Social Inequality
BBC Children in Need invests in organisations that help children to feel seen, valued and empowered
The scale
- 32% of families with a disabled child live in poverty.
- 46%of children from global majority communities grow up in poverty, compared with 26% of White British children.
- Race-related hate crimes accounted for 70% (98,799) of all police-recorded hate crimes in the year ending March 2024.
- Our Spotlight Survey highlighted that children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) are significantly more likely to struggle with making friends (59%), being unhappy at school (47%) and worrying about being bullied (66%)
Our response to social inequality
Our goal is simple: every marginalised child should have an equitable chance to achieve their potential.
We fund organisations that create inclusive, safe spaces where children feel they belong, are seen for who they are and can access opportunities without fear of discrimination.
Through these organisations, children gain confidence, build skills and find a sense of belonging. Communities grow stronger,more connected and more inclusive.
How we make a difference
Through inclusive spaces, advocacy and support for organisations that challenge systemic barriers, we help children becomeconfident, build connections and increase engagement with opportunities so that they can thrive.
Our funded projects
- Address structural and educational barriers, offering mentoring, supplementary education, skills development and transition support.
- Amplify children’s voices through youth leadership, social action, rights-based advocacy and social action-based advocacy.
- Create inclusive spaces for Black and Asian children, Roma and Traveller communities, LGBTQ+ young people, disabled children, refugees and asylum-seeking families.
- Build belonging and social connection through arts, culture, group activities and sports.
- Provide safe spaces in underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to joy, opportunity and support.
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.
