BASE LINE blog – 25 June 2021
Action for Children, BASE’s long standing charity partner, have a vision that every child and young person has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive. They put children at the heart of everything they do. We’d love you to help make this vision a reality and join us to Boycott Your Bed on the 9th July.
Even before the pandemic, there were over 4.3 million children living in poverty across the UK. Now things are even harder. The number of families relying on Universal Credit has doubled. Households with children are twice as likely to have suffered financial hardship – like falling behind on bills or borrowing to pay for basics – because of coronavirus. For most of us, happier times are ahead, doing the things we love again. But for children and families already in desperate need, this crisis has made things even worse. For them, there’s no end in sight.
Right now, Action for Children is providing vital help to the most vulnerable families across the UK. In the last year, their Coronavirus Emergency Fund has provided essentials, like food and warm clothes, to around 20,000 children and young people. Their frontline key workers kept 99% of services open. And Parent Talk, their online support service, has been a vital lifeline for more than 350,000 children and families seeking reassurance and advice.
How you can help – Boycott your Bed on Friday 9 July
One of the ways Action for Children raises funds is via events. Many people reading BASE LINE will know of and have enjoyed their Entertainment Quiz of the Year or been to the BASE Awards which donates £10 per ticket sold.
The next event is fast approaching – and we’d love BASE LINE readers to get involved. On Friday 9 July, Boycott your Bed is back.
Action for Children are challenging us all to raise money by spending the night in the most unusual place you can think of. Will you camp out under the stars or under the stairs? Bunk down in the bathroom or the back garden? Wherever you choose to lay your head, you’ll be helping vulnerable children and families in desperate need.
On the evening, from 6pm – 10pm, you’re invited to join brilliant Boycott your Bed participants across the UK for a jam-packed evening of stories, games, challenges, music and much, much more. The night will be split into two halves: entertainment for the whole family followed by fun for the grown-ups.
Liz Bales, CEO of BASE said: “After a year and a half stuck at home the chance to sleep anywhere different seems exotic! Boycott Your Bed is the perfect reason to mix things up and swap your bed for something new whilst supporting an amazing organisation and helping children in urgent need. Please join us in supporting Action for Children, sign up for the event and share the link with your friends and family. We’ve proudly worked with Action for Children for over thirty years and wish them the very best for this fantastic event.”
Hosted by Lydia Bright, other famous faces from the world of TV and music joining include Jess Hynes, Jake Quickenden, Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice and Luba Mushtuk, TV presenter Laura Hamilton, Action for Children Ambassador Angela Rippon and DJ Charlotte de Carle. Magician Dynamo will also be casting his spell live from the studio.
“I can’t wait to be live in the studio on July 9th, entertaining everyone there as well as everyone at home who are ditching their duvets, putting away their pillows and bunking down in the most unusual place they can think of in their homes or gardens to raise money for this great charity.” – Dynamo
Sign up now
Last year’s event raised over £350,000 to help us continue to keep the UK’s most vulnerable children and families safe and happy. This year we want to see just as much success, if not more!
With your support, we can stop poverty and the pandemic from scarring a generation. Sign up to Boycott your Bed and you’ll help children go to bed dreaming of a safe and happy childhood.
To sign up for our night of wonders, please use the link here.
