Barnardo's

Who we are

We are Barnardo’s. We transform lives.

We’ve come a long way since our founder, Thomas Barnardo set up a ‘ragged school’ to help disadvantaged children in 1867.

Now we’re helping hundreds of thousands of children, young people, parents and carers across the UK. 

We don’t abandon children because of who they are or what they’ve done. We listen to them, fight for their rights and do whatever it takes to protect and support them – because we believe that all children have the right to a happy and healthy life. Read more about our values.

At a time when more young people need specialist help with complex issues like sexual abuse, mental health problems and serious violence, our work is more vital than ever.

Times have changed and we've changed with them, but our belief in the potential of every child remains.

Because this is who we are.