This year the Society is celebrating its 140th Anniversary, making it one of
the oldest charities in the country.
1881 to 2020
The Church of England Waifs and Strays Society, as it was then called, was
founded by Edward Rudolf after he saw 2 of his Sunday School pupils begging
following the death of their father.
Early work was dominated by the provision of safe accommodation for vulnerable
children. Later the Society opened residential nurseries for babies and children.
It became a registered adoption agency in 1935 and placed several thousand
children with families until the 1970s. By then fewer children were in homes or
being placed for adoption so the Society refocused it’s work to preventative
and community based projects and working for social justice for the young.
In 2020 the Society worked with 11,500 young people and it’s research and
campaigning created positive change for 1000s more.
Covid
The pandemic has made life even tougher for disadvantaged youngsters:
- there are now 4 million children living in poverty and that figure is
rising
- on-line exploitation, both sexual and criminal has increased( county
lines)
- children are having more mental health problems
- an estimated 100,000 young people are missing from home or care
Successive lockdowns meant that the Society had to stop its face-to-face
therapy sessions. But contact was maintained wherever possible using video
links and telephone calls. Technology was provided if needed. When rules
were relaxed safe ways of meeting face-to-face were found.
The Society also delivered meals and support packages where needed.
Campaigning at national and local levels continued with some notable successes:
- 130 councils agreed not to charge care leavers ( up to the age of 25 )
Council Tax
- The School Uniform Bill became law. Schools must now prioritise
cost when setting uniform policies
- The Strengthening the Safetynet campaign helped secure over
£200 million in government funding to enable councils to support
families in crisis
2030 Vision
The Society’s latest Good Childhood Report revealed that young people’s
well-being has declined over the past 10 years. Well-being is defined as
health, happiness and hope.
The Society’s goal for 2030 is to reverse this decline and to create a
country where ever young person has care, safety and the opportunity to
fulfil their potential.
Thanks
Andrew Moran, Head of Supporter Relations has written to thank Christ
Church for its annual mission donation. His closing words are:
“ On behalf of everyone at the Children’s Society and the young
people we work with thank you for helping to make children’s
lives better.”