Children in Need 2024: Making a Difference Together

Read time: 5 minutes

Published on: 15/11/24

Every November, the UK comes together for one of the most beloved and impactful charity events of the year: Children in Need Day. The 2024 event will be held on the 15th of November, bringing with it a day full of fundraising, fun activities, and a special live TV show that captures the nation's heart. For decades, Children in Need has helped raise money to support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, transforming lives through the power of giving.

When and why Children in Need started

Children in Need actually has its origins in 1927 when the BBC held its first radio appeal to help children in need of support. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the event evolved into the format we know today, with its annual television extravaganza and nationwide fundraising campaigns. The now-iconic mascot Pudsey Bear was introduced in 1985, and since then, he has become a symbol of hope and support for the cause—some people even refer to BBC Children in Need Day as Pudsey Bear Day!

The goal of Children in Need is simple yet powerful: to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. Over the years, Children in Need has raised over £1 billion, supporting projects and charities that focus on areas like mental health, physical disabilities, poverty, education, and more. It provides essential funding to local charities, community projects, and large-scale organisations, ensuring that every penny raised directly impacts the lives of children in need.

The iconic live TV show

One of the highlights of Children in Need Day is the live television show, broadcast on the BBC. The programme is a wonderful blend of entertainment, heartwarming stories, and fundraising updates. Featuring a star-studded line-up of celebrities, musicians, comedians, and surprise guests, the show is designed to entertain and inspire viewers to donate.

From funny sketches to live performances and emotional stories of the children and families whose lives have been changed by the charity’s work, the show keeps viewers glued to their screens throughout the evening. One of the highlights of this year’s event is bound to be TV personality Paddy McGuinness’ Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge; he’ll be riding a Raleigh Chopper bike 300 miles across three nations!

Paddy McGuinness on a Chopper bike with a Pudsey bear cuddly toy

How you can get involved

There are plenty of ways to get involved in Children in Need Day, whether you want to participate in a pre-organised fundraising event or simply watch the live show and donate. You can get your resources pack here, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Host a fundraising event: From bake sales and raffles to sponsored walks or dress-up days, the possibilities are endless when it comes to fundraising. Schools, businesses, and community groups often come together to host events in support of Children in Need, and your efforts will make a big difference.

Participate in Pudsey-themed events: Many schools, nurseries, and local groups host Pudsey Bear-themed activities, where children can wear their favourite Pudsey gear, including T-shirts, headbands, and costumes. These events allow kids to have fun while raising money for a good cause.

Donate online: One of the easiest ways to support Children in Need is to make a donation online. You can donate through the official BBC Children in Need website, where you’ll find secure options for one-off or regular donations. Every pound counts and helps fund life-changing projects for children in the UK.

Join in on social media: Help spread the word by sharing your fundraising efforts or favourite moments from the live show on social media. Use the hashtag #ChildrenInNeed to join the conversation, connect with other supporters, and raise awareness about the importance of the cause.

Watch the live show: One of the simplest ways to support the event is by tuning in to the live TV show. Whether you’re watching at home with your family or organising a viewing party with friends, you’ll be part of a nationwide effort to raise money and show your support for the cause.

Donate monthly: If you’d prefer to donate monthly via Direct Debit rather than make a one-off donation, you can do that, too. Just head over to https://donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/ and choose how much you’d like to donate each month.

Where to donate and access resources

Donating to Children in Need couldn’t be easier. You can visit the official Children in Need website to make a donation directly, and if you tick the option to add Gift Aid, then the charity can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give from the government, tax-free. On the night of the televised event, you can donate online or by phone.

The website also features a range of resources, including information packs, guides on how to host your own fundraiser, and downloadable materials like posters, flyers, and social media graphics to help you spread the word.

Making a real impact

Children in Need is more than just a fun day of fundraising—it’s a lifeline for thousands of children and young people across the UK. The money raised helps to support vital projects that tackle issues like child poverty, mental health, physical disabilities, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s providing safe spaces for young people to access mental health support or funding initiatives that help children with disabilities live fuller lives, the impact of Children in Need is truly transformative.

No matter how you choose to contribute to Children in Need, your efforts will help make a positive difference in the lives of children who need it most. Together, we can create a brighter future for young people across the UK.