Small charities are specialists, working in a particular field like HIV or anti-bullying. That means they’re experts in what they do. Because they’re small they can work quickly and responsively to needs without the bureaucracy and politics of larger organisations.
The Literacy Pirates
Improving the literacy of young people
The Literacy Pirates is an education charity which develops the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children who are falling behind in class.
Sessions onboard their Hackney & Haringey ‘Ships’ means young people can make four times the progress they can make at school alone.
Jessie May
Children’s Hospice at Home
Jessie May was set up by the parents of Jessica May Purrington who died from a genetic condition when she was only 4½ months old.
Jessica’s parents were determined that other terminally ill children could get support in their own homes and the choice to die at home when that time comes.
Become
For Children in Care and Care Leavers
Become stand shoulder to shoulder with children in care and young care leavers, helping them to believe in themselves, to heal, grow and unleash their potential.
Empire Fighting Chance
Knocking Down Barriers
Empire Fighting Chance was born on Bristol’s streets in 2006, to fight the impact of deprivation on the lives of young people.
They use a powerful combination of non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people experiencing adversity and disadvantage to realise their unique potential.
Action for Conservation
Inspiring the next generation of conservationists
Action for Conservation inspires and empowers young people from diverse backgrounds to become the next generation of nature conservationists, ready to change attitudes to climate change and the ecological crisis.
Dandelion Time
Restoring Hope to Young Lives
Dandelion Time uses the therapeutic potential of the natural world to help vulnerable children to achieve lasting positive change.
They help children who are struggling with the effects of trauma, abuse or neglect. Children spend time on our farm with animals and crafts to overcome emotional difficulties, grow in confidence and begin to love and trust again.
Kidscape
Help With Bullying
Giving young people, parents and professionals the tools and confidence to challenge bullying and abuse in all forms.
Kidscape works directly with children and families experiencing bullying; they are committed to using the power of education to change lives.
Chiva
Working to enhance the health and social outcomes for children, young people and families living with HIV.
Chiva has a youth committee of young people with HIV who give a voice to children and young people.
Switchback
London-based Prison Rehabilitation Charity
Switchback supports 18-30 year old prison-leavers to make real, lasting change through intensive one-to-one support and real work training.
They stick by their ‘Trainees’ as they move through the prison gate, encouraging and challenging them to take control, enter work and build a more stable life for themselves.
Go Live Theatre Projects
Using the power of the Theatre to transform young lives
Go Live is a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children through theatre.
They use theatre to empower these young people, helping them to reach their potential, broaden their horizons and provide them with new opportunities that would otherwise be off limits.
Create
Sparking Creativity, Igniting Change
Create is the UK’s leading charity empowering lives through the creative arts.
Their focus is on engaging the most marginalised participants in inspiring, sustainable arts programmes in areas where provision is poor and engagement in the arts is therefore low.
The Wave Project
Changing lives through surfing
The Wave Project provide award-winning surf therapy and beach school projects delivered across the UK.
They work with young people, aged 8 to 21, who have been identified as being at risk of or diagnosed with a mental health issue, learning difficulty or physical disability.
Storybook Dads
Helping the Children of Prisoners
Children shouldn’t have to pay the price of a parent being imprisoned.
By sending a story disc to their children, parents can bring comfort to their children and share the joy of storytelling from behind bars.
Our Time
Supporting children of parents who have a mental illness
Our Time is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting the one in three children who are experiencing parental mental illness.
They provide workshops and interventions through school and healthcare settings to help children feel safe and secure.
Happy Baby Community
Support for women and young children who have fled violence or traffickers
A safe space for mums who have sought safety in the UK to access advice, support and community.