Letter: It's a crazy world when we neglect our young and vulnerable citizens

Our children, who are the next generation, appear to be suffering from our inability to make adequate home provision for their wellbeing. St Cuthbert’s Academy in Blackpool has installed a launderette to wash student uniforms! Parents have told teaching staff that their stark choice was electricity or washing clothes. Also they could not afford washing powder. Having worked with students for many years in my later employed days, I know this can lead to bullying, isolation and absenteeism. It is also common knowledge that 750 schools will start breakfast clubs next April. What on earth is happening in this country? We welcome people from all over the world to warm beds, hot meals, good standards of hygiene, and a safe environment. We supply arms to fuel wars, money to underdeveloped countries, and provide food banks for many people both employed and unemployed so no one goes without. It seems the new generation experiences poverty alongside designer clothes, smart watches and the latest in IT. It is a crazy world and one that is both shameful and obviously neglectful to many of our young and vulnerable citizens. It will take more than politicians to provide a satisfactory answer, based on their previous record.

Alan Armstrong

Staveley

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