Support for Children in Denmark

We are really happy that Denmark is on its way to reopening! That's why, last week, the Children's Barnets Blå Hus Bornholm invited children and parents to a nice dinner at Nordbornholms Røgeri in Allinge. Further they are in the preparation of several summer camps for kids and teenagers, which is always the highlight of the year. After a year of closures and isolation, the camps can really give children a boost with lots of closeness, fun and enjoyment, so they can go home with their bags full of good experiences, friendships and the feeling of belonging in a community with others who also have things to contend with, such as illness, social challenges or abuse in the family.The volunteers are really looking forward to welcoming a lot of children and young people this summer, both in Jutland, Funen and Zealand.

In the following we would like to tell you the story of Mette and her two girls.

Like so many others, Mette found it embarrassing to ask for help - but it's the best thing she's ever done. Now she encourages others to do the same. Mette's two girls have been helped at the Barnets Blå Hus Bornholm, where children from families with alcohol abuse can get help."It has really helped my girls to come here. It means a lot that they have a place to come and unload. They have more peace of mind, and I can feel that they are putting things in the right places," says Mette.
"My father started drinking when my mother died, and that's also one of the reasons I've sought help. I don't want my children to go through what I went through. I didn't get any help," says Mette.
"I understand if people think it's embarrassing to ask for help because of alcohol problems at home. I've felt that way myself and I guess I've been hiding a bit. But now I hope I can help break the taboo around it. Many people are probably a bit ashamed to accept the offer. But there's nothing to be ashamed of, you just have to open up."

Thank you so much for everything you give! Without you, the Barnet Blå Houses couldn't do their work and help children who need it most.  

In Denmark, there are on average 1-2 children in each class who grow up among alcohol abuse at home. These numbers show the urgency of helping children of parents struggling with addictions. Until today there were no services for children who grew up in abusive environments in Læs ø, a Danish island, which has almost 1800 inhabitants. We are thrilled to announce the inauguration of the first support services in Læs ø. The new services are a cooperation between the Barnet Bla Hus Frederikshavn and the municipality of Læs ø. Hopefully the work of the Barnet Bla Hus can be carried out to L æs ø and impact the lives of many children as it does in Fredrikshavn.

One of many whose lives have been changed by Blue Cross Denmark is Kristina. Today, Kristina is a 27-year old, independent woman who has learned to deal with her challenges. Kristina's mother was an alcoholic, which is why she bounced back and forth between different orphanages and her mother for several years before she and her little sister were placed in foster care. The foster family was a safe and stable home, but the hard start in life and the many separations left deep marks in Kristina.

A few years ago, after several years of counselling, Kristina sought help from TUBA, which is part of Blue Cross Denmark. There she had the opportunity to meet others, who face similar challenges. "In the group I found out that we were very similar even though we had grown up very differently. I found out that there were others in this world who felt like me. I could say things to them that I would never say to others, " says Kristina. “I have more self-confidence now. I dare to tell how I feel and how I experience things, even the things that are difficult to grasp. I have learned that I matter to this world and to others." At Blue Cross Denmark, Kristina has learned how to cope with hardship in her life and how to manage her life. She is convinced that TUBA impacted her life a lot.

Since children are really vulnerable, an abusive environment has an impact on their whole life. If we manage to help them at an early age, it is possible to stop any harm and protect them from suffering. Thank you for everything you give to change the lives of many!

Links:

• Read more about Blue Cross Denmark on Facebook
• Visit Blue Cross Denmark on their Website