The ethos behind this not-for-profit event is to create a fun, partcipative and creative experience for both children and their parents, allowing them to learn and play together. With a feast of workshops, performances and interactive activities, the aim is to provide a non-competitive, inclusive event within a safe and inspiring environment.

The Festival not only provides children with a fantastic day out but also gives parents the unique opportunity to take an active role in their child’s experience rather than sitting on the sidelines.

The event will be open to the public from 10am – 6pm from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August 2003. Tickets can be booked by visiting www.seedling-arts.org.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0115 912 9000. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Festival in 2002 and the limited number of places available, we strongly recommend that you book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Seedling Arts Children’s Festival Details

Parking:

Free parking for thousands of cars

Venue :

Hatfield House (15th – 17th August 2003, Hertfordshire)

Opening Times:

10am – 5:30pm daily

Ticket Bookings:

Book online at www.seedling-arts.co.uk or call 0115 912 9000
Under 1 (babies) – Free

Under 3 years - £5.50 Child - £8.50 Adults - £8.50 Family - £31.00 (2 adults & 2 children)

Website Address www.seedling-arts.org.uk

82% OF WORKING PARENTS ADMIT TO BEING LATE TO COLLECT CHILDREN

· 100% of UK working parents say their greatest childcare concern is being late to collect their child

· 48% of these have been delayed on at least one occasion as a result of over-running meetings or unreliable public transport

· Of these, 76% claim that on occasion they have not had the phone number needed to contact the carer or to arrange for a friend or relative to collect the child

· 87% say the ability to access all personal and professional contact details via their mobile phone would provide peace of mind

April 9, 2003: Research published today by Xpherix Corporation, the leading provider of personalised mobile connectivity solutions, revealed that working parents feel that they are inadequately prepared to cope with last minute childcare changes.

100 working parents, with primary responsibility for managing their children’s days were interviewed in the UK about how they cross-manage their working and private lives. The interviews focused on the use of manual and electronic devices such as diaries, address-books, PDAs and mobile phones used to co-ordinate work, school and post-school demands including meetings, medical appointments and leisure activities.

All of the parents interviewed said that being late to collect their child caused them and the child the greatest distress. 98% said that they carried a mobile phone so they could be contacted at all times, but over a quarter admitted to more than once not being able to call the school to say they would be late, or to ask a friend to pick the child up in their place due to not having access to correct numbers.

Emma Reese, a working parent and solicitor from Hammersmith, London explained: “I work for a firm of solicitors in the City. I regularly have to travel around London in the course of my working day. Usually, meetings are scheduled well in advance so I am able to ensure adequate childcare for my two children – an eight year old with a busy after school schedule and a two year old that attends a day-care centre that closes sharply at 6.30pm. However, on several occasions, I have found myself in a meeting that has gone on beyond the expected time and then found myself on a delayed tube journey desperately trying to contact people who can collect my children.”

Emma continued: “Typically, I have all of the contact details I need on my desk at work, but consciously trying to keep my personal and professional lives separate, I find it difficult to ask colleagues to read out reams of numbers until I can find a friend or relative to collect the children, or at very least call the school or club to let them know that I will be late. Even with access to Outlook contacts on my laptop, on a crowded tube it is literally impossible to open it up, let alone access the address book, write down numbers and then dial them while holding all my client case notes, briefcase and laptop bag.”

Like Emma, of those questioned, over two-thirds admitted that they had on occasion failed to make a vital call because they did not have the number to hand. 82% of these believe an independently held directory that could be accessed much like a traditional directory enquiries service would prevent this happening again, especially if it could be accessed 24 hours a day from their mobile phone.

Nick Walker, President and CEO, Xpherix Corporation said, “These findings support the fact that people rely very heavily on having up to date contact details to hand and want these to be easily accessible through their mobile phones. So often, address book information on phones is not entirely up to date and it’s both time-consuming and irritating to have to use another device to get hold of contacts. This research highlights the mobile features that really benefit the person balancing children with a career - the simple practical features of a mobile phone, in this case the ability to directly access and dial contacts when you need to.”

NATIONAL CHILDCARE WEEK SPOTLIGHTS
'HE WHO CARES WINS' TO ENCOURAGE
MORE MEN INTO CHILDCARE

In the lead up to Fathers Day on 15 June, the theme of National
Childcare Week 2003 will be "men and childcare", focusing on men's roles
both working in childcare and as active fathers. It will explore why we
need more men in childcare, what is stopping men from caring for
children and how men could be encouraged to play a more active role in
childcare.

National Childcare Week on 9-15 June will feature national activities
including:
* a MORI survey of public attitudes towards men working in
childcare
* 'He who cares wins', a major national conference on men
caring for children, on Tuesday 10 June
* an art competition for children to paint or draw their
male hero, organised with Bright Horizons Family Solutions and Nursery
World
* a new report on key policy issues surrounding men and
childcare
* famous fathers talking about their role as carers

National Childcare Week is part of National Sure Start Month which will
celebrate services for children and families. This June National Sure
Start Month will open doors to thousands of early education, childcare,
health and family support services, celebrating all the options
available to parents and families.

NEW DADS WANT LION’S SHARE OF THE CARE

Forget the “old-fashioned father” who works long hours and sees little of his children except at weekends…“today’s Dad" wants to spend more time with his children and ” would even prefer to be staying at home to look after the kids! New government legislation will help him to do just that.

A nationwide survey conducted by the number one selling children's medicine brand Calpol in association with Bounty has revealed that almost half of all dads (45%) would stay at home to look after their children instead of going out to work “if they could”. Four out of five dads also said they would like to spend more time with their children – reflecting the fact that British men work the longest hours in Europe .

Although it’s estimated that 39% of new dads currently don’t take paternity leave, the survey showed a massive 68% would like to make use of the Government’s new paid paternity leave arrangements if possible. And the vast majority of dads questioned (98%) did not feel that becoming a father would compromise their career.

“The fact that men want to help more with the children is a push-and-pull issue,” says psychologist Professor Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology at the Manchester School of Management, UMIST .

“The push comes from the fact that work is much more stressful for men than it’s ever been before, with longer hours, constant pressure and more job insecurity than ever before. The pull comes from men saying: ‘Maybe there’s more to life than just climbing up the greasy pole’. It’s a pull towards their partners and their children because men are starting to appreciate family life more. Employers tend to be 'bottom-line' orientated and less loyal these days but families are there for the long-term.”

Chief executive of Parentalk , Tim Mungeam commented: “It seems that we’ve finally realised what a great thing being a fully involved dad is. Sure, it’s sometimes exhausting, often exasperating and always challenging but it’s fantastic for us and fantastic for our kids”.

The reason that the dads surveyed said their careers would not be compromised by fatherhood is, said Professor Cooper, the hope that employers now have a more positive attitude to flexible working arrangements and the importance of work-life balance. "This changing attitude of employers may also enable men to be more focused and prioritise successfully during work and therefore achieve that balance," says Professor Cooper

However, the Calpol survey highlights that Dads often feel ill-prepared for parenthood. More than a third admitted that they felt helpless, apprehensive or overwhelmed during their baby’s birth and one in five worry about their child’s health afterwards.

“Invariably, it’s still the woman who’s the primary carer in a family and she’s got her own mother and friends as role models, plus endless magazines and books on childcare to help her,” comments Professor Cooper.

“But men haven’t got these positive role models because their fathers rarely got involved in the childcare and, unlike women, they have few educational outlets like magazines to provide them with basic information about childcare practices.”

To address the concerns highlighted by the survey and support dads in a more practical way, Calpol has produced the Pregnant Dad’s Rescue Pack, which provides information and advice on not only surviving but enjoying pregnancy and the birth of a new child. The pack also includes information on the new government legislation on paternity rights. The Calpol Pregnant Dad's Rescue Pack is available free to all new and prospective parents by calling 02380 628 274.

And finally, it seems that dads are not just becoming more selfless when it comes to sharing the parenting responsibilities, but also with their partners too. Over a third of dads surveyed worried about lack of time with their partner but only 16% were concerned about losing time for themselves. “By participating more in family life, dads will have more time with their partner anyway which can only be a good thing,” says Professor Cooper.

The Calpol survey also revealed:
• Sleepless nights are the worst aspect of parenthood for both mums and dads.
• One in four women surveyed had opted for a planned or “elective” caesarean while 60% had one due to complications during the birth.
• A massive 84% of dads chose to be at the birth and over half of them said they felt “emotional” during the labour.
• More than half the mums questioned said parenthood had exceeded their expectations although 59% cited exhaustion as one of the main emotions of motherhood!

Onscreen testing for basic and key skills qualifications is being rolled out
nationally by awarding body Edexcel and its Irish counterpart CCEA, with
thirty training centres already lined up to offer them. The launch follows
extensive piloting across the United Kingdom in 2001 and 2002.

In addition to the live basic and key skills tests, both partners have
trialled GCSE exams using the onscreen technology, although these were not
live tests. The pilots were held in Northern Ireland and across England
during January of this year.

The onscreen tests will improve candidate registration, the delivery and
marking of examinations and the analysis of results. With the whole process
carried out electronically the tests have been designed and validated with
the same rigour as traditional paper-based exams.

Training centres download the test from the central computer and then choose
a convenient date, within a three-week time frame, to sit it. On test day
students enter their personal identity number code that gives them access to
their test. The electronic papers are then uploaded back to Edexcel's main
computer where the results are calculated. The only time information is
online is when the tests are in transit between the centre's protected
computer system and the main computer. This also reduces the dependency of
the internet during the running of the test itself. During this time they
are protected by highly advanced encryption codes.

Paul Humphries, General Manager of e-Business at Edexcel said: "Onscreen
testing benefits the student, the training centre and whole examination
system. The pilots showed that it works well and that it provides students
with a new, innovative way of gaining qualifications. At present thirty
centres are in the process of installing the software to offer them, but
this will increase over the coming months. It is important that the roll
out is controlled, so that centres are prepared and we can offer the initial
support they need."

Onscreen tests also offer flexibility to training centres and students.
They can be scheduled well in advance and can be rescheduled at very short
notice. In the event of a fire or an emergency they can be paused and then
resumed, without danger of them being tampered with. Students sitting
different tests can do so at the same time and in the same room over the
same system.

Muna Henry, Learning Venue Manager at North West London College's The
Learning Hub, said: "The onscreen tests were a great success for us and the
students. By removing the need for paper the whole process was streamlined
and much more efficient. We didn't have to worry about receiving or handing
out papers or collating them at the end of the test and posting them.
Onscreen tests provide us with greater flexibility as we can decide the date
they are to be taken. We can also have students sitting different tests at
the same time."

Amy Mayhew, from Laing Training Centre in Edmonton, London, said: "We had
excellent feedback from students of all ages. Using computers is a big part
of learning and everyday life that it is a natural progression to use them
to test people. Many students taking basic and key skills are returning to
learning after many years so a new fresh approach does wonders for their
confidence."

Humphries continues: "We have started piloting GCSE exams onscreen but they
are in the early stages of development. However, we are getting positive
feedback and these tests could well be a viable option for the future."

NATIONAL SURE START MONTH OPENS DOORS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO EARLY EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

Parenthood can be the best times but also the busiest with work and family. Hectic parents often do not have the time to find out about the many supporting services from early education and childcare, health and family support which can help them juggle a demanding life style. National Sure Start Month, this June, gives parents a unique opportunity to find out about the thousands of services available for children and families by the numerous events which will be staged for parents and families to join in.

All you need to do is visit our website at www.nationalsurestartmonth.com to find out about activities that are being held in your local community and how you can access the great services to help support your family.

One of the key elements to a successful family life is good childcare:

Did you know that ... the first ever play centres were set up in schools way back in the 1880s

Did you know that ... Danny from Hearsay started his working life as a nursery worker

Did you know that ... Registered childminders provide at least 3 million hours of childcare a week - for over 330,000 children

Sponsored by Sure Start, a new government unit in the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Work and Pensions, Sure Start Month is being organised by Kids Clubs Network in conjunction with the leading childcare charities.

The charities including Daycare Trust, National Childminding Association, National Day Nurseries Association, Pre-School Learning Alliance and Kids Clubs Network will each be holding events in specific weeks:

Events

1 - 8 June National Day Nurseries Week

7 - 13 June Pre-school Playweek

9 - 15 June National Childcare Week

14 - 21 June National Childminding Week

23 - 30 June Kids' Clubs Week

National Sure Start Month gives parents a great chance to celebrate early education services and childcare whilst finding out what is available for their children.

Loughborough firm take the lead in toy safety

An innovative Loughborough University spin out company, Laser Optical Engineering, is playing a key role in ensuring the safety of toys by testing for potentially harmful radiation levels from lasers and light emitting diodes (LEDs).

In today’s demanding consumer environment, toys are increasingly becoming laden with electronic gadgets to keep pace with children’s high expectations. As hundreds of new products feature lasers and LEDs, safety has become a number one concern for both manufacturers and consumers. This is compounded by the move by manufacturers from radio controllers to infra red LEDs due to concerns brought about by mobile phones.

Whilst toy safety standards have been in place for many years, they are constantly being updated to ensure the burgeoning tide of new products do not pose health hazards to children. New EC directive BSEN 50088 Annex I states that electrical and battery operated toys ‘may not emit harmful radiation’.

Dr John Tyrer, Director of Laser Optical Engineering, welcomes this new directive. “Product compliance testing for toys is a crucial measure for keeping within the law and ensuring children’s safety.” He continues, “You simply can’t issue guidelines on how children should play with toys. Flashing lights are fascinating. Children might peer at a light display closely – or even try to take a toy to pieces – to satisfy their curiosity. This is why we must ensure that laser and LED features on toys have low radiation levels.”

The risk from higher radiation levels depends upon the wavelength (colour), power and duration of exposure to the light. Test regulations detailed in BSEN60825 layout specific boundaries under which the light is considered safe. Concerns in breaching these boundaries in children’s toys are that they may cause both short or long term damage to eyesight.

In general most LEDs are safe, however advances in technology mean that more efficient intense high power LEDs are becoming more predominate in such applications as lighting, and these could present a potential risk.

Testing involves determining the exact wavelength, power and illumination characteristics in such a manner that direct comparisions can be made to the potential damage caused by intense light.

Laser Optical Engineering has over 20 years’ experience in product compliance, and provides certification of numerous consumer goods including toys to ensure that they comply with the latest European and world standards. Dr Tyrer is an expert in the field of laser and LED testing. He acts as an advisor on LEDs and lasers and provides laser safety advice to governments, research bodies, companies, universities, local authorities, venues, media and hospitals.

Celebrities back The Children's Society phone line first

Children's charity pioneers a fresh look to fundraising with its phone line
campaign. Call and enjoy the Gift of Giving 09065 15 16 17

The Children's Society, one of the UK's most innovative children's
charities, is today
(February 24) launching its pioneering 'Gift of Giving' phone fundraising
campaign. The charity aims to raise £1 million* and hopes to reach a younger
generation of givers by inviting them to call 09065 15 16 17, to enjoy
giving. It's the call that's a gift.

Calls cost £1.50** per minute and in return, callers can listen to various
celebrities including Prime Minister, Tony Blair who personally recorded an
insightful story concerning how he felt as a 10 year old when his father
suffered a stroke, and Olympic Silver medallist, Jamie Baulch who talks of
the sacrifices he has made throughout his life in his quest to become a top
athlete.

Atomic Kitten band members, Liz and Jenny, actor, Rupert Graves, and
children's TV presenter, Tess Daly have all cast themselves into the shoes
of 'real life' disadvantaged children by recording stories that highlight
the support these children have received from projects run all over the
country by The Children's Society.

Other celebrities from all walks of life who committed to the campaign
include, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, songwriter and musician Ronan Keating, TV
presenter Gail Porter, fashion designer Betty Jackson and television chat
show host and comedian Graham Norton. These have provided messages of
support which can be seen on the Gift of Giving campaign website,
www.giftofgiving.info <http://www.giftofgiving.info>.

The Children's Society's fundraising director Stephen Blunden said "We need
to get a new generation of supporters on board for the future and to do
this, we need to talk their language.

"Gift of Giving is a mechanism we believe they will understand and enjoy. It
appeals to young people who have grown up with new technology. Many have
more disposable income than previous generations, and, as prime time TV
programmes have shown, are happier to spend it on the telephone."

Callers can also listen to a specially commissioned campaign song called
Starchild, a dance track donated to the charity by South London duo Sulis,
downloadable as a mobile phone ring tone.

Stephen Blunden added: "Premium rate lines have become an acceptable
revenue stream in our cashless society. It is quick, easy and secure. The
public's acceptance of new technologies has opened new and important
fundraising streams for us. Instead of rattling a tin at you we are asking
you to pick up the phone. It couldn't be easier.

"Through Gift of Giving we are pioneering a new way of donating, as
innovative as our work with the most vulnerable children and young people in
the UK today."

The 'Gift of Giving' campaign launches with a major advertising campaign
featuring a series of celebrity three line tags advertised in national
newspapers and magazines, on local commercial radio, in a London Underground
poster campaign and on a dedicated website, www.giftofgiving.info In
addition, the Children's Society is using a targeted viral email inviting
staff to forward the 'Gift of Giving' campaign message to three friends and
relatives and to grow the campaign through known contacts.

Liz and Jenny, Atomic Kitten say:
"Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in life whatever their
background. We think that the work The Children's Society does to help
disadvantaged kids is fantastic and we would like to wish them lots of luck
with their 'Gift of Giving' campaign. Dial the 'Gift of Giving' phone line
on 09065 15 16 17 to hear us read the true life stories of children that
have been helped by The Children's Society."

Tamzin Outhwaite, TV actress, says:
"When I filmed Out of Control, a drama about young offenders, I saw first
hand the way young people are dealt with when they get into trouble with the
law. It made me think that maybe there's another way. The Children's
Society is campaigning for changes in the youth justice system and anything
that raises funds for this vital work gets my approval. Ring up the Gift of
Giving line on 09065 15 16 17 and make your donation."