This is how The Children's Society describes itself...

"We are a national charity, working with young people to counsel and support them through their most serious life challenges. We campaign tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most. We've been doing this for 140 years and we won't stop until we've built a society where hope is alive in every child."

But this is not why I want to support them. Late last year one of our children was really struggling with his mental health. Like all parents we tried to help him, but as things became more difficult we took him to our GP for professional support. The doctor explained that due to the demand on children's mental health services they would not see him if he had not yet attempted to take his own life.

We left feeling very alone, with no clear path to follow.

Our story ends well. Our son's school were able to access extra help and he is now able to access play therapy and is doing much better.

The Children's Society are working tirelessly to support children's mental health. From drop in centers to specialised councilors and far more than there is room for here.

Mental health and wellbeing is only a smaller part of their work, and I hope you will join me in supporting them, either by sponsoring me, or perhaps by going along to a Christingle service this Christmas.