Ronnie Archer-Morgan talks children in care
Antiques Roadshow presenter and Action for Children celebrity ambassador, Ronnie Archer-Morgan, was at the launch of our children in care campaign, A Place to Call Home.
At the launch event, we asked Ronnie a few questions about his experience in care, the state of the UK care system and what he hopes to see change in the future.
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I loved being in the National Children's Home*. I was in the one in Woking and then the one in Southport, and I felt loved and cared for, which I think is very important. I was supported in everything I did.
The carers really shaped all the values that I've carried with me throughout my life. I always want to support, help and just put a little love out there for Action for Children.
It's not the greatest and it needs a real revamp for want of a better way of putting it.
I was listening to the radio the other day and they were talking about the prison situation. It was well over 50% of British prisoners had some experience or connection with care.
That's not good. That really isn't good and tells a very bad story. Something is clearly failing and it needs to be repaired.
The root of any social problem is money. It really is. And I think taxpayers money is being misused and I think priorities are wrong.
A percentage of that money could improve social care and childcare. So I think it's all about reallocation of funds and prioritising.
It sounds corny but the children are our future. And why wouldn't you want to invest in your future?
Children in care are just as valuable as children in loving homes with their own parents. Children in care should not be made to feel like second or third class citizens because the care for them is underfunded.
We're calling on UK governments to help more children in care have what every child needs
Today means to me what every day means to me, an opportunity to improve the world, an opportunity to bring awareness to the issues facing those in care.
I think we're all so focused on our own private lives that we we find it hard to think about others and care for them. We don't really see the impact that not giving adequate care to people in care has upon our society.
We're supposed to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but we can't care for children that don't have solid home foundations? We should. They should be our priority.
I think people should take away an awareness that children in care are just as valid and precious as any other children. They are the same as children in loving homes, and care homes should be made into loving homes.
And they should see children in care as advantaged, not disadvantaged.
I especially want people in care to hear how valued they are. They are qualified to help children all over the world that have to grow up in care.
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The world might see children in care differently. But they deserve the same as any child. Your support could help them feel safe and loved, and give them what they need to thrive.
*Action for Children was formerly known as the National Children's home.
