Northern Ireland

Children urged to write letters of lockdown

Q Radio presenter and Children in Northern Ireland ambassador, Ibe Sesay, is joined by his sons, Stephen (11) and Daniel (10), to launch Letters of Lockdown
Q Radio presenter and Children in Northern Ireland ambassador, Ibe Sesay, is joined by his sons, Stephen (11) and Daniel (10), to launch Letters of Lockdown Q Radio presenter and Children in Northern Ireland ambassador, Ibe Sesay, is joined by his sons, Stephen (11) and Daniel (10), to launch Letters of Lockdown

YOUNG people are being urged to share their experiences of lockdown.

Children in Northern Ireland's (CiNI) 'Letters of Lockdown' project aims to "record this unprecedented time for years to come".

Those aged four to 18 are being asked to write a letter or draw a picture.

A selection of entries will be made into a booklet to be sent to schools and available to download from CiNI's website.

Policy officer Ellen Finlay said since March, children have experienced a host of emotions.

"For their own mental health, it's important that their voices are heard and that they are encouraged to express how they felt about what they went through during this time," she said.

"We hope Letters of Lockdown will inspire young people to put pen to paper and share their experiences.

"While there's no doubt that it has been a hugely stressful time for most people, young and old, it has also been a time for people to connect and slow down and that is something that might get forgotten once this time has passed."

CiNI ambassador and Q Radio presenter Ibe Sesay said the project is a great way for parents to encourage their children to open up.

"It's been a tough time for us all and we hope that this initiative will help our young ones express themselves and maybe even start some much-needed conversations in the process," he said.

:: To enter, email a photo of your child's letter or drawing along with their first name and age to ellen@ci-ni.org.uk before November 20.