We’re the The i Paper’s Christmas Appeal charity partner for 2024

What is the appeal about

The name of the appeal is 'The i Paper’s Christmas Appeal “Happy Childhoods” with Action for Children'. The main focus is on our Family Support services and helping children have the best start in life.

Also known also known as early help, Family Support covers a wide range of services aimed at helping parents give their children the best start in life.

It can include support for parents on topics like feeding, stages of development, and sleep, along with stay and play groups designed to support children's social and language development.

Our centres work with local partners to offer families access to health visitor services, counselling, antenatal support, speech therapy, and services for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

For families needing extra help or with more complex needs, family support teams can identify this early and put the right support in place.

Our family support services also work with foster families to make sure that every child has a safe and loving home, giving them the foundations they need to thrive.

Together, with The i Paper's support, we could reach even more children, young people, and families in the UK, and continue delivering the vital services that so many families need.

The difference we make

Last year, we were able to reach 687,755 children, young people, and their families. We delivered 372 services in communities across the UK, both in schools and online.

• 173 in England.
• 113 in Scotland.
• 70 in Wales.
• 15 in Northern Ireland.
• 1 UK-wide: our online parenting support service, Parent Talk.

This vital work meant we could reach families before it was too late, help children struggling with their mental health, or find a safe place to call home for a child living in care.

Thanks to our family support services:

Like so many parents, single mum Victoria suffered during the cost-of-living crisis. The rising prices in shops and soaring energy bills left her struggling each month to make ends meet.

Her youngest children also have a mix of additional needs and serious health conditions, meaning Victoria faces significant barriers to work. Each month, she has to stretch her benefits income further and further.

Now, she skips meals to make sure her children have enough to eat.

This is something we see all too often. We’ve seen children without a bed sleeping on the floor with just blankets. Families phoning us crying because they have no money to feed their children. It’s relentless and the impact is devastating.

Thankfully, Victoria was referred to one of our services at Action for Children and received help from our family support staff.

Coverage of this year’s appeal is expected to run for about four weeks over the festive period, both online and in print.

From Monday 9 December, you’ll be able to read about our work and the families we support across The i Paper's website and newspaper.