Children in Need 2025 activation kit
Every year, millions of people across the UK unite to raise money for BBC Children in Need, a much-loved national campaign that funds projects supporting children and young people facing disadvantage. Since 1980, the appeal has raised over £1 billion, helping thousands of charities provide mental health support, tackle poverty, create safe spaces and ensure children thrive.
Empower your teams. Multiply your impact. With ready-to-use templates, campaign ideas and plug-and-play content, the Children in Need activation kit makes it easy to launch or scale your program — and rally your people around purpose, wherever they are.
Empower your teams. Multiply your impact.
Use the templates and campaign ideas in this activation kit to engage your people and raise awareness and funds for Children in Need.
About Children in Need
Children in Need is a UK-wide charity appeal dedicated to helping children and young people who are facing disadvantage. The charity focuses on four major areas of need: poverty, mental health, family challenges and social inequality. It gives funding to organisations across the UK to deliver vital support in these areas.
History & reach
The first official "Children in Need" telethon appeal launched in 1980, replacing earlier BBC appeals, and has since become an annual fixture. BBC Children in Need has helped hundreds of thousands of children and young people each year. For example, in 2021–22, more than 450,000 children and young people were supported through its grant funding across the UK. There are thousands of projects funded, including small local charities, youth groups, counsellors, emergency support schemes and more.
How your support helps.
· Grants and donations enable local organisations to provide direct help where it’s needed most — providing counselling, relief and safe spaces.
· Every contribution helps fund projects in every UK nation, ensuring reach extends beyond big cities into more rural and underserved areas.
· Supporting Children in Need isn’t just about money — raising awareness, volunteering time and engaging employees makes a difference too.
Why your company should get involved.
Taking part in Children in Need isn’t just good for children and young people across the UK — it’s good for your people and your business too.
A national moment everyone knows. Children in Need is one of the UK’s most iconic charity appeals. With Pudsey as its symbol, the campaign is instantly recognisable and easy for employees to rally around.
Boost employee morale and connection. Fun, creative activities — from pyjama days to bake-offs — bring employees together, whether they’re in the office, at home or working hybrid. These shared moments build connection, inclusion and a stronger sense of belonging.
Make a visible difference. Every pound raised funds vital projects tackling poverty, mental health and inequality for children across the UK. Employees will feel proud knowing their contributions have a direct and lasting impact.
Lead with purpose. By joining a national movement, your company shows its commitment to social responsibility, inspiring employees and strengthening your reputation as a business that cares.
Fundraising and volunteering ideas
In the office.
· Pudsey PJ party – donate to spend the day in your cosiest pyjamas.
· Bake it better for Pudsey – cake sale or judged bake competition.
· SPOTacular dress-up day – wear spots, brights, or bold outfits and donate.
· Quiz for a cause – team trivia with an entry fee that goes to Children in Need.
· Pudsey prize raffle – win prizes donated by staff or the company.
Remote or hybrid teams.
· Show your talent for Pudsey – a virtual talent show where colleagues perform online.
· Step up for Children in Need – a walking/step challenge with donations for milestones.
· The great online auction – employees bid for donated items, perks or experiences.
· Zoom in costume – donate to attend virtual meetings in fun fancy dress.
· Trivia with a twist – virtual quiz or game night raising funds through entry fees.
Volunteering.
· Hands-on help for kids – support local Children in Need-funded charities with team volunteering.
· Mentor & make a difference – bring your kid to work day.
· Pudsey’s toy box drive – collect toys, books, or school supplies for children.
· Shop to give back – volunteer shifts at local charity shops.
· Clean & green for kids – community clean-ups or green projects to improve outdoor spaces.
Communication assets
How to use this content: We’ve created ready-made templates so you can easily promote your Children in Need campaign. Simply copy, paste and customise with your company name, chosen activities and donation link. These assets are designed to save you time and maximise participation.
You don’t need to use them all — just pick the formats and channels that work best for your team. Even one strong email or intranet post can spark meaningful engagement.
Internal email — launch announcement
Subject line options:
. Join us in supporting Children in Need 2025!
· Together for Children in Need — Friday, Nov. 14
· Let’s make a difference for Children in Need
Body:
Hi team,
On Friday, Nov. 14, we’ll be joining millions across the UK in supporting Children in Need — a national campaign that raises vital funds to help children and young people thrive.
Here’s how you can take part:
· Donate — every pound makes a difference.
· Fundraise — join activities like Pudsey PJ Party, Bake it Better for Pudsey or Quiz for a Cause.
· Spread the word — encourage friends and colleagues to get involved.
👉 Get started here: [insert company giving link / giving page]
Thank you,
[Name / CSR or HR Team]
Internal email — final push / reminder
Subject line options:
· Don’t miss your chance to support Children in Need!
· Final call: Let’s finish strong for Children in Need
· Children in Need ends Friday — join in today
Body:
Hi everyone,
Children in Need Appeal Day is almost here! If you haven’t joined in yet, now’s the perfect time.
Ways to get involved:
· Donate today — big or small, every contribution counts.
· Join our activities like [insert activity details].
· Encourage others — every extra person who takes part makes a difference.
Children in Need is on Nov. 14 - sign up now to one of our events!
👉 Take part here: [insert company giving link / giving page]
Thanks for helping us change lives,
[Name / CSR or HR Team]
Intranet or newsletter copy
Kick-off:
📢 We’re proud to be supporting Children in Need 2025! Join us in fundraising, donating and volunteering to help children and young people across the UK. Find out how you can get involved: [link]
Midday update:
⭐ Huge thanks to everyone who’s donated or joined our activities so far! We’re halfway through our Children in Need campaign and there’s still time to take part. Every pound counts. Learn more: [link]
Final call:
⏰ The countdown is on! Children in Need Appeal Day is this Friday, Nov. 14. Don’t miss your chance to join in. Donate, volunteer or take part today: [link]
Social media copy (external).
· We’re proud to support Children in Need 2025 💛🐻 Together, we can help children and young people across the UK thrive. #ChildrenInNeed
· On Nov. 14, our team will be fundraising for Children in Need. Every pound makes a difference. 💛 #ChildrenInNeed
· It’s time to go all-in for Children in Need! Join us in raising funds and supporting children across the UK. [link]
Impact messaging and storytelling
Bring your campaign to life by showing employees the difference their support makes. Use these stats and stories in your emails, intranet posts or at fundraising events to inspire participation.
Did you know?
In 2021–22, more than 450,000 children and young people were supported through Children in Need funding.
Each year, the charity funds over 2,400 local projects across the UK.
Focus areas include mental health, poverty relief, disability support and community development.
Real story to share: Thanks to Children in Need funding, a youth centre in Manchester now provides counselling and safe spaces for over 300 young people each year, giving them the support they need to thrive.
👉 Use these facts in your internal comms to help employees see the direct, tangible impact of their involvement.
How to launch your campaign.
Launching your Children in Need campaign is simple. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Choose your activities: Pick from the fundraising and volunteering ideas in this kit — or create your own.
2. Customise the comms: Use the ready-made email, intranet and social media templates. Just add your company’s name, chosen activities and giving link.
3. Share with employees: Launch your campaign internally to build excitement and encourage participation.
4. Run activities: Start in late October and keep the momentum going through to Children in Need Appeal Day on Nov. 14.
5. Celebrate and share your impact: Thank employees for their contributions, share photos or stories and highlight how much was raised together.
Suggested timeline:
· October — Prepare your activities and comms.
· Oct. 28 to Nov. 14 — Run your fundraising and volunteering campaign.
· Nov. 14 (Appeal Day) — Celebrate your collective impact and share results.
