Today is BBC Children in Need! BBC Children in Need believes every child deserves the chance to thrive, and together we can make this happen! This year’s theme is The Great SPOTacular Appeal Night, which is encouraging you to be SPOTacular with lots of fun ways to raise money and take part in the appeal. Will you be raising money in your school today?

BBC Children in Need work with organisations across the UK to support children and young people as they overcome challenges. They exist to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK and their vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential.

Mental health challenges in children have increased by 50% and ¾ of children that are struggling with mental health are not getting the help they need.

However, with your ongoing support, Children in Need are continuing to fund thousands of project workers across the UK. These individuals provide the positive relationships needed to help children tackle the challenges that affect them daily.

How will you be raising money?

There are so many ways to raise money for BBC Children in Need. Whatever you love to do, from sport to crafts to baking, it can become a challenge ready to be tackled. Not only can fundraising activities be fun and challenging but they also do a huge amount of good! The donations that you raise really can change lives.

Lat year, a massive £35 million was raised on the night of BBC Children in Need’s TV Appeal and since the very first telethon televised in 1980 over £1 billion has been raised in donations and fundraising! Also, for the first time, every pound you give or raise will be matched pound for pound by Postcode Education Trust, supported through People’s Postcode Lottery. How much do you think can be raised this year?

Everyone here at Teacher Absence will be taking part in the Great SPOTacular Appeal, let us know how you will be too!