23rd March 2021
The Institute of Health Visiting is delighted to be supporting the #WhatAboutUs campaign which aims to raise awareness of the impact of the pandemic on babies and not let our Government forget the under 2s in its recovery plans.
In the year since we first locked down, over 600,000 babies living in England have been born and have lived their whole lives in lockdown. Many young families are missing out on vital early years’ support. Despite the best efforts of health visitors who have gone “above and beyond” in the pandemic, the struggles of many families have been overlooked by the Government and gone under the radar of professionals due to longstanding shortages in services which were exacerbated by lockdown restrictions.
The Government has recently announced £1.7bn COVID catch-up funding for school children. If babies could speak, they would say, “What about us?” The needs of our youngest citizens remain invisible in these plans with no support for babies who are at risk having experienced lockdown during a particularly important period in their development.
As part of The First 1001 Days Movement, we’re asking you to get involved to raise attention and not let our Government forget the under 2s. Encourage parents to share what lockdown has meant for them – we know it has been tough for so many families with babies and young children. What have they missed?
Pass on the campaign’s guidance for parents to share their missed moments
We’re asking you to share your baby’s missed moments directly with Rishi Sunak, asking why under 2s have been forgotten by the Government in the COVID catch-up funding.
You can download moment cards to share or come up with your own creative way to tell your story. Just make sure you tag Rishi Sunak in your post to bring him into the conversation.
Select one of the moment cards or use the blank template to add your own message. Simply print the selected card from the downloaded PDF and take a picture alongside your baby to share on social media.
Alternatively, why not get creative and come up with your own way to share your missed moment. You can also share one of the social moment cards or write your own story on the blank card – https://bit.ly/3f4ivBM.
Share and tag on social media
Whatever you decide to share, make sure you use #WhatAboutUs and bring Rishi Sunak into the conversation by mentioning him.
Twitter: @RishiSunak
Facebook: @RishiSunak
Instagram: @rishisunakmp
You can also email Rishi Sunak a moment card, or send one to your own MP
Help to raise awareness by sending Rishi Sunak an email to help challenge the Government to urgently do more to help our nations babies.
Use the template message and assets adding your own personal story to help raise awareness of the situation. If you know your local MP we recommend that you copy them in too.
