Nearly one in three children in the UK are growing up in poverty. Over 2.6 million children are living in food-insecure homes.
Research shows poverty, and particularly food insecurity, has an immediate and long-lasting impact on child development, physical and mental health. Noncommunicable diseases related to poor nutrition are increasing in the UK and the health impacts of poor diet are creating health inequalities that last into adulthood.
We're partnering with AstraZeneca through its Young Health Programme UK to support children and young people living in poverty and facing health inequalities. This three-year initiative aims to reach around 50,000 young people and families, providing better access to healthy food and practical tools for healthy living.
Through the partnership, Barnardo’s will create a Healthy Living Fund, offering at least 850 young people vouchers of up to £300 for groceries, cooking equipment, and essentials issued within 24 hours to those in need. This will help young people take control of their diet, develop cooking skills and help give them the tools to build a healthy lifestyle.
The programme also includes a Healthy Living and Advocacy Toolkit, co-designed by young people with lived experience of poverty. The toolkit will feature practical guidance, easy-to-cook recipes, and tips for advocacy, ensuring young voices are heard. It will be shared widely across online platforms, and potentially across schools, foodbanks, local authorities, and healthcare networks, including the NHS and AstraZeneca colleagues to amplify its impact.
In addition, the partnership will support the expansion of AstraZeneca’s Active Science programme through Barnardo’s family hubs, introducing after-school clubs that combine science and sport to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop life skills.
Together, Barnardo’s and AstraZeneca are addressing immediate needs for healthy eating while empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence to build healthier futures.
Why partner with us?
Your business can help children and young people in the UK who are missing out on a good childhood and the opportunity to thrive as adults, while strengthening your brand and meeting your corporate social responsibilities.
Who we are
We’ve been changing childhoods and changing lives for over 150 years, and we’ll be here for as long as we’re needed.
Our impact
When life gets tough or it feels like there’s nowhere to turn, Barnardo’s is here.