Across the UK, children and young people continue to face pressures no one their age should shoulder.  

Recent reports show that 4.5 million children are growing up in poverty – around 31% of all children- a figure that has remained stubbornly high and in many regions, continues to rise. Meanwhile, the mental health crisis deepens: one in five young people now has a probable mental health condition, and around 500 children a day are referred to mental health services for anxiety, a rate more than double pre-pandemic levels.  

These headlines reflect what our funded projects see daily: children struggling with loneliness, discrimination, hunger, bereavement and the relentless strain of financial insecurity.  

BBC Children in Need’s latest Impact Report (April 2026) shows the human face behind these statistics. Last year, we supported 363,000 children and young people, funding 1,600 projects totalling £96.1m. Many of these children told us they feel more included, more confident and more emotionally supported because of the relationships and safe spaces these projects provide. 

Deepening Our Approach: Listening, Adapting, Partnering

In a climate where need is increasing and becoming more complex, we have continued to evolve how we work.

Putting Youth Voice at the Centre

Through programmes such as Young Ambassadors, Young Leaders, and Young Grantmakers, young people are shaping decisions, influencing policy discussions and guiding how we respond. They advised on programme design, represented youth perspectives at national events and even assessed and allocated funding themselves. Their leadership ensures our work remains grounded in lived experience, not assumptions.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Reach

This year we expanded strategic partnerships that help us meet children where they are. 

Communities for Children is driving placebased change in 10 communities most affected by poverty, helping local leaders build long term solutions. Lead the Change and collaborations with organisations such as JD Sports continue to grow opportunities for marginalised young people.

These partnerships reflect our commitment not just to funding, but to enabling and amplifying what works.

Adapting Our Funding to Meet Real Need

We’ve refined how we fund, ensuring flexibility where children and organisations need it most. We Move FWD continues to invest in equity led support for Black children and families, now extending into the early years with the new Foundations programme. And our willingness to act flexibly ensures projects can respond to crises—from food poverty to mental health needs.

Looking Ahead: Our Next Steps 

We are building for the future with focus and clarity. 

Youth Work Fit for Today’s Challenges 

With youth work under pressure across the UK, we will continue to invest in trusted relationships—those everyday conversations and connections that help young people feel seen, safe and valued. 

A Renewed Early Years Strategy 

Recognising the importance of the first 1,001 days, we will deepen investment in early childhood development, ensuring babies and young children have the strong foundations that shape a lifetime. 

Sustained Commitment to Tackling Poverty, Inequity and Mental Health 

Our Change for Children framework will continue guiding bold action on the issues that matter most to young people.