Our partner Action for Children
Action for Children is a charity driven by love – helping families through crisis and tackling the root causes of poverty. They provide financial, practical, and emotional care and support to children and their families. No child deserves to grow up hungry and cold.
Supporting children living in poverty
4.5 million UK children now live in poverty. The worst number ever recorded. That’s why we have partnered with Action for Children.
They provide financial support and crucial services across the UK. Working tirelessly for children and their families.
Donate today and you could give essentials such as warm clothes, a hot meal or a present to a vulnerable child. Children across the UK need a Secret Santa like you.
Show transcript
[00:00]
Visual of a young boy looking sad and feeling cold, surrounded by a Christmas themed background.
Music starts to play.
"For some children, Christmas this year will feel the coldest yet."
[00:04]
Visual of a young girl looking sad and feeling lonely.
"Others may be on their own without a single gift."
[00:08]
Two children looking sad within decorative Christmas cards.
"No Christmas at all."
[00:10]
Music becomes happier.
Visual shows a child smiling, looking at a table of Christmas food.
"Together, we can try to make sure that none are left hungry"
[00:14]
the young boy is smiling in his lounge, a Christmas tree sparkles and a stocking is hanging from the warm fireplace.
"and every child is safe and warm."
[00:17]
the young girl has a present in her hand and smiles with joy.
"Become a Secret Santa this year"
[00:19]
A selection of Christmas cards are visible, with 3 cards showing each of the young children in this video.
"and make a vulnerable child's Christmas a little more magical."
[00:23]
Screen visual, Action for Children, Be a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child.
"Become a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child."
[00:26]
Screen visual, Action for Children, Be a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child.
"and donate today"
How Fairer Futures has made a difference
Through our funding in year one:
36,833
children and parents experiencing poverty and financial hardship received funding and support.
£794,000
in grants have helped families buy essentials like food and clothing.
88% of children
that benefitted from the Enrichment Fund said they felt positive about the future.
Our aim is to provide 100,000 children, young people and parents living in poverty or experiencing financial hardship with practical and emotional support. We’ll provide a lifeline for those in desperate need, enrich the lives of children and help families improve their situations.
How Fairer Futures and Action for Children helped Dexter’s family
Action for Children provided vital support to Dexter’s family when the 7-year-old’s complex needs and challenging behaviour reached crisis point. They also received financial support for school uniform and supermarket vouchers. At Christmas, they were given tickets for a family trip to Legoland.
Supporting Action for Children’s programmes and funds
Since 2024 Nationwide Fairer Futures has funded the Action for Children programmes Family Fund and Family Clubs. These programmes ensure families have the essentials to live, the opportunities to enrich their lives and the support network they need.
Family Fund
The Family Fund gives families immediate, flexible support with essentials like food, bills, clothing and equipment for their homes.
The Crisis Fund
Provides financial support to families in urgent need with costs like food, bills and clothing.
The Enrichment Fund
Gives families the opportunities to have fun and new experiences, like a trip to the zoo, school trips or a birthday cake.
Family Clubs
Family Clubs provide welcoming, safe spaces in local communities where families can come to eat, get warm, feel comfortable and get support with whatever they’re facing.
Parents get expert, tailored support to help with issues such as financial hardship, mental health issues and isolation.
Family Clubs have been launched in 28 locations across the UK, and give children activities to help grow their confidence and feel fulfilled.
Donate to Action for Children
Make a donation on the Action for Children website to support safe and happy childhoods.
Nationwide Fairer Futures charity partners
Our charity partners also include Centrepoint, Dementia UK and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Working with our charity partners, we are helping to tackle some of the biggest issues we see in society today. Together, we will make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Centrepoint – tackling youth homelessness
Every 4 minutes, a young person faces homelessness.
Young people deserve to have a safe place to call home where they can rebuild their lives and move towards a better future.
Dementia UK – supporting those with dementia
1 in 2 people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime.
Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity. Its specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free, tailored advice and support to help families care for their loved one and ensure no one faces dementia alone.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – supporting people affected by cancer
1 in 2 of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.
We want to support people affected by cancer in the best possible way. That's why we've partnered with The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity with the aim to achieve breakthroughs in cancer treatment.