Annual impact report 2025-26

Welcome to The Children’s Society’s 2025–26 annual impact report

Life is too hard for too many young people. Every day, children and young people face challenges that can affect their wellbeing, mental health, safety and opportunities for the future. At The Children’s Society, we are determined to change this and ensure every young person can have the best start in life, and support when they need it.

Last year, through our services we reached more than 73,000 young people, supporting their wellbeing and mental health, helping keep them safe from harm and standing alongside them through difficult times.

90%

of children and young people improved wellbeing, safety, or skills and experiences*

86%

said their situation was better**

98%

felt listened to by us**

^{*Outcome data based on 2,785 children and young people}
^{** Feedback data based on 1,449 children and young people}

As well as working directly with children and young people, we reached over 18,000 professionals in other organisations, helping them to better support the young people they work with. And through our influencing work we helped ensure more than 400,000 children receive a free school meal, while supporting efforts to lift half a million children out of poverty through the removal of the two-child limit.

Young people have been at the heart of this work, playing an important role in shaping the impact we make. Their perspectives have helped inform big decisions, including how funding is spent, and their views have been represented in areas such as staff recruitment. By listening to young people and giving their voices weight, we make better decisions about the issues and services that affect their lives.

This approach has had a positive impact on the young people directly involved in our youth voice activities, helping them develop confidence, skills, a sense of purpose and a greater understanding of policy, services and the workplace. And it has helped us ensure that the impact we create for others is as effective as possible.

None of our work would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, trustees and committee members, or the individuals, communities, companies, trusts and faith communities who support us with their time, money and voice. We are especially grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Church of England and the generosity of parishes across the country.

This year, The Children’s Society celebrates 145 years of working to improve children’s lives. Our founder, Edward Rudolf, was driven by the belief that things could be better for children. That same determination continues today: challenging the issues young people face, creating lasting change and ensuring young people themselves help shape the future.

Our impact report highlights the difference we have made together, and our continued commitment to building a society where every young person can be happier, safer and more hopeful.