Our impact
Every year, we help tens of thousands of children and young people through our support services. Whether they are at risk of exploitation, struggling with their mental health, or in the care system — we are here for them. And, together with those that share our vision, we campaign tirelessly for the big changes that will make life better for millions more. Our impact is clear to see: in young lives transformed, and in the steps taken towards a society built for all children.
Download the Impact Report
The Children's Society's impact on children and young people
We work with young people across the country to help them transform their lives. Our services are as varied as the experiences of the young people we meet. We listen to them, so that we can make sure they get the right support at the right time – boosting their wellbeing, protecting them from harm, and making sure they can access the essentials.
We’re here when they need us, and through our campaigning and influencing work, we’re fighting for the local and national change we need to create a society that works for all children.
You make all this possible – our volunteers, campaigners, and supporters. Whether you give your time, lend your voice to our campaigns, or support us financially, you’re making a real difference for young people.
We’re a powerful community. And we’ll keep going until we’ve built a brighter future for all young people.
facts about our impact
57,652
children and young people were supported through our services and events in 2024/25.
97%
of children surveyed reported that they were happy with the support they received.
77,307
supporters took campaign actions with us to call for change for young people.
Wellbeing services
If you or someone you know need to talk to someone, we have places where you can drop in and see someone - quick, easy, no stress.
Our work during a cost of living crisis
We’ve all faced big challenges over the past few years and, as the cost-of-living crisis continues, children and their families are under huge pressure. It’s more important than ever before that our services are here for young people – now, when they need us most.
Children are facing increased risks of exploitation, abuse, and neglect as families are struggling more and more to afford the essentials. Our Good Childhood Reports show that life is still getting harder for too many children. Their wellbeing and happiness are suffering.
This isn’t right. Children’s lives should be getting easier, not harder. That’s why we’re continuing to do all that we can to support the UK’s young people, today and tomorrow.
The services we offer incorporate everything from one-to-one therapy to group sessions, sports to drama, education to participation. At every stage, we listen to young people when they tell us what they need.
our impact with young people
“I had someone that listened. I feel much better.” “I had someone that listened. I feel much better.”
– young person
facts about our services
15,856
professionals worked with us to better support young people at risk of abuse and harm or struggling with low wellbeing.
3,547
parents and carers were supported by our services.
77
services were run for children, young people, and their families.
Our direct impact
Every day, we work with children, their parents and carers, teachers and youth leaders, to directly improve young people’s lives. The numbers say a lot about your impact, but hearing from young people themselves says a lot more.
our impact with exploitation
“They see who you are as a person. They really listen and it’s very personalised” “They see who you are as a person. They really listen and it’s very personalised”
– young person
Children's health and emotional wellbeing
Across the country, too many young people are suffering unseen and unheard. They’re facing overwhelming challenges. In the wake of the pandemic and amidst high living costs and global instability, support services are struggling to meet young people’s needs.
Hundreds of thousands of children in England sought help for mental health challenges in 2024/25. Our analysis for the 2024 Good Childhood Report showed that 15-year-olds in the UK had the lowest average life satisfaction among 15-year-olds across Europe. Some of the key systems for enabling a good childhood are simply not working well enough, putting children and young people at significant risk of poor life outcomes. Children cannot wait any longer for support – their childhoods and potential to thrive are at risk.
A brighter future is possible. For more than 140 years, we have been here for young people, helping them to thrive, not just survive. Now, it’s time for all of us to step up, speak out, and stand alongside young people. Together, we can build a society for all children.
Young people’s stories
When young people want to tell their story, we listen. Often their stories aren't easy to tell, but they tell them. They know that opening up will help them feel better and show others, who have it just as tough, that there can be a brighter tomorrow.
facts about system change
359
dedicated youth voice activities were organised to support young people and children.
95%
of young people surveyed reported feeling able to express their thoughts and feelings in their work with us.
Informing decision-making
We are improving professionals’ understanding and practice so young people’s needs are recognised and responded to. We’re shaping formal guidance and procedures so that children’s rights are protected in decision-making.
And we’re advocating for more financial resources to be allocated for young people, to ease pressure on individual families and make sure that relevant services can cope with need.
Our high-quality, well-respected research informs and underpins this work, as do the insights and experiences shared with us by young people and practitioners. Taken together, these provide the foundations for strong and deep partnership work at both local and national levels. Our new impact measurement framework will also help us improve how we understand the systemic change we make.
facts about young people responding to the survey
98%
of young people surveyed felt their worker at The Children’s Society listened to them and included them in discussions.
93%
of young people surveyed felt the support we gave them helped improve their situation.
Make a difference with us
We want to live in a country where every child has the support and care they need to thrive, so a lot needs to change.
And when we come together, we can make change happen. Our movement won’t stop until we’ve built a society of outstanding support for every child.
Whether you’re someone who works with young people and wants to make the most of our expertise and training on the things putting young people at risk.
Whether you’re a company or organisation that wants to partner or collaborate.
Whether you’re an individual or group that wants to fundraise, donate, campaign, or volunteer.
Children and young people need action.
