Next Wednesday 8th December, the Hulbert Heroes will be planting a 10 foot Beech tree in Staunton Country Park, with the Hampshire Children's Fund.

The Hulbert Heroes from Hulbert Junior School, in Waterlooville, have been helping the Children's Fund spend some of the £2 million Government funds by sharing their views about Stakes and their hopes and dreams for young people.

And Kieran, Tracy, Kirsty, William, Ashley, Luke, Felicity, Charlie, Rachael and Siobhan are getting together to plant something that will grow for years and years, and like them, become part of the new landscape.

Part of the Woodland Trust's 'Tree for All' campaign, this tree is one of 12 million planted across the UK (1 tree for every child under 16) to replace some of the native woodland that has been lost, and is encouraging children and young people to make the world a better place. Something central to Children's Fund.

The Children's Fund is a government initiative that was set up in Hampshire in 2003- to improve and make services for children of 5-13 years more accessible, and to involve young people in the restructuring of Children & Family services.

The new Children's Act 2004, will build on the foundations laid by Children's champions across the UK, in joining up and improving services, and building better futures for all Children. Chair of Hampshire Children's Fund, Jane Reid said, "There are increasing calls for Children and Young People to participate in debates and decisions concerning their well being, their education, and their communities. We need to listen carefully to what Young People would like to see happen next." -Jane Reid, Chair of Hampshire Children's Fund.

And Dale Tomlinson, who is Programme Manager for the Hampshire fund added, "There are 140 innovative projects funded by the Children's Fund across the county. These have been developed in consultation with children, families and communities at a local level. We are delighted that we now have an extra 2 years funding worth £4 million with which to carry forward this essential work which is making a real difference to Hampshire's children and young people"

Notes
Last year's Green Paper, 'Every Child Matters' focused on improving outcomes for all children and their families, to protect them, to promote their wellbeing and to support all children to develop their full potential. The new Children Act will reform all statutory services and require professionals, Police, Social Services, and Education, to work together so that no child ever again, falls through the net" More information the Green Paper: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/everychildmatters/

More information on the Woodland Trust campaign: www.treeforall.org.uk

Web-wizards needed for Hampshire Children's Fund / Brief news item *Do you have some 5-13 yr needed to help us develop our web-site and feedback young people's views to government? email / call the Children's Fund sue.stokes@hants.gov.uk / 01730 235231 ASAP" + press enquiries

Media welcome to the tree-planting, 1pm at Staunton Country Park, Havant.

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