During March and April staff observed a drop off in children using the service as many homeless youths were infected with Covid. The Hub provided access to free ATK tests for those children suspected of having an infection. Between January and June, 39 regular service users recorded positive tests. One reason for this is a low vaccination rate- the Hub’s research showed that only 30% of children they gave assistance to had been vaccinated. The main reason being that youths were unable to access register for the vaccine due to technology and paperwork problems.

Children in street situations often have no way to isolate themselves, or don’t have enough money for effective prevention or treatments, resulting in outbreaks amongst the homeless population. The Hub helped to mitigate this situation by distributing an average of 45 Covid-19 Survival Bags per month and additional consumables, ATK tests, masks, medicines and health and financial assistance.

In the first half of 2022, children mostly used three services at the Hub: Daily meals, education and registration for classes/exams, and participating in life skills development activities. The Hub also provides career support for children who have committed to a full-time job by giving small grants between 1500-4000 baht per month to improve their living situation.

The Hub staff have observed that sexual exploitation has shifted online, often in exchange for drugs and accommodation. The Hub and related agencies are constantly trying to help resolve this serious issue and encourage youths to take a different path. This isn’t easy as the gangs exploiting the children offer lucrative promises.

The Hub relies on donations to continue its work providing harm reduction for homeless children. We have recently launched a GlobalGiving campaign to give direct support to 200 youths who use our services. Please help to keep the Hub running and donate here https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-for-200-homeless-youths-in-bangkok/

The post Update from the Hub July 2022 appeared first on Childline Thailand.

Meanwhile in Thailand, the Child Rights Coalition surveyed 28 member charities and found that many were deeply concerned about the social and economic impact of Covid19. Childline Thailand runs a call centre that normally averages approximately 600 calls and messages each month. In the days after the lockdown begun in April the centre has so far counselled 1195 children (1st- 21st April 2020). For a small charity this increase has put additional pressure on staff and funding and the foundation doesn’t receive any government support.

Childline Thailand’s centre for children in street situations (ศูนย์เดอะฮับสายเด็ก) has also seen a rise in demand for its services, with more children visiting the centre for support. In response the charity created an emergency appeal to provide Survival Boxes to homeless children which contain masks, soap and gel. The Hub also provides daily meals, showers and mental health support for 110 youths.

In times of crisis it’s really important to know that “there is someone there that cares” Childline and the Hub that “someone” for children. We care, we are there 24/7, and we are are always ready to help.

CTF Director Ilya Smirnoff

Whilst life has been inconvenienced for most of us, it is the most vulnerable members of society that will suffer the most. Childline helplines around the world provide a free service to millions of children and they require support to remain viable.

Please donate to Childline Thailand’s Covid-19 campaign https://childlinethailand.org/survival-box/

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The post New Challenges for Charities during the Covid-19 Pandemic appeared first on Childline Thailand.