Deeply Disappointed – This Is Not What a Charity Should RepresentI’m writing this with deep disappointment after an upsetting experience on 20/06/2025 at the Barnardo’s charity shop in Unit 3, The Reach, Battery Road, Thamesmead, SE28 0NY.My six-year-old son, who is autistic, was quietly looking at the toys displayed at children’s level. He wasn’t loud, didn’t damage anything, and was simply curious, like any child. Instead of receiving patience or kindness, he was sharply told by a staff member, “Don’t touch, you’ll break it!” in a cold and dismissive tone.Both of my children burst into tears as soon as we left. They cried all the way home asking, “Mummy, why was that man so mean?”That one moment destroyed their sense of safety in a place we trusted.We have been loyal supporters of Barnardo’s..both as donors and customers. It hurts even more because we believed this shop stood for compassion, inclusion, and support for families. But what we experienced was anything but that.We will no longer be donating to or shopping at this branch. The way my children were made to feel..ashamed and unwelcome..will stay with us.To treat any child, let alone one with additional needs, like a nuisance is unacceptable. And from a charity that claims to help people, it’s devastating.Barnardo’s, please remember: your actions, your words, your attitude…these all carry weight. You didn’t just lose a sale. You lost a family who truly believed in your mission.We expected care. Instead, we were left hurt and heartbroken.
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