Lent campaign: Write a letter to your M.P. 

The Children's Society campaigns only happen when we ALL come together and make a noise about the issues that matter most - so that decision-makers sit up and take notice, and importantly take ACTION.

So please, if you're moved or shocked by what unaccompanied children face when seeking asylum, write to your M.P.

Not sure who your M.P. is? Visit https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP.

The M.P. for South Cambridgeshire is Anthony Browne and he can be contacted at his constituency office email: anthony.browne.mp@parliament.uk

Please include your full name and home postal address, including postcode, in your letter and / or email. This will make it clear to your own MP that this issue is being raised by one of their own constituents. (Parliamentary protocol asks MPs only to deal with matters raised by their own constituents.)

If you're not sure what to put in your letter, a draft letter is below. Remember, the more letters we write, the more petitions we sign, the louder our voice gets and the more we get done.

Draft letter to your M.P.

Dear

I'm writing to ask you to support The Children's Society's campaign for independent guardians for child asylum seekers.

Can you imagine how confused and afraid children are when they arrive in the UK after fleeing from strife at home, and then have to navigate the processes of asylum here.

If an independent guardian were available at this time, they could be a supportive voice to listen to the child's concerns, explain the next steps, and support their mental health and sense of safety.

Later, an independent guardian would be available when needed, as a listener and advisor.

When there are lapses in the official systems for looking after such children, independent guardians are also an important additional safety net to keep those children safe and help them to take the right steps to get back on track.

Please take a look at www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/blogs/why-young-asylum-seekers-need-a-guardian to read more about this from a child's perspective.

Yours sincerely