Which children's charities are fighting poverty in the UK?

Life has moved somewhat closer to normal for some after a series of Covid-19 lockdowns, but reality is still bleak for tens of thousands of families across the UK.

Child poverty was already at crisis point before the pandemic, hitting a record high of 4.3 million shortly before restrictions were first introduced in March 2020. But after 18 months of job losses, income cuts and health worries, experts believe even more children are living below the breadline.

Disadvantaged kids found themselves at the heart of repeated Government scandals during the Covid-19 crisis, between poor provision of free school meals and the patchy rollout of devices for children to learn remotely in lockdown.

But there are people making a difference. Whether nationally, regionally or locally, campaigners, experts and volunteers are putting others before themselves and working to make sure children have a bright future, regardless of their background.

The Big Issue pulled together some of the organisations you can back to ensure kids across the country have the support they need.

Action for Children

Action for Children is asking the public to contribute to its Star in Every Child campaign by donating a gift which could make a real difference to the life of a vulnerable child.

That could include covering the cost of a trip out, their family’s monthly bills, online tutoring or a visit from a support worker.

Donations also help the charity to provide support to children’s centres, breaks for young carers, help for disabled children and children at risk of homelessness.

Save The Children

Save The Children say rising rates of poverty in the UK are having serious implications for children’s future life chances.

The charity helped 45 million children around the world in 2020, thanks to the backing of nearly 600,000 supporters.

Around 75 per cent of children living in poverty in the UK are from a working household according to the charity, and the universal credit cut will push them even deeper into hardship. The organisation welcomes donations, volunteers and people keen to help campaign for better futures for the country’s kids.

Child Poverty Action Group 

With over 50 years of experience, the Child Poverty Action Group collects evidence from families living in poverty and campaigns for action on low wages, expensive housing and childcare to find permanent solutions to lift children out of hardship. 

CPAG says it requires donations to ensure it can run vital services, including training frontline workers to help families get the help they need. 

Trussell Trust 

The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks, gave out nearly two million three-day emergency food parcels in the year up to March 2020, 700,000 of which went to children. Even more kids needed food aid during the pandemic.

The Children’s Society 

The Children’s Society works to ensure poverty doesn’t blight children’s futures, campaigning on issues affecting financially-stricken families and providing vital food, hygiene essentials and temporary accommodations. 

Children North East 

For those wanting to donate to more local charities, Children North East is one such organisation. 

The charity, now 130 years old, promises support for vulnerable children living in poverty in their families, schools and communities.