Children are invited to share their ‘letters of lockdown’

Local charity Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) has launched a ‘Letters of Lockdown’ project and is inviting children and young people from across the province to take part for the chance to be included in a new booklet that will record this unprecedented time for years to come.
By Julie-Ann Spence
Published 27th Oct 2020, 15:54 BST
Q Radio presenter and Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) ambassador, Ibe Sesay, is joined by his sons, Daniel (10) and Stephen (11), to launch the charity's 'Letters of Lockdown' initiative that will record this unprecedented time for years to come. Photo By Matt Mackey / Press EyeQ Radio presenter and Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) ambassador, Ibe Sesay, is joined by his sons, Daniel (10) and Stephen (11), to launch the charity's 'Letters of Lockdown' initiative that will record this unprecedented time for years to come. Photo By Matt Mackey / Press Eye
Q Radio presenter and Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) ambassador, Ibe Sesay, is joined by his sons, Daniel (10) and Stephen (11), to launch the charity's 'Letters of Lockdown' initiative that will record this unprecedented time for years to come. Photo By Matt Mackey / Press Eye

As part of ‘Letters of Lockdown’, children and young people aged from four to 18 are being asked to write a letter or draw a picture about their experience of lockdown.

A selection of the entries will be made into a booklet that will be sent to schools and available to download from Children in Northern Ireland’s website. There will be a host of prizes up for grabs including an Amazon Fire Tablet and book tokens with entries being selected for the booklet by the charity’s ambassadors, Q Radio’s Ibe Sesay and BBC Radio Ulster’s Kerry McLean.

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Ellen Finlay, Policy Officer from Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) said: “Since March, children and young people have experienced a host of emotions and experiences – worry, stress, the unknown and separation as well as kindness, hope, resilience and love. For their own mental health, it’s important that their voices are heard and that they are encouraged to express how they felt about what they went through during this time.

“We hope ‘Letters of Lockdown’ will inspire children and young people to put pen to paper and share their experiences of lockdown.

“While there’s no doubt that it has been a hugely stressful time for most people, young and old, it has also been a time for people to connect and slow down and that is something that might get forgotten once this time has passed.

“We are going to compile as many of the entrants as possible so that they can be kept and read by people in the years ahead.”

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Ibe Sesay, Ambassador of Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) said: “I’m delighted to support the ‘Letters of Lockdown’ project as I think it’s a great way for parents to encourage their children to open up about how they have felt over the last number of months.

“It’s been a tough time for us all and we hope that this initiative will help our young ones express themselves and maybe even start some much-needed conversations in the process.”

To enter, email a photo of your child’s letter or drawing along with the first name and age to [email protected] before Friday November 20.

CiNI is accountable for representing and giving voice to the experiences, views and aspirations of its members across Northern Ireland to inform and influence those who make policy or plan and deliver services for children and young people.

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The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety funds CiNI to strategically represent the children’s sector in Northern Ireland and translate its views into policy recommendations; to act as a consultative point of reference; and apply good governance to all aspects of its organisation and operation.

Find out more about the charity at www.ci-ni.org.uk.

Related topics:Northern Ireland