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Read about our services, campaigns and the people we help, and get the latest on policies affecting children and young people

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To protect children, help their families

There’s no conflict between supporting families and protecting children. Head of Policy, Joe Lane, says the Care Review should push children’s social care to focus on the whole family

20 January 2022
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What is the extent of youth homelessness in the UK?

The facts and figures about youth homelessness may surprise you. Read on to find out more and what you can do to support

20 January 2022
Melanie Armstrong Chief Executive at Action for Children

Together we can make a difference: A message from our Chief Executive, Melanie

As we begin a new year, we reflect on the exceptional year Action for Children has had, and what’s to come

14 January 2022
Three teenager looking at phone

Social media and mental health: the good, the bad and the ugly

Social media has become an integral part of many lives. With young people spending more and more time online, we explore the impact of social media on their mental health

29 December 2021
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6 ways you helped us change the lives of children in 2021

From campaigning to fundraising, Action for Children supporters help us make a real difference this year

23 December 2021
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The Care Review: The starting pistol for a new era of care?

Today, Action for Children submits its final recommendations for how to improve the children’s social care system in England. Senior Policy Advisor Sam Atwell reflects on the legacy of the Care Review for the children and families we work with

15 December 2021
Sarah Harris and family

A lifeline when families need us: Sarah's story

Facing a challenging situation at home, Sarah was reaching her breaking point. Action for Children support proved crucial

13 December 2021
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Work Christmas party cancelled? Here’s 3 ways we can help

Christmas drinks called off? Working from home? Read on to find out how companies are finding a better way to bring colleagues together this Christmas while making a difference

10 December 2021
Map of Birmingham and surrounds

Levelling up: 10 areas where children have been left behind

Action for Children’s Head of Policy & Research Joe Lane explains what levelling up means for children and revealing where children have fallen furthest behind

09 December 2021
Natalia and Chloe sit at a kitchen table with Action for Children worker Kirsty

“We’d be lost without this help and support”: Natalia & Chloe’s story

Mum Natalia is one of the 30% of working parents on Universal Credit who told us they’ll be likely to skip meals this winter to make ends meet. Find out what we're doing to support

29 November 2021
3 siblings laughing and laying on top of each other with Christmas presents

Charity Christmas gift ideas: Our top picks

The season of giving is here. This Christmas, give a gift that gives back and support a vulnerable child

26 November 2021
Nicole wearing tinsel at the Christmas table

How we’re giving homeless young people a home, hope and a future

Nicole spent a year without a place to call home. That was until she found Action for Children

17 November 2021
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Where is child poverty increasing in the UK?

The End Child Poverty Coalition has recently published local child poverty data, showing the scale of problem across the UK

15 November 2021
Nicki Bogle playing golf

How volunteers can help children in care

The words of one young person inspired Nicki to volunteer at Action for Children and befriend children in care

12 November 2021
Young mother working on laptop with son in her lap

Parity begins at home

To level up for children, government needs to get its new support for parents right, writes Joe Lane, Action for Children’s Head of Policy & Research

08 November 2021
Mother and son looking through window at home

“I wondered where our next meal would come from”: Helping families living in uncertainty

Fleeing an abusive relationship plunged Angela* deep into debt. She shares how Action for Children provided her family with relief, allowing them to concentrate on rebuilding their lives

01 November 2021
Young children playing in ball pit in nursery assisted by three workers

Budget 2021: Did the Government choose children?

Imran Hussain, Director of Policy & Campaigns, reflects on some of the Government’s big choices in today's Budget and Spending Review

27 October 2021
Roxanna, Dailhan and daughter Lily

"Getting support is the best thing we’ve ever done": The importance of early years services

Roxanna wants to give her daughter the best start to life. When she noticed a shift in her mental health shortly after giving birth, she turned to Action for Children for help

20 October 2021
Young boy playing in play centre

There’s more to early years than childcare

No child should be held back because of gaps in the provision of early years services. But our latest report reveals large numbers of parents struggle to access this support

21 September 2021
Young boy getting hair cut

The big cut – hairdressers among those hardest hit by Universal Credit change

There are no winners from next month’s large cut to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit - £20/week (£1,040/year) – but the people losing big are those in work

06 September 2021