I work for Kids Company and am moved to thank you for the balanced and factual way you have reported on events regarding the organisation over the past few days (Charity’s chief told to step down in return for funding, 4 July). To read about a place that seems unrecognisable from where we actually work, to read lies and unsubstantiated rumours, to read comments so judgmental and distorted is truly disheartening.
We are an organisation built on showing consistency and compassion to those most vulnerable in our society. As a result of all they endure, at times we meet aggression or hostility and still we show our love. Through this ethos we are able to support and “get through” to children and young people deemed “hard to reach”. We always wonder what lies behind undesirable behaviour and see the broken heart within. This capacity is transformative, and throughout the organisation, from frontline staff to those in finance or volunteer support, we ourselves are supported in order that we can find the resources for this much needed and often challenging work.
Staff from each and every department of our organisation care deeply about why we exist and give their heart and soul to support children. It is an inspiring and vibrant place to work; where people from all walks of life are brought together and work alongside one another for a common cause.
It has been hard during the course of this week to feel so disempowered and voiceless in the face of what can only be interpreted as some public political game. We are like a mirror of the young people we support; unimportant to the government and swept away when not needed to win votes. We read unpleasant, petty and personal comments about our founder and other colleagues, we read rumours and untrue claims which sweep away and denigrate all that we do.
All of the evidence of our consistent good practice and clean independent audits are there to see, but it feels as though few are willing to find the facts. All of the claims are proven to be unfounded, yet a few harmful allegations serve as a distraction from the real issue: this government does not care about vulnerable people in our society (nor the staff who serve them); we are an inconvenient truth.
To find a more balanced viewpoint out there is reassuring. Thank you for asking about the facts and representing our founder and our work with respect and dignity.
Jess Shaw
Kids Company
