Child poverty in the UK is increasing and this winter, the challenges are harder than ever.
Right now, there’s 1 in 3 children in the UK living in poverty. That means this winter will bring a different kind of weight: It’s cold homes. Empty cupboards. Rising costs. And impossible choices. Behind the sparkle of the season, we see the worry of families who are struggling to make it through the winter.
And for children like Aidan and Leo, it means wondering if there will be dinner tonight. It’s knowing that you'll have to make do with last year's winter coat that's too small, and that Christmas doesn’t feel like it does for your friends.
At Barnardo’s, we believe no child should ever feel left out at Christmas, or any time of year.
As well as bringing immediate relief, your gift means we can provide vital services all year round, so that families always have support when they need it. It can be life-changing, showing a child that they are seen. That they belong. That Christmas can still be for them.
Together, we can help give Christmas back to children living in poverty.
“My boys were so grateful to have presents to open on Christmas morning.”
With Christmas approaching, the pressure was growing. Sammy knew that she couldn’t give her boys the Christmas they hoped for. And her older son Leo was feeling the pressure too, seeing how upset his mum was.
But thanks to donations from people like you, they received support through Barnardo’s poverty fund—helping them fill the fridge and buy a couple of presents just in time for Christmas.
*Sammy, Aidan, and Leo’s story is real but names have been changed and models used to protect the identity of the people we support.
Other ways to give
Get thrifty
Give back by shopping in our stores or donating your preloved items.
Leaving a gift in your Will
Our Gifts in Will guide explains how you can leave a gift to us, and how we will use your legacy to support the children and young people who most need our help.
Give direct from your salary
Support children and young people across the UK with a salary donation—it’s easy and hassle-free!
More ways to give
Donate by telephone
If you'd like to speak to a real person to make your donation, call our Supporter Care Team on 0300 003 2025. Lines are open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please have your credit/debit card at the ready.
Donate by post
If you'd like to donate by post, simply send a cheque made payable to Barnardo's to: BARNARDO'S SUPPORTER CARE TEAM, Barnardo House, Tanners Lane, Barkingside, Ilford, IG6 1QG. Please add a postage stamp when sending by post.
If you'd like to set up a Direct Debit by post, please download this form. Send your completed form back to us at the same address.
Thank you for changing childhoods and changing lives
Where does your donation go?
Your donation won’t be restricted to a particular project but will go to where it’s needed most, helping us support children and young people no matter what they are facing. For every pound we spend (excluding retail costs) approximately:
- 94p goes on working with the children and young people who need it most
- Less than 1p goes on investment management costs
- And the remaining amount - just over 5p - on raising the next £1
For more info about how we raise and spend our money, please look at our latest annual report.
We're registered with the Fundraising Regulator and comply with their Code of Fundraising Practice and The Fundraising Promise. Find out more about how we fundraise.