Here at Little Lives UK, we have had a very busy and productive summer. With the generous support from our incredible donors and partners we have been able to help more children than ever. Keep reading for a rundown of some of the exciting things we have been up to so far.
Our campaigns
Our ‘Technology campaign’ has continued to help many disadvantaged children gain access to digital equipment. During the first half of the summer we have been building some fantastic relationships. We have partnered with the Children’s Diabetes Unit at a Dorset NHS hospital as part of our technology campaign. So far we have donated 10 iPhones so that disadvantaged families can monitor their child’s glucose levels, this is a vital need for those living with the condition. We have also donated a large number of iPads and laptops to various organisations and youth clubs so that children do not miss out on virtual learning and socialising with friends and family.
Since June 2023 we have donated £13,463 to our Children’s Community Support campaign this includes a donation of £2,200 to Sussex Prisoners’ Families who run an art therapy group for children affected by family imprisonment, a £2,000 donation for the Effectus Theatre in Selby towards a sensory pod for children with specialist needs. As well as funding £1,387.50 to CHIPS Charity of Hertford for 75 special needs children to go to the pantomime this Christmas.
Via our ‘Someone to talk to’ mental health campaign. We have continued to support numerous vital projects related to children’s mental health support. We recently donated £2,200 to ‘Life and Soul Youth Work’ of Tunbridge Wells, which helps towards counselling sessions for children in need of urgent mental health support. We have also supported ‘Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Services’ by donating £2,000 to help provide children and young people with access to trained specialists of trauma and abuse, who will listen, encourage and mentor them.
We have also been continuing our partnership with ReWellness by funding private mental health counselling sessions for children. This helps to reduce the on-going pressures on the NHS and children’s mental health teams, which in turn decreases the wait time (which can be up to 18 months!) for children to be seen. With increasing strains on schools and with the recent pandemic continuing to have a significant impact on children and young people’s mental health, these sessions are crucial to children that are struggling.
Our ‘Sports Team Sponsorship’ campaign has been keeping us very active (pun intended!) this summer. We have been able to support various sports clubs and projects across the country. This includes Spencer Lynx Hockey of Earlsfield in London to help them with costs for the running of their fantastic club as well as giving £700 to Stanburn Primary Boys Football Team so that they can purchase new football kits. Go team!
Our collections service
Our famous electric charity van aka ‘’donkey’’ has been very busy collecting donations around the Bournemouth and Poole area, as well as teaming up with Pure Gym of Bournemouth and Fitness First of Poole who kindly agreed to have a charity clothing bin at their centers. We are hugely grateful to all of those who continue to donate clothing to us for our charity shops, the proceeds from our retail shops are fundamental in helping to fund our campaigns.
The community
Little Lives UK were shortlisted for the Wandsworth Business Awards and commended for our work in Wandsworth and for our charity shop in Tooting, London. We were runners up at the event and gained a certificate for our fantastic efforts, thank you Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce for inviting us.
We have teamed up with two large retail shops, the ‘Tesco Community Grant’ project and the ‘Co-op membership’ scheme, whereby shoppers can contribute to our charity through in-store purchases. We are very grateful to Tesco and Co-op and their customers for selecting us as their chosen charity, as Tesco would say, ‘Every Little Helps.’
We attended a fantastic event at ‘The Aldbury’ dementia home in Dorset for ‘International Friendship Day.’ We had a fabulous time dancing with the wonderful staff and residents and trying tasty food from all over the world. A huge thank you to them for raising over £100 for us and hosting such a memorable day to celebrate all things friendship.
We also received a visit from the ‘Oddfellows Friendly Society of Poole, Bridport & Yeovil District’ who presented us with a cheque for outstanding donation of £943.60 which was raised by their amazing Chairperson, Pat Elliott, through the means of raffles over a yearly period. Pat, you are an inspiration.
Helen and the amazing team at Aqua Consultants went to incredible efforts in their ‘Challenge 15’ summer campaign, whereby they raised over £500 towards our ‘Someone to talk to’ campaign. Even Helen’s adorable dog ‘Toast’ got involved on the activities.
Partnerships
This summer we have introduced a very exciting collaboration with the UK’s largest family car recycling company, Charles Trent Ltd, of Poole, Dorset. Whereby members of the public can donate their old car to Little Lives UK. With 100% of the proceeds from the recycled car parts going towards our campaigns, not only will customers be saving themselves time and hassle, they will also be helping disadvantaged children in the UK, as well as doing their bit for the environment. We would call that a win-win!
We also have a lot more exciting projects and partnerships lined up for the future, so please keep your eyes peeled for what’s to come later in the year and if you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved with the charity, we are always happy to welcome new ideas and prospects.
Thank you
From the team at Little Lives UK, we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our incredible supporters, partners and ambassadors for helping us to continue our charity’s mission of easing the stresses felt by children and those caring for them by enabling them to reach their full potential. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
We look towards the Autumn season with gratitude in our hearts and optimism for the future, each day we are getting closer to achieving a brighter and better life for children. Until then enjoy the great British sunshine…but don’t forget your umbrella.
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