The Children's Society - Supporting Disadvantaged Children

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Our history Edward Rudolf, a Sunday school teacher, was compelled to act when he found two of his pupils begging on the streets. Edward Rudolf The Children’s Society was the first organisation to set up children’s homes which reflected the traditional family set-up. We used to be known as: The Church of England Central Home for Waifs and Strays The beginning of The Children’s Society

Over the past 130 years, The Children’s Society has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by teenagers. Our ground-breaking work has driven ambitious and permanent societal changes. Continuing the good work

Our vision is a country where children are free from disadvantage.

Our most recent work • Through our face to face work with children and families, we reached over 23,149 children across our 98 services and centres in the past year. • Following the publication of our landmark Hidden from View report and two decades of tireless campaigning, last year saw an historic change in the law to support hundreds of thousands of young carers and their families. • We influenced new Government guidance protecting hundreds of young child trafficking victims. • Our Debt Trap campaign has highlighted the harmful effects of debt on children. We have tackled the unethical practices of payday loans companies, as well as councils who use bailiffs to collect council tax debts.

Where we work • Programmes and children’s centres Map to be added – waiting to be received from Marketing

At The Children’s Society we: • Work with 5,000 runaways every year • Provide drop-in services • Give advice and counselling • Provide support for families • Campaign government and local authorities • Offer training for professionals • Runaways

‘The Children’s Society has been a champion for me really. They never gave up shouting for me. And I really needed that.’ • Megan’s Story • Megan, 15

The sexual exploitation of young people

Inappropriate relationships with older men • ‘Boyfriend’ model with older man working alone • Organised exploitation involving groups or gangs of men • As part of initiation into gangs • Types of sexual exploitation

‘They used to follow me home, saying “Get in the car.” The Children’s Society gave me the confidence to walk away from it.’ • ‘The Children’s Society knows how to talk to children. That’s the bottom line.’ • Lauren’s Story • Lauren, 17

The official figure of young carers in England is 166,000 – but this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. • Young carers often look after parents with drug or alcohol problems while caring for siblings and going to school. • The Children's Society tries to give young carers a voice and support them to make changes for themselves and their families. • Hidden from view • Young Carers

‘There isn’t a day goes by when I don’t do something for one of my family.’ • ‘I’m very keen to help other young carers, as there are so many out there.’ • Melissa’s Story • Melissa, 16

Working with young refugees War, persecution and torture force many children to flee to this country by themselves. In the last year alone, 1,861 unaccompanied children arrived into the country. The majority come from Albania, Eritrea, Iran and Vietnam. There has been a significant increase in children arriving from Syria. Many children arrive having escaped a life of poverty and sometimes violence and danger. Yet the treatment they receive here is often far from welcoming.

‘I don’t know where I would be today without The Children’s Society.’ • Precious’ Story • Bukola, • mother of three • ‘Mum smiles more now.’ • Precious, 13

Changing children’s lives There are so many more children who need our help. By 2020 one in three children will be living in poverty. There are still 16,500 children at high risk of sexual exploitation. Melissa Precious Megan Lauren

The time to act is now How you can help disadvantaged children to have better lives [Name the action] [Give detail about how to take action] [The difference it’ll make]

Events for 2015 • Which one is for you? • Trek – From Peru and Tanzania to China and the Lake District. Explore UK countryside or see some of the worlds wonders. There are treks available throughout the world ranging in difficulty and length. • Run – Whatever your chosen distance there is an event in the UK for you. 5km fun runs to Marathons. • Walk – See some of the most beautiful countryside that England and the UK has to offer. It could be over one day or five, but the opportunity to seeing some world-famous sights and raise money for charity is an opportunity not to miss. • Cycle – London to Brighton or Paris, or 450km through Cambodia; just a couple of options available once on the saddle. • Jump – Freefall from 10,000 feet at over 120mph – to make this experience even more memorable you could be part of a world record attempt in 2015. • Something else – Triathlons, swimming or obstacle courses – the options for you are almost endless.

‘We want to comfort the challenged and challenge the comfortable.’ Matthew Reed, Chief Executive The Children’s Society

Thank you. Any questions? childrenssociety.org.uk facebook.com/childrenssociety @childrensociety XX@childrenssociety.org.uk

The Children's Society - Supporting Disadvantaged Children