Join our campaign to raise awareness of barriers to work

In February, we published a major report, All Worked Out, on the structural barriers that families face in accessing work and adequate support from the social security system when work is not a realistic option.

Our research shows up to 1.95 million children in the UK could be trapped in poverty and hardship due to their parents facing one or more major barriers to working, or to taking on extra work. We also find out why work isn't a route out of poverty and hardship for many families.

Our primary recommendations as a result of this research are:

• to Increase the child element of Universal Credit by at least £15 a week and abolish the Benefit Cap to lift more than 300,000 children out of poverty while also eliminating the single greatest driver of deepening poverty.
• Overhaul the annual uprating of benefit levels so that rates always keep pace with prices and living standards.

We have developed a powerful digital tool giving a snapshot of levels of child poverty and financial hardship in each constituency. We encourage our Methodist supporters to use this tool to raise awareness with their MP of levels of child poverty in the local area.

Read Paul and Fiona's story about living with long-term illness as a barrier to work here.

If you would like to get involved with our ongoing work in this area you can sign up for our regular policy and campaign updates here.

Fundraising with The Very Hungry Caterpillar™

Sign up to support Action for Children and we’ll send you exclusive The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ growing packs in the post for every season. Perfect for children under eight, the packs contain:Seeds for seasonal fruit and vegetablesStickers and a progress chartLots of activities to try, including instructions to grow lettuce, tomatoes and cress, make a bug hotel, and build a bird feederMonthly digital activities including crafting and cooking activities inspired by what you’re growing.Each growing pack is inspired by Eric Carle’s timeless classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. First published in 1969, the story continues to captivate children and parents more than 50 years later.Find out more here.

President of Conference visits Action for Children

We were delighted to welcome the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Graham Thompson to Norfolk’s Early Childhood and Family Service in Norwich this week. Graham met with the team in Norwich to hear about the extensive work of Action for Children across Norfolk supporting younger children and their parents. The service offers one-to-one and group support via a range of activities and courses. These include play sessions, parenting courses and programmes to boost self-esteem. The service runs from venues such as libraries, community centres and schools, as well as from a number of bases across the county.

Thank you

We were delighted to hear from our friends in Huddersfield Circuit who will be fundraising for us throughout the year. Good luck with you plans and let us know how you get on.

Blues Programme

Ben from our Blues Programme gave a talk about his work and the impact of the Programme to Blackwood Methodist Church in the Birmingham District recently.

Revd Rachel Parkinson came to visit

The Revd Rachel Parkinson, Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District recently visited Sycamore House in Shrewsbury to meet staff and find out more about the home. Speaking about the visit Rachel said, "When I say Sycamore House is "home" to four young people it really is. The wraparound love and care given to each child....illustrated by so many touching details... was evident. In fact that was my main takeaway from my day - that the work of Action for Children is child focused." We were so pleased that Rachel was able to take the time to visit.

Share and inspire others with your story.