Latest News

Arlo Parks appointed as youngest UNICEF UK Ambassador

June 2024

We are pleased to announce Arlo Parks as our newest and youngest Ambassador on June 27th.

The award-winning musician and poet visited Sierra Leone with UNICEF UK in June and spent five days with young people who are leading change in their communities. Through the eyes of UNICEF Sierra Leone Youth Advocates Ruth, Samesther, Suliaman, Yeanoh and Michael; Arlo learned about key issues facing youth in Sierra Leone, including teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.

Her dedicated work with UNICEF UK has always been focused on youth voice and mental health. We are so excited for our upcoming endeavors with Arlo!

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 raises over £15m for children worldwide!

June 2024

We are ecstatic to have raised over £15 million at this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF, taking the total amount raised for children by Soccer Aid since its inception to over £100 million!

The adrenaline-packed match took place at the sold-out Stamford Bridge in London, broadcast live on ITV as well as with over 40,000 fans in attendance at the stadium.

We owe special thanks to all our Ambassadors and High Profile Supporters who took part. High Profile Supporter Alex Brooker played his third game for England, while Ambassador and Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams was manager. At half time, Ambassadors Tom Hiddleston and Dermot O’Leary along with High Profile Supporters Alex Scott and Martin Compston delivered a speech motivating donations to UNICEF. Tom and Martin also took part in the match. The Appreciation Station was once again answering calls from the public – among those on the line were our Supporters Jonah Hauer-King, Lee Juggurnauth and Amita Suman.

Supporter Jill Scott meets Ukrainian refugees in Romania for Soccer Aid for UNICEF

April 2024

In Romania, supporter Jill Scott met Halyna’s family who were forced to flee their home in Ukraine two years ago. One moment they were planning a holiday to the seaside, and the next they were woken by the sound of explosions.

Halyna’s youngest daughters Arina and Dasha showed Jill around their home and their school – both supported by UNICEF and where both of them are learning and thriving. Jill emphasised on how money raised at Soccer Aid for UNICEF could help give children like Arina and Dasha a safe place to live and play.

Supporter Tom Grennan meets Theara in Cambodia for Soccer Aid for UNICEF

March 2024

In Cambodia, supporter Tom Grennan visited a UNICEF-supported safe space to see what donations to Soccer Aid for UNICEF can do. Here, he met 14-year-old Theara in the railway community center in Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Theara showed Tom around his home where he has lived all his life and told him how he wishes to complete his education, earn a lot of money and build a better home for his family. He enjoys going to the UNICEF-supported safe space because there are tons of books to read and things to play with, away from the dangers of the outside world.

Ukraine Two Years On: President Olivia Colman meets 15-year-old Solomiya 

February 2024

Two years on, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to impact its children significantly.

UNICEF UK President Olivia Colman met with 15-year-old Solomiya from Kharkiv, Ukraine, to hear her inspiring story of resilience, having been awoken by an explosion and fleeing her home in only twenty minutes, and the lasting impact it has had on her life and education. Solomiya told Olivia that she has seen too many homes and buildings destroyed by the war and that she wants to become an architect when she grows up!

Alex Brooker made newest UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter

December 2023

We are so pleased to announce Alex Brooker as our newest UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter!

Alex has been working with UNICEF since 2022, when he became the first ever disabled player to play in Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Alex played for a second time this year, an experience he said meant so much more to him having visited UNICEF projects in Za’atari refugee camp, Jordan. During this trip Alex learned about the projects supported by UNICEF which promote inclusion in the camp, such as a prosthetic workshop, inclusive playground and adaptive wheelchair facilities.

Alex is a true advocate for UNICEF and we can’t wait to see what will come next on his journey.

Sanjeev Bhaskar and Martin Bell speak at 2023 UNICEF UK All Staff Away Day

September 2023

In September, all of UNICEF UK came together for a staff away day at London’s Bishopsgate Institute to celebrate our work for children and learn from a diverse line-up of guest speakers. Among those speakers were our Ambassadors, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Martin Bell.

Martin kicked off the day by taking part in a Q&A with Chatham House CEO Bronwen Maddox, hosted by our Interim Executive Director of Advocacy, Jillian Popkins. They discussed their careers in politics and how the upcoming General Election would shape our work in the UK and beyond.

Sanjeev was interviewed by our Deputy Executive Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, Mohini Raichura-Brown, in a discussion which spanned many topics, including the duality of their British Asian heritage.

Thanks Martin and Sanjeev!

Cat Deeley joins UNICEF campaigners delivering petition to Downing Street

September 2023

As part of our Early Moments Matter campaign, UNICEF UK Ambassador Cat Deeley joined campaigners on September 12th to hand in a petition to the Prime Minister at Downing Street.

The petition has been signed by over 66,000 people including parents, carers and supporters countrywide urging the UK Government to step up support for children under 5 and their families by committing to a national Baby and Toddler Guarantee. This sets out and guarantees the basic services that every young child in the UK is entitled to – whoever they are and wherever they are born.

Click for more information 

18 Supporters, High Profile Supporters and Ambassadors sign Open Letter to UK Government for Early Moments Matter campaign

July 2023

UNICEF UK published an Open Letter on 11th July, calling on the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Government to commit to National Baby and Toddler Guarantee – a promise that clearly lays out the basic services every child under five is entitled to, no matter who they are or where they live.

Thanks so much to the following supporters, who signed alongside over 80 experts and organisations: Andy Murray, Cat Deeley, Cel Spellman, Charley Boorman, Dr Chris van Tulleken, David Harewood, Lord David Puttnam, Ewan McGregor, Gemma Chan, James Nesbitt, Jemima Khan, Levison Wood, Martin Bell, Martin Compston, Michael Sheen, Olivia Colman, Rita Ora and Suzy Eddie Izzard.

Martin Compston made UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter

June 2023

Actor Martin Compston has officially been made a High Profile Supporter, continuing his journey with UNICEF UK.

Martin played in Soccer Aid for UNICEF for the World XI in 2022, and took on a coaching role for the 2023 game. He travelled to Bangladesh at the end of 2022 to learn about UNICEF projects in the country – a film of his visit was aired during Soccer Aid 2023.

We are so excited to be working with Martin, for every child.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 raises £14.6m for children!

June 2023

We are so pleased that Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 has raised £14,619,005!

Match Day was a triumph, with nearly 75,000 fans at a sold-out Old Trafford and 3.18m viewers tuning in on ITV to see England face the World XI once again.

Thanks so much to every one of our Supporters, High Profile Supporters and Ambassadors who took part in any way on the day – including Tom Hiddleston, Alex Brooker, Martin Compston, Robbie Williams, Dermot O’Leary, Alex Scott, Amita Suman, Lee Juggurnauth, Jonah Hauer King, Cel Spellman and Cat Deeley.

Alex Brooker visits Jordan with Soccer Aid for UNICEF

April 2023

Alex Brooker is preparing to lace up his boots for the second time and take to the pitch for Soccer Aid for UNICEF in June.

Meanwhile, in March Alex visited Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, home to 120,000 Syrian refugees. Alex met Elan (pictured) and Hamzeh, two children living with physical disabilities and supported by UNICEF programmes in the camp.

Tune in to Soccer Aid on the 11th of June to see the full story in Alex’s film.

Alex Scott announced as newest UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter

February 2023

We are so excited that former footballer and TV presenter Alex Scott has been made UNICEF UK’s newest High Profile Supporter. Alex has been working with UNICEF UK since 2020 and visited our work in Namibia last year, where she met with young girls benefiting from a UNICEF supported project encouraging girls to play football. 

We are so pleased she is continuing to amplify children’s voices on her journey with UNICEF as a High Profile Supporter!

Ambassadors rally to support UNICEF’s work in emergencies at the start of 2023

February 2023

February 2023 saw devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye and Syria. At the time of writing, while the total number of children directly affected remains unclear, in Türkiye, 2.5 million children need urgent humanitarian assistance while more than 3.7 million children are affected in Syria. Ambassadors and High Profile Supporters showed their support by raising awareness across social media, and filming emergency response films to generate funds (pictured: UNICEF UK Ambassador Martin Bell).

24 February also marked one year since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine. Ambassadors and High Profile Supporters were briefed by UNICEF colleagues in the region ahead of the anniversary to learn about what UNICEF has been doing to help children affected by the conflict over the past 365 days.

Jemima Goldsmith hosts fundraising dinner for Pakistan Flood Appeal

January 2023

UNICEF UK Ambassador Jemima Goldsmith (pictured at the event with musician Naughty Boy) hosted a private dinner in January to raise funds for the flooding emergency in Pakistan. Around 1,600 people, including 570 children, have lost their lives in the floods in Pakistan, with millions more affected. The £150,000 raised on the night is split between UNICEF UK and the Pakistan Environment Trust.

Sir Andy Murray receives 2022 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for donation to children

December 2022

UNICEF UK Ambassador Sir Andy Murray has been awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for 2022 in recognition of the donation of his 2022 prize money to UNICEF’s work for children in Ukraine. Andy’s donation of over £500,000 will go to support children and parents impacted by the devastating war in Ukraine, in Ukraine and neighbouring countries where UNICEF works.

UNICEF UK President Olivia Colman helps pack humanitarian supplies in Copenhagen

December 2022

Olivia Colman visited UNICEF’s Emergency Supply Warehouse in Copenhagen at the end of November 2022 to highlight the increased need among children and families for emergency humanitarian supplies around the world.

Olivia advocated for inclusion of children with disabilities on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marked on December 3rd.

Alex Scott stars in World Children’s Day film

November 2022

Alex Scott took part in the promotional film for World Children’s Day 2022 on November 20th, focussed on the power of football for every child. This follows the UNICEF High Profile Supporter and former Arsenal footballer’s visit to Namibia earlier in 2022, where she met with girls who play football through UNICEF-supported Galz and Goals project, which seeks to empower young girls through the sport.

Martin Compston highlights issues for children in Bangladesh

November 2022

High Profile Supporter Martin Compston visited Bangladesh toward the end of 2022, where he met with children facing issues including child labour.

Martin will be supporting Soccer Aid for UNICEF in 2023 – watch out for his appeal film, where you can learn more about the children he met in Bangladesh.

Rita Ora meets children at the House of Colors, Albania

UNICEF UK Ambassador Rita Ora visited Albania earlier in the year, where she spoke to children affected by social exclusion, domestic violence and poverty at the House of Colors.

Read more here about the children she met

Arlo Parks appointed UNICEF UK’s newest High Profile Supporter

July 2022

Musician and poet Arlo Parks was announced on July 7th as UNICEF UK’s newest High Profile Supporter, a reflection of her commitments to children’s rights and amplifying children’s voices.

Arlo has been working with UNICEF UK for a year, and has already shown her commitment to UNICEF UK through her performance at the Blue Moon Gala, writing for the State of the World’s Children Report and, most recently, visiting a UUK Gold Rights Respecting School in London.

We can’t wait to work further with Arlo!

Soccer Aid 2022 raises record breaking £15.6 million for UNICEF!

June 2022

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2022 was bigger and better than ever!

Held at the London Stadium in front of 54,000 fans, the show was broadcast live on ITV and STV.

Captained by Liam Payne, England faced the Soccer Aid World XI, captained by Usain Bolt.

The match ended 4-1 with penalties to the World XI, taking them into the overall lead with 6-5 wins since the inaugural 2006 match. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham OBE presented the Soccer Aid for UNICEF shield to the winning Soccer Aid World XI team. UNICEF UK Ambassador, Robbie Williams, delivered a special half time performance, captivating the crowd with fan-favourite, Angels.

We are so pleased with this result and can’t wait for 2023!

Alex Scott visits UNICEF girl’s football group in Namibia

May 2022

UNICEF UK Supporter Alex Scott visited the Galz and Goals women’s football programme in Windhoek, Namibia, in May 2022. Alex got to meet with some of the girls who love playing football through the programme, and see first hand where the money UNICEF raises through Soccer Aid actually goes.

Galz & Goals uses sport as a platform to promote individual health and social responsibility. It aims to empower girls and young women to achieve their goals and seeks to use football as a tool for social change.

You can watch a video of Alex’s trip here.

David Harewood visits UNICEF programmes in Bangladesh

In March 2022, UNICEF UK Ambassador David Harewood visited Bangladesh with UNICEF to see a key country where the COVAX facility are rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine. David saw the wider impact of COVID on essential health services and normal vaccination programmes, and saw how the COVAX roll-out is a key part of the solution.

David appeared on Good Morning Britain on April 26th and explained what he learned about the challenging journey a vaccine takes before it reaches an arm, and called for the UK Government to increase funding to our health systems. The Evening Standard also featured images from David’s trip in a stunning photo essay on their Vaccine for the World page.

Andy Murray to donate 2022 season prize money to UNICEF’s efforts in Ukraine

“Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I’m working with UNICEF UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits,”

“It’s vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture,”

“I’m going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF’s humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link — https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine.

“Children in Ukraine need peace — now.”

Ambassadors and Supporters celebrate at UNICEF UK’s inaugural Blue Moon Gala

December 2021

On December 8th, 2021, UNICEF UK hosted the very first Blue Moon Gala to celebrate 75 years of UNICEF’s work for children all over the world.

The sparkling evening, held at Outernet London, a brand new venue on Soho’s Denmark Street, was overwhelmingly successful in raising over £800,000 for UNICEF’s work in emergencies.

UUK were lucky enough to host a number of our Ambassadors and Supporters. The evening was hosted by Ambassador Jimmy Nesbitt, with speeches from UUK President Olivia Colman, Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham, and Ambassador Charley Boorman. The pledge moment was presented by Ambassador Tom Hiddleston, and guests were treated to performances from UUK Supporter Arlo Parks and legends Duran Duran. Also attending were UUK Ambassadors and Supporters including Alex Scott, Cel Spellman, Eddie Izzard, Jemima Khan, Jonah Hauer-King, Lee Juggurnauth, Lily James, Sanjeev Bhaskar, and their guests.

UUK Supporters sign open letter to world leaders

Ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, 29 UUK Ambassadors, High Profile Supporters and Supporters, alongside members of the UUK Youth Advisory Board, signed an open letter to the world leaders calling for governments to involve children and young people in their discussions around solving the climate crisis. The letter was published in The Times at the very start of the conference on November 1st.

A huge thanks to the following Supporters for putting their name to this cause: Amita Suman, Andy Murray, Andy Robertson, Cat Deeley, Cel Spellman, Charley Boorman, Chelcee Grimes, Dr. Chris van Tulleken, Claudia Schiffer, Dafne Keen, David Harewood, Dermot O’Leary, Eddie Izzard, Emma Bunton, Ewan McGregor, Jemima Khan, Jimmy Nesbitt, Jonah Hauer-King, Laura Whitmore, Lee Juggurnauth, Levison Wood, Liam Payne, Martin Bell, Martin Compston, Michael Sheen, Olivia Colman, Orlando Bloom, Robbie Williams and Tom Hiddleston.

20 Years as UNICEF UK Ambassadors

2021 marks an incredible milestone for two of our UNICEF UK Ambassadors – Jemima Khan and Martin Bell.

We would like to take a moment here to say a huge THANK YOU on behalf of all the UNICEF family for their support – the extent of which has been vast and wide-ranging and would need more than a newsletter to cover properly! Between them they have travelled on 19 UNICEF trips covering 15 countries. They have personally donated, fundraised and raised awareness for UNICEF’s work for a huge range of campaigns, supported countless events, and advocated for UNICEF tirelessly reaching millions of people. Quite simply, they have done it all! And continue to do so today.

So on behalf of everyone at UNICEF – thank you Jemima and Martin! We are so grateful for your continued commitment to UNICEF.

Soccer Aid 2021 raises over £13 million for UNICEF UK

The eagerly anticipated match took place once again in Manchester, and this time players took centre stage at the sold out Etihad Stadium.

The match ended 3-0 to Soccer Aid World XI and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham OBE presented the Soccer Aid for UNICEF shield to the winning Soccer Aid World XI FC team. It was another enthralling contest between England, led by Olly Murs and the Soccer Aid World XI FC, captained by Usain Bolt. England, co-managed by former England international Manager, Sven Goran-Eriksson and Soccer Aid for UNICEF co-founder and UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams were up against Soccer Aid for UNICEF stalwart Harry Redknapp and inspirational tennis coach, Judy Murray.

Tom Hiddleston chats to guests at LOKI Q&A

Ahead of the official release of LOKI on Disney +, UNICEF UK hosted a private pre-release virtual screening of the first episode followed by a Q&A with Ambassador and star of the show Tom Hiddleston, where guests had a chance to put their questions to him about the series and his work with UNICEF.

Blue Vinyl returns to UNICEF UK

Blue Vinyl will return to UNICEF UK in early 2022, when we will be releasing a new set of limited-edition LPs to raise money to support the Children’s Emergency Fund.

These vinyls will be iconic albums, pressed in our signature UNICEF cyan blue. As UNICEF responds within 48 hours to ship lifesaving supplies to those in need, we will be releasing a very limited supply of 48 vinyls per album. This year confirmed artists include Foo Fighters, Carole King, Eurythmics and Prince, with more artists to be announced.

We will have further information soon on how you can support us.

Dermot O’Leary talks to UNICEF’s Robert Jenkins on People Just People Podcast

UNICEF Ambassador Dermot O’Leary traveled to Jordan with UNICEF in 2018. There, he met with Rob Jenkins who was, at the time, the country representative for UNICEF within Jordan, and who is now Chief of Education for UNICEF globally.

Rob joined Dermot on his Audible podcast ‘People Just People’ to talk about his work with UNICEF, having worked for many years building a wealth of experience on the ground overseeing projects in Somalia, Uganda, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India and Mozambique, and most recently dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan.

International Women’s Day ’21 – Gemma Chan writes for Harper’s Bazaar

UNICEF UK Ambassador Gemma Chan wrote for Harper’s Bazaar to mark International Women’s Day, reflecting on her 2019 trip to Jamaica with UNICEF.

Gemma discussed meeting the inspirational Sabrina, who studied taekwondo at a UNICEF funded club in Kingston. This club was a haven for her from the violence that she and many children experience in the capital. Gemma also reflected on her conversation with young advocate Claire for UNICEF UK’s Voices of Youth to mark World Children’s Day last November, demonstrating the importance for championing female voices around the world.

Dafne Keen and Levison Wood co-write foreword to Futures at Risk Climate Report

As COP26 approaches and we turn more towards a climate related focus throughout the remainder of 2021, UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter Levison Wood and UUK Supporter Dafne Keen kicked things off by co-writing the foreword to accompany a report entitled Futures at Risk: Building Resilient Education and Health Systems for Children Affected by Climate Change Related Migration and Displacement.

The report identifies the impacts of climate change-related displacement and migration on education and health systems using a child rights lens. The report is primarily for civil servants in the UK Government, though we hope the report will be relevant for a wide range of climate change, migration/displacement, child rights, education, and health stakeholders.

Read the report here.

David Harewood is appointed as a UNICEF UK Ambassador

David has supported UNICEF since 2018, and has represented England as goalkeeper on the Soccer Aid for UNICEF pitch in 2018 and 2019.

As a High Profile Supporter, David has amplified some our key campaigns and travelled to Sierra Leone where he saw first-hand the neo-natal work UNICEF is doing there, and so much more.

Gemma Chan becomes a new Ambassador for UNICEF UK

In January 2021, Gemma Chan was appointed as a new UNICEF UK Ambassador. Gemma has amplified and championed children’s voices around the world with Unicef since 2015.

In 2019, she travelled to Jamaica, for Soccer Aid for UNICEF and met mothers and children who had lost loved ones to violence.

Audrey Hepburn Documentary Q&A

In December 2020, Universal  hosted  a virtual Q&A for V&A members and VIPs to celebrate the release of Universal’s new documentary film, Audrey, an intimate look at one of Hollywood’s biggest icons, and UNICEF Goodwill   Ambassador Audrey Hepburn.

UNICEF  UK Ambassador Lord David Puttnam joined Sean Hepburn-Ferrer (Audrey’s son) and granddaughter Emma Ferrer to discuss the film, Audrey’s impact on society, culture and what her role with UNICEF meant to her…

Liam Payne: Voices of Youth

UK Supporter, Liam Payne was also involved in Voices of Youth, and spoke to Areej, a 13-year-old girl from Yemen. Areej discussed the challenges faced by children in her home country.

Following their conversation Liam said, ‘World Children’s Day is all about celebrating children speaking out and standing up for their rights, and Areej is the perfect example of a determined, inspirational young girl doing all she can to lift the voices of children living in Yemen.’

Gemma Chan: Voices of Youth

In the build up to World Children’s Day (20^th November 2020) and a part of Voices of Youth, High Profile supporter Gemma Chan, spoke to Claire, an inspiring 16-year-old youth advocate from Manchester. The pair discussed mental health, racial justice, and youth social action. Claire also talked to Gemma about her hopes for the future.

Their conversation was part of Voices of Youth, a global campaign, where high profile supporters and Ambassadors have shared their conversations with young people from around the world about issues that matter to them.

Open Up Better: Back to school for every girl

UNICEF UK supporter Claire Foy joined this high-level virtual event with stakeholders from government, civil society and the private sector, together with young people, to recommit to girls’ education during and after the Coronavirus pandemic.

Ewan and Charley take the Long Way…

Travelling from Argentina to LA on electric bikes, UNICEF UK Ambassadors Ewan and Charley visit UNICEF programmes along the way. In Bolivia, Peru and Honduras, they see first hand the difference UNICEF is making to children in the remotest parts of the world.

Find out more here

Rita Ora: At Home for Generation Covid

Rita entertained fans on her social channels performing three songs to raise money for UNICEF’s Save Generation Covid appeal.

Rita was also joined by fellow Ambassador, Eddie Izzard, who delivered a powerful message about the crisis for children in Yemen, her country of birth.

You can watch her performance here

Stars Unite for Soccer Aid for UNICEF

A record-breaking £9.3 million was raised at this year’s event. Broadcast exclusively live on ITV and STV, donations this year were matched by the UK Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The match had originally been scheduled for Saturday 6th June, but took place on 6th September behind closed doors.

UNICEF UK Ambassador Jimmy Nesbitt’s documentary ‘A Game of Two Halves’ also aired on ITV in September as part of this year’s campaign. Jimmy travelled to Nepal, Jordan and Glasgow to see how far UNICEF go to reach every child and see the impact of donations made to Soccer Aid for UNICEF over the years.

Andrew O’Hagan and his fellow Ambassadors join Esquire for a series of fiction in aid of Generation Covid

To celebrate 20 years as a UNICEF UK Ambasador, Andrew O’Hagan has worked with Esquire Magazine, and his fellow Ambassadors and Supporters to create a series of original stories by some of the world’s best writers read by some of UNICEF UK’s most well-known faces, all in aid of our Generation Covid appeal.

www.esquire.com/uk/summer-fiction-unice

Huge thanks to all involved – Olivia Colman, Claire Foy, David Harewood, Eddie Izzard, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Dafne Keen, Cel Spellman, James Nesbitt, Jenna Coleman and Jessie Ware.

Find out more here

Michael Sheen joins Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast 

When two inspirational UNICEF UK ambassadors come together! Michael Sheen joined Jessie Ware’s in a recent episode of her podcast, to share their experiences of seeing UNICEF’s work and to talk about our appeal to help save Generation Covid. Listen now: http://ow.ly/VT9F50AsT3c

Gemma Chan celebrates International Tea Day

On International Tea Day in May, UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter Gemma Chan celebrated our partnership with The Ethical Tea Partnership.

Through this partnership they have helped UNICEF protect the lives of women, children & families through the Improving Lives Programme which is tackling areas such as child protection, health, sanitation and nutrition.

Ramla Ali visits Jordan 

In December Somali boxer and former refugee, Ramla Ali travelled to Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan. She spent time at the UNICEF Makani ‘My Space’ Centre and met young girls whose families had fled Syria due to the conflict.

“I’m a refugee myself, born in Somalia, we fled to Kenya after the civil war…I have a similar story to everyone here.”

Ramla reflected on her trip in Harper’s Bazaar.

Eddie keeps running

On Saturday 22 February 2020, as part of her fundraising marathon challenge ‘Make Humanity Great Again’, where she ran 28 marathons in 28 European countries, Eddie visited UNICEF’s supply division warehouse in Copenhagen – the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.

Over the course of her marathon’s, Eddie raised £25,000 for UNICEF UK’s important work with refugee and migrant children in Turkey.

Halloween Ball 2019

A host of UNICEF UK Ambassadors and high-profile supporters attended our annual Halloween Ball – raising a phenomenal £250,000 to support UNICEF’s life-saving work for children in danger around the world.

The elegant baroque themed dinner featured stellar performances from chart topper Anne-Marie, UNICEF UK Ambassador Jessie Ware, and legendary musician Jools Holland.

Dinner guests heard from UNICEF UK supporter Levison Wood who spoke about the vital work made possible by generous donations, having recently arrived back from Democratic Republic of Congo where he saw first-hand UNICEF’s live-saving work.

Since 2013, UNICEF UK’s annual Halloween Ball has raised nearly £5 million to support UNICEF’s work. [October 2019]

Eddie Izzard is Wunderbar

UNICEF UK Ambassador Eddie Izzard is currently fundraising for UNICEF whilst performing her acclaimed comedy tour ‘Wunderbar’. UNICEF fundraisers will be present at 10 key venues across the tour – including Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester. Eddie will be doing a call out from the stage to encourage her fans to visit the UNICEF stations and learn about our work. On top of this, audiences will be able to read Eddie’s special message in the programme brochure, appealing for support for our work in Yemen – where Eddie was born. [September 2019]

Jessie Ware marks 2 year Rohingya anniversary

Ambassador Jessie Ware appeared on BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire, to discuss the current situation for Rohingya people – two years on from the influx which has seen over 700,000 Rohingya refugees flee to Bangladesh. Jessie touched on her own trip to Cox’s Bazar in December 2017, and highlighted the work UNICEF has been doing since. Rohingya children continue to live in a state of limbo, not able to return home and without recognised legal status in Bangladesh. UNICEF is calling on the Government of Myanmar to establish conditions that would allow Rohingya refugees to return to their homes as soon as possible. Find out more about our continued work in Bangladesh here. [August 2019]

The Truth Pixie Goes To School

Last December, Olivia Colman lent her voice to the audiobook recording of bestselling author Matt Haig’s popular children’s book ‘The Truth Pixie’ – with proceeds from sale going to UNICEF  UK. Now we are celebrating the release of ‘The Truth Pixie Goes To School’ – a follow-up adventure which sees the Truth Pixie and her human friend go to school, face a bully and learn the importance of friendship and being yourself. We are enormously grateful to Matt, Olivia and the team at Canongate for once again choosing to raise money for children in danger all over the world by supporting UNICEF through each purchase of this brand new audiobook title. [August 2019]

Rita Ora performs at Ruisrock

UNICEF UK Ambassador Rita Ora wowed audiences at Finnish rock festival Ruisrock this month. As well as performing songs from her latest album, Rita took the opportunity to speak in detail about her work with UNICEF and encouraged fans to donate there and then by following the on-screen instructions projected on stage. [July 2019]

Levison Wood celebrates OD4C at ICC World Cup match

Writer and explorer Levison Wood attended the International Cricket Council World Cup England vs India match on 30^th June, to support UNICEF & the ICC’s #OneDayForChildren partnership. Lev appeared pitch-side, to encourage the stadium audience and viewers at home to text donate – he was joined on the day by UNICEF India Ambassador and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. Throughout the World Cup short films featuring Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom and supporters Usain Bolt and David Harewood will be shown live on screen and via broadcast to inspire cricket fans to make a contribution to UNICEF. [June 2019]

Stars unite on and off the pitch for Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2019

This Father’s Day, Soccer Aid for UNICEF took place at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium and raised over £6.7million. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out for the second year in a row, with the Soccer Aid World XI (captained by Usain Bolt) beating England (captained by Sir Mo Farah) 3 goals to 2.

Making up the star-studded squads were new and returning players including James McAvoy, Jamie Redknapp, Didier Drogba, Niall Horan, Mark Wright, Joe Wicks, Sam Claflin, Danny Jones, Kem Cetinay, Michael Owen and David Seaman.

The show was presented by High Profile Supporter Dermot O’Leary, with an exclusive half time performance from UNICEF UK Ambassador Rita Ora. For the first time, people calling to donate were put through to an ‘appreciation station’ with the likes of UNICEF UK Ambassadors Keeley Hawes, Jessie Ware and supporters Cel Spellman, Gemma Chan and Sanjeev Bhaskhar at the end of the phone – thanking members of the Great British public for their support.

Throughout the ITV show, short appeal films presented by UNICEF UK Ambassadors Rita Ora, Olivia Colman, James Nesbitt, and supporters Gemma Chan, Sanjeev Bhaskar and player David Harewood highlighted where the vital money raised for Soccer Aid for UNICEF goes. [June 2019]

Rita Ora fundraises at O2 concert

Newly appointed UNICEF UK Ambassador Rita Ora encouraged fans to donate to UNICEF at her O2 concert earlier this month. Our staff were on hand at the UNICEF fundraising stall to process monthly donation sign ups from concert goers. Most recently Rita visited her native Kosovo to see how UNICEF programmes are improving child health, childhood development and education in marginalised communities. Rita is set to perform at Soccer Aid for UNICEF on Sunday 16^th June. [May 2019]

David Harewood attends Parliamentary Soccer Aid for UNICEF

Parliamentarians gathered in the Speaker’s State Rooms in Westminster, to hear how they can take the Great Big Kickabout to their constituencies, and organise local events in a bid to raise money for Soccer Aid and celebrate the good that UK Aid can do. Hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Jon Bercow, the reception saw David tell MPs about his recent trip to Sierra Leone, where he saw first-hand how UNICEF programmes are improving child health, early childhood development and education in vulnerable communities. David Harewood will play for the England squad in this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF match. [May 2019]

Gemma Chan visits Jamaica with UNICEF UK

In May, actress Gemma Chan travelled to Kingston, Jamaica, where almost 80% of children witness or experience violence in their homes or communities. Gemma visited a local school, where the Head Teacher shared that more than 100 of their pupils have lost a father to gun violence. Sport for Education programmes provide safe spaces for children to play away from gangs, access counselling services, and gain essential life skills and confidence to break the cycle of violence. Gemma’s film will be broadcast during Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2019. [May 2019]

Tanni Grey-Thompson visits UNICEF UK Office

High Profile Supporter Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson visited the UNICEF UK office, to speak to colleagues about her recent work campaigning for transport accessibility, safeguarding and equality in sport. Tanni is currently focusing much of her energy on advocating with the government on position of trust legislation, including plans to expand that to the Commonwealth and links to her other projects in the UK. [May 2019]

Sanjeev Bhaskar visits Malawi with Unicef UK

Earlier this year, actor Sanjeev Bhaskar travelled to a Unicef funded Children’s Corner in Malawi. In these safe spaces, children are given the freedom to play and learn without fear. Sanjeev visited a family of three siblings who with no parental figures are self-supporting. At the Children’s Corner, the brothers can put their responsibilities on hold, and just be children again – as they so rightly deserve. Sanjeev’s film will be broadcast during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2019. [April 2019]

David Harewood visits Sierra Leone with UNICEF UK

Supergirl’s David Harewood travelled to Sierra Leone to learn how UNICEF programmes positively impact the health and development of vulnerable children. David met with staff at Makeni hospital in the centre of the country and saw first-hand the life-saving equipment which UNICEF and UK Aid have supplied. He also travelled to UNICEF supported health centres in rural areas delivering essential vaccinations to children. David’s film will be broadcast during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2019. [April 2019]

James Nesbitt visits Nepal with UNICEF UK

UNICEF UK Ambassador James Nesbitt travelled to Nepal to document the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake which devastated the country. Jimmy visited classrooms which UNICEF helped rebuild following architectural damage across the region. There, children are provided with toys and learning tools, in place of those which were destroyed during the earthquake. Jimmy’s film will be broadcast during Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2019. [January 2019]