Gloucestershire has prepared an impressive array of socially distanced events and celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of Children in Need this year. BBC Radio Presenter Jason Rosam has tackled a radio ride-a-thon, cycling 41 miles across London and stopping at locations which represent every local radio station across the country, including BBC Radio Gloucestershire. Cheltenham native Nick Knowles is also involved with this year’s charity event, and has taken to the screens once more for a special episode of DIY SOS. Here’s why the charity is increasingly important for our County.
According to the latest figures, there are more than 16,500 children across Gloucestershire living in low income households. Research from the National Children’s bureau has concluded that children who live in poverty are more likely to be solitary, or have problems with friendships. The study also found that statistically, more than one third of children in poverty are more likely to play alone, compared to just a quarter of children in better circumstances. Similar statistics apply to children and young people struggling with individual health needs and disabilities. Bullying Online concluded that 82% of children who struggle have been bullied. As Children in Need approaches, and the all-important government U-turn on free school meals has been announced, it’s important to recognise the charities available to those who need them. How is BBC Children in Need helping Gloucestershire?
Allsorts
Allsorts Gloucestershire is a Stroud charity for families who have children with additional needs. Their work aims to provide youth clubs and sporting activities for young people, designed to make them more confident, while improving their social and communication skills. Since 2015, the charity has received £78,623 from Children in Need, which over the past year has allowed more than 800 people to take part in an Allsorts activity.
Forest of Dean children’s opportunity centre is a project providing specialist care and support for pre-school children with additional complex needs and disabilities. They received over £110 thousand in funding from Children in Need – the largest amount of funding for any Gloucestershire charity. This goes towards the charity’s programme of play and learning activities which help children up to the age of four become less socially isolated, more confident and able to learn new skills. Their programme includes family support sessions from birth to two years, sensory workshops and stay and play activities. The funding they’ve received has also gone towards their specialised visit scheme, in which a member of the charity’s team will make a socially distanced visit to family homes and give the best possible programme referral.
For many children the support of Gloucestershire Young Carers project is vital in allowing them some well-deserved respite time. The project provides regular group sessions for young carers which improves their emotional wellbeing and increases a sense of independence. The £99,000 of funding they’ve had from Children in Need has so far has meant that countless local children have received specialist help in making the transition from a carer to a well-rounded adult.
17 other charities have received monetary help from Children in Need and a lot of the projects the charity assists involve food and nutrition, with a striking 1 in 5 Gloucestershire families living below the poverty line. The latest government U-turn on free school meals for struggling children, and the introduction of a new £400 million winter support package will help Gloucestershire county council target where the support is needed most.
Children in Need’s 2020 appeal show will air on Friday 13th November from 7pm on BBC One.
Take a look at Jason’s ride-a-thon journey! https://twitter.com/JasonRosam
