Supporting children living in poverty

4 million UK children now live in poverty – that's 27% of all children. That’s why Nationwide Fairer Futures has partnered with Action for Children.

They provide a vital lifeline to tens of thousands of vulnerable children, young people and families living in financial hardship, giving more children a safe and happy childhood.

To learn more about the work they do, visit the Action for Children website (opens in a new window)

How Fairer Futures has made a difference so far

Through the partnership over 140,000 children, young people and parents living in poverty or experiencing financial hardship have been given practical and emotional support.

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.

“The boys were so excited when I told them we had tickets to Legoland. They were just beaming. I will work evenings so we can stay overnight and make it a really special trip. We went from a sad, challenging place to being a happy family again. Jenny helped us work with Dexter and understand his needs better. She was a huge support for me.”

Angela, mum of Dexter aged 7. Supported by the Family Fund from Action for Children

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.

Action for Children is a registered charity 1097940/SC038092

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.