Society newsletter | The Children's Society

In September 2025, two of our young trustees brought their voices and insights to the Labour Party Conference, sharing their experience and ideas at events co-designed by young people.

The Children’s Society panel focused on children and young people’s wellbeing, exploring the role of civil society, government, and how both can work together to make a real difference.

For the young trustees, it was a chance to ensure decision makers heard directly from the people most affected by their policies. It’s also the perfect example of how we grow our impact with and for young people

I think the hope is young people. We’re a sad generation, but we have so much potential, and when you see that change it’s beautiful.

It’s crucial that young people are present in spaces like this so they can voice their concerns to MPs, leaders, and politicians. As experts on the issues that affect them, they can explain what works, what doesn’t, and what support is needed to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.

They spoke powerfully about how poverty and the social care system affect young people’s wellbeing, and how early support can change a child’s life forever. Their honesty, insight, and experience made a clear impression on everyone in the room.

A young trustee asked a crucial question: how do we make sure youth services aren’t tokenistic?

How do we support young people but not just use them? What is the benefit for the young person?

It was a reminder that giving young people a platform or an opportunity is only the first step. They need to be treated as partners, empowered to make decisions, and equipped to lead.

Turning exclusion into advocacy

Behaviour policies do more than set out rules – they shape the culture of a school. They define the values and expectations that guide how everyone is treated.

When policies are inclusive and reflective of all young people, schools can become places where students feel respected, safe, and want to learn. The Behaviour policy checklist was created by young people with lived experience to help schools make meaningful changes, amplifying voices that are too often ignored.

three school girls in uniform sitting together talking and smiling

Here, Muna shares her reflections on the project:

When I think of some of the most fulfilling work I have ever done, this behaviour checklist sits at the top as the most personal experience.

"It was significant to me as an individual – and not just me now, but also the younger version of myself that was impacted by the very thing we are fighting against. The lack of inclusivity that I suffered at school pushed me to participate in this project to protect young people from having similar experiences to those I had.

"Lastly, having young people involved in projects like these, when they are personally impacted by its existence, is vital to ensure we’re tackling the right audiences and can receive a varied perspective through hearing their lived experiences.

"Their stories play a key part in the checklist, as many of the young people we spoke to fell victim to some of things that we were trying to change. They gave us an insight into things we might have missed out on. Their life, their story, their experience truly encapsulate what we are trying to do. They also serve as a reminder of how the system hasn’t truly changed if we are suffering from the same things that we had previously gone through five to 10 years ago. This is indicative of a need for change that we so desperately need in the education system, for it is the smallest of changes that can make the biggest differences."

A promise to listen

In July 2025, the board of trustees at The Children’s Society renewed their commitment to young trustees and pledged do so every five years going forward.

Brogan shares what this means for the young people, for the organisation, and for the work we do:

Despite being a relatively recent addition to the young trustees at The Children’s Society, the impact and value of having young trustees on the board is as clear as day to me.

"As a young trustee, I have felt deeply grateful to be involved in conversations around the recommitment as it has confirmed to me the authenticity of The Children’s Society’s promise to listen to young people.

"The Children’s Society has continually shown that young people are seen as vital assets. They reject performative shows of care and instead keep genuine care at the core of every piece of work they do. Whether that work is intended to influence policy or uplift those involved internally, they remain committed to their values and goals.

Who knows how to help young people better than young people? The benefits of having young trustees are that you can ask us the questions on how to help, and we can tell them what we think works, and what doesn’t work.

A group of 7 people stood in an office, a mix of adult staff and young people as trustees

A milestone to celebrate

Around half a million children will be lifted out of poverty – with help from supporters like you – when government plans to scrap the two-child benefit limit come into effect in April this year.

This is something we’ve long been pushing for at The Children’s Society, and we’re so pleased to celebrate this landmark moment with you.

Families pushed to the brink will feel immediate relief. It is a bold and welcome decision.

Mark Russell OBE, CEO, The Children’s Society

A lifetime of dedication

Brenda has devoted over 50 years to supporting The Children’s Society, including many years as treasurer for the successful Heswall Fundraising Committee, who have raised over £90,000 during their lifetime.

She was recently presented with an Honorary Lifetime Member Award from The Children’s Society by local Diocesan Ambassador David Bishop.

Man, David, holding a flyer, as woman, Brenda holds a bouquet of flowers, both smiling at the camera

It was such a lovely surprise to be recognised and presented with the Honorary Lifetime Member Award and the beautiful bouquet of flowers.

One thing that has struck Brenda throughout the years is the sense of camaraderie that getting involved to help others brings. Brenda fondly remembers helping with mending items for a local children’s home many years ago, when she first joined the committee.

Thank you for all the marvellous work that you do on behalf of the young people.

Young girl, Sienna, smiling at the camera and holding up a white The Children's Society t-shirt

Sienna's big swim

For Sienna, nothing beats being in the water. She’s a keen and committed swimmer, clocking up over ten hours of swimming practice every week. It was a conversation with her mum that led to the idea of using her passion to raise awareness and fundraise for The Children’s Society.

Sienna’s mum suggested swimming 5 km, but that was not enough of a challenge. Sienna set her sights on 20 km – and went far beyond, swimming an incredible 34.5 km in total. That’s further than swimming across the English Channel, and all at just 11 years old.

Sienna set herself a target of £200 to raise and gave herself a month to complete her target distance. Within a week, she had exceeded both.

Sienna raised an impressive £1,060 to support the work of The Children’s Society, and we’re so grateful to her and inspired by her determination. Alongside two friends, she formed the Swimmers of Hope, a small but mighty team who together raised £1,245 for The Children’s Society through their shared challenge.

I know how lucky I am, and I want to give other children the same chances and happiness. I’m a young person too, and I want to be part of making the future better for everyone.

A brighter future

From a young age, Eva struggled with feeling rejected and let down by her dad, which affected her confidence, mental health, and ability to connect with others.

School was a challenge, and she eventually moved to home-schooling. While this gave her independence, it also left her isolated, with little social contact or structure. To cope, Eva turned to controlling her diet and fitness. But this only increased her distress.

Shoulder height photo taken from a lower angle of a girl outside in a red coat, wearing headphones and smiling at something off camera

For a time, support felt out of reach. Referrals to mental health services left her feeling dismissed and unheard.

Then, a family friend recommended The Children’s Society to her, where she was paired with Emily, one of our project workers. Over time, Eva found a safe, non-judgmental space to share her feelings at her own pace.

It was some of the best support I’d ever had, I think because it was so drastically different. With Emily, I was able to go at my own pace.

Emily helped Eva rebuild her confidence, engage with her community, return to education, and explore volunteering opportunities.

Writing became a lifeline for Eva, helping her process her experiences and connect with others. Today, she has self-published a book of poetry and essays, is working on a novel, and hopes to study journalism to become a foreign correspondent.

I want other young people to know that all of their experiences, no matter how bad, can mean something and can contribute to something positive.

This is community

From new volunteers to longstanding fundraisers, The Children’s Society supporters have been pulling out all the stops for children and young people lately.

Memorial image of Molly Offord, whose circular image is in the centre, surrounded by a white background. Text above it reads: 'In loving memory of Molly Cecilia Offord. 16th December 1934 - 7th April 2025.'

Continuing a lifelong commitment

After moving across the country, Lyndsey quickly became involved with The Children’s Society, helping with the annual box opening in her village. Guided by her husband’s cousin, Mrs Molly Offord – a devoted supporter and long-time box coordinator – she learned the ropes and became part of a proud local tradition of fundraising.

Molly, who sadly passed away in April aged 90, dedicated decades to supporting The Children’s Society, inspiring countless people through her warmth and commitment.

Last year, Lyndsey deepened her involvement by becoming a volunteer, drawing on her skills from 15 years in the police, including work in the Criminal Investigation Department and the Family Protection Unit, to support children and families once more. She’s since been learning from practitioners, connecting with families, and contributing wherever she can.

Thank you, Miss Ellam

Following decades of dedicated service, Miss Alice Ellam has stepped back from her role as a box coordinator.

A much-loved member of her church community, Alice has spent many years supporting The Children’s Society and helping to raise vital funds for children and young people.

Reverend James Taylor marked the occasion by presenting her with a framed certificate to celebrate her commitment and care. Thank you, Alice, for all that you have done for children over the years.

Older woman in wheelchair, Alice, next to two priests at a church, being presented with an award.

Andrew outside in a field, at the front of the image wearing a hat and sunglasses, smiling at the camera

A ‘soleful’ challenge

For ten years, Andrew has supported the work of The Children’s Society by volunteering and raising money in his local community.

After retiring from teaching, he decided it was a good way to keep positively contributing to the development and lives of young people.

Andrew has given talks in churches, schools, “Mothers’ Unions” and at Christingle services, helping to raise awareness of the challenges young people face and what can be done to improve things for and with them. He’s also a box coordinator, collecting donations from supporters in his local community and helping to thank them and keep them informed about our work.

As if that wasn’t enough, every year, Andrew tackles a 25-mile walk in one day to raise vital funds for The Children’s Society.

This year, he followed the Severn Way and Sharpness Canal to Gloucester, where he’s given a number of talks in schools and churches. A few twists and turns altered his path, adding extra steps to his journey – but Andrew didn’t falter. He lost two toenails and raised £705 for his efforts!

Being in the room where it happens

Young people really are involved in every aspect of our operations – even the interview process. It’s an important way to show candidates for senior roles and trustee positions that our commitment to youth inclusion runs right through the organisation. And it gives our young trustees the chance to ask questions and gain experience they might not otherwise get.

Esther, one of our young trustees, shares what it’s like to be part of the panel:

Being part of a youth panel has given me insight into the formal interview process and left me with confidence, skills, and experience I wouldn’t have access to otherwise.