One of the perks as this years President of The London Society of Chartered Accountants (LSCA) is that I get to select a charity for the association to support during my term.

Even though Ive faced unprecedented challenges this term, I want to ensure -as the first black person to hold this position in the 153 year history of the LSCA- that we leave a positive legacy for vulnerable young people in London and beyond.

I really want to make a difference this year, so, as a proud trustee of The Childrens Society, over the next 3 months, members like me in the LSCA will be raising awareness and funds to support this national charitys vital work.

About the work of The Childrens Society: London has some of the highest poverty rates in the country, with 1 in 2 children experiencing poverty in some Boroughs.

The Childrens Society supports the most vulnerable young people facing mental health challenges, child abuse, neglect, exploitation and poverty. The focus of the charity is to overturn the damaging decline in young people and childrens wellbeing in this decade.

How bad is the situation? The pandemic pushed many young people to their limits, impacting their wellbeing, relationships, and education. The cost of living crisis now puts families under even more pressure, making life even harder for young people not just in London, but across the country as too many people find themselves locked in a daily struggle to make ends meet.

Shockingly, 1 in 3 children in the UK live in poverty, making them isolated, vulnerable and anxious. Thats millions of children going to bed hungry or cold. Millions of children living in unsafe housing. And millions of children who are more at risk of being exploited by criminals as they look for ways to help their families. Living in poverty makes it more likely that a young person will struggle with low wellbeing, be exploited, abused, or neglected. Sadly 1 in 6 children now has a mental health condition. We must act now.

There are so many good causes for children. What is different about this one? The unique nature of the services from The Childrens Society is that they support children how and when they need, taking the time to build trusted relationships and work together to tackle issues and challenges the young people are facing.

The Board of Trustees doesnt just support the work. We actively hold space to ensure that children and young people using the services advocate for themselves and can question and challenge service development and delivery at the highest level across the charity.

We have great success stories about how this experience and our service are life changing and wed love to do this for more children.

In the last year alone, The Childrens Society supported 55,494 children, and - through our work with professionals, schools and community partners positively impacted a total of 738,000 more. This charity has changed the lives of 8 million children through campaigns and policy work (did you see the change in the law to make school uniforms more affordable??)

We must do more to empower this generation of children to thrive now and also into adulthood.

How can you help? Your support will help us reach the child waking up tomorrow feeling the world is just too much. You know what that feels like. So please, support this fundraiser. Every penny you give counts and will help.

Thank you for standing side by side with children.