Our work
Direct help where it makes the biggest difference
We distribute funds to individual children and to grassroots organisations, community projects and support networks dedicated to helping children facing disadvantage.
Key focus areas
Where your support goes
From an emergency food delivery to a specialist wheelchair, every grant answers a real need identified by a professional who knows the child.
Medical help and hospital travel
Travel costs for long hospital stays far from home, specialist medical equipment and therapies such as physiotherapy that are not available on the NHS.
Emergency essentials
Critical support for families in crisis: beds and bedding, white goods after a hospital stay, clothing, food and other everyday essentials.
Disability support
Adapted trikes, wheelchairs, sensory toys and specialist equipment so disabled children can play, learn and join in.
Mental health and wellbeing
Therapy for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and calmer, brighter spaces on children’s wards.
Youth clubs and activities
Funded places on summer camps, residential trips and youth clubs, so no child misses out for financial reasons.
Education and learning
Equipment and support that help children with special educational needs take part fully in learning.
How a grant works
From referral to real help
01
A professional refers
A social worker, doctor, teacher or support worker tells us about a child and what they need.
02
We review with care
Our trustees look carefully at each referral and the difference our help would make.
03
Help is delivered
Funding goes towards the item, service or travel the child needs, through the referring professional.
04
Lives change
Families tell us about the difference made, and we share stories (with permission) to inspire others.
1983
Helping children since September 1983
£1m+
Raised for children across the UK
100%
Of donations used to help children, as trustees cover all running costs
287866
Our registered charity number, independent of the BBC
Our impact
Real stories from the children and projects you support
Win One of Our Amazing Super Globes
These one-off Super Globes were donated to us by inventor Peter Benmax, who created them especially for our fundraising.
Therapy Sessions with Dandelion Time
Dandelion Time provides therapy for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. We fund therapy sessions that can last up to a year, depending on each child’s progress.
Granting Wishes with the Starlight Foundation
Starlight grants wishes for very sick and terminally ill children. We have funded several children’s wishes so that their dreams could come true at the hardest of times.
Know a child who needs help?
If you are a professional working with a child or family, you can refer them to us by email.