It has been a year of highs and lows all around the world. In 2023, the UK has seen a continuing cost-of-living crisis, a national mental health crisis, war escalations around the world, a looming general election to mention a few.
These situations have all increased uncertainty and the need for charity work to aid so many in the UK, increasing the requirement for children’s charities like ours as well as community spirit and support.
Despite the challenges faced this year, we take pride in our accomplishments in supporting numerous children across the UK in 2023. Throughout the past year, we remained committed to providing crucial funding through our four key campaigns.
These are the ‘Someone To Talk To’ campaign, Technology Programme, Sports Team Sponsorship and Children’s Community Support.
Someone To Talk To – 461 children could access free therapy sessions
Our mental health campaign for children and young people offers access to professional counselling for those in need, addressing the financial barriers and lengthy NHS wait times that often prevent them from receiving timely support.
Since we launched this campaign, we have provide over 890 children with the access to free mental health sessions.
In 2023, our collaboration with ReWellness, a counselling service in Poole, Dorset, continued to tackle the mental health crisis. Our funding ensures that financially disadvantaged children receive essential mental health support, addressing concerns spanning from ADHD and PTSD to Autism.
This year we also supported The Treasure Basket Association and Young Minds Matter with funding to further support the emotional well-being of children and families by enabling access to play therapy and therapeutic interventions.
In total, we funded 461 free sessions to children in the UK to help aid their mental wellbeing at a time of global mental health crisis.
Technology Programme – Donated over 883 Devices
Little Lives UK have provided over 1800 devices to children in digital poverty since the programme began.
The model of this initiative entails individuals and businesses donating their unused electronics to us. These items are then refurbished or sold, with all proceeds reinvested into acquiring additional technology for the programme. Any technology deemed suitable for donation is provided to children living in digital poverty via schools or hospitals.
Children lacking access to technology frequently encounter obstacles in their learning, online assignments, and may also experience social disadvantages.
In 2023 we donated a total of 883 devices to primary schools and hospitals across the country.
Childrens Community Support – Over 30 community projects funded
Every month we receive many requests for grants and funding from organisations around the UK who are actively working on improving the lives of children by offering free activities or lessons for children.
In 2023 ,we provided funding to over 30 organisations in the UK.
In January last year we gave £2,100 to Moorvision, a Devon based charity, to help fund sailing sessions to children that they support.
We also contributed £2,152 to The Cracked Slipper Company, who are based in Hereford and support children through the education and participation of the performing arts. Our funding went towards their Little Slippers classes that will see children aged 7-10 years old attend weekly free classes who would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial barriers.
In another significant initiative under our community support project, we contributed £2,000 to Hull Women’s Aid for their 8-week TRUST program. This funding facilitated five sets of eight-week sessions, enabling 50 children to safely attend and receive vital emotional support. Hull Women’s Aid is committed to aiding victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Sports Team Sponsorship – 20 teams and Individuals sponsored
Our Sports Teams Sponsorship initiative has maintained its success in 2023, benefiting many more children by encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. This sponsorship program offers financial support for sports equipment, sessions, coaching, and memberships, ensuring that children and young people across the UK, who might otherwise be unable to afford it, can participate in sports club activities.
In 2023, we sponsored a total of 20 teams and individuals in the UK. Including, Carla Rudkin, current England Youth Karate Champion.
We understand the importance of sports, team activities, and leading an active lifestyle for overall health. That’s why we take pride in sponsoring sports teams across the UK, ensuring children nationwide have the chance to participate and thrive.
Companies who have supported us
We are incredibly fortunate at Little Lives UK to have the generous support of numerous companies throughout the UK who are eager to contribute to our mission and the children we serve.
Without the assistance and backing of these organisations, we wouldn’t have accomplished even half of what we have this year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them!
So Little Lives UK has had an extremely busy year. But we could not have done it without the help and support from everyone who has either donated to us, fundraised for us or has simply followed the work we do and help us spread the word of our work.
We look forward to next year where we know we will be able to help even more people than this year.