We’re working right
here in the UK
To keep all children healthy, happy and safe
We’re there for UK children throughout childhood
Life for children in the UK can be tough. Almost 4 million live in poverty, obesity and mental health problems are rising, and many experience violence, abuse and neglect. So, here in the UK, we’re putting our years of experience working for children around the world into practice.
We’re there throughout childhood, making sure that every child has the same chance to shine. We work with the hospitals where they are born, the schools where they learn and grow, and the communities that shape their lives.
Giving babies the best start in life
Our Baby Friendly Initiative enables public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships. The programme supports maternity, neonatal, health visiting and children’s centre services, ensuring they are giving newborns and their families the best possible care.
We’re also working with universities to ensure that newly qualified midwives and health visitors have the strong foundation of knowledge needed to care for families.
Helping to make UK schools safe, inspiring places to learn
Through our Rights Respecting Schools Award, we work with schools in the UK to create environments where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. By embedding these values in daily school life, we can give children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
Nearly 5,000 schools up and down the country are working through the Award, reaching over 1.6 million children each year.
Ensuring children’s rights are respected in their communities
Our Child Friendly Cities & Communities programme brings UNICEF UK together with local government to put children’s rights at the heart of local services, policy and planning. We work with political leaders, frontline staff, community organisations and more, to make sure children have a say in the decisions that affect them.
We’ve trained thousands of local politicians, council professionals and city partners such as the police, fire and health services across the UK – providing the tools they need to put children’s rights into practice. We support them to engage more meaningfully with children and young people, especially those who might not usually have their voices heard.
