No Child Should Face the Cold

Imagine standing in the freezing cold playground, wearing nothing but a thin sweatshirt. That is the reality for thousands of children in the UK whose families, struggling with rising costs, simply can’t afford a warm coat.

Parentkind research has shown that - for parents in poverty - the cost of school represents between a fifth and a quarter of their disposable income. And the cost of clothing and uniform is one of the biggest worries parents report to us.

Without proper clothing, children face more than the bitter cold. They risk illness, missed school days, difficulty concentrating and isolation from friends. ​

Through Parentkind’s No Cold Child campaign, you can change a child’s life:

• £5 could help us ensure a child can play with their friends in the playground

• £15 could provide a warm, waterproof coat to a child in need.

• £45 could keep a family of three warm through the winter.

• £90 could mean six children will receive brand-new coats—equivalent to the number of children in each classroom whose families are struggling.

In 2024, thanks to generous supporters like you, we delivered 10,000 winter coats to families in need through our network of 13,000 schools.

The impact was powerful—94% of parents said the coat made a real difference, and 75% saw their child playing and socialising more confidently.

But the need remains urgent.

Our research shows 175,000 children could be without a winter coat each year. Funds raised through this appeal will enable us to provide coats for thousands of children in 2026.

Thank you for your support.

Any donations received which cannot be spent on winter coats for children (either because donations exceed the cost of the programme or in the case that the programme cannot be delivered as planned) will be used to support Parentkind's wider work, empowering parents and schools to ensure children across the UK get the best possible opportunities to learn, thrive and reach their potential.