Yorkshire Children’s Charity launched on 1st January 2022 with one sole purpose: to transform the lives of disadvantaged children, from the Yorkshire Dales through to our inner cities. Through their grant-giving programmes, they address the immediate needs of children and young people living with the hardships of sickness, disability, and deprivation. Since the inception of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, they have raised £7m and supported over 50,000 children across more than 200 schools. Here, the charity’s Founder and Chief Executive Charlotte Farrington tells us more about their work.
Q What are some of the standout projects or initiatives you’re currently working on?
A When I started Yorkshire Children’s Charity, I made a promise to myself that everything we do would be completely needs-led and focused on outcomes. The work we do has to be responsive to the unique needs of children because those needs change all the time!
One project that really brings this to life is our ‘Warm, Dry and Ready to Learn’ campaign, which we run every winter. It came about as time and again we were receiving family applications for basic essentials… children in dire need of new shoes so they can walk to school without getting wet feet, clean bedding after a flea infestation, or pyjamas to keep warm in the winter. We wanted to do something practical and immediate to help – so we set this campaign up to provide children living in destitution with these basic winter essentials. Last year alone, we supported 154 schools and delivered over 10,000 essential winter items and more than 6,000 Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise go without.
I always say, the proof is in the pudding – and as a result of this support, 80% of schools have reported better attendance from their most vulnerable pupils.
Q If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
A If we could have just one wish granted, it would be to make child poverty in our region a thing of the past. Yes, this is an ambitious goal, but we passionately believe that with trusty old Yorkshire graft and the support of good people who share our values, nothing is impossible! We very much see ourselves as Yorkshire’s children’s charity and it is only through our collective efforts that we will be able to shift the needle on child poverty in our region.
Q What inspires you personally to keep going – even on the challenging days?
A Without a doubt, the families we support. Giving hope to others is why I founded the charity, and it’s what motivates me every day. As a mum myself to two young children, there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about how lucky I am that I get to put them to bed in a warm house with full tummies, knowing they’re happy and safe and content. Our work is a daily reminder of how unequal things can be – and why it’s so important we keep showing up for the families who need us most.
