Everything you need to know about Children In Need
BBC Children in Need raises money for disadvantaged young people, funding thousands of charities and local projects across the UK, so every child can have equal opportunities and the chance to thrive, despite their circumstances. Children in Need began in 1980 and has now become an annual telethon where celebrities and the public get together, along with Pudsey the bear (the organisation’s mascot) in an attempt to raise as much money as they can through an array of fun activities and fundraising challenges. There are lots of ways we can get involved, from fundraising ourselves, taking part and showing our support, to donating money to various events.
What’s On?
On Friday the 18th of November, the BBC is hosting a range of programmes to show their support and raise money for Children in Need, including:
- Bradley Walsh’s Blankety Blank children’s takeover
- Graham Norton’s Red Chair, with their fate in the hands of youngsters
- Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Awards – young fundraisers and adult fundraisers awards
- Junior Eurovision – live from Armenia
The Great SPOTacular
With spotty outfits, spotty bakes, spotty games, and walks, get involved with the huge fundraising challenge for Children in Need across the nation.
Participating in, or creating your own, Walk-a-thon, Bike-a-thon, Kind-a-thon (doing good deeds around your community), bake sale or artistic challenge are all great ways to raise money for local charities whilst doing something you enjoy. The socialising and getting out and about is equally great for your own mental health!
Don’t forget to add spots! Whether that is through face paint, nail varnish, fancy dress, or posters, show what you are doing for Children in Need.
Simply collect sponsorship on a form you can download from the Children in
Need website, along with other free printables to help organise your
fundraising or set up a JustGiving online page.
The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge
For the 12th year, Matt Baker MBE takes on a relay ride with a team of five young people who have been supported by Children in Need funded projects in the past and share their stories whilst travelling through their hometowns and significant areas. This has been recorded in a one-off documentary which was aired on Tuesday the 15th of November.
Walk with Joe
Joe will be taking on the Ultra Marathon challenge, joined by his invited guests including drag queens, athletes and actors, on an 11-hour challenge where he will also be discussing the importance of fitness, mental health and Children in Need. He will be live streaming this event, and you will be able to donate as much as you can to this cause.
Why you should help
Over 3.9 million children across the UK are living in poverty.
Around 23.4 million people will be unable to afford the cost of living, and 30% of children are worried about their family not having enough money to live comfortably.
This all significantly impacts young people’s mental health, including physical and emotional wellbeing.
Last year, Children in Need helped nearly 460,000 children overcome their challenges and supports thousands living in poverty, social injustice and provided comfort to those suffering with bad mental health. The organisation has allowed young people to feel more empowered, increased essential life skills, provided safer environments and improved emotional and physical health.
