Working with Underprivileged Children

Unfortunately it is a sad fact that there are many underprivileged children in the United Kingdom today. These children may be classed as underprivileged for any number of reasons.

Here are the most common:

• Orphaned or abandoned
• Living in poor housing conditions
• Living in impoverished conditions
• Lack of school education

It is difficult for many to believe that in today’s society children are still in some instances considered underprivileged; but it is the case and given the reasons we have already listed it is the case.

Orphaned or Abandoned children often find themselves in children’s homes or in the care of Social Services. Although these children are reunited with their biological parents – if they are abandoned – or adopted if they are orphaned – the fact remains that until such times as this happens they are considered to be underprivileged in that they lack the stability of a family unit.

Other children – who have parents or a family unit – are still considered to be underprivileged because of their social circumstances. Many families live in areas around the United Kingdom which are prone to bad housing conditions; homes which are cold or damp or lack the amenities that many of us take for granted.

Likewise there are families who are living beyond their means and find themselves with either no money to speak of or high levels of debt which makes day to day living difficult if not impossible. These families – categorised as impoverished – although receiving some help from the government still struggle to make ends meet and as a result children go without the necessary clothing in winter conditions and proper nourishment.

Children are also considered to be underprivileged if they live in an area where education is below the National average. This can occur in highly populated inner city areas where resources are stretched and waiting lists for housing and school places far outweigh those places which are available.

What Help is Available for Underprivileged Children?

There are many charitable institutions in the United Kingdom which aim to help underprivileged children where possible; the most notable being the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). In addition Social Services are also on hand to give help and support where possible using Social Workers and home visitors as a means to assess what help is needed.

Local Education Authorities (LEAs) in conjunction with Social Services also seek to help those children who may be underprivileged and suffering from a lack of education and can offer the support of a Learning Mentor who will spend time one on one with children in order to help them through examinations, deal with issues of punctuality and truancy.

What Can I Do To Help?

Many of the charitable organisations in the United Kingdom – and indeed those that work with underprivileged children in third world countries – rely heavily on donations made by private citizens and businesses alike. In addition they often require volunteers to provide additional support to their full time staff who are often stretched given limitations in funds and staff resources.

You can volunteer your services to any of these organisations by applying to them by telephone, email or letter or you can contact your Local Education Authority (LEA) or Social Services department who will be able to put you in touch with those who are most in need of voluntary workers.

As with all voluntary work carried out it is necessary for you to have an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), check which you may well have to fund yourself. Without this disclosure you may not be allowed to volunteer your services.

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