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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

Selection of Action for Children Christmas Cards

Charity Christmas cards for the festive season

Looking for the perfect charity Christmas card? Choose one that supports vulnerable children in the UK.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 13 November 2026
Joel, a child we've supported, standing next to a Christmas tree

Make your Christmas wish list count for children like Joel

One small change to your Christmas wish list could bring hope to vulnerable children. Make this festive season brighter for those who need it most.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 12 November 2026
Previous Action for Children support worker dressed as Santa. He wearing a red Santa suit and surrounded by chocolate selection boxes,

How our Support Workers help families feel remembered at Christmas

Discover how Teresa and the team at our WANDS Family Hub in Worcester create a magical Christmas for hundreds of local children living in poverty.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 10 November 2026
A group of people gathered around a table celebrating a holiday party with festive decorations, red cups, and gift boxes. One person stands wearing an elf hat while others sit wearing Santa hats and holiday sweaters, a cheerful and social atmosphere

How to boost donations for your Christmas fundraiser

Make the most of your Christmas fundraiser this year and follow our top 6 tips for maximising donations.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 05 November 2026
A woman wearing a white t shirt with gold graphics replicating the shape of a mountain, holding a structured tote bag featuring folded details

John Lewis supports Action for Children with Made by Care range

What do a tote bag, a notebook, and a serving tray all have in common? They’re just some of the ways that John Lewis is supporting Action for Children this autumn.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 03 November 2026
A young girl visiting Santa's grotto. She it sitting on Santa's lap, smiling and is wearing reindeer antlers

How you can help children and families this Christmas

Explore our virtual gifts or make a donation to help the 4 million children and families living in poverty.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 02 November 2026
Happy children standing in front of Santa Clause

The hidden cost of Christmas

Christmas is harder for some families than others. When budgets are already tight, it can be difficult to make money stretch - but you could change that.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 01 November 2026
Freya sits on a sofa wrapped in blankets, cuddling her teddy and wearing a winter hat. She looks towards the camera with a tired expression as she copes with the cold.

Why become a charity Secret Santa in 2026?

By joining our appeal and becoming a charity Secret Santa, you could make Christmas magical for vulnerable children across the UK.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 01 November 2026
Secret Santa Christmas TV ad Festive mantlepiece with Christmas cards showing ilutrations of three happy children

Secret Santa is on TV

Our Secret Santa TV advert, voiced by Larry Lamb, explains how you can help support a vulnerable child this Christmas.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 01 November 2026
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
Volunteer holding a christmas hamper.jpg

How to volunteer for charity this Christmas

Christmas is a time for giving and generosity. And what better way to celebrate the season of giving than by volunteering at Christmas?

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 01 November 2026
youg homeless girl sitting in sleeping back on street floor as people walk past.jpg

What is youth homelessness and how many young people are affected in the UK?

Discover the impact of youth homelessness in the UK and how our services help young people access safety and support.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 29 September 2026
Boy in a sweater looking down

Our frontline worker reveals the impossible choices families face every day

Action for Children Practitioner Amarjit reveals the reality facing families as school returns, costs rise, and winter approaches.

Josh Tranter - Guest Writer 24 August 2026
Little boy with hand on his mouth concentrating

What summer poverty looks like for Benji's family

Benji's family share the realities of summer poverty and how Action for Children's support helped them through the holidays.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 12 August 2026
group of people standing with an action for children instagram frame cutout

Old Boys and Girls Annual Reunion: Our Legacy and History

Every year, those who were in our care get together for an annual reunion, sharing memories and thinking about the lasting legacy of NCH.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 11 August 2026
Two children standing in front of an open refrigerator in a kitchen. One child is reaching inside the fridge, which contains a few food items including a container of milk on the door and some cartons on the shelves.

How does poverty affect children’s mental health?

Discover how child poverty affects mental health in the UK, increasing anxiety and low self-esteem, and how Action for Children helps.

Rachael Gearon - Digital Content Officer 07 August 2026
Mother helping her daughter put on school shoes

The cost of back to school shopping

We explore rising school expenses, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and the support available for families.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 31 July 2026
Three teenager looking at phone

The impact of social media on young people's mental health

Explore the positive and negative effects of social media on young people's mental health, from connection and self-expression to cyberbullying and comparison.

Leanne Cresswell - Digital Content Officer 29 July 2026
A young female social worker greeting and shaking hands with a young teenage boy

The Milburn Review interim report: our analysis

Our Senior Policy Advisor, Scott Compton, explores where the Milburn Review is strongest, and where it falls short on welfare.

Scott Compton - Policy & Research Manager 19 June 2026