Blog | Action For Children

Freya sits on the floor opening the toy farm she wanted for Christmas. Looking down at the toy, she covers her mouth with her hand in surprise and excitement.

Your charity donation could make a difference: Freya's* Story

Each year, we ask our supporters to become a Secret Santa by donating or choosing a virtual gift. Read how your generosity could bring the magic of Christmas to vulnerable children like Freya*.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 01 November 2026

Freya holds a present above her head beside a small Christmas tree, smiling with excitement.

What is Secret Santa and why is it important?

Find out more about our Secret Santa appeal, and how your donation can help make Christmas magical for vulnerable children and families across the UK.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 01 November 2026

- Colin and Marie holding each other, showing the love and faith that support their fostering through their church

What a day looks like for foster carers Colin and Marie

After 14 years of fostering with Action for Children, Colin and Marie share a glimpse into their daily life as foster carers.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 13 May 2026

Supporting early years development with Early Years Practitioner, Jerome

Only 2% of Early Years professionals in England are men. In this blog, Early Years Practitioner Jerome from Action for Children’s Spring Nurseries shares what a typical day looks like and why he loves his role.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 02 February 2026

youg homeless girl sitting in sleeping back on street floor as people walk past.jpg

How Dorset Nightstop helps homeless young people: Lorna's story

No one expects to become homeless - especially not at the age of 16. Discover Lorna's story, and how Dorset Nightstop helped her back on her feet.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 02 July 2025

An adult and a child sitting at a table engaged in a learning or tutoring session, with notebooks and papers visible. Natural light from large windows illuminates the scene, highlighting focused interaction and educational activity.

Spotlighting Charlie and John from London's Independent Visitor service

London Independent Visitor volunteer, Charlie, tells us of his experience as an Independent Visitor and the relationship he's built with John.

Kelly Corcoran - Senior Digital Communications Officer 27 March 2025

Fatima Whitbread reflects on her childhood in care

Fatima Whitbread discusses her childhood growing up in care

Elijah Cruz - Digital Communications Officer 02 December 2024

Finding a place to call home: Tyler's* story

Every 15 minutes, a child goes into care in the UK. Tyler is one of those children. After suffering years of neglect, Tyler moved into one of our children’s residential care homes where our staff team have helped him grow into a confident young boy.

Elijah Cruz - Digital Communications Officer 10 September 2024

Aaron from employability service at Action for Children Starry Night

Highlighting our Employability Service: Aaron’s Story

Our Employability Service aims to provide support to young people who are furthest removed from the employment market. We spoke to 20-year-old Aaron to tell us about his journey from being homeless to working at the Starry Night gala

07 December 2023

Teenagers Relaxing with Tea at Youth Club

A week in the life of a Service Coordinator

Tina takes us on a tour of her busy week, from arranging care pathways to crafting ‘worry catchers’.

10 November 2023

Grandma and grandchild looking out window.

Shining a light on Lillian's story

We are spotlighting Lillian and the lasting impact she’s had on vulnerable children and families across the UK by leaving a gift in her will.

08 September 2023

Person carrying a child while walking along next to a brick building with multiple windows and doors and metal railings. The scene highlights an urban environment, possibly local authority accommodation.

Long-term illness as a barrier to work: Paul and Fiona's story

"Somehow, we manage each month. If I'm honest, our constant struggle is just so normalised now."

23 February 2023

Two boys sitting at a table, each holding a slice of bread with jam, engaged in conversation. The table has additional slices of bread and glasses of orange juice, with a cozy indoor setting featuring a stone fireplace in the blurred background.

In their words: Young carer shares their story

Young carer, Matthew* shares his experience

12 December 2022

Supporting families to move on from domestic abuse: Emily’s story

Action for Children helped this family navigate their new life

01 December 2022

Jaspreet, wearing a black and red floral scarf, holds her baby son in a yellow and black tracksuit to her face. They smile and laugh looking at each other

Baby steps and beyond: The experience of motherhood

How has motherhood shaped these women?

13 July 2022

Carmela holding a microphne smiling at the camera

From short breaks to Britain's Got Talent: Helping Carmela shine

Growing up, Carmela loved her time attending an Action for Children short breaks service in Northampton. Now, this inspiring young woman is volunteering at the service that helped her so much and shining on the Britain's Got Talent stage

22 April 2022

Kelvin and Heather smiling at the camera standing in their garden

These volunteers are making a difference in the lives of homeless youth

Heather and Kelvin volunteer as part of Action for Children’s work tackling youth homelessness. In a few short days, they make a huge difference to the lives of homeless young people

01 March 2022