On Friday 9th July the Savant team will be proudly sleeping out as part of Boycott your Bed, in aid of ActionForChildren and the amazing work they do to support young people. We believe that every child and young person should have a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive. We ask that you join us in supporting this amazing cause,   by sleeping in an unusual part of your home.

Register to be a part of the event here: https://boycottyourbed.actionforchildren.org.uk/boards-registration/ Savant are associated with the Thames Valley, please choose this option so we can track participation numbers.

Action for Children protects children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support. They make sure their voices are heard. And we campaign to bring lasting improvements to their lives. But we know more still needs to be done.

The Crisis

Life was hard for vulnerable children and their families even before coronavirus hit.

Funding for essential children’s services, prevention and welfare support – as well as early help that stops children falling into crisis – has been drastically reduced over the past decade.

• 4.3 million children are living in poverty, the equivalent of nine children in an average school class of 30.
• 75% of these children are in families where at least one adult works.
• On average, 107 children enter the care system every day because their home is no longer safe.
• 850,000 children and young people have had a diagnosable mental health condition. That’s one child in ten.

The Impact of Coronavirus

The pandemic has pushed many more children and families deeper into crisis. 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.

Poverty has a devastating impact on children – its effects can last a lifetime. But together we can change things.

In the last year, our Coronavirus Emergency Fund has provided essentials, like food and warm clothes, to around 20,000 children and young people. Our frontline key workers have kept 99% of services open. And Parent Talk, our online support service, has been a vital lifeline for more than 350,000 children and families seeking reassurance and advice.

With your support, we can prevent poverty and the pandemic from scarring a generation. With your support Action for children will continue to provide safe and happy homes for vulnerable children, ensure the best start in life possible and provide emotional support to empower healthy and happy minds.

How can your support help?

• £50 could provide an emergency food package for two families in crisis.
• £100 could buy a bed for a child who doesn’t have a comfortable place to sleep.
• £500 could provide an immediate, one-off grant to two families who need urgent help to cover the costs of essentials like food, bills or baby items.

And so we welcome you to join us and fight the cause by sleeping out with us on Friday 9th July 2021, reach out for more details. Alternatively your donations are very much welcome and every single penny will go to Action For Children and support the amazing work that they do. You can donate online here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/TeamSavantByB2021