Family Challenges
BBC Children in Need funds life-changing support that strengthens family relationships, builds emotional safety and helps children develop the confidence, stability and positive connections they need for brighter futures
The scale
- Over 800,000 children and young people are young carers in the UK.
- Around 36% of families with a child under 5 are living in poverty.
- An estimated 160,000 children in England are currently living in households where domestic abuse is taking place.
- There are almost 100,000 children and young people in care across the UK.
- There are an estimated 192,912 children with a parent in prison.
How we create change
Our funding helps children experiencing family-related challenges to feel safer, more supported and better connected. Across early years groups, youth projects,therapeutic services and specialist programmes, we help children:
- Enjoy stronger family relationships through parenting support, home visiting and early years sessions.
- Feel safer and more secure when facing domestic abuse, instability or trauma.
- Reduce isolation through safe groups, clubs and positive activities.
- Develop confidence and coping skills through counselling and emotional support.
- Access targeted support as young carers, care-experienced or bereavement-experienced children, or children affected by parental imprisonment or substance misuse.
Our funding aims to provide:
- Safe, supportive spaces: youth clubs, after school groups and holiday sessions where children can manage emotions, connect with others and build coping strategies.
- Therapeutic and trauma-informed support: counselling, group therapy, play therapy and crisis support delivered by trusted professionals.
- Creative, physical and outdoor activities: arts, music,drama, sports and outdoor adventures that reduce anxiety and build confidence.
- Targeted mentoring and personal development: trusted adults that show up consistently to help children manage their feelings, build resilience and set goals.
- Specialist support for neurodivergent and disabled children: tailored wellbeing sessions that meet diverse needs.
Case Study: St Clare’s Hospice Echo Connect, South East
Gracie (10) was very close to her dad Simon, the two of them loved football and both were big West Ham fans. When Gracie was four, her dad was diagnosed with a rare cancer in his thymus gland. He died when she was seven.
St Clare’s Hospice runs a BBC Children in Need-supported project called Echo Connect, which offers counselling for children and young people who’ve lost someone they love. Gracie has been going to the project for over three years, making friends who are going through similar experiences and receiving support from counsellor Chloe.
Our other areas of focus
Discover what we fund in these areas, the positive differences it makes to children and young people, and explore real‑life case studies.
