Celebrities recreate nostalgic childhood school photos to launch ` Children In Need’s Schools Fundraising Campaign

` Children in Need today launched this year’s school fundraising campaign, led by a number of celebrity supporters including Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill, England Lionesses Chloe Kelly, Demi Stokes, Leah Williamson OBE and presenter and YouTube sensation Harry Pinero Alle have recreated nostalgic photos from their school days to encourage teachers and children across the UK to raise money for the charity this year.

Last year, over 17,000 schools across the UK took part in the ` Children in Need fundraising campaign, reaching 3.3 million children and raising an average of £5 million for children and young people who need it most.

This year’s school campaign celebrates the power of positive relationships and the impact of these relationships in supporting children and young people throughout their school years. Many children and young people experience their first positive relationship with a trusted adult – outside of their family – with a teacher or mentor at school. This year the charity is celebrating how schools are an environment that promotes positive relationships for many children and young people.

Each celebrity shared the story of their positive childhood relationships to illustrate the importance of having a mentor, teacher or family member who advocates and inspires young people.

Encouraging schools to support this year’s campaign, England Lioness Leah Williamson OBE said: “It is so important for young people to have a positive relationship with a mentor – be it a family member, a teacher or a project worker who will support them and help them “I understand and that’s why I’m supporting ` Children in Need’s 2023 Schools fundraising campaign and encouraging children across the country to raise funds and help make a positive difference in young lives.”

Speaking about the importance of a mentor, England Lioness Demi Stokes said: “At school, my teacher, Mr Williamson, had a positive influence on me as a young person. He was someone I could always turn to when I had something on my mind; he encouraged me, believed in me and always supported my interest in football. I can’t wait to see schools across the country come together to support this year’s ` Children in Need schools campaign and help improve the lives of children and young people.”

Speaking about her support of the charity’s schools campaign, English Lioness Chloe Kelly said: “I think it’s important that young people have a positive connection with a mentor, teacher or parent so that they are encouraged to be themselves and feel comfortable feel.” to speak openly about anything that worries them and to enjoy their childhood. The ` Children in Need schools campaign is bringing schools across the country together to support children and young people across the UK. This year, schools can get involved by participating in a Bearpees challenge or even a sponsored teacher versus student football game.”

Presenter Harry Pinero recalled memories of teachers who had a positive influence on his life: “In school I had two teachers, Mr. King and Mr. Hanion, who positively influenced me as a young man as I navigated the world around me.” Mr. King always said to me that we are smarter than our situation, and that really stuck with me. Mr. Hanion would also tell me: Don’t let the people around you deter you from how smart you are. At school I always laughed and joked with friends and had a strong community behind me to support me. “It’s allowed me to believe in myself and that’s why I’m calling on schools across the UK to raise funds for this year’s ` Children in Need schools campaign to support young people in your local community.”

Speaking about her memories of school, Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill said: “When I was younger I really enjoyed my time at school, I loved the school lunches! I made some of my closest friends and enjoyed school sports day. I have always had a positive support network of family, grandparents and fantastic sports teachers who have encouraged me a lot on my sporting journey. The positive influences around me when I was younger always kept me in a good and happy mood. That’s why I support ` Children in Need’s school fundraising campaign. You can get involved and make a difference in the lives of children and young people across the UK by taking part in your own fundraising event, such as a sponsored fancy dress run or a teacher versus student Bearpees competition.”

` Children in Need is calling on schoolchildren across the UK to raise funds and help transform the lives of young people across the country. This year the charity is encouraging children from primary to secondary school to use Spotacular and challenge themselves.

There are many ways for kindergartens, preschools and schools to get involved and raise funds for the charity:

• For the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), fundraising kits are available to download from the ` Children in Need website. Young children can get involved by dressing up, taking part in a treasure hunt, decorating biscuits or taking part in Pudsey crafts. There are many ways to raise funds this year.
• In the lead up to the appeal, primary school children are encouraged to get involved in fundraising activities, whether it be a Bearpees challenge or Pudsey run with friends, a sponsored fancy dress day, a bake sale or an arts and crafts session.
• For secondary schools, students are asked to come together to hold a sponsored Bearpees Challenge or Pudsey Run on school grounds. Students can also take part in a non-uniform day with friends.

Money raised through the ` Children in Need 2023 appeal will help children and young people across the UK overcome the additional challenges they are currently facing. This includes supporting children and young people living in poverty, providing emergency assistance to families in crisis and providing comfort to sad children, lost and alone, helping children overcome social injustice and supporting children to feel safe and secure again to feel.

Schools can sign up here for free supporter kits, full of fun fundraising ideas, inspiration, tools, advice and educational resources.

SJ

About ` Children in Need:

` Children in Need believes that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and achieve their best.

` Children in Need’s aim is to make lasting, positive change across the UK for the children and young people who need it most. Together with the ` and partners, ` Children in Need aims to inspire the nation to support their work.

` Children in Need’s 1,700 local charities and projects work tirelessly across all parts of the UK to help children and young people cope with the additional challenges they are currently facing, providing comfort to children who feel sad, lost and alone feels, helps children to overcome social injustice and supports children in feeling safe and secure again.

Find out more about ` Children in Need here.