FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BBC Children in Need release first ever Impact Report, revealing 363,000 children and young people were supported across the UK in the last year

BBC Children in Need has today published its 2026 Impact Report, revealing that the charity supported over 363,000 children and young people across the UK in the last grant year, helping them navigate challenges ranging from poverty, mental health issues and family pressures to discrimination, disability and social inequity.

At a time when millions of children are facing increasing uncertainty and challenges, the charity has funded 1,600 projects to the value of £96.1 million, funding the people and places that provide stability, encouragement and trusted relationships for children who need them most.

Creating Positive and Lasting Change

The charity’s work is driven by its Change for Children framework, a long‑term commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. This approach focuses on four core areas where children face the greatest pressures:

• Strengthening mental health
• Alleviating the impact of poverty
• Improving social equity
• Improving childhood experiences affected by family challenges

Across all programmes, trusted positive relationships are central and the “golden thread” running through the charity’s impact. Youth workers, mentors, counsellors and trusted adults are at the heart of everything that the charity funds, helping children build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Key Outcomes 2024/25

Children supported through BBC Children in Need‑funded projects experienced significant positive change:

• 124,000 improved their emotional wellbeing
• 117,000 enjoyed stronger relationships
• 116,000 developed greater self‑belief
• 80,000 grew essential skills
• 48,000 became more empowered
• 40,000 felt safer
• 38,000 improved physical wellbeing

In a survey of over 1,500 young people attending funded projects, 98% reported feeling happy in the settings they attend, citing fun, trusted adults and a sense of belonging as the top reasons.

Responding to the Mental Health Crisis

With 1 in 5 children now experiencing a probable mental health condition, BBC Children in Need continues to focus on early intervention which helps strengthen emotional wellbeing, builds resilience and prevents crises before they take hold. Last year the charity invested £15.5 million across 333 mental health projects, supporting 119,000 children through counselling, creative therapies, safe group activities and trauma‑informed support.

Campaigns like Heaviest Backpack and digital wellbeing tool Pudsey’s Pause reached almost 5 million people, helping families start conversations about mental health at home.

Tackling the Impact of Poverty

With 4 million children now living in poverty, the charity invested £20.6 million in 367 projects supporting 172,500 childrenaffected by deprivation. This included access to essential items, emergency support through the Emergency Essentials programme, and developmental opportunities that build confidence and reduce stigma.

Through Communities for Children, BBC Children in Need is also working with partners in ten locations across the UK to create place‑based, long‑term solutions to child poverty.

Improving Social Equity

The charity invested £21.6 million in 441 projects to support children facing discrimination, exclusion or structural inequality — including disabled children, young carers, LGBTQ+ young people, refugees and children from global majority communities.

These projects provided inclusive spaces, skills‑building opportunities, advocacy and leadership pathways, helping more than 200,000 children feel seen, valued and empowered.

Supporting Children Facing Family Challenges

With many children experiencing bereavement, caring responsibilities or instability at home, the charity invested £12.7 million in 242 projects, supporting over 116,000 children to feel safer and better connected. Programmes offered counselling, early years support, respite activities and safe spaces where children could share experiences and rebuild confidence.

Children and Young People Shaping Change

BBC Children in Need continues to champion youth voice through initiatives such as:

• Young Grantmakers, who helped award £940,000 in funding
• Young Ambassadors, who have been supported by project’s funded by BBC Children in Need and share their stories on behalf of the charity
• Youth Leadership Programme, empowering young people to lead change in their communities and giving them opportunities to develop skills

These initiatives ensure that children’s lived experiences guide decision‑making across the charity, ensuring we are listening to and acting on, the lived experience of the children that we support in communities all across the UK.

BBC Children in Need will continue to invest in early, trusted support that helps children feel safe, valued and able to thrive – no matter the challenges they face. As pressures on children and families continue to rise, the charity remains committed to strengthening communities, amplifying young people’s voices, and creating lasting change across the UK.

The full BBC Children in Need 2026 Impact Report is available now at www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk.

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