Campaigning, Commitment, and Care
I have been supporting The Children s Society since the 1970s when The Church of England Children s Society was at the top of their publications. That alerted me to the fact that The Children s Society was not as likely to get grants from charities associated with other faiths, or from people of no faith as some secular charities.
As well as changing the logo more than once since then, the Society has adapted to changing needs. They tackle child poverty and neglect; their strategies are backed up by research. One example is that some of Britain s poorest children were not getting free school meals because their parents were in work, so didn t qualify. The Society launched the Fair and Square campaign. They reckon that it means that 1.5 million more children will be able to rely on a proper meal each day.
I read a Facebook post from the Society the other day which commented on the recent revelation that many girls in care were abused. The post said that the Society is all too familiar with these stories. They work with young people on a one-to-one basis. Sometimes the supporters magazine covers a story of success where a young person got his or her life back with the help of the Society.
They have helped young refugees, young carers, mothers and toddlers, and many, many others including young people who run away from abusive adults at home.
They have to adapt the projects to fit in with changing situations and available funds.
Of course, some of the older supporters preferred the days when they could see an orphanage or youth centre locally and imagine their fundraising being applied to something specific. By supporting the Society through events and special collections at Hampstead Parish Church, you can take pride in an organization which exists to make a positive impact on the lives of this country s most disadvantaged children.
For further information, go to www.childrenssociety.org.uk
t. 020 7841 4543
The Children’s Society
Susan Woolf