Local efforts can make society child-friendly

While there have been many positive developments over the past decade, such as flexible working rights, free universal early years provision and new investment in playgrounds and youth centres, creating a culture where children and young people are valued and respected and where families are fully supported is more complex.

The recently reported findings of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (see p14) demonstrate there is still some way to go before we catch up with our European neighbours and have a system that fully supports the needs of all children and their parents.

One concern expressed in the UN report was around the demonisation of young people, so it is encouraging to see some local authorities taking bold steps to help reverse negative public perceptions and prejudice. Enfield Council has set up the Community Help Point Scheme, an initiative whereby local shopkeepers promote their premises as safe havens for children who may feel anxious or in distress when out and about in the borough. Shops, libraries and children's centres that are signed up for the scheme display the logo in their window to invite young people to approach their staff for support. All staff involved in the scheme receive training to help them deal with difficult and complex situations and are Criminal Records Bureau checked to promote confidence in the initiative.