We're calling on Methodist churches and faith groups across the UK to plan a sponsored walk this spring and summer.
A sponsored walk is the perfect time for your community - families and people of all ages - to come together in fellowship and put their faith into Action for Children.
Because every step taken and every pound raised really does help us be there for the countless UK children living without a safe and loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn, or the support to cope with life’s challenges.
And we’ll be with you every step of the way, with a designated Fundraising Executive to help you plan, be on hand for any advice, and to send you all the resources you need.
Ready to Step Out for Children? Register today.
Our devoted, loyal and loving Methodist community have been with us since the beginning.
Since Methodist minister Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson found two young boys sleeping under the arches of Waterloo Station and took action over 150 years ago.
You’ve been at our side with every child we’ve helped since. And while lots has changed since we were founded in 1869, too many children today are still living a reality that should be confined to history.
That’s why children still need your action, your love and your commitment to seeking justice as part of your incredible faith.
We've been doing Step Out for Children Walks for at least 30 years! It's a chance to get together with other people from different churches and socialise. And it's our biggest way of raising money for Action for Children.
Elizabeth, one of our Methodist supporters and member of the Huddersfield Methodist Circuit.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to organise a walk?
- While we can’t always control the weather, we recommend spring or summer for the best chance of a dry day!
- You could plan your walk for after a service, so you can start straight from your church. Or choose a stand-alone day to make the most of it.
How do I plan a route?
- A 3-5 mile (or about 5-8km) distance is ideal. Challenging enough for adults, but not too ambitious.
- Look for safe, scenic, accessible paths like canal towpaths, local parks, or woodland routes.
- Avoid rugged terrain to make the walk inclusive for families, older walkers, and people with limited mobility.
- A circular route starting and finishing at the same point works well for parking, toilets, refreshments, and a gathering place. This could be your church or another location. Or if your church is in a circuit, you could start at one church and finish at another.
- Some Step Out for Children walkers have chosen a route that’s linked to our history or work as a charity. That could be walking 4.5 miles or km to represent the 4.5 million children living in poverty. Or walking the same distance from our first ever home in London to our Watford Head Office.
Will I need permission to plan a sponsored walk event?
- If your route goes through private property, make sure you have permission from the landowner.
- Apply for any permits early if they’re needed.
What do I need to prepare in advance?
- Arrange for some First Aid support - have a kit with you, or have a trained volunteer on hand.
- Remember to complete a risk assessment.
- Walk the route beforehand to make sure it's accessible.
- Check ahead of time for any planned roadworks or other big events (like marathons, Pride etc) that could affect your route or getting to your start line.
Where can I promote my sponsored walk event?
- In your church services. Ask your minister if you can add a mention in the notices during a service, or at another appropriate time.
- In church newsletters. Ask whoever organises this if you can include your event. We’ve given you a template to use below if helpful.
- On your church social media pages and website. Whoever manages this should be able to tell you when they can post about it. You can also include hashtags like #StepOutforChildren and #SafeAndHappyChildhood
- Local community spaces. Whether it’s a supermarket, local GP surgery, community centres, cafes, social media groups or magazines – getting the word out in your local community really helps spread the word.
- Your friends and family. Don’t forget the people closest to you! Send them emails, WhatsApp messages, or spread the word in person!
How do I pay in donations?
Pay online
- Using your debit or credit card, you can pay online through our donation page.
Paying in through your bank
- Get in touch with your Fundraising Executive, who’ll give you our bank details. You can then either transfer the money from your account online, or visit your local HSBC branch to do this.
Just Giving
- If you’ve set up a Just Giving page to raise money, your funds will be transferred to us automatically.
