Broadcaster used first speech to introduce report on young people's concerns for the future.
Barnardo’s new president Natasha Kaplinsky has hailed a report highlighting the hopes and fears of young people in the UK.
Kaplinsky, in her first speech as president, spoke at the charity’s annual parliamentary reception at the House of Commons on Monday.
The charity used the event to launch its latest special report, Overcoming Poverty of Hope, which examines the concerns young people have for the future, including climate change, Brexit and crime.
More than two thirds of young people surveyed for the report said they expected their generation to be worse off than their parents, while 35% said they worried about the future.
Broadcaster and journalist Kaplinsky said: “I’m delighted to be joining Barnardo’s as the charity’s new president.
“There are so many challenges for children these days. It must be frightening growing up now. They have so many concerns, environmental changes, the internet, difficulties breaking into jobs, and believing they’ll never affording a house.
“It’s even harder for the most vulnerable children Barnardo’s supports – like children growing up in the care system.
“My aim is to visit as many services as I can and meet as many young people as possible to learn more about the challenges they face and how the charity is helping them.”
The event was attended by Barnardo’s service users and VIP Ambassadors including actor and director Andy Serkis, Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts and television presenter Sonali Shah.
Javed Khan, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “I am hugely grateful to our new president and all the celebrities, MPs and other supporters who attended the event to hear about Barnardo’s vision, values and the positive impact we have on the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK.
“When young people feel there is little or no possibility of a positive future, what we call a ‘poverty of hope’, they can be vulnerable to exploitation and criminality.
“Collectively, we can help young people overcome this ‘poverty of hope’ by believing in them, nurturing their talents, providing opportunities, knocking down barriers, and listening to them when it comes to decisions that affect their futures.”
