Action for Children

Looking for a present for a loved one? Choose a gift that supports a vulnerable child ❤️ The season of giving is here 🎄 but some children in the UK face a Christmas without any toys, treats, or Christmas dinner. You can help us change this. Find out how you can choose a gift that helps put the magic back into Christmas for a vulnerable child: https://bit.ly/3CklR17 #SecretSanta #GiftIdeas #GiftGuide #GivingSeason #Santa

We want to give an enormous thank you to the amazing Lori! Throughout October, Lori ran 5k every day in support of vulnerable children, young people and families. So far, she has raised an incredible £2,000 and counting ❤️ With Christmas round the corner, we need people like Lori to be a Secret Santa. £25 could provide a Christmas present for a vulnerable child. Or £65 could provide warm winter clothes and bedding. Choose a gift on behalf of a colleague. Choose a gift that gives back and help support a vulnerable child: https://bit.ly/3UGyIRk

"He’s been able to make new friends with people who understand what it’s like to be a young carer. It helped Sam to feel seen and heard.” Sam* is a young carer for his brothers, who are autistic, as well as his mum Sandra, who has epilepsy. At just ten years old, life is anything but typical for a child his age. For Sam and his family, Christmas is their favourite time of year 🎄 But the financial pressure meant they couldn't afford it. Sandra said: "We had no money or vision for Christmas. The kids had their ideas of what they wanted and were excited about, but it brought me dread." Luckily, Action for Children helped ease the strain. We provided the family supermarket vouchers, as well as a day out for Sam to give him a break from his caring responsibilities ❤️ Childhood is short. Be a Secret Santa today and help put the magic back into Christmas for a vulnerable child like Sam: https://bit.ly/4f86HKO *Name changed to protect identity. #SecretSanta

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎄🎅 November is here, and our TV advert is back on the big screen 📺 We see children without beds, sleeping on floors with just blankets. Families phoning us crying because they have no money to feed their children. But we also see the incredible difference you could make. You could give a vulnerable child the essentials of warm clothes, a hot meal, or a special present just for them. Children across the UK need a Secret Santa like you. Donate now: https://bit.ly/4fwZDHv #SecretSanta #ActionForChildren

Homelessness, kidnap and murder. That's the reality for many criminally exploited children in the UK. Action For Children's new report “I don’t want to go down that road” shows the shocking harms inflicted on these children. Paul Carberry, our CEO, said: "We can and must do better at identifying and safeguarding children from criminal exploitation, but no one agency can tackle this problem alone. With commitment to real change, we could significantly improve the wellbeing and safety of children across the UK ". Our frontline services are working tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people affected by these harrowing crimes. Our Criminal Exploitation Intervention service launched in Glasgow in 2012. It now operates across the UK and has helped over 500 children and families since 2020. But there is still a long way to go. Our research outlines the vital steps that must be taken to ensure criminally exploited children are safeguarded effectively. Read the full report and recommendations: https://bit.ly/4hrlwd0

Have you heard the story of Walter Tull? Walter was the first ever British black officer to lead soldiers to battle, and the second ever professional British black footballer. Walter lost both his parents when he was 7 years old, and grew up in one of our Children’s homes in London. He later played for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town, which he left behind to join the army when the war was declared. Walter fought in the Somme and was mentioned in dispatches for leading a daring raid into enemy territory in Italy. He was promoted a number of times to become the first black infantry officer and combat officer to lead troops into battle in the British Army. We're proud to tell Walter's story, and to be a part of his history. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM

Two of our digital services have been awarded the Helpline Standards Accreditation for three more years. And we're so proud! 👉 Parent Talk is our online support service, featuring advice articles and expert parenting coaches, as well as a free one on one chat service: https://bit.ly/3whqukt “It was completely non-judgmental because it was someone that didn’t already know me historically…it was good to just be heard and understood.” - Parent Talk service user 👉 Sidekick is our confidential helpline for young people in the UK aged 13 - 18: https://bit.ly/3VpIxBi Helplines Partnership #ParentTalk #Sidekick

We're delighted to see the launch of John Lewis Partnership's Made By Care gifting range - a fantastic choice for anyone looking for presents with a purpose this Christmas 🎁   This range has been designed by talented fine art student Izaac, and is now available online and instore John Lewis & Partners. The tote bags will be in Waitrose & Partners stores from 28th October.   Profits from each product sold will be donated to the Building Happier Futures fund, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership Foundation.   As a partner charity, we’re very grateful that all items will raise donations to help Action for Children make a real and lasting difference to the lives of children & young people who are care experienced.   We were super proud to attend the launch day yesterday and see all the amazing designs!    #BuildingHappierFutures #JLPMadeByCare #CareExperience #DrivenByPurpose

“Having the right toys and play equipment is essential. An outdoor space for the child to learn through play has been so helpful.” We've spoken to foster carer Karen, and her dad Sam - who kindly shared their top tips on being part of a family who fosters: https://bit.ly/48gpZLw #FamiliesWhoFosterMonth #FamilyWhoFosters

“Having the right toys and play equipment is essential. An outdoor space for the child to learn through play has been so helpful.” We've spoken to foster carer Karen, and her dad Sam - who kindly shared their top tips on being part of a family who fosters: https://bit.ly/48gpZLw #FamiliesWhoFosterMonth #FamilyWhoFosters