We’ve seen Whatsapp groups thrive during online programmes as parents rally around one another as they have bad days or exciting behaviour breakthroughs with their kids. Running Kids Matter programmes online seems almost counter intuitive to the relational ethic of not only the way we run groups but our organisation as a whole. Typically, mums, dads and carers sit in comfy chairs around a table with hot drinks and tasty snacks – laughing, crying, hurting, learning, sharing and growing together as they work through our evidence-informed programme material. And after the 6 weeks it takes to com ..read more

In the news this week, NHS figures show that the number of children referred to emergency mental healthcare in England has increased by more than 50% in three years. This increase means more than 600 mentally ill children a week are deteriorating to such a state that they have reached crisis point. Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are struggling to meet the need, with many children stuck on a waiting list for around five months. Talking to The Guardian, Dr Elaine Lockhart, the chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ college’s child and adolescent faculty, says, “Th ..read more

Written by Stephanie Denning “Social franchising has also provided the opportunity for organisations to gather local data on the causes and existence of poverty in the UK and to use this data for national campaigning, including to influence national UK government policymaking.” A new research project funded by the Royal Geographical Society has analysed the growth of Christian faith-based organisations in the UK over the last two decades. The number of Christian FBOs has grown significantly. For example, the majority of independent and Trussell Trust food banks in the UK are run by Christians ..read more

Kids Matter Co-Founder and Executive Director Eli Gardner talks about her personal experience of ‘white privilege’ and how that inspired her to get serious about EDI at work… As it did for so many, when George Floyd died nearly four years ago now, I became aware of the issue of racism not just as a problem for people of colour to deal with, but as a problem for me to deal with. I grew up as a foreigner in Italy within a multi-cultural community created by the international school I went to, where children came from 65 different countries. I have four passports, am both Jewish by birt ..read more

Creating memorable Christmas traditions doesn’t have to be expensive. The best memories are made when we feel connected to the people we love. Have a look at 10 fun family activities that are sure to make the festive season really special for the children in our lives: Holiday story time: Gather together and read (or tell!) Christmas stories. You can take turns to share, and perhaps even choose a family favourite to revisit each year. Libraries have an abundance of books to choose from. Children also love hearing family stories, which gives them an important sense of belonging. Outdoor ad ..read more

All that we consider important (our values and beliefs) are brought to life through the traditions in our families, whether it’s planning an event, cooking a special meal, or celebrating a birthday. These types of activities are opportunities for children to connect with their family history, culture, and heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. All that we consider important (our values and beliefs) are brought to life through the traditions in our families, whether it’s planning an event, cooking a special meal, or celebrating a birthday. These types of activities are opportuni ..read more

Before we consider the viability of solutions to a problem, we have to understand its severity.  Buttle UK’s State of Child Poverty 2023 report suggests that the trauma caused by, or resulting in, poverty is increasing. This was measured by asking respondents about adverse childhood experiences (or ACEs) in the home, with the most severe: Mental illness (present in 70% of the households) Domestic violence (in 64% of the households) Neglect (in 55% of the households) Parental separation (in 69% of the households) Verbal abuse (in 65% of the households). These figures show that the strai ..read more

Throughout the last 25 years, children have consistently had the highest poverty rates in the UK, with almost 4 million children living in poverty today. With so many families in crisis as a result of financial deprivation, it makes sense that we join forces to come alongside those who need our support. Support and services have been cut under policies of austerity and working in partnership is crucial to having a real and lasting impact on society. By pooling knowledge and expertise, partnerships can provide a wider range of services and support, from education and healthcare to social ..read more

Huge congratulations to Karen Faulkner, who completed the Cardiff Half-Marathon, raising just over  £1,000 for Kids Matter so we can reach more children in need! Read Karen’s story: Nine months ago, my friend Alessandra threw down the gauntlet and challenged me to do the Cardiff Half Marathon with her on October 1, 2023. Having only managed 10km on one occasion before Covid-19, 21km (the half-marathon distance) felt like a lot. After accepting Ale’s challenge, I ran, walked, cried and sweated – giving up altogether at least twice, starting again – to get up to speed to be able to do this ..read more

We did it! Success in our very first Great River Race was primed by blue skies and a beaming sun, which inspired us along our 21.6 mile route in a time of 2 hours and 56 minutes! Thank you to all who cheered us on and sponsored our rowing team so generously in support of our vision to see every child in need raised in a strong family. We have raised a total of £7,955 and because of you, we will be able impact more children and come alongside more families facing disadvantages. Those who followed our story will know that this was a special event for us, with the race starting in Millwall, where ..read more