Here, Richard Betts at Servelec discusses the necessity for interoperable technology needed to make a political ‘children’s manifesto’ happen

When Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, released her “children’s manifesto,” she unveiled a vision for multi-agency hubs; where extended use of school facilities at evenings and weekends would enable youth activities like drama, sport and arts to be delivered by youth clubs, providing huge benefits for young people and their families.

The Commissioner also argued that security in schools and neighbourhoods should be a priority for any government to support child activity and play. She recommended adding a counsellor to every school to help address the rise in child mental health issues, alongside additional funding for special educational needs.

The catalyst for the manifesto is in the statistics:

• 1 million children need mental health support

• 120,000 are homeless and in temporary accommodation

• 50,000 are missing education

• 30,000 are in violent gangs

Combine these numbers with the Commissioner’s observations on MP priorities:

“I’ve heard more political conversation about HS2, water nationalisation and tax cuts – and, of course, Brexit, than about children,” and you can see why a fundamental shift is desperately needed. Read more

Also Read: UK charities call for end to ‘gagging law’ in run-up to elections

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